*Bhagwant Mann Govt is deeply committed to ensuring harassment-free & conducive business environment: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Punjab Govt Attaches 136 Properties Worth ₹91.10 Crore to Recover Pre-GST Arrears: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Golden Opportunity for Traders Through One Time Policy, But Willful Tax Evasion Will Not Be Tolerated: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Strict Enforcement Alongside Trade Facilitation Defines Bhagwant Mann Govt’s Tax Governance Model: Harpal Singh Cheema*
CHANDIGARH, 19th February 2026:Punjab Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday said the Bhagwant Mann Government is firmly balancing trade facilitation with strict tax compliance, as the Punjab Taxation Department has attached 136 properties worth ₹91.10 crore in a major drive to recover pending pre-GST arrears. He stated that while the government has extended a highly beneficial One Time Policy to help traders clear legacy dues, strong enforcement measures are being carried out against persistent defaulters.
Punjab Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “The Punjab Government is deeply committed to ensuring a harassment-free and conducive business environment. This is precisely why we have extended the One Time Policy, offering traders a golden opportunity to amicably settle their pre-GST arrears.”
The Excise and Taxation Minister further stated, “However, willful tax evasion will not be tolerated. The attachment of 136 properties worth over ₹91 crore sends a clear message that the Taxation Department is relentlessly pursuing major defaulters. I strongly urge all concerned traders to immediately avail the benefits of the One Time Policy to resolve their pending dues and save their properties from imminent auction.”
Sharing official data regarding the arrears summary as of February 18, 2026, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema noted, “The department has attached a total of 136 properties valued at ₹91.10 crore across various jurisdictions. This encompasses 78 properties worth ₹50.58 crore located within the primary districts, alongside another 58 properties valued at ₹40.52 crore situated in other districts, states, or union territories. Additionally, some properties have already been auctioned, resulting in a recovery of ₹15.27 crore.”
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*Bhagwant Mann Govt's Historic Commitment to Traders’ Security & Ease of Doing Business*
*Punjab Govt Strengthens Police & Traders Coordination to Ensure Safe Business Environment: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*District Police Chiefs Directed to Maintain Continuous Dialogue with Traders’ Bodies: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Traders Can Do Business in Punjab Without Any Fear: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*PSTC Police Meeting Aims to Foster Ease of Doing Business & Ensure Traders’ Safety: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*DGP Gaurav Yadav Appeals to Traders Commission Members to Act as Bridge Between Police & Business Community*
CHANDIGARH, 19th February 2026:In a decisive push to reinforce trader confidence and institutionalise on-ground coordination, the Bhagwant Mann Government has moved to tighten the security grid around Punjab’s business community. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday directed structured, real-time coordination between the Punjab State Traders Commission (PSTC), district and assembly-level trade committees and the police administration, making it clear that trader safety is non-negotiable and central to the state’s Ease of Doing Business framework.
Chairing a high-level video conference from Punjab Bhawan alongside Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav and Excise and Taxation Commissioner Jitendera Jorwal in his capacity as Chairman of the Punjab State Traders Commission, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema issued strict instructions to address security-related grievances of the trading community on priority. He directed both the police administration and members of the Traders Commission and committees to strengthen their mutual synergy, and instructed district police administrations to continuously share action-taken reports directly with the DGP’s office.
“The government intends to empower the Traders Commission and utilise it as a key vehicle to significantly improve police outreach to businessmen across the state,” said the Excise and Taxation Minister.
To ensure sustained ground-level action, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema directed all district police forces to maintain continuous dialogue with the Traders Commission and Committee members. He ordered that competent police officers must be consistently present at all Traders Commission and Committee meetings at constituency and district levels so that emerging challenges can be addressed and resolved on the spot. “Any information shared by Traders Commission members or individual traders must be kept strictly confidential. The relevant police officers will bear full responsibility for the safety of informants, and any negligence in this duty will result in strict accountability,” said the Minister.
Minister Harpal Singh Cheema also urged office bearers of district and constituency-level traders’ committees to instil confidence among businessmen, assuring them that the government is actively working at their doorstep so they can share their problems without fear or hesitation.
Echoing these views, DGP Gaurav Yadav appealed to members of the Trade Commission and Committees to act as a vital bridge between the state police and the business community. “You must serve as the eyes and ears of the police force to deepen traders’ trust in the authorities at the grassroots level, thereby bolstering overall security. The police operate under a highly effective standard protocol, and the success rate of resolving cases is exceptionally high when actionable information is received in a timely manner,” he said.
