*Time for PM Modi to step forward & shoulder responsibility in actually ‘stopping war’: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*PM Modi's so-called ‘strong global ties’ must now be used to protect interests of 140 crore Indians: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*PM Modi speak of becoming Vishwaguru, but what we are witnessing is taking us towards becoming Vishwachela: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
CHANDIGARH; 28 March 2026:As global tensions escalate in Gulf countries and disruptions in key maritime routes trigger uncertainty across markets, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has called on the Centre to act decisively, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take responsibility and leverage India’s global relationships to safeguard the country’s economic and energy security. He cautioned that while PM Modi speaks of becoming a Vishwaguru, the current trajectory risks reducing it to a “Vishwachela” if timely and effective intervention is not made.
Citing the recent virtual meeting convened by the Prime Minister with Chief Ministers, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “A war-like situation in Gulf countries has created panic across the world. The disruption of key sea routes is emerging as a major obstacle in global trade and supply chains.” He highlighted that each state presented its concerns in detail, noting that while some states are dependent on mining or coastal trade, Punjab’s economy is closely tied to agriculture, industry and its border location.
Emphasising the urgency of the situation, he said, “This is the time for the Prime Minister to step forward and play a responsible role in stopping the war. The strong relationships that the Prime Minister shares with leaders across countries must now be used in the interest of 140 crore Indians.”
Flagging immediate concerns for Punjab, particularly with the ongoing wheat procurement season, the Chief Minister added, “As wheat arrivals begin in mandis, it must be ensured that there is no shortage of petrol and diesel in Punjab. Any disruption in fuel supply will directly impact farmers, transportation and procurement operations.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further remarked, “We speak of becoming a Vishwaguru, but what we are witnessing suggests we are becoming a Vishwachela. This is the moment for India to translate its global standing into concrete action that protects its people.”
Calling for urgent and coordinated intervention, the Chief Minister stressed that the Centre must act swiftly to stabilise supply chains, ensure uninterrupted fuel availability, and protect the country from the cascading impact of global instability.
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*‘Sehat Kranti’ sweeps Punjab as Arvind Kejriwal & CM Bhagwant Singh Mann dedicate 109 Aam Aadmi Clinics to people*
*990 Aam Aadmi Clinics built in just 4 years, 400 more on way: Arvind Kejriwal*
*Free healthcare model expands with 107 medicines & 47 diagnostic tests available at Aam Aadmi Clinics: Arvind Kejriwal*
*65 lakh families to receive health cards, 30 lakh already issued & 1.65 lakh treated: Arvind Kejriwal*
*They tried to derail politics of work by jailing us in false cases, but court exposed truth & upheld us ‘kattar imaandar': Arvind Kejriwal*
*Don't vote for BJP even by mistake, or Punjab will face same rollback of pro-people services as Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal*
*Akali leadership plundered Punjab & patronised mafias; people will not fall for their theatrics anymore: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Sukhbir Badal is carrying leaders of the ‘Smack Organization of India’ to plunder Punjab, and this is not acceptable: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*People have rejected opportunist parties; our agenda is education, health, power and farmers’ welfare: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*From free electricity to jobs for 65,000 youth, AAP Govt has delivered on every promise made to Punjabis: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Revival of canals, closure of toll plazas and direct benefits to people show governance rooted in ground realities: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
FATEHGARH SAHIB; 28th March, 2026:With a major push on its flagship healthcare model in Punjab, the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)’s Punjab Government on Saturday dedicated 109 new Aam Aadmi Clinics to the people, taking the total number of such clinics in the state to 990 within four years, with 400 more set to be opened in the coming days. Positioning it as a large-scale expansion of free public healthcare, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal shared that the clinics are providing 107 medicines and 47 diagnostic tests free of cost, adding that the network has already recorded 5 crore OPD visits.
