*Punjab Signs ₹3,500 Crore Pact with World Bank to Launch Historic School Transformation Mission: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab launches Punjab Sikhya Kranti 2.0 with ₹3,500 crore investment to take school education to global standards: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*After Topping National Rankings, Punjab Sets Sights on Global Education Leadership under Sikhya Kranti 2.0: Harjot Singh Bains*

*World Bank Partnership Acknowledges International Recognition of Punjab’s Measurable Education Reforms*

CHANDIGARH, 17th March 2026:In a defining milestone in Punjab’s education journey, the Bhagwant Mann Government has launched Punjab Sikhya Kranti 2.0, a transformative new phase of school education reform with a total investment of ₹3,500 crore over the next six years. The initiative aims to deepen structural reforms in government schools and align Punjab’s education ecosystem with global standards.

As part of this mission, the Punjab Government has also entered into a collaboration with the World Bank to support implementation of the programme. The partnership reflects international recognition of the measurable progress Punjab has already achieved in public education reforms.

The ₹3,500 crore mission includes ₹2,500 crore through World Bank loan assistance and ₹1,000 crore from the Punjab Government, making it one of the largest education reform investments in the history of the State.

Punjab Sikhya Kranti 2.0 builds upon the remarkable progress achieved under the first phase of Punjab Sikhya Kranti, which has transformed government schools across the State and propelled Punjab to the top of national education rankings.

In the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 conducted by the Government of India, Punjab ranked Number One in classroom learning outcomes, surpassing Kerala and emerging as the national leader. This achievement reflects the deep structural reforms undertaken through Punjab Sikhiya Kranti, which strengthened classroom instruction, upgraded infrastructure and enhanced school governance across nearly 20,000 government schools.

Over the past two years, the State has also operationalised structured career guidance systems, expanded access to science and commerce streams, strengthened teacher training ecosystems and modernised school infrastructure across thousands of institutions, ensuring that reforms move beyond announcements to measurable outcomes.

These systemic reforms have laid a strong and credible foundation. Punjab Sikhya Kranti 2.0 now seeks to institutionalise these gains and prepare Punjab’s education system to compete with the best in the world.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the success of Punjab Sikhiya Kranti has already rewritten the education narrative of the State. “Punjab has shown that government schools can lead the nation. Ranking number one in PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 is proof of that transformation. With Punjab Sikhya Kranti 2.0, we are now preparing our education system to compete with the best in the world. The collaboration with the World Bank reflects the credibility and transparency with which Punjab has carried out education reforms. This is the next leap forward in our commitment to every child,” said the Chief Minister.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said Punjab Sikhya Kranti has already delivered measurable results and the next phase will expand the scale and depth of reforms. “Punjab Sikhya Kranti transformed our government schools and placed Punjab at the top of national education rankings. Punjab Sikhya Kranti 2.0 will now accelerate our journey from national leadership to global excellence. Every child in Punjab deserves opportunities that match international standards, and this mission will help us achieve that vision,” said the Education Minister.

Detailing the next phase of reform, the Punjab Government stated that the ₹3,500 crore mission will deepen and sustain the gains of Punjab Sikhya Kranti through focused and outcome driven interventions. The initiative will prioritise strengthening foundational learning by ensuring every child achieves foundational skills through structured assessments, improved pedagogy and targeted academic support.

It will expand pathways to higher education and careers by increasing access to science and commerce streams, upgrading vocational education and introducing structured career counselling systems to guide students toward higher education and meaningful employment. A comprehensive Career Guidance Portal will be introduced to digitally enable personalised counselling, aptitude assessment and informed career and stream choices for students across the State.

The reform agenda will empower teachers and school leaders by strengthening teacher training institutions, modernising professional development programmes and implementing a comprehensive school leadership framework. It will ensure transparent and accountable school management by enhancing data driven decision making and empowering School Management Committees to strengthen community participation and accountability.

The mission will also create future ready infrastructure and systems by upgrading facilities to ensure safe, sustainable and digitally enabled learning environments aligned with long term resilience and global standards.

Punjab Sikhya Kranti laid the foundation. Punjab Sikhya Kranti 2.0 now carries that transformation forward, preparing Punjab’s education system to compete at the global level.

