*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Cabinet clears Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna; over 97% women to receive ₹1000–₹1500 monthly*

*₹9,300 crore earmarked as Punjab rolls out one of India’s largest women-centric DBT schemes ensuring financial independence & dignity*

*Punjab Cabinet clears desilting of River Satluj to fast-track NHAI highway projects*

CHANDIGARH, 29 March 2026:The Punjab Cabinet led by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday took several key decisions, including paving the way for the launch of the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna across Punjab, ensuring a monthly financial assistance of ₹1000 to all other women and ₹1500 to women from Scheduled Castes, benefiting more than 97% of women in Punjab. The decision was taken in a meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by the Chief Minister.

Disclosing this, the Chief Minister’s Office said, “Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna (State Scheme) will be launched in the State. The Scheme makes a provision of a cash benefit of ₹1000 per month to all other women and ₹1500 per month to women from Scheduled Castes. This scheme will have a monumental effect on the upliftment of women by making them independent and empowering them. It will give them choice and, clubbed with financial literacy, it will promote savings, thrift and investment and will enable dignity in fulfilling their small desires.”

It further said, “Punjab has already made considerable progress in social welfare and human development indicators; however, a large number of women across the state, particularly those belonging to economically vulnerable households, continue to lack independent financial security. Strengthening women’s financial autonomy is essential for improving household welfare, promoting gender equity, and enhancing women’s participation in social and economic decision-making.”

Highlighting the scale of the initiative, the CM Office added, “The scheme is expected to benefit more than 97% of women, making it one of the most comprehensive women-centric social protection initiatives in the country. The scheme represents a landmark step towards ensuring direct economic support to women across the state and reflects the Government’s vision that women’s empowerment must translate into tangible financial independence.”

The scheme has been designed as a Direct Benefit Transfer initiative, under which financial assistance will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries. There will be no restriction on the number of eligible women in a family who may avail benefits under the scheme, and existing social security pensioners will also continue to receive full financial benefits under this scheme in addition to their pensions, significantly enhancing its reach and impact.

Women aged 18 years or above, registered as a voter in Punjab and possessing a valid Aadhaar card reflecting Punjab residency along with a valid Voter ID issued by the Election Commission of India, shall be eligible to be enrolled as a beneficiary under the scheme.

To ensure effective last-mile delivery, the Bhagwant Mann Government will undertake extensive outreach and enrolment efforts, including mobilisation support to assist women in completing documentation, activating bank accounts and ensuring seamless registration, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Reinforcing the scale of the initiative, a sum of ₹9,300 crore has already been sanctioned in the Budget for the financial year 2026–27 and, given the scale and outreach of the scheme, it is expected to become one of the largest women-centric social welfare initiatives undertaken by the Government of Punjab.

*Approval to Fill 70 Direct Posts in the Department of Planning*

The Cabinet also accorded approval to fill 70 Direct Posts in the Department of planning. The process for merger of the Economic Policy and Planning Board and the Directorate of Statistics, Punjab has already been initiated. In view of this exercise, the requirement on vacant posts to be filled has been revised. So the approval was given to fill 70 posts of direct recruitment by the Officers’ Committee.

*Amendment in Terms for Appointment of CMDs and Directors of PSPCL and PSTCL*

The Cabinet also gave approval to amend the “Terms regarding qualifications and experience required for the appointment of Chairman-cum-Managing Directors (CMDs) and Directors” of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (POWERCOM) & Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (TRANSCO).

*Approval to Appoint Manpower and Supporting Staff at Pachhwara Coal Mine*

The Cabinet also gave green signal to appoint statutory manpower and Supporting Staff by PSPCL on contract basis for operation and maintenance of Pachhwara Central Coal Mine (PCCM) at District Pakur, Jharkhand. It was also decided to constitute an Empowered Committee comprising Administrative Secretary as Chairman and Chairman-cum-Managing Director and Director / Generation, PSPCL as members. This empowered committee was authorized to give all approvals pertaining to recruitment and extension in contractual engagement of Statutory Manpower / Supporting Staff for the operation and maintenance of Pachhwara Central Coal Mine, Pakur.

*Amendments in Policy for Conversion of Leasehold Industrial Plots to Freehold*

The Cabinet also gave consent to amendments in the policy for Conversion of leasehold industrial plots/ sheds to freehold. As per it, industrial plots mortgaged with banks or financial institutions shall be eligible for conversion to freehold, subject to submission of a No Objection Certificate from the concerned bank and compliance with prescribed safeguards. A conversion fee of 5 percent shall be applicable where the current title documents do not contain any clause relating to unearned increase, irrespective of its presence in earlier title documents.

*Punjab Common Infrastructure (Regulation and Maintenance) (Amendment) Bill, 2026*

The Cabinet also gave nod to introduce the Punjab Common Infrastructure (Regulation and Maintenance) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to comprehensively reform the Punjab Common Infrastructure (Regulation and Maintenance) Act, 2012 to strengthen the effectiveness, transparency and financial sustainability of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPVs) for better management of industrial areas across Punjab. The proposed amendments will address administrative and operational challenges that have emerged over the years due to the expansion of industrial parks and the emergence of new industrial clusters outside notified industrial estates. It will also create a streamlined system for collection and utilization of service charges for the maintenance of common infrastructure such as roads, street lights, parks, security, drainage systems and other shared facilities in industrial areas.

Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) will be created in all industrial areas which will be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. This SPV will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of common infrastructure within industrial areas on a no-profit, no-loss basis. Also, a District Monitoring Authority will be established to oversee the functioning of SPVs and provide an institutional mechanism for monitoring and dispute resolution.

