*Progressive Punjab Investor's Summit Logo Unveiled, Focus on Economic Growth & Development Driven Reforms*
*Progressive Punjab Investor’s Summit 2026 to Be Held from March 13–15 at Plaksha University, Mohali*
*Punjab Means Business – Policy to Practice Theme Reflects Govt’s Focus on Implementation & Investor-Centric Governance: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Punjab Secures ₹1.5 Lakh Crore Investments, Generates Employment for Over 5 Lakh Persons Across Districts: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Encouraging Response from Industry Leaders During National & International Roadshows Ahead of PPIS 2026: Sanjeev Arora*
CHANDIGARH, 12th February 2026:With just 28 days to go for the Progressive Punjab Investor’s Summit (PPIS) 2026, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann unveiled the official logo of the Summit at a high-level meeting held in Chandigarh. The meeting was attended by Industries and Commerce Minister Sanjeev Arora, the Chief Secretary, Government of Punjab, senior government officials, and representatives of Invest Punjab. All key departments associated with the Summit preparations, including the Mohali District Administration, were also present during the review meeting.
The Summit, scheduled from 13–15 March 2026 at Plaksha University, IT City, Mohali, is anchored around the theme “Punjab Means Business – Policy to Practice.” The theme reflects the Government of Punjab’s commitment to moving beyond policy announcements towards structured implementation, measurable outcomes, and investor-centric governance.
The newly unveiled logo symbolically captures Punjab’s economic strength, technological advancement, sustainability focus, and growth momentum. The design integrates elements representing industrial expansion, digital governance reforms, green development, and resilience, reinforcing Punjab’s positioning as a progressive, reform-driven, and execution-oriented investment destination.
During the meeting, Industries and Commerce Minister Sanjeev Arora briefed the Chief Minister on the progress of preparations for the Summit, including outreach activities, infrastructure readiness, coordination with partner countries, and departmental preparedness. A comprehensive review of arrangements at the venue and across key logistical touchpoints was undertaken to ensure seamless execution of the three-day event.
He further highlighted that the State has received an encouraging and enthusiastic response from captains of industry and key stakeholders during the national and international roadshows conducted so far. Engagements across major Indian cities and global investment hubs have reinforced investor confidence in Punjab’s reformed governance ecosystem, robust infrastructure, and sectoral growth opportunities.
On the occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The Summit will serve as a platform for partnership, co-creation, and execution, ensuring that policies are shaped in consultation with industry and implemented through defined timelines and digital accountability mechanisms.”
He reiterated, “Punjab’s reform-led governance model has already delivered tangible results, with the State having secured investments worth approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore, generating employment opportunities for over 5 lakh persons across districts, a testament to Punjab’s policy credibility and strong implementation capacity.”
The unveiling of the Summit logo marks a significant milestone in the countdown to the event and signals Punjab’s readiness to welcome domestic and global investors.
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*Punjab Taxation Department cracks down on ₹9 crore GST fraud and internal indiscipline: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Ludhiana based businessman arrested for ₹9 crore scam: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Excise & Taxation Inspector Dismissed Over Prolonged Unauthorised Absence: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Zero Tolerance Towards Tax Evasion & Indiscipline in Departments: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Punjab Govt Expands Crackdown on GST Fraud, Ensures Accountability Within Ranks: Harpal Singh Cheema*
CHANDIGARH, 12th February 2026:Punjab Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday announced decisive action on two fronts, underscoring the Punjab Government’s commitment to fiscal integrity and administrative accountability. The Punjab Minister informed that a Ludhiana-based businessman has been arrested in a ₹9 crore GST fraud case, while an Excise and Taxation Inspector has been dismissed from service due to prolonged unauthorised absence.
In a press communique issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that a major operation conducted by the State Intelligence and Preventive Unit, Ludhiana, led to the arrest of Rohit Gupta, Proprietor of M/s MAA STEEL, Ludhiana, by the Taxation Department. Elaborating on the case, he stated, “The Taxation department has unmasked a significant GST fraud where M/s MAA STEEL was found issuing fake invoices for HR/CR Coils and Strips without any actual supply of goods. This fraudulent network managed to pass on Input Tax Credit exceeding ₹9 crore to various beneficiaries, causing a direct and substantial loss to the state exchequer. During the search, the Taxation department teams also discovered glaring discrepancies between the physical stock available on the premises and the firm’s official book records.”
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema further revealed that the investigation is widening in scope. “We are currently investigating several manufacturers of cycle parts and spare parts who are suspected of being part of this scam. These entities are under the scanner for improperly claiming export refunds or benefits through an inverted duty structure. Our government remains committed to vigorously combating tax evasion, protecting government revenue, and ensuring a level playing field for every compliant taxpayer in Punjab,” he said.
Turning to internal administrative discipline, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced that the Punjab Government has dismissed an Excise and Taxation Inspector with immediate effect under the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1970, following due process in connection with the official’s prolonged unauthorised absence.
Emphasising the government’s firm stand on discipline, he said, “The Bhagwant Mann Government remains resolute that no form of indiscipline will be tolerated under any circumstances. We have already terminated four employees for similar misconduct, and disciplinary proceedings are currently underway against another Excise and Taxation Inspector and one Clerk for comparable acts.”
Reaffirming the AAP-led state government’s commitment to accountability, efficiency, and a disciplined work culture, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said these actions reflect that resolve. “We will maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards tax evasion and any malfeasance by public servants,” he added.
