*Bhagwant Mann Govt clears direct recruitment for 70 posts, strengthens Planning Department & creates new job opportunities: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*68 posts to be filled in Directorate of Statistics, including 14 Assistant Research Officers, 4 Senior Assistants, and 50 Investigators*

*2 posts allocated to Economic Policy and Planning Board*

*Formal demand forwarded to SSB to expedite recruitment process and fill vacancies transparently at the earliest: Harpal Singh Cheema*

CHANDIGARH, 7th April 2026-Giving a significant boost to employment generation and administrative efficiency in the state, Punjab Finance and Planning Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday officially approved the direct recruitment process for 70 posts within the Planning Department.

Disclosing this in a press communique issued here today, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is continuously working to streamline departmental operations and provide ample job opportunities to the youth. He revealed, "A formal nod has been granted to initiate the direct recruitment for various Group A, B, and C posts falling under two key institutions: the Directorate of Statistics and the Economic Policy and Planning Board."

Sharing the specific category-wise breakdown of the approved posts, the Finance Minister said that out of the total 70 vacancies, 68 posts will be filled in the Directorate of Statistics. He specified that this includes the direct recruitment of 14 Assistant Research Officers, 4 Senior Assistants, and 50 Investigators. The Minister further added, "The remaining two posts are allocated to the Economic Policy and Planning Board, which will involve the hiring of one Group-A Programmer and one Senior Assistant."

Detailing the background of this decision, the Finance Minister explained that a memorandum was initially moved before the Punjab Cabinet proposing the recruitment of 140 officials across different categories in these two institutions. He further said, "During the Cabinet meeting held on March 29, 2026, an approval was granted to fill fifty percent of the proposed posts, which brought the total number of approved vacancies for the current recruitment drive to 70."

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that following the official approval of this revised proposal, the formal demand is now being forwarded to the Subordinate Services Selection Board (SSB). He emphasised that the SSB will take the necessary steps to expedite the recruitment process and ensure that these crucial vacancies are filled transparently at the earliest possible time.

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*PUNJAB EXCISE REVENUE SURPASSES TARGETS TO REACH RS 11,782 CRORE; COLLECTIONS NEARLY DOUBLE OVER FOUR YEARS: HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA*

*FY 2025-26 Collection Exceeds Revised Target by Rs 582 Crore: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*All 207 Retail Liquor Groups Successfully Allotted for FY 2026-27*

*Ambitious Overall Revenue Target of Rs 12,800 Crore Set for Fiscal Year 2026-27: Harpal Singh Cheema*

Chandigarh, April 7th, 2026-Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday announced that the Excise and Taxation Department has achieved a significant milestone in revenue collection for the financial year 2025-26, reflecting the success of robust excise policy measures and efficient administrative practices. He said that against the revised excise revenue target of Rs 11,200 crore, the department has successfully collected Rs 11,782 crore up to March 31, 2026, surpassing the target by Rs 582 crore.

Sharing the comprehensive financial achievements, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema attributed this success directly to the state government's proactive governance and trade-friendly policies. Highlighting the historic transformation, Finance Minister Cheema said, "Significantly, excise revenue has nearly doubled over the past four years, rising from Rs 6,254.84 crore to Rs 11,782 crore, with a new target of Rs 12,800 crore set for 2026-27. This accomplishment underscores the department’s strong commitment to maximising revenue while ensuring transparency and compliance."

Detailing the blueprint for the upcoming fiscal year, Finance Minister Cheema outlined the strategic financial targets. Cheema said, "For the financial year 2026-27, the Excise Policy has been formulated with a projected license fee target of Rs 10,520 crore, as compared to Rs 9,877 crore in 2025-26. It is pertinent to mention that all 207 retail liquor groups in the state have been allotted for the year 2026-27, reflecting licensees' confidence in the State Government's Excise Policy. The overall response to the Excise policy 2026-27 has been encouraging. It has ensured stability in the liquor trade while maintaining a steady flow of revenue to the state exchequer."

Addressing the state's revenue streams' continuous upward trajectory, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasised the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government's future strategies. "Looking ahead, the Excise Department has set an ambitious overall revenue target of Rs 12,800 crore for the financial year 2026-27. The Government is confident of achieving this goal through strengthened enforcement, enhanced compliance mechanisms and strategic policy interventions, striking a balance between revenue generation and regulatory efficiency", he concluded.

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*PUNJAB’S PRIDE SOARS: MRSAFPI CADET JASNOOR SINGH BAGS AIR-1 IN CDS MERIT LIST*

*•5th MRSAFPI cadet to achieve All-India Top Rank, says Aman Arora*

•*Sukhraj Singh Heera from Ropar secures 4th All India Rank, to join Indian Military Academy*

*• Punjab is truly proud of Jasnoor & Sukhraj’s achievement, says Aman Arora*

Chandigarh, April 7:In a stellar testament to Punjab’s growing dominance in defence preparatory education, the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI), has once again set a national benchmark. The MRSAFPI’s 10th Course Cadet Jasnoor Singh has secured the 1st All India Rank (AIR) in the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Air Force List.

