*PUNJAB GOVT TO MAKE EVERY POSSIBLE EFFORT TO SAFEGUARD INTERESTS OF AFFECTED PUNJABI STUDENTS IN CANADA: DR. RAVJOT SINGH*

*OVER 1,500 STUDENTS AFFECTED; DR. RAVJOT SINGH WRITES TO UNION EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER DR. S. JAISHANKAR, SEEKS APPOINTMENT TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE*

*MANN GOVT TO FACILITATE COMMON LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR AFFECTED STUDENTS, IF REQUIRED: NRI AFFAIRS MINISTER*

*Chandigarh, August 7:*Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh today expressed serious concern over the difficulties being faced by Punjabi students in Canada regarding post-study work permits and asserted that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is making every possible effort to safeguard their interests.

Addressing a press conference and earlier speaking in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha the Cabinet Minister said that nearly 1,500 students have been affected by the ongoing crisis and the Punjab Government is closely monitoring the situation to better understand their concerns and take effective steps in their support.

Dr. Ravjot Singh informed that he has written to the Union External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, seeking an appointment to discuss the issue at the earliest. In his letter, he has urged the Government of India to take up the matter with the Canadian Government through diplomatic channels so that timely relief can be provided to the affected students.

The Cabinet Minister said that these are our children, who travelled to Canada after spending nearly Rs.20 lakh each in the hope of securing a better future for themselves and their families. At the time of admission, they were assured that upon successful completion of their two-year academic programme, they would become eligible for post-study work permits. However, the large-scale refusal of work permits has left many students facing severe mental, financial and legal hardships.

Dr. Ravjot Singh further said that a large number of affected students have directly approached him seeking assistance. He assured that the Punjab Government is listening to their concerns with utmost sensitivity and is committed to extending every possible support.

He said that many students have already initiated legal proceedings before the Federal Court of Canada. If required, the Punjab Government will also explore the possibility of facilitating common legal representation for the affected students by engaging appropriate legal counsel, thereby reducing the financial burden on them.

Dr. Ravjot Singh also urged Members of Parliament of Punjabi origin in Canada to rise above political affiliations and collectively raise this humanitarian issue before the Canadian Government.

Dr. Ravjot Singh reiterated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is fully committed to protecting the interests of Punjabis and Punjabi students living abroad and will continue to make every possible effort, in coordination with the Union Government and all other concerned stakeholders, to resolve the issue.

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*PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA SPEAKER HOSTS TEAM OF PUNJABI FILM "THE GREAT PUNJAB ROBBERY"; DISCUSSES INITIATIVES TO BOOST CINEMA AND TOURISM*

CHANDIGARH, 7 AUGUST 2026:The Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan met the cast and crew of the Punjabi film "The Great Punjab Robbery" at the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Secretariat today. After viewing the film, the Speaker highly lauded its story, core message, and its constructive depiction of the state of Punjab.

The visiting delegation included prominent film personalities Mr. Raj Kundra, Mrs. Payal Rajput, Mr. Paramveer Singh, film director Mr. Saurav Verma, and Mrs. Gurpreet Kaur Chadha. During the interaction, the Speaker and the film crew held extensive discussions and exchanged valuable inputs regarding the promotion of Punjab, Punjabiyat (Punjabi culture), regional cinema, and state tourism.

The film team submitted key proposals to the Speaker included Establishing a dedicated branch of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Punjab to resolve the censorship challenges and delays filmmakers currently face in Mumbai and Delhi. Developing a modern film city in Punjab with state government backing to generate employment and give a major infrastructural boost to Punjabi cinema. Providing government incentives and institutional support for high-quality Punjabi films to compete at prestigious international platforms like the Cannes Film Festival. Encouraging projects that highlight Punjab’s rich heritage, ethics, and values rather than negative stereotypes, thereby instilling strong moral values in the younger generation (Gen-Z).

Responding to the proposals, the Speaker stated that Punjabi cinema serves as a powerful tool to showcase the state's vibrant culture and tourism to a global audience. He emphasized that films with positive narratives guide society in the right direction and reinforce Punjab's proud identity.

Furthermore, the Speaker commended Raj Kundra for embracing a new identity by wearing a turban, noting that the turban represents the ultimate glory, respect, and cultural heritage of Punjab. He expressed confidence that this gesture would send a meaningful message of cultural harmony and mutual respect across society.