*Punjab writes new chapter in employee welfare as Bhagwant Mann Govt ends contractual system; over 65,000 employees to be regularised*
*Historic Cabinet decision removes contractors from govt employment structure, guarantees direct state employment & pathway to permanent jobs*
*Punjab Cabinet also approves reconstituted panel on DA arrears & nods seven special anti-corruption courts*
CHANDIGARH, 30th May 2026:The Punjab Cabinet led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday delivered one of the most far-reaching pro-employee decisions in Punjab’s history, approving a roadmap to dismantle the decades-old contractual employment system and pave the way for the regularisation of more than 65,000 workers across government departments. By ending the role of private contractors in government employment and creating a direct employer-employee relationship between the state and workers, the Bhagwant Mann Government has moved to provide job security, dignity and a clear pathway to permanent service for thousands of employees who have spent years serving Punjab without regular status.
The Cabinet also approved two new ordinances to implement the transition, reconstituted a ministerial panel to address pending Dearness Allowance (DA) and pension-related dues, and cleared the establishment of seven exclusive special courts for the speedy trial of corruption cases.
Sharing details of the decision, the Chief Minister’s Office stated that it has approved the repeal of the Punjab Adhoc, Contractual, Daily Wage, Temporary, Work Charged and Outsourced Employees’ Welfare Act, 2016, and cleared the Punjab State Outsourced Personnel (Transition to Contractual Engagement) Bill, 2026 and the Punjab Contractual Personnel (Absorption Against Sanctioned Vacancies) Bill, 2026. The move paves the way for bringing outsourced employees directly under the government and creating a clear pathway towards regular employment.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “More than 65,000 contract workers of Punjab have given the best years of their lives in the service of the state. With this decision, Punjab has returned to them what is rightfully theirs. No contractor will now stand between these employees and the state.”
Explaining the reform, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These employees will now have direct employment, full dignity and a clear pathway to permanence. Workers presently engaged through private contractors in Punjab Government departments and entities will be taken directly into the state’s own employment, eliminating the middleman contractor system.”
The Chief Minister stated that under the Punjab State Outsourced Personnel (Transition to Contractual Engagement) Bill, 2026, outsourced Group C and Group D employees who have completed five years of continuous service will be brought directly under government contractual employment. Employees working in hazardous categories will become eligible after completing three years of service.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Direct state employment will be provided after five years of continuous outsourced service. Thereafter, after completing ten years of contractual service, employees will be considered for absorption against regular sanctioned posts. Two new legal frameworks are being brought in, one for moving from outsourced employment to direct state contract and another for moving from state contract to the regular cadre against sanctioned vacancies.”
Highlighting the scale of the initiative, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “A total of 65,048 outsourced workers across 51 departments fall within the ambit of this reform and more than 26,000 workers will be among the first beneficiaries.”
He further announced that workers performing duties involving risks to life and health will receive faster consideration under the policy.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Workers whose daily duties involve danger will be considered after three years instead of five years. These include Fire Services personnel, PSPCL linemen, sewer workers, sanitation workers of Urban Local Bodies, waste-handling workers and field complaint staff.”
Detailing the departments that will benefit, the statement added reform covers 15,753 workers in the Power sector, including complaint-handling staff, PESCO employees, meter readers and nodal centre workers; 8,436 workers of Local Government departments, primarily sanitation staff; 8,373 workers in Cooperative institutions including sugar mills, Spinfed and Markfed; 7,704 workers in School Education; 4,746 workers in the Transport Department; and 1,472 outsourced fire personnel.
In addition, 2,688 workers of Health and Family Welfare, 1,575 workers of Water Supply and Sanitation, 1,533 workers of Agriculture, 1,311 workers of Jails, 1,251 workers of Technical Education, 1,570 workers of PWD (B&R), 1,322 workers of General Administration and 1,231 workers of Medical Education will also benefit from the reform.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Workers will now have a direct employer-employee relationship with the state. Contractors will no longer exist in this arrangement.”
The Chief Minister further said, “Wages will be credited directly into employees’ bank accounts without any agency deductions or commissions. Employees will receive statutory maternity benefits and ten days of casual leave every calendar year. They will also be covered under biometric attendance and iHRMS systems.”
Emphasising employee protections, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “There will be transparency and protection from arbitrary action. No worker will be removed without reasons being recorded in writing and without being given an opportunity to be heard.”
