PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO ORGANISE 'PENSIONER SEWA MELA' AT DISTRICT TREASURY OFFICES FROM NOV 13-15: HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA

INITIATIVE TO FACILITATE E-KYC FOR SEAMLESS DIGITAL PENSION SERVICES

Chandigarh, November 11-Punjab Finance Minister, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, on Tuesday announced that the Punjab Government will organise the 'Pensioner Sewa Mela' at all District Treasury Offices across the state from November 13 to November 15, 2025. The initiative aims to facilitate the essential e-KYC process for all state government pensioners, enabling them to register on the newly launched Pensioner Sewa Portal.

The Finance Minister highlighted that the Punjab Government launched this one-stop digital platform for all pension-related services on November 3, 2025. He said that the e-KYC is mandatory for pensioners to register themselves on the portal. "All pensioners are invited to visit their nearest District Treasury Office during the Mela to register themselves and to experience seamless digital pension services", he added.

The portal, accessible at https://pensionersewa.punjab.gov.in, will initially offer six key services to pensioners. These services include the submission of digital life certificates through the 'Jeevan Pramaan' mobile app, application for conversion of pension into family pension, application for availing Leave Travel Concession (LTC), submission of pension-related grievances, and updation/changes of pensioner's personal details. The 'Jeevan Pramaan' mobile app is available on Android at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aadhaar.life and on iOS at https://apps.apple.com/in/app/jeevanpramaan/id6736359405.

Finance Minister Cheema further explained that the process to avail these services is simple and user-friendly. Pensioners can register on the Pensioner Sewa Portal by completing e-KYC through the Aadhar authentication facility available on the portal. Once registered, they can access these services from the comfort of their homes using their login IDs on the portal through their mobile phones, PCs, or laptops. Additionally, these services can also be availed by visiting the nearest Sewa Kendras, requesting home delivery of service, the concerned Pension Disbursing banks, or the District Treasury Offices.

To swiftly resolve grievances arising after the portal's launch, a dedicated War Room has been established at the Directorate of Treasuries & Accounts, Pension and New Pension Scheme. Three dedicated helpline numbers, 18001802148, 01722996385, and 01722996386, have been designated at the Directorate level and are operational on all working days from 9 AM to 5 PM to address pensioner grievances.

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Despite floods, resilient infrastructure in mandis ensures paddy arrival & procurement crossing 150 LMT mark

Chandigarh, November 11:Braving the odds posed by the recent floods in the State, the Foolproof and resilient infrastructure in the mandis of Punjab has ensured the surpassing of 150 Lakh Metric Tonne (LMT) mark in terms of both arrival as well as procurement.

Leaving no stone unturned to ensure a smooth paddy procurement season, the pro active approach of the Punjab Government led by the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has led to over 11 Lakh farmers being benefitted from the Minimum Support Price (MSP) till November 10th.

Under the guidance of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, the procurement, lifting and payments are going on in full swing. The Patiala District so far leads the way with 96852 farmers deriving the benefit of MSP.

As regarding the arrival, a total of 15180075.88 MT of paddy has reached the mandis throughout the State till November 10th evening. Out of this, 15035129.93 MT stands procured and the figure touches 99 percent. The total lifting figure is 13567492.78 MT making the lifting touch 90 percent mark of the total procured crop so far. As far as the payments are concerned, more than Rs. 34000 Crore have been paid to the farmers.

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PPCB SUMMONS LEADING BRANDS OVER PLASTIC WASTE AUDIT, DIRECTS ON-GROUND ACTION IN STATE

— PPCB Chairperson Reena Gupta Directs 14 Major Brands to Present Time-Bound Plans for Waste Collection

CHANDIGARH, November 11:In a decisive step towards strengthening on-ground compliance and fixing polluters' accountability, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has summoned 14 leading brands identified as the top contributors of hard-to-recycle plastic waste in the state.

The Board has directed them to present clear, time-bound strategies that incentivise consumers to return post-use plastic packaging.

PPCB Chairperson Reena Gupta stated, “No company will be allowed to pollute Punjab. We will fix accountability and clean up all our cities.” This move germinated from a plastic waste brand audit conducted by the Board, which is a first-ever exercise in India.

The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) carried out the Plastic Waste Brand Audit 2025 in six cities of Punjab — Amritsar, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mohali, and Patiala. The study checked plastic waste collected from different areas in these cities to find out which companies produce the most plastic waste. Out of 6,991 kg of total municipal waste across diverse socio-economic profiles studied, 613 kg was found to be plastic. The results show that 88% of this plastic waste is hard-to-recycle.

Brand-wise analysis of 11,810 plastic packets found that just 14 major brands were responsible for about 59% of this non-recyclable waste.

The Board noted that the current practice of some companies meeting EPR targets through unverifiable certificates or by shifting responsibility to other states is exacerbating Punjab's pollution crisis instead of solving it.

