Dr. Ravjot Singh donated his one year salary (₹12 lakh) to the CM Relief Fund

CHANDIGARH, 01.09.25-In a humanitarian gesture, Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh donated his one year salary (₹12 lakh) to the CM Relief Fund to support the flood victims in this hour of need.

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CM TAKES STOCK OF RELIEF AND RESCUE MEASURES IN FLOOD AFFECTED HOSHIARPUR DISTRICT

SAYS PUNJAB GOVERNMENT IS WITH THE PEOPLE IN THIS HOUR OF CRISIS

REITERATES THAT LOSS OF EVERY SINGLE PENNY DUE TO FLOODS WILL BE COMPENSATED

Tanda (Hoshiarpur), September 1:Asserting that Punjab is facing the worst floods in the recent history, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday assured the people that the state government is with them in this hour of crisis and every effort will be made to bail them in this hour of crisis.

The Chief Minister, who undertook a whirlwind tour of the flood affected areas in Hoshiarpur, also interacted with the people in Shelter Home at Government Senior Secondary School Miani. During the interaction he said that natural fury has caused unprecedented damage across the state but the state government is carrying out massive operations for the rescue and relief of the flood affected people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has already taken several steps to give relief to the people in this unprecedented situation.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed for bailing out the people in the flood ravaged districts of the state adding that directions have been passed to evacuate the people in marooned areas and immediately provide relief to them. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that all the departments across the districts have been asked to work in unison to ensure that people get maximum relief in this hour of crisis. Asserting that the state government will compensate the people for the loss of every single penny incurred by the people, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he is regularly monitoring the situation unfolding in the state due to the natural disaster.

The Chief Minister also visited Rara Bridge to take stock of the situation at ground level in the flood affected areas. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he had already written a letter to the Prime Minister and urged him to release Rs 60,000 crore that was stuck with the Government of India. He said that the recent floods have impacted more than 1000 villages across the state and has affected lakhs of people.

The Chief Minister said that heavy monsoon rains, coupled with the release of waters from dams, have caused extensive flooding in more than 10 districts. He said that the situation is still evolving as there is a grave concern that conditions may further deteriorate in the coming days. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that at present, about three lakh acres of farmland, primarily paddy fields have submerged under floodwater, leading to devastating crop losses just weeks before harvest.

In addition, the Chief Minister said that there has been a widespread loss of livestock, which is severely impacting rural households whose livelihoods are heavily dependent on dairy and animal husbandry. He said that a strong multi-department workforce is already working round the clock, on the ground, to complete the relief and rescue work. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the breaches along the flooded rivers are being plugged and medical teams are being deployed to provide preventive care against diseases in every village.

The Chief Minister said that along with relief works, the teams are undertaking water sampling, outdoor and indoor spray, water chlorination, fever survey, card tests for timely detection of malaria and dengue, distribution of sanitary napkins and mosquito nets in coming times. He also said that the water supply and sanitation department is pressing in water tankers for providing clean and potable drinking water in the villages until the supply through water supply schemes is fully restored. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Water testing teams are being deployed to check water quality in all the villages to avoid any epidemic outbreak.The Chief Minister said that besides water, dry ration kits, sugar, rice, wheat flour, ghee, milk powder are being provided to the people in marooned villages. He said that pumping operations are already in progress on a war footing adding that inundated villages are being cleared of water. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that medical relief is being provided to the affected people in relief camps, medical camps and even at their doorsteps.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that Mobile Medical Units are being deployed in the villages to impart quality health facilities. He also said that Dedicated anti larva teams are also being deployed to detect dengue larva in flood-hit villages. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that special teams will be visiting villages to teach the people about measures to prevent diseases like malaria, dengue, diarrhoea, typhoid and skin problems, since community engagement is necessary to combat these diseases.

The Chief Minister further said that Veterinary teams will also be deployed in large numbers for the treatment and vaccination of the affected cattle, deworming of the animals and provision of feed/fodder. He said that a major sanitization drive is being launched in the villages and fogging teams will be deployed to check the spread of water borne diseases. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that sanitary workers and MGNREGA workers will be assigned the task of professionally cleaning the villages.

The Chief Minister said that bleaching powder will be sprayed in the drains to ward off foul smell and prevent the outbreak of related diseases. He assured the people that the state government will leave no stone unturned to help the people in this hour of distress. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the fury of flood is an unforeseen natural calamity but the state government is fully capable of dealing with such a situation.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot, Lok Sabha Member Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal and others.

