*Under AAP Govt, Punjab Schools become No. 1 in education, tops National Achievement Survey & even surpasses Kerala: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

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*From roads to irrigation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann launches ₹87 crore development works in Patiala’s Sanaur*

*Sanaur Link, Patiala–Pehowa Road & other roads to be renovated: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Concrete lining of Ghaggar-Rajbaha, Sekhpur-Bahadarpur minors underway at a cost of ₹27 crore: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*New project brings irrigation water to 40,066 acres of land across 83 villages: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*No compromise on road quality, earlier govts saw roads crumble within days due to corruption: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Haryana was taking 25 percent of Bhakra canal water meant for Punjab, we fought in court & secured it for our farmers: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

SANUAR (PATIALA), 30 March 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday accelerated Punjab’s development push on the ground by launching a series of major infrastructure and irrigation projects in Patiala’s Sanaur constituency, announcing ₹87 crore worth of road renovation works alongside ₹27 crore canal lining projects that will bring irrigation water to 40,066 acres across 83 villages.

Driving home a decisive shift from past governance, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that while previous governments allowed roads to crumble within days due to corruption, the Punjab Government has enforced strict accountability with a mandatory five-year maintenance clause for contractors. At the same time, he underlined that the AAP government has not only expanded irrigation coverage significantly from 21,050 acres earlier but has also secured Punjab’s rightful 25 percent share of Bhakra canal water from Haryana through a legal battle, ensuring that farmers receive their due.

Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Baffled by the unprecedented development of Punjab, the traditional parties have lost their mental balance. Today, the pace of Punjab’s development is back on track and gaining momentum with every passing day. The opposition parties are not able to digest it due to which they are issuing baseless and irrational statements daily. This reflects the frustration amongst the opposition parties who are envious of the development of the state and prosperity of its people.”

Highlighting infrastructure development in Sanaur constituency, the Chief Minister said, “Today in Sanaur constituency, several new link roads will be built, and some existing ones will get a new look at a cost of ₹49.60 crore. People will soon see changes in the roads leading to their villages, and the main Patiala-Pehowa road will be given a facelift and it will soon become a four-lane highway to ease Delhi-bound traffic.”

Emphasising accountability, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These will not be substandard roads like before as the contractors have five year maintenance duty, and any damage means payment withheld, blacklisting, no future contracts and others.”

Underlining the scale of the road infrastructure push, he said, “It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that the Punjab Government has embarked on the biggest road construction work taken up in the history of the state, targeting to construct 44,920 km of roads with a total cost of ₹16,209 crore.”

He added, “These roads will all be with the five years maintenance clause ensuring highest quality standards along with the world class road safety features. This move is aimed to provide better mobility and boost rural infrastructure in the state thereby immensely benefitting the common people.”

On water conservation and irrigation, the Chief Minister said, “Those who claimed to be the protectors of water have never paid heed towards preserving the water whereas the Punjab Government is taking on account every single drop of water.”

He added, “As many as 6900 km long, 18349 water courses have been revived in the state to provide water at tail ends thereby immensely benefitting the farmers. Our Government has spent ₹6500 crore for rejuvenating the canal system to ensure water reaches at tail ends, and for the first time 1444 villages of the state have got canal water.”

Listing achievements in the education sector, he said, “Punjab secured the top position in the National Achievement Survey 2024, and it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for all Punjabis that the state surpassed even Kerala in this survey.”

He added, “In the last few years 740 students have cleared JEE and 1284 have cleared NEET, and 118 Schools of Eminence are being established, of which 60 have already been opened.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said, “These schools are helping talented students fulfill their dreams and the objective is to provide education based on students’ abilities and interests so they can achieve great success.” He added, “For the first time 24 lakh parents have participated in the mega PTMs.”

Expanding on education reforms, the Chief Minister said, “All the streams, including Medical and Non-Medical, are being offered to the students in the government schools.” He added, “Coaching for prestigious exams like Armed Forces Preparatory, NEET, JEE, and CLAT is also provided.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “As education is the panacea of all the ills confronted by the society, the Punjab Government has prioritized education and has taken path breaking initiatives in the education sector to transform the lives of people.”

