Punjab rolls out state-wide “Sade Buzurg Sada Maan” campaign; health camps across all districts till February 18: Dr. Baljit Kaur

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*Honouring legacy of valour & sacrifice of freedom fighters & martyrs, Punjab Govt renames 15 govt schools after them: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• Legacy of freedom fighters & martyrs to become part of daily learning as 15 govt schools renamed across Punjab: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• Punjab Education Department to display life stories of martyrs in schools after renaming 15 institutions: Harjot Singh Bains*

*Renaming of 15 govt schools to embed spirit of patriotism & service among students: Harjot Singh Bains*

*Schools are temples of learning that must inspire sacrifice & service: Harjot Singh Bains*

CHANDIGARH, January 29:In a significant move to anchor education in the legacy of national heroes, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that 15 government schools across Punjab have been renamed after revered freedom fighters and martyrs, with the initiative aimed at rooting values of courage, sacrifice and patriotism in the education system.

The Punjab Education Minister stated, “By renaming government schools after our freedom fighters and martyrs, we are ensuring that their sacrifice and contribution become an integral part of a student’s everyday learning experience.”

The Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said he has directed the School Education Department authorities to display the life stories and contributions of these personalities along with their pictures in schools so as to impart value-based education and help build character among students. “Schools must actively showcase the lives and ideals of these heroes to inspire students and shape their character through real examples of selfless service,” he said.

Sharing details of the renamed institutions, Harjot Singh Bains said, “Government High School, Sandhu Kalan in Barnala has been renamed as Shaheed Sepoy Jagdev Singh Government High School, Government Senior Secondary School, Ghugiana in Faridkot has been renamed as Shaheed Naik Surjeet Singh Government Senior Secondary School, Government High School, Fatehpur in Mansa has been renamed as Freedom Fighter Maghar Singh Government High School, and Government Senior Secondary School, Dalel Singh Wala has been renamed after Comrade Dharam Singh Fakkar.”

He further said, “PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School (Boys), Bhikhi in Mansa has been renamed as Shaheed Constable Jaswant Singh PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School, Government Senior Secondary School, Bakshiwala has been renamed as Freedom Fighter Arjan Singh Government Senior Secondary School, Government Middle School, Lubanianwali in Sri Muktsar Sahib has been renamed as Freedom Fighter Sarwan Singh Government Middle School, Government High School, Hamirgarh in Sangrur has been renamed as Freedom Fighter Giani Mukand Singh Government High School, Government Middle School, Duladi in Patiala has been renamed as Shaheed Sepoy Pyara Singh Government Middle School and Government High School, Rajpura Town has been renamed as Freedom Fighter Amir Singh Government High School.”

Continuing the list, Harjot Singh Bains said, “Government Primary Smart School, Kaire in Barnala has been renamed as Freedom Fighter Gurdial Singh Government Primary Smart School, Government Primary School, Tallewal in Barnala has been renamed as Freedom Fighter Tara Singh Government Primary School, Government Elementary School, Harrangpura Pindi in Bathinda has been renamed as Shaheed Sepoy Boota Singh Government Elementary School, Government Primary School, Nangal Farida in Pathankot has been renamed as Shaheed Sepoy Rifleman Jai Singh Government Primary School, and Government Primary School, Daroli Khurd in Jalandhar has been renamed as Shaheed Kulwinder Singh Government Primary School.”

“This initiative is designed to permanently etch the stories of valour and sacrifice into the daily lives of students by transforming school identities into lasting tributes to national heroes,” said Minister Harjot Singh Bains, adding that this step would embed courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the nation into the very identity of these educational institutions.

He asserted, “This is not merely a change of name, but a profound commitment to ensuring that the legacy of these heroes becomes a living, breathing part of the learning environment for thousands of students. Our schools are temples of learning that shape the future of Punjab and India.”

Minister Harjot Singh Bains stated, “Naming schools after these heroes will keep their legacy alive and inspire students every day with the values of selfless service and dedication to the nation.”

