*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann pays obeisance at Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib*
*Unparalleled sacrifice of younger Sahibzadas inspires humanity to stand against injustice, oppression, and tyranny: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann prays for Punjab’s eternal progress & welfare of all*
*Punjab Govt has put in place comprehensive arrangements to ensure that no devotee faces any inconvenience during Shaheedi Sabha: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
FATEHGARH SAHIB, December 26:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday morning bowed his head in reverence at the historic Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, paying homage to Mata Gujri Ji and the younger Sahibzadas, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, for their supreme sacrifices.
Highlighting the significance of the days of Shaheedi Sabha, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that all of Punjab observes these days as “Days of Mourning,” as it was during this period that the tyrant rulers bricked alive the younger Sahibzadas of Dashmesh Pitaah. “The entire world feels proud of this unparalleled and extraordinary sacrifice, an act not only revered by Punjabis and Indians, but by humanity across the globe. Nearly 50 lakh devotees visit Fatehgarh Sahib during the Shaheedi Sabha to seek blessings at the holy shrine,” he added.
Interacting with the media persons after paying obeisance, the Chief Minister said that these great sacrifices remain unmatched in human history and will continue to inspire future generations to resist tyranny, oppression, and injustice. “Every inch of this sacred land is blessed, drawing countless devotees who come to bow before this holy place. This pious soil is a source of inspiration not only for Sikhs but for the entire human race,” he said.
Referring to the sacrifice of Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that their supreme act to uphold the human right to follow one’s faith according to conscience stands unparalleled in human history. “The Sikh tradition remembers this as the ‘Nikkian jinda, vadde Saake', a tragedy that, even after more than three centuries, continues to evoke deep pain among Sikhs worldwide,” he stated.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added that he prayed to the Almighty for Punjab’s continued prosperity, harmony, peace, and strengthening of human values of brotherhood and goodwill.
The Chief Minister said that he considered himself fortunate that the Almighty blessed him with the opportunity to serve the people of the state. Sharing details about the arrangements for the millions of devotees arriving from around the world, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Punjab government has made extensive provisions for healthcare, transport, cleanliness, and security to ensure that no devotee faces inconvenience. Making such arrangements during the Shaheedi Sabha is the government’s foremost duty, which it fulfills with full dedication,” he asserted.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that this year, the 350th Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom anniversary) of the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, is being commemorated with deep devotion and respect. He recalled that in November, on the occasion of Guru Ji’s martyrdom, the Punjab government announced the designation of three Takht towns as holy cities. “The official notification has already been issued for granting holy-city status to the walled city area of Amritsar, Talwandi Sabo, and Sri Anandpur Sahib thereby fulfilling a long-standing demand of sangat worldwide,” he highlighted.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the naming of the younger Sahibzadas’ martyrdom day as Veer Bal Diwas, the Chief Minister said that when the decision was first taken by the BJP led Union Government, the Shiromani Akali Dal publicly supported it through a tweet. However, he said that now under public pressure, the party has now taken a U-turn. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The supreme sacrifice of the Sahibzadas cannot be expressed in words or attached to a specific day. The Akali Dal’s reversal proves that the party is not sincere toward religion or heritage.”
Later on, the Chief Minister stopped along the route to partake in the tea langar and interacted with the devotees.
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*₹314 Crore Assistance Strengthens Future of Orphaned and Dependent Children: Dr. Baljit Kaur*
*2.37 Lakh Children Provided Financial Security*
*Welfare of Children a Top Priority of the Mann Government*
Chandigarh, December 26:Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government remains firmly committed to the welfare of all sections of society. In this direction, sustained and focused efforts are being made to ensure the safety, dignity and holistic development of orphaned and dependent children in the state.
Sharing details, Punjab’s Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government has so far released ₹314.22 crore as financial assistance for orphaned and dependent children, bringing stability and security to thousands of young lives.
She further informed that under this scheme, 2,37,406 orphaned and dependent children across the state are being provided regular financial assistance, enabling them to pursue education, integrate into the mainstream of society and move towards a self-reliant future.
Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that orphaned and dependent children are not merely government statistics but a collective responsibility of society.