The AAP Supremo shared that the government is issuing health cards to 65 lakh families, of which 30 lakh have already been made and 1.65 lakh people have availed treatment. Referring to allegations and legal proceedings against him, he said he and other party leaders were jailed in false cases to halt the “politics of work”, adding that the court found no evidence against him and upheld his “kattar imaandari” (staunch honesty). The former Delhi CM also drew a comparison with Delhi, cautioning voters against the BJP and stating that a change in government would lead to the rollback of welfare measures such as free electricity, healthcare, and other public services.
Addressing a massive gathering in Fatehgarh Sahib, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal stated, "109 new Aam Aadmi Clinics are being inaugurated, where the poor will receive treatment and free medicines. In the last four years, 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics have already been built. Today, 109 more are being added, taking the total to 990 Aam Aadmi Clinics. In the coming days, 400 more Aam Aadmi Clinics will be built, which means there will be around 1500 Aam Aadmi Clinics across Punjab.”
He said, “In every corner of Punjab, in every village and ‘mohalla’, you will find an Aam Aadmi Clinic. If you have a minor illness, you can go there for treatment. The doctor consultation is free, the treatment is free, the tests are free, and the medicines are free. In the last 75 years, all other parties ruled Punjab, Congress ruled, BJP ruled, Akali Dal ruled, but not a single clinic was opened by them. Not a single clinic was opened where people could get such facilities and quality treatment.”
Arvind Kejriwal continued, “Within four years, the Aam Aadmi Party government has ensured free treatment across Punjab. So far, there have been 5 crore OPD visits. Punjab has a population of 3 crore, which means many people have visited multiple times. There are diabetes patients who go every month for medicines, there are blood pressure patients who go every month, and others who may have gone once, twice, or three times. But now people are receiving such facilities."
Describing feedback and monitoring, he added, "From CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s office, calls were made to all patients who visited Aam Aadmi Clinics. They were asked about their experience, they said it was very good. When asked if they faced any issues, they said no. They confirmed they received medicines and proper treatment from doctors. People gave immense blessings over the phone to Bhagwant Singh Mann, to the Aam Aadmi Party, and to all of us. Not a single person complained. Why? Because everything is being monitored from the Chief Minister’s office. There is no shortage of medicines, no shortage of tests, no shortage of doctors.”
“Whenever there is even a small issue, immediate instructions are issued from the top to fix it. Otherwise, it often happens that government dispensaries and clinics are built but do not function, and within ten days, they are left abandoned. But Aam Aadmi Clinics are not like that. Each clinic is being monitored closely by the Chief Minister’s office and all work is being carried out properly. From these 5 crore OPD visits, nearly 1.5 to 2 crore people have received treatment and given their blessings. In the last four years, we have earned your blessings, not money. We have not earned even a single penny, we have earned your blessings,” he asserted.
The AAP Chief further added, "Many people have made false allegations against me, against Manish Sisodia, and against senior leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party. They said Kejriwal took money, Kejriwal committed corruption, Kejriwal took ₹100 crore, and carried out a liquor scam. They put us in jail, I was kept in jail for six months, Manish Sisodia was kept in jail for one and a half years. Such powerful forces are after us. But now the court has said there is no evidence against Kejriwal, not a single piece of evidence.”
He shared, “The court upheld in its order that Kejriwal is ‘kattar imaandar' (staunchly honest) and has not committed any wrongdoing, and that BJP leaders are lying. People asked me how such a miracle happened. I said even I find it hard to believe. But there is a higher power that stands with truth and supports honest people. This happened because in Delhi, we treated the poor, opened hospitals, and set up Mohalla Clinics. We treated crores of people and opened schools for poor children. The blessings and prayers of the poor are with us, God is with us, Guru Maharaj is with us, and as long as God is with us, no force can harm us."
