*Bhagwant Mann Govt delivers unprecedented social security & women empowerment reforms, disburses over ₹23,102 crore pensions to 35.7 lakh beneficiaries: Dr. Baljit Kaur*
*Over 5.2 lakh new beneficiaries added to social security net; ₹350 crore annual leakages plugged after removing over 1.9 lakh deceased or ineligible pensioners from records*
*₹450 crore lying unused in bank accounts due to previous govts’ failure to track deceased beneficiaries recovered & brought back into public welfare system*
*1,027 children rescued from begging & exploitation under Mission Jeevanjot*
*1.20 crore free bus journeys every month empower women across Punjab; 7.37 crore sanitary pads distributed to promote menstrual health & dignity*
CHANDIGARH, 5th March 2026:In a transformative push to strengthen the social safety net and empower women and children, the Punjab Government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has delivered historic achievements through the Department of Social Security and Women & Child Development between 2022 and 2026. This was stated by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.
Reinforcing its commitment to the most vulnerable sections of society, the Bhagwant Mann Government added more than 5.2 lakh additional Punjabis from economically challenged backgrounds to the social security pension net. Over ₹23,102 crore has been disbursed to nearly 35.7 lakh elderly citizens, destitute and widow women, and persons with disabilities.
Correcting years of administrative neglect and the absence of proper monitoring mechanisms under previous governments, the Bhagwant Mann Government carried out a comprehensive verification of pension records. During this process, more than 1.9 lakh deceased or non-existent pensioners who continued to remain on official records were identified and removed. By plugging these loopholes and introducing stronger verification systems, the Punjab Government has ensured annual savings of more than ₹350 crore in public funds.
During this clean-up exercise, it was also found that pension amounts had continued to be transferred for years into bank accounts of beneficiaries who were no longer alive or eligible because previous governments had failed to establish proper systems to track such cases. As a result, nearly ₹450 crore had accumulated and remained unused in these accounts over time. The Bhagwant Mann Government identified these accounts and recovered the funds lying unused in banks, bringing them back into the public welfare system.
Under the statewide “Sade Bazurg Sada Maan” campaign, the Bhagwant Mann Government ensured last-mile delivery of services to senior citizens, registering over 20,110 elderly persons. The camps provided free eye and ENT check-ups, cataract screening, spectacle distribution, orthopedic consultations, issuance of Senior Citizen Cards, and on-the-spot pension facilitation.
Strengthening elder care infrastructure, the Punjab Government established a 72-bed Government Old Age Home at Mansa at a cost of ₹9.12 crore and extended nearly ₹7 crore in grant-in-aid to NGOs running old age homes across 14 districts. Financial assistance was also extended to senior citizen day care centres.
The implementation of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 has been reinforced, with Maintenance and Appellate Tribunals operational across districts. A total of 1,120 cases were resolved under Maintenance Tribunals and 669 cases were disposed of under Appellate Tribunals, ensuring timely justice for elderly citizens.
The Elder Helpline 14567, in collaboration with HelpAge India, registered 2,956 cases in FY 2025–26 and successfully resolved 2,930 of them, providing counselling and assistance on pension, healthcare, and legal matters.
In a landmark initiative for women’s mobility and empowerment, the Free Bus Travel Scheme has enabled approximately 1.20 crore free bus journeys every month. The Punjab Government has spent over ₹2,000 crore on this scheme, enabling young women to attend colleges, reducing out-of-pocket expenditure for workers, and ensuring safe and independent mobility across Punjab.
To support working women, five Working Women Hostels are being constructed in Mohali, Jalandhar, and Amritsar at a total cost of approximately ₹150 crore. These hostels, equipped with crèche facilities, will be completed within a year and will enable women to pursue careers away from their homes while balancing family responsibilities.
Making early childhood development joyful and accessible, nearly 4,400 Anganwadi Workers have been recruited over the past four years, while recruitment of over 6,100 additional workers and helpers is ongoing.
Under the “Navi Disha Scheme,” the Bhagwant Mann Government is providing free sanitary napkins across all 27,314 Anganwadi Centres. Every month, nine sanitary pads are distributed free of cost to each eligible woman. So far, 7.37 crore sanitary pads have been distributed to 13.65 lakh women, promoting menstrual hygiene, health, and dignity.
Through the Matru Vandana Yojana, ₹5,000 is provided to eligible women for the first child in two instalments, and ₹6,000 for a second girl child in a single instalment. Against a Central Government target of 2,94,288 beneficiaries, Punjab registered 4,22,492 beneficiaries over four years, nearly doubling the assigned target.
The Mann Government is also upgrading Anganwadi Centres into hubs of foundational learning under the “Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi” focus. More than 8,600 workers have been trained, with training of over 12,000 more ongoing. A structured play-way curriculum will be implemented across all centres, including private Playway schools, whose online registration has been initiated to ensure monitoring, standardisation, and transparency.
Infrastructure expansion remains a priority, with 1,000 new Anganwadi Centres being constructed at a cost of ₹140 crore, of which 780 are completed and 220 are in advanced stages. Additionally, 337 out of 350 centres have been upgraded, with the remaining 13 nearing completion. Development of 100 Saksham Anganwadi Centres is underway in Moga and Ferozepur districts.
Under Project Jeevanjot, 1,027 children have been rescued from child begging and exploitation. Most were reunited with families, while others were placed in Child Care Institutions for protection and rehabilitation. Mission Jeevanjot–II has been launched to curb trafficking and exploitation, including DNA testing in cases where children are found begging with unrelated adults.
The Bhagwant Mann Government also took firm action against child marriage, preventing 150 out of 165 reported cases over four years and initiating legal proceedings in the remaining cases, alongside counselling and rehabilitation support.
Further, more than 11,000 vulnerable children have received ₹4,000 per month under the Sponsorship Scheme. The establishment of 16 new Government Specialised Adoption Agencies has streamlined the adoption process, resulting in 164 successful adoptions so far.
These achievements underscore the Bhagwant Mann Government’s unwavering commitment to transparent governance, social justice, and inclusive development. The marginalized sections of society, which were long neglected by previous governments, have now been placed at the centre of governance priorities, ensuring that welfare reaches every deserving household across Punjab.
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*PPCB and SGPC Join Hands for ‘Plastic-Free Hola Mohalla’ Campaign
· Over 20 Lakh Biodegradable utensils Distributed Free of Cost to Langar Committees in Sri Anandpur Sahib
Chandigarh, March 5:In a significant stride towards merging faith with environmental stewardship, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), in collaboration with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), successfully executed a comprehensive 'Plastic-Free Hola Mohalla' campaign. The initiative aimed to preserve the sanctity of the historic Sikh festival while championing environmental cleanliness in Sri Anandpur Sahib.
Under this pioneering campaign, the PPCB facilitated a large-scale shift to eco-friendly practices by providing lakhs of high-quality biodegradable and compostable disposable utensils and other items free of cost to various Langar Committees (community kitchens) across the holy town.
Providing details, an official spokesperson of Punjab Government stated that the campaign was formally inaugurated on March 1, 2026. A delegation led by PPCB Chairperson, Mrs. Reena Gupta, and Member Secretary, Mr. Lavneet Dubey, formally launched the drive after Meeting with Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib and Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Singh Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj. The department’s groundwork for this campaign began weeks in advance, involving extensive coordination with Langar Committees to assess requirements and liaising with the district administration for seamless execution.
To effectively curb the use of single-use plastic during the festival, the PPCB ensured the supply of over 20 lakh high-quality biodegradable alternatives. The eco-friendly distribution included 7 lakh biodegradable plastic cups, 6.5 lakh biodegradable spoons, 2.5 lakh biodegradable plates, 5 lakh biodegradable bowls, 5,000 biodegradable garbage bags, 30,000 biodegradable carry bags (specifically for Karah Prashad)
The on-ground success of the campaign was driven by the dedication of 20 specialized teams comprising PPCB officials and volunteers. These teams worked tirelessly in the field from February 27 to March 4, 2026, ensuring the alternatives reached every corner of the langar operations.
“Guru Sahib’s universal message, ‘Pavan Guru Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat’, intrinsically teaches us to conserve our natural resources,” said Ms. Reena Gupta, Chairperson of the Punjab Pollution Control Board. “Therefore, for the Punjab Pollution Control Board, there could be no more meaningful initiative than protecting the holy land of Sri Anandpur Sahib from plastic pollution during the sacred occasion of Hola Mohalla. We are grateful to the SGPC and all the volunteers for making this vision a reality.”
The campaign has been widely praised by devotees and community leaders for setting a powerful precedent for how large-scale religious gatherings can adopt sustainable practices without compromising on service.
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*Mann Government releases ₹24.57 crore for 4,817 Scheduled Caste beneficiaries: Dr. Baljit Kaur*
*Financial assistance disbursed across 15 districts under the Ashirwad Scheme*
*₹51,000 direct assistance for marriage of daughters from low-income families through DBT*
Chandigarh, March 05:Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s strong commitment to social justice and inclusive development, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the State Government is continuously working to bring marginalized and underprivileged sections into the social mainstream through well-planned and transparent welfare schemes.
In this direction, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the Ashirwad Scheme, financial assistance amounting to ₹24.57 crore has been released during the current financial year 2025–26 for the marriages of daughters belonging to Scheduled Caste families. A total of 4,817 eligible beneficiaries have been covered under the scheme.
Providing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that a total of 4,817 applications were received through the Ashirwad portal from 15 districts—Sri Amritsar Sahib, Barnala, Faridkot, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Moga, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Patiala, SAS Nagar, Sangrur, Malerkotla and Tarn Taran—and financial assistance has been released to all eligible applicants.
She informed that beneficiaries include 739 from Sri Amritsar Sahib, 172 from Barnala, 190 from Faridkot, 124 from Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, 437 from Gurdaspur, 471 from Hoshiarpur and 135 from Jalandhar. Similarly, beneficiaries from Ludhiana (272), Moga (260), Sri Muktsar Sahib (410), Patiala (519), SAS Nagar (124), Sangrur (305), Malerkotla (98) and Tarn Taran (561) have also been provided financial support under the scheme.
The Cabinet Minister stated that under the Ashirwad Scheme, financial assistance of ₹51,000 is provided for the marriage of daughters belonging to low-income families, offering meaningful support at a crucial stage of their lives.
She clarified that to avail benefits under the scheme, the applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab, fall below the poverty line, and belong to Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes or other economically weaker sections. Families with an annual income below ₹32,790 are eligible to avail benefits for up to two daughters.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further added that the entire financial assistance is transferred directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency, accountability and timely disbursement.
Concluding, she said that the Punjab Government remains firmly committed to strengthening the social security framework and accelerating inclusive development, ensuring that welfare schemes reach every eligible family with dignity and transparency.
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*Punjab Industry Minister Sanjeev Arora Discusses Investment Opportunities in Punjab with Tata Sons Chairperson N. Chandrasekaran and Sun Pharma Chairman Dilip Shanghvi among other Industry leaders ahead of Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026*
Chandigarh, March 5, 2026:Punjab’s Cabinet Minister for Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion, Power and Local Government, Sanjeev Arora, held a series of high-level meetings with leading industrialists in Mumbai today to discuss potential investment opportunities in Punjab and invite them to participate in the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026, scheduled to be held from 13–15 March 2026 at Plaksha University, Mohali.
During his visit, the Minister met N. Chandrasekaran, Chairperson of Tata Sons; Dilip Shanghvi, Chairman of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries; Dr. Praveer Sinha, MD & CEO of Tata Power; and Anshuman Ruia of the Essar Group.
The meetings focused on strengthening industrial collaboration and exploring investment opportunities across sectors including renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure, and green logistics.
*Meeting with Tata Group*
During discussions with Tata Sons Chairperson N. Chandrasekaran, the Minister highlighted Punjab’s strong industrial ecosystem and the state government’s proactive policies aimed at facilitating investment and industrial growth.
Both sides discussed opportunities to further strengthen the advanced manufacturing and steel ecosystem, building upon the presence of Tata Steel in Ludhiana. Potential collaborations in renewable energy, electric mobility, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) were also explored.
Mr. Chandrasekaran appreciated the Punjab Government’s proactive approach toward investment promotion and expressed satisfaction with the progress of Tata Steel’s facility in Ludhiana.
*Meeting with Sun Pharma*
In his meeting with Dilip Shanghvi, Chairman of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, and Aalok Shanghvi, Whole-Time Director & COO, the Minister discussed opportunities to strengthen Punjab’s position as a hub for pharmaceuticals, healthcare innovation, and life sciences.
Discussions included expansion of pharmaceutical manufacturing and formulation facilities, investments in API and bulk drug production, establishment of Global Capability Centres for pharmaceutical analytics and regulatory services, and development of nutraceutical and wellness product segments leveraging Punjab’s strong agri ecosystem.
Sun Pharma leadership appreciated the state government’s industry-friendly policies and expressed interest in exploring future partnerships and investments in the state.
*Meeting with Tata Power*
The Minister also met Dr. Praveer Sinha, MD & CEO of Tata Power, along with senior leadership of the company to discuss collaboration in the clean energy and power infrastructure sectors.
Key areas of discussion included development of utility-scale renewable energy projects, rooftop solar deployment, agri-solarisation initiatives to support sustainable agriculture and reduce farmers’ power costs, and expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the state.
Tata Power highlighted its existing presence in Punjab, including a solar power facility with nearly 100 MW capacity, reflecting the company’s commitment to the state’s renewable energy ecosystem.
*Meeting with Essar Group*
In a separate meeting with Anshuman Ruia, Director of Essar Group, discussions focused on strengthening Essar Group’s engagement with Punjab’s evolving industrial ecosystem and exploring opportunities in emerging sectors.
Potential areas of collaboration included green energy and industrial decarbonisation initiatives, development of data centres and digital infrastructure in the Mohali–Chandigarh corridor, and expansion of alternative fuel logistics through Essar’s GreenLine Mobility Solutions. The meeting also explored opportunities for managed IT and digital infrastructure services through Essar Group’s technology arm Black Box Limited.
Strengthening Investment Momentum
Speaking after the meetings, Minister Sanjeev Arora said the upcoming Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026 will serve as a major platform to showcase Punjab’s investment potential and connect global companies with emerging opportunities in the state.
He emphasized that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Hon’ble National Convenor Shri Arvind Kejriwal and Hon’ble Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to creating an enabling and industry-friendly ecosystem that encourages innovation, manufacturing growth, and sustainable development.
The visiting industry leaders appreciated Punjab’s proactive investment facilitation efforts and expressed keen interest in participating in the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026, while exploring future partnerships and investment opportunities in the state.
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PWD saves Rs. 1464 crore in last four years: Harbhajan Singh ETO
45,000 km of roads to be constructed by June 30: PWD Minister
“Punjab government led by Bhagwant Singh Mann is committed to providing a better road network”
Chandigarh, March 5:The Public Works Department of the Punjab government has saved Rs. 1464 crore in the last four years through a transparent tendering system. Disclosing this here today Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the saving has been made possible due to the department's efforts to making the tendering process more scientific and rational. He said that the Punjab government has set a target of constructing 45,000 km of roads in the state by June 30, 2026. This target also includes construction of 4700 km of new roads as well as maintenance and widening of old roads. He said that Rs. 16209 crore will be spent on this work.
He said that to ensure the quality of construction works, continuous checking is being done by CM Flying Suqad. Apart from this, daily district wise/circle wise review meetings are being held to review the construction and repair work of roads.
Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the road density in the state of Punjab is 154 km/100 sq km. He said that although the central government has not paid Rs. 8800 crore of RDF to the state of Punjab for a long time, still the state government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is continuously working to provide the best road network to the people of the state. He said that roads act as the axis in the development of the state.
The Public Works Minister said that due to the efforts of their government, the responsibility of maintaining and repairing any road that is being constructed now for the next five years will be the responsibility of the road construction contractor, which will not only reduce the additional financial burden on the government for maintenance and repair, but will also save the people from dilapidated roads.
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*Bhagwant Mann Govt deploys senior officers, sets up 24x7 helpline to ensure safe return of Punjabis stranded in Middle East*
*Punjab Govt committed to extending all possible support to Punjabis stranded in Gulf region during this grave crisis: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*RK Jaiswal & Vimal Setia appointed as Overall Incharge of Helpline and Nodal Officer, Home Affairs respectively*
CHANDIGARH, 5th March 2026:In a bid to ensure safe, smooth and hassle free return of Punjabis stranded in strife torn Middle East, the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has deployed two senior officers of the Punjab Government to coordinate and monitor the entire process.
As per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, a 24x7 helpline has already been established with immediate effect. Additional Director General of Police RK Jaiswal has been designated as the Overall In-charge of the helpline, while Secretary, Department of Home Affairs, Vimal Setia has been appointed as the Nodal Officer for coordination and monitoring purposes. The Nodal Officer has been asked to remain in constant liaison with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
The Nodal Officer will keep a tab on the measures being undertaken by the Government of India for evacuation and ensuring the safety of Indians stranded in Middle East Asia and other countries. Likewise, a proper record of all calls received on the helpline will be maintained and these calls will be attended promptly. Wherever any matter requires to be taken up with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, or any other department or authority, the Nodal Officer will ensure that it is done on priority.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This step has been taken in view of the emergent situation concerning residents of Punjab stranded in Middle East Asia and other countries. The sole aim is to extend necessary assistance and support to them and their families in this hour of grave and unforeseen crisis. The Punjab Government stands firmly with the Punjabis stuck in the Gulf region and is fully committed to extending all possible support and cooperation to them.”
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*Amid War in West Asia, Dubai Returnees Express Gratitude to Punjab Government for Making Them Feel Like Family Members*
*Dr. Sunny Singh Ahluwalia and NRI Affairs Special Secretary Amandeep Kaur Receive Bathinda Principal Neeru Garg, Her Family and Others at Mohali Airport*
*Punjab Government Sets Up Helpdesk at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, SAS Nagar for Returnees from West Asia*
Chandigarh , March 5:Amid the ongoing war situation in West Asia, people returning from Dubai expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Punjab Government, stating that the Government made them feel like family members during the difficult time.
The Punjab Government has also set up a special helpdesk at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, SAS Nagar (Mohali) to assist returnees arriving from West Asia.
On this occasion, Chairman Punjab water supply and Sewerage Board Dr. Sunny Singh Ahluwalia and NRI Affairs Special Secretary Amandeep Kaur received Bathinda-based Principal Neeru Garg, her family members, and other returnees at the airport.
The returnees said that the Punjab Government’s NRI Wing has established a 24×7 Control Room with helpline numbers 0172-2260042, 0172-2260043 and a WhatsApp helpline number +91 94787 79112, which made people (Punjabis) stuck in Dubai and other Middle East/West Asia countries feel that the government stood by them like family.
Dr. Sunny Singh Ahluwalia said that the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government is fully committed to safeguarding the interests of Indians and Punjabis stranded abroad during the West Asia crisis.
Special Secretary Amandeep Kaur said that the State Government is in constant touch with the Government of India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure the safe return of Indians and Punjabis.
Neeru Garg, a member of the Bathinda family who had made a distress call seeking safe return to Punjab, especially thanked Punjab Minister for NRI Affairs Dr. Ravjot Singh. She said that after noticing their crisis call on social media, the Minister personally contacted them over the phone and expressed solidarity with the family while assuring support for their safe return.