Stressing the role of education in social transformation, he said, “No freebie or concession cards can eliminate poverty or other social maladies in the state but education is the key that can pull people out of this vicious circle by raising their standard of living.”

He added, “Education is the light that illuminates the world by dispelling the darkness, due to which the Punjab Government is laying special thrust on it.” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna has been launched under which health cards are being issued to all 65 lakh families in Punjab.”

On healthcare delivery, the Chief Minister said, “Every family is entitled to free treatment up to ₹10 lakh under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna (MMSY) and over 30 lakh beneficiaries have already received health cards. 1.65 lakh people have received free treatment under this scheme, and people should take maximum benefit of these cards.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said, “For the first time in the history of the state more than eight hours of uninterrupted power had been supplied to farm tube wells during paddy season.”

Highlighting power reforms, he said, “Farmers are now receiving electricity during the daytime for irrigation for the first time, which has transformed their lives.” He added, “The Punjab Government is judiciously utilizing every single penny of the state exchequer for the well being of the people.”

On Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The AAP Government has launched this scheme to provide ₹1000 per month to all other women and ₹1500 per month to women from Scheduled Castes aged 18 years and above.”

Reaffirming fiscal responsibility, the Chief Minister said, “The tax money of people belongs to the state and it is being spent on the welfare of people.” He added, “Taxpayers’ money is coming back to people through development, schools, hospitals and roads, and though the Punjab Government has fulfilled all its guarantees, efforts for progress of Punjab will further continue.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “From this stage, we talk about education, health, power and agriculture, whereas other parties focus only on grabbing power.”

Taking on opposition parties, he said, “These opportunist leaders are baffled as people are not giving them any response and their agenda is confined to the welfare of their families rather than that of people.” He added, “They say that students should be taught in schools whereas the Akalis and Congress want to divide people.”

Detailing the Sadak Surakhiya Force, the Chief Minister said, “The AAP Government has launched the first of its kind initiative in the country, a dedicated Sadak Surakhiya Force (SSF) to ensure enhanced security and to save precious lives on the State and National Highways. A specially trained, freshly recruited 1597 personnel are acting as the backbone of this force, which has been provided with 144 fully equipped vehicles.”

He added, “Since its launch in February last year, this force has reduced road accident fatalities by 48 percent, besides ensuring safe return of valuables and money belonging to accident victims.” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The force has been deployed along 4200 kilometers of highways prone to accidents and also acts as a strong deterrent against traffic violations.”

He further said, “None of the previous governments paid attention to such serious issues, due to which Punjab earlier figured among the top three states in road accident casualties.” He added, “This path breaking decision has been hailed by the Government of India and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has lauded it.”

Highlighting governance reforms, the Chief Minister said, “The ‘Easy Registry’ project has been successfully implemented across Punjab, ensuring transparent and hassle-free property registration. This initiative has made the registration process easier and corruption free.”

He added, “The Punjab Government has closed 19 toll plazas, saving ₹64 lakh daily from the common man’s pocket.” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Punjab Government has fulfilled every promise made to the people and will continue to do so with full commitment.”

On Yudh Nashean Virud, he said, “The sole agenda of the AAP Government is to ensure the progress of Punjab and the prosperity of its people. Under the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign, the supply line of drugs has been snapped and smugglers have been put behind bars.” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This campaign has become a mass movement with public support and the Punjab Government has not allowed smugglers to flourish at the cost of innocent lives.”

He further said, “For the first time, properties of drug smugglers acquired illegally have been destroyed and confiscated to act as a deterrent.” He added, “The aim is to put tiffin in the hands of youth through employment so they stay away from drugs.” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Punjab Government is ensuring that maximum youth get jobs so that they do not fall prey to social evils.”

Highlighting sports and cultural initiatives, the Chief Minister said, “Punjab will host the Asia Cup Hockey after a long gap, with matches in Jalandhar and Mohali.” He added, “The 650th Parkash Purab of Guru Ravidass ji will be celebrated in a grand manner with a series of events.”