The son of a businessman from Pathankot, Jasnoor Singh will now proceed to the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad for Pre-Flying training course. His achievement marks the fifth time an MRSAFPI cadet has clinched the top rank nationwide, and the third such honour in just the last two years, showcasing the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s concerted efforts to fulfil the aspirations of the state’s youth.

Additionally, MRSAFPI Cadet Sukhraj Singh Heera from Ropar has secured the 4th All India Rank, set to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, for 161st course commencing in June 2026.

Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development & Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora extended heartiest congratulations to both the cadets, while stating, "This is just the beginning of their journey to become future officers of India's defence forces. I urge them to approach their training with utmost seriousness and dedication. Punjab is truly proud of their achievement."

MRSAFPI Director Major General Ajay H Chauhan, VSM, congratulated the cadets Jasnoor and Sukhraj for bringing pride to their Alma Mater and the Punjab, while adding, “We are eagerly awaiting the NDA-156 course merit list, hoping for another stellar performance.”

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*Horticulture Sector to Get New Momentum; Mohinder Bhagat Directs Large-Scale Production of Fruit Plants*

* Minister Directs Officials to Grow Fruit Seedlings Based on Market Demand

* Punjab Government Focused on Boosting Horticulture Sector and Enhancing Farmers’ Income

Chandigarh, April 7-Punjab Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat today chaired a special meeting with officials of the Horticulture Department and directed them to grow fruit plants on a large scale with the objective of accelerating the horticulture sector and increasing farmers’ income. He said that fruit seedlings should be prepared in accordance with market demand and farmers’ convenience.

During the meeting, Secretary Horticulture Department Mr. Arshdeep Singh Thind and Director Mr. Manish Kumar apprised the Minister of the progress of various departmental projects. Discussions were also held regarding new recruitments, promotions of officials and other important issues.

On this occasion, the Horticulture Minister directed the officers to follow up on approved projects worth about Rs. 1300 crore, supported by JICA, to promote the horticulture sector and increase farmers’ income in the state. He said these projects aim to encourage climate-resilient and high-value horticultural crops in Punjab.

The Minister further instructed that all ongoing projects under the Horticulture Department should be completed within the stipulated time. He emphasized that officials must maintain direct contact with local panchayats and farmers and extend all possible assistance as per government guidelines. The officials assured the Minister that all tasks would be completed on time.

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*Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Holds Dialogue with Employee Unions to Resolve Pending Demands*

*Harpal Singh Cheema orders immediate action on pending demands, directs departments to deliver without delay*

*Bhagwant Mann Govt keeps employee unions in confidence, assures time-bound resolution after high-stakes dialogue*

CHANDIGARH, 7th April 2026:Punjab Finance Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on employee grievances Harpal Singh Cheema held important meetings on Tuesday with several employee unions. The discussions were primarily focused on addressing and resolving the demands and challenges being faced by the employees related to concerned unions.

Over the course of the two-hour proceedings, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema gave a sympathetic and detailed hearing to the grievances presented by the union leadership. Reaffirming the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government's dedication to employee welfare, the minister issued firm directives to the attending officials from the relevant government departments.

Harpal Singh Cheema directed them to initiate immediate and necessary actions to fulfill all legitimate demands at the earliest. Furthermore, he mandated senior departmental officers to organize special, dedicated follow-up meetings with the respective unions to ensure swift, appropriate, and lasting resolutions to their specific issues.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema assured the Union representatives that Bhagwant Mann Government remains committed to maintaining an open line of communication with all employee associations to foster a cooperative and productive administrative environment in Punjab.

The comprehensive dialogues saw active participation from several prominent unions and their designated delegates. The IEAT Special B.Ed Pass Education Union was represented by Rakesh Kumar, Manjinder Singh, and Jagroop Kaur. The delegation for the ASHA Workers and ASHA Facilitators Narol Union included Kirandeep Kaur, Jasveer Kaur, and Pawanpreet Kaur. Meanwhile, Ranjit Singh and Bhupinder Singh Ropar effectively presented the concerns of the NSFQ Vocational Teachers Front.

Additionally, the Government College Senior Lab Attendant Union was represented by Angrej Singh, Surjit Singh, and Sakattar Singh, who outlined their departmental needs. Finally, Kuldeep Singh, Bajinder Singh, and Gurpinder Kaur voiced the critical demands and issues pertaining to the Punjab Netarhin Youth Association, ensuring that the concerns of specially-abled youth were prominently heard and recorded.

