*Ex-gratia grant of ₹3.66 crore disbursed to families of martyrs and disabled soldiers*
*Budget provision of ₹63.22 crore made under various schemes for welfare of ex-servicemen*
Chandigarh, December 31-During the year 2025, the Defence Services Welfare Department of Punjab remained fully committed to the welfare of families of martyred soldiers, ex-servicemen, widows and disabled soldiers. Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and as per the directions of Cabinet Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat, several significant steps were taken to strengthen welfare measures for the defence community.
Sharing further details, Defence Services Welfare Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat said that the Punjab Government has been discharging its responsibility towards the families of soldiers who laid down their lives for the defence of the nation with utmost sensitivity and respect.
He informed that during 2025, government jobs were provided to the next of kin of 10 martyred soldiers under the Honour and Gratitude Policy in various departments of the Punjab Government.
The Minister further stated that on the occasion of Kargil Day, family members of 65 soldiers martyred during Operation Vijay were honoured in recognition of their supreme sacrifice and dedicated service to the nation.
Mr. Bhagat said that the State Government disbursed ₹3.66 crore as ex-gratia grant to the families of martyred soldiers and disabled soldiers during the year.
He added that during the current financial year, a budget provision of ₹63.22 crore has been made under various schemes for the welfare of families of martyred soldiers, gallantry awardees and ex-servicemen.
The Minister said that pensions of ex-servicemen and widows are being disbursed in a transparent manner through the SPARSH portal. To resolve pension-related issues, 15-day assistance camps were organised at all District Defence Services Welfare Offices across Punjab.
In addition, Mr. Bhagat informed that the State Government distributed electric three-wheel scooters to 10 disabled soldiers to facilitate their mobility and improve their quality of life.
Reiterating the commitment of the State Government, the Minister said that Punjab Government remains fully dedicated to the welfare of martyrs’ families and ex-servicemen and more welfare-oriented initiatives will be introduced in the coming times.
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*Gurmeet Khudian Assures Swift Resolution of Veterinary Inspectors' Demands*
Chandigarh, December 31:–Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian today intervened to address the long-pending demands of the state's Veterinary Inspectors.
During a meeting with Punjab State Veterinary Inspectors Association’s delegation led by President Gurdeep Singh Bassi here at Punjab Civil Secretariat, S. Khudian held detailed deliberations and assured the association that their legitimate demands would be addressed expeditiously. The association has demanded to consider 18 month service as regular service of 400 Veterinary Inspectors recruited in 2011, create 87 new posts of Veterinary Inspectors at Tehsil level and implementation of the recommendations of 6th pay commission. After S. Khudian’s assurance the association has decided to call off the proposed Lambi rally.
He also directed the Director Animal Husbandry to fast-track the follow-up on the demands. The Minister specifically committed to facilitating an early meeting with Punjab's Finance Minister, S. Harpal Singh Cheema, to work towards a resolution on the following core issues.
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*A major step towards a dignified life for persons with disabilities: Over ₹371 crore released as financial assistance — Dr. Baljit Kaur*
*Government support reaches over 2.79 lakh persons with disabilities, strengthening inclusive and collective development*
*Welfare of persons with disabilities among top priorities of Mann Government: ₹495 crore budget provisioned*
Chandigarh, December 31:Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government remains firmly committed to the welfare of all sections of society, ensuring social justice and collective development. In line with this commitment, the government has been taking sustained, sensitive and effective measures to ensure the security, self-reliance and dignified living of persons with disabilities. This was stated by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.
Sharing details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government has so far released ₹371.84 crore as financial assistance for persons with disabilities. She informed that during the current financial year, 2,79,544 persons with disabilities are being provided direct benefits under the scheme, offering crucial financial support to thousands of families across the state.
The Cabinet Minister further stated that ensuring timely, transparent and uninterrupted financial assistance to persons with disabilities is a top priority of the Mann Government. To achieve this objective, a provision of ₹495 crore has already been made in the budget for the current financial year, ensuring that no eligible beneficiary is deprived of assistance.
Dr. Baljit Kaur clarified that under this financial assistance scheme, persons with disabilities who are unable to earn their livelihood and have a minimum disability of 50 percent or above are covered. She emphasized that the government’s focus is to ensure that assistance reaches the rightful beneficiaries, thereby strengthening their financial security and enabling them to meet basic life needs with dignity.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Mann Government does not intend to limit its support merely to financial aid. Instead, it is firmly determined to integrate persons with disabilities into the mainstream of society by creating opportunities for self-reliance, empowerment and a dignified life.