Targeting traditional political parties, he said, “They are envious because they cannot accept that the son of a common man is governing Punjab effectively.” He added, “People have lost faith in them due to their anti-people and anti-Punjab stance.” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Previous rulers were more concerned about their families rather than Punjab and Punjabis, which is why people have rejected them.”

On healthcare expansion, the Chief Minister said, “The Punjab Government has opened 990 Aam Aadmi Clinics, including 576 in rural areas and 414 in urban areas.” He added, “These clinics provide 107 medicines and 47 diagnostic tests free of cost, and another 400 clinics will be opened soon.” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “In the last 75 years, no previous government provided such facilities, but the Punjab Government has ensured healthcare for all.”

On the occasion, Cabinet Ministers Barinder Goyal and Dr. Balbir Singh along with others were also present.

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*₹200 crore turnover evasion unearthed in Punjab’s hospitality sector, crackdown intensifies with data-driven probe: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Turnover evasion in hospitality sector may touch ₹500 crore as Bhagwant Mann Govt expands investigation: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*882 establishments under scanner, ₹2.02 crore already recovered as Bhagwant Mann Govt tightens enforcement: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*From dhabas to restaurants, systemic under-reporting exposed across sectors in major tax crackdown: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Strict action against evaders, full use of technology to safeguard revenue, clear warning by AAP Govt: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*₹10 crore suppression by dhabas, ₹8 crore by small eateries, fast-food chains cross ₹6 crore in evasion: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Major urban centres lead in tax evasion detection as AAP Govt tightens enforcement net: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*‘Bill Liyao, Inam Pao’ scheme, TIU and SIPU play key role in exposing large-scale evasion: Harpal Singh Cheema*

CHANDIGARH, 30 March 2026:Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday revealed a massive ₹200 crore turnover evasion racket in Punjab’s hospitality sector, exposing deep-rooted and systemic under-reporting across dhabas, eateries, restaurants, and fast-food outlets, as the Bhagwant Mann Government launched an aggressive, technology-driven crackdown to protect public revenue. With 882 establishments already under the scanner and ₹2.02 crore recovered so far, Harpal Singh Cheema made it clear that the investigation is rapidly expanding and the total evasion could surge to nearly ₹500 crore as more data is analysed.

Flagging how major urban centres like Mohali, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana have emerged as key hubs of suppression, he underscored that sectors driven by high cash and hybrid payments are at the centre of the fraud. Backed by advanced data analytics, inputs from TIU and SIPU, and the success of the ‘Bill Liyao, Inam Pao’ scheme, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government has intensified enforcement, with Harpal Singh Cheema issuing a firm warning that strict action will follow against every violator while ensuring full use of technology to safeguard the State’s revenue.

Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “Through a comprehensive, state-wide, data-driven enforcement exercise covering hotels, dhabas, eateries, bakeries, sweet shops, restaurants, catering services, and similar establishments, we have identified a total of 882 establishments pertaining to FY 2025–26.”

The Finance Minister further added, “With further analysis and the inclusion of data pertaining to the financial years 2023–24 and 2024–25, the total magnitude of evasion is likely to reach approximately ₹500 crore.”

Detailing the findings of the ongoing verification, Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “In the preliminary inquiry conducted till date, 239 cases have been examined, resulting in the detection of turnover suppression of approximately ₹50 crore.” He added, “This evasion involves a tax of ₹2.54 crore at a 5% rate, and our Department has so far ensured the recovery of ₹2.02 crore, with further recovery proceedings still ongoing.”

Underlining the scale of discrepancies across taxpayers, Minster Harpal Singh Cheema said, “We discovered turnover suppression above ₹2 crore in 3 taxpayers, above ₹1 crore in 6 taxpayers, above ₹50 lakh in 18 taxpayers, above ₹25 lakh in 26 taxpayers, and above ₹5 lakh in 91 taxpayers.”

