*Dr. Baljit Kaur Announces Free Stenography Training for Scheduled Caste Graduates; Mann Government Opens New Avenues for Employment*

*80 Seats Available — 40 Each for Punjabi and English Stenography; Applications Open Till August 20, 2026*

*Dr. Baljit Kaur: Selected Candidates to Receive ₹1,500 Monthly Stipend, Free Hostel Accommodation and Merit-Based Admission*

*Punjab Government Committed to Empowering Scheduled Caste Youth Through Skill Development and Equal Employment Opportunities*

Chandigarh, July 28:Reaffirming the Punjab Government's unwavering commitment to empowering Scheduled Caste youth through quality skill development, Punjab's Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today announced that applications have been invited from eligible Scheduled Caste graduate boys and girls for admission to the one-year Free Stenography Training Programme (Session 2026-27).

The Cabinet Minister said that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is creating meaningful opportunities that equip young people with industry-relevant skills, enhance their employability and enable them to build self-reliant and dignified careers. She said the initiative reflects the government's firm resolve to ensure that financial constraints never become a barrier to the aspirations and career goals of talented youth.

Sharing details of the programme, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities has invited applications for admission to the one-year Free Stenography Training Programme for the academic session 2026-27. The programme offers 80 seats, comprising 40 seats each for Punjabi Stenography and English Stenography. The last date for submission of applications is August 20, 2026.

The Cabinet Minister said that the programme offers comprehensive training in stenography along with computer typing skills, opening wider employment opportunities in government departments, courts, public sector organisations and the private sector. She expressed confidence that the initiative would prove to be a milestone in enabling Scheduled Caste youth to become economically self-reliant.

Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that applications should be submitted to the Principal, Ambedkar Institute, Sector 60, Phase 3B-2, SAS Nagar (Mohali), on or before August 20, 2026. She cautioned that incomplete applications or those received after the prescribed deadline will not be considered.

Explaining the eligibility criteria, the Minister said that applicants must belong to the Scheduled Caste category, be permanent residents of Punjab and possess a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university. The applicant should not be more than 30 years of age as on August 20, 2026. The annual family income should not exceed ₹2.50 lakh, supported by a valid income certificate issued by the competent authority. Candidates must submit duly filled application forms along with attested copies of all educational and other relevant certificates before the stipulated deadline.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further informed that interviews will be held on August 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., and no separate interview letters will be issued. Candidates will be required to qualify the prescribed shorthand and typing proficiency test, while the final selection will be made strictly on the basis of merit and the prescribed admission procedure.

The Minister further stated that selected trainees will receive a monthly stipend of ₹1,500, free hostel accommodation and other institutional facilities, enabling them to focus entirely on their training without financial burden.

Reiterating the government's commitment to inclusive development, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that skill development is the strongest foundation for social empowerment and economic self-reliance. She added that the Punjab Government will continue to invest in initiatives that equip Scheduled Caste youth with market-relevant professional skills, enabling them to secure dignified employment, achieve financial independence and contribute meaningfully towards building a prosperous, inclusive and Rangla Punjab.

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*’Money Reached Right Hands’: Punjab Women Hail DBT Under Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana’*

*₹1,149 Crore Credited to Women’s Bank Accounts; Punjab’s DBT Model Wins Praise from Beneficiaries*

*‘Cash Dende Taan Aadmi Log Peg Sheg Te Kharch Kar Dende Hain… Hun Sada Paisa Safe Hai’: Sarabjit Kaur, Beneficiary from Gurdaspur*

*Money Credited to My Account Within 5 to 6 Days; Entire Process Is Quick, Transparent and Hassle-Free: Gagandeep Kaur, Beneficiary from Harchowal*

*Best Thing About This Scheme Is That the Money Comes Directly Into Women’s Accounts: Suman Kumari, Beneficiary, Sri Hargobindpur*

*Bhagwant Mann Govt Has Given This Money With Good Intentions, So It Should Be Spent for Good Purposes: Harpal Kaur, Beneficiary, Ahmedgarh*