Explaining the health scheme, Arvind Kejriwal stated, "CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has started the ‘Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana’. Aam Aadmi Clinics have been set up near your homes for every poor family. God forbid you ever need it, but if you do, you should not worry about money. And if someone suffers from a serious illness like cancer, a heart attack, or needs a knee replacement, what will they do? Government hospitals are being improved, but it will take time. Until then, we have launched another scheme. The best private hospitals, where even Bhagwant Singh Mann goes for treatment, such as Fortis Hospital in Mohali, have now been opened for you as well. Any farmer, labourer, rickshaw puller, teacher, or any citizen of Punjab can get free treatment in the same hospitals where the Chief Minister, ministers, and MLAs get treated."
He said that when we launched this scheme, Congress and BJP leaders started criticising us. They said why is this needed, poor people can go to government hospitals. They said this will spoil the poor. I want to ask you, should the poor get treatment in the best hospitals or not? Should treatment be free or not? Of course it should. The same hospitals where the Chief Minister gets treated will now treat the poor. When opposition parties tried to protest, the public chased them away. These days, the public itself drives them away.
Speaking on electricity and governance contrast, the AAP Supremo added, "We have made electricity free across Punjab. Punjab and Delhi were the only two states where electricity was free under Aam Aadmi Party governments. Now that Delhi no longer has our government, I've heard within six months free electricity may be stopped there. In Punjab, you are getting free electricity because of the Aam Aadmi Party government. If by mistake you vote for those people, think about what will happen in Punjab.”
“In Delhi, after our government went, all Mohalla Clinics were shut, medicines and tests in government hospitals were stopped, and now they are planning to end free electricity. Tickets for free bus travel for women have also been stopped. That is why the Aam Aadmi Party is necessary. Do not vote for other parties even by mistake,” he emphasised.
Highlighting farmers’ benefits, Arvind Kejriwal continued, "For farmers, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has done a lot. Earlier, electricity for irrigation would come at 3 am or 4 am, sometimes only for half an hour. Now you get 7 to 8 hours of continuous electricity during the day, even up to 12 hours. There is no need to wake up at night anymore. Canal water is now reaching every field. Earlier only 22 percent farmers had irrigation water, now 78 percent farmers across Punjab have access to it. Earlier, after selling crops in mandis, farmers had to wait three to four months for payments. Now you take your crop in the morning, return home by evening, and before that you receive a message that your payment has been credited. Payments are now made the same day."
Detailing welfare guarantees, he added, "All these facilities are due to the Aam Aadmi Party government. Soon, the biggest announcement will be implemented, where ₹1000 per month will be deposited into every woman’s account. Registration will begin around Baisakhi. For SC women, ₹1500 will be provided. Any woman above 18 years of age who is a resident of Punjab can register and start receiving the benefit. With this, we have fulfilled all our guarantees.”
The AAP Supremo asserted that during the 2022 elections, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and I had made several promises, and not a single guarantee remains unfulfilled. Every promise has been delivered. Apart from this, we have also undertaken many other works. 4000 kilometres of roads are being built, connecting villages. Playgrounds are being developed in every village, and soon sports equipment will also be provided. Many more works have been done and many more will be done in the future.
Concluding, Arvind Kejriwal stated, "Other parties have nothing left to say. They only abuse us on Twitter. When they go to villages, people chase them away. They have now become Twitter (now X) parties. The Aam Aadmi Party must be brought back. Last time, you gave 92 seats. This time, do not give even a single seat to them. Give all 117 seats to the Aam Aadmi Party so that CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s hands are strengthened and we can work even harder.”
Meanwhile, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, "From this stage, we are talking about education, health, power, agriculture, and other sectors, whereas on the stages of other parties, only claims are being made to grab power. These opportunist leaders are baffled because people are not responding to them. Their agenda is limited to the welfare of their own families, not the people. Sukhbir Badal is carrying leaders of the ‘Smack Organization of India’ to plunder the state, and this is not acceptable."
Recalling past leadership, he said, "Even Parkash Singh Badal never made Sukhbir the head of the state because he knew he would push Punjab into disarray. The Akali party was once known as the party of martyrs, but the Badal family ruined it by selling and supplying drugs to the youth, laying the pyres of our generations. They have misused the SGPC and the money from the golak of Gurudwaras for their own vested interests."