The Chief Minister said the implementation process would begin within 45 days of Cabinet approval and eligible categories would be notified in phases by the Departments of Personnel and Finance.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “A state-level Empowered Committee headed by the Chief Secretary will monitor implementation of this decision. While many states are moving towards greater contractualisation, Punjab is reversing that trend and ending the contractual system.”
*Cabinet reconstitutes panel to examine DA and pension arrears*
In another important decision, the Cabinet granted ex-post facto approval for the reconstitution of a Cabinet Sub-Committee comprising Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Cabinet Minister Aman Arora and Cabinet Minister Dr Baljit Kaur to examine issues related to pending arrears of revised pay, pensions, leave encashment and Dearness Allowance.
The committee will consider payment of arrears arising from revised pay and pension benefits between January 1, 2016 and June 30, 2021, besides examining pending DA and Dearness Relief dues from July 1, 2021 to March 31, 2024. The committee will also study issues related to Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief for various categories of employees and pensioners.
*Seven exclusive special courts approved for speedy corruption trials*
To ensure faster disposal of corruption cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, the Cabinet approved the establishment of seven Exclusive Special Courts across Punjab.
Three courts will be established in SAS Nagar, while one court each will be set up in Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Amritsar and Patiala. The Cabinet also approved the creation of seven posts of Additional District and Sessions Judges along with 63 supporting staff positions for the functioning of these courts.
*Amendment approved in Punjab Superior Judicial Service Rules*
The Cabinet also approved amendments to Rules 7, 10, 12 and Appendix ‘B’ of the Punjab Superior Judicial Service Rules, 2007.
The proposed amendments are aimed at providing promotion-related benefits to serving superior judicial officers in Punjab and are expected to strengthen career progression opportunities within the state’s judicial services.
==============================
*Punjab all geared up to host Hockey Asian Champions Trophy; CM Bhagwant Singh Mann reviews preparations, directs completion of all works before September*
*Punjab has always been nursery of hockey, hosting this international tournament will inspire youth to connect with sports: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*For first time, Punjab gets opportunity to host major international hockey tournament; dream coming true for state: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
CHANDIGARH, 30th May 2026:Punjab is gearing up to host the prestigious Hockey Asian Champions Trophy later this year, with CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday reviewing preparations for the mega international event and directing officers to ensure flawless arrangements well ahead of schedule. Chairing a high-level meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann instructed officials to complete all infrastructure and organisational works before September and emphasised that no effort should be spared in making the tournament a grand success.
The Chief Minister directed that an organising committee comprising experts, players and other stakeholders be constituted to ensure the timely execution of all arrangements. He also approved the formation of a high-powered committee of senior officers to regularly monitor the progress of ongoing works at both Jalandhar and Mohali.
Stressing the importance of world-class facilities, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “An organising committee comprising experts, players and other stakeholders should be constituted for time-bound execution of all arrangements. Every work related to this prestigious tournament must be completed well before September so that no stone is left unturned in making this event a huge success.”
Reviewing the infrastructure requirements, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann directed that the stadiums at Jalandhar and Mohali be upgraded with the latest facilities in accordance with international standards. Assuring full support to the Indian Hockey Federation, he said Punjab is committed to ensuring the successful organisation of the first-ever tournament of this scale in the state’s history.
“Punjab has always been the nursery of hockey, and hosting such an international tournament on our soil will further inspire our youth to connect with sports fields,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.
Reiterating the Punjab Government’s commitment towards the event, the Chief Minister said all necessary arrangements relating to security, logistics and player facilities would be made to ensure the smooth conduct of the championship.
“The Punjab Government is fully committed to making grand arrangements and providing security and every possible facility to the players participating in this global event,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said. “The top six performing hockey teams will compete in the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy. For the first time, Punjab has got the opportunity to host this international event, which is a major achievement in the field of sports.”
Describing the event as a landmark moment for Punjab, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the state was fortunate to have been selected to host the championship, which would significantly boost hockey and sports culture across Punjab. “It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjab will host an international sporting event of this magnitude. This will go a long way in restoring the pristine glory of sports in the state,” he said.
Highlighting Punjab’s rich contribution to Indian hockey, he added, “Despite strong Punjabi representation in the sport over the decades, Punjab had never hosted a major international hockey tournament until now. This championship is a dream come true for the state.”
Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary to CM Dr Ravi Bhagat, President Punjab Hockey Nitin Kohli and other senior officials were also present during the meeting.
==================================
-*Opposition rattled by humiliating defeat, questioning Punjab’s most peaceful civic polls despite people’s clear mandate: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Opposition unable to digest its rejection by people; AAP’s victories in every election over past 4 years reflect public trust in pro-people governance: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Even independents secured more seats than BJP; Congress, Akalis and BJP will compete for 2nd, 3rd and 4th positions in 2027 while AAP will form govt comfortably: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
CHANDIGARH, 30th May 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said that stunned by their crushing defeat in the municipal elections, opposition parties have resorted to questioning what he described as the most peaceful, free and transparent civic polls ever conducted in the state.
Addressing queries during a press conference, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Punjab Government ensured that these civic polls were conducted in a free, fair, transparent and peaceful manner. State government employees who discharged their duties sincerely for the smooth conduct of these elections deserve accolades. However, the opposition is unable to digest its humiliating defeat and is now making a hoarse cry over the results.”
He pointed out that the fairness of the elections was evident from the fact that opposition candidates had also emerged victorious in several wards and local bodies, including in contests decided by very narrow margins. “The transparency of these elections can be judged from the fact that in several pockets opposition candidates won seats, some even by thin margins. This clearly shows that the elections reflected the genuine will of the people,” he added.
He said that opposition parties have repeatedly been rejected by the people of Punjab because they have failed to offer any positive agenda. “Over the last four years, people across Punjab have solidly stood by AAP and its pro-people policies. We have won every by-election, Panchayat election, Zila Parishad election, civic poll and other electoral contests with the active support of the people. These results reflect the immense faith that Punjabis have reposed in our Government,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Replying to a query regarding Punjab BJP President Kewal Singh Dhillon, the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann remarked, “Kewal Singh Dhillon was always considered close to Captain Amarinder Singh. Now both leaders appear to have parted ways, and the reasons for this change are known only to them. It remains a mystery why there is a loss of warmth between the two,” he said.
Recalling past political developments, He noted that Captain Amarinder Singh had supported Kewal Singh Dhillon when he contested the 2019 Lok Sabha election from Sangrur. “Even independent candidates have secured more seats than the BJP. The people of Punjab have pushed the BJP to the fifth position. The verdict clearly reflects the rejection of its negative agenda by the people,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Expressing confidence about the future political landscape of the state, the Chief Minister said, “It is crystal clear that in the next Vidhan Sabha elections, Congress, the Akalis and the BJP will be fighting for the second, third and fourth positions, while AAP will comfortably form the Government with the blessings and support of the people.”
=============================
*Vigilance Bureau nabs Accountant red handed accepting bribe of Rs 15,000/-*
Chandigarh, May 30, 2026:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has apprehended Accountant Amritpal Singh posted as Incharge Account Branch, PSPCL Division Gurdaspur, 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 Islamabad district Gurdaspur.
He said that the complainant had been retired as Junior Engineer from the PSPCL department and his arrears regarding dearness allowance after retirement and arrears of pay fixation were pending with the department. In this regard, he had met Amritpal Singh, In-charge Account Branch of PSPCL Division, Gurdaspur, to get his dues.
He further informed that accused Accountant demanded a bribe Rs. 15,000/- to clear their pending dues/arrears. Complainant alleged that accused accountant was harassing him for the last 1.5 years. Complainant also recorded the entire conversation while demanding bribe.
Unwilling to pay illegal gratification, complainant approached the VB Range Amritsar. Acting on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused Accountant 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 Amritsar and further investigation into this case is under progress.
==========================================
*Orthopaedic treatments under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana cross ₹84 crore as demand for bone & joint care rises across Punjab*
*More than 45 lakh Punjabis enrolled under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana; orthopaedic treatments emerge among top healthcare services: Dr Balbir Singh*
CHANDIGARH, May 30:Punjab is witnessing a steady rise in bone, joint and trauma-related health conditions, with orthopaedic treatments emerging as one of the most significant components of the state’s public healthcare delivery, according to data from the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana.
Highlighting the trend, the State Health Agency (SHA) data revealed that more than ₹84 crore has been spent so far on bone, joint and trauma-related treatments so far, under the scheme, reflecting both increasing demand for surgical care and expanded access to specialised orthopaedic services across government hospitals.