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*If Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh had been India’s first Prime Minister, country would have looked very different today: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Even after so many years of independence, we remain slaves to old system; Is this what Bhagat Singh & Kartar Singh Sarabha sacrificed their lives for? CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Opposition rattled as all promises fulfilled within 4 years, they have no issue left to face people in elections: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Akali Dal-BJP and Congress looted Punjab turn by turn, people will never give them another chance now: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Entire Opposition is fighting for their chairs, while Bhagwant Mann is fighting for rights of the people: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab hasn't forgotten sacrifice of 750 farmers killed during agitation against Modi Govt’s three black farm laws: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

DHURI, 17 March 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said India would have looked very different had Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh been the country’s first Prime Minister, questioning why, even after decades of independence, the nation remains trapped in an outdated system for which revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh and Kartar Singh Sarabha laid down their lives. He asserted that it is “writing on the wall” that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will return to power in Punjab in 2027, as fulfilling all guarantees within four years has left the Opposition without any issue to face the people.

The Chief Minister asserted while the Opposition remains busy fighting for power after having “looted Punjab turn by turn”, his government is committed to securing the rights of people, adding that Punjab has not forgotten the sacrifice of 750 farmers who lost their lives during the agitation against the Centre’s three farm laws.

Addressing a gathering after dedicating the newly constructed Sub Divisional Hospital, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “It is a writing on the wall that owing to several people-friendly decisions, the AAP will again form the government in the state,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. He added, “People of Punjab are eagerly ready to constitute the AAP government again after the ensuing Vidhan Sabha polls in 2027. After assuming charge in 2022 from the native village of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, our government took several people-friendly decisions. We have already fulfilled all our promises in four years and in the coming one year we will take the state to a new zenith.”

Emphasising a shift in governance, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “We have started a new tradition in politics by completing all promises in four years, whereas parties are not able to do so in five years. From day one, our government is cleaning the mess made by the previous regimes and we are not hesitant to take bold decisions for the welfare of the common man.” He added, “Now again the Congress and Badals are seeking another chance to plunder the state whereas the state has already suffered a lot in their hands.”

Highlighting public sentiment, he said, “The wise people of the state will never give them another chance and they will be sent to political oblivion after the polls.” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added, “Those leaders who had patronized the drug trade were put behind bars. These leaders not only patronized drug trade across the state but even sold and supplied drugs in their official government vehicles. Previously no one had ever dared to arrest these affluent leaders, but our government has done so and now they are paying the price for their sins.”

Calling out collusion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “An unholy nexus prevailed between these political parties as they were hand in glove with each other to loot the wealth of the state. When in power, these parties used to save each other by turning a blind eye towards their misdeeds. However, the AAP government ensured that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are put behind bars.”

Taking aim at Opposition leaders, he said, “Even today they are one and Charanjit Singh Channi, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Captain Amarinder Singh, Sukhbir Singh Badal and others have joined the chorus to target me. Earlier these leaders used to mock me by labeling me as an entertainer, but now they chant my name day and night out of fear.” He added, “In 2017, when AAP got several seats and became Opposition, they said nothing will happen. In 2022 they said nothing will happen, but our government took several path-breaking initiatives. Now again they say nothing will happen in 2027, but AAP will form the government again with a thumping majority.”

On the Opposition’s failure, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The entire opposition has never raised a single real issue concerning the people both inside and outside the Vidhan Sabha. This reflects that they are only concerned about their own positions as they are only interested in power.” He added, “Desperate to attain power, the Akali Dal is posting AI-generated videos about me on social media to mislead people. This shows that in dearth of any issue against me they are baffled and making futile attempts to attain power.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Traditional political parties are envious because they are not able to digest that the son of a common man is governing the state effectively. People have lost faith in them due to their anti-people and anti-Punjab stance, which is why they were ousted in 2022.”

Continuing, he said, “These parties are resorting to cheap gimmicks to mislead the people. Earlier they were welcomed with garlands but now people greet them with defeat wherever they go. People have elected sons and daughters of common man who are performing their duties zealously, whereas these traditional parties failed miserably when they were in power.”

On past governance, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These leaders plundered the resources of the state for their vested political interests. While Punjab was facing unemployment, brain drain and corruption, these leaders were busy minting money illegally. They built palaces and business empires at the cost of the people and the state.” He added, “They have sown thorns for Punjab and its younger generations by derailing its progress and prosperity. Their hands are drenched in this crime and history will never forgive them for backstabbing Punjab.”

He further said, “These leaders are frustrated because we have exposed their ugly faces before the people and have become a threat to their power. They cannot digest that common people are now getting positions.” Taking a swipe at the Badals, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “They ruined businesses by luring people with false promises. It is said that if you write ‘Badal’ on a tree, it will dry up.”

