PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA PASSES NINE IMPORTANT BILLS

Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh Launches State-Level Deworming Campaign from Mohali

Punjab Targets Deworming of 71 Lakh Children with Albendazole Tablets

Health Minister Appeals to All Stakeholders to Become Part of Campaign for Better Child Health

CHANDIGARH/SAS Nagar, August 10:Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh today launched the state-level deworming campaign on the occasion of National Deworming Day at the School of Eminence, Phase 11, Mohali. Addressing the state-level function organised by the Health Department, Dr. Balbir Singh said that children in the age group of 1 to 19 years would be administered Albendazole tablets during the campaign to protect them from intestinal worms. The Health Minister personally administered the tablets to schoolchildren, formally marking the launch of the campaign.

He said that the state has set a target of administering Albendazole tablets to approximately 71 lakh children across Punjab. Children who, for any reason, are unable to take the tablet today will be administered the medicine on August 17 during the mop-up day.

Dr. Balbir Singh said that intestinal worms are commonly found among children and it is essential to eliminate them to ensure their healthy growth and development. Regular deworming campaigns are therefore undertaken to protect children from the adverse effects of worm infestation.

The Health Minister said that National Deworming Day is not merely about administering a tablet; it is about investing in the health, nutrition, education and future of our children. Deworming helps children remain healthier, improves their nutritional status, supports physical development and enables them to participate more actively in school and everyday life.

He appealed to parents, teachers and Health Department officials to make concerted efforts towards ensuring the good health of children. Calling upon everyone to contribute towards building a ‘Rangla Punjab’, he urged all stakeholders to extend wholehearted support to the campaign.

Director Family Welfare, Health Department, Dr. Aditi Salaria, in her address, said that every child should chew and consume the Albendazole tablet, irrespective of whether or not the child has intestinal worms. She said that intestinal worms can adversely affect the health of children, while administration of the tablet as per the prescribed protocol is safe.

She said that worm infestation can lead to anaemia, fatigue and malnutrition among children, which may adversely affect their overall physical and mental development. She also sensitised the children about the significance of National Deworming Day.

Civil Surgeon Dr. Sangeeta Jain said that Health Department teams across the district are administering free doses of Albendazole to children at schools and Anganwadi centres as per the prescribed protocol. She appealed to parents to extend their cooperation and ensure that their children avail themselves of the benefit of the campaign.

Mohali Mayor S. Sarabjit Singh Samana and Chairperson of the District Planning Committee, Er. Prabhjot Kaur, also addressed the gathering and appealed to everyone to become part of the campaign for the better health and well-being of children.

During the event, schoolchildren presented a street play carrying an awareness message on prevention of intestinal worms and the importance of deworming. An oath was also administered to all guests, children and other participants present at the event, reaffirming their commitment towards creating awareness and ensuring freedom from intestinal worms.

District Immunization Officer Dr. Girish Dogra, School Principal Ms. Shaili Rajput, along with other senior health officials, teachers and health workers, were present on the occasion.

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*PUNJAB GOVT STRENGTHENS FLOOD PROTECTION INFRASTRUCTURE ALONG BEAS AND SUTLEJ: BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL*

*RS.32.09 CRORE FLOOD PROTECTION WORKS UNDERTAKEN ALONG VULNERABLE STRETCHES OF RIVER BEAS; RS.11.98 CRORE WORKS EXECUTED UNDER MGNREGA; 12 WORKS COMPLETED AND ONE UNDER PROGRESS*

*RS.5 CRORE SPENT ON NEW SPUR, 700-FT GEO-BAG REVETMENT AND FIVE STUDS ALONG RIVER SUTLEJ IN MAMDOT AREA*

*DPR FOR REPAIR/RECONSTRUCTION OF DAMAGED STRUCTURES SUBMITTED TO GOVERNMENT OF INDIA FOR APPROVAL*

*Chandigarh, August 10:*Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today informed the Punjab Vidhan Sabha that the State Government has undertaken comprehensive measures to strengthen flood protection infrastructure along the vulnerable stretches of River Beas and River Sutlej, with special focus on safeguarding villages, agricultural land and the lives and property of residents living in flood-prone areas.

Replying to Calling Attention Notices raised by MLA Rana Inder Partap Singh regarding vulnerable points along River Beas from Beas Bridge on Amritsar Road to Harike Pattan and MLA Rajneesh Kumar Dahiya concerning flood protection structures along River Sutlej in Sub-Tehsil Mamdot, the Water Resources Minister said that the Government has adopted a systematic and technically sound approach towards identification, prioritisation and strengthening of vulnerable locations.