Raising issues of justice, Bhagwant Singh Mann continued, "The former Deputy Chief Minister talks about development but turns a blind eye to Kotakpura, Behbal Kalan, and other places where ‘beadbi’ (sacrilege) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib took place and innocents were killed. Their Punjab Bachao Yatra is nothing but a ‘Parivar Bachao Yatra’. After looting the state for 15 years, from whom are they trying to save Punjab? The Akalis have plundered the state mercilessly, bruised the psyche of Punjabis, and patronised mafias."
Highlighting governance and irrigation, he added, "People know the true character of the Akalis and the Badal family, which is why their theatrics will not work anymore. We have revived 6900 km of watercourses and 18,349 channels to ensure water reaches the tail ends, benefiting farmers immensely. Earlier, canals would stop at the residences of certain leaders, and they never bothered about the farmers."
Contrasting leadership styles, the Punjab CM asserted, "Such decisions can only be taken by those who understand ground realities, not those educated in convent schools in the hills. Traditional parties have always betrayed Punjab and its people. They are envious because we have set an agenda focused on the welfare of the common man, while they only played musical chairs to take turns looting the state."
Reflecting on the mandate, he stated, "This dirty game stopped when people gave us a massive mandate. Since then, we have taken several pro-people initiatives, which is why we are being targeted. These leaders have no vision for Punjab and are driven only by personal ambition. On the other hand, we have provided free electricity to 90 percent of households, given jobs to more than 65,000 youth without corruption, improved roads, closed toll plazas saving ₹70 lakh daily, and strengthened infrastructure."
Highlighting pro-people schemes, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, "We have launched the Maavan Dhian Satkar Yojna under which women above 18 years will receive ₹1000 per month, and ₹1500 for women from SC community. The tax money belongs to the people, and we are using it for their welfare. It is coming back to them through development, schools, hospitals, and roads. We have fulfilled all our guarantees, and we will continue working for the progress of the state. We have closed 19 toll plazas in Punjab, saving ₹64 lakh daily for the common man. We have fulfilled every promise made to the people and will continue to do so. Our sole agenda is the progress of Punjab and the prosperity of its people."
He added that Sukhbir Singh Badal is a convent-educated leader who does not understand the basic topography of Punjab but wants to rule it. Captain Amarinder Singh and his family have repeatedly deceived Punjab by siding with forces against the state, whether Mughals, Britishers, or now BJP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a master of phraseology who can connect himself with anything as per convenience. In Congress, every leader wants to become Chief Minister. They have more CMs than workers. That is why their top leader had to publicly snub them in a recent rally. The Congress is a divided house that will collapse due to internal fighting.
Questioning leadership credibility, the Punjab CM remarked, "It is unfortunate that senior Congress leaders who come to unite these factions cannot even pronounce their names properly. They have no vision for Punjab and only want to plunder its wealth. Earlier, these parties waited for their turn to grab power, but now the broom is here to clean their mess. We are exploring the feasibility of putting high tension wires passing through farmers’ land underground. This will be implemented soon and will provide major relief to farmers, as these wires pose a huge risk to them and their crops."
"Today, two major irrigation projects are being launched in Fatehgarh Sahib with an investment of ₹41.22 crore to deliver canal water to farmers’ fields. This includes the concrete lining of the 1L Distributary, Sangatpura Minor, Reethkheri Minor, and Chaleila Sub-Minor. Earlier, due to low capacity, surplus water flowed to Haryana while Punjab’s fields suffered. Now every drop of Punjab’s river water will reach Punjab’s fields, benefiting 41,726 acres across 70 villages,” he shared.