The PPCB will continue to enhance monitoring, enforcement, and industry collaboration to move Punjab toward a cleaner, circular and plastic-responsible future.

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SRI GURU TEGH BAHADUR JI’S 350TH MARTYRDOM ANNIVERSARY: 35K SCHOOLS IN PUNJAB REVERBERATED WITH TEACHINGS OF NINTH GURU

• With 70L students reflecting on life & supreme sacrifice of Ninth Guru Sahib, the state-wide initiative aims to blend moral values with modern education, gifting a 'moral compass' to the youth, says Bains

• In first-of-its-kind initiative, CM Mann-led Govt mandates 15-day education module for all schools: Education Minister

• What we witnessed today is not merely an event, but a movement, says Harjot Singh Bains

Chandigarh, November 11:In a historic and spiritually enriching spectacle, over 35,000 schools across the state held special morning assemblies, with 70 lakh students reflecting on Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji's life, supreme sacrifice & teachings under a 15-day Education Module. Notably, the mandatory Education Module was launched on Monday in all the schools, including Government, Private & Aided, from Nursery to class 12th irrespective of any education board to instill values of righteousness, truth and justice in students.

Expressing his profound delight at the overwhelming response, S. Harjot Singh Bains stated, “What we witnessed today is not merely an event, but a movement. To see over 70 lakh young students, the future of our Punjab, collectively reflecting upon the supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji for the protection of dharma (faith & righteousness) and justice is a deeply moving and powerful moment. This initiative is a cornerstone of our government’s policy to provide an education that builds not just scholars, but conscientious citizens of strong values and character.”

By embedding these invaluable lessons into school routine, the state government is gifting children a moral compass that will guide them throughout their lives, S. Harjot Singh Bains said while adding that the state-wide initiative, a first of its kind in scale and vision, is a core part of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s effort to blend moral values & heritage into education, imbuing young minds with Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's enduring legacy.

The education module, carrying out till November 30, 2025, includes a 10-12 minute morning assembly segment on Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's life, martyrdom, Mata Gujri Ji's life and the creation of Khalsa Panth, besides organising special lectures, poetry recitations, speech competitions, essay writing and distribution of historical books, aiming to foster a deep connection between students and the legacy of universal brotherhood, righteousness and justice, he added.

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MISSION CHARDI KALA BRINGS RELIEF TO FLOOD-HIT FAMILIES ACROSS PUNJAB

MANN GOVT COMPLETES RELIEF DISTRIBUTION IN 1012 FLOOD-HIT VILLAGES

Chandigarh, November 11:Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has successfully completed the process of providing flood relief in 1,012 villages of the state. With an commitment to public welfare, the state government is ensuring that every eligible family receive timely compensation for losses of houses, crops and livestock.

Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson said that Punjab has emerged as the first state in the country to disburse the highest compensation to flood-affected families in record time and the government extended financial assistance worth crores under the Mission Chardi Kala, ensuring relief reached every household efficiently.

He informed that in a significant decision, financial aid for damaged houses was increased from Rs.6,500 to Rs.40,000 per house. For the first time in the country’s history, Punjab empowered its farmers with the right to extract sand from their own fields through the progressive initiative “Jisda Khet, Usdi Ret” and enabled them to restore their land and prepare for the next sowing season. The state also ensured the highest-ever crop compensation in the nation, granting Rs.20,000 per acre to affected farmers. To help families rebuild their livelihoods, compensation was fixed at Rs.37,500 per milch animal, Rs.32,000 per non-milch animal, Rs.20,000 per calf and Rs.100 per poultry bird, which is providing crucial support to every impacted household.

Across districts, relief distribution gained momentum with Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema today handing over approval letters of Rs.22.71 lakh to 81 flood-affected farmers from 11 villages in Dirba constituency. Cabinet Minister and AAP State President Aman Arora distributed Rs.17.47 lakh among 82 affected families from 11 villages in Sunam. In Ajnala, MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal disbursed Rs.2.09 crore to 594 families across several villages, while in Mehal Kalan constituency, Chairman of the Special Privileges Committee Kulwant Singh Pandori distributed Rs.5.49 lakh to 27 beneficiaries, taking the total relief amount in the area to Rs.9.82 lakh for 41 families.

In Ghanaur constituency, MLA Gurlal Ghanaur and PRTC Chairman Ranjodh Singh Hadana handed over approval letters of Rs.5.15 crore to 2,113 beneficiaries from 11 flood-affected villages, covering 3,478 acres of damaged crops.

In Bhadaur constituency, MLA Labh Singh Ugoke distributed Rs.32 lakh among flood-hit farmers from 16 villages. The affected people expressed gratitude to the Punjab Government for standing firmly with them in difficult times.

Similar relief events were organised in Nawanshahr where AAP leader Lalit Mohan Pathak and SDM Mrs. Anamjyot Kaur handed over cheques to affected families, while in Balachaur, MLA Smt. Santosh Kataria and SDM Ms. Kritika Goyal distributed compensation among flood victims.

