*Punjab Again Recognised as ‘Top Performer’ in States’ Startup Ecosystem Ranking by Government of India: Sanjeev Arora*

Chandigarh, 16 January 2026:Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora informed that Punjab has once again achieved a significant milestone in strengthening its startup and innovation ecosystem, with the Government of India recognising the State as a “Top Performer” for the second consecutive time in the States’ Startup Ecosystem Ranking – 5th Edition, released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

The Certificate of Appreciation was conferred upon the Government of Punjab, Department of Industries & Commerce, on the occasion of National Startup Day, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in the august presence of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.

He added that this repeated recognition reflects Punjab’s sustained and focused efforts towards building a robust, inclusive, and innovation-driven startup ecosystem. The State’s performance underscores the impact of progressive startup policies, strong institutional mechanisms, incubation and acceleration support, improved access to finance, mentorship initiatives, and ease-of-doing-business reforms implemented by the Government of Punjab.

Expressing happiness over the achievement, Shri Sanjeev Arora, Cabinet Minister for Industries & Commerce, Punjab, stated: “This consecutive recognition by the Government of India as a ‘Top Performer’ is a strong validation of Punjab’s unwavering commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. Under the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Punjab has created a supportive ecosystem for startups, particularly for youth and first-generation entrepreneurs. The Government will continue to strengthen policy support, incubation infrastructure, and market access to make Punjab a preferred destination for startups and investors.”

The State’s performance was evaluated on key parameters including startup policy implementation, institutional support systems, incubation infrastructure, funding mechanisms, capacity building, mentorship, and market linkages, he added.

Reaffirming the Government’s commitment, the Minister Sanjeev Arora emphasised that Punjab will continue to focus on innovation-led economic growth, employment generation, and technology-driven development, ensuring that startups remain at the core of the State’s economic transformation.

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*Central Government urgent intervention is needed to protect Basmati rice exporters interest: Kultar Singh Sandhwan*

Chandigarh 16 January 2026:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that Basmati rice exporters are in distress and their shipments worth ₹2,000+ crore stuck and payments stalled due to growing uncertainty in Iran. Mandi prices have also been crashed amid Iran trade disruption.

He requested the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi that his urgent intervention is needed to protect farmers, millers & exporters interest. This delay is hurting Punjab’s economy and basmati rice exporters are also facing difficulty.

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*Central Government reconsider its decision pertaining to cancellation of Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence: Kultar Singh Sandhwan*

Chandigarh 16 January 2026:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that the decision of the Central Government to cancel the MBBS accreditation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, Jammu and Kashmir is not only an injustice to the future of the students, but also a dangerous example of linking education with religion and politics. Admissions to this medical college were made in a completely legal and transparent manner as per the merit of a central examination NEET, which had also been accepted by the National Medical Commission itself.

Speaker stressed that it is not fair and justice to cancel the MBBS accreditation only on the basis that students belong to a particular religion after conducting the inspection of the institution. If the institution had such major flaws, then on what grounds the accreditation was granted just four months ago? It is the responsibility of the National Medical Commission to answer this.

Speaker highlighted that agitation for the closure of educational institution and celebration over the cancellation of accreditation is a sign of social decline. The purpose of education is to dispel the darkness of ignorance, not to deepen hatred and division. Closing a professional institution like a medical college without giving it a chance for reform is neither good nor in line with the constitutional spirit.

Speaker earnestly demanded that this decision be reviewed immediately, ensuring that the interests of students are protected and that education is kept away from religious or political agendas.

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*Speaker appeals to shun the habit of adulteration, else face strict action those found involved in this heinous crime*

Chandigarh, 16 January 2026:In order to curb the menace of adulteration across the Punjab,

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S Kultar Singh Sandhwan said we are going to run awareness campaign in schools through seminars and functions by showing quality checking of sub standard or adulterated products such as milk, cheese, ghee and milk products. He added that this campaign will be commenced from Kotkapura district Faridkot.

He informed that common people will also be invited to see the way of checking of adulterated products so that they can check the quality of products at their own level. He wants the support of Punjabis in this campaign so that Punjab Government can help in maintaining good health to the people of Punjab.

He highlighted that Punjab Government will leave no stone unturned to eradicate the menace of adulteration. Our government motive is crystal clear that we want to provide quality education and good health to the people of Punjab. Adulteration is serious risk for people of Punjab. Speaker desired that we want to see our Punjab healthier and happiest.

He stressed that strict action will be taken against those who found involved in adulteration and no one will be spared inspite of personal relations and kinship.

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*Punjab Govt launches Phase II of ‘Sade Bazurag, Sada Maan’ campaign to deliver services at doorstep of senior citizens: Dr Baljit Kaur*

*₹786 lakh allocated for district-level camps to ensure health, welfare and social security of elderly: Dr Baljit Kaur*

*Phase II of ‘Sade Bazurag, Sada Maan’ to cover all remaining districts from February 2 to 18: Dr Baljit Kaur*

*Over 23 lakh beneficiaries receiving old age pension in Punjab, ₹4,100 crore provided in 2025–26 budget: Dr Baljit Kaur*

*State-level camp in Mohali provides health care, assistive devices & pension support to senior citizens: Dr Baljit Kaur*

CHANDIGARH / SAS NAGAR, 16th January 2026:Punjab Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development Dr Baljit Kaur on Friday launched Phase II of the flagship campaign “Sade Bazurag, Sada Maan” from Kalkat Bhawan (Kisan Vikas Chamber) in Mohali, reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to ensuring dignity, care and social security for senior citizens across the state. The campaign is being implemented on a district-wise basis to deliver health, welfare and social security services directly to elderly citizens.