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*SRI GURU TEGH BAHADUR JI’S 350TH MARTYRDOM YEAR: PSEB OFFERS SPECIAL MERCY CHANCE FOR STUDENTS FAILED BOARD EXAMS SINCE 2010*

*• Online registration process to commence from April 27, Harjot Bains announces on Prakash Purb of Ninth Guru Sahib Ji*

*•Mercy chance is an golden opportunity to rewrite one’s future, says Harjot Singh Bains*

Chandigarh, April 7:In a significant humanitarian move marking the 350th martyrdom commemorative year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) will offer a one-time 'Special Mercy Chance' to students who could not clear their Class 10th or 12th board examinations.

This decision was announced today by Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains on the Prakash Purb of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

Highlighting eligibility and scope of the initiative, the Education Minister informed that all students who have appeared for the PSEB examinations anytime from March 2010 till date and have not passed will be eligible for the Special Mercy Chance, including those who have cleared at least one subject. The provision covers both Class 10th and Class 12th candidates, offering them a final pathway to earn their board certification.

The online registration process will commence on April 27, 2026, with the special examinations scheduled to be held from July 15, 2026, S. Harjot Singh Bains shared while adding that detailed instructions, subject-wise syllabi and a direct application link will be available on the PSEB official website.

Describing the initiative as a humble tribute to the sacred and timeless legacy of the 9th Guru Sahib ji, S. Bains said, "This special chance is a golden opportunity for students who have been unable to complete their school education despite multiple attempts.”

Reiterating Chief Minister S Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government's commitment to education, compassion and social justice— values embodied by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that on this historic commemorative 350th martyrdom anniversary, the state government wants every child to feel that it is never too late to complete their education.

“This mercy chance is an golden opportunity to rewrite one’s future,” Mr. Bains said, while appealing to eligible students not to miss the deadline and regularly check the PSEB website for updates and contact their nearest district education office for any queries.

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*Vigilance Bureau arrests Conductor demanding bribe of Rs 20,000/-*

Chandigarh April 7, 2026:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has apprehended Conductor Narinder Singh @ Laadi posted in PRTC depot Bathinda, demanding a bribe of Rs. 20,000/-.

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 tehsil Talwandi Sabho district Bathinda.

He said that the complainant is working as driver in PRTC depot Bathinda and wanted to get his bus route changed. In this connection, accused Kewal Krishan Fitter Incharge Bus Stand Goniana and Conductor Narinder Singh@ Laadi demanded bribe of Rs. 20000/- in lieu of changing his bus route. Complainant had recorded the entire conversation of demanding bribe.

Unwilling to pay any illegal gratification, the complainant approached the Vigilance Bureau range Bathinda. After a preliminary enquiry on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused Conductor was arrested while demanding bribe money of Rs 20,000/- from the complainant.

In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against these accused at VB police station Bathinda. His co-accused Fitter Kewal Krishan will be arrested soon and further investigation into this case is under progress.

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*OVER 500 AGRICULTURE DEPT OFFICIALS PRESSED INTO SERVICE TO ASSESS CROP DAMAGE: GURMEET SINGH KHUDIAN*

*• 145 GROUP-A OFFICERS AMONG TEAMS DEPLOYED IN SEVEN AFFECTED DISTRICTS*

*• PRELIMINARY REPORTS ESTIMATE WHEAT CROP LOSS OVER 1.25 LAKH ACRES*

*• OFFICIALS DIRECTED TO COORDINATE WITH REVENUE DEPT FOR SPECIAL GIRDAWARI*

Chandigarh, April 7:To assess the crop loss caused by recent inclement weather, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian today informed that over 500 officials of the Agriculture Department have been pressed into service in affected areas of seven districts in the state.

Giving details of the exercise, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated that the deployed workforce including 145 Group A Agriculture Officers who are specifically monitoring the operations in the affected districts-Amritsar, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, Bathinda, Mansa, Ferozepur and Moga. These teams have been strictly directed to work in close coordination with the Revenue Department to ensure the smooth execution of the 'Special Girdawari' (crop loss assessment) ordered by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government.

The move comes a day after the Chief Minister’s announcement regarding the Special Girdawari, reiterating the state’s priority to provide immediate relief to the backbone of Punjab's economy—the farmers.

Highlighting the extent of the natural calamity, the Agriculture Minister revealed that preliminary reports suggest wheat crops across more than 1.25 lakh acres have been impacted by the recent rains and hailstorms.

"The Punjab Government, led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, stands shoulder to shoulder with our farmers in this hour of crisis," said S. Khudian.

He further assured, “The government is committed to safeguarding farmers’ interests and will compensate losses caused by natural calamities as per the prescribed norms. No stones will be left unturned to ensure every affected farmer gets their due after the final reports are submitted by the Deputy Commissioners.”

The Agriculture Minister also visited the affected fields in Sri Muktsar Sahib district today. He emphasized that the department is working on a war footing to complete the assessment accurately and transparently. He also directed the field officials to maintain constant contact with the farming community and provide technical guidance where necessary to salvage the remaining crop.