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Appox. 60.95% voting Recorded for Tarn Taran Bye-elections: CEO Punjab

- Thankful to voters, polling staff, candidates, and political parties for peaceful and smooth elections

Chandigarh, November 11:Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Punjab, Sibin C informed that appox 60.95% voter turnout has been recorded till 6 PM in the bye-elections for Tarn Taran assembly constituency.

Sibin C further informed that the precise figures will be updated by tomorrow once all polling parties return to the collection centres and final data entry is completed. He further thanked the voters of Tarn Taran Assembly constitutency for exercising their democratic right in the bye-election.

CEO also applauded the efforts of Deputy Commissioners-cum-District Election Officers and Returning Officer, and Polling officials for ensuring smooth management and strict supervision during the electoral process. Sibin C appreciated the dedication and efforts of the Punjab Police, Central Armed Police Forces, polling officials, volunteers, and all individuals involved in ensuring a secure environment at polling stations and smooth execution of the electoral arrangements.

He extended gratitude to political parties and candidates for their cooperation during the election process. Additionally, he acknowledged the constructive role played by media personnel and thanked them for their support.

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Light and Sound Shows Depicting the Life and Philosophy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Organized Across Four Districts

- Large gatherings attend the shows at Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Amritsar, Ferozepur, and Sangrur; Ministers, MLAs, and dignitaries join the Sangat

Chandigarh, November 11:As part of the series of events being organized by the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to commemorate the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, captivating light and sound shows were held on Tuesday at Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Amritsar, Ferozepur, and Sangrur. These programs witnessed enthusiastic participation from Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, public representatives, officials, and a large number of devotees.

A spokesperson of the government stated that at the Saras Mela Ground in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, a grand light and sound show attracted a huge sangat. Among those present were former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia, MLAs Kulwant Singh (Mohali) and Kuljeet Singh Randhawa (Dera Bassi), Advisor Tourism Deepak Bali, OSD (Media) to Chief Minister Punjab Amanjot Singh, District Planning Committee Chairperson Prabhjot Kaur, and Punjab Youth Development Board Chairman Parminder Goldy.

Similarly, at the Mela Ground in Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar, the show was graced by Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO. In Ferozepur, the event held at Cantonment Stadium was attended by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, who along with the Sangat witnessed the spectacular presentation highlighting Guru Sahib’s supreme sacrifice and timeless philosophy.

In Sangrur, MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj attended the light and sound show held at Ranbir College along with district officials and devotees. The Sangat lauded the Punjab Government’s initiative to commemorate Guru Sahib’s unparalleled martyrdom through these creative and spiritually enriching presentations.

The light and sound shows employed state-of-the-art laser lighting and 3D projection technology to portray the entire life journey, philosophy, teachings, and the ultimate sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji for the protection of faith and humanity.

Notably, similar light and sound shows will be organized in other districts on November 14, 17, and 20.

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CM’S INDUSTRIAL FRIENDLY POLICIES BEAR FRUITS, PUNJAB BAGS TOP ACHIEVER AWARD FROM GOI

PUNJAB EXCELS IN FIVE KEY REFORM AREAS IN THE COUNTRY

Chandigarh, November 11-In recognition to the industrial friendly policies of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led state government, the Government of India (GOI) has recognized Punjab as a “Top Achiever” under the Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP) 2024, today.

The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal conferred this award to the state in a function held here today at the national capital.

Notably, Punjab has excelled in five key reform areas in India viz. Business Entry, Construction Permit Enablers, Investment Enablers, Sector-Specific Healthcare and Services Sector. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India, has recognized Punjab as a “Top Achiever” under the Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP) 2024. This recognition highlights Punjab’s commitment to provide a transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly business environment, reaffirming the State’s leadership in Ease of Doing Business.

Pertinently, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister, Punjab is steadily ascending the ladder of industrial growth and investment is being drawn to the state due to industry-friendly policies, transparent governance, and a conducive business environment. Punjab’s atmosphere of harmony, peace, and goodwill has greatly boosted industrial investment and since March 2022, ever since Bhagwant Mann government assumed charge, Punjab has received investment proposals worth Rs 1.23 lakh crore, which will generate employment for around 4.7 lakh youth. Unprecedented growth in sectors such as food processing, textiles, auto components, hand tools, bicycles, IT, and tourism are positioning Punjab as a role model for other states.

Due to industrial friendly policies of the state government, Punjab is attracting investments from developed nations such as Japan, the USA, Germany, the UK, the UAE, Switzerland, France, Spain and others. As a result of concerted efforts of the state government, Punjab is emerging not only as India’s but also the world’s Preferred Investment Destination. Likewise, the state now holds a top position in Ease of Doing Business and the Fast Track Punjab Portal introduced by the state government has emerged as India’s most advanced single-window system, offering more than 150 business services with the notable advantage of completely eliminating the need for offline applications.

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