*Minister Arora takes stock of all Local Government works with Municipal Commissioners, ADCs of Urban Development & EOs of Improvement Trusts*
Chandigarh, January 31, 2026:A high-level review meeting on key Urban Local Body (ULB) issues was held under the chairmanship of Punjab Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Industries & Commerce and Power, Shri Sanjeev Arora.
During the meeting, the Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora directed that all Urban Local Bodies shall pass resolutions for development schemes in a completely paperless manner. He informed that the Department has developed the e-Nigam software, through which all resolutions will now be processed online. A strict timeline of 10 working days has been fixed for competent authorities to take decisions on such resolutions to ensure efficiency and transparency.
Reviewing water-supply arrangements, Shri Sanjeev Arora directed installation of timer sensors on all tubewells within one month to ensure uninterrupted water supply to citizens. Keeping in view frequent disruptions during summer due to tubewell failures, all Municipal Commissioners and Additional Deputy Commissioners were instructed to procure pump sets in advance to enable immediate replacement and uninterrupted services.
Emphasising cleanliness and sanitation, the Minister directed all authorities to undertake a special sewage-cleaning drive to resolve sewer-related issues and prevent waterlogging during the forthcoming rainy season. He further ordered surprise inspections to ensure daily garbage collection and a weekly deep-cleaning drive across all urban areas.
While reviewing development schemes of Improvement Trusts, the Minister observed that citizens often face inconvenience in grievance redressal. He directed that completed schemes of Improvement Trusts be handed over to the concerned Urban Local Bodies, and all related actions be completed within stipulated timelines.
The Cabinet Minister also directed all officers to identify and put on auction all properties meant for public purposes that have remained unsold, stressing that no public asset should remain idle. He instructed that such auctions be conducted in a transparent, time-bound manner in accordance with prescribed rules and policies, to optimise utilisation of public assets and generate revenue for urban development.
Taking serious note of scrapped and confiscated vehicles parked at police stations and along city roads, Shri Sanjeev Arora stated that such parking adversely affects city aesthetics and creates risks of fire hazards and mosquito breeding. Officers were directed to identify suitable municipal land for parking yards and coordinate with district police authorities to shift these vehicles outside city limits.
Discussing the issue of stray dogs, the Minister Sanjeev Arora reiterated strict compliance with Hon’ble Supreme Court directions. All officers were directed to identify land for establishing dog pounds/sanctuaries and ensure the shifting of stray dogs from institutional and sensitive areas to these facilities.
Issues related to raising funds through Corporate Bonds for major Urban Local Body projects were also deliberated. Concerned authorities were directed to submit clear and detailed proposals within one month.
The Cabinet Minister emphasised coordination, timely execution and accountability, stating that strengthening urban infrastructure and improving civic services remain top priorities of the Punjab Government under able guidance of our Hon’ble National Convener Sh. Arvind Kejriwal & Hon’ble Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann.
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*Speaker writes letter to PM of India, highlighted leading issues of Punjab to be resolved at the earliest*
*Sandhwan requests Central Government to release Punjab allocated funds as soon as possible*
Chandigarh 31 January 2026:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan wrote a letter to Prime Minister of India Shri. Narendra Modi regarding leading issues of Punjab which needs to be resolved at the earliest. He said "Punjab" was once the most prosperous state in India and the breadbasket of the nation, but today facing unprecedented economic challenges due to pending releases of central funds. Punjab feels neglected in terms of central investment and policy support.
Furthermore, he stated that Punjab's fiscal autonomy has been severely curtailed through the progressive erosion of financial rights and a reduced share in central taxes, which undermines the spirit of true federalism enshrined in our Constitution. Adding to the Punjab's woes is an acute water crisis, the State is experiencing a serious shortage of surface water and groundwater, due to the unjust division and diversion of river water to other states and a lack of control over headworks located in within the Punjab jurisdiction.
