*EMBRACE SPORTS TO BUILD A HEALTHY, DRUG-FREE ‘RANGLA PUNJAB’: SPEAKER KULTAR SINGH SANDHWAN*
*'KHEDAN WATAN PUNJAB DIYAN’ TO RESTORE STATE’S SPORTING GLORY, MOTIVATE YOUTH TOWARDS SPORTS*
Chandigarh, 7 September 2026:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sardar Kultar Singh Sandhwan today made a fervent appeal to the youth of the state to actively participate in sports to ensure their holistic development and restore the pristine glory of Punjab.
Our government is organizing 'Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan' as a catalyst to restore the glory of the state in sports. Through this initiative, the youth of Punjab will get motivated towards sports, leading to maximum participation," Speaker Sandhwan said. He added that the event serves as the ultimate platform to identify, nurture, and polish hidden sporting talent from every village, town, and city, giving players a golden opportunity to move forward and excel in the international sports arena.
Speaker Sandhwan emphasized that sports play a pivotal role in keeping individuals physically active and mentally alert. "Sports not only foster physical and mental growth but also contribute significantly to a longer, healthier life. It is imperative that we integrate sports into our daily routines," he said.
Highlighting the life lessons taught by sports, the Speaker noted that athletics instill resilience and the drive to progress. "Sports teach us how to navigate life's challenges. They demonstrate that success is achieved only through continuous hard work and relentless effort. It is this dedication that ultimately enables our youth to compete on global platforms and win medals for the country," he added.
Reiterating the state’s commitment to athletic excellence, Sardar Sandhwan stated that the Punjab Government is working tirelessly for sports development and players welfare. Due to these sustained efforts, a positive shift is visible, with the youth of Punjab showing a renewed and deep interest in sports.
"If we want to transform our state into a vibrant, colorful 'Rangla Punjab', our youth must embrace sports, compete internationally, and bring laurels for nation" Speaker Sandhwan asserted.
He further underscored that sports serve as a powerful shield against social evils, teaching the youth to stay completely away from drugs. By adopting an active lifestyle, the younger generation can distance themselves from substance abuse and lead healthy, peaceful, and purposeful lives.
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*Admissions At Punjab Govt De-Addiction Centres Rise 164% In One Year*
*Growing Public Trust In Punjab’s De-Addiction And Rehabilitation Network*
*Sharp Rise In Admissions Shows Growing Faith In Treatment Network: Dr Balbir Singh*
CHANDIGARH, September 7:The consistent rise in admissions at the Bhagwant Mann Government’s de-addiction and rehabilitation centres is a strong indicator of the growing public faith in the state’s treatment infrastructure as part of the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’.
Government de-addiction centres witnessed a steep rise in admissions from 9,577 in 2024 to 25,290 in 2025, an increase of more than 164 per cent. The same trend continued into 2026, with over 14,000 people being admitted to government de-addiction centres by July.
Notably, this rise in the number of admissions is a result of the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ that began in March 2025. This rise is a strong indication that an increasing number of families and individuals are willing to approach the treatment centres rather than letting stigma keep their loved ones or themselves in the darkness of addiction.
The initiative’s growing footprint is particularly important in a state where those battling addiction may have struggled for years before seeking structured help. With treatment and rehabilitation facilities becoming an increasingly visible part of the anti-drug initiative, the emphasis is shifting from merely identifying the problem to actively bringing affected individuals into care and supporting their recovery.
The rehabilitation network has also recorded an equally striking increase. Admissions to government rehabilitation centres rose from 2,644 in 2024 to 8,574 in 2025 — an increase of more than 224 per cent. By July 2026, over 5,800 people had already been admitted, accounting for nearly 68% of the total admissions recorded during 2025.
The expanding reach of treatment is also visible through Punjab’s Outpatient Opioid-Assisted Treatment or OOAT clinic network. New registrations rose from 13,033 in 2024 to 17,702 in 2025, while over 12,500 new patients have registered by August this year.
The numbers point towards a broader treatment ecosystem in which people struggling with substance dependence have multiple avenues to seek assistance — from de-addiction centres and rehabilitation facilities to outpatient treatment.
The state has simultaneously used the rehabilitation provisions available under law. As of August 27, 2026, over 11,000 individuals had been granted immunity under Section 64A of the NDPS Act. The Act gives legal immunity to people suffering from drug addiction or those charged with consumption or possession.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said, “For Punjab, the sharp increase in admissions is proving to be one of the most encouraging indicators of the initiative: people are increasingly stepping forward, families are seeking institutional support and the state’s treatment network is reaching individuals who may otherwise have remained outside the formal system.”
