*NEET paper leak has shattered dreams of lakhs of students, it is Centre’s failure & fraud with aspirants: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*After Diljit Dosanjh declined BJP’s offer to join politics, politics of intimidation has started against him: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Rangla Punjab & pro-people governance will be AAP’s poll plank in Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

NEW DELHI; 13 May 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday slammed the BJP-led Centre over the NEET paper leak, calling it a betrayal of lakhs of students whose dreams were crushed by repeated failures in the examination system. Targeting the BJP on multiple fronts, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also asserted that after Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh refused to enter politics at the BJP’s behest, a campaign of intimidation had been unleashed against him.

Positioning governance and welfare as AAP’s central electoral pitch ahead of the Punjab polls, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that the party would seek a renewed mandate on the plank of “Rangla Punjab”, highlighting free electricity, cashless healthcare and development-oriented governance as proof of delivery.

During a media interaction, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the NEET paper leak incident had shattered the dreams of lakhs of aspirants and exposed the Centre’s failure to ensure a fair examination system. “Students had worked tirelessly and burnt midnight oil in the hope of cracking the examination, but the paper leak had dealt a severe blow to their aspirations,” he added.

The Chief Minister stated, “The aspirants are in deep shock because the Union government has failed to prevent this fraud with their careers. Lakhs of hopes have been ruined due to this paper leak. The Centre should have ensured free and fair conduct of the examination, which could have transformed the destiny of millions of students.”

*Politics of intimidation started after Diljit Singh refused to enter politics*

Responding to another question, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said it was unfortunate that after ace singer Diljit Dosanjh declined to enter politics, the BJP had resorted to intimidation tactics against him. “After actor Vijay’s success in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, the BJP had realised that artists enjoy greater public acceptance and had therefore attempted to bring Diljit Dosanjh into politics,” he added.

“Since Diljit Singh declined the BJP’s offer, politics of intimidation has begun against him, which is unfair. Attacking his manager’s house reflects this politics of threat,” he added.

*Development and welfare agenda will take AAP back to power*

Meanwhile, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that carving out a “Rangla Punjab” would remain the sole poll plank of the AAP in Punjab, asserting that the AAP Government has undertaken several pro-people and development-oriented initiatives over the last few years. “Students from Punjab are excelling in competitive examinations like NEET and JEE, around 90% of households are receiving free electricity, and people are getting cashless medical treatment worth ₹10 lakh,” he added.

“We will go to the people with the agenda of development, welfare and honest governance. Punjab is witnessing holistic development and the people are supporting these initiatives wholeheartedly. We will form the government again with a huge mandate,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann affirmed.

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*Good news for Punjab farmers, Bhagwant Mann Govt will not allow shortage of fertilisers in Punjab*

*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann receives assurance during meeting with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Delhi*

*Punjab Govt will promote alternative crops like maize, pulses, oilseeds, sunflower and bajra instead of paddy: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Alternative crops will help conserve groundwater & bring Punjab out of dark zone: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Centre has agreed to work jointly with Punjab Govt to save groundwater in state: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Centre had given Punjab target of 125 lakh metric tonnes of wheat & our farmers successfully achieved it: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

NEW DELHI, 13th May 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday called upon Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and sought his intervention for the de-notification of certain hybrid paddy seeds to ensure smooth procurement and lifting operations in Punjab during the forthcoming Kharif season, while raising a series of critical issues concerning the state’s farmers before the Centre.

During the crucial meeting in Delhi, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann secured assurances on uninterrupted fertilizer supply and groundwater conservation, demanded Punjab’s representation in the Central Seed Committee, and pressed for wheat seed subsidy allocation for 2026-27. Emphasising that Punjab’s farmers had successfully achieved the Centre’s target of 125 lakh metric tonnes of wheat production, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that the Punjab Government is now aggressively promoting crop diversification through maize, pulses, oilseeds, sunflower and bajra to reduce dependence on paddy cultivation, conserve rapidly depleting groundwater reserves and pull Punjab out of the dangerous dark zone crisis threatening the state’s agrarian future.

During the meeting with the Union Agriculture Minister, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also strongly pitched for Punjab’s representation in the Central Seed Committee under the proposed Seed Bill 2025 and sought greater support from the Centre for crop diversification and agricultural reforms in the state.