Highlighting sector-specific trends, he noted, “Our further analysis indicates systemic patterns of under-reporting in high-cash and hybrid-payment segments.” He added, “Dhabas account for approximately ₹10 crore of the suppression, followed by small eateries, coffee, and chai bars at around ₹8 crore, and pizza and fast-food outlets exceeding ₹6 crore.”

Providing a district-wise breakdown, the Minister said, “Mohali has reported the highest turnover suppression of ₹8.16 crore, followed by Jalandhar with ₹6.72 crore and Ludhiana with ₹5.48 crore, making them the major contributors to the detected evasion.” He added that Patiala and Amritsar have shown comparatively lower discrepancies, with ₹3.83 crore and ₹0.99 crore respectively.

Explaining the methodology behind the crackdown, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “During detailed scrutiny of business data by the State Investigation and Preventive Unit, it was observed that a significant number of such establishments were using online billing applications.” He added, “I give full credit to the Tax Intelligence Unit, the State Investigation and Preventive Unit (SIPU), alongside the overwhelming success of our ‘Bill Liyao, Inam Pao’ scheme, for making this large-scale detection possible.”

He further elaborated, “Based on risk parameters, data analytics, and comparative analysis with GST returns, we identified instances of possible suppression of turnover. We accordingly directed the concerned online platforms to furnish detailed transactional data, which field formations are now using for on-ground verification and reconciliation with statutory returns.”

Emphasising balanced enforcement, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “It is pertinent to note that no discrepancy has been observed in 52 establishments, reflecting balanced enforcement and verification based on data-driven selection.”

Outlining the next steps, he said, “The remaining cases are under active verification and detailed scrutiny, and it is expected that the entire exercise of verification and recovery shall be completed within one month.” He added, “To further strengthen the investigation, the Department is in the process of obtaining UPI transaction data and other digital payment trails, which will enable a deeper reconciliation of actual receipts with reported turnover, thereby enhancing detection accuracy.”

Issuing a clear warning to violators, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “The Bhagwant Mann Government is committed to leveraging technology, data analytics, and coordinated field enforcement to ensure tax compliance and safeguard State revenue.” He emphasised, “Strict action shall be taken in all cases of tax evasion, while compliant taxpayers shall continue to be facilitated.”

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*Punjab Government committed to resolving issues of Divyang persons and Anganwadi workers: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*Constructive discussion held with unions; genuine demands to be addressed on priority*

*More concrete steps to be taken for welfare of workers and Divyang persons*

Chandigarh, March 30:The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains firmly committed to the welfare of all sections of society, with special focus on addressing the concerns of Divyang persons and Anganwadi workers and helpers. This was stated by Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government is fully committed to listening to the concerns of Divyang persons, Anganwadi workers and helpers with seriousness and ensuring their timely and effective resolution. She emphasized that the government is making consistent efforts to strengthen support for these vital sections of society.

While chairing a meeting with representatives of Divyang unions and various unions of Anganwadi workers and helpers at Punjab Bhawan, Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that both these groups play a crucial role in strengthening the state’s social welfare framework. She noted that Anganwadi workers and helpers are delivering essential grassroots services for the welfare of women and children, while ensuring the empowerment and well-being of Divyang persons remains a key priority of the government.

The Minister informed that the concerns and demands raised by the unions were heard attentively and a meaningful discussion was held between the department and union representatives. She assured that issues falling within the department’s purview would be resolved promptly, while other matters would be taken up at the government level for early resolution.

Reaffirming the government’s people-centric approach, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that sincere efforts are being made to address the genuine demands of welfare groups. She further assured that the legitimate concerns of Anganwadi workers, helpers and Divyang persons would be addressed on priority and additional concrete measures would be undertaken to further strengthen their welfare and empowerment.

On this occasion, Secretary, Social Security, Women and Child Development Department, Mr. Gurkirat Kripal Singh; Director, Ms. Sheena Aggarwal; Deputy Directors and other senior officials of the department were also present.

