*Bhagwant Mann Govt to Table Bill in Vidhan Sabha During Monsoon Session to Permanently Regulate Private School Fees*

*•Over 32 Lakh Students Across More Than 7,800 Private Schools to Benefit*

*•Schools Cannot Increase Fees Beyond 5% Without Prior Approval; Excess Fee Collected Over 3 Years to Be Refunded*

CHANDIGARH; August 1:For years, private schools in Punjab hiked fees at will, leaving parents with no say and no protection. The Bhagwant Mann Government is now putting a hard stop to this. The Punjab Regulation of Fee of Un-aided Educational Institutions (Amendment) Bill, 2026 will be introduced in the Monsoon Session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha to give permanent legal backing to the Ordinance already in force since 13th July, 2026 — ensuring strict regulation of private school fees and protecting students and parents from arbitrary and exorbitant fee hikes.

*Relief for Over 32 Lakh Students*

More than 32 lakh students studying in over 7,800 private schools across Punjab stand to benefit from what is being called one of the country's most stringent fee regulation frameworks. The Bhagwant Government has introduced hard caps on annual fee hikes, made refunds mandatory for excess collections, and empowered authorities to conduct forensic audits of school accounts — ensuring real transparency and accountability, not just guidelines on paper.

*Key Provisions of the Bill*

Private schools can no longer increase fees by more than 5% a year on their own. Any hike beyond this requires prior written approval from the District Regulatory Body, granted only after scrutiny of the school's financial records.

If a school's cumulative fee hike over the last three years exceeds 15%, the excess amount must be refunded to students and parents — no exceptions. All compulsory charges are clubbed together while calculating the fee cap, so schools cannot bypass the limit by splitting fees under different heads. The law also puts a complete stop to profiteering and capitation fees in any form.

*Transparent Regulatory Mechanism*

To ensure strict implementation, a District Regulatory Body headed by the Deputy Commissioner has been constituted in every district. Every private school is required to upload fee records for the last four years on the Education Department's online portal within the prescribed timeline.

The Regulatory Body is empowered to order forensic audits of school accounts, either on its own or on complaints from parents. Complaints filed by parents or students will be examined and decided within a fixed timeframe, after giving the concerned school a chance to be heard.

*Strict Penalties for Violations*

The legislation prescribes stringent penalties. A first violation will attract a fine of ₹50,000, while a second violation will invite a penalty of ₹1 lakh. Repeated violations may result in cancellation of the school's recognition or affiliation, besides further legal action.

*Permanent Legal Protection for Students and Parents*

Once enacted, the Bill will convert the existing Ordinance into a permanent law of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. The Government has already initiated the process of collecting fee records from private schools, and scrutiny of these records is currently underway — over 6,500 schools have already submitted their records so far. Once scrutiny is complete, refund orders for excess fees collected will be initiated soon for students and parents.

On this, School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, "Punjab has introduced one of the most stringent private school fee regulation frameworks in the country, with hard caps on fee hikes, mandatory refunds and provisions for forensic audits, not just guidelines. More than 32 lakh students and their families stand to benefit from this landmark reform. The Ordinance has already been in force since 13th July, 2026, which means schools are already bound by the 5% fee hike cap and the refund provisions. Parents do not need to wait for the Bill. Once passed by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the Bill will give the Ordinance permanent legal force. Our Government's position is clear and consistent: education is a public good, not a commercial enterprise to be run for profit."

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*Born at 27 Weeks, Nawanshahr Baby Defies Odds After 50 Days of Specialised NICU Care Under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna*

*Bhagwant Mann Govt's Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna Saves 700-Gram Premature Baby, Provides ₹3 Lakh Cashless Treatment*

*No family should have to choose between saving life & arranging money for treatment: Dr Balbir Singh*

*₹6.28 Crore in Neonatal Care Claims Help Save Over 4,400 Newborn Lives in Punjab*

*Without Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, We Could Never Have Afforded This Treatment: Suraj, Baby’s Father*

CHANDIGARH, August 1:The Bhagwant Mann Government’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna (MMSY) has helped save the life of a baby girl born nearly three months early in Nawanshahr. Born at just 27 weeks’ gestation and weighing only 700 grams, the baby received 50 days of specialised treatment in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of an empanelled private hospital. The entire treatment, costing nearly ₹3 lakh, was provided completely cashless under the scheme.

Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the case shows how the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna is ensuring that every family can access quality healthcare without worrying about treatment costs. “No family should have to choose between saving a life and arranging money for treatment. Every mother deserves a safe delivery, and every newborn deserves a fighting chance at life,” he said.

The Health Minister stated, "The case also reflects the growing use of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna for treating high-risk mothers and newborns across Punjab. The data show that neonatal care accounts for the largest share of high-risk birth claims. Over the last nearly seven months, the Special Neonatal Care Package has supported 1,869 babies, with claims of ₹2.50 crore, while the Intensive Neonatal Care Package has benefited 1,719 newborns, with claims of ₹3.78 crore. The scheme has also covered 434 Advanced Neonatal Care Package cases and 382 Critical Care Neonatal Package cases, ensuring life-saving treatment for babies born with severe complications. The MMSY is protecting lives and reducing the financial burden on people,” said Minister Dr Balbir Singh.

The baby was born on June 9, 2026, to Suraj and his wife from Shiv Shankar Mohalla, Nawanshahr. Soon after birth, she developed serious breathing problems because her lungs were not fully developed. Doctors immediately admitted her to the NICU, where she was placed on a ventilator and closely monitored for the next 50 days.

Dr Hartesh S. Pahwa, who treated the baby along with his team, said that babies born this early are extremely fragile and require round-the-clock specialised care. "With advanced neonatal treatment, proper nutrition, infection control and continuous monitoring, the baby’s condition gradually improved, and she was discharged in stable health. The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna covered the entire treatment cost of nearly ₹3 lakh, allowing the family to focus on their daughter’s recovery instead of worrying about hospital bills," he added.

Expressing his gratitude, Suraj, the baby's father, said that arranging such a large amount of money would have been impossible for his family. “There were times when we feared we would lose our daughter. The doctors gave us hope, and the government scheme ensured we never had to think about arranging money. Today, we are taking our daughter home because Punjab Government stood by us through the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana when we needed it the most,” he said.

As per data shared by the State Health Agency (SHA), Punjab, the scheme has also supported 474 mothers with high-risk pregnancies, including complicated maternal and fetal conditions, 70 premature deliveries, 45 cases of severe anaemia, 19 cases of severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, and two major fetal malformation cases. These figures highlight the government’s continued focus on protecting both mothers and newborns through timely, cashless treatment.

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*On World Lung Cancer Day, Bhagwant Mann Govt Reaffirms Commitment to Free Cancer Care & Prevention*

*708 Lung Cancer Patients Receive Cashless Treatment Worth ₹3.43 Crore Under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana*

*Bathinda, Sangrur and Faridkot Lead Punjab in Availing Cashless Lung Cancer Treatment Under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana*

*No Patient Should Be Denied Timely Lung Cancer Treatment Due to Financial Constraints: Dr Balbir Singh*

*Punjab’s Lowest Tobacco Use in India Reflects Success of Our Prevention Campaigns: Dr Balbir Singh*

CHANDIGARH, August 1:On World Lung Cancer Day, the Bhagwant Mann Government has underlined a simple but important message: no one should lose a battle against lung cancer because they cannot afford treatment. Through the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY), the state is not only paying for life-saving care but also investing in preventing the disease before it begins.

The numbers show that commitment is translating into real support. So far, 708 lung cancer patients have received completely cashless treatment under the scheme, with claims worth ₹3.43 crore. For hundreds of families, that has meant focusing on recovery instead of worrying about hospital bills.

On this occasion, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said lung cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers in the world, but it is also one where prevention and early detection can change outcomes. "With Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana we are ensuring that people get timely treatment without having to worry about the treatment cost. Our responsibility does not end with providing treatment. People should be able to reach hospitals in time and that financial constraints never stand between a patient and quality healthcare," he said.