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PUNJAB’S HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO REMAIN SHUT TILL SEPTEMBER 3: HARJOT BAINS

Chandigarh, September 1:Keeping in the view of continuous heavy downpour and prevailing flood situation in Punjab, all the higher educational institutions, including colleges, universities and polytechnic institutes, will remain closed in the state till September 3, 2025, informed S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of Higher and Technical Education Minister, Punjab.

This decision has been taken to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff, S. Bains said while adding that the responsibility for the well-being and security of students residing in hostels lies with the respective educational institution administrations. They would provide essential services, while taking necessary measures to address any concern or issue that may arise during this challenging period.

Urging everyone to strictly follow the guidelines issued by district authorities and the State Government, S. Harjot Singh Bains emphasised that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government is committed to ensuring the well-being of its citizens, especially students, and continuously monitoring the situation closely.

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Meet Hayer writes to Prime Minister, Punjab should get immediate relief package for flood-hit areas

Centre must release ₹20,000 crore as interim relief and also release pending ₹60,000 crore funds of Punjab

Punjab is reeling under the worst floods of the past half century; this will directly impact the nation’s food reserves: Meet Hayer

Chandigarh, September 1-Punjab, which is suffering from the most devastating floods of the past half century, needs urgent support to recover from this calamity and to provide relief to the affected people. In this regard, Member of Parliament from Sangrur, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking a special relief package for Punjab.

Meet Hayer has demanded that Punjab be given ₹20,000 crore as immediate interim relief and, after a comprehensive assessment of the total loss, a larger relief package should follow. Additionally, he has also urged the Centre to release the pending ₹60,000 crore funds of Punjab without delay. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has also appealed to the Prime Minister for urgent intervention in this matter. Meet Hayer stressed that it is now the duty of the Centre to support Punjab, the state that feeds the nation.

Meet Hayer said that the floods have caused loss of life, property, livestock, and massive damage to infrastructure, while also destroying crops over vast stretches of farmland. This will have a direct negative impact on the country’s food reserves. He emphasized that since Punjab is the nation’s food bowl, the Centre must extend its hand to support the state in this hour of crisis. The crops were damaged right at the peak of the harvest season. Apart from human and property losses, the floods have caused major loss of cattle, severely affecting dairy farming and allied livestock-based livelihoods.

Looking into the causes of these floods, the MP explained that due to heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, the water level in the Ravi River rose sharply, causing the Ranjit Sagar Dam to rise by 25 feet in the last 10 days. As a result, more water is being released than in 1988, leading to flooding in about 300 villages across three districts of Majha region. Similarly, excess water released from Pong Dam into the Beas River caused flooding in villages of Kapurthala and Hoshiarpur. Heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh also raised water levels in Bhakra Dam, resulting in severe flooding in districts along the Sutlej River. Meanwhile, continuous rainfall has kept the Ghaggar River on high alert, and September too has seen persistent rains across Punjab.

Meet Hayer urged the Prime Minister to announce a special central package for Punjab, which should include adequate compensation for flood-affected families, rebuilding of damaged infrastructure, restoration of irrigation systems, and strengthening of river embankments. He recommended that the embankments along the Ghaggar and other rivers be reinforced to at least 4.5 feet high for future protection.

He also appealed to the Prime Minister that, just as the Union Home Minister visited Jammu & Kashmir recently, senior leaders of the Centre should also visit Punjab to assess the ground-level situation and witness the scale of damage firsthand.

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Punjab Finance Minister Criticizes PM's Neglect of Flood-Hit State, Highlights BJP's Indifference

Condemns Union Home Minister for Not Providing Any Assurance of Releasing Pending Funds of Rs 60,000 Cr or Relief Package

Slams Punjab BJP Leaders for Prioritising Political Rallies While State is Facing Floods

Chandigarh, September 1-Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday said that it is deeply unfortunate that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is completely ignoring the devastation caused by floods in Punjab, a state that has always faced the country's challenges head-on. Cheema also condemned Union Home Minister Amit Shah for not providing any assurance of releasing the pending funds of Rs 60,000 crore or a relief package in response to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's letter, which had appealed for the release of the due funds.