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*MANN GOVT ROLLS OUT "NEXT GENERATION ROAD RENOVATION PROGRAM" IN MOHALI*

*MAJOR ROADS AND JUNCTIONS IN SAS NAGAR TO BE UPGRADED ON WAR FOOTING: HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN*

*NHAI PATTERN AND HAM MODEL TO ENSURE QUALITY ROADS WITH 10-YEAR MAINTENANCE*

*MOHALI ROAD RENOVATION TO BEGIN IN FEBRUARY AND COMPLETE IN OCTOBER*

*AROUND RS.700 CRORE PROJECT TO COVER 80 KM ROAD NETWORK*

*Chandigarh, January 29:*In a significant step to upgrade urban road infrastructure, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government has launched the “Next Generation Road Renovation Program” in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali). The initiative focuses on rapid upgradation of major roads and key junctions in the state’s largest urban centre to improve connectivity and ease of movement for commuters. The project will be executed on the NHAI pattern under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) to ensure durable roads along with a 10-year maintenance framework.

Addressing the media persons here at Punjab Bhawan, Housing and Urban Development Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said, "Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is continuously making focused efforts to strengthen road infrastructure across the state to ensure better connectivity and smooth transportation facilities for the people. While major state highways and rural roads are already being upgraded on priority, the state government has now initiated comprehensive road renovation works in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali), the largest urban centre of Punjab.

The Cabinet Minister informed that the government has undertaken large-scale development initiatives to transform SAS Nagar (Mohali) into a world-class city. In line with the city’s Master Plan, a dedicated “Next Generation Road Renovation Program” has been formulated to further strengthen and modernize the city’s core infrastructure.

The Housing and Urban Development Minister informed that under this program, major roads and junctions falling under the jurisdiction of GMADA and the Municipal Corporation will be upgraded and improved on a war footing. The project includes upgradation and strengthening of key arterial roads to ensure smooth traffic movement and to effectively address congestion-related issues. Damaged roads will also be repaired and resurfaced to provide safe and comfortable commuting facilities to residents and visitors.

S. Hardeep Singh Mundian further stated that special emphasis will be laid on the beautification of roads and important junctions. The beautification works will include landscaping, installation of modern lighting systems and enhancement of green cover, aimed at improving the overall urban aesthetics and environmental quality of the city.

He added that all development works under the project will be executed on the pattern of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) through the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM). Under this model, the contractor awarded the project will be responsible not only for execution of the works but also for maintenance of the roads for a period of 10 years.

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*Punjab Government to celebrate the 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji on a grand scale with guidance & blessings of saints, great men and religious sects: Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema*

*FM Harpal Singh Cheema led Cabinet Sub Committee holds the first meeting with committee of religious leaders & experts*

*Punjab Government lays out roadmap of proposed events before 650th Prakash Purb Committee of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji*

*649th Gurpurab of Guru Ravidass Ji to be held at Khuralgarh on February 6*

*Events showcasing life, education, travels of Shri Guru Ravidas ji to be held throughout year in villages across Punjab*

*Seminars and workshops, special kirtan events, pilgrimages, school level competitions, documentary shows, drone shows, release of Guruji commemorative coins, blood donation camps, plantation campaigns, marathons, shobha yatras, psychedelic rallies also to be organized throughout year*

*Events to commence on February 4th with beginning of Sri Akhand Path Sahib; Katha Kirtan Durbar and Begampura event to be held at Khuralgarh Sahib in November 2026*

Chandigarh, January 29:The Punjab Government will celebrate the 650th birth anniversary of Shri Guru Ravidass Ji on a grand scale. The year-long events will be guided and led by the blessings of saints, great men and religious sects.

These events will commence on February 4, 2026 with the beginning of Sri Akhand Path Sahib at Khuralgarh Sahib and will conclude in February 2027. In November 2026, Katha Kirtan Darbar and Begampura event will be held at Khuralgarh Sahib, in which religious and other personalities will also participate.

Cabinet Sub-Committee Chairman Harpal Singh Cheema chaired the first meeting of the committee held here today. The Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, Tarunpreet Singh Saund, Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri, Cultural Affairs Advisor Deepak Bali, Secretary Tourism Kumar Amit, Director Tourism Dr. Sanjeev Tiwari was present.

In today's meeting, Sant Nirmal Das Ji, Sant Inder Das Ji, Sant Jagir Singh Ji, Mr. Satyawan Ji, Mr. Krishna Kumar Ji and Mr. Raj Kapoor Ji from Dera Ballan, Bibi Santosh Kumari, Scholar Dr. Raj Kumar Hans, Dr. Soma Atri, Sri Vijay also participated.