Highlighting Punjab's progress in tobacco control, the Health Minister said the state has set an example for the rest of the country. "On World Lung Cancer Day, Punjab's recent achievement as the state with the lowest prevalence of tobacco use in the country, as recognised by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6), reflects the success of our sustained awareness campaigns, strong tobacco control measures and the active participation of our people. This milestone strengthens our belief that prevention remains the most effective weapon against lung cancer. I urge every citizen to stay tobacco-free, adopt a healthy lifestyle and help us build a healthier, cancer-free Punjab," he added.The World Health Organization continues to identify lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths globally, with tobacco use remaining its biggest risk factor. In India too, rising tobacco consumption and delayed diagnosis continue to increase the disease burden, making prevention, awareness and timely screening more critical than ever.

According to the data received from the State Health Agency (SHA), Punjab, under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, of the 708 beneficiaries, 413 are men, who received treatment worth ₹1,89,68,865, while 295 women availed cashless treatment amounting to ₹1,53,19,215.

The age-wise analysis shows that the highest number of beneficiaries belongs to the 61–75 years age group, with 286 patients receiving treatment worth ₹1,34,56,310. This is followed by the 46–60 years age group, where 247 patients received treatment worth ₹1,24,83,240. The scheme has also supported 100 patients aged 31–45 years, nine patients aged 19–30 years, and two adolescent patients aged 13–18 years, demonstrating that lung cancer can affect individuals across different age groups.

District-wise, Bathinda recorded the highest number of beneficiaries, with 179 patients receiving treatment worth ₹1,46,02,300, followed by Sangrur with 163 patients and claims worth ₹56,62,600, and Faridkot with 149 beneficiaries receiving treatment worth ₹37,85,760. Other districts benefiting under the scheme include Amritsar (55 patients), Jalandhar (42), Patiala (20), S.A.S. Nagar (19), Ludhiana (11), Fatehgarh Sahib (1) and Pathankot (1). Together, these districts account for 640 beneficiaries and treatment worth ₹3,17,04,235.

Minister Dr Balbir Singh urged people to avoid tobacco in all forms, remain alert to warning signs such as a persistent cough, chest pain, unexplained weight loss and breathlessness, and seek medical attention at the earliest. He emphasised that early diagnosis significantly improves survival and treatment outcomes.

The Minister added that the Bhagwant Mann Government remains committed to strengthening cancer screening, expanding access to quality treatment and ensuring that every eligible family receives the benefits of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana. "Behind every claim approved under the scheme is a patient who has received a second chance at life and a family that has been protected from catastrophic healthcare expenses," he said.

Moreover, the Punjab Government is also encouraging holistic approaches that support recovery and well-being. A 2023 study published in Cancer Nursing (PubMed) found that yoga breathing exercises helped people recover better after lung cancer surgery by reducing symptoms and improving recovery. The 'CM Di Yogshala' (CMDY), an initiative of the Government of Punjab, aims to promote physical and mental well-being by encouraging regular yoga and meditation as part of daily life.

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*Punjab Registers 20% Growth in Gross GST Revenue, Touching ₹10,447 Crore in FY 2026–27: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*₹2,614.45 crore total, and national-high 16.23% SGST cash collection jump registered in July: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Timely GST Refunds; ₹200+ crore sanctioned in refunds during July to boost liquidity and ease of doing business: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Intelligence-Led Enforcement & Bogus Billing Crackdown; ₹200 crore penalties imposed: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Cancellation of 100+ Fake GST Registrations; Taxation Department runs campaign against fraudulent ITC claims and misuse of registration provisions: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reaffirms Punjab Govt's dual approach of zero tolerance for evasion alongside complete support for compliant taxpayers*

Chandigarh, 1st August, 2026-Punjab Finance, and Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday announced that driven by improved tax compliance, intelligence-led enforcement, and technology-backed administration the Excise and Taxation Department has recorded a robust 20% growth in Gross GST revenue during the first four months of the current financial year, accumulating ₹10,447.9 crore compared to ₹8,708.48 crore in the previous year.

Revealing this in a press communique issued here, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, "For July 2026 alