*Bhagwant Mann Govt makes acid attack victim support scheme gender-neutral, enhances monthly aid to ₹10,000: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*No victim left behind: Punjab strengthens financial support & rehabilitation for acid attack victims*

*Punjab Govt strengthens support for acid attack survivors with higher aid and inclusive coverage: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

CHANDIGARH, 19 March 2026:Taking a significant step towards ensuring financial security and social dignity for acid attack victims, the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has taken a major decision. Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that during the past year, the ongoing scheme for acid attack victims has been made gender-neutral.

Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated, “During the past year, the ongoing scheme for acid attack victims has been made gender-neutral. The scheme, which was earlier limited to women, will now also benefit male and transgender victims. Moreover, the monthly financial assistance under the scheme has been enhanced from ₹8,000 to ₹10,000, which will significantly support the livelihood and rehabilitation of the victims.”

Reaffirming the Bhagwant Mann government’s commitment to victims of violence, the Minister emphasised that this initiative goes beyond monetary assistance and reflects a deeper commitment to restoring dignity and confidence. “The Punjab Government stands firmly with every individual who has suffered any form of violence. This decision is not merely about financial assistance, but a strong step towards restoring the dignity, self-respect and confidence of the victims,” asserted Dr. Baljit Kaur.

She further underlined, “The Punjab Government remains fully committed to protecting human rights and ensuring the welfare of every section of society. We aim to build a society where every victim can live with equality, safety and dignity.”

Highlighting the long-term impact of such crimes, the Minister noted, “Acid attacks leave not only physical scars but also deep emotional and psychological wounds. For those who have endured such trauma, this support is not just financial aid, but a reassurance that they are not alone. The Punjab Government stands beside them, salutes their courage, and is committed to helping them rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.”

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*98-year-old woman receives cashless cancer treatment under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, reflects Punjab Govt’s commitment to pro-people healthcare model*

*Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna ensures elderly receive dignified, cashless healthcare without financial burden: Dr. Balbir Singh*

CHANDIGARH/MOGA, March 19:Reinforcing its commitment to accessible and dignified healthcare, the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann continues to ensure that even the most vulnerable citizens receive timely medical treatment without financial burden, with a 98-year-old woman in Moga benefiting from cashless cancer care under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna.

Mukhtiar Kaur, one of the oldest beneficiaries of the scheme, underwent specialised treatment including chemotherapy-related care, fully covered under the Sehat Card. At an advanced age where continuous medical support is critical, the availability of cashless treatment ensured that medical decisions were driven purely by need, not financial constraints.

The treatment involved advanced medication and supportive therapy as part of a chemotherapy regimen, requiring close monitoring and timely medical intervention. With the Sehat Card verified at the hospital, the treatment commenced without delay, ensuring continuity of care.

For families supporting elderly members, the cost of repeated hospital visits and specialised treatment often becomes a significant concern. The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna is addressing this gap by enabling access to quality healthcare without financial stress, allowing families to focus entirely on patient recovery and well-being.

Highlighting the impact of the scheme, Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Balbir Singh stated, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna is ensuring that elderly patients across Punjab receive timely and necessary medical care without financial hardship, while preserving their dignity. Access to treatment at this stage of life is critical, and the scheme is empowering families to provide that care with confidence.”

The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna provides cashless health coverage of up to ₹10 lakh per family annually, enabling beneficiaries to access treatment across empanelled government and private hospitals in Punjab.

With over 9 lakh Sehat Cards already issued, beneficiaries are availing treatment at more than 900 empanelled hospitals, supported by over 2,300 medical packages covering a wide range of procedures. The Punjab Government continues to encourage residents to enroll for Sehat Cards at designated centres to avail the benefits of cashless healthcare under the scheme.

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*Punjab Leads India in Agricultural Infrastructure Development*

*₹7,597 crore sanctioned for 32,823 AIF projects; ₹7,132 crore disbursed to beneficiaries: Mohinder Bhagat*

*AIF scheme proving highly beneficial for small and medium farmers*

*State-Level AIF Conclave and Felicitation Ceremony organised by Punjab Horticulture Department*

Chandigarh, March 19:Punjab has emerged as the top-performing state in the country in agricultural infrastructure development under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Addressing the State-Level Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Conclave and Felicitation Ceremony organised by the Horticulture Department today in Chandigarh, Horticulture, Freedom Fighters and Defence Services Welfare Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat, who attended as the Chief Guest, said that the state has secured the number one position in India in terms of projects sanctioned under the AIF scheme.

He informed that, as of February 2026, a total of 32,823 projects have been sanctioned in Punjab under the AIF scheme, with loans amounting to ₹7,597 crore approved by various financial institutions. Out of this, ₹7,132 crore has already been disbursed to beneficiaries, significantly strengthening farm-level infrastructure across the state.