The Punjab DGP directed all district police chiefs to maintain continuous and proactive communication with Traders Commission and Committee members and to reinforce the operational feedback mechanism. “It is absolutely necessary to maintain complete confidentiality regarding any intelligence or insights provided by Traders Commission or Committee members. Members and the wider trading community must also avoid falling prey to or propagating unverified rumours,” he said.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with Traders Commission and District and Assembly level Committee members connected from district police headquarters across the state sharing constructive feedback with the Finance Minister and senior officers. The representatives appreciated the CM Bhagwant Mann Government’s proactive efforts to cultivate a strong atmosphere of cooperation between the police and the business sector and assured the administration of their full support to ensure the success of the initiative.
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*PUNJAB GOVT EXPANDS AGRO-PROCESSING UNITS TO BOOST FARMER INCOMES AND CROP DIVERSIFICATION*
*•Agriculture Minister inaugurates three high-impact projects in Fazilka to empower farmers & enhance export capabilities*
*• Upgradation of Citrus Processing Unit to unlock global flavour*
*• Chilli processing unit’s capacity quadruple to 4 MT per hour*
*• High-tech protected cultivation nursery to enhance annual seedling production capacity from 16 lakh to staggering 40 lakh seedlings*
Chandigarh/Fazilka, February 19:In a landmark move to transform Punjab’s agricultural landscape, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has made a significant expansion in three processing units established to further strengthening the agro-processing sector and encouraging crop diversification.
Punjab Agriculture and Food Processing Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian inaugurated the expanded three ambitious projects including Chilli Processing Unit, Citrus Processing Unit and High-Tech Protected Cultivation Nursery set up by the Punjab Agri Export Corporation Ltd. (PAGREXCO) at Alamgarh village in Fazilka district.
Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated that these projects will not only boost farmer incomes but also position Punjab as a global hub for high-value processed food products.
In a major boost for the region's chilli growers, S. khudian shared that PAGREXCO is establishing a new state-of-the-art Chilli Processing Unit at its existing Fruits and Vegetables Processing Plant in Alamgarh. With a massive capacity of 3 Metric Tonnes per hour, this unit will catapult PAGREXCO’s total chilli processing capacity from 1 MT/hour to 4 MT/hour.
The facility will process both red and green chillies into high-quality fermented and unfermented chilli paste specifically for export markets. This initiative will directly benefit local farmers by providing a dedicated procurement channel for fresh produce, eliminating the traditional dependency on sun-drying. By processing nearly 6,500 MT of chilli every season, the unit promises better price realisation and a drastic reduction in post-harvest losses, he added.
In a strategic move to maximise value from Punjab’s renowned Kinnow production, PAGREXCO has undertaken a major technological upgrade of its Citrus Processing Unit. The modernisation has introduced advanced machinery, including a Deacidification Unit, a specialised Citrus Peel Oil Extraction Unit and a Debittering Unit.
S. Khudian explained that this upgrade addresses the long-standing issue of delayed bitterness in Kinnow juice caused by natural compounds like limonin. "By removing the bitterness and regulating acidity, we are ensuring that Punjab’s citrus concentrate meets global palatability standards. Furthermore, the Peel Oil Extraction Unit will turn what was once processing waste into a high-value product—essential oil rich in d-limonene—which is in high demand by the food flavouring, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. This is a true win-win, enhancing both taste and profitability,” he stated.
Revolutionising Vegetable Farming with High-Tech Nursery, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that PAGREXCO is setting up a new High-Tech Protected Cultivation Nursery at Alamgarh. This project will significantly increase the corporation’s annual seedling production capacity from 16 lakh to a staggering 40 lakh seedlings.
By utilising precision sowing and climate-controlled polyhouses, the nursery will produce uniform, healthy, and robust vegetable seedlings. This technology-driven approach mitigates the high mortality rates associated with costly hybrid seeds in conventional systems. "We are making superior-quality planting material accessible to our farmers at affordable rates. This will lower their input costs and ensure better crop establishment, paving the way for higher productivity and profitability in vegetable cultivation," the Food Processing Minister added.
“Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, our government is moving beyond traditional farming to build a robust ecosystem for value addition. These projects are a testament to our commitment to solving the challenges faced by our farmers—from post-harvest losses to price volatility—by creating direct market linkages and enhancing processing capabilities,” said S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, while adding that PAGREXCO's initiatives mark a turning point for Punjab's agri-sector, paving the way for sustainable growth and cementing its position in global agri-markets.
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*DR BALBIR SINGH ENCOURAGES LMHP FELLOWS TO BE BEACONS OF HOPE IN PUNJAB’S DE-ADDICTION DRIVE*
*• Health Minister interacts with pioneering batch of LMHP Fellows, calls them "lighthouses" in the fight against drugs*
*• Describes addiction as a "stormy sea," and the fellows as the guiding light for those struggling*
Chandigarh, February 19:In a significant push to strengthen the mental health and de-addiction ecosystem across the state, Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh engaged with the pioneering batch of Leadership in Mental Health Programme (LMHP) fellows, underscoring the government's unwavering commitment to combat addiction and bolster mental well-being through the ongoing anti-drugs Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign.
During the interaction, held here at Punjab Kisan Bhawan, Dr Balbir Singh described the LMHP fellows as “lighthouses” in Punjab’s determined fight against substance abuse. Drawing a powerful analogy, he stated that a person struggling with addiction is like “the sea during a storm — turbulent and directionless.” He added that just as a lighthouse guides ships safely to shore, the LMHP fellows will guide individuals and families towards recovery and stability.
The Health Minister emphasised that the responsibility entrusted to the fellows is both significant and transformative. He noted that while the journey will demand patience, resilience and compassion, the reward of seeing individuals reclaim their lives from addiction is immeasurable. He further highlighted that the fellows are being embedded within the public health architecture to strengthen systems, standardise processes, enhance monitoring mechanisms and build institutional capacity across districts.
Describing the Leadership in Mental Health Programme as a pioneering initiative, Dr Balbir Singh said it is India’s first fellowship dedicated exclusively to addressing substance abuse through systemic mental health strengthening. The programme, designed in collaboration with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, deploys trained mental health professionals across districts to provide supervision, capacity building, monitoring and coordination support to de-addiction centres, OOAT centres and district administrations.
He further informed that the fellows will also actively engage with schools, colleges and communities to prevent the initiation of drug use among youth, thereby integrating prevention, treatment and rehabilitation within a comprehensive public health framework.
Dr Balbir Singh underscored that drug abuse is not merely a Punjab-specific issue but a national public health challenge that requires sustained and structural intervention. He expressed confidence that the LMHP model has the potential to emerge as a replicable framework for other states across the country.
Highlighting the broader vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s led Punjab Government, he stated that the state has prioritised health, education and access to clean drinking water as key benchmarks of human development. Strengthening mental health services and combating substance abuse, he added, remain integral components of this vision of equitable and accessible public health for all.
The Health Minister extended his best wishes to the fellows, expressing hope that they would uphold the highest standards of professional and ethical excellence and contribute meaningfully to Punjab’s ongoing battle against addiction.
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Forest Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak names three female tiger cubs in Chhatbir Zoo as Garima, Gunjan and Ghazal
Launches Facebook & Instagram accounts of Chhatbir Zoo to spread awareness about Wildlife conservation
Grand event in pipeline on 50 years completion of Zoo in April this year
Chandigarh, February 19:In a grand event at the Chhatbir Zoo, the three female cubs born to the tigress Gauri were christened as Garima, Gunjan and Ghazal by the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak today.
Notably, the three cubs were born on November 5 last year and after the completion of 3 months period are ready to be shifted to a bigger place. Out of these 3, two are white and one is brown coloured. With this, the total number of tigers in the Zoo has reached 10.
As part of the efforts of the Punjab Government aimed at the conservation of the wildlife as well as sensitizing the people about their well being and care, the Minister also announced the Facebook and Instagram accounts of the Chhatbir Zoo. Describing the social media as a vital tool in Wildlife and nature conservation, the Minister expressed confidence that now the efforts of the State Government in wildlife protection would have even more wider reach.
Making an important revelation, Mr. Kataruchak added that the Zoo would complete its Golden Jubilee (50 Years) in the month of April and the Department is contemplating to celebrate the occasion in a very majestic & grand manner.
Among others present on the occasion included the Chief Wildlife Warden Basanta Raj Kumar, and Field Director of the Chhatbir Zoo Nalin Yadav.
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*Punjab Govt takes possession of 10.50 acres for Sri Guru Ravidass Bani Adhyayan Centre: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*State-of-art Sri Guru Ravidass Bani Adhyayan Centre to come up on Karparpur Road; ₹55 lakh sanctioned to shift power lines: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj to be celebrated across Punjab on grand scale: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Sri Guru Ravidass Bani Adhyayan Centre will spread Guru Ji’s teachings globally, nurture dedicated scholars: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Bhagwant Singh Mann Govt fulfils long-pending demand of Sangat with time-bound action on Adhyayan Centre: Harpal Singh Cheema*
CHANDIGARH/JALANDHAR, 19th February 2026:Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday said the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has taken a decisive step towards establishing the Sri Guru Ravidass Bani Adhyayan Centre by securing physical possession of 10.50 acres of acquired land at villages Naugajja and Faridpur on Kartarpur Road, Jalandhar, reaffirming the government’s commitment to honouring the legacy of Guru Ravidass Ji in a concrete and time-bound manner.