Invoking Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh in detail, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Bhagat Singh was born in 1907, on 28 September, and was martyred on 23 March 1931 at just 23 and a half years of age. He fought for the country’s freedom and to drive out the British. His way was different because he was young and aggressive, while others like Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi had their own approaches. But later, we reduced his legacy to merely offering flowers once a year on 23 March.”

He added, “If Bhagat Singh had lived, or had been given the opportunity to lead after Independence, the entire direction of the country would have been different. He had written extensively, his jail letters and writings were like a manifesto. He had said that he was not worried about whether independence would come or not, because it would come, but he was concerned about who would rule the country after independence.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said, “Sixteen years after his martyrdom, the country became independent. By 1952, when the first elections were held, Bhagat Singh would have been around 45 years old. He should have been the first Prime Minister of the country. The entire map and destiny of the nation would have been different if Bhagat Singh had led India.”

He continued, “He had already warned that after independence, power should not go into the wrong hands. Unfortunately, the same happened. Even after 80 years, we are still trapped in the same old system, the same patwari-tehsil structure, and people are still struggling for basic needs like jobs and services.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Just as Mahatma Gandhi was called Bapu, Jawaharlal Nehru was called Chacha and Chaudhary Devi Lal was called Tau, I consider myself a son and brother of the people.” He added, “Traditional political parties have damaged the country. Congress shaped symbols for itself, while others used religion to seek votes, and people trusted them.”

On drugs, he said, “These parties destroyed generations of Punjab by pushing drugs into the veins of youth. Those responsible are now making hollow claims to mislead people, but they can never be forgiven.” He added, “It is not money but deeds that earn a place in people’s hearts, and we have worked tirelessly for public welfare.”

Listing achievements, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The AAP government has started Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhian Satkar scheme under which women above 18 years of age from general category will receive ₹1000 per month and women from SC category will receive ₹1500. This is a mark of respect for mothers and daughters and their smiles give me satisfaction.”

On employment, he said, “We want to put tiffins in the hands of youth so they stay away from drugs. Idle hands are the devil’s workshop, so we are ensuring maximum employment. So far more than 65,000 government jobs have been provided.”

On infrastructure and agriculture, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Power tariffs have been reduced across all sectors. Canal water usage has increased from 21% to 68% and will reach 85% by next paddy season. Around 18,349 water courses spanning 6900 km have been revived and ₹6500 crore has been spent to strengthen the canal system.”

He added, “For the first time, 1365 villages are receiving canal water. Work is underway on more than 49,000 km of rural roads at a cost of ₹16,209 crore.”

On education, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Schools of Eminence have been established with modern infrastructure, smart classrooms and labs. Teachers and principals are being sent abroad for training. Punjab has ranked first in the National Achievement Survey, surpassing Kerala.” He added, “Students are receiving coaching for competitive exams like JEE, NEET, CLAT and NIFT, and many have qualified from government schools.”

On healthcare, he said, “Under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, all 65 lakh families are eligible for cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh. Punjab has become the first state to provide free healthcare to all citizens, with 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics providing daily treatment.”

He further said, “Around 90% households are receiving free electricity. Farmers are getting more than eight hours of uninterrupted daytime power during paddy season. Tariffs have been reduced by 70 paise to ₹1.50 per unit, and the government has purchased a private thermal plant and named it after Sri Guru Amar Das Ji.”

Concluding, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “My sole agenda is the progress of Punjab and prosperity of its people. I am indebted to the people of Dhuri and will leave no stone unturned for the holistic development of this region.”

Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Harpal Singh Cheema, Dr Balbir Singh and Barinder Goyal were also present on the occasion.

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*₹21.65 crore Sub-Divisional Hospital and 30-bedded Mother & Child Hospital at Dhuri mark major boost to healthcare infrastructure in Sangrur: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Facility will provide comprehensive secondary-level healthcare to Dhuri & nearly 70 villages, benefiting thousands of residents: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*From free treatment to advanced surgeries and ₹10 lakh health cover, AAP Govt is ensuring no family is deprived of quality healthcare: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

DHURI, 17 March 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday dedicated a 50-bedded Sub-Divisional Hospital along with a 30-bedded Maternal and Child Health Block at Dhuri, marking a significant milestone in strengthening Punjab’s public healthcare system and giving a major boost to healthcare infrastructure in Sangrur district.

Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “This project reflects our firm commitment to building a strong, accessible and patient-centric healthcare system by strengthening infrastructure, expanding medical services and improving availability of skilled healthcare professionals. The new facilities will cater not only to the residents of Dhuri city but also to people from nearly 70 surrounding villages, benefiting thousands of residents by bringing modern healthcare closer to their homes.”

He added, “Constructed at a cost of ₹21.65 crore, the hospital complex features a state-of-the-art building spread across approximately 73,000 square feet and will prove to be a boon for the region. It will significantly strengthen secondary-level healthcare services by providing comprehensive outpatient and inpatient care, emergency services, diagnostic facilities and specialised consultations.”

Highlighting the dual-facility structure, the Chief Minister said, “The 50-bedded Sub-Divisional Hospital has been developed to provide comprehensive secondary-level healthcare services, while the 30-bedded Maternal and Child Health Block will significantly strengthen maternal, neonatal and child healthcare services, ensuring better care for mothers and newborns in the region.”

Tracing the hospital’s journey, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Originally established in 1978 with a capacity of 30 beds and later upgraded to 50 beds, this hospital has now evolved into a modern healthcare facility with a total capacity of 80 beds, reflecting our government’s continuous efforts to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure.”

Detailing the infrastructure, he said, “The new facility includes 13 OPD rooms, a well-equipped emergency block, two registration counters and seven operation theatres for both major and minor surgeries. It houses modern diagnostic facilities such as ECG, ultrasound and X-ray rooms, along with three laboratories to ensure timely and accurate medical testing.”

He further added, “The hospital has 12 private rooms, six general wards, a fully functional drug store, an SMO office, 11 nurse stations and two lifts, all designed to improve patient care and operational efficiency. The upgraded infrastructure will enable doctors to handle emergency cases, accident victims and critically ill patients with greater efficiency.”

Emphasising services, the Chief Minister said, “The hospital will offer advanced medical procedures, including surgical interventions and knee replacement services. Specialist doctors, particularly in the field of ear, nose and throat, will be available to provide expert care.”

Focusing on maternal and child healthcare, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The dedicated Mother and Child Hospital will provide both normal and cesarean delivery services under the supervision of qualified gynecologists, ensuring better care for mothers and newborns.”

He added, “All essential treatments and diagnostic tests for mothers and children will be provided free of cost, ensuring that no family is deprived of healthcare due to financial constraints. Workers will also continue to benefit from healthcare services through the ESI dispensary operating under the hospital.”

Highlighting broader healthcare reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted, “Under our government, more than 1500 doctors have been recruited in hospitals, including over 600 specialists and more than 900 general doctors, along with more than 800 doctors in Aam Aadmi Clinics, significantly improving the availability of medical professionals across government health institutions.”

He further stated, “We have strengthened secondary healthcare facilities and expanded the network of Aam Aadmi Clinics, bringing essential healthcare services closer to communities. The availability of free medicines and modern medical equipment has also been enhanced through procurement worth more than ₹300 crore.”

Underscoring financial protection, the Chief Minister said, “Through the Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojana, we are providing health coverage of up to ₹10 lakh per family per year, ensuring access to quality treatment without financial hardship.”

Reiterating the government’s commitment, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This project will benefit over 58,000 residents in Dhuri along with thousands in nearby areas and will significantly improve healthcare delivery in the region. We remain committed to ensuring that quality healthcare services reach every citizen of Punjab.”

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*Around 37,000 elderly citizens registered at state-level health check-up camps: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*Focused push on elderly healthcare under “Sade Buzurg Sada Maan” initiative*

*Assistive devices distributed; thousands benefited from free health services*

Chandigarh, March 17:Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has registered around 37,000 elderly citizens during state-level health check-up camps organized under the “Sade Buzurg Sada Maan” initiative. This was stated by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.

Sharing further details, the Minister said that the Punjab Government considers its elderly citizens as a valuable asset, and their safety and dignity remain a top priority.

Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that elderly citizens are the foundation of our families and society, whose experiences continue to guide future generations. She said it is the moral responsibility of both the government and society to ensure they live with dignity, care, and a sense of belonging. “Through such initiatives, we reaffirm our commitment to support and stand by our elderly at every stage of their lives,” she added.