The data shows that knee replacements account for the highest share of procedures under the scheme, followed by hip surgeries and a large number of fracture fixation cases involving plates, nails and other implants. These interventions are increasingly being performed in district and tertiary care hospitals under cashless treatment coverage.
Punjab has now recorded over 45 lakh registrations under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, indicating widespread utilisation of cashless healthcare services. Ludhiana district has reported over 4.8 lakh beneficiaries, while Patiala has recorded around 4.1 lakh beneficiaries under the scheme.
The increasing caseload of orthopaedic conditions reflects a broader public health shift, with degenerative joint diseases and mobility-related disorders becoming more common, particularly among the ageing population. Patients presenting with knee and hip deterioration, chronic joint pain and restricted mobility are being increasingly seen in government hospitals.
The orthopaedic care, which often involves surgical implants, prolonged treatment and rehabilitation, traditionally places a significant financial burden on households.
For a beneficiary under the scheme, 43-year-old Gulshan Taneja from Khera Gajju near Rajpura, these broader trends became personal in a gradual, unrelenting way.
Taneja had met with an accident while working at a factory. Walking began to take effort. A sudden pain would stop him mid-step, forcing him to steady himself against a wall. The swelling around his knee persisted, and stiffness made even simple movements feel unfamiliar. Sometime, he would pause before standing, unsure whether his leg would hold his weight.
He was admitted to Rajindra Hospital, Patiala on May 6 and underwent treatment for ligament tear the following day. Doctors recorded symptoms including severe joint pain, swelling, instability and difficulty bearing weight.
Under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, treatment worth ₹86,750 was provided cashlessly. He was discharged on May 12, returning home without the immediate fear of a medical bill that could have weighed as heavily as the illness itself.
Taneja said, “I am recovering now and it’s thanks to the Sehat card that I did not have to pay any money for my treatment. The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana is helping us reduce out-of-pocket expenditure by making such treatments accessible.”
Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh said, “The burden of orthopaedic disorders has been on an exponential rise, and thus, has brought to light the indispensable need to buttress accessible and affordable operative care across the state of Punjab.” He added that, under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, the government is working to provide cashless knee, hip, and trauma treatments to thousands of patients, reducing financial hardship while enhancing mobility and recovery, along with overall quality of life.
The expenditure of over ₹84 crore in around 4 months under the scheme represents not only increased healthcare utilisation but also a broader shift towards restoring mobility, reducing disability and improving quality of life for patients across Punjab.
=========================================
*Punjab writes new chapter in employee welfare as Bhagwant Mann Govt ends contractual system; over 65,000 employees to be regularised*
*Historic Cabinet decision removes contractors from govt employment structure, guarantees direct state employment & pathway to permanent jobs*
*Punjab Cabinet also approves reconstituted panel on DA arrears & nods seven special anti-corruption courts*
CHANDIGARH, 30th May 2026:The Punjab Cabinet led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday delivered one of the most far-reaching pro-employee decisions in Punjab’s history, approving a roadmap to dismantle the decades-old contractual employment system and pave the way for the regularisation of more than 65,000 workers across government departments. By ending the role of private contractors in government employment and creating a direct employer-employee relationship between the state and workers, the Bhagwant Mann Government has moved to provide job security, dignity and a clear pathway to permanent service for thousands of employees who have spent years serving Punjab without regular status.
The Cabinet also approved two new ordinances to implement the transition, reconstituted a ministerial panel to address pending Dearness Allowance (DA) and pension-related dues, and cleared the establishment of seven exclusive special courts for the speedy trial of corruption cases.
Sharing details of the decision, the Chief Minister’s Office stated that it has approved the repeal of the Punjab Adhoc, Contractual, Daily Wage, Temporary, Work Charged and Outsourced Employees’ Welfare Act, 2016, and cleared the Punjab State Outsourced Personnel (Transition to Contractual Engagement) Bill, 2026 and the Punjab Contractual Personnel (Absorption Against Sanctioned Vacancies) Bill, 2026. The move paves the way for bringing outsourced employees directly under the government and creating a clear pathway towards regular employment.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “More than 65,000 contract workers of Punjab have given the best years of their lives in the service of the state. With this decision, Punjab has returned to them what is rightfully theirs. No contractor will now stand between these employees and the state.”