The Chief Minister informed Shivraj Singh Chouhan that though Punjab accounts for merely 2% of the country’s population, it contributes around 185 LMT of rice and 125 LMT of wheat annually, due to which Punjab is known as the food bowl of the country. Stressing the importance of uninterrupted supply for both Kharif and Rabi crops, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that it is imperative for ensuring the nation’s food security.

Raising the issue of the Seed Bill 2025, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab, being an agrarian state with a major contribution towards the national food pool, must have adequate representation in the Central Seed Committee.” He also stressed that the existing role and powers of the State Level Seed Committee should remain unchanged to safeguard the interests of farmers and the agriculture sector in Punjab.

Flagging concerns over hybrid paddy seeds, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann pointed out, “Some paddy hybrids have been found to exhibit a higher percentage of grain breakage during milling along with comparatively lower Head Rice Recovery in comparison to recommended varieties. Such produce does not conform to the quality standards prescribed by the Food Corporation of India, causing serious inconvenience to farmers during procurement.”

“In view of the forthcoming Kharif 2026 season, necessary action must be taken on priority for the de-notification of some of these hybrid paddy seeds in Punjab so that smooth procurement and lifting operations can be ensured in the larger interest of the farming community,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

Responding to the concerns raised by Punjab, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured the Chief Minister that a special committee would be constituted to examine the issue of hybrid paddy seeds and ensure smooth procurement operations in the state.

Highlighting another key issue, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Approximately 33% of wheat seed is required to be replaced annually in order to sustain wheat yield levels. Enhancing the Seed Replacement Rate is the need of the hour for improving agricultural productivity in Punjab.”

Seeking the Centre’s support, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann requested Shivraj Singh Chouhan for approval and allocation of Wheat Seed Subsidy under the Annual Action Plan for the financial year 2026-27 under Krishionnati Yojana. “Such support is crucial for the comprehensive development of the agriculture sector and welfare of farmers. This will help in promoting scientific agriculture practices, thereby significantly increasing productivity and enhancing farmers’ income,” added the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister also solicited fulsome support and cooperation from the Union government for giving a major push to crop diversification in Punjab to gradually take farmers out of the wheat-paddy cycle. “Diversification is essential not only for strengthening the rural economy but also for saving the rapidly depleting groundwater reserves in Punjab,” he added.

Pointing out the alarming groundwater situation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Out of the total 150 blocks in Punjab, groundwater levels in 117 blocks have already entered the dark zone.”

He urged the Union government to introduce MSP on alternative crops as well so that farmers can be encouraged to diversify crops while simultaneously securing better incomes and protecting the state’s water resources.

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*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s efforts yield results, path cleared for completion of long-pending overbridges & highways in Punjab*

*Stalled flyovers at Makhu, Adampur and Bhawanigarh to be completed soon, work on Amritsar Sahib flyover project will also gain pace: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Issue of declaring Ferozepur-Fazilka road as National Highway & its widening was also raised: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Assurance received for four-laning of Bhawanigarh to Kotshamir road via Sunam, Cheema Mandi, Bhikhi, Mansa and Maur: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Barnala-Pakho Kainchian via Bhadaur, Sehna and Jalal to Bajakhana road, and Malerkotla to Barnala via Sherpur road will also be converted into four-lane roads: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari highly appreciated functioning of ‘Sadak Surakhya Force’ formed for protection of people’s lives & property: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann meets Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari*

NEW DELHI, 13 May 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday secured major assurances from the Centre for completion of several long-pending highway and flyover projects in Punjab after a crucial meeting with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, with stalled infrastructure works at Makhu, Adampur and Bhawanigarh set to move forward and key road corridors across the state likely to witness large-scale expansion and four-laning.

During the meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also raised Punjab’s demand for declaring strategically important roads, including the Ferozepur-Fazilka corridor near the international border, as National Highways, while pressing for faster execution of projects that have remained stuck for years due to delays and bottlenecks. The Chief Minister said the Centre also assured four-laning of the Bhawanigarh-Kotshamir road via Sunam, Cheema Mandi, Bhikhi, Mansa and Maur, besides expansion of the Barnala-Bajakhana and Malerkotla-Barnala corridors, in what is being seen as a major push for Punjab’s road connectivity, economic movement and public safety.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further stated that Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highly appreciated the functioning of the Punjab Government’s ‘Sadak Surakhya Force’, launched to protect lives and ensure safer highways across the state.