Responding to MLA Rana Inder Partap Singh, the Cabinet Minister said that the flood protection system along River Beas, extending from Beas Bridge on Amritsar Road to Harike Pattan, was comprehensively reviewed by the Department to identify vulnerable locations. Detailed surveys were conducted by the concerned Drainage Divisions, following which a Committee of Superintending Engineers carried out field inspections, identified vulnerable sites and recommended appropriate technical measures. Subsequently, a High-Level Committee of Chief Engineers inspected the identified locations, finalised their priorities and recommended suitable flood protection works.

The Water Resources Minister said that vulnerable locations were identified at several places along the Beas, including Village Amritpur; Bharoana, Sheikh Manga and Sarupwal; Bhagobuddha, Alluwal and Lodhiwal; Yusafpur Darwal, Takia, Gidderpindi and Bharoana; Baupur Island, Ahli Khurd and Ahli Kalan; Chuharpur, Sherpur Dogra and Khijrpur; Mansurwal, Butala and Dhilwan; Goindwal; Verowal and Hansawala; Gharka on both banks of the river; and Marrar on the right bank of River Beas.

Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that flood protection works amounting to Rs.32.09 crore have been undertaken through State funds at the identified vulnerable locations. Of these, 12 works have already been completed, while one work is currently under execution.

The completed works include river erosion mitigation measures through construction of studs, revetments and spurs downstream of RD 45,250 of S. Atma Singh Advance Bandh No. 1 at Village Amritpur Rajewal in Kapurthala district. Flood risk mitigation works along the Beas between RD 117,000 and RD 152,000, as well as flood protection works along both sides of the West Bein, have also been completed.

Similarly, flood risk mitigation works along the Sutlej in the Gidderpindi Extension River Edge area in Kapurthala and Jalandhar districts have been completed. The restoration and strengthening of Advance Bandh No. 2 and Sujjo Kalia Advance Bandh, which were damaged during the 2025 floods, have also been completed.

He informed that the department has further completed the strengthening of flood protection structures upstream of Dhilwan, raising and strengthening of the Goindwal Embankment, raising and strengthening of the Verowal and Guide Embankments and provision of revetment at Village Gharhka on both banks of River Beas.

The Cabinet Minister said that the 360-foot-long revetment at Village Marrar on the right bank of River Beas is presently under progress.

He said that apart from works undertaken through State funds, the Department has also executed Rs.11.98 crore worth of flood protection and river erosion control works under MGNREGA near Ahli Kalan, Ahli Khurd, Safdarpur-Khijrpur and Gharhka.

He said that these works have been undertaken with the objective of protecting villages and agricultural land from floods and river erosion.

The Cabinet Minister further informed the House that no breach has occurred in any flood protection embankment along this stretch of the Beas during the last five flood seasons.

Replying to the Calling Attention Notice raised by MLA Rajneesh Kumar Dahiya, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that the villages of Dona Telu Mall, Kalu Arain Hithar, Fattewala Hithar, Ruhela Hazi, Gandhu Kilcha Hithar and Nihala Kilcha, falling under Sub-Tehsil Mamdot, are situated on the left bank of River Sutlej. Gandhu Kilcha Hithar and Dona Telu Mall are located along the river bank, while the remaining villages are situated at some distance from the river.

Clarifying the reference to Stud Nos. 512 to 520, the Cabinet Minister said that the Department does not assign separate numbering to flood protection structures in this manner. Flood protection works are identified and monitored with reference to the RD system of the Flood Protection Bundh.

He said that the structures referred to in Sub-Tehsil Mamdot were constructed around 1995 at Village Dona Telu Mall along the Flood Protection Bundh between RD 12,410 and RD 16,500. During previous flood seasons, high water levels and submergence caused damage to two spurs and eight studs along the berm. However, the Flood Protection Bundh itself remained intact and did not suffer any damage.

The Water Resources Minister said that the present condition of the damaged structures has already been assessed through field inspection. On the basis of recommendations made by the field-level committee, a proposal for the repair and reconstruction of the damaged structures has been included in the Flood Management Programme and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been submitted to the Government of India for approval.

Sh. Goyal said that, keeping in view the vulnerability of the flood protection system in Sub-Tehsil Mamdot, the Water Resources Department has already carried out a comprehensive review of vulnerable locations under the Flood Preparedness Programme for 2026-27.

A Committee of Superintending Engineers inspected the vulnerable locations and recommended appropriate technical measures. Thereafter, a High-Level Committee of Chief Engineers examined the proposals, prioritised the works and finalised the flood protection programme.

The Cabinet Minister further informed the House that, keeping in view the vulnerability of the flood protection system in the Mamdot area, the Department has already constructed one new spur, 700 feet of geo-bag revetment and five studs at Village Gandhu Kilcha Hithar between RD 10,650 and RD 11,700.

He said that an expenditure of approximately Rs.5 crore has been incurred on these works. These measures, he said, have substantially strengthened the flood protection infrastructure and enhanced the safety of villages and agricultural land along River Sutlej against future flood risks.

The Water Resources Minister reiterated that the Punjab Government is committed to strengthening flood protection infrastructure on a priority basis and ensuring timely preventive measures at vulnerable locations to safeguard the lives and property of people, besides protecting agricultural land from floods and river erosion.

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*National Parliamentarians’ Badminton Championship: Meet Hayer wins three titles*

*Chandigarh, August 10*Sangrur Member Parliament Meet Hayer on Monday won three titles in different category and finished runner-up in another category during the sixth National Parliamentarians’ Badminton Championship, held at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi.

Hayer won men's single final by defeating Uday Srinivas 11-21, 21-17 and 22-20. In Men's double final, Member Parliament along with teammate MP KD Singh defeated Aga Syed Ruhela and Medha Raghunandi Reddy 21-13, 18-21 and 21-14. In the MPs and Partners’ Doubles final, Hayer and Biplab Mishra defeated Arshad Khan and Rajiv Pratap Rudy 21-10, 21-16. Hayer and Ranjita Ranjan finished runners-up in the MPs’ Mixed Doubles event.Sangrur MP said that the championship provided an excellent opportunity for Members of Parliament to play sports, strengthen bonding and promote fitness. He said he felt happy and proud to be part of the memorable sporting event.

It is pertinent to mention here that Hayer had also won five titles in last year’s championship.

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*Punjab’s women moving towards economic self-reliance under Bhagwant Mann government: Tarunpreet Singh Sond*

*Four years of Mann government way ahead of 11 years of previous regimes in SHG creation; interest-free loans jump from Rs.1.71 crore to Rs.631 crore*

*Bhagwant Mann Government gives unprecedented boost to women empowerment through Self Help Groups: Tarunpreet Singh Sond*

*Chandigarh, August 10:*Highlighting the transformational initiatives undertaken by the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government for women empowerment, Punjab Cabinet Minister S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that the unprecedented expansion of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in the last four years has opened new avenues of livelihood, financial independence and dignity for women across the state.

Drawing a comparison between the 11-year period from 2011 to 2022 and the four years from 2022 to 2026 of Mann Government, S. Sond said that the pace and scale of work undertaken by the Mann government clearly demonstrated its commitment towards empowering women at the grassroots level.

S. Sond said that 28,734 SHGs were created in just four years under the Bhagwant Mann government and around 29,053 SHGs created during the preceding 11-year period. Similarly, nearly 2.90 lakh women have been added to SHGs in four years, compared with 2.97 lakh during the previous 11 years.

“The figures speak for themselves. What took 11 years to achieve under previous governments has been achieved on an almost comparable scale in just four years by the Bhagwant Mann government. This is the difference that a government with a clear commitment to women empowerment can make,” said S. Sond.

The Cabinet Minister particularly highlighted the increase in interest-free financial assistance to SHGs. While only Rs.1.71 crore in interest-free loans was provided during 2011–2022, the Bhagwant Mann government has provided Rs.631 crore in just four years.

“This is not merely an increase in numbers; it is an investment in the economic independence of Punjab's women. When women receive access to affordable and interest-free credit, they can start or expand livelihood activities, contribute more substantially to family incomes and build a more secure future for their families,” he said.

S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond also pointed out that the Mann government has doubled the revolving fund support, increasing the amount from the earlier Rs.10,000 - Rs.15,000 per SHG to Rs.30,000 per SHG.

The Cabinet Minister said that the formation of 2,427 Village Organisations in four years, compared with 1,806 during the previous 11 years, showed the government's emphasis on strengthening the institutional network at the village level.

He said that the increase in Community Investment Fund beneficiaries from 6,234 to 9,244 further showcased the government's efforts to expand financial opportunities for women and SHG members.

S. Sond said that the Mann government views women empowerment not merely as a welfare objective but as an essential pillar of Punjab's economic progress.

“When the women of Punjab become financially strong, the entire family becomes stronger, villages become stronger and the state's economy becomes stronger. Our government is committed to ensuring that every woman gets the opportunity to become financially self-reliant and contribute to the prosperity of Punjab,” he said.