*Approval for Desilting in River Satluj for NHAI Projects*

The Cabinet also gave nod for relaxing the conditions for desilting in River Sutlej to provide simple earth to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for the construction of various highway projects in the state. This is part of various initiatives being taken by the Department of Water Resources involving the excavation of longitudinal channels in major rivers across Punjab as part of its broader river management and flood mitigation efforts.

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*Vigilance Bureau nabs ASI red handed accepting bribe of Rs 15,000/-*

Chandigarh March 29, 2026:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has apprehended Assistant Sub Inspector Lakhwinder Singh posted as Incharge police post Kitchlu Nagar, police station PAU Ludhiana , red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 15,000/-.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a resident of Bank Colony Noorwala road district Ludhiana.

He said that a case was registered against the complainant whose investigation officer was accused ASI Lakhwinder Singh. In this regard, complainant alleged that accused ASI demanded bribe of Rs 30,000/- in lieu of not implicating the complainant's sister and mother in this case. Complainant had recorded the entire conversation of demanding bribe.

Unwilling to pay any illegal gratification, the complainant approached the Vigilance Bureau range Ludhiana. After a preliminary enquiry on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused ASI was arrested red handed while accepting bribe money of Rs 15,000/- from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Ludhiana and further investigation into this case is under progress.

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*Some “opportunists” merely repeating whatever has been brought into public domain by me regarding Halwara Airport: Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora*

*Persistent Efforts of Sanjeev Arora Leads to start of flights from Halwara Airport after almost 30 Years of Delay*

Chandigarh/ Ludhiana, March 29, 2026:Recent statements made by Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu regarding the development and progress of Halwara Airport are misleading and do not reflect the ground reality.

It is pertinent to mention that during a press briefing held at Ludhiana on March 26, Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora had already confirmed that flight bookings for Halwara will commence from next week. “The same was reiterated by Cabinet Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu today after three days. Some “opportunists” are merely repeating whatever has been brought into public domain by me,” he quipped.

This landmark achievement is the result of sustained, consistent, and multi-level efforts spearheaded by former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, and present Cabinet Minister, Punjab, Shri Sanjeev Arora, who pursued the matter relentlessly across successive years.

The journey towards operationalisation reflects Shri Arora’s unwavering commitment to strengthening regional connectivity and supporting Punjab’s industrial and economic growth, particularly for Ludhiana and surrounding districts.

Chronology of Key Interventions and Milestones

November 22, 2022: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann intervention initiated to revive stalled progress.

December 11, 2022: Funds worth ₹50 crore released to resume construction work.

January 17, 2023: MP Sanjeev Arora urged the Ministry of Civil Aviation to resume Delhi–Ludhiana flights.

April 14, 2023: MP Sanjeev Arora wrote to all airlines seeking commencement of flights from Halwara.

May 7, 2023: MP Arora advocated for expedited completion of Halwara Airport.

August 22, 2023: Approval received from Civil Aviation Secretary Shri Rajiv Bansal to push airlines to start Delhi and Mumbai flights from Halwara.

August 26, 2023: MP Sanjeev Arora visited Halwara Airport to review development progress.

January 9, 2024: Ministry of Civil Aviation provided an update on construction progress.

January 31, 2024: Request made for inauguration of the Interim Terminal Building at Halwara near Ludhiana.

July 19, 2024: Sanjeev Arora reviewed construction with officials from AAI, PWD, and the Indian Air Force.

August 13, 2024: MP Arora discussed flight operations with Tata Sons Chairman Shri N. Chandrasekaran.

August 29, 2024: MP Arora met senior officials of Air India in Gurugram; assurance received that flights would commence soon.

September 3, 2024: MP Sanjeev Arora wrote to the Union Minister of Civil Aviation seeking expedited commencement of operations.

December 21, 2024: Meeting held with AAI Chairman Shri Vipin Kumar regarding airport code and operational date.

January 8, 2025: Air India conveyed that flight operations would begin after commissioning and approval.

January 10, 2025: Air India agreed to operate flights from Halwara International Airport.

February 4, 2025: Halwara Airport received the HWR airport code.

February 19, 2025: MP Sanjeev Arora and DC Shri Jitendra Jorwal reviewed final-phase works.

May 23, 2025: Chief Minister Shri Bhagwant Mann requested the Ministry of Civil Aviation to operationalise the Civil Air Terminal and shift flights from Sahnewal to Halwara.

June 2025: Structural works completed; interior finishing of the 2,000-square-metre terminal building and installation of glass façades concluded.

July 27, 2025: First scheduled virtual inauguration by the Hon’blle Prime Minister deferred due to technical delays.

December 2, 2025: MP Shri Rajinder Gupta urged expedited operationalisation in Rajya Sabha, citing capacity for 2,500 daily passengers.

December 29, 2025: Air India cleared the airport for five-days-a-week operations and sought additional slots.

January 15, 2026: Final security audit completed; BCAS granted operational approval.

January 28, 2026: Final site inspection conducted by DC Shri Himanshu Jain and SSP (Rural) Shri Ankur Gupta.

January 29, 2026: Official confirmation received from the PMO for February 1 inauguration; Air India requested seven-days-a-week flight slots.

February 1, 2026: Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the terminal building.

Mr Sanjeev Arora said that the operationalisation of Halwara Airport is expected to significantly enhance regional air connectivity, reduce travel time for industry and passengers, and provide a major boost to Punjab’s industrial, export, and investment ecosystem—particularly benefitting Ludhiana, one of North India’s largest manufacturing hubs.

Shri Sanjeev Arora’s sustained follow-up, policy engagement, and coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India, airline operators, and the Punjab Government ensured that the long-pending project was finally brought to fruition.