Highlighting district-wise performance, the Minister said that 8 districts from Punjab figure among the top 10 districts in the country in terms of the highest number of sanctioned AIF projects.These include Ludhiana (3,650 projects), Sangrur (3,155), Bathinda (3,049), Patiala (2,970), Fazilka (2,844), Sri Muktsar Sahib (2,246), Moga (1,758) and Ferozepur (1,680).

Emphasising the state’s focus on crop diversification, Mr. Bhagat said that the government is actively promoting horticulture as a sustainable and profitable alternative for farmers. In this regard, projects worth approximately ₹1,300 crore, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), will be implemented over the next 10 years to strengthen the horticulture value chain and improve farmers’ access to high-value markets.

He further stated that Punjab has been recognised as the best-performing state under the AIF scheme, receiving national awards in September 2024 and January 2026. A key booklet on success stories was released during the event

Earlier, Administrative Secretary, Horticulture, Mr. Arshdeep Singh Thind and Director Horticulture, Mr. Manish Kumar, presented a detailed overview of the scheme and its impact in the state.

On this occasion, Deputy Commissioners, Deputy Directors (Horticulture), Lead District Managers and NABARD District Development Managers were felicitated for their outstanding role in the effective implementation of the scheme.

During the event, State Bank of India was honoured for its outstanding performance, followed by Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Union Bank of India, Punjab Gramin Bank and HDFC Bank.

The conclave was attended by Deputy Commissioners, representatives of banking and financial institutions, farmers and senior officers of the department.

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*Vigilance Bureau nabs Inspector red handed accepting bribe of Rs 18,000/-*

Chandigarh March 19, 2026:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has apprehended Warehouse Inspector Naresh Kumar Goyal posted at Warehouse Jaito Mandi district Faridkot, red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 18,000/-.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a resident of village Ghania district Faridkot.

He said that the complainant works as

Arhtiya (commission agent) and accused Warehouse Inspector Naresh Kumar Goyal purchase crop from arhtiyas. Accused Warehouse Inspector demanded a bribe of Rs. 18500 from the complainant and said that he will not allow to pick up his upcoming wheat crop from the Mandi if complainant will not give him bribe. Complainant alleged that accused Inspector usually raise false defects of the purchased crops from the farmers to get bribe.

Unwilling to pay any illegal gratification, the complainant approached the Vigilance Bureau range Ferozepur. After a preliminary enquiry on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused Inspector was arrested red handed while accepting bribe money of Rs 18,000/- from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Ferozepur and further investigation into this case is under progress.

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*Kandi No Longer Left Behind: Bhagwant Mann Govt Takes Canal Water to Previously Unreachable Heights*

*All guarantees being fulfilled without discrimination, free healthcare up to ₹10 lakh & 600 units power delivered: Barinder Kumar Goyal*

*₹6,700 crore spent to strengthen irrigation, ensuring water to tail-end farmers: Barinder Kumar Goyal*

*₹214 crore Kathgarh Lift Irrigation Scheme to bring canal water to higher altitudes, benefiting 33 villages and 11,500 acres: Barinder Kumar Goyal*

CHANDIGARH / KATHGARH (SBSNAGAR), 19 March 2026:Asserting that all guarantees are being fulfilled without discrimination, Punjab Water Resources and Soil and Water Conservation Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said the Bhagwant Mann-led government is delivering on its promises across sectors. The Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has achieved a major irrigation breakthrough in the long-neglected Kandi belt, turning difficult terrain into cultivable opportunity.

With the ₹214 crore Kathgarh Lift Irrigation Scheme bringing canal water to higher altitudes for the first time, he emphasised the AAP government's pro-farmer schemes, highlighting higher water utilisation, large-scale infrastructure investment and a long-term vision linking farmer relief with economic transformation.

Marking a historic step, Punjab Water Resources and Soil and Water Conservation Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal inaugurated the Kathgarh Lift Irrigation Scheme developed at a cost of ₹214 crore. For the first time, canal water has been successfully lifted and delivered to higher altitude areas, ensuring assured irrigation to dry and rain-fed lands of the Kandi region.

The project will provide irrigation facilities to nearly 11,500 acres of land across 33 villages, paving the way for enhanced agricultural productivity and increased farmer income. The initiative will transform the agrarian landscape of the region by enabling farmers to cultivate better crops and improve land value.

Addressing the gathering after the inauguration, Cabinet minister Barinder Kumar Goyal stated, “The Kathgarh Lift Irrigation Scheme will serve as a milestone in extending irrigation to areas that remained deprived due to elevation challenges through the Kandi Canal and Bist Doab systems. The project will significantly reduce dependence on groundwater and bring long-term benefits to the region.”

Providing details of the project, he added that it is being executed in three phases. “The first phase covering 4,000 acres in 13 villages has already been completed in February 2026 at a cost of ₹67 crore. The second phase, costing ₹107 crore, will cover 5,500 acres in 14 villages and is expected to be completed by September 2026, while the third phase with an outlay of ₹40 crore will extend irrigation to 2,000 acres in 6 villages. A 650 kW solar plant has also been installed to minimise electricity burden,” he shared.