Addressing the gathering, Social Security Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said, “Under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is fully committed to ensuring a dignified, secure and respectful life for our senior citizens. For Phase II of the ‘Sade Bazurag, Sada Maan’ campaign, an amount of ₹786 lakh has been earmarked to conduct district-level camps so that essential services can be provided at the doorstep of the elderly.”

Referring to the response received during the first phase, the Minister said, “During Phase I, which was launched in 2023, as many as 20,210 senior citizens were registered. This strong participation reflects both the need for such initiatives and the trust people have placed in the government’s welfare programmes.” She informed that the remaining districts of Punjab will be covered under Phase II from February 2 to February 18.

Elaborating on the services being offered, Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said, “These camps are designed to provide comprehensive care to senior citizens. Facilities include eye check-ups and cataract examinations, ENT and orthopaedic consultations, screening for non-communicable diseases and dementia, as well as homoeopathic and ayurvedic treatment. On-the-spot enrolment for social security pensions, issuance of Senior Citizen Cards and ALIMCO cards are also being facilitated.”

She added that assistance and awareness regarding the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana and the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, along with information on other legal rights, are integral components of the camps.

The Social Security Minister further said, “Essential assistive devices such as near-vision spectacles, hearing aids, walking aids, cervical collars, belts and wheelchairs are being distributed on the spot to senior citizens who need them. In addition, a toll-free helpline number 14567 is already operational to provide assistance to elderly citizens across Punjab.”

The camps provided immediate relief through health and eye check-ups, assistance in accessing pensions and other monetary benefits, and legal literacy sessions. During the state-level camp in Mohali, Dr Baljit Kaur handed over ALIMCO kits and sanction letters for old age pensions to beneficiaries present on the occasion. Representatives of NGOs and Senior Citizen Associations were also felicitated by the Minister in recognition of their extraordinary services to senior citizens.

Sharing details of financial support being extended by the government, Dr Baljit Kaur said, “At present, around 23.33 lakh beneficiaries are receiving old age pensions every month in Punjab. For the current financial year 2025-26, a budgetary provision of ₹4,100 crore has been made for pension schemes, reflecting the government’s priority towards social security.”

Earlier, Additional Chief Secretary, Social Security, Women and Child Development, Punjab, Vikas Partap informed that old age pensions have been paid up to December 2025. He said that old age homes have been established at Tapa in Barnala district and at Mansa to provide shelter to senior citizens in need, while several NGO-run old age homes are being supported through financial assistance from the government.

MLA Derabassi Kuljit Singh Randhawa also addressed the function and appreciated the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government for taking proactive and sustained steps towards the welfare and well-being of senior citizens.

Director, Social Security, Women and Child Welfare, Vimmie Bhullar formally welcomed the dignitaries and briefed the audience about the objectives and implementation of Phase II of the “Sade Bazurag, Sada Maan” campaign.

Punjab State Women Commission Chairperson Raj Lali Gill, Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal, Joint Secretary Social Security Anand Sagar, ADC (G) Sonam Chaudhary and SDM Damandeep Kaur were also present on the occasion.

The event also featured cultural performances, including a Nukkad Natak titled “Sade Bazurag, Sada Maan” by Utsav Kala Manch and Malwai Gidha by retirees of government departments from Malwa Art and Cultural Society, Mohali, which reinforced the message of respect, care and dignity for senior citizens.

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*Parminder Singh Jattpuri elected as President of Punjab Vidhan Sabha Press Gallery Committee*

*Deepak Sharma elected as Vice President and Naveen Sethi as General Secretary*

Chandigarh January 16:The elections for the Punjab Legislative Assembly Press Gallery Committee were held today in the presence Secretary Punjab Vidhan Sabha Shri Ram Lok Khatana in which Parminder Singh Jattpuri was elected as President, Deepak Sharma as Vice President, and Naveen Sethi as General Secretary of the Press Gallery Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

An official spokesperson of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha informed that 24 members participated in this election process. Parminder Singh Jattpuri got 15 votes, while Napinder Brar got 9 votes for President seat. Similarly, Deepak Sharma received 16 votes while his opponent Rohit Bansal Pakka received 7 votes for the Vice President seat. For the General Secretary seat, Naveen Sethi got 16 votes, while Gurupdesh Bhullar got 7 votes.

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*Session Court of Mohali Sentenced Four years Imprisonment and Fine of Rs. 20000/- to two Improvement Trust Officials in a Corruption Case*

Chandigarh, 16 January 2026:Adopting Zero tolerance approach against corruption, Vigilance Bureau had arrested red handed Parveen Kumar Clerk and his co-accused Satish Kumar Junior Engineer posted at Improvement Trust Ropar in a corruption case. After the conclusion of the trial, they were today convicted by competent court and sentenced to 4 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 20000/- to both of them .

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of Vigilance Bureau said that accused Junior Engineer and Clerk had demanded a bribe of Rs. 15000/- from the complainant in lieu of getting the sale deed registered of his property.

He further said that the complainant paid the bribe in instalments and had approached Vigilance Bureau before the payment of the final instalment of bribe money.

Acting on his complaint, VB laid a trap and raid was conducted at the office of Improvement Trust Ropar and bribe money of Rs.7500/- was recovered from the possession of co-accused Parveen Kumar in the presence of Government

officials/witnesses and co-accused Parveen Kumar was apprehended at the spot.