During the meeting held in New Delhi, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann raised the issue of the delayed Wallah Flyover project in Amritsar and urged Nitin Gadkari to expedite the work in larger public interest. “The Wallah Flyover project was awarded by the National Highways Authority of India and was originally expected to be completed by September 15, 2023. However, despite repeated extensions, the project remains incomplete, with physical progress currently at around 76 per cent against the revised completion date of April 30, 2026,” he said.

TheChief Minister noted, “The corridor is critically important as it connects Amritsar Airport with Sri Harmandir Sahib and handles heavy traffic movement, including frequent movement of VIPs. The continued delay in the project has resulted in severe congestion, safety concerns and immense inconvenience for commuters and local residents.”

“It is the need of the hour that NHAI takes urgent remedial action for expeditious completion of the remaining work on the Wallah Flyover so that the project is completed in a time-bound manner,” asserted the Chief Minister.

Flagging another important issue, the Chief Minister also sought speedy approval and execution of the four-laning project of the Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur-Manali Road on NH-70. “The Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur road section is an important road corridor from religious, tourism, economic and strategic perspectives. It provides connectivity from various districts of Punjab to major religious and tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh, including Mata Chintpurni Ji Temple, Mata Jawala Ji Temple, Mata Chamunda Devi Ji Temple, Dharamshala, Manali and Palampur,” he said.

“The corridor also assumes strategic importance because Adampur Airport and Airbase are located along this stretch, serving the Doaba region and being used regularly for movement of VVIPs during their visits,” he added.

The Chief Minister stated, “A project for development of the Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur road section into a four-lane corridor had been sanctioned in 2016, but was subsequently terminated by both the contractor and the government. The DPR for the remaining work will be submitted shortly to the Ministry and this project is extremely important for Punjab. I urge the Ministry to ensure speedy approval and sanction so that work can begin at the earliest.”

Seeking declaration of the Chandigarh-Landran-Chunni-Sirhind Road as a National Highway, the Chief Minister said the road is an extremely important State Highway connecting SAS Nagar district with Fatehgarh Sahib district, which holds immense historical significance. “The road starts near Gurudwara Singh Shaheedan Sahib in Sohana and passes through Lakhnaur, Landran, Jhanjheri and Chunni before ending at Fatehgarh Sahib. At present, it is mainly two-laned with a 10-metre carriageway width, although some portions have already been widened to four lanes,” he said.

“The Ambala-Chandigarh Greenfield Highway project under the Bharatmala Project also crosses this road at village Jhanjheri,” he added.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Every year during the month of December, lakhs of devotees visit Fatehgarh Sahib during the Shaheedi Sabha to pay homage to Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji. The 37.26-km-long road witnesses massive traffic movement during this period because of its immense historical and religious significance. Keeping in view the strategic and historic importance of this road, it is imperative that it is declared as a National Highway.”

The Chief Minister also strongly pursued the declaration of the Dharamkot-Zira-Ferozepur-Fazilka road as a National Highway. “The road acts as a vital link with National Highways in Punjab and also carries immense strategic importance because it runs close to the International Border with Pakistan. The corridor is crucial from the defence and security point of view. Defence authorities in Ferozepur have repeatedly highlighted the need to widen the road into a four-lane corridor for ensuring faster and safer movement of military vehicles,” he added.

“The total length of the road is 144.555 km and its average fatality rate is higher than that of many National Highways. The corridor has 11 identified black spots and the Ferozepur-Fazilka section witnessed 162 accidents between 2020 and 2022, out of which 138 accidents were fatal,” he said.

“In view of its inter-National Highway connectivity, strategic and defence importance, heavy traffic movement and serious road safety concerns, the Dharamkot-Zira-Ferozepur-Fazilka road should be declared a National Highway at the earliest,” he added.

The Chief Minister also sought declaration of the Balachaur-Hoshiarpur-Dasuya road as a National Highway. “The road stretches over 104.96 km and connects the Phagwara-Rupnagar National Highway with the Pathankot-Jalandhar National Highway, thereby serving as an important link between Chandigarh/Mohali and Pathankot/Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added, “Due to its strategic connectivity and regional importance, the corridor carries heavy passenger, transport and commercial traffic. Most stretches presently have an undivided carriageway, resulting in traffic congestion, frequent accidents and considerable delays for commuters.”