The entire possession process was completed in the presence of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, MLA Balkar Singh, Chairman Punjab Agriculture Development Bank Pawan Teenu, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal and representatives of Dera Sachkhand Ballan.
Speaking on this occasion, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “It is a matter of immense pleasure that the Punjab Government has secured physical possession of 10.50 acres of land for the construction of a state-of-the-art Sri Guru Ravidass Bani Adhyayan Centre. This land will now be utilised to create a world-class institution dedicated to the teachings of Guru Ravidass Ji.”
He further announced, “The Punjab government will bear an expenditure of ₹55 lakh to shift the high-tension electricity wires from the site so that construction work can proceed smoothly and without delay.”
The Finance Minister informed, “With the registration of sale deeds completed earlier and physical possession now secured, the project has entered a crucial execution phase. The design and layout plan of the Centre is being prepared by experts in consultation with representatives of Dera Sachkhand Ballan. Tenders will be floated at the earliest so that construction begins without any further delay.”
Reiterating the Bhagwant Mann government’s resolve, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “The Sri Guru Ravidass Bani Adhyayan Centre will play a pivotal role in spreading the teachings of Guru Ravidass Ji across the world and in nurturing scholars who are dedicated to propagating his message. The Punjab Government remains firmly committed to preserving and promoting the spiritual and social legacy of Guru Ji.”
He also highlighted that the Punjab Government has already announced year-long celebrations to mark the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj. “A series of programmes will be organised across the state on a grand scale to honour the legacy of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj and to promote communal harmony as laid down by Guru Ji. These celebrations will reflect the deep respect and reverence that the people of Punjab hold for his teachings,” he added.
Representatives of Dera Sachkhand Ballan thanked the Punjab Government for executing the project in a time-bound manner and for ensuring that the long-pending demand of the Sangat is being fulfilled with sincerity and speed.
Later, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, along with MLA Balkar Singh, Chairman Pawan Teenu, Senior AAP Leader Nitin Kohli and Rajwinder Kaur Thiara, paid obeisance at Dera Sachkhand Ballan and sought the blessings of Dera Chief Sant Niranjan Dass Ji.
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*Bhagwant Mann Govt sets up 3,255 Special Centres for 6,695 Specially Abled Students Appearing in Board Exams: Harjot Singh Bains*
*•2,804 Centres Created for Single Students to Ensure Stress-Free Exam Environment: Harjot Singh Bains*
*• No Child Will Be Left Behind in Board Exams, Inclusive Education Is Bhagwant Mann Govt's Commitment: Harjot Singh Bains*
*• Scribes, Extra Time, Barrier-Free Access Ensured Under Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act: Harjot Singh Bains*
*• Extensive Network Covering 11 Disability Categories Reflects Punjab Govt’s Inclusive Vision: Dr. Amarpal Singh*
CHANDIGARH, February 19:The Bhagwant Mann Government has made comprehensive arrangements to facilitate specially abled students appearing in the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) annual examinations, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains informed on Wednesday, as the annual board examinations commenced from February 17, 2026.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that in a major step towards inclusive education, the state government has established 3,255 special examination centres across Punjab exclusively for 6,695 students with unique abilities, ensuring that every student can participate in the examination process with dignity and confidence.
He informed that out of the total 3,255 special centres, 2,804 have been established for a single student each, ensuring a personalised, stress-free and conducive examination environment for those requiring specialised attention.
Harjot Singh Bains said, “Our government is built on the strong pillars of inclusive education. Our objective extends beyond merely conducting examinations. It is about ensuring respect, honour and equality for every child. We are committed to creating an environment where our Divyang students feel empowered and supported.”
Aligning with the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, Harjot Singh Bains said that the Punjab School Education Board has ensured accommodations including scribes and extra time as per individual requirements, ground-floor examination halls with ramps and barrier-free access, separate quiet rooms to minimise distraction, large print question papers and other accessible formats, along with medical support wherever required.
Calling the initiative a significant milestone, Harjot Singh Bains said, “This is a significant milestone in our journey towards creating a just and equitable society. The Punjab government remains fully committed to empowering every student with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.”
Chairman PSEB Dr. Amarpal Singh said that specific guidelines have been issued to all Centre Superintendents and staff to discharge their duties with utmost sensitivity and care. “This network of special centres, covering 11 categories of disabilities, reflects the Punjab Government’s commitment to inclusive education and will help students pursue quality higher education and employment opportunities,” he added.