*PUNJAB DIGITISES OVER 1 CRORE ENUMERATION FORMS UNDER SIR IN JUST 16 DAYS: ANINDITA MITRA*
*DEDICATED EFFORTS OF BOOTH LEVEL OFFICERS(BLOs) ARE THE REASON FOR THIS ACHIEVEMENT : CEO ANINDITA MITRA*
*CEO URGES ELECTORS TO JOIN JULY 11-12 SPECIAL CAMPS AS PUNJAB ADVANCES TOWARDS COMPLETION OF HOUSE TO HOUSE PHASE OF SIR 2026*
*NO ELEGIBLE ELECTOR TO BE LEFT OUT OF DRAFT ROLLS: CEO PUNJAB*
*Chandigarh, July 11:*The House-to-House Enumeration Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is progressing steadily across Punjab. Within just 16 days of its launch on June 25, 2026, the State has successfully digitised over 1 crore Enumeration Forms. Significantly, 99.34% per cent distribution of Enumeration Forms has already been completed across all households, ensuring near universal outreach to the electorate.
Divulging further details, Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mrs. Anindita Mitra said that the collection and digitisation of Enumeration Forms is a vital step towards maintaining accurate electoral rolls and strengthening the democratic process. She specially appreciated the dedicated efforts of Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Supervisors, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), who have ensured the timely distribution, collection and digitisation of Enumeration Forms across all 117 Assembly Constituencies and 24,453 polling stations in the State.
She said that to further accelerate the exercise and encourage greater public participation, two-day special camps has been organised across Punjab on July 11 and 12, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM at all polling stations. During these camps, the remaining Enumeration Forms will be filled, collected and digitised, anomalies and linkage discrepancies will be addressed and citizens will be assisted in updating and verifying their electoral details.
The CEO informed that during this intensive revision exercise, 24,453 BLOs are reaching out to 2,14,61,043 electors across Punjab between June 25 and July 24, 2026.
She further informed that the rationalisation of polling stations will be completed by July 24, 2026, followed by the publication of the draft electoral rolls on August 3, 2026. Claims and objections may be filed from August 3 to September 2, 2026, while the disposal of claims and objections will be carried out between August 3 and September 28, 2026. The CEO said that the final electoral rolls will be published on October 1, 2026.
Mrs. Anindita Mitra urged all eligible citizens to actively participate in the upcoming Special Camps and ensure that their electoral details are complete, accurate and up to date, thereby contributing to free, fair and transparent elections.
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*Monsoon Illnesses on Rise, Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana Ensures Timely Cashless Treatment Across Punjab*
*Punjab Govt Bears Cost of Fever, Dengue, Malaria & More: Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana Provides Free Treatment for All Monsoon Diseases*
*Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana Helped Me Recover Without Worrying About Hospital Bills: Balwinder Kaur, Beneficiary*
*Eligible Families Can Access Timely Cashless Treatment Under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana During Monsoon: Dr Balbir Singh*
*First 48 Hours Are Critical, Early Diagnosis Can Prevent Serious Complications From Monsoon Fevers: Dr Raj Kumar, MD Medicine*
CHANDIGARH, July 11:The first showers of the monsoon bring relief from the summer heat, but they also mark the beginning of a challenging season for public health. Every year, hospitals across India witness a rise in dengue, malaria and other fever-related illnesses. This year is no different.
Thirty-two-year-old Balwinder Kaur from Amritsar, a beneficiary, shared, “I recently received treatment under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana worth ₹8,400.”
Balwinder Kaur was taken to hospital when her fever was extremely high. She said, “The hospital staff helped me register for Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana. I earn my living by stitching clothes, and the timely treatment and financial support eased my burden and allowed me to focus on my recovery. I am grateful for this healthcare initiative by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, as it truly stands by families in times of need."
A 2025 Indian hospital study found dengue to be the most common cause of acute febrile illness among patients admitted during the monsoon. The findings reinforce that early testing and prompt treatment are essential, as many monsoon illnesses begin with similar symptoms.