Explaining the reform, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These employees will now have direct employment, full dignity and a clear pathway to permanence. Workers presently engaged through private contractors in Punjab Government departments and entities will be taken directly into the state’s own employment, eliminating the middleman contractor system.”
The Chief Minister stated that under the Punjab State Outsourced Personnel (Transition to Contractual Engagement) Bill, 2026, outsourced Group C and Group D employees who have completed five years of continuous service will be brought directly under government contractual employment. Employees working in hazardous categories will become eligible after completing three years of service.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Direct state employment will be provided after five years of continuous outsourced service. Thereafter, after completing ten years of contractual service, employees will be considered for absorption against regular sanctioned posts. Two new legal frameworks are being brought in, one for moving from outsourced employment to direct state contract and another for moving from state contract to the regular cadre against sanctioned vacancies.”
Highlighting the scale of the initiative, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “A total of 65,048 outsourced workers across 51 departments fall within the ambit of this reform and more than 26,000 workers will be among the first beneficiaries.”
He further announced that workers performing duties involving risks to life and health will receive faster consideration under the policy.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Workers whose daily duties involve danger will be considered after three years instead of five years. These include Fire Services personnel, PSPCL linemen, sewer workers, sanitation workers of Urban Local Bodies, waste-handling workers and field complaint staff.”
Detailing the departments that will benefit, the statement added reform covers 15,753 workers in the Power sector, including complaint-handling staff, PESCO employees, meter readers and nodal centre workers; 8,436 workers of Local Government departments, primarily sanitation staff; 8,373 workers in Cooperative institutions including sugar mills, Spinfed and Markfed; 7,704 workers in School Education; 4,746 workers in the Transport Department; and 1,472 outsourced fire personnel.
In addition, 2,688 workers of Health and Family Welfare, 1,575 workers of Water Supply and Sanitation, 1,533 workers of Agriculture, 1,311 workers of Jails, 1,251 workers of Technical Education, 1,570 workers of PWD (B&R), 1,322 workers of General Administration and 1,231 workers of Medical Education will also benefit from the reform.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Workers will now have a direct employer-employee relationship with the state. Contractors will no longer exist in this arrangement.”
The Chief Minister further said, “Wages will be credited directly into employees’ bank accounts without any agency deductions or commissions. Employees will receive statutory maternity benefits and ten days of casual leave every calendar year. They will also be covered under biometric attendance and iHRMS systems.”
Emphasising employee protections, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “There will be transparency and protection from arbitrary action. No worker will be removed without reasons being recorded in writing and without being given an opportunity to be heard.”
The Chief Minister said the implementation process would begin within 45 days of Cabinet approval and eligible categories would be notified in phases by the Departments of Personnel and Finance.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “A state-level Empowered Committee headed by the Chief Secretary will monitor implementation of this decision. While many states are moving towards greater contractualisation, Punjab is reversing that trend and ending the contractual system.”
*Cabinet reconstitutes panel to examine DA and pension arrears*
In another important decision, the Cabinet granted ex-post facto approval for the reconstitution of a Cabinet Sub-Committee comprising Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Cabinet Minister Aman Arora and Cabinet Minister Dr Baljit Kaur to examine issues related to pending arrears of revised pay, pensions, leave encashment and Dearness Allowance.
The committee will consider payment of arrears arising from revised pay and pension benefits between January 1, 2016 and June 30, 2021, besides examining pending DA and Dearness Relief dues from July 1, 2021 to March 31, 2024. The committee will also study issues related to Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief for various categories of employees and pensioners.
*Seven exclusive special courts approved for speedy corruption trials*
To ensure faster disposal of corruption cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, the Cabinet approved the establishment of seven Exclusive Special Courts across Punjab.
Three courts will be established in SAS Nagar, while one court each will be set up in Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Amritsar and Patiala. The Cabinet also approved the creation of seven posts of Additional District and Sessions Judges along with 63 supporting staff positions for the functioning of these courts.
*Amendment approved in Punjab Superior Judicial Service Rules*
The Cabinet also approved amendments to Rules 7, 10, 12 and Appendix ‘B’ of the Punjab Superior Judicial Service Rules, 2007.
The proposed amendments are aimed at providing promotion-related benefits to serving superior judicial officers in Punjab and are expected to strengthen career progression opportunities within the state’s judicial services.
===========================
*PUNJAB CELEBRATES HISTORIC NO. 1 EDUCATION RANKING WITH MEGA PTM IN OVER 19K GOVT SCHOOLS*
*•Over 20 lakh parents join ‘Sikhiya Da Maha Jashan’: Harjot Singh Bains*
*• Teachers, outstanding students & JEE Qualifiers felicitated during grand events*
*• Govt schools turned from last option into first choice, says Harjot Bains*
Chandigarh, May 30:In a magnificent celebration of its meteoric rise to the top of the national education rankings, Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann today held simultaneous Mega Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) across over 19,000 government schools, transforming the state into a vibrant arena of participatory learning.
Divulging the details of ‘Sikhiya Da Maha Jashan’, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the grand event marks Punjab’s No. 1 ranking in the NITI Aayog’s School Education Quality Report 2026, where it surpassed Kerala, long considered India’s gold standard in school education, on key foundational learning metrics.
To honour and recognise this shared success, S. Harjot Singh Bains informed that teachers and non-teaching staff were felicitated for their relentless efforts. Outstanding students, including board exams toppers, achievers of the English Edge Programme and JEE qualifiers, received special recognition and certificates.
Reinforcing the role of parents as key partners in sustaining the success, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that over 20 lakh parents attended the Mega PTM and Parents’ Workshop. The grand event was focused on summer learning continuity, holiday homework management and building positive routines to support their children’s learning during summer holidays.
To ensure high-quality implementation of the grand event, all teachers and school heads were trained through a live YouTube session. Trained facilitators and active School Management Committees supported parent mobilisation, coordination and on-ground execution of the activities, the Education Minister added.
Terming the feat a milestone of 'Punjab Sikhya Kranti', S. Harjot Singh Bains said, "This No. 1 rank is not the government’s alone. It belongs to every parent who chose to believe, every student who worked hard, and every teacher who went beyond the textbook. We turned government schools from a last option into the first choice. For decades, people were told that quality education was not possible in government schools. Today, Punjab has proven them wrong. This rank is a revolution built in our classrooms."
===========================================
*FIVE MRSAFPI CADETS PASS OUT FROM NDA*
*• Chief of Army Staff General Dwivedi reviews historic 150th NDA Passing Out Parade*
*• Aman Arora wishes them distinguish career in armed forces*
Chandigarh/SAS Nagar, May 30–In a landmark moment for Punjab, five former cadets of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI), SAS Nagar, graduated from the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, Pune today. The passing out parade of the historic 150th NDA Course was reviewed by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM.
The five cadets including Jaskirtan Singh of Sangrur, Manjot Singh Walia & Dhruv Bhandari of Jalandhar, Harshdeep Singh of Patiala and Parth Kavi of Mohali, have completed a gruelling three-year training at the NDA following two years of foundational grooming at MRSAFPI. Notably, much of their preparatory training at the institute took place during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic period, a testament to their resilience. They will now join their respective service training academies, where they are slated to be commissioned as officers in the Indian Armed Forces within the next year.
Extending heartiest congratulations to the cadets, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that these young men have brought glory to Punjab. Their success is a powerful validation of Chief Minister S Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government’s initiative to prepare our youth for the nation’s defence services. He exhorted them to continue serving with unwavering commitment and make the state proud.
Major General Ajay H. Chauhan, VSM, Director of MRSAFPI, said that the momentum will continue as another 25 cadets are scheduled for their SSB interviews. The achievements of AFPIANs are a matter of pride for this institution and for all of Punjab.
=============================================
Forest Department envisages establishment of 45 Pavittar Van & 650 Nanak Bagichis
Chandigarh, May 30:With a view to increase the green cover in the State, and ensure a clean and green Punjab, the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department has chalked out elaborate measures.
The Plantation targets for the upcoming monsoon season have been finalized under various schemes, including 4117.49 hectares plantation under CAMPA Scheme, 584 hectares plantation target, establishment of 45 Pavittar Vans, and 650 Nanak Baghichis under the Green Punjab Mission Scheme.
Likewise, the plans of the Department also envisage the raising of seedlings and saplings in departmental nurseries, Maintenance, watering, weeding, and grading of nursery stock and Preparation of polybags and root trainers.