*Axis Bank Is Proud to Partner With Govt of Punjab to Deliver Benefits Efficiently, Transparently and at Scale: Reynold D’Souza, Group Head, Branch Banking, North & TASC Business, Axis Bank*

*Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana Launched to Provide Financial Security & Dignity to Women; No Eligible Woman Will Be Left Out: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

CHANDIGARH; 28 July 2026:The Bhagwant Mann Government’s decision to transfer financial assistance directly into the bank accounts of women under the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana has received an overwhelming response from beneficiaries across the state. Women have praised the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, saying it has ensured transparency, convenience and financial empowerment by placing the money directly in their hands.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Government has so far disbursed ₹1,149 crore to about 33 lakh women through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system under the scheme. Eligible beneficiaries belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category have received ₹4,500 each in three monthly instalments of ₹1,500, while beneficiaries from other categories have received ₹3,000 each in three monthly instalments of ₹1,000. With more than 70 lakh women enrolled under the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, the scheme has emerged as one of the largest women-centric social security initiatives in Punjab.

Women across Punjab have welcomed the initiative, saying the money has reached the intended beneficiaries without middlemen or delays and can be withdrawn whenever needed.

Sarabjit Kaur (32) from Gurdaspur said the DBT system has ensured that the financial assistance serves its intended purpose. “I am very happy that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has transferred the money directly into our bank accounts. Had the assistance been distributed in cash, it might not have been used for the intended purpose. Cash dende taan aadmi log peg sheg te kharch kar dende hain, par khate vich ta sada paisa safe hai (Had it been distributed in cash, the men at home might have spent it on alcohol. But in our bank accounts, the money remains safe). Now the money is in our own account and we can withdraw it whenever we need it. This ensures that it is spent only on household needs and other essential expenses," she said.

Gagandeep Kaur (35) from village Harchowal described the scheme as one of the most transparent welfare initiatives she has experienced. “I have not withdrawn the money yet because I will use it whenever the need arises. This is the best way to provide financial assistance. If the government had distributed cash, people would have had to stand in long queues to receive the money. The money was credited to my account within five to six days of submitting my application. The entire process is quick, transparent and hassle-free," she added.

Suman Kumari (49) from Sri Hargobindpur said the financial assistance has helped her family meet important household and educational expenses. “The best thing about this scheme is that the money comes directly into the accounts of women. I have used the money for meaningful purposes. My two daughters, who are pursuing higher education, have also received the benefit. Along with this, our family is receiving free ration, free electricity and free bus travel, which has provided significant relief," she stated.

Harpal Kaur from Mandi Ahmedgarh said the financial assistance has enabled women to manage their own priorities. “I have spent my money on household needs. My two daughters have also received the money, but they are using it for their own needs. Daughters have their own needs, and it is good that the government is supporting them at this stage. The best part is that the money has been transferred directly into our bank accounts through DBT, allowing us to withdraw it whenever required. Sarkar ne eh paisa changi niyat naal ditta hai, tan eh changi jagah hi kharch karna chahida hai (The government has given this money with good intentions, so it should be spent for good purposes)," she noted.

The enthusiastic response from beneficiaries suggests that the DBT model has not only made welfare delivery more efficient and transparent but has also strengthened women’s financial independence by giving them direct control over government financial assistance.

Meanwhile, Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, said, “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 assistance in a transparent and timely manner. No eligible woman will be left out.”

The smooth rollout of the DBT system has also been made possible through the support of the scheme’s nodal banking partner, Axis Bank, which has facilitated large-scale benefit transfers across Punjab.

“Axis Bank is proud to partner with the Government of Punjab in delivering the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, an initiative that will positively impact millions of women across the State. We remain committed to supporting the seamless and timely disbursement of benefits, helping ensure that financial assistance reaches beneficiaries efficiently, transparently and at scale. When delivered effectively and at scale, such programmes have the ability to strengthen financial security, foster inclusion and transform lives,” said Reynold D’Souza, Group Head – Branch Banking, North & TASC Business, Axis Bank.

By placing funds directly in the hands of beneficiaries, the DBT mechanism is not only ensuring timely assistance but also strengthening women’s financial independence and decision-making within their households.