She stated that the Mann Government is ensuring that no child is deprived of education or dreams due to compulsion, neglect or financial hardship. The Punjab Government stands firmly with every such child with sensitivity and responsibility.
The Cabinet Minister added that children below the age of 21 years are eligible for benefits under the scheme if both parents are deceased, missing, or are physically or mentally incapacitated and unable to take care of the family.
Dr. Baljit Kaur concluded by stating that this initiative of the Mann Government is not limited to financial assistance alone, but reflects a clear and strong commitment to securing a safe, dignified and bright future for every child in Punjab.
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*YEAR 2025 MARKED BY REFORMS, INNOVATION AND PRISONER EMPOWERMENT IN PUNJAB JAILS: LALJIT SINGH BHULLAR*
*SAYS, PUNJAB JAILS REDEFINED FROM CLEAN ENVIRONMENTS TO HIGH-TECH SECURITY*
*PROCESS UNDERWAY TO PROCURE AI-BASED CCTV CAMERAS, X-RAY BAGGAGE SCANNERS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT AT COST OF RS.126-CR*
Chandigarh, December 26:The Punjab Jails Department today issued its Year-End Achievement Report, highlighting a series of initiatives that have transformed correctional institutions across the state into centres focused on rehabilitation, stability and modern security systems.
Punjab Jails Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Government is committed to expanding humane initiatives within the jails department, strengthening security through technology-driven solutions and scaling up vocational training to equip inmates with employable skills. He informed that during this year, jails in Punjab have been redefined from clean and orderly surroundings to facilities backed by advanced security infrastructure. "Our core focus has been on ensuring prisoner safety while creating avenues for rebuilding their lives", he added.
Sharing key achievements of 2025, the Jails Minister informed that Punjab Prison Olympics were organised to encourage inmates towards sportsmanship and physical fitness. He said that plantation drives across jails have converted several premises into green zones, further reinforcing the Clean and Green vision.
S. Bhullar said that to strengthen jails infrastructure, a new high-security jail is being constructed at Gorsian Kadarbaksh in Ludhiana at a cost of Rs.100 crore. Similarly, construction work of the Jail Bhawan headquarters is underway at Mohali.
Detailing recruitment initiatives undertaken this year, the Cabinet Minister said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, 815 warders and 32 matrons have already been recruited, while the recruitment of 175 warders and 4 matrons is nearing completion. Besides this, the recruitment process for 13 Deputy Superintendents Grade-II, 29 Assistant Superintendents, 451 warders and 20 matrons is also in progress and will be completed shortly. In addition, 509 PESCO personnel have been recruited and 359 more PESCO staff will be inducted soon.
He further informed that one additional company of CRPF has been deployed at Central Jail Bathinda. He said that modern security equipment including AI-based CCTV systems, X-ray baggage scanners and body-worn cameras are being procured for jails at a cost of Rs.126 crore. High-energy jammers are also being installed in 13 sensitive jails across Punjab to curb the use of mobile phones.
The Jails Minister further said that nine petrol pumps are being operated by inmates at Ludhiana, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, Patiala, Nabha, Rupnagar, Fazilka, New Nabha Jail and Sangrur. He said that three more petrol pumps will be made operational in the coming period. He said that skill development programmes such as welder, electrician, computer operator, beauty services and tailoring have been launched in Punjab jails by opening ITIs in 11 jails, with a target to provide certified courses to nearly 1016 inmates.
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*Industry & Commerce Minister Sanjeev Arora Interacts with MSMEs; Companies Announce Investment & Expansion Plans in Punjab*
*Punjab Govt committed to sustained engagement, facilitation and reforms to make state preferred destination for MSMEs and investment: Sanjeev Arora*
CHANDIGARH, 26th December 2025:Industry & Commerce and Investment Promotion Minister Sanjeev Arora today addressed a press conference focused on the MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) sector, reiterating the Punjab Government’s strong commitment to building a supportive, transparent and facilitative ecosystem for micro, small and medium enterprises across the State.
During the interaction, Minister Sanjeev Arora highlighted a series of measures being undertaken to strengthen MSMEs, including robust policy support, simplified and time-bound regulatory processes, and proactive handholding through Invest Punjab to ensure speedy approvals and smooth implementation of projects. “MSMEs are the backbone of Punjab’s industrial economy and play a critical role in employment generation, innovation and balanced regional development,” he emphasized.
The Industry & Commerce Minister noted that the Government is continuously engaging with industry stakeholders to understand their needs and challenges, and is committed to responsive governance that enables enterprises to focus on growth and productivity rather than procedural hurdles.
Minister Sanjeev Arora reaffirmed the Punjab Government’s resolve to work closely with MSMEs through continuous dialogue, timely facilitation and industry-friendly reforms, ensuring that Punjab remains a preferred destination for enterprise and investment.
Representatives of participating companies shared their positive experiences of engagement with the Government and acknowledged the facilitation support extended so far. They also announced their upcoming investment and expansion plans in Punjab.
Collectively, the companies indicated proposed investments exceeding ₹400 crore across key sectors such as auto components, logistics and warehousing, cold chain and agri-infrastructure, and renewable energy manufacturing. These investments are expected to further strengthen Punjab’s MSME ecosystem and generate significant employment opportunities.
*Company-wise Investment Proposals:*
Jai Parvati Forge (Auto Components), SAS Nagar – ₹300 crore
Kova Fasteners Pvt. Ltd. (Auto Components / Fasteners), Ludhiana – ₹50 crore
Luthra Cold Storage (Cold Chain / Agri-Logistics), Ludhiana – ₹10–12 crore
Mohali Logistics (Warehousing & Logistics), SAS Nagar – ₹10 crore
Roshni Renewables LLP (Renewable Energy – Solar Manufacturing), Fatehgarh Sahib – ₹100 crore (Phase I) and ₹300 crore in subsequent phases.
Representatives present at the press conference included. Raghav Luthra and. Denis Luthra of Luthra Cold Storage, Rishi Gupta of Kova Fasteners, S.S. Chauhan of Jai Parvati Forge, Harvir Singh of Mohali Logistics, and Jaspal Singh, Director, Roshni Renewables LLP.
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*Sahibzadas' Balidan Diwas More Appropriate Tribute to Chhote Sahibzadas Than Veer Bal Diwas: Aman Arora*
— *Punjab Chief Minister and Members of Parliament Have Already Advocated the Change in Deference to the Sentiments of the Sikh Sangat*
— *Pays Floral Tributes alongwith MPs Malvinder Singh Kanga and Meet Hayer to Chhote Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri Ji at Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib*
CHANDIGARH/ FATEHGARH SAHIB, December 26:
Shri Aman Arora, State President of the Aam Aadmi Party and Cabinet Minister in the Punjab Government, on Thursday stated that the observance of Sahibzadas' Balidan Diwas would be a more appropriate and dignified tribute to the unparalleled martyrdom of the Chhote Sahibzadas than the term Veer Bal Diwas, as it resonates more profoundly with the deep-rooted sentiments of the Sikh Sangat.
Paying solemn homage alongwith MPs Malvinder Singh Kang and Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer to Baba Zorawar Singh Ji, Baba Fateh Singh Ji and Mata Gujri Ji at Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Shri Aman Arora said that the supreme sacrifice of the Sahibzadas constitutes an unparalleled chapter in world history, exemplifying the highest ideals of faith, courage and steadfastness.
He further stated that the Chief Minister of PunjabS. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Members of Parliament have also unequivocally emphasised the need to rename Veer Bal Diwas as Balidan Diwas, in respectful acknowledgement of the collective emotions and religious sensitivities of the Sikh community.
Shri Aman Arora said that the martyrdom of the Chhote Sahibzadas at such a tender age continues to serve as a timeless source of inspiration for humanity, symbolising an unwavering stand against injustice and oppression. He added that this historic saga of sacrifice shall forever remain etched in the collective conscience of the nation.
He also remarked that Fatehgarh Sahib, as a revered centre of Sikh history, stands as a solemn reminder of the supreme sacrifices made by the family of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, whose legacy of righteousness, valour and selflessness continues to guide generations.
MLAs Lakhbir Singh Rai, Rupinder Singh Happy and Davinderjit Singh Laddi Dhos and Advisor to Tourism Department, Deepak Bali besides DC Dr Sona Thind were also present.