Cheema said, "What is even more unfortunate is that instead of pressuring their Central government to provide assistance to the state, the Punjab BJP is busy holding political rallies."

Displaying a check for Rs 50 lakh issued by the state's Excise and Taxation Department for the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to aid flood victims while addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that while the Punjab government, its departments, and the people of the state are collectively dealing with this natural disaster, the BJP-led Central government is completely ignoring the state. He expressed his dismay that while the Prime Minister, who even tweets birthday wishes, has not said a single word about the natural disaster affecting Punjab. He also criticized Punjab BJP leaders, including State President Sunil Jakhar, Working President Ashwani Sharma, and Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu, for being engrossed in political rallies in Samrala instead of urging their central leadership to act. "The leaders of the Punjab BJP should be ashamed of this attitude," he added.

Showing the letter written by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to the Prime Minister, Minister Cheema said that it detailed the over Rs 60,000 crore in funds owed to the state from GST compensation, RDF & MDF, and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. He said that the Chief Minister had also appealed for amendments to the rules for providing assistance under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to ensure adequate compensation for flood victims. He said that while the Home Minister spoke to the Chief Minister over the phone, no assurance was given regarding the release of the pending funds or providing aid to the flood victims.

Recalling Punjab’s valor during wars in 1962, 1965, 1971, and most recently in 2025, Minister Cheema emphasized that the state’s border regions bore the brunt of attacks during the conflict with Pakistan, yet Punjabis responded with unwavering courage. He expressed deep disappointment that the Union government now appears to be turning a blind eye to Punjab’s suffering. He noted that the floods, the worst in nearly four decades, have ravaged large parts of the state, including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, and Jalandhar. The Punjab cabinet, he said, is working tirelessly to provide relief and rehabilitation.

Finance Minister Cheema also acknowledged the efforts of Aam Aadmi Party Punjab President and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora, who has mobilized party leaders to extend all possible help to those affected. Responding to media queries, he confirmed that 29 lives have been lost so far and that deputy commissioners are actively assessing the damage. However, he stressed that the immediate priority remains the delivery of relief materials and the continuation of rescue operations.

Concluding his address, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reaffirmed the Punjab government’s unwavering commitment to compensating citizens for their losses and called upon the Union Government to fulfill its constitutional and moral responsibility towards the people of Punjab.

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15688 PERSONS EVACUATED AND 7144 SHELTERED IN RELIEF CAMPS: HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN

OVER 2.56 LAKH PEOPLE AFFECTED, RELIEF AND REHABILITATION OPERATIONS IN FULL SWING ACROSS STATE

FLOODS IMPACT 1044 VILLAGES

29 HUMAN LIVES LOST ACROSS 12 DISTRICTS DURING FLOODS

Chandigarh, September 1:Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian today informed that while the State has witnessed widespread devastation due to incessant rains and floods, affecting almost the entire State and causing unprecedented damage to human lives, property, crops, livestock and infrastructure, the government has been working tirelessly round-the-clock to address this adverse situation and provide immediate relief to the affected citizens.

Giving details of the evacuation and relief operations, the Revenue Minister said that Punjab continues to battle the flood situation with large-scale evacuation and relief measures being carried out across the affected districts. He said that as per reports from districts, a total of 15688 persons have been evacuated so far. Major evacuations were reported from Gurdaspur with 5549 people, Ferozepur with 3321, Fazilka with 2049, Pathankot with 1139, Amritsar with 1700 and Hoshiarpur with 1052, besides other districts including Barnala with 25, Kapurthala with 515, Tarn Taran with 60, Moga with 115 and Mansa with 163.

S. Hardeep Singh Mundian informed that relief and rehabilitation efforts are in full swing with 129 camps established across Punjab to provide immediate shelter to displaced families. These include 16 active camps in Amritsar, 1 in Barnala, 10 in Fazilka, 8 in Ferozepur, 25 in Gurdaspur, 20 in Hoshiarpur, 4 in Kapurthala, 1 in Mansa, 9 in Moga, 14 in Pathankot, 1 in Sangrur and 20 in district Patiala. The state government has directed the district administrations to ensure adequate food supplies, medical aid and essential facilities at these centres, he added.

Currently, a total of 7144 persons are housed in relief camps across the state. The highest number of inmates have been reported from Ferozepur (3987), Fazilka (1201), Hoshiarpur (478), Pathankot (411), Gurdaspur (424), Amritsar (170), Mansa (163), Moga (115), Kapurthala (110), Sangrur (60) and Barnala (25).-He said that a total of 1044 villages across 12 districts have been affected. District-wise breakdown shows as Amritsar (88 villages), Barnala (24), Fazilka (72), Ferozepur (76), Gurdaspur (321), Hoshiarpur (94), Jalandhar (55), Kapurthala (115), Mansa (77), Moga (39), Pathankot (82) and SAS Nagar (1).

S. Hardeep Singh Mundian informed as per reports from deputy commissioners, a total 2,56,107 people have been affected due to floods in different districts of Punjab. The highest impact has been reported from Gurdaspur where 1,45,000 people have suffered, followed by Amritsar with 35000, Ferozepur with 24015 and Fazilka with 21562. Pathankot also recorded 15053 affected individuals while SAS Nagar and Kapurthala reported 7000 and 5650 respectively. Other affected districts include Barnala (59), Mansa (163), Jalandhar (653), Moga (800) and Hoshiarpur (1152).

On deployment of forces, the Revenue Minister shared that multiple agencies are providing assistance. The NDRF has deployed 20 teams across Pathankot (1), Gurdaspur (6), Amritsar (6), Ferozepur (3), Fazilka (3) and Bathinda (1). The Air Force, Navy & Army have deployed 10 columns with 8 on standby, along with 2 engineer columns. Besides this, around 35 helicopters of Indian Air Force and Indian Army have been deployed for rescue and relief operations. BSF units are deployed on the ground providing additional support.

For rescue operations, a total of 114 boats have been deployed, along with 1 state helicopter to support evacuation and relief efforts, he added.

Divulging details of lost human lives, the Cabinet Minister said that the flood situation has resulted in tragic loss of 29 human lives across 12 districts from August 1 to September 1, 2025. The casualties reported district-wise are: Amritsar (3), Barnala (3), Bathinda (1), Gurdaspur (1), Hoshiarpur (3), Ludhiana (3), Mansa (3), Pathankot (6), Patiala (1), Rupnagar (3), SAS Nagar (1) and Sangrur (1). Besides this, 3 persons remain missing from Pathankot district.

The Revenue Minister said that the floods have caused extensive damage to agricultural land with a total crop area of 94061 hectares affected across various districts. The most severely impacted districts include Amritsar (23000 hectares), Mansa (17005 hectares), Kapurthala (14934 hectares), Tarn Taran (11883 hectares), Ferozepur (11232 hectares), Hoshiarpur (5971 hectares), Jalandhar (2800 hectares), Pathankot (2442 hectares), SAS Nagar (2000 hectares), Patiala (1450 hectares), Moga (949 hectares), Ludhiana (108 hectares), Bathinda (97 hectares) and Sri Muktsar Sahib (84 hectares). Other smaller affected areas include Fazilka (64 hectares), Gurdaspur (24 hectares), SBS Nagar (7 hectares), Malerkotla (5 hectares), Sangrur (3 hectares), Barnala (2hectares) and Fatehgarh Sahib (1 hectares).

The Cabinet Minister further said that relief distribution has been actively carried out across all affected districts, while medical teams are attending to the health needs of the affected population. Loss of animals cannot be assessed as of now; data will be collected after the flood recedes; however, there is a huge loss of livestock in affected villages, said the Cabinet Minister, adding that infrastructure damage cannot be ascertained as of now; actual picture will be presented once the flood recedes.

The Cabinet Minister assured that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is committed to providing immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation to all affected families. He directed Deputy Commissioners of all affected districts to complete the assessment of losses at the earliest so that timely compensation can be provided.

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ECI Directs to issue Postal Ballot to MP Amritpal Singh Under Preventive Detention in Vice-Presidential Election 2025

Chandigarh, September 1:Office of CEO Punjab informed that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued necessary directions regarding the facilitation of voting by Amritpal Singh, Member of Lok Sabha from 03-Khadoor Sahib Parliamentary Constituency, Punjab, who is also a member of the Electoral College for the ongoing Vice-Presidential Election, 2025.

Amritpal Singh is presently under preventive detention under the National Security Act, 1980, at Central Jail, Dibrugarh, Assam. In accordance with the provisions of Rule 26 of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974, the Commission has directed that a postal ballot paper be issued to him.