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*GURMEET SINGH KHUDIAN HANDS OVER JOB LETTERS TO 5 RECRUITS IN FISHERIES DEPT*

*• These appointments to strengthen technical capacity & research in fisheries sector: Khudian*

CHANDIGARH, JULY 28:In a major boost to the state’s fisheries sector, Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Tuesday handed over appointment letters to five newly recruited candidates to further enhance service delivery and boost fish production.

The five recruits, who received their formal appointment letters during a brief ceremony at the Punjab Civil Secretariat here, include one Junior Engineer, three Laboratory Technicians and one Laboratory Assistant.

Congratulating the newly appointed officials, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian encouraged the new appointees to work with full dedication and integrity. “You are guardians of public trust and key agents of rural development, especially in the fisheries sector which holds immense potential for our agrarian economy,” he said.

He emphasised that the recruitment was a testament to the Punjab government’s unwavering commitment to transparency and merit-based selection. “The State Government, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is not merely filling vacancies but is laying the foundation for a robust and efficient administration. These five professionals will play a pivotal role in enhancing our technical capacity and research capabilities in the fisheries sector,” the Fisheries Minister stated.

S. Khudian said as many as 50 vacancies have been filled in the Fisheries department so far, including 22 Fisheries Officers to strengthen monitoring of aquaculture and inland fisheries across the state. CM Mann-led government has provided more than 68,000 government jobs across various departments since assuming office. “We are moving at a historic pace to ensure that every eligible youth gets an opportunity to contribute to Punjab’s development,” he added.

Senior officials of the Fisheries department including Director Mr. Hardev Singh were also present on the occasion.

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*BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL INAUGURATES IRRIGATION PROJECTS WORTH AROUND RS.57.01-CR AT VILLAGE KHANT MANPUR IN BASSI PATHANA ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCY*

*BASSI, SIRHIND, KHERI, BHAMIAN, KOTLA AND GOBINDGARH DISTRIBUTARY MINORS TO BENEFIT FARMERS OF 173 VILLAGES*

*CANAL IRRIGATION COVERAGE EXPANDS FROM 24,000 TO OVER 37,000 ACRES*

*PUNJAB GOVT STRENGTHENING CANAL NETWORK WHILE SAFEGUARDING STATE'S WATER RESOURCES: BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL*

*Chandigarh/Fatehgarh Sahib, July 28:*Punjab Water Resources and Soil & Water Conservation Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today inaugurated irrigation projects worth around Rs.57.01 crore at village Khant Manpur in the Bassi Pathana Assembly Constituency. The projects will provide major boost to irrigation facilities and directly benefit farmers across 173 villages. The Cabinet Minister was accompanied by Bassi Pathana MLA S. Rupinder Singh Happy.

Addressing gathering after inaugurating the projects, Cabinet Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said these irrigation projects would ensure the supply of canal water to farmers' fields. He said Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is committed to maximising the use of canal water and checking the alarming decline in groundwater levels across the state.

He informed that before the strengthening of the minors, canal water was available to nearly 24,000 acres, whereas the coverage has now increased to more than 37,000 acres with canal water reaching directly to farmers' fields. The state government's sustained efforts to expand canal irrigation have yielded encouraging results in conserving the rapidly depleting groundwater resources, he added.

The Cabinet Minister said that with the completion of 82.76 kilometres of distributary minors, 58.85 kilometres of pipeline works and watercourses under the Bassi, Sirhind, Kheri, Bhamian, Kotla and Gobindgarh, there will be significant savings in both water and electricity. At the same time, farmers' dependence on tubewells will reduce considerably and the overall cost of irrigation will come down.

Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said, "previous governments merely politicised the issue of water and failed to safeguard Punjab's rightful share of water resources. Our government has not only taken firm measures to protect the state's waters but has also strengthened the canal infrastructure to provide farmers with reliable and sustainable irrigation facilities for the long term."

Earlier, Bassi Pathana MLA S. Rupinder Singh Happy said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is giving top priority to farmers' welfare and overall public development. He said sustained efforts are being made to modernise the canal network so that canal water reaches every field. He added that these projects would fulfil a long-pending demand of farmers while enhancing agricultural productivity and increasing farm income. He further said every possible effort is being made to accelerate development works across the constituency so that villages under Bassi Pathana are equipped with civic amenities comparable to urban areas.

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*PSPCL Unions & Aam Aadmi Clinics Staff Call Off Strike, Resume Work After Bhagwant Mann Govt Resolves Key Demands: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Govt Constitutes Financial Committee for Power Sector Workers, Report to Be Submitted by August 15: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Aam Aadmi Clinics Fully Functional as Punjab Govt Accepts Major Demand: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Ordinance to Transition Outsourced Staff Into Contractual Roles Submitted to Governor: Harpal Singh Cheema*

CHANDIGARH; 28th July 2026:In a major breakthrough for public services across Punjab, Finance Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Employee Issues and Demands, Harpal Singh Cheema, on Tuesday announced that 16 unions of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and the staff unions of Aam Aadmi Clinics (AACs) have officially called off their strikes and returned to work. He said the decision comes after extensive marathon negotiations led by the state government over the past two days successfully addressed core grievances, including accepting key demands of health staff and establishing a dedicated financial committee for power sector workers.

Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “Following intensive deliberations late at night with Power Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond and PSPCL CMD, followed by a marathon five-hour session chaired by me at the Patiala Head Office, a mutual consensus was reached with all 16 power sector unions.”

He said that the key participating unions, including the Technical Services union PSEB, PSEB Employee Federation AITUC, Ministerial Services Union PSEB(MSU), Association of Junior Engineers, PSEB Employee Federation (Bhardwaj), PSEB Thermal Employees Coordination Committee, PSEB Karamchari Dal Punjab, Employees Federation PSEB, Punjab Raj Bijli Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), Worker Federation INTUC PSPCL/PSTCL, Employee Federation PSPCL/PSTCL (Pehalwan group), Employee Federation PSPCL/PSTCL (Chahal group), ITI Association, Grid Sub Station Employees Union Pb. (Reg.), Powercom & Transco Pensioners union (AITUC), Pensioners Welfare Federation Punjab (Pehalwan), Mulazam United Organisation etc, agreed to restore normal functioning. “To address the financial aspects of their demands, the government has constituted a dedicated financial committee set to submit its final report by August 15,” he added.

The Finance Minister further said that the issue involving the health sector has also been resolved following a meeting between Aam Aadmi Clinics (AAC) union representatives and the Managing Director of the National Health Mission (NHM). “The state government accepted the union’s primary demand to count their service experience when filling regular posts, while the remaining administrative demands remain under active consideration,” said Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.

The Finance Minister also highlighted the progress regarding sanitation and sewerage board workers, with key unions withdrawing their calls following discussions with him and Local Government Minister Harjot Singh Bains.

Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s proactive stance, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “An ordinance to transition outsourced staff into contractual roles has been submitted to the Governor, paving the way for enhanced job security and service conditions for thousands of workers across the state,” he added.

With normal operations now fully restored in power supply and healthcare, the Finance Minister reiterated the Punjab Government’s commitment to employee welfare while ensuring uninterrupted services for the people of Punjab.

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*CANAL IRRIGATION GETS MAJOR BOOST IN SRI CHAMKAUR SAHIB ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCY*

*BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL DEDICATES WATER RESOURCES PROJECTS WORTH RS.26-CR*

*CANAL RESTORATION, UNDERGROUND PIPELINES AND LIFT IRRIGATION SCHEMES TO BRING CANAL WATER TO THOUSANDS OF ACRES, PROVIDING MAJOR RELIEF TO FARMERS*

*Chandigarh/Sri Chamkaur Sahib, July 28:*Punjab Water Resources Barinder Kumar Goyal today dedicated the series of key water resources projects aimed at strengthening canal irrigation in Village Rurki Heeran of Sri Chamkaur Sahib Assembly Constituency. He said that Punjab Government is taking historic steps to maximise canal water supply to fields while conserving the state's rapidly depleting groundwater resources.

Sh. Goyal informed that projects including the lining of the Samrala Major, restoration of the Amarala Minor and laying of underground pipeline networks have been completed in the constituency at a total cost of Rs.26.12 crore. These projects will ensure canal water reaches thousands of acres for the first time while substantially expanding irrigation coverage in several existing command areas.

The Cabinet Minister informed that Rs.11.74 crore has been spent on lining the 7.21-kilometre-long Samrala Major. The project will directly benefit 13 villages and increase the canal irrigated area from 2,516 acres to 3,333 acres, bringing an additional 817 acres under canal irrigation.

He further informed that the 3.35-kilometre-long Amarala Minor has been restored at a cost of Rs.2.01 crore. The project will benefit four villages and increase the canal irrigated area from 1,519 acres to 2,223 acres, extending irrigation facilities to an additional 704 acres.

He said that two underground pipeline systems with a combined length of 10.76 kilometres have been laid at a cost of Rs.8.95 crore to ensure efficient delivery of canal water directly to farmers' fields. These pipelines will benefit nine villages and increase the canal irrigated area from 1,698 acres to 2,295 acres, bringing an additional 597 acres under assured canal irrigation.

Sh. Goyal further informed that the Punjab Government has established lift irrigation schemes in the villages of Jhallian, Kheri Salabatpur, Dhaularan and Bhojemajra along the Sirhind Canal at a cost of Rs.3.42 crore. These schemes will provide canal irrigation to 965 acres of agricultural land.

The Cabinet Minister said that 40 temporary outlets (Moghas) have also been constructed across the Sri Chamkaur Sahib Assembly Constituency, directly benefiting farmers of 17 villages. These villages include Pathreri Jattan, Balsandha, Simbal Jhallian, Amarali, Ramgarh, Oind, Luthedi, Rurki, Ballan, Chuharmajra, Barsalpur, Kotli, Majri, Saidpur, Chaklan, Kalemajra and several other villages.

The Water Resources Minister informed that in 2022, only 3,217 acres in these villages were covered under canal irrigation. Following the restoration of canals, construction of temporary Moghas and laying of underground pipelines, the irrigated area has now increased to 4,518 acres, bringing an additional 1,301 acres under canal irrigation.

Sh. Goyal further said that earlier, lift irrigation projects worth nearly Rs.44 crore had already been completed in the Sri Chamkaur Sahib Assembly Constituency, extending canal water to 21 villages. With the completion of the newly inaugurated projects, canal water availability for agriculture has been further strengthened across a major part of the constituency.

The Cabinet Minister reiterated that the Punjab Government's primary objective is to maximise canal water supply to farmers, reduce dependence on tubewells and conserve groundwater. He said previous governments had failed to maintain the canal infrastructure adequately, whereas the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has prioritised the revival of water resources by undertaking canal desilting, repairs, lining, construction of new Moghas and installation of underground pipeline networks on a record scale.

He further stated that ensuring Punjab's rightful share of water reaches Punjab's fields remains the government's priority. Strengthening the canal network will not only reduce irrigation costs for farmers but also help conserve groundwater for future generations.

On the occasion, Sri Chamkaur Sahib MLA Dr. Charanjit Singh thanked Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal for undertaking these landmark irrigation projects. He said the initiatives would prove to be a boon for farmers and fulfil the long-pending demand for improved canal irrigation facilities in the constituency.

Dr. Charanjit Singh said that canal lining, underground pipeline networks and lift irrigation schemes will provide canal water to thousands of acres, significantly reducing irrigation costs, enhancing agricultural productivity and strengthening groundwater conservation. He assured that the Punjab Government will continue implementing such public welfare projects for the development of the constituency and the prosperity of its farmers.

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*Cabinet Ministers Barinder Kumar Goyal and Tarunpreet Singh Sond Inaugurate Rs.70.52 Crore worth of Irrigation Projects in Khanna*

*Canal Water Reaches 30 Villages in Khanna Constituency; Over 37,000 Acres Now Covered Under Canal Irrigation*

*Chandigarh/Khanna (Ludhiana), July 28:*Punjab Cabinet Ministers Barinder Kumar Goyal and Tarunpreet Singh Sond today jointly inaugurated major irrigation projects worth Rs 70.52 crore at Bhattian village in the Khanna assembly constituency.