Doctors are urging people not to ignore persistent fever, while in Punjab the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY) is ensuring that eligible families receive cashless treatment without the burden of hospital bills.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the government has strengthened surveillance, hospital preparedness and diagnostic facilities to tackle the seasonal rise in mosquito-borne and water-borne diseases. He urged people to take simple preventive measures, including removing stagnant water from their surroundings and seeking medical attention at the earliest sign of fever.
"Preventing water-borne diseases begins at home. Every family, school and community has a role in stopping mosquito breeding. At the same time, we want people to know that eligible beneficiaries under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana can access timely, cashless treatment without worrying about the cost of care," said Minister Dr Balbir Singh.
Dr Raj Kumar (MD Medicine), Senior Medical Officer, Community Health Centre, Verka, Punjab, said patients often make the mistake of assuming every fever is a routine viral infection. “Every monsoon, we see people arriving after treating themselves at home for three or four days. By then, some are already dehydrated or showing warning signs of dengue. A simple blood test and early treatment can prevent serious complications. The first 48 hours are extremely important," said the doctor.
He added that dengue is not the only concern during the rainy season. "Malaria, enteric fever, viral hepatitis and acute gastroenteritis are also common during the monsoon. Since the symptoms overlap, people should avoid self-medication and consult a doctor if fever persists. Early diagnosis saves lives," he said.
Dr Raj Kumar further informed, “During the early stage, these types of fever can be treated safely and effectively at a Community Health Centre (CHC) and even at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) level through the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana.”
He added that early diagnosis and timely treatment help prevent complications and reduce the need for referral to higher-level health facilities.
The latest figures under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, as shared by the State Health Agency (SHA), reflect the seasonal trend. Data as of 6 July 2026 shows that acute febrile illness was among the most commonly treated conditions under the scheme.
Patients received treatment at Community Health Centres, Sub-Divisional Hospitals, District Hospitals and empanelled private hospitals, with treatment packages for fever-related illnesses ranging from ₹2,100 to ₹8,400, depending on the patient's condition.
The data also recorded cases of malaria, acute gastroenteritis, enteric fever and viral hepatitis, indicating that the monsoon disease season has begun.
Fever-related claims came from districts including Fazilka, Moga, Sangrur, Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur, demonstrating that patients are receiving treatment close to home instead of travelling to bigger cities.
Moreover, the figures highlight the wide reach of the scheme. While a large number of beneficiaries received treatment for seasonal fever, Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana also covered dialysis, heart procedures, intensive care and other high-cost treatments on the same day. From a fever package costing a few thousand rupees to life-saving cardiac care, the scheme continues to support families facing both common illnesses and medical emergencies.
Dr Raj Kumar advises people not to ignore fever lasting more than two days, particularly if it is accompanied by severe body ache, persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, bleeding, breathing difficulty or unusual weakness.
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*Punjab to Become India’s No. 1 State in Public Transport Infrastructure With Addition of 1,279 New Govt Buses: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Bhagwant Mann Govt to Increase Fleet Strength by 56% From 2,267 to 3,546 Buses, Largest Expansion in Over 2 Decades: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*796 New Buses Being Procured Directly, Equipped With DashCams, CCTV Cameras, GPS Tracking and UPI-Based Electronic Ticketing: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Addition of CCTVs to Secure Travel for Women, Who Make Up 54 Percent of State Bus Commuters, Furthering Women Empowerment: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Satellite-Based Route Mapping to Ensure Better Connectivity, Especially for Rural & Underserved Areas: Harpal Singh Cheema*
CHANDIGARH, 11th July 2026:Punjab Finance and Transport Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday announced that Punjab is set to become the number one state in the country in public transport infrastructure through a major fleet expansion, with the addition of 1,279 new government buses. The expansion will increase the state’s fleet strength from 2,267 to 3,546 buses, marking a historic 56% increase, the largest in over two decades. Along with expanding the fleet, the Bhagwant Mann Government will also introduce advanced technologies, including DashCams, internal CCTV cameras, GPS tracking systems and UPI QR code-based electronic ticketing, to improve commuter safety, convenience and last-mile connectivity.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “Punjab is undertaking the biggest expansion of its government bus fleet in more than two decades. With the addition of 1,279 buses, our total fleet strength will increase from 2,267 to 3,546 buses, making Punjab the number one state in the country in public transport infrastructure.”