Raising another issue, the Chief Minister highlighted the urgent need for installation of a view cutter on the flyover at Husner Chowk in Gidderbaha on the Bathinda-Malout Road, which falls under the jurisdiction of NHAI. “Densely populated residential colonies and commercial establishments exist on both sides of the flyover and therefore installation of a view cutter is essential for public safety, smooth traffic movement and convenience of commuters,” he said.

The Chief Minister also sought four-laning of the 53.76-km-long Bhawanigarh-Sunam-Bhikhi road and demanded that it be declared a National Highway because of its strategic importance. “The road connects Patiala and Sangrur districts with Bathinda, Mansa, Talwandi Sabo, Sirsa and other important destinations in Punjab as well as adjoining areas of Haryana. It carries heavy daily traffic and serves as a major corridor for passenger and goods movement,” he added.

“While the Patiala-Bhawanigarh stretch of NH-7 has already been developed into a four-lane highway ensuring high-capacity connectivity up to Bhawanigarh, the Bhawanigarh-Sunam-Bhikhi stretch continues as a two-lane road,” he added.

“This abrupt transition from a four-lane National Highway to a two-lane State Highway has created a severe bottleneck, resulting in congestion, reduced travel efficiency and increased accident risk,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated.

The Chief Minister stated, “Substantial stretches of the road already have adequate Right of Way and certain portions, including Sunam, Cheema and Bhikhi, have already been widened to four lanes. Declaring this road as a National Highway along with four-laning will improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, enhance road safety and support regional economic development.”

The Chief Minister also urged Nitin Gadkari to declare the Banga-Garhshankar-Sri Anandpur Sahib road as a National Highway. “The road connects major religious destinations including Sri Anandpur Sahib and Sri Kiratpur Sahib and further links Himachal Pradesh for economic, tourism and religious purposes. Both domestic and foreign tourists regularly visit these religious places and further travel to Mata Naina Devi Ji Mandir in Himachal Pradesh, due to which the road should be accorded National Highway status,” he added.

Raising another important issue, the Chief Minister also demanded that the Barnala-Bajakhana road be declared a National Highway. “The road is a strategically important corridor facilitating traffic movement for Barnala, Mansa and Bathinda districts while also providing connectivity to major commercial, agricultural and industrial centres of the Malwa region and adjoining Rajasthan. The existing two-lane configuration is inadequate to cater to current and future traffic requirements, making its declaration as a National Highway and four-laning essential,” he added.

The Chief Minister also sought four-laning of the Barnala-Malerkotla via Sherpur road and demanded its declaration as a National Highway. “The corridor facilitates movement for Barnala, Sangrur and Malerkotla districts while also connecting major agricultural, industrial and commercial centres in the Malwa region. This project will significantly improve connectivity between Barnala, Sangrur and Malerkotla, besides reducing congestion, travel time, vehicle operating costs and accident risks,” he added.

Highlighting another important issue, the Chief Minister also strongly pitched for construction of an elevated corridor or flyover at Bhawanigarh town to address growing traffic congestion and safety concerns. “Bhawanigarh is a densely populated town where commercial establishments and markets have developed along both sides of the National Highway. Because of flyovers on both sides of the town, fast-moving traffic enters directly into the city, resulting in accidents and congestion,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

“I urge NHAI to examine and undertake construction of an elevated corridor or flyover through Bhawanigarh in the interest of public safety, decongestion and smooth movement of traffic,” he added.

Meanwhile, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also urged the Union Minister to release pending payments under the Setu Bandhan Programme of the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) Scheme. “The Punjab Government has already initiated works under the scheme and now funds are urgently required for clearing pending liabilities related to ongoing projects. Progress of several construction works is being adversely affected due to non-release of funds by the Ministry,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said. “Immediate release of pending funds is necessary to ensure uninterrupted progress of these crucial infrastructure projects,” he added.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also sought early completion of the Railway Over Bridge at Makhu town on NH-54.

Sharing a few snippets from the meeting on X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Today in Delhi, I met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji. During the meeting, we held detailed discussions on several important NHAI-related projects and issues concerning Punjab. In particular, views were exchanged regarding the ‘Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF)’. Gadkari Ji highly appreciated this unique initiative undertaken by our government to protect the lives and property of people.”