This discrimination in the sharing of Punjab's river water has pushed our water table to an alarming depth and is threatening agricultural sustainability. He hopes that the visit of Prime Minister of India will mark a turning point and that his leadership will address these concerns with the urgency and compassion the Punjab deserves.
Speaker humbly submitted the following demands for kind consideration and intervention of Central Government.
1. Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, S.A.S Nagar (Mohali) serves as a vital gateway for Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh & Jammu & Kashmir, while Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji International Airport, Amritsar, connects our State to the Punjabi diaspora worldwide. He requested an immediate increase in the number of domestic and international flights from Chandigarh and Amritsar airports. Increased flight frequencies will boost tourism, facilitate business.
2. Punjab's farmers and traders require direct access to international markets to maximise their income and reduce dependency on intermediaries. He urged the Central Government to explore an operationalize a road trade link to Middle East countries. Such connectivity will enable our agricultural producers, traders particularly those in the northern region to export their fresh product, dairy and other commodities directly ensuring better prices and economic prosperity for our farming community.
3. This year 2026 marks the auspicious 650th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji. In recognition of His immense contribution to spirituality & society, and to honour to this historic milestone, he respectfully requested that Adampur Airport, Jalandhar (Punjab), an important gateway for Doaba region of Punjab, be officially renamed as "Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Airport". Such a gesture would serve as fitting tribute to his enduring legacy and would resonate deeply with the people of Punjab. He urged the Central Government to approve this renaming at the earliest so that it may be announced during the 650th birth anniversary celebrations of Sri. Guru Ravidas Ji.
4. Chandigarh serves as the capital of Punjab and Haryana, the long-standing demand for the transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab must be resolved. Chandigarh was originally designed and developed on the land acquired from the farmers of Punjab State, who made tremendous sacrifices by giving their fertile agricultural land for the development of a modern city. The emotional, historical and legitimate claim of Punjab over Chandigarh is deeply rooted. Fully transferring Chandigarh to Punjab would resolve the long-pending issue.
5. The non-release or delayed release of the Rural Development Fund (RDF) has severely impacted rural infrastructure development, employment generation and overall economic growth in the State. The immediate release of all pending Rural Development Fund (RDF) amounts is critical to reviving Punjab's rural economy, improving livelihoods and enabling the State Government to fulfil its development commitments to the people.
6. Punjab, being a landlocked state faces significant logistical and transportation disadvantages in attracting investment and fostering industrial growth due to higher transportation cost. In contrast states like Himachal, Jammu & Kashmir as well as Haryana have benefited immensely from special industrial package that included tax exemption, subsidies, incentives and ease-of-doing business measures. These initiatives have substantially boosted their industrial sector and created a favorable environment for sustained growth. In addition, a dedicated special package for Punjab would address broader needs such as infrastructure upgradation. He strongly urged Central Government to announce such special package specially designed for Punjab only.
7. Several prisoners / Bandi Singhs have served their full sentences but remain in custody due to prolonged delays in release processes. This prolonged detention beyond the prescribed punishment is a matter of grave concern and violates principles of natural justice Their continued detention despite completing legal terms, raises humanitarian concerns so he earnestly requested him personal intervention to ensure that all such prisoners/Bandi Singhs, who have completed their sentences are released immediately.
8 The Moga-Kotkapura railway line has been a persistent long-standing demand of residents for decades. This railway line is essential for improving connectivity in the Malwa region, facilitating the movement of agricultural produce and providing better passenger services to residents. He requested immediate approval and allocation of funds for the Moga-Kotkapura railway line as a priority infrastructure project.
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SC Commission summons DSP
Chandigarh, January 31:The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has taken action in a case and summoned DSP.
Giving information in this regard, SC Commission Chairman S. Jasbir Singh Garhi said that the Commission is hearing a complaint filed by Baljinder Singh Soni son of Madho Ram resident of Sohana Tehsil Mohali District Sahibzada Ajit Singh. In which the Commission has summoned Shri Harsimran Singh Bal DSP Sohana on 03-02-2026.