Explaining technical upgrades, Bhagwant Singh Mann further shared, "The capacity of 1L will increase from 95.5 cusecs to 142.91 cusecs. Sangatpura Minor will increase from 17 to 30.74 cusecs, Reethkheri Minor from 49.70 to 73.69 cusecs, and Chaleila Sub-Minor from 18.80 to 31.27 cusecs. This canal originated from the Bhakra Main Line in 1960, but over time, structural weakening reduced its efficiency. With concrete lining, carrying capacity will increase by 1.5 times. We have restored 21,000 feet of previously non-functional sections of Reethkheri and Chaleila minors, which will provide irrigation to an additional 6,534 acres. Since 2022, around 11,477 acres of land have already been brought under canal irrigation."
On this occasion, senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia, along with Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Dr Balbir Singh, Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, Barinder Goyal, Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Dr Ravjot, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Mohinder Bhagat, and others were also present.
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*Punjab flags urgent fuel demand as 140 LMT wheat harvest approaches, seeks Centre’s immediate action: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Ensure uninterrupted fuel supply or risk food security during wheat harvest: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*No shortage, no panic, but Centre must step up fuel supply for farmers: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Punjab ready with 181 LMT wheat, 139 LMT paddy for nation, seeks fuel assurance to sustain supply chain: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Act now on petrol, diesel & DAP supply to protect farmers and national food security: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
CHANDIGARH, 28 March 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday called upon the Government of India to urgently ensure enhanced and uninterrupted supply of petrol, diesel and DAP fertiliser as Punjab gears up for a 140 Lakh Metric Ton (LMT) wheat harvest, warning that any disruption in fuel availability could directly impact national food security. While reiterating that there is no shortage and no cause for panic, the Chief Minister underscored that timely action by the Centre is essential to keep harvesting operations and grain movement running smoothly, even as Punjab stands ready with 181 LMT wheat and 139 LMT paddy to support the nation.
Addressing a press conference, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “During a virtual meeting with the Prime Minister on Friday evening, I apprised that Punjab is likely to produce 140 Lakh Metric Ton (LMT) of wheat this year. To ensure smooth harvesting and ferrying of the crop, regular supply of petrol and diesel is needed. A large number of tractors, trolleys, harvesters and trucks will be used during harvesting, so fuel supply must be enhanced in larger public interest. It is the need of the hour to ensure that the food security of the country is maintained by all means.”
Reassuring the public, the Chief pointed said there was no need for panic. “There is currently a stock of 12-14 days of petrol and diesel and six days of LPG in the state, which is usually the same throughout the year. This stock is intact and supply is going on unabated. The country has import agreements with 41 nations and at the national level 60 days of petrol and diesel stock and 30 days of LPG stock have already been secured. There is no need for hoarding or panic buying as the Chief Secretary is keeping an eagle eye on supplies. Hoarders and black marketers will not be spared at any cost.”
Citing operational data, he added, “Till Thursday, 71,000 requests for LPG refilling were received, out of which 69,000 have already been delivered. There is no possibility of any lockdown in the state and everything is functioning smoothly. A total of 1,497 checks have been conducted, during which 301 LPG cylinders were seized.” He further stated, “The Punjab Government is committed to ensuring that both agriculture and industry do not face any disruption. A helpline number 01723321001 has been launched for LPG, petrol and diesel-related issues.”
Highlighting Punjab’s role in national food security, the Chief Minister said, “Amidst the ongoing situation, Punjab is ready to provide 41 LMT of wheat currently in its godowns, along with 140 LMT expected this year and 139 LMT of paddy for serving people across the country. The state has always helped the needy and poor. If the country requires this 181 LMT of wheat and 139 LMT of paddy, it can be lifted anytime. Punjab will uphold its glorious tradition to support the nation in this hour of need and no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause.”
He also welcomed the Centre’s move on fuel pricing, stating, “The decision of the Government of India to reduce additional tax on petrol and diesel is a confidence-building measure.” Raising further concerns, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Union government must ensure regular supply of DAP fertilizer on priority as paddy transplantation in Punjab begins from June 1. The waiting period of 45 days for LPG refills in rural areas should also be reduced to 25 days, at par with urban areas.”