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*PUNJAB ADMIN GOES DIGITAL: GOVT KNOCKS AT CITIZENS' DOOR IN 2025: AMAN ARORA*
•*Over 12.46 lakh applications processed online by Patwaris*
• *Over 1.85 lakh citizens served at their doorsteps under “Bhagwant Mann Sarkar Tuhade Dwaar”, says Arora*
• *Digital transformation shifted from a culture of sifarish and delay to digital dignity, says Aman Arora*
•*Dashboard to track all departmental services in real-time that helped to reduce service pendency to just 0.33% in a year*
CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 31:Punjab administration witnessed a digital transformation in 2025, with citizen-centric services are delivered right to citizens’ doorstep and rendering long queues in government offices a relic of the past. Transparency, accessibility, efficiency and honesty in service delivery is the top priority to reshape the state's administration for making governance a breeze for its citizens.
Punjab Good Governance and Information Technology (GG&IT) Minister Mr. Aman Arora, underscoring the radical reforms implemented in the state’s administration, informed that over 12.46 lakh applications have been processed online since Patwaris were onboarded on the E-Seva portal apart from serving more than 1,85,000 citizens at their doorsteps under “Bhagwant Mann Sarkar, Tuhade Dwaar”. These figures tell a story of a systemic shift—from a culture of “sifarish and delay” to digital dignity.
Empowering grassroots representatives, Mr. Aman Arora said that in a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, Punjab empowered its Sarpanchs, Nambardars and Municipal Councillors (MCs) by enabling them to verify applications online for various certificates. This move has cut through red tape, saving citizens from the ordeal of multiple visits to verify documents required for various certificates.This is about restoring the dignity of the common citizen, he said, while adding that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is turning the old system on its head—where the government reaches out to people, no more waiting in a queues.
In a move that has transformed rural governance, the state onboarded all the Patwaris on the centralised Sewa portal. The processing of over 12.46 lakh applications online has not only saved invaluable time for farmers and residents but has also significantly enhanced transparency, reducing discretion and potential graft.
Mr. Aman Arora said that the ‘Bhagwant Mann Sarkar, Tuhade Dwaar’ flagship scheme has brought the government services to citizens doorsteps. By simply dialling helpline no. 1076, citizens can access 437 citizen-centric services—from pension queries to certificate applications—without stepping out of their homes. The staggering uptake reflects public trust: over 1.85 lakh services have been successfully delivered under the scheme.
Putting a full stop on the bureaucratic delay, Punjab now issues QR-coded certificates that are digitally signed and sent directly to the applicant’s mobile phone. These can be printed anywhere, anytime, making the process tamper-proof and remarkably convenient.
The Department of Good Governance and Information Technology (DGGIT) implemented a Dashboard to track all departmental services in real-time. This digital monitoring tool is the hero that helped to reduce the state's service pendency to just 0.33% in a year. This massive digital leap earned the state a first prize at the Technology Sabha Conference in Rajasthan.
Mr. Aman Arora said that the DGGIT has removed the tedious process of filling physical form for 13 major services (including essential services like Income, Residence and Caste certificates). Citizens no longer need to submit paper forms to avail these government services.
The ‘Aap De Sarkar, Aap De Dwaar’ scheme took governance to the grassroots. Across the year, 11,151 camps were organised statewide, resolving 52,380 grievances and delivering over 5.10 lakh services in villages and towns. These camps ensured that technology’s reach was supplemented with a human touch.
“This is only the foundation. Our aim is a 100% seamless, paperless and contactless service delivery system. The citizen’s time, satisfaction and trust are our utmost priority,” Mr. Aman Arora stated, while adding that the year 2025 will be remembered in Punjab’s administrative history as the turning point—the year when governance stopped being a spectacle of power and became a reliable service. The government is no longer a distant entity; it’s now at your doorstep.
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*Vigilance Bureau arrests Block Officer for accepting bribe of Rs. 15000/-*
Chandigarh, December 31, 2025:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), in line with the zero tolerance policy adopted by the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government, has apprehended Rajpal Singh, Block Officer posted at Wildlife Division, Garhshankar district Hoshiarpur for accepting a bribe Rs. 15000/-.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the arrest has been made following a complaint lodged by a resident of Balachaur district SBS Nagar, on the Chief Minister’s Anti Corruption Action Line portal.
He further said that the complainant alleged that he had approached accused Rajpal Singh for the issuance of a hunting permit, but the officer demanded Rs 50,000/- for the same. Upon request, the deal was settled for Rs.15,000/- and Rs10,000/- were taken on the spot from the complainant, with an assurance to issue the hunting permit.
Moreover, he added that accused Rajpal Singh visited the complainant's house at Balachaur and took illegal gratification of Rs 5000/-. The video of the same was captured on a CCTV camera installed at the complainant's house.
During the verification, above said allegations were found to be true. In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB Police Station Jalandhar range. Further investigation into this case was underway, he added.