He added, “Yudh Nashean Virudh stands on three pillars: strict enforcement against smugglers, treatment and rehabilitation for the affected, and prevention to protect our children before drugs ever reach them. With treatment and rehabilitation, our effort is to bring people back from addiction, restore families and give those struggling with substance abuse a genuine pathway to recovery.”
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*No compromise with public safety: Orders for structural audit of all government buildings, bridges and culverts in Punjab – Harbhajan Singh ETO*
*Directions to identify deficiencies and take immediate corrective steps*
*Strict action to be taken against negligent officers*
*Chandigarh, September 7:*Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO has issued orders to the department officers to conduct safety inspection (structural audit) of all government buildings, bridges, culverts and other bridge structures falling under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department across the state.
The Cabinet Minister said that the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann gives top priority to the safety and welfare of the people. The objective of the government is to ensure strengthening, safety and timely maintenance of public infrastructure so that safe facilities can be provided to the people.
S. Harbhajan Singh ETO directed that a detailed assessment of the structural condition of all government buildings be carried out through the concerned field officers. The defects, faults or weaknesses found during the inspection should be rectified on priority basis by taking necessary preventive measures, repairs or rehabilitation works.
He clarified that government buildings which have been declared unsafe should not be allowed to be used under any circumstances until necessary corrective works are completed and they are re-declared safe.
Similarly, the Minister has also ordered safety inspection of all bridges, culverts and other bridge structures under the department. He said that if any structure is found unsafe, immediate traffic restrictions or other appropriate safety measures should be implemented till the necessary works are completed.
S. Harbhajan Singh ETO also directed that no change, modification, strengthening, widening, demolition or other work affecting the structural strength of any government building, bridge or culvert should be carried out without prior approval of the competent authority. All such works should be carried out as per applicable rules, technical codes and departmental instructions.
Taking a strict stance, the Public Works Minister said that any kind of negligence or carelessness in compliance with safety norms will not be tolerated and strict departmental action will be taken against the responsible officers.
He said that the Punjab Government is committed to ensuring safe, strong and sustainable public infrastructure and every necessary step is being taken keeping in mind the safety of the people.
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Centralized Command & Control Center on anvil for Punjab State Food Commission for direct interface with PDS beneficiaries
PSFC Chairman Bal Mukand Sharma Advocates Bio-Fortification for Nutritional Security; Calls Ground Feedback Bedrock for Future PDS Reforms
Technology, Transpafency, Reforms & Nutrition under sharp focus in two seminars at MGSIPA
Chandigarh, September 7:With a view to emphasize the significance and further streamlining of the Public Distribution System (PDS) a seminar was held today at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA) in Sector 26 here today.
Keeping the focus on PDS: Reforms, Transparency, Technology and Portability, various speakers offered their valuable insights to make the PDS more robust for the benefit of the beneficiaries.
Leading the discussion, the Chairman Punjab State Food Commission (PSFC) Mr. Bal Mukand Sharma said that the ascertaining ground level feedback with regard to the PDS is of huge importance as it is necessary for a comprehensive review of the mechanism. He also called for ensuring the necessary action on the feedback for futuristic improvements. Lauding the field team of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, the Chairman also described the Anganwari workers and Mid day meal workers as important part of the Public Distribution System.
Sharing her insights, the Additional Director Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar gave an overview of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013. The Additional Director also briefed about the Antyodya Ann Yojana (AAN) and Priority Household (PHH) schemes in which the beneficiaries receive 5 Kg Per Person Per Month Wheat in Priority Household scheme while under Antyodya Ann Yojana each beneficiary family gets 35 Kg wheat per month.
Divulging more, Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar averted that distribution of ration to the beneficiaries under the NFSA is being undertaken on Quarterly basis since 2023. Also, 39,74,000 ration cards stand covered under the NFSA with the number of beneficiaries coming to 1.36 Crores. There is 100 percent seeding of ration cards with the Aadhar. There are 14450 Fair Price Shops (FPS) which distribute foodgrains to the beneficiaries.
About reforms of digital as well as technological nature undertaken by the Department, the Additional Director added that the Ration Card Management System has been put in place effectively apart from the Aadhar enabled PDS, a portal called FEAST which oversees supply chain management of foodgrains from Mandis to Godowns and further to Fair Price Shops. Hundred percent biometric authentication,with e-PoS machines, is undertaken for Wheat distribution. Now, e-KYC has been made mandatory for fresh ration cards.
As far as e-KYC is concerned, the process has been completed in respect of 1.35 Crore beneficiaries from June 2024 to June 2026.
As regards Meri Rasoi scheme, in the Month of May 2026 approximately 36.72 Lakh kits have been distributed. For the second quarter from July to September 2026 distribution has commenced on August 8th 2026. Notably, the kit contains two kilograms of lentils, two kilograms of sugar, one kilogram of salt, 200 grams of turmeric powder, and one litre of mustard oil for monthly consumption.