The Cabinet Minister reiterated that the Punjab Government would continue to strengthen Self Help Groups, expand access to financial assistance and promote sustainable livelihood opportunities so that women across the state could move towards greater economic independence, dignity and empowerment.

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*Over 65 Lakhs Women Gain Dignity and New Confidence Through Mukh Mantri Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojana; Punjab Government Gives Fresh Momentum to Women Empowerment: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*Women Empowerment Resolution Moved by MLA Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora Passed Unanimously in Punjab Vidhan Sabha; Receives Strong Support from Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*Education, Equal Opportunities, Exposure and Self-Confidence Are the True Pillars of Empowerment; Punjab Government Has Created a New Ecosystem for Women*

*Continuity of Welfare Schemes and Equal Partnership in Development Have Strengthened Women's Role in Society*

*Historic Steps Taken to Break Social Barriers and Expand Women's Participation in Public Life: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

Chandigarh, August 10:Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today extended wholehearted support to the Women Empowerment Resolution moved by MLA Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. She welcomed the fact that the resolution was passed unanimously, describing it as a powerful reflection of the collective commitment of the House towards safeguarding the dignity, rights and equality of women. She said that through the Mukh Mantri Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, the Punjab Government has ushered in a new era of women empowerment by providing direct financial assistance to more than 65 lakhs women. She emphasized that the government's objective is not merely to extend financial support but to ensure women enjoy dignity, self-confidence and an independent identity in society.

Supporting the resolution, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has gone beyond conventional welfare measures to create an enabling social environment where women are progressing in every sphere of life through education, employment, equal opportunities and enhanced self-confidence.

The Cabinet Minister said that the real foundation of women empowerment lies in education, equal opportunities, exposure and self-belief. She said that when women step beyond the confines of their homes, interact with society, acquire new experiences and sharpen their capabilities, they become more confident, self-reliant and capable of contributing meaningfully to society. It is with this vision, she added, that the Punjab Government has worked consistently to dismantle long-standing social barriers and create new opportunities for women.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said the Punjab Government has transformed women from being mere beneficiaries of welfare schemes into equal partners in the state's development journey. She highlighted sustained efforts to ensure equal employment opportunities, expedite the recruitment of Anganwadi workers and enhance women's participation across different sectors.

The Minister said that continuing the free bus travel facility for women is not merely about providing affordable transportation but about encouraging women to access education, employment and wider social participation. Likewise, the enthusiastic participation of elderly women in the Chief Minister Teerth Yatra Scheme demonstrates that when opportunities are created, women emerge as active participants in every field.

She further said that women empowerment cannot be confined to financial assistance alone. It means creating a society where every woman and girl enjoys security, dignity, equal opportunities and an enabling environment to realize her full potential. She added that the Punjab Government's policies are firmly guided by this vision.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that while governments often discontinue welfare initiatives introduced by previous Government's, the Punjab Government has instead ensured continuity of public welfare schemes while making them more effective and people-centric.

Highlighting the impact of the Mukh Mantri Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, she said that over 65 lakhs women have already been extended direct financial assistance and the registration of the remaining eligible women is continuing. She emphasized that the scheme is not merely about financial assistance of ₹1,000 or ₹1,500, but about strengthening women's dignity, economic independence and social identity.

She observed that countless women have spent their entire lives putting the needs of their families before their own aspirations. The Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, she said, provides such women with recognition, confidence and an opportunity to establish an identity of their own.

The Cabinet Minister also shared that Government Children's Homes currently house 215 children, including 157 girls and 58 boys, while Observation Homes accommodate 495 boys and only five girls. She said these figures underline the continued need to strengthen protection, dignity and equal opportunities for girls, and reaffirmed the Punjab Government's unwavering commitment to this cause.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further stated that although the Union Government has a woman Finance Minister, no nationwide initiative comparable to the Mukh Mantri Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojana has been introduced to provide direct financial support to women on such a large scale with the objective of enhancing their dignity, economic independence and social identity. She said Punjab has emerged as a model for the country in this regard.

During the discussion in the Assembly, Cabinet Minister S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond highlighted the Punjab Government's achievements in promoting women empowerment, strengthening Self-Help Groups and creating new economic opportunities for women. MLAs Inderjit Kaur Mann, Jeevanjot Kaur, Narinder Kaur Bharaj and Sarbjit Kaur Manuke also shared their views on the government's initiatives aimed at advancing the social, economic and political empowerment of women.