She also expressed gratitude to Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann for taking care of Punjabis stranded abroad during the West Asia crisis and for issuing helpline numbers to assist them.
All the returnees who arrived at SAS Nagar from Dubai via a connecting flight from Mumbai said that they now feel safe and sincerely thanked the Punjab Government for its timely efforts and support.
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*PUNJAB TO WITNESS HEALTHCARE REVOLUTION WITH SEVEN NEW MEDICAL COLLEGES*
*— Construction of Shaheed Udham Singh State Institute of Medical Sciences at Hoshiarpur to begin from March 20: Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh*
*— Establishment of these institutes will increase MBBS seats by 600, ensuring Punjab students don’t need to go to other countries for medical education: Dr Balbir Singh*
*— Construction of Hoshiarpur Medical College to be completed within 24 months at a cost of ₹274.75 Crore*
CHANDIGARH, March 5:In a historic move to revolutionise the healthcare and medical education landscape in the state as per the commitment of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Thursday announced the establishment of seven new Medical Colleges across across the state.
The project includes the development of two government medical colleges, two institutions under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode, and three through private and minority organisations.
Dr Balbir Singh, while addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan here, shared that the construction work for the Shaheed Udham Singh State Institute of Medical Sciences in Hoshiarpur is set to begin on March 20, 2026, with a total duration of 24 months leading to a completion in March 2028. This project has received administrative approval for ₹274.75 Crore and will feature a 300-bedded hospital alongside a medical college with a 100-seat annual MBBS intake, he said.
The Health Minister was accompanied by Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul, Special Secretary cum MD Punjab Health System Corporation (PHSC) Amit Talwar and Director Research and Medical Education Dr Avnish Kumar.
The Minister highlighted that through a meticulous review of previous estimates, the CM Mann led Punjab Government has managed to reduce the project cost from an initial ₹550 Crore estimate to ₹274 Crore, effectively saving nearly ₹250 Crore of public funds.
Apart from Hoshiarpur, Dr Balbir Singh said that another Government Medical College is also being established in Kapurthala of which tender process has been completed and construction will be started shortly. The colleges to be established under PPP mode will come up in Sangrur and SBS Nagar, with their tender processes underway, he said.
Furthermore, he said that the Jain Minority College is also coming up in Lehragaga, for which the government has leased land after signing an MoU, while, the Muslim Minority College to be established in Malerkotla has submitted its DPR to the Central Government. Similarly, the private medical college is also coming up near Ludhiana, he added.
The Health Minister highlighted that the establishment of seven Medical Colleges will significantly increase the state's medical education capacity and local students will no longer have to go to countries like Ukraine, China, or Nepal to get medical degrees. Punjab currently has 13 medical colleges with 1,900 MBBS seats, and with these new institutions, approximately 600 additional seats will be added, he said.
Dr Balbir Singh also announced that existing medical colleges in Patiala, Amritsar, and Faridkot are being upgraded to the level of Postgraduate Institutes to provide super-specialty services.
Meanwhile, the upcoming Hoshiarpur facility will include a five-story hospital building and a three-story medical college building equipped with modern laboratories, a library, and a 500-seat auditorium. Clinical infrastructure will span various specialties including ICU, General Surgery, Orthopedics, and Psychiatry, supported by advanced diagnostics such as MRI and CT scans.
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*PUNJAB LAUNCHES MASSIVE STATEWIDE CAMPAIGN FOR FOOD TESTING; HEALTH MINISTER REASSURES COMMITMENT TO PURE FOOD*
*— EXTENSIVE CHECKING OF FOOD ADULTERATION VIA ‘FOOD SAFETY ON WHEELS’ FROM APRIL 1-15: DR BALBIR SINGH*
*— GROUNDBREAKING STUDIES ORDERED TO TEST FOR PESTICIDES, HEAVY METALS IN VEGETABLES AND NUTRACEUTICALS*
*— HEALTH MINISTER STRESSES ON INTER-DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION FOR ROBUST SCIENTIFIC MONITORING OF FOOD CHAIN*
CHANDIGARH, March 5:Reaffirming the commitment of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to ensure safe and healthy food for the people of the state, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting and announced the launch of a massive, targeted campaign for food testing. The Minister declared that the government is leaving no stone unturned to provide ‘Shudh Ann’ (pure food) to the people of Punjab.
Presiding over a meeting with senior officials, public health experts, and representatives from key regulatory and scientific institutions at his office here, Dr Balbir Singh directed the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to run a 15-day statewide campaign from April 1 to 15, 2026, for the extensive checking of food adulteration through ‘Food Safety on Wheels’ (FSWs) vans.
Emphasising that these mobile vans are a crucial tool in the fight against food adulteration, the Health Minister urged all Food Business Operators (FBOs) and the general public to get their samples checked during this special campaign to ensure their food is not adulterated and complied with safety standards. The campaign will focus on educating FBOs and utilising the FSWs for on-the-spot testing, he said.
Notably, ‘Food Safety on Wheels’ are Mobile Food Testing Vans, which are equipped for screening of adulteration among major categories of Food including milk, ghee, paneer, water, spices, food supplements, sweets, fruits, vegetables, and other daily consumables.
The Minister has also approved a time-bound action plan for systematic sampling and testing of chemical residues and contaminants across the state. Key studies to be undertaken include an investigation into heavy metal and pesticide contamination in vegetables grown around industrial areas and drains, while, nutraceuticals will be comprehensively tested and a separate study to detect antibiotic residues in poultry, egg, and meat will be carried out.
He stressed that the data derived from these studies will guide future regulatory decisions and policy interventions.
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The Minister directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination, reiterating that food adulteration will not be tolerated and strict action will be initiated against anyone found indulging in such activities. He also urged all FBOs, including street food vendors, to register themselves with the FDA and adopt the "Eat Right, Stay Healthy" approach to contribute to building a healthier and nutritionally secure Punjab.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul, Principal Secretary Agriculture Arshdeep Singh Thind, Commissioner FDA Kanwal Preet Brar, Member Punjab Development Commission Anurag Kundu, Vice Chancellor GADVASU Dr JS Gill, Director Health Services Dr Hitinder Kaur, Director Research and Medical Education Dr Avnish Kumar, Principal Director AIMS Mohali, CEO PBTI, Senior Scientists from PPCB, Director Agriculture, Horticulture, representative Professors from PAU, GADVASU and AIIMS, Officials from Food and Drugs Administration.
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*Mann Government Taking Every Possible Step to Promote Horticulture Crops; No Farmer Should Be Deprived of Government Schemes, Mohinder Bhagat Directs Officers*
*Horticulture Minister Reviews Farmer-Centric Schemes; Seeks Detailed Report on Work Done in Farmers’ Interest*
Chandigarh, March 5:The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is actively promoting horticulture cultivation across the state to encourage farmers to diversify crops and enhance their income. With this objective, Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat on Thursday chaired a review meeting with officers of the Horticulture Department at the Punjab Civil Secretariat to assess the progress of various farmer-centric schemes. Horticulture Secretary Arshdeep Singh Thind and Horticulture Director Dr. Manish Kumar were also present on the occasion.
During the meeting, the Minister reviewed crop diversification efforts and examined the facilities and subsidies being extended to farmers. Officers
briefed the minister in detail about the financial assistance being provided and the technical support being extended by the department to boost the production of fruits and vegetables.
The Minister said the government is encouraging farmers to move beyond traditional farming practices and adopt fruits, vegetables, flowers and other high-value horticulture crops. He reiterated that the government is committed to ensuring farmers’ welfare and increasing their income.
Mr. Bhagat directed officers to ensure that no farmer in the state is deprived of the benefits of government schemes. He further instructed them to conduct regular field visits, maintain direct interaction with farmers and ensure the prompt redressal of their grievances.