Referring to his interaction with the Prime Minister, he said, “During the virtual meeting, I flagged all key issues pertaining to Punjab. I urged the Prime Minister to proactively use diplomatic channels so that the country does not face any shortages. Though we claim to be a Vishav Guru, we must ensure that our actions reflect self-reliance and strategic strength in securing essential resources.”
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*On April 13, we will amend ‘Beadbi’ law; anyone committing beadbi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib will face 10 years to life imprisonment: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Bhagwant Mann Govt to tighten law on ‘beadbi’, special Assembly session on Baisakhi*
*Badal regime looked away as ‘beadbi' & killings took place, their tall claims stand exposed: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*People will not forget ‘beadbi’, Badal family complicit & accountable: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
FATEHGARH SAHIB, 28th March 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal and the Shiromani Akali Dal over past ‘beadbi' (sacrilege) incidents, while asserting that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is taking decisive steps to ensure justice by strengthening laws and enforcing strict punishment.
Addressing a massive gathering in Fatehgarh Sahib, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, "Sukhbir Singh Badal makes tall claims that everything is built by them, but he turns a blind eye to Kotakpura, Behbal Kalan, and other places where ‘beadbi’ (sacrilege) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib took place and innocents were killed. All of this happened under their regime."
He added, "They have forgotten these ‘beadbi’ incidents and believe that people will forget them too, but people will not forget. Their family was complicit. We will fix this and are consulting the best legal experts to strengthen the law. On the occasion of Baisakhi, we have called a special Assembly session to amend the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008.”
The Punjab CM asserted, “Anyone attempting ‘beadbi’ will face the strictest punishment, with a minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment. No one should dare to disrespect Sri Guru Granth Sahib. We are also consulting the Sant Samaj. This is something only we can and must do, and it cannot be expected from any other government.”
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*NHM PUNJAB PARTNERS WITH JHPIEGO TO REVOLUTIONIZE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTHCARE*
*— MoU signed with Jhpiego to strengthen RMNCHA+N services across the state*
*— Integration of digital health and AI-driven monitoring to ensure real-time tracking of high-risk pregnancies, says Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh*
Chandigarh, March 28:In a major push to elevate the standard of maternal and neonatal care in the state as per the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the National Health Mission (NHM) Punjab has entered into a long-term Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jhpiego, an international non-governmental organization.
The MoU was signed by the Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare Kumar Rahul and Country Director of Jhpiego Dr Amit Arun Shah, in the august presence of Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh.
Sharing details of the collaboration, Dr Balbir Singh stated that this partnership is a significant step toward strengthening Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health, and Nutrition (RMNCHA+N) services. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the state’s commitment to innovation-driven public health reforms and positioning Punjab as a leader in digital health.
Dr Balbir Singh informed that the primary objective is to enhance technical support to improve maternal and child health outcomes. "Our focus will be on strengthening antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care through standardized identification and management of high-risk pregnancies using digital and data-driven approaches," he added.
Underlining the technological aspect of the MoU, the Health Minister stated that the state will strengthen the integration of key digital health platforms, including beneficiary tracking systems, IoT-enabled devices, and labour room monitoring solutions. This will enable real-time tracking of pregnant women and newborns, ensuring early identification of high-risk cases and timely clinical interventions.
He further said that the collaboration would also encompass the capacity building of healthcare workers, intensive monitoring, supportive supervision, and policy-level technical assistance. These efforts are expected to significantly reduce maternal and neonatal mortality, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The ceremony was attended by senior officials of the Health Department, NHM Punjab, and various state-level stakeholders.