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All arrangements in place by Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department for Wheat procurement season commencing from April 1

Keep a hawk's eye to ensure wheat from outside State is not sold in mandis: Lal Chand Kataruchak

Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister directs keeping a strict vigil in border districts

State got CCL of Rs. 30973 Crore for April

1897 procurement centers notified

Chandigarh, March 30:Directing the District Food Supply Controllers (DFSCs) to keep a hawk's eye to ensure that Wheat from outside the State is not sold in the Mandis, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak emphasized that special vigil be maintained especially in the border districts in this respect.

Reiterating the resolve of the State Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to ensure hassle free Wheat procurement season beginning from April 1st, the Minister said that the DFSCs must personally visit the mandis and keep a strict eye to make sure any wrongdoing doesn't happens.

Reviewing the preparations with regard to the upcoming procurement season in a meeting with the DFSCs and senior officers of the department, Mr. Kataruchak further ordered the officers to ensure cleanliness, electricity and clean drinking water arrangements in every mandi.

The Minister was apprised that the State has received the Cash Credit Limit (CCL) to the tune of Rs. 30973 Crore for the month of April. Besides, the State has received the target of procuring 122 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT). However, the department has made comprehensive preparations for procuring 132 LMT.

As part of the arrangements, 1897 procurement centres have been notified and proposals for further 266 temporary yards have been received from District Level Procurement Committees (DLPCs). The Minimum Support Price (MSP) has been fixed at Rs. 2585 Per Quintal.

On the issue of gunny bales, the Minister exhorted the DFSCs to entrust the responsibility to Inspectors of ensuring the availability of the same in the mandis.

On the issue of storage space, the Minister divulged that the Chief Minister has taken up the matter with the Union Government at regular intervals to speed up the moving of previous seasons' produce from the State to make space for crops of upcoming seasons. The DFSCs should maintain continuous liaison with the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of their respective districts with regard to storage and keep updating the Headoffice, said Mr. Kataruchak.

The Minister further implored upon the officers to foolproof arrangements in respect of tarpaulins, wooden crates in the mandis.

The Minister assured on the issue of Petrol, Diesel and LPG supply and said that the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department is working in tandem with the oil marketing companies to maintain the supply of these items.

In this connection, a State level control room no. 0172-2233001 has been operationalized for monitoring the supply and repressing complaints of the public. Apart from this, District Level Committees have been formed under the Deputy Commissioners to regulate & facilitate the supply of petroleum products.

On the occasion, Principal Secretary Rahul Tewari, Director Varinder Kumar Sharma, Additional Directors Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar and Ajayveer Singh Sarao were also present.

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PPCB Conducts Capacity-Building Workshop on New Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026

Chandigarh, March 30:The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), under the chairmanship of Ms. Reena Gupta, organized a comprehensive training programme on the new Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration, Chandigarh.

The initiative was aimed at strengthening awareness and ensuring effective implementation of the updated rules notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).

The newly notified SWM Rules, 2026, mark a significant update over the 2016 framework and will come into force from April 1, 2026. The revised rules place greater emphasis on scientific waste management, segregation at source and greater accountability of stakeholders. The training programme witnessed participation from 268 officials, including Executive Officers of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), SWM Nodal Officers, Programme Coordinators, Capacity Building Experts, and officers of PPCB. The session focused on clarifying roles, responsibilities, and the implementation framework required under the new regulatory regime.

Dr. Dhamodharan K, Assistant Professor, Department of Energy and Environment, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (TIET), was invited as the key resource person. He conducted an in-depth two-hour session elaborating on the key provisions, structural changes from the 2016 rules, and practical challenges in implementation. Additionally, Mr. Akshit Kapil, Assistant Environmental Engineer at PPCB, delivered a session providing a concise overview of the updated rules, highlighting major changes and their implications for field level execution.

The programme forms part of a broader effort to build capacity across departments and ensure preparedness ahead of the enforcement date. By bringing together officials from multiple levels, PPCB aims to create a unified understanding of the regulatory framework and facilitate smoother implementation across the state.

The workshop concluded with an interactive discussion, where participants engaged with experts to clarify operational challenges and share on-ground experiences, reinforcing the commitment towards improved solid waste management practices in Punjab.