The PSFC Members Chetan Parkash Dhaliwal and Vijay Dutt shared their experiences from the field visits. Another Member of the PSFC Jasvir Singh Sekhon outlined the social impact of the PDS on the people.
In response to a suggestion from Mr. Vijay Dutt about having a centralized control and command center of the commission at MGSIPA office to have a direct interface with the beneficiaries of PDS to know their feedback, the Principal Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Mr. Rahul Tiwari expressed complete agreement and even emphasized an IVR System installation with SMS facility to reach out to the beneficiaries.
The Director Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Mr. Varinder Kumar Sharma while appreciating the yeoman's service rendered by the PSFC in strengthening nutritional security, said that main motive for constituting the PSFC was having an independent feedback.
On the occasion, J.S. Bedi from IDC Chandigarh and Dr. Satish Verma praised the digitization initiatives in PDS and advocates monitoring of ground level activity besides going in for multi departmental coordination for a hassle free distribution process under the PDS.
The Depot Holders doing good work were also given appreciation certificates.
In the 2nd session on the theme 'Promoting Nutrition in Government Sponsored Schemes', the Chairman PSFC said that the nutritional aspect assumes all the more significance in respect of children between 0-3 Year age group and Lactating Mothers. Sharing insights from his recent visit abroad, the Chairman disclosed that he visited McGill University in Montreal to interact with experts there. He argued in favour of bio fortification.
The Director Government Food Lab Ravneet Kaur emphasized the need to ensure nutritious food for children in a proper way and at a proper time.
Advocating Quality Assurance, Dr. Ajit Kaur Dua from PBTI underscored the importance of adding variety in food besides having proteins in Abundance.
Dr. Kiran Bains from the PAU Ludhiana said that ensuring safe & hygenic conditions while preparing food is absolutely necessary apart from spreading awareness on nutritious foods.
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*‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ Playing Key Role in Promoting Sports Culture in Punjab: Mohinder Bhagat*
*Cabinet Minister inaugurates block-level sports competitions in Jalandhar West*
*Urges youth to participate actively in sports for creating a drug-free and Rangla Punjab*
Chandigarh / Jalandhar, September 7:Punjab Horticulture, Freedom Fighters and Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat today inaugurated the block-level sports competitions of Jalandhar West under ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan-2026’ at the Government Arts and Sports College, Jalandhar
Addressing the gathering, the Cabinet Minister said that ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ has played a significant role in fostering a strong sports culture across the state. He said that the annual sporting competitions organised under the initiative have not only encouraged a large number of youngsters to take up sports but have also provided athletes across all age groups with a platform to showcase their talent.
Mr. Bhagat said that a new era of sports has begun in the state due to the special efforts of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, with Punjab’s players bringing laurels to the state and the country at national and international levels. He said that the Punjab Government is working round the clock to make the state a Rangla Punjab. It was with this vision that ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ was launched to connect the state’s youth with sports and channel their energy in a positive and constructive direction.
He said that the state government is developing modern sports grounds at the village level to strengthen sports infrastructure at the grassroots level and encourage youngsters to take up sports. He said that, for the first time, lakhs of rupees are being provided to players for sports training, while those who bring laurels to Punjab at the international level are being given cash prizes worth crores of rupees along with government jobs.
The Cabinet Minister also urged the youth to stay away from drugs and participate actively in sports to build a drug-free and Rangla Punjab.
On the occasion, Mr. Bhagat congratulated Gurinderbir Singh, who competes in the 100-metre race, and Rashdeep Kaur, who competes in the 4x100-metre relay, both players of the Athletics Coaching Centre Sports School, on being selected for the Asian Games. Earlier, Mr. Bhagat inaugurated a volleyball match and interacted with the players, motivating them to always play in the true spirit of sportsmanship.
On his arrival at the event, District Sports Officer Gurpreet Singh Bajwa welcomed Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat. The District Sports Officer informed that on the first day of the block-level games today, competitions in athletics, volleyball smashing and shooting, circle-style and national-style kabaddi, kho-kho and football were organised in Nurmahal, Nakodar, Lohian, Shahkot, Jalandhar West and Mehatpur blocks.