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Students from Gujrat visited Punjab State Farmers’ and Farm Workers’Commission
Chandigarh, January 31:A team of students of B.sc Agriculture (Hons), M.sc Agriculture and B.sc (Food Tech) from Parul University, Vadodara, visited the Punjab State Farmers’ and Farm Workers’ Commission to gain an understanding of the agricultural landscape of Punjab and especially the Punjab State Agricultural Policy, 2023.
The visiting team was led by coordinators Mr. Alex Raj, Mr. Aarav Jain, and Ms. Nmahek Dhabalia, and was accompanied by Dr. Vikram Parmar, Professor at Parul University. Dr. Ranjodh Singh Bains, Administrative Officer-cum-Secretary and Dr. Sukhwinder Singh, retired professor CRIDD also participated in the interaction and engaged with the students during the discussion.
During the interaction, the students actively engaged with the Chairman and the officials on contemporary issues affecting Punjab’s agriculture. Questions were raised on Minimum Support Price (MSP), farm indebtedness, farmer suicides, ongoing farmers’ protests, and the future of agriculture in the State. Prof. Dr. Sukhpal Singh responded to the queries in a clear and accessible manner, drawing from his long experience in agricultural economics and policy.
Prof. Dr. Sukhpal Singh highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperative institutions, promoting crop diversification, and improving farmers’ access to credit and markets to make agriculture more viable. He also explained how excessive dependence on a few crops has created economic and environmental pressures and stressed the need for balanced and sustainable farming practices.
He further interacted with the students on career opportunities in agriculture and allied sectors, emphasizing that food will be the most important field in the future.
The interaction remained informative and engaging, allowing students to freely express their views and clarify doubts. The visiting students appreciated the open discussion and found the session helpful in understanding the real-world challenges of agriculture in Punjab beyond classroom learning.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Ranjodh Singh Bains, he extended gratitude to Prof. Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Dr. Sukhwinder Singh, Mr. Alex Raj, Mr. Aarav Jain, and Ms. Nmahek Dhabalia, Dr. Vikram Parmar along with research officer and research assistants of the commission for their active participation and meaningful interaction.
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Punjab State Women Commission’s new initiative:
Enables Online Submission of Complaints/Applications Through Google Form
Chandigarh, January 31,Punjab State Women Commission launched a new initiative to enable online submission of complaints/applications through Google Form.
Giving information in this regard, Chairperson of the Punjab State Women Commission, Smt. Raj Lali Gill, informed that the Commission has launched an online initiative to submit complaints through a Google Form, making the process of registration of applications and complaints more accessible, transparent, and time-efficient for women across the State.
She said that through this online facility, applicants can directly register their complaints/applications with the Punjab State Women Commission without the need to visit the office physically. This initiative aims to ensure timely receipt of applications and speedy redressal of grievances.
Applicants may access and submit the form through the following link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScA8HPQrNtf6RJC9W3ZIRCGtQd8RkLQK4yWE6vLxW1xpEogw/viewform?usp=dialog
For the convenience of applicants, a QR Code (scanner) has also been provided, through which applicants can directly reach the online form and submit their details easily.
The Chairperson appealed to all women who are facing any form of injustice, harassment, or grievance to make use of this online facility and approach the Punjab State Women Commission without any hesitation.
The Punjab State Women Commission remains fully committed to the protection of women’s rights and ensuring justice, dignity, and empowerment for women in Punjab.
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*Persistent Efforts of Sanjeev Arora Lead to Operationalisation of Halwara Airport, After almost 30 Years of Delay*
*Air India gets permission from Air Force & to begin flights from 1st week of March, 2026*
Chandigarh January 31, 2026:After years of prolonged delays, the Halwara Airport has finally been operationalised, culminating in the virtual inauguration of the terminal building by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on February 1, 2026. This landmark achievement is the result of sustained, consistent, and multi-level efforts spearheaded by former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, and present Cabinet Minister, Punjab, Shri Sanjeev Arora, who pursued the matter relentlessly across successive years.