While speaking on the occasion, Mr Barinder Kumar Goyal informed that around Rs 50.02 crore was spent on concrete lining across 68.32 km of canals, including the Khanna Rajwaha, Beed Kishan, Lalheri, Bardhal, Kotla, and Narayangarh minors. An additional Rs 20.50 crore was spent laying 23.40 km of underground pipelines.

He said that canal irrigation has now reached over 37,000 acres across nearly 30 villages. Remaining agricultural land in the area will also be linked to the canal network soon.

He further stated that the area irrigated by canal water in Khanna has increased from 21,506 acres in 2022 to 42,079 acres. He said that the state government has spent Rs 7,572 crore to overhaul Punjab's canal network. Today, 86% of Punjab's canal water is being utilized in fields, up significantly from just 26% in 2022.

Mr Goyal said that groundwater levels have shown improvement after a long time—a fact also acknowledged by the Union Water Resources Minister in Parliament. He said that without acquiring new land or spending extra money, the department increased the canal capacity by 12,000 cusecs. Currently, around 39,000 cusecs of water is flowing through 1,511 canals across the state.

While thanking his colleague Mr Barinder Kumar Goyal for giving several irrigation projects to Khanna, Cabinet Minister Mr Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that under previous governments, several areas had turned into "dark zones" due to depletion of groundwater. Under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann's leadership, prioritizing canal water has drastically reduced groundwater dependence and saved electricity.

He said that now the punjabi farmers are getting 8 hours of uninterrupted daytime electricity for tubewells, meaning they no longer have to spend nights in the fields to irrigate their crops.

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*Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Says Students' Protest Will Be Remembered as a "Tree of Resistance" by Future Generations*

*Visits Storyline Montessori & Café at Sector 66-A, Mohali; Appreciates Innovative Child-Centric Concept*

*Says Punjab Vidhan Sabha Has Always Taken Decisions in the Interest of the People of Punjab*

Chandigarh/SAS Nagar, July 28:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Tuesday said that the recent students' protest would be remembered in the history of India as a "Tree of Resistance" by future generations.

Addressing mediapersons during his visit to Storyline Montessori & Café in Sector 66-A, Mohali, the Speaker said that the spirit of resistance witnessed in the recent students' movement has its roots in the historic farmers' agitation against the three farm laws. He said the students' protest marks another significant democratic movement led by the country's youth, reflecting their growing awareness and determination to safeguard their rights and interests. He added that the voice of the youth deserves respect as they represent the future of the nation and that the movement has also brought several underlying issues into the public domain.

Accompanied by Punjab Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker S. Jai Krishan Singh Rouri and MLAs S. Kulwant Singh Pandori and S. Manjinder Singh Lalpura, S. Sandhwan toured the Montessori learning spaces and the family café. He interacted with the management team comprising S. Gurpreet Singh Brar, S. Harsher Singh Sidhu and S. Davinder Singh Brar, and appreciated the unique concept of creating a child-friendly environment that combines quality early childhood education with a family-oriented café experience.

The Speaker lauded the initiative for promoting learning through creativity, storytelling and experiential activities while providing a welcoming space where parents and children can spend meaningful time together. He said such innovative educational models play an important role in nurturing young minds during their formative years.

Appreciating the vision behind the initiative, S. Sandhwan said the Montessori school aims to provide holistic nurturing for children in the age group of two to five years. He noted that the institution has received an encouraging response from working parents, with enrolment increasing to around 35 children within a short span, reflecting the growing acceptance and success of the concept.

He further observed that the environment created at Storyline Montessori encourages independence, self-reliance and the development of essential life skills, while consciously limiting children's exposure to mobile phones and television screens. He said such an approach helps children develop teamwork, creativity, confidence and social skills in a natural learning environment.