Expressing gratitude to MLA Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora for introducing the resolution, Dr. Baljit Kaur welcomed its unanimous passage by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and said it reflects the House's united resolve to uphold women's dignity, rights, economic independence and social equality. She added that such meaningful deliberations and unanimous decisions will further accelerate the cause of women empowerment and strengthen gender equality across the state.Concluding her address, Dr. Baljit Kaur reaffirmed that the Punjab Government remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting women's rights, promoting economic empowerment and ensuring social equality. She said that an empowered woman is the strongest foundation of an empowered family, a progressive society and a prosperous Punjab.

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*Punjab Passes Landmark Legislation to Secure Future of Thousands of Outsourced Workers*

*Punjab Vidhan Sabha enacts bill steered by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to transition outsourced personnel into direct contractual engagement*

*Bill establishes a 5-year continuous service threshold, reduced to 3 years for high-risk categories like power complaint redressal, sanitation, and firefighting: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Bill ensures net take-home pay is protected, full compliance with the Code on Wages, and mandatory provisioning of PF, ESI, gratuity, and leave entitlements: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*New law eliminates third-party contractors for Group-C and Group-D workers, ensuring a direct Govt-Employee relationship and absolute transparency: Harpal Singh Cheema*

Chandigarh, 10th August, 2026-In a historic move toward administrative reform and employees welfare, Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema successfully introduced and steered the passage of THE PUNJAB STATE OUTSOURCED PERSONNEL (TRANSITION TO CONTRACTUAL ENGAGEMENT) BILL, 2026, in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Monday. The landmark legislation aims to provide a secure legal framework for thousands of eligible outsourced workers deployed across various government departments and public sector entities.

The newly enacted law addresses long-standing systemic vulnerabilities faced by thousands of outsourced personnel in Group-C and Group-D categories (including twenty-six thousand to twenty-eight thousand in the first phase).

Previously subjected to precarious working conditions, irregular wage disbursements, and arbitrary deductions by third-party contractors, these essential workers will now transition into direct contractual engagement with the Government of Punjab on a year-on-year basis.

Speaking on the floor of the House, Finance Minister Cheema emphasised that the state government is deeply committed to protecting individuals who render vital operational and technical services. He said, "Reliance on manpower supply agencies frequently exposed public utilities, healthcare continuity, and safety infrastructure to disruption risks caused by agency defaults. By cutting out intermediary agencies and establishing a direct master-servant relationship, the state ensures absolute transparency, uninterrupted public service delivery, and dignity of labor."

The legislation outlines criteria for eligibility, ensuring that full-time, non-seasonal personnel engaged in essential public services are covered. To qualify, workers must have completed five years of continuous service. Recognising the extraordinary occupational hazards and risks faced by front-line workers in high-voltage power complaint redressal, sanitation and sewer maintenance, as well as firefighting operations, the qualifying threshold has been specially reduced to three years for these hazardous categories.

Transparency and accountability form the bedrock of the new enactment. The transition process mandates the verification of authentic attendance through digital and biometric systems, authenticated bank statements confirming regular monthly salary credits, and police clearances.

Administrative departments will establish dedicated departmental cadre eligibility committees, office-level screening committees, and appellate bodies to adjudicate applications efficiently and fairly within strict statutory timelines.

Crucially, the legislation safeguards employee compensation by stipulating that remuneration upon transition shall not be lower than the net take-home pay previously received under the outsourcing arrangement, nor can it fall below the minimum wage standards established under the Code on Wages, 2019. Furthermore, direct employers will assume full legal responsibility for statutory contributions, including Provident Fund, Employees' State Insurance, and gratuity, alongside comprehensive leave entitlements such as maternity benefits and casual leave.

The enactment also repeals the older Punjab Adhoc, Contractual, Daily Wage, Temporary, Work Charged and Outsourced Employees' Welfare Act of 2016 from its date of enactment. To oversee implementation, a State Empowered Committee headed by the Chief Secretary has been constituted to review operations annually and handle specialized cadre-level appeals.

"This visionary legislation marks the end of an era of exploitation for thousands of hardworking families, who keep Punjab running. By bringing our essential personnel onto direct contracts with guaranteed statutory benefits, digital accountability, and fair wages, we are building a stronger, more resilient public administration", said Harpal Singh Cheema.

With the passage of the bill by the House, the Government of Punjab has initiated immediate steps to notify the uniform cut-off date and set up the requisite administrative committees, ensuring that the transition process is executed smoothly and expeditiously across all departments and public sector entities.

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