As per the prescribed procedure, postal ballot papers for electors under preventive detention are to be delivered only on the day of poll, and the sealed cover containing the marked postal ballot must reach the Returning Officer before the commencement of counting.

Accordingly, the Commission has instructed the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Chief Secretary, Government of Assam, to ensure that the sealed cover containing the postal ballot marked by Amritpal Singh is carried by a special messenger from Dibrugarh, Assam, by air, so that it reaches the Returning Officer well before 6:00 p.m. on 9th September 2025, the scheduled date for counting of votes.

The concerned authorities have been directed to immediately put in place arrangements for this purpose and keep the Commission apprised of the detail.

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Coming to aid of flood ravaged people is an Article of faith with Punjab Government

Duty bound to mitigate our people's lot, come what may

State Government to move heaven & earth to help beleaguered people

Nothing more precious than life & property of citizens

Cabinet Ministers, MP and MLAs working on war footing at flood affected areas

Chandigarh, September 1:The Punjab Government is leaving no stone unturned to save lives of human beings as well as animals in this hour of natural calamity. All cabinet Ministers are continuously visiting different flood affected areas so that necessary aid should reach the affected families at the earliest.

Punjab Finance Minister S. Harpal Singh Cheema today flagged off five trucks of Relief Material for flood affected people of Ajnala sub division from Mohali. The relief trucks carried 1,000 ration kits, 600 packets of drinking water, 400 mosquito nets, 400 mattresses, and 200 folding beds.

Expressing gratitude to Aam Aadmi Party volunteers and the people of Punjab for their overwhelming contribution towards relief efforts, Mr. Cheema said that Punjab has made countless sacrifices for the nation, and now is the time for the Central Government to stand with its people.Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian visited villages of Sabuana and Badiwala in Fazilka district.

Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains has taken charge of the rescue operations in flood-affected areas of Sri Anandpur Sahib and visited different areas of his constituency. He said our government is standing shoulder to shoulder with them. He is closely monitoring the situation and overseeing rescue and relief operations to ensure public safety.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has launched a helpline number : +91 87279- 62441 for the people of flood affected areas of Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency. This helpline number will work twenty four hours.

Punjab Food, Civil Supplies, Forest and Wildlife Protection Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak is continuously visiting the flood-affected villages of Bhoa constituency in Pathankot district to assess the situation and distributing relief materials. He visited villages Tash, Makhanpur, Basau Barwan, Kolian Adda and Bamiyal areas today. He provided financial assistance to four families in village Tash and also distributed fodder for animals. Fodder was also distributed in village Makhanpur. He assured the flood-affected people that the state government is standing with them in this difficult time.

Jail and Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar today visited flood-hit areas of Khadoor Sahib, Fatehabad and Dhunda in Tarn Taran district and took stock of the flood situation. He distributed relief materials like ration, food kits, drinking water etc. to the needy people and also arranged fodder for the animals. S. Bhullar said that our Government is standing with them in this hour of calamity and due compensation will be given for their financial loss and damage of crops after evaluation of the loss (Girdawari).

Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh E. T. O. today helped the villagers in filling up a 50 feet deep and 200 meters wide pit caused by a landslide in Marr village near Harike town of Tarn Taran district. Apart from this, he also visited the flood-affected areas in Keeri village. He also reviewed the relief work being carried out in the flood-affected areas. He assured the flood victims that our government is committed to provide all kinds of help to them.

During flooding in the Sultanpur Lodhi, Cabinet Ministers Hardeep Singh Mundian and Mohinder Bhagat undertook relief operations to assist affected communities. Both the Cabinet Ministers navigated through waterlogged areas in the Mand region using tractors and reached even the most inaccessible flood-stricken zones.

Lok Sabha Member Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal reviewed the ongoing relief work for the victims of the flood-affected areas at Dana Mandi located on Chogawan Road in Ajnala. In this relief, essential items like medical kits, cattle feed for animals etc were distributed to flood affected people.

Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh E. T. O. today helped the villagers in filling up a 50 feet deep and 200 meters wide pit caused by a landslide in Marr village near Harike town of Tarn Taran district. Apart from this, he also visited the flood-affected areas in Keeri village. He also reviewed the relief work being carried out in the flood-affected areas. He assured the flood victims that our government is committed to provide all kinds of help to them.