Highlighting the direct procurement of buses, the Transport Minister said, “The Punjab Government has already placed orders for the purchase of 696 ordinary buses, of which 387 will be inducted into PUNBUS and 309 into the PEPSU Road Transport Corporation (PRTC). Around 300 of these buses are expected to become operational by November 2026, while the remaining buses will be inducted in a phased manner by the end of December 2026.”
He further informed that 100 midi buses have already been purchased for PRTC to strengthen connectivity in urban as well as rural areas. “These buses will enter service by September, taking the total number of directly procured buses to 796,” he added.
Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the deployment of the expanded fleet would be guided by scientific planning. “Satellite-based travel pattern surveys are being initiated across the state to identify underserved routes and ensure that buses are deployed where people need them the most. This evidence-based approach will help bridge existing connectivity gaps,” he said.
Announcing a major technological upgrade, the Transport Minister stated, “The new buses will be equipped with DashCams, internal CCTV cameras and advanced GPS tracking systems to ensure foolproof monitoring and significantly enhance passenger safety.”
Emphasising the Bhagwant Mann Government’s commitment to women’s safety and empowerment, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “At present, around 54% of passengers travelling on government buses are women. The installation of CCTV cameras in all new buses will further strengthen their safety and provide a secure and reliable travel environment.”
The Transport Minister also announced that the Transport Department is equipping conductors with advanced electronic ticketing machines supporting UPI payments through QR code scanning. “This modern system has been designed keeping in mind the growing preference of young passengers for digital payment methods, making ticketing more convenient and efficient,” he said.
Explaining the structural impact of the expansion, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “Punjab currently has around seven government buses per lakh population. With this expansion, the ratio will increase to nearly 12 buses per lakh population, taking Punjab well above the national average for State Transport Undertakings.”
He added, “The enhanced fleet strength will enable PUNBUS and PRTC to increase frequencies on high-demand routes while also extending services to villages and towns that currently do not have scheduled government bus connectivity.”
Concluding the press conference, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “This strengthened and modernised public transport network reflects the Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to providing affordable, reliable, safe and accessible transport facilities to every citizen of the state.”
*Bhagwant Mann Govt's Massive Expansion of Punjab’s Public Transport*
* Existing government bus fleet: 2,267 buses
* Total new buses being added: 1,279 buses
* Government bus fleet after expansion: 3,546 buses
* Overall increase in fleet: 56%, the biggest expansion in more than two decades
*Direct Purchase of Buses (796)*
* 696 ordinary buses ordered:
* 387 buses for PUNBUS
* 309 buses for PRTC
* 100 Midi buses already purchased for PRTC to improve rural and city connectivity
* Total directly purchased buses: 796
*Kilometre Scheme Buses (483)*
* 483 buses to be inducted on lease under the Kilometre Scheme
* Over 250 leased buses are already operational
* Another 100 ordinary buses and 50 AC/HVAC buses are expected to start operating by October 2026
*Rollout Timeline*
* Around 300 ordinary buses to hit the roads by November 2026
* Remaining ordinary buses to be inducted by December 2026
* 100 Midi buses to enter service by September 2026
*Better Bus Availability*
* Current availability: About 7 government buses per lakh population
* After expansion: Nearly 12 buses per lakh population
*Better Connectivity*
* More bus services on busy routes
* Government bus connectivity to villages and towns that currently have no scheduled service
* Improved last-mile connectivity across Punjab
* Satellite-based surveys to identify underserved routes and deploy buses where they are needed most
*Efficient Operations*
* Annual scheduled mileage: 3,842 lakh kilometres
* Average daily run per bus: Around 300 kilometres, considered the optimum utilisation level
*Why the Expansion?*
* To meet rising passenger demand, especially after the introduction of free bus travel for women
* To provide affordable, reliable and accessible public transport across Punjab
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*Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana Brings Financial Dignity to Punjab’s Women, about 33 Lakh Receive Financial Assistance Through Direct Benefit Transfer*
*SMS Alert Brings Tears of Joy as Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana Reaches Women Across Punjab*
*Mobile Di Toon-Toon Ne Sadi Zindagi Bana Deeti: Reeta, beneficiary, Says SMS Confirming Payment Changed Her Life*
*Over 66 Lakh Women Register Under Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna as Registrations Continue Across Punjab*
*We are committed to ensuring that every eligible beneficiary receives the assistance in a transparent and timely manner. No eligible woman will be left out: Dr. Baljit Kaur*
CHANDIGARH; 11 July 2026:The Punjab Government has released ₹1147 crore so far under the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana directly into bank accounts of nearly 33 lakh women across the state through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The eligible beneficiaries from the Scheduled Caste (SC) category were transferred ₹4,500 each comprising three monthly instalments of ₹1,500 each, while the beneficiaries from all other categories got ₹3,000 each comprising three monthly instalments of ₹1,000 each.