The journey towards operationalisation reflects Shri Arora’s unwavering commitment to strengthening regional connectivity and supporting Punjab’s industrial and economic growth, particularly for Ludhiana and surrounding districts.
*Chronology of Key Interventions and Milestones*
November 22, 2022: Chief Minister intervention initiated to revive stalled progress.
December 11, 2022: Funds worth ₹50 crore released to resume construction work.
January 17, 2023: MP Sanjeev Arora urged the Ministry of Civil Aviation to resume Delhi–Ludhiana flights.
April 14, 2023: MP Sanjeev Arora wrote to all airlines seeking commencement of flights from Halwara.
May 7, 2023: MP Arora advocated for expedited completion of Halwara Airport.
August 22, 2023: Approval received from Civil Aviation Secretary Shri Rajiv Bansal to push airlines to start Delhi and Mumbai flights from Halwara.
August 26, 2023: MP Sanjeev Arora visited Halwara Airport to review development progress.
January 9, 2024: Ministry of Civil Aviation provided an update on construction progress.
January 31, 2024: Request made for inauguration of the Interim Terminal Building at Halwara near Ludhiana.
July 19, 2024: Sanjeev Arora reviewed construction with officials from AAI, PWD, and the Indian Air Force.
August 13, 2024: MP Arora discussed flight operations with Tata Sons Chairman Shri N. Chandrasekaran.
August 29, 2024: MP Arora met senior officials of Air India in Gurugram; assurance received that flights would commence soon.
September 3, 2024: MP Sanjeev Arora wrote to the Union Minister of Civil Aviation seeking expedited commencement of operations.
December 21, 2024: Meeting held with AAI Chairman Shri Vipin Kumar regarding airport code and operational date.
January 8, 2025: Air India conveyed that flight operations would begin after commissioning and approval.
January 10, 2025: Air India agreed to operate flights from Halwara International Airport.
February 4, 2025: Halwara Airport received the HWR airport code.
February 19, 2025: MP Sanjeev Arora and DC Shri Jitendra Jorwal reviewed final-phase works.
May 23, 2025: Chief Minister S Bhagwant Singh Mann requested the Ministry of Civil Aviation to operationalise the Civil Air Terminal and shift flights from Sahnewal to Halwara.
June 2025: Structural works completed; interior finishing of the 2,000-square-metre terminal building and installation of glass façades concluded.
July 27, 2025: First scheduled virtual inauguration by the Hon’blle Prime Minister deferred due to technical delays.
December 2, 2025: MP Shri Rajinder Gupta urged expedited operationalisation in Rajya Sabha, citing capacity for 2,500 daily passengers.
December 29, 2025: Air India cleared the airport for five-days-a-week operations and sought additional slots.
January 15, 2026: Final security audit completed; BCAS granted operational approval.
January 28, 2026: Final site inspection conducted by DC Shri Himanshu Jain and SSP (Rural) Shri Ankur Gupta.
January 29, 2026: Official confirmation received from the PMO for February 1 inauguration; Air India requested seven-days-a-week flight slots.
February 1, 2026: Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi going to virtually inaugurate the terminal building at approximately 3:45 PM.
Transformational Impact for Punjab, The operationalisation of Halwara Airport is expected to significantly enhance regional air connectivity, reduce travel time for industry and passengers, and provide a major boost to Punjab’s industrial, export, and investment ecosystem—particularly benefitting Ludhiana, one of North India’s largest manufacturing hubs.
Under able guidance of National Convener Sh Arvind Kejriwal & Hon'ble Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Shri Sanjeev Arora’s sustained follow-up, policy engagement, and coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India, airline operators, and the Punjab Government ensured that the long-pending project was finally brought.