During flooding in the Sultanpur Lodhi, Cabinet Ministers Hardeep Singh Mundian and Mohinder Bhagat undertook relief operations to assist affected communities. Both the Cabinet Ministers navigated through waterlogged areas in the Mand region using tractors and reached even the most inaccessible flood-stricken zones.

Lok Sabha Member Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal reviewed the ongoing relief work for the victims of the flood-affected areas at Dana Mandi located on Chogawan Road in Ajnala. In this relief, essential items like medical kits, cattle feed for animals etc were distributed to flood affected people.

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Punjab’s Fiscal Growth Remains Strong, Net GST Collections Surge by 26.47 PC: Cheema

Overall tax collections Reflects 15.39 percent increase

Chandigarh, September 1-Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday announced that the state’s fiscal trajectory continues to reflect robust growth, with GST collections in August 2025 registering an impressive 18.66 percent increase compared to the same month last year. He further stated that the cumulative growth in GST collections up to August 2025 stands even higher, at 26.47 percent, underscoring the resilience and efficiency of Punjab’s tax administration.

In a press communiqué issued here, Minister Cheema emphasized that the state’s overall tax collections have demonstrated a significant year-on-year rise, with a 15.39 percent increase recorded up to August 2025 compared to the corresponding period in the previous financial year. He noted that this upward trend spans across various tax categories, reflecting a broader economic momentum and improved compliance.

Providing specific figures, the Finance Minister revealed that the Net GST collection for August 2025 stood at Rs 2138.80 crore, marking a substantial increase of Rs 336.30 crore over the Rs 1802.50 crore collected in August 2024. He added that the net GST collection for the current fiscal year up to August has reached Rs 11,338.47 crore, compared to Rs 8,965.32 crore collected during the same period in FY 2024–25, indicating a growth of Rs 2,373.15 crore.

Highlighting the cumulative tax revenue figures, Minister Cheema stated that the total net collection from VAT, CST, GST, PSDT, and Excise up to August 2025 has touched Rs 19,364.36 crore. This marks a significant rise from the Rs 16,781.08 crore collected during the same timeframe in the previous financial year. He asserted that these figures are a testament to Punjab’s sound fiscal management and the effectiveness of its tax enforcement mechanisms.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reaffirmed the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to maintaining fiscal discipline while ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are translated into public welfare and infrastructure development across the state.

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PUNJAB HEALTH DEPARTMENT DEPLOYS 138 NEW MEDICAL OFFICERS TO FORTIFY FLOOD RESPONSE IN 7 WORST-HIT DISTRICTS

— Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh Directs Immediate Posting to Handle Health-related Exigencies

CHANDIGARH, September 1:The Punjab Health and Family Welfare Department has taken a decisive step to handle any health-related exigency arising from the floods with the immediate deployment of 138 newly recruited Medical Officers to the seven worst-affected districts. This strategic infusion of frontline medical manpower is a core part of the state's escalated response to ensure citizen safety and well-being.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh, while directing the new officers to report immediately to the Civil Surgeons of their assigned districts, stated, “The health of our citizens in the flood-affected regions is our paramount concern. The presence of these 138 doctors on the ground is crucial to strengthening our healthcare delivery and tackling medical challenges in these difficult times.”

Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, Dr Balbir Singh, stated, “A total of 322 Medical Officers have been given appointment orders in the first phase of the total recruitment of 1000 medical officers. Considering the emergency situation in the wake of floods,138 Medical Officers have been directed to immediately report to the Civil Surgeon of the flood-affected district for carrying out critical medical duties. Their presence on the ground is crucial to strengthening our healthcare delivery in these challenging times.”

He informed that this major manpower push is further amplified by the support from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Punjab, Nursing Colleges, Private Hospitals, and Government & Private Medical Colleges, who have all stepped forward to bolster the state's relief efforts.

Dr Balbir Singh revealed that Health Department has deployed massive infrastructure of 818 Rapid Response and Mobile Medical Teams which are conducting daily medical camps in affected villages and shelter homes." To combat water-borne diseases, a large-scale distribution of chlorine tablets is underway, with teams ensuring house-to-door delivery. Furthermore, extensive spraying and fogging operations are being carried out to prevent vector-borne diseases in waterlogged areas." he added.

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