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*Year Ender of Parliamentary Affairs Department; Punjab Government Conducts Mock Legislative Assembly Session for School Students in Sri Anandpur Sahib*
*Special Legislative Assembly Sessions held on important issues including BBMB and MGNREGA*
*Punjab Vidhan Sabha’s Entire Functioning Now Fully Digital and Paperless: Dr. Ravjot Singh*
Chandigarh, December 31:To mark the occasion of Constitution Day, the Punjab Government organized a special mock Vidhan Sabha session for students from Punjab’s government schools in the specially established premises of Vidhan Sabha at Sri Anandpur Sahib, as part of the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The initiative was aimed to inspire the students and encourage them to engage in politics and become future leaders of the state.
During the event, Punjab Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh motivated the students who were playing the roles of various leaders. He emphasized that modern day students are the leaders of tomorrow and this special initiative by the Punjab Government reflects its commitment to nurture their political and leadership skills. He also congratulated the school students, teachers, and parents on this occasion and urged them to actively participate in politics.
Dr. Ravjot Singh informed that, during the current year, special Legislative Assembly sessions had been organized on issues related to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
The Minister mentioned that, starting from 2023, the Punjab Legislative Assembly’s entire functioning had been made paperless. The Assembly’s work is now being conducted fully digitally, eliminating the use of paper during sessions.
For the first time, the National e-Vidhan Application (NEVA) project has been implemented in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. Under this new system, Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and administrative secretaries have been trained to operate the system. A digital wing has also been established to modernize the working of the Vidhan Sabha, linking it with high-tech and modern technology. This wing includes an IT Cell, NIC Cell, High-Tech Training Room (NEVA Service Center), High-Tech Control Room, and Network Control Room.
With the use of the NEVA app, the public’s participation has increased through live webcasting of the Assembly proceedings. Additionally, the functioning of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Secretariat has become more efficient. Documents are now presented digitally in the House, and members and staff are able to access paperless facilities
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*PHOTO CINEMA OFFICER ARVINDER SINGH RETIRES AFTER 32 YEARS OF SERVICE IN PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT*
*Department felicitates Arvinder Singh for glorius services*
Chandigarh, December 31:Information and Public Relations Department Punjab on Wednesday bids farewell to Photo Cinema Officer Arvinder Singh who retired after an illustrious career spanning more than three decades. Arvinder Singh’s journey with the department began on August 9, 1993, when he joined as a Junior Photographer. Over the years, his dedication, technical expertise, and passion for photography propelled him to key roles, culminating in his most recent position as Photo Cinema Officer.
His promotion to Senior Photographer in 2001 was a testament to his skills and hard work. Throughout his tenure, Singh has played a pivotal role in documenting high-profile government events, state visits and the cultural heritage of Punjab.
A retirement ceremony was organised by the Department to honor Singh’s outstanding contributions to the department which was attended by Additional Director Randeep Singh Ahluwalia, Joint Directors Ishwinder Singh Grewal, Preet Kanwal Singh and Manvinder Singh, and Deputy Director Navdeep Singh Gill. The team extended their heartfelt congratulations and gratitude for his service to the people of Punjab.
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*Speaker extends New Year 2026 greetings to people of Punjab*
Chandigarh 31 December 2025:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Punjab on the occasion of New Year 2026.He wished that Almighty may fulfill all the dreams of Punjabis in this New Year 2026.
He prayed to God to give happiness, peace, success and prosperity for all Punjabis residing across the globe. We should follow the path shown by Guru Sahib. He urged the people to do regular exercise in their life so that they remain hale and hearty.
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*Speaker welcomed SC decision regarding reconsideration of definition of Aravalli Hills*
Chandigarh December 31,2025:The Supreme Court’s decision to stay the recommendations of the Mining Regulation Committee till further orders has been welcomed by Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan.
Speaker Sandhwan said earlier the Supreme Court had approved the new definition of Aravalli Hills recommended by the committee of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, but in view of the serious concerns related to it, apex court has now reconsidered the matter and held in abeyance on the previous orders.
He stressed that environmental conservation should be given priority over commercial motives.He added that the entire controversy has arisen due to the change in the “definition” of Aravalli Hills. According to the new definition, only that area will be considered hilly, whose height is at least 100 meters higher than the surrounding land.
According to environmental experts, this definition may take about 90 percent of the small hills of the Aravalli region out of legal protection, which opening the way for mining and real estate activities there.
He warned that if the Aravalli hills are damaged, it may open the way for desert winds move towards Delhi-NCR. These hills act as a “green wall” that prevents sand and dust from moving forward. Their destruction may increase the risk of dusty storms and air pollution in North India manifold.
Speaker said that the damage of the Aravalli hills will not be limited to any one area, but will have a direct and serious impact on the environment of the entire North India. He demanded that appropriate and far-reaching steps be taken immediately to ensure effective and sustainable protection of the Aravalli Hills.
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