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*Punjab Jails Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar conducts surprise inspections at Central Jail Patiala & Nabha Jail*
*Punjab Govt committed to keeping jails drug-free & reform-oriented: Laljit Singh Bhullar*
*Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar reviews ITI courses, inmate welfare, and jail facilities during inspections of Patiala & Nabha jails*
*Surprise jail inspections focus on rehabilitation, discipline, and inmate welfare: Laljit Singh Bhullar*
CHANDIGARH / PATIALA, 31st January 2026:Punjab Jails Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar on Friday carried out surprise inspections at Central Jail Patiala and Nabha Jail to review the overall functioning, security arrangements, and inmate welfare.
At Central Jail Patiala, the Jails Minister visited the Jail Factory and conducted a detailed review of the long-term ITI courses being run for inmates. He inspected various workshops and interacted with convicts as well as undertrial prisoners to understand the nature of training being imparted and to hear their concerns.
During the inspection, the Jails Minister also reviewed the kitchen and food facilities, free legal aid services, medical treatment arrangements, and overall living conditions inside the jail. He interacted with inmates on these issues and assessed the quality of services being provided by the jail administration. Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar also visited the female ward to take stock of facilities and welfare measures for women inmates.
Counselling the inmates, Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar urged them to refrain from any wrongful activities in the future and conveyed his best wishes for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. He reiterated that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains firmly committed to keeping Punjab’s jails free from drugs while continuously working to instill positive values among inmates.
The Jails Minister appreciated the efforts of the jail administration in maintaining discipline and strengthening reformative initiatives within the prisons.
Later, Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar met the relatives of inmates in the mulaqaat area and inquired about the meeting procedures and their overall experience.
Central Jail Patiala Superintendent Gurcharan Singh Dhaliwal and Nabha Jail Superintendent Inderjit Singh Kahlon briefed the Minister on administrative measures, security protocols, and ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing jail safety and management.
Additional Superintendent Arpanjot Singh, Deputy Superintendent (Factory) Jaideep Singh, and other jail officials were also present during the inspection.
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Punjab notches top position under the Green Schools Programme for the Third Consecutive Year
Chandigarh, January 31-Punjab has once again emerged as a national leader in school-level environmental sustainability, winning the prestigious ‘Best State’ and ‘Best District’ awards at the Green Schools Awards 2026. The awards were presented by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
Dr. K.S. Bath, Joint Director, PSCST received the Best State and Best District Awards under GSP from Ms. Sunita Narain, DG, Centre for Science & Environment at New Delhi.
These accolades mark the third consecutive year that Punjab has received top honors, reflecting the state’s sustained commitment to promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices in schools.
Pertinently Punjab secured the ‘Best State’ and ‘Best District’ awards for the third year in a row. A total of 13,258 schools from Punjab registered under the Green Schools Programme, out of which 6,264 schools successfully completed the green audit process. Punjab accounted for an impressive 84.57% of the total 7,407 schools audited nation-wide, demonstrating the state’s exceptional participation and performance. Of the 433 schools across India awarded the prestigious Green School status, 237 schools are from Punjab, including 208 government schools and 10 private schools.
• Notably, 185 Green Schools are located in rural areas, while 33 are from urban areas, highlighting the programs deep grassroots reach. Hoshiarpur district emerged as the top-performing district in the country, with a record 947 schools completing green audits, the highest number achieved by any district nationwide.
The remarkable progress has been driven by the proactive efforts of PSCST, which has significantly expanded the Green Schools movement in Punjab. The number of Green Schools in the state has grown from 70 in 2023–24, to 196 in 2024–25 and further to 237 in 2025–26.
The Green Schools Programme empowers students and schools to assess and improve resource management across six key environmental domains—air, energy, food, land, water, and waste—thereby nurturing environmentally responsible citizens from a young age.
Punjab’s continued success under the Green Schools Programme sets a benchmark for other states and reinforces its position as a frontrunner in integrating sustainability into education.