During the meeting, Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Punjab Government will celebrate the 650th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji with full devotion and religious fervour.

After the presentation of roadmap pertaining to commemorative events in front of the committee, Mr. Cheema said that events related to the life, education and travels of Sri Guru Ravidass ji will be organized in villages across Punjab from February 26 to February 2027. He also said that seminars and workshops, special kirtan events, pilgrimages, school-level competitions, documentary shows, drone shows, issuing of Guruji commemorative coins, blood donation camps, plantation campaigns, marathons, shobha yatras, psychedelic rallies etc. have been planned, which will be celebrated with the advice of saints, dignitaries and experts.

S. Cheema further said that monthly events have been drawn up as part of these celebrations. During this time 4 Shobha Yatras will be organized from Varanasi-Khuralgarh Sahib, Faridkot-Khuralgarh Sahib, Bathinda-Khuralgarh Sahib and Jammu-Khuralgarh Sahib etc. He said that a special logo will be prepared for these events and a coin dedicated to Sri Guru Ravidas will also be released.

The Finance Minister specially thanked the saints who came to the meeting and said that the Punjab Government is conducting this event with full devotion and the entire event will be celebrated with the guidance and advice of Saints, experts, & scholars.

Explaining the financial mechanism, the Cabinet Minister said that payments will be made as per the 40:60 formula. Forty percent of the project cost will be paid by the government during the construction phase, while the remaining 60 percent will be incurred by the contractor and the government will release the remaining through annuity payments over a period of 10 years after completion of the project to the contractor. This mechanism will ensure greater accountability of the contractor and long-term maintenance of high-quality road infrastructure.

S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that the road renovation work in Mohali city will commence in the month of February and is scheduled to be completed by October this year. He said the project has been planned with a clear timeline to ensure minimal inconvenience to the public while improving urban mobility. He informed that road strengthening and beautification works worth nearly Rs.700 crore will be undertaken and around 80 kilometres of roads across Mohali city will be renovated under this initiative.

S. Mundian said that strict directions have been issued to the concerned departments and senior officers to ensure that all works are completed within the stipulated timelines and that quality standards are strictly adhered to, without any compromise.

The Housing and Urban Development Minister said that the proposed measures are aimed at bringing significant improvements for the city and its residents. These initiatives are expected to enhance road safety while ensuring smooth and faster movement of traffic. Improved connectivity and upgraded urban infrastructure will provide a boost to economic activities in the area. The minister added these concrete steps will definitely contribute to improving the city’s appearance and quality of life for its citizens.

Reiterating the commitment of the Punjab Government, the Cabinet Minister said that the state government is fully dedicated to providing modern infrastructure and a clean, well-planned urban environment to the people and such citizen-centric development initiatives will continue in the future.

Prominent amongst others who were present included Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Mr. Vikas Garg and others.

Government is fully dedicated to providing modern infrastructure and a clean, well-planned urban environment to the people and such citizen-centric development initiatives will continue in the future.

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*Punjab Taxation Department conducts statewide campaign against tax evasion*

*Detains 141 Vehicle during statewide campaign*

Chandigarh, January 29:The Punjab Taxation Department conducted a special statewide enforcement campaign on January 28, through all wings of the State Intelligence and Preventive Units (SIPUs). This operation reaffirms the Department’s unwavering commitment to strict GST compliance and safeguarding government revenue.

Informing this Punjab Excise Minister Harpal Singh Cheema informed that 141 vehicles were detained for detailed verification across the state. A significant number were intercepted in Mandi Gobindgarh and Ludhiana—major hubs of the iron and steel trade. Preliminary checks indicate most transported iron and steel goods, suspected of tax evasion via without-invoice movements, misuse of GST provisions and irregular e-way bills.

The Cabinet Minister said that this campaign builds on January 2026 enforcement drive targeting the high-risk Iron and Steel sector, based on credible intelligence. Inputs revealed large-scale evasion through invoice-less goods movement, bogus firms, fake billing and e-way bill manipulations. SIPUs were thus directed to intensify checks on iron scrap, finished iron and steel goods and other high-risk commodities for uniform enforcement.

Excise Minister Harpal Singh Cheema informed that January’s sustained efforts detained 793 vehicles statewide: 538 carried iron scrap and finished iron/steel goods with the rest transporting other commodities. These actions yielded ₹14.84 crore in penalties across 667 cases. Another 187 cases remain under verification as of January 28 with further recoveries anticipated.

The Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Department’s proactive, intelligence-led approach bolsters GST compliance, deters evasion and ensures a level playing field for honest taxpayers. It will continue targeted drives to protect revenue, foster voluntary compliance and uphold transparency in the GST regime.

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*Speaker writes D.O letter to Amit Shah for including Chandigarh automatically in arms license jurisdiction for Punjab State residents*

Chandigarh 29 January 2026:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S Kultar Singh Sandhwan wrote a demi- official letter to Central Home Minister Sh Amit Shah and requested to include Chandigarh in arms licence jurisdiction for Punjab State residents.

He highlighted the need for some amendments under the Arms Act. As per the existing norms, Punjab residents must apply for separate endorsement or permission to carry licensed arms in Chandigarh, which creates unnecessary bureaucratic delays and inconvenience. When Punjab residents apply for an arms license, the jurisdiction is limited to the state of Punjab only.

Furthermore he added that Chandigarh serves as the Capital of Punjab and is the administrative hub for the State. Many residents of Punjab reside in Chandigarh and frequently travel to Chandigarh for official and personal matters. It would be logical and practical for Chandigarh to be automatically included in the territorial jurisdiction when an arms license is issued to the residents of Punjab State.

He humbly requested to Sh. Amit Shah Minister for Home Affairs to pass necessary directions to the concerned authorities for amending the relevant rules/ guidelines.

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*AYUSH Medical Camp Organized at Punjab Civil Secretariat to sensitize officials about health diseases*

Chandigarh 29 January 2026:Aiming to prevent health disease among the society, an AYUSH medical camp was organized by the Ayurvedic Department at Punjab Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh on Ayurvedic diet and yoga.

An official spokesperson of Health department said that Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Mr. Kumar Rahul, IAS was the chief guest of this function. Apart from this, Mrs. Gurpreet Kaur Sapra, IAS Secretary Personnel, Mrs. Gauri Parashar Joshi, IAS Secretary General Administration Department, S. Upkar Singh, IAS Special Secretary Personnel, Mr. Gautam Jain, IAS Additional Secretary Personnel, Mr. Tejdeep Singh Saini, Joint Secretary, General Administration Department, Dr. Raman Khanna, Director Ayurveda Dr Sanjeev Goyal Registrar and Dr. Jyoti Babbar District Ayurvedic Unani Officer Mohali, were present on this occasion.

He added that camp incharge Dr. Amanpreet Kaur, Ayurvedic Medical Officer, Dr. Rajiv Mehta, Ayurvedic Medical Officer, Dr. Sonia Singla, Ayurvedic Medical Officer, Mr. Gurdeep Singh, Deputy Vaid, Mrs. Gurpreet Kaur Deputy Vaid, Mrs. Jasvir Kaur, Mrs. Indu Bala, Yoga Instructor, Mr. Rajesh Kumar and Dr. Vinod Kumar, HMO, Dr. Yuvika HMO, Mrs. Kavita and Gulshan Kumar Pharmacist provided free health advice and medicines to the employees. The employees were also sensitized about prevention from lifestyle diseases.

They were educated about ill effects of fast food and how street food badly effect on our vital organ of our body. Free Ayurvedic and homeopathic medicines were distributed to the employees.

On this occasion, free consultation and medicines for cough, blood pressure, diabetes, skin diseases, joint diseases, gynecological diseases, hormonal imbalance related diseases, mental illness, long-term diseases were provided. In this camp, 405 patients were checked up by the Ayurvedic Doctors and 350 patients were given free medicines.