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*Punjab’s Investment Momentum Continues: ₹400 Cr Trident Hotel Project Announced for Amritsar: Sanjeev Arora*
*150-room premium hospitality project near Golden Temple to create around 350 jobs; major boost to Punjab’s tourism sector: Sanjeev Arora*
Chandigarh, March 28, 2026:In a significant boost to Punjab’s tourism and hospitality sector, Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora announced that the Oberoi Group and Springedge Solutions Pvt. Ltd. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of a world-class hospitality project in Amritsar.
The MoU was signed in the presence of senior representatives of both sides, including Mr. R. Shankar, President – Corporate and Legal Affairs, Oberoi Group, and Dr. Shahbaz Singh, Dr. Avtar Singh and Dr. Amandeep Kaur, Directors of Springedge Solutions Pvt. Ltd. The signing ceremony was also attended by Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Administrative Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Punjab.
Furthermore he informed that the upcoming 150-room project will be developed under the Trident brand of the Oberoi Group and will come up on Amritsar–Tarn Taran Road, around 3 kilometres from the Golden Temple. Spread over 3 acres, the project involves an investment of around ₹400 crore and is expected to significantly strengthen Amritsar’s premium hospitality infrastructure.
The project is expected to generate employment for around 350 persons, giving a further fillip to local economic activity and job creation, he added.
Sharing more details, he said that this hospitality venture will be developed as a joint collaboration between the Oberoi Group and Springedge Solutions Pvt. Ltd., bringing together the Oberoi Group’s globally respected expertise in luxury hospitality and Springedge’s strong local institutional presence.
Notably, this will be the first hotel in Punjab under the “Trident” brand. At present, 9 hotels are operational under the Trident brand across India. The Oberoi Group currently has 32 operational hotels across the country, while 10 more are in the pipeline. In Punjab, the Group already operates The Oberoi Sukhvilas Spa Resort, New Chandigarh under the Oberoi brand.
The Amritsar project is also significant as it is being described as the first Greenfield project of this scale under the Trident brand in Punjab. Work on the project is expected to begin in July 2026, with completion targeted for March 2029.
The Government of Punjab, through Invest Punjab, played a proactive role in facilitating this collaboration. Invest Punjab has been closely engaging with both parties for over one and a half years and was instrumental in bringing them together, reflecting the state government’s commitment to enabling high-value investments.
Highlighting Punjab’s strong industrial momentum, Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora informed that the state has attracted ₹59,448 crore of investments in 2025–26, the highest in its history, with a potential to generate 1,33,221 jobs. Further, since April 1, 2022, Punjab has attracted investments worth ₹1,59,947 crore, with an employment potential of 5,57,664 jobs, showcasing the growing confidence of investors in the state.
This collaboration marks another important milestone in Punjab’s journey towards becoming a preferred destination for high-end tourism, hospitality and investment, while further reinforcing Amritsar’s position as a global cultural and spiritual hub.
Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora said Punjab is emerging as a preferred destination not only for industry, but also for premium tourism and hospitality investments. With proactive support from Invest Punjab, such landmark projects are becoming a reality and contributing to the state’s economic growth.
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*Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora Visits Mrs. Bectors Food Specialities' State-of-the-Art Facility in Rajpura; Reaffirms Commitment to Industrial Growth*
Chandigarh/Rajpura, March 28, 2026:Punjab's Cabinet Minister for Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion, Power and Local Government, Sanjeev Arora, today visited the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility of Mrs. Bectors Food Specialities Ltd. at Rajpura, underscoring the state government's continued focus on strengthening industrial development and investor confidence.
Established in 2018 and spread across 32 acres, the Rajpura unit has a robust monthly production capacity of approximately 6,200 tonnes. The facility employs over 2,000 workers and has created significant livelihood opportunities, including employment for more than 350 women. The company is also planning to construct a dedicated hostel facility for its female workforce, further promoting inclusive industrial growth.