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*Dr. Ravjot Singh carefully listens to grievances and suggestions of Punjabis living abroad during “Online Milni”*

*Says, Mann Govt committed to the prompt resolution of issues of NRIs*

*Security and protection of rights of the NRI community will be ensured strictly: Dr. Ravjot Singh*

Chandigarh, May 13:Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh today conducted an “Online Milni” to listen to the problems, grievances and suggestions of Punjabis residing abroad.

He assured the NRIs that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is fully committed to the prompt and effective resolution of issues faced by Non-Resident Punjabis (NRIs).

Dr. Ravjot Singh informed that during the Online Milni, complaints related to property disputes, matrimonial matters, fraud, illegal occupation, intimidation and harassment were brought forward. "All the complaints were carefully listened to and have been taken seriously and directions have been issued to the concerned departments and officials for immediate action, said the Cabinet Minister, emphasizing that providing justice, security and transparent services to the NRI Punjabi community remains a top priority of the Punjab Government.

Dr. Ravjot Singh further stated that the Punjab Government will continue to maintain direct communication with the NRI community through regular online and physical meetings every month. He informed that nearly two such meetings will be organized every month and details of which will be shared in advance so that a larger number of overseas Punjabis can benefit from this initiative.

He also shared that during today’s Online Milni, 16 cases were raised by Punjabis residing in countries including the United States, England, Australia and Canada. He added that from January 2026 to April 2026, the NRI Department received a total of 590 applications, out of which 430 cases have already been resolved, while 160 cases are currently under process. Similarly, during May 2026, the department has so far received 56 new complaints, on which action is underway.

The NRI Affairs Minister thanked all the NRIs who participated in the Online Milni and assured them that the Punjab Government will make every possible effort to protect their rights and ensure speedy resolution of their issues.

During the Online Milni, Secretary NRI Affairs Mr. V.N. Zade; ADGP NRI Mr. R.K. Jaiswal; Divisional Commissioner Jalandhar Mr. Ramvir; Special Secretary NRI Affairs Ms. Amandeep Kaur; along with senior departmental officials were also present.

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*Harjot Bains takes charge as Local Govt Minister*

*• Bains vows transparency, efficiency in urban governance*

CHANDIGARH, MAY 13:–Punjab Cabinet Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains assumed charge of the Local Government department at the Municipal Bhawan here. Notably, the young minister, already steering the School Education, Higher Education & Languages, Technical Education and Information & Public Relations departments, was warmly welcomed by Administrative Secretary Local Government Mr. Manjit Singh Brar, Special Secretary Ms. Deepti Uppal and other senior officials.

After taking charge, S. Bains extended gratitude to Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Sh. Arvind Kejriwal for reposing faith in him and he assured that he will discharge this responsibility to the best of his ability.

He immediately held meeting with senior officials of the department to review ongoing projects and directed them to fast-track waste management, infrastructure upgrades and citizen-centric service delivery projects.

Harjot Singh Bains stated, “Our urban centres are the engines of Punjab’s future.My priority would be to ensure the same transparency and efficiency in the Local Government Department that defined his education reforms.”

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*Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond Assumes Charge as Power Minister at PSPCL Headquarters*

*Chairs High-Level Review Meeting, Directs Officials to Ensure Smooth Power Supply During Paddy Transplantation Season*

Chandigarh/Patiala, May 13: Punjab Cabinet Minister S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond today formally assumed charge as the Power Minister at the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) Headquarters in Patiala amidst the presence of senior officers and officials of the department. Mr. Sond is already having Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Labour, Hospitality and Rural Development & Panchayat departments in his portfolio.

Soon after assuming charge, the Power Minister chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials of the Power Department and PSPCL to assess the preparedness for the upcoming paddy transplantation season. During the meeting, Mr. Sond categorically directed the officials to ensure uninterrupted and adequate power supply to farmers across the state so that the agricultural operations are carried out smoothly without any inconvenience.

S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is fully committed to safeguarding the interests of farmers and providing seamless power supply during the paddy season, which is vital for the agrarian economy of the state. He emphasized that the government has already been making continuous efforts to strengthen the power sector and further improve consumer services.

Reviewing the existing infrastructure, the Power Minister instructed officials to expedite the upgradation and maintenance of power infrastructure, especially in rural and village areas, in order to minimize power cuts and enhance the quality and reliability of electricity supply. He directed the department to ensure timely replacement and augmentation of transformers, transmission lines and other equipment wherever required.