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*Cabinet Ministers & Lok Sabha MP flag off pilgrim train to Varanasi for Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Parkash Purab*

*Follow path of equality & universal brotherhood shown by Sri Guru Ravidas Ji: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Punjab Govt to observe 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji on grand scale: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Bhagwant Mann Govt committed to shaping society rooted in teachings of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji: Lal Chand Kataruchak*

CHANDIGARH, 29th January 2026:Punjab Cabinet Ministers Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema and Lal Chand Kataruchak on Wednesday flagged off a special train carrying devotees to Varanasi from the city railway station to mark the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji, with the leaders calling upon people to walk the path of universal brotherhood shown by Sri Guru Ravidas Ji to build an ideal and inclusive society.

The programme was attended by Lok Sabha Member Raj Kumar Chabbewal, Chabbewal MLA Dr. Ishank Kumar, former Minister Balkar Singh, Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh and Chairman Punjab State Cooperative Agricultural Development Bank Pawan Kumar Tinu, who joined the devotees in marking the occasion with devotion and reverence.

Addressing the gathering, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, after seeking blessings from Sant Niranjan Dass Ji of Dera Ballan, said, “The Punjab Government led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann will observe the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji on a grand scale with devotion and reverence. Statewide programmes focusing on the life, teachings and travels of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji will be organised, and a detailed roadmap in this regard has been finalised in a meeting of the Cabinet Sub Committee.”

Highlighting concrete steps taken by the government, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “A sale deed has been signed for setting up a dedicated centre for extensive research and study of the sacred bani of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji. Sri Guru Ravidas Ji gave a timeless message of welfare of humanity and equality of all sections of society, and his teachings continue to guide society towards social harmony and justice.”

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, while addressing the devotees, said, “The Bhagwant Mann Government remains fully committed to shaping a society rooted in the teachings and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji. A comprehensive plan has been drawn up to observe the 650th Parkash Purab on a large scale, and the government will ensure that the celebrations are held in a befitting and historic manner.”

Extending greetings to the devotees on the 649th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji, Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said, “Guru Ji envisioned an ideal social order where no one suffers discrimination or hardship. By following these teachings, the Punjab Government is taking sustained steps to secure the welfare of the weaker sections of society.”

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*Punjab Govt’s novel initiative to carry forward Sri Guru Ravidass Ji’s message of equality to future generations*

*Punjab Govt to establish Sri Guru Ravidass Bani Adhayyan Centre near Jalandhar to propagate message of equality globally: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Punjab Govt registered more than 9 acre land at a cost of ₹10.50 crores in name of Sri Guru Ravidass Bani Adhayyan Centre: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Punjab Govt led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann wholeheartedly committed to ensure global outreach of teachings & ideology of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji*

CHANDIGARH, 29th January 2026:With a view to passing on to the coming generations the timeless message of social, economic and political equality given by Sri Guru Ravidass Ji nearly six centuries ago, the Punjab Government has taken a decision of historic significance to establish the Sri Guru Ravidass Bani Adhayyan Centre near Dera Ballan in Jalandhar. The initiative is also aimed at ensuring global outreach of the teachings and ideology of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji.

Disclosing the details, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that in a novel initiative, one of its kind in the country, the Punjab Government has got registered more than 9 acre land at a cost of ₹10.50 crore in the name of the Adhayyan Centre. “The Punjab Government stands totally committed to ensuring that the teachings and ideology of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji reach every nook and corner of the globe,” he said.

Giving further information, the Finance Minister said that three registries have been effected today. “One registry pertains to village Naugaja measuring 64 Kanal 5 Marla at a cost of ₹5,40,98,500. Another registry is at village Faridpur for 2 Kanal at a cost of ₹16,74,000, while the third registry, also at village Faridpur, measures 10 Kanal 14 Marla and costs ₹1,44,62,150,” he said, adding that “these three registries together amount to ₹7,02,54,659 and pertain to a total area of 76 Kanal 19 Marla.”

“We are fortunate to be partners in this noble cause. Our Government is dedicated with heart and soul towards propagating the global message of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, which is centered on equality, compassion and social justice,” said the Finance Minister.

He said that these Adhayyan Centres would act as shining lights for the coming generations. “The motive behind this measure is to make the young generation aware of the glorious history and to take a giant step forward towards erasing social and economic gaps,” he said.

Explaining the broader vision, the Finance Minister said, “The main objective of the Sri Guru Ravidass Bani Adhayyan Centre is to undertake research, preservation and dissemination of the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji through seminars, publications as well as community-based programmes.”

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