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RTI Commission issues warrant against PIO-cum-Secretary Gram Panchayat, Bagga Khurd
Chandigarh, February 12:The Punjab State Information Commission has issued a warrant against PIO-cum-Secretary Gram Panchayat, Bagga Khurd of office of Block Development and Panchayat officer, Block-1, Ludhiana during the hearing of a case.
Giving information in this regard, Commissioner of Punjab State Information Commission Harpreet Singh Sandhu informed that in the appeal case No. 0999 of 2024 filed by Balkar Singh, resident of Sidhwan Bet, District Ludhiana, the Commission has issued a warrant against PIO-cum- Secretary Gram Panchayat, Bagga Khurd Amit Kumar of Block Development and Panchayat officer, Block-1, Ludhiana to appear before the Commission on March 16, 2026.
S. Harpreet Singh Sandhu said that Amit Kumar remained absent despite the instructions of the Commission in the 3 hearings held so far in this case.
He said that now in this case, the Commission has issued an order under Section 18 (3) (a) of the RTA Act 2005 to the Commissioner of Police, Ludhiana to serve a copy of these warrants on against Amit Kumar PIO-cum- Secretary Gram Panchayat, Bagga Khurd and issue instructions to appear before the Commission on the next date of the case on March 16, 2026.
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*HARJOT BAINS’ SURPRISE VISIT SPARKS MOHALI SCHOOL REVAMP*
*• Submit detailed project report within a week to revamp Govt Sen Sec School, Hoshiarpur, Bains orders Education dept authorities*
Chandigarh/SAS Nagar, February 12:In a decisive move to transform government schools infrastructure, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains conducted a surprise inspection of Government Senior Secondary School, Hoshiarpur, SAS Nagar (Mohali) district, on Thursday morning. He directed the Education department authorities to submit a detailed project report (DPR) within a week to revamp the school campus.
Expressing displeasure over the poor condition of classrooms, requiring paint, despite the school’s strategic location near Chandigarh, S. Harjot Singh Bains ordered the Director (Secondary Education) on phone to immediately deploy an inspection team and submit a DPR within a week, while vowing to turn the school in a model education institute.
“This school, located in the shadow of the state capital, will be made a model institute,” he asserted, while directing the Education department authorities to ensure repair, construction of ICT-enabled rooms and modernisation of student uniforms. He also asked the school principal to showcase students' artwork in the school corridor.
Meanwhile, S. Harjot Singh Bains interacted with the students, taking direct feedback on education quality. The Education Minister encouraged the students to aim high and work-harder as sky is the limit.
The School Principal apprised the Education Minister that a playground is being upgraded with the grant of Rs 15 lakh. The Education Minister asked the Principal that the facility remain open to local children in the evenings.
Reiterating Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government's commitment to education reform through accountability and swift action, S. Bains asked the school teachers to prepare a demand list and sub it to the inspection team and he will ensure the action to upgrade the school infrastructure. He emphasised that the government schools must match top private schools.
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Speaker Interacts with Students of PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, Godhewala (Moga) at His Residence
Chandigarh, 12 February 2026:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan today interacted with students of PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, Godhewala (Moga), during their educational visit to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha.
Addressing the students, the Speaker said that the objective of such visits is to cultivate awareness and interest in democratic institutions and constitutional processes among young minds. He emphasized that encouraging students to understand legislative proceedings is essential for strengthening participatory democracy.
Approximately 170 students from Classes 9th to 12th toured the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. The students expressed great enthusiasm and delight upon meeting the Speaker.
Highlighting the role of youth in nation-building, S. Sandhwan remarked that today’s students are the future leaders and policymakers of Punjab. He later hosted the students for lunch at his residence, where they interacted informally and shared their aspirations.
Explaining the functioning of the Punjab Legislative Assembly, the Speaker elaborated on legislative procedures, including how laws are framed, debated, and passed in the House. He underlined that laws are enacted keeping in view the needs and grievances of society to ensure peace, justice, and prosperity for the people of Punjab.
Dr. Mandeep Kaur (Vice Principal), Tejvant Singh Sandhu (Lecturer, Political Science), Chamkaur Singh (Lecturer, Geography), Jaswinder Kaur (Lecturer, Economics), Manmohan Kaur (SST Teacher), Jagseer Singh (Vocational Teacher), Vandhana Kalra (Computer Teacher), Jastar Singh (Campus Manager), and Kuldeep Singh were present during the visit.
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*HARJOT BAINS DIRECTS OFFICIALS TO SPEED UP EXECUTION OF ₹100-CR INFRA PROJECTS IN SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB*
*• Bains reviews progress of critical bridges being constructed over Swan Nadi & Sutlej river*
Chandigarh, February 12:Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains today reviewed the progress of over Rs 100 crore infrastructure development projects being carried out in Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency. These projects include four bridges over Swan Nadi and Sutlej river, boosting connectivity with over 100 villages and neighbouring state Himachal Pradesh.
While reviewing the progress of four bridges being constructed over Swan Nadi and Sutlej river during a meeting with Ropar district authorities and officials from the departments concerned here in his office, S. Bains said that the construction of bridges, at Bhallari-Khera Kalmot, Algran, Kalitran-Bela Dhiyani and Bela Dhiyani-Plassi, will cut travel time for commuters, besides boosting inter-state trade, and fueling economic growth in the region, which would ultimately benefit the local residents.
S. Harjot Singh Bains directed the officials concerned to speed up the work on these projects while maintaining the highest standards of durability and quality. He warned that any lapses or delays would invite strict action. He underscored Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab government's focus on development and ensuring state-of-the-art infrastructure for the people of Punjab.