Mrs. Bectors Food Specialities, a leading name in India's food processing sector, reported sales of approximately ₹2,100 crore in 2026. The company manufactures a wide range of products including biscuits, breads, bakery items, and frozen foods across nine plants nationwide. With an investment of nearly ₹1,500 crore in advanced manufacturing facilities, the company exports its products to over 70 countries and maintains a strong domestic presence across more than 5.5 lakh retail outlets supported by a network of over 900 distributors. It is currently the second-largest biscuit manufacturer in Punjab, holding over 14% market share.
During the visit, the Minister Sanjeev Arora toured various specialised manufacturing units and appreciated the high standards of workmanship, automation, and strict adherence to quality and safety protocols maintained at the facility.
Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director Anoop Bector expressed strong confidence in Punjab's industrial ecosystem. He highlighted that the company's continued investments would further strengthen its product portfolio while expanding both domestic and international market reach.
Mr. Bector also lauded the proactive leadership and working approach of Minister Sanjeev Arora, acknowledging his efforts in driving Punjab's industrial transformation. He further appreciated the Punjab Government's progressive industrial policies, stating that these initiatives are poised to boost revenue generation and position Punjab as a leading destination for industrial growth in the country.
Reiterating the government's vision, Minister Sanjeev Arora emphasized that under the able leadership of Hon'ble National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and Hon'ble Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann, Punjab remains committed to providing a business-friendly environment, world-class infrastructure, and policy support to facilitate industrial expansion and attract new investments into the state.
The visit was also accompanied by PRTC Vice Chairman Balwinder Singh Jharwan, SDM Naman, GM DIC Arshdeep, EO Avatar, and senior management of Mrs. Bectors Food Specialities.
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*18 lakh parents turn up for Mega PTM, Bhagwant Mann Govt drives mass participation in Punjab's 'Sikhya Kranti'*
*• From report cards to real feedback, Punjab schools shift to outcome-driven education model under Sikhya Kranti: Harjot Singh Bains*
*• Bhagwant Mann Govt to roll out SMS alerts for student absenteeism, pushing accountability in public schools: Harjot Singh Bains*
CHANDIGARH, March 28:To enhance community participation to improve student learning outcomes under the ongoing “Punjab Sikhya Kranti” drive, the Bhagwant Mann Government has organised a statewide Mega Parent–Teacher Meeting (PTM) across all government primary, middle, high and senior secondary schools. The initiative succeeded in reaching over 18 lakh parents in a single day, making it one of the largest school-community engagement exercises in the country.
Divulging the details about the Mega PTM, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains revealed the plans to roll out the Students Absent Alert SMS system in all government schools, that'll boost regular attendance and further strengthen the education system. The SMS alerts will notify parents when their child is absent. The move will promote accountability.
The Education Minister stated, “Parents were sensitised about the Students Absent Alert SMS system through structured orientations and one-on-one discussions. The Mega PTM went beyond report card distribution, offering holistic feedback on each child's progress. Schools created welcoming environments, showcased student work through exhibitions, and focused on HPV vaccination for girls to promote adolescent health.”
Terming the Mega PTM as a critical step towards strengthening the state’s education ecosystem, Harjot Singh Bains said, “All Government schools dedicated the entire day exclusively to parent-teacher-student interactions, transforming classrooms into collaborative spaces focused on meaningful dialogue rather than routine academic transactions to build a responsive and inclusive public education system.”
Harjot Singh Bains emphasised that Punjab Sikhya Kranti is about building strong partnerships between schools and families, not just infrastructure. When parents and teachers work together, every child benefits. This Mega PTM aimed to strengthen that partnership across Punjab's government schools.
“The PTM meeting also served as a platform for an enrollment drive for the new academic session to encourage admissions in government schools, while disseminating information on key quality initiatives such as Mission Samarth, Hunar Sikhya and other flagship programmes,” he added.
The Mega PTM underscores Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s strong commitment to community-driven education reforms to further improve student learning outcomes, besides, building a responsive and inclusive public education system. By turning report card days into real conversations, the state has reinforced its vision of a participatory and outcome-driven education framework under the Punjab Sikhya Kranti.