The payments have been released to eligible beneficiaries whose registrations were completed till 25th June 2026. Registrations under the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna continue across Punjab, with more than 66 lakh women enrolled so far. Women registering now will be included in the upcoming payment cycle.
Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, said the successful completion of the first payment cycle reflects the Punjab Government’s resolve to ensure financial assistance reaches every eligible woman directly and transparently. “The Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana has been launched to provide financial security and dignity to women. We are committed to ensuring that every eligible beneficiary receives the assistance in a transparent and timely manner. No eligible woman will be left out.”, said Dr. Baljit Kaur.
Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said the scheme is providing women with direct financial support without affecting any existing welfare benefits. Women already receiving widow, disability or old-age pensions will continue to receive those benefits separately, making the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana an additional layer of social security.
Across Punjab, women who received the first instalment described it as a moment of pride, saying that for many of them it was the first time money had been credited directly into their own bank accounts.
Kuldeep Kaur, a resident of Mustaba Jatta village in Gurdaspur district, described receiving the first payment as one of the most emotional moments of her life. After ₹4,500 was credited into her account, she experienced financial independence for the first time. “I am very happy that I have received my own income in my own bank account. Main taan ajj to pehlan apne hath vich kamai dekhi hi nahin si. (I have never earned any money before this). When I received the message about three instalments on my mobile phone, I felt overjoyed. May God bless the Punjab Government and our Chief Minister for giving us this feeling of self-respect,” she said.
Kuldeep Kaur said the payment meant much more than financial assistance. “Earlier, many people believed that sons were more valuable than daughters. That thinking is slowly changing. Families with daughters now feel more secure because women have their own financial support. Mein ta apne husband lai maanyog ho gayee (I have become respectable for my husband”, she said.
Another beneficiary, Harmeet Kaur from Ghummankalan village, said she first learnt about the scheme during a village awareness camp. “I shall spend this money on my suits and some for household things. I am feeling so happy. Mein vi hun kama rai haan (I am also earning now),” she said.
Harmeet Kaur said the scheme also sends an important message to society. “A daughter is not a burden; she is the pride of the family. This money will help in educating girls and empowering them. When we educate and empower a girl, we build a brighter future for the entire family and society.”, she said.
Kiran, a widow from Dhuri in Sangrur district, said the financial assistance would provide much-needed support during a difficult phase of her life. “Mere lai taan ehe badi vaddi rakam ha. Mein vidhwa haan aur behad garib haan. Mere ghar kaman wala koi nai hai. Mein CM Maan di bahut dhanyawadi haan.” (For me, this is a big amount. I am a widow and very poor. There is no earning member in my family. This will be a great help. I thank the Chief Minister.)
Similarly, Reeta, a daily wage labourer from a village in Gurdaspur district, said the financial assistance had eased some of her household concerns. “I got information from the Anganwadi Centre and filled my form with their help. My husband and I are daily wage labourers. This is a great help. I can now spend this amount on my own needs,” she said.
Looking at the SMS confirming the credit, she smiled through tears and said, “Mobile di toon-toon ne sadi zindagi bana deeti” (The notification tone on my mobile has changed our lives).