The Minister further stressed the need for efficient monitoring mechanisms and prompt redressal of public grievances related to electricity supply. He asked the officials to maintain close coordination at all levels to tackle any issue on priority during the peak demand season.

S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond reiterated that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is continuously working towards modernizing the power infrastructure and ensuring better services for domestic, agricultural and industrial consumers across the state.

Chairman-cum-Managing Director Dr. Basant Garg, Director distribution Dr. Inderpal Singh, Director finance SK Beri, Director commercial Er. Harsharan Kaur Trehan among several others were also present during the meeting.

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*Vigilance Bureau registered a case against Kanungo for accepting a bribe of Rs. 40000/-*

Chandigarh, May 13, 2026:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), in line with the zero tolerance policy adopted by the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government, has registered a case against Kanungo Varinder Singh Bhutar posted in revenue office at village Golewala, district Faridkot, for accepting a bribe Rs. 40,000/-.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the case has been registered following a complaint lodged by a resident of village Bagthala district Faridkot on the Chief Minister’s Anti Corruption Action Line portal.

He said that the court had ordered to Revenue Department Faridkot to get the possession of complainant's land. In this connection, accused Kanungo demanded a bribe of Rs 80,000 in lieu for providing the possession of the complainant's land.

Furthermore, he added that Complainant had given Rs. 40000/- as bribe to accused Kanungo as first installment. Complainant had recorded the video while giving bribe to the accused Kanungo.

In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB Police Station Ferozepur. Further investigation into this case is underway, he added.

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Delegation of Birmingham City University Scientists visits Punjab State Farmers’ & Farm workers’ Commission

Chandigarh, May 13:A high level Delegation of Birmingham City University Scientists today visited Punjab State Farmers’ & Farm workers’ Commission (PSFFWC).

During the visit a meeting was held with Prof Dr Sukhpal Singh, Chairman, Punjab State Farmers’ & Farm workers’ Commission and Sh Navjot Singh Jarg, Chairman, GENCO with High Level Delegation of Scientists from Birmingham City University under the leadership of Prof Dr Chamkour Singh Athwal, along with Dr Florimond Gueniat, and Dr Shishank, Economist, Dr Sandeep Dhundhara, BCU, UK. Among others, Dr YP Verma, Registrar, and Dr Maninder Kaur, PU, Chandigarh were also present.

The motive of this meeting was to bring out more sustainable models for energy generation in the state.

Dr Cham is an authority on developing different models of harvesting Solar energy to reduce the dependency on electric power. He apprised that his team has piloted many projects in Bangladesh, and they have refined all technologies which can be replicated in Punjab with much lower costs.

He did a power point presentation about Smart-SIP model, which is a community based solar energy harvesting system, which can be implemented successfully in the Punjab.

Prof Dr Sukhpal Singh, also elaborated about the water and energy scenario of the state revealing that the state is deficit of 13.27 BCM water annually and about Rs 8000 Cr is being invested every year for supplying free electric supply to the AP Tubewells. He further apprised the house that phased manner shifting to the solar energized pumps have been recommended in the Punjab State Agricultural Policy-2023, which will not only curtail the power expenses, however, the state would be in position to generate a handsome revenue of about Rs 7000 Cr annually after gestation period.

Dr Florimond told that Haryana has installed about 1.80 lakh solar pumps, whereas, Punjab has installed only about 17000 under PM-Kusum Scheme. Further, he told that Bangladesh is harvesting solar energy at a tremendous level. For instance, themost of the auto mobiles are being run on battery power in Bangladesh, eventually harvested from solar energy.

During deliberations Sh Navjot Singh Jarg offered them to work in his village at a pilot level and Prof Dr Sukhpal Singh suggested one more namely the Lamra-Kangri MPCS at Hoshiarpur, which is offering about 14 services to its clients of 4 adjoining villagers. Prof Cham consented positively and will work with PSFC for bringing more prosperity in the villages. The meeting concluded with a consensus on promoting pilot projects, strengthening institutional collaboration, and encouraging evidence-based policy interventions for sustainable agricultural solarification with clean green energy in Punjab. Dr RS Bains extended a voted of thanks to all the dignitaries and PSFC fellow colleagues.