She further informed that a wide range of healthcare services were provided at these camps, including eye check-ups, cancer screening, NCD screening, orthopedic examinations, ENT check-ups, physiotherapy, and psychological assessments by experts.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further stated that 1,756 registrations were made for cataract surgeries, out of which 539 surgeries have been successfully conducted so far. Additionally, 1,274 cancer screenings, 4,863 orthopedic check-ups, 6,339 NCD screenings, 9,015 eye examinations, 2,593 ENT check-ups, and 1,621 physiotherapy services were provided.

She added that 418 beneficiaries were identified for assistive devices through ALIMCO and necessary aids were distributed. Moreover, 3,014 vision glasses were also provided to improve the eyesight of elderly citizens.

The Minister reiterated that the department remains committed to the welfare of elderly citizens and will continue to organize such initiatives in the future.

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*Centre's Admission is Victory for Punjab Farmers, Reward State at least by Releasing Pending RDF: Khudian*

*•₹416-CR utilised for farm mechanisation in 2025-26, ₹600-CR allocated for FY 2026-27: Gurmeet Singh Khudian*

*•Seeks Immediate Release of ₹8800 Crore pending RDF: Khudian*

Chandigarh, March 17:Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian has issued a sharp challenge to the Union Government, asserting that it is no longer enough to merely acknowledge Punjab’s historic success in curbing stubble burning, the Centre must now do justice to the state by releasing its long-pending financial dues.

Reacting to data tabled by Union Minister of State for Environment Sh. Kirti Vardhan Singh in the Lok Sabha confirming a collective reduction of over 90 per cent in fire incidences across Punjab and Haryana since 2022, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian emphasised that the Centre Government has finally admitted the truth, it continues to unfairly withhold Rs 8800 crore in Rural Development Funds (RDF).

He remarked that it is a profound irony that Punjab farmers are bleeding themselves in controlling paddy burning, while continuing to feed the nation as its "food bowl,", but the Union Government refuses to pay the state its rightful dues.

Seizing upon the central government's admission, the Agriculture Minister Khudian asserted that the figures had effectively silenced the critics who consistently targeted Punjab farmers and held the state responsible for North India's air pollution woes. Those who ran smear campaigns against Punjab and claimed that stubble burning would never end should now eat their words.

"For years, our farmers were stigmatised and Punjab was singled out as the sole contributor to Delhi's deteriorating air quality. Now, the Union government's own satellite data, presented formally in Parliament, has put to rest all false narratives. The reduction of over 90 per cent is the Centre's own admission, backed by scientific evidence," the Minister stated.

The Agriculture Minister S. Khudian highlighted the state government's aggressive push for farm mechanisation. He disclosed that Rs 416 crore was utilised during the financial year 2025-26 to provide subsidies on procurement of Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery to farmers across the state.

With an enhanced budgetary provision of Rs600 crore for the upcoming financial year 2026-27, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian assured that Punjab is firmly on track to offer a sustainable, long-term solution to the crop residue burning.

"With Rs 600 crore action plan formulated for financial year 2026-27, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is investing unprecedented resources to ensure that our farmers never have to burn stubble again," S. Khudian asserted.

The Agriculture Minister demanded the immediate release of Rs 8800 crore pending on account of Rural Development Fund (RDF), which the Centre has been withholding for several procurement seasons. "We have approached the Supreme Court, we have knocked on every door, yet the funds remain withheld,” he added.

Appreciating the Punjab farmers for their cooperation and willingness to adopt modern machinery, S. khudian said that the state farmers have once again proven that they are the true annadatas of the nation by making the achievement possible. Our farmers have demonstrated that with the right support, they can achieve what was once considered impossible.

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SC Commission seeks report from SSP Faridkot

Chandigarh, March 17:The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has sought a report from the Senior Superintendent of Police Faridkot regarding the action taken so far in the case of Kuldeep Singh and others vs. State of Punjab and others.

Giving information in this regard, the spokesperson of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission said that in the case of registering an FIR against Jasvir Kaur, Panch Bansa Singh Panch Amrik Singh and others under the SC/ST Act, a complaint was received from Mrs. Amandeep Kaur Sarpanch, wife of Mr. Kuldeep Singh, resident of Gram Panchayat, Chand Bhan Block Jaito, District Faridkot, in which the date has been fixed as 25-03-2026.

The spokesperson said that after considering the report received from the Punjab Police in this regard, the Commission has desired that keeping in mind the Special Leave Petition No. 13440 of 2025 pending in the Supreme Court, the complete report regarding the arrest report of the accused and other legal action should be sent by a DSP level officer after investigation on 25-03-2026.

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