BDPO Seva Singh, Athletics Coaches Bikramjit Singh, Sarabjit Singh and Sunil Kumar, Volleyball Coach Amritpal Singh, Twinkle Chaudhary, Junior Athletics Coach and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
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*Aman Arora Woos UAE Investors at Dubai Summit; Assures Seamless Clearances, Robust Infra & Full Support*
*• Industries Minister Arora met Secretary General UAEIIC H.E. Abdulla Ahmed Al Suwaidi; Pitches Punjab as Next Investment Hotspot for UAE Capital*
*• Mann Govt committed to fostering global partnerships & industrial growth: Aman Arora*
CHANDIGARH/DUBAI, September 7:In a major outreach to attract global capital and boost industrial development as envisioned by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Mr Aman Arora on Monday met H.E. Abdulla Ahmed Al Suwaidi, Secretary General of the UAE International Investment Council (UAEIIC), on the sidelines of the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) in Dubai to discuss expansive opportunities for mobilising investments into the state.
During the the meeting, the Industries Minister discussed with H.E. Abdulla Ahmed Al Suwaidi about Punjab’s vast economic potential and invited UAE investors to tap into high-growth sectors through government, semi-government and private sector partnerships.
Reiterating the state government’s resolve, Mr Aman Arora assured the UAEIIC of complete administrative support, handholding and logistical facilitation from the Punjab Government for global enterprises seeking to set up or expand operations in the state. He emphasised that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab is keen to build long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships with UAE-based investors and institutional funds.
Highlighting the state’s investor-centric reforms, the Minister underscored the ease of doing business facilitated through ‘Invest Punjab’—the state’s unified single-window platform that delivers prompt statutory approvals and clearances to ensure a smooth, hassle-free investment journey.
“Punjab offers a highly conducive entrepreneurial ecosystem, excellent multimodal connectivity, skilled technical manpower, and a transparent governance framework. We invite UAE business leaders to become active partners in Punjab’s transformative economic growth story,” Mr Aman Arora said.
The UAE International Investment Council (UAEIIC), which unites the UAE’s public and private entities to channel outward foreign direct investment (FDI), welcomed the state delegation's proactive outreach. The engagement focused on establishing robust institutional linkages to enable direct capital inflows and joint ventures between the UAE and Punjab.
Expressing confidence in the discussions, Mr Aman Arora noted that this engagement marks a significant milestone that will pave the way for deeper bilateral economic cooperation, stronger business ties and substantial investment pipelines in Punjab.
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*Punjab Farmers Call Off Chandigarh-Mohali Border Stir After Written Assurance From Bhagwant Mann Govt*
*Bhagwant Mann Govt Accepts Core Demands Of Farmer Unions*
*Bhagwant Mann Govt To Convene Special Vidhan Sabha Session, Announce Farm Loan OTS & Ensure Highest Sugarcane Price: Gurmeet Singh Khudian*
*Annadatas’ Welfare Top Priority Of Bhagwant Mann Government: Gurmeet Singh Khudian*
*Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian Hands Over Written Assurance To Agitating Farmers*
CHANDIGARH, September 7:Following a written assurance from the Bhagwant Mann Government accepting the core demands of the agitating farmer unions, farmers protesting at the Chandigarh-Mohali border called off their stir on Monday evening. The formal written assurance was handed over to the farmer representatives by Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian.
As per the written agreement, the Punjab Punjab Government will convene a special session of the Vidhan Sabha within a month to pass resolutions on key issues and forward them to the Centre. These include seeking reconsideration of decades-old unconstitutional water-sharing agreements, repeal of Sections 78, 79 and 80 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act to restore the State’s riparian rights, annulment of the Dam Safety Act and withdrawal of the Seed Bill, 2025.
Reaffirming the Bhagwant Government’s firm commitment to the welfare of farmers, Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the Punjab Government believes in resolving issues through dialogue and mutual understanding. “The Bhagwant Mann Government is fully committed to the welfare of our annadatas. We believe in resolving issues through dialogue and have accepted their genuine demands with full transparency in writing,” he said.
To ease the financial burden on farmers, the Agriculture Minister also announced that an One-Time Settlement (OTS) policy will be formulated for outstanding loans, particularly those availed from cooperative banks, including the Punjab State Cooperative Bank and cooperative societies. “A committee will be constituted in consultation with all political parties to formulate the OTS policy, which will be instrumental in clearing the debt burden of farmers,” he said.
On the issue of sugarcane pricing, Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian asserted that Punjab will continue to provide the highest sugarcane price in the country. He said directions had been issued to put up the file for fixing the sugarcane price on Monday itself, ensuring that the process is initiated without delay.
The Agriculture Minister further said that the Government will ensure time-bound clearance of pending dues of farmers from private sugar mills. “The ‘One Window, One Payment’ system, presently applicable to cooperative mills, will be extended to private mills as well,” he said.
For the remaining demands of the farmer unions, Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian assured that a joint committee comprising senior officers of the Punjab Government and representatives nominated by the farmer unions will be constituted. The committee will examine the outstanding matters and work towards resolving them expeditiously.