During the interaction, the Storyline management shared its vision of building a nurturing ecosystem where children can learn, explore and grow in an engaging environment while families enjoy quality time together. The management expressed gratitude to S. Sandhwan for visiting the facility despite his busy schedule and for his encouraging words. They reaffirmed their commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education and creating meaningful experiences for children and families across Punjab.

Responding to questions from the media regarding the upcoming session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, S. Sandhwan said that the tenure of the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government would be remembered for taking several landmark decisions in the larger public interest. He reiterated that the Punjab Vidhan Sabha has consistently upheld the interests and aspirations of the people of Punjab through its legislative decisions.

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt Fulfils Commitment to Safai Sevaks & Sewermen; 3-Year Outsourced Workers to Get Direct Contracts: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• Contractual Safai Sevaks & Sewermen With 5 Years of Service, Along With Those Engaged in 2021, to Be Regularised: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• Monthly Remuneration of Contractual Sanitation Workers Revised to ₹20,520 From August 1: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• Appeal to All Sanitation Workers to Resume Duties in Public Interest During Monsoon Season: Harjot Singh Bains*

CHANDIGARH; July 28:In a major relief to thousands of sanitation workers across Punjab, the Bhagwant Mann Government on Tuesday announced a comprehensive welfare package for Safai Sevaks and Sewermen working in Urban Local Bodies. The government has decided to bring outsourced sanitation workers with three years of continuous service under direct contracts, regularise contractual workers who have completed five years of service along with those engaged in 2021, and revise the monthly remuneration of contractual sanitation staff to ₹20,520 with effect from August 1, 2026.

Announcing the decisions at a press conference held at Punjab Bhawan, Punjab Local Government Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, “Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has approved the immediate conversion of Safai Sevaks and Sewermen working on outsourcing in Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats who have completed three years of service into direct contractual employees. This decision will provide major relief to our respected Safai Sevaks and Sewermen.”

Describing it as another landmark decision of the Bhagwant Mann Government, the Local Government Minister said, “CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has also decided that all contractual Safai Sevaks and Sewermen who have completed five years of service, along with all those engaged in 2021, will be regularised. This is a historic step that will ensure the welfare of every Safai Sevak and Sewerman serving Punjab.”

Explaining the implementation process, Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, “All Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats have been directed to place the matter before their respective Houses and pass resolutions. Urban Local Bodies have complete service records of every worker. Once each House forwards its resolution along with the details of eligible employees, the state government will issue the final approval. The faster a Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council or Nagar Panchayat sends its proposal, the faster we will approve it and complete the process of regularisation in accordance with the directions of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann.”

The Local Government Minister further said, “As announced yesterday, the revised remuneration will come into effect from August 1, 2026. Employees being shifted from outsourcing to direct contract will receive a monthly remuneration of ₹20,520. This will significantly increase their take-home pay, while the applicable statutory contributions will continue to be deposited in their respective funds.”

Calling the decisions a major milestone for sanitation workers, Harjot Singh Bains said, “This decision restores dignity to the very hands that keep our cities clean. Today, the Bhagwant Mann Government has fulfilled its commitment to our sanitation workers. We are building a society rooted in equity, respect and dignity for those who work tirelessly to keep our towns and cities clean.”

The Minister said the decisions were taken after extensive consultations with employee representatives. “We held detailed discussions with several union leaders yesterday. Today, the Cabinet Sub-Committee comprising Finance Minister S. Harpal Singh Cheema and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak held marathon meetings with representatives of sanitation workers’ unions. Consensus has been reached on all major issues, and the remaining minor concerns will also be resolved in the coming days,” he said.

Appealing to all sanitation workers to resume duties in the larger public interest, Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, “I request all employee unions to call off the strike, especially during the monsoon season, so that the spread of waterborne and vector-borne diseases can be prevented. The government has already taken major decisions in favour of Safai Sevaks and Sewermen. Now it is our collective responsibility to keep our markets, cities, hospitals, schools, gurdwaras, temples and all public places clean and safe. I sincerely appeal to every Safai Sevak and Sewerman to return to work and continue their invaluable service to the people of Punjab.”