Highlighting the technical aspects, Barinder Kumar Goyal said that the scheme has been connected to the Bist Doab Canal with a discharge capacity of 67 cusecs and water will be lifted through pumps and supplied via an extensive pipeline network to high, low and semi-hilly agricultural fields. He added that no land acquisition was required as existing departmental land was utilised for the pump house.

Emphasising the significance of the project, the minister further said, “Due to deep groundwater levels and failure of tube wells, farmers in the Kandi area were heavily dependent on rainfall, which limited crop diversification and productivity. Being a semi-hilly terrain, conventional canal systems were not feasible earlier, which also kept land prices low. Advanced satellite and drone surveys were conducted and technical staff were trained at IIT Roorkee and IIT Ropar to design the project, which was executed in a mission mode within six months.”

“Before this project, irrigation was available in 28,205 acres across 72 villages in Balachaur constituency. With the completion of this scheme, irrigation coverage will expand to 39,705 acres across 105 villages. Around 94,000 kilometres of pipelines have been laid to ensure water reaches the fields efficiently,” he added.

Reiterating the commitment of the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government, Barinder Kumar Goyal said that the state has spent ₹6,700 crore so far to strengthen irrigation infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted canal water supply. “While only 22 percent water was earlier used for irrigation, the Mann government has increased its utilisation to 78 percent. Strengthening of canals has contributed to improvement in groundwater levels, reduction in electricity consumption and enhancement in soil fertility,” he stated.

Sharing details about the Kandi Canal, the minister said that it originates from Talwara and extends up to Balachaur with a total length of 129.035 km and discharge capacity of 463 cusecs. Despite being initiated in 1980, water had not reached tail-end areas earlier. The AAP government ensured continuous water flow, restored 1,500 km of old pipelines, laid 300 km of new pipelines and relined 120 km of canals and watercourses, thereby benefiting 1,28,740 acres of land across 12 blocks after three decades.

Highlighting welfare initiatives, Barinder Kumar Goyal added, “The Bhagwant Mann government is providing free quality healthcare with insurance cover up to ₹10 lakh and 600 units of free electricity to households. All guarantees made to the people are being fulfilled without discrimination.”

Prominent among others present on the occasion included MLA from Banga Dr. Sukhwinder Sukhi, MLA Balachaur Santosh Kataria, Deputy Commissioner Gulpreet Singh Aulakh, Additional Deputy Commissioner Balbir Raj Singh and several other dignitaries.

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt expands medical education, second institute announced within month: Dr Balbir Singh*

*100 new MBBS seats, 300-bed hospital to strengthen Punjab’s health infrastructure: Dr Balbir Singh*

*Major push to public healthcare, new institute to generate large-scale jobs in Punjab: Dr Balbir Singh*

*Bhagwant Mann Govt announces ₹275 crore Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Institute of Medical Sciences in Kapurthala, construction from March 25*

CHANDIGARH, March 19:In a major push to fulfil CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of transforming healthcare and medical education in the state, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Thursday announced the establishment of a new government medical college in Kapurthala. This is the second such institute to be announced this month following the Shaheed Udham Singh State Institute of Medical Sciences in Hoshiarpur. The new facility, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji State Institute of Medical Sciences, will be constructed at the existing District Hospital complex in Kapurthala.

Addressing a press conference, Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh stated, “All formalities, including the tendering process, have been completed and work orders have been issued to the executing agencies. Construction is scheduled to commence on March 25, 2026, and will be completed within 24 months by March 2028.”

He shared, “The project, which will be established at a total cost of ₹275 crore, will feature a 300-bedded hospital and a medical college with an annual intake of 100 MBBS students, significantly bolstering the state’s medical education capacity and ensuring that students from Punjab do not have to seek costly alternatives abroad.”

Highlighting the impact, the Minister emphasised, “Once operational, the institute will not only add 100 MBBS seats but also provide state-of-the-art secondary and tertiary care services to the people of the region. This institute will be a major source of employment, with over 1,000 people set to benefit directly, while thousands will get employment indirectly.”

Sharing further developments, he continued, “To further strengthen the healthcare network, the Government Hospital in Sultanpur Lodhi will be upgraded as an urban centre and the Government Hospital in Begowal will be upgraded as a rural centre. Both will be attached to the new Medical College in Kapurthala.”

The project to be established over an area of more than 5 lakh square feet will include six major operation theatres, a 500-capacity auditorium, advanced diagnostic facilities such as MRI and CT scan, a central lab, a blood bank, and modern teaching departments equipped with skill labs and museums.

The Health Minister was accompanied by Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Kumar Rahul, Chairman Punjab Health System Corporation Gursharan Singh Chinna and Managing Director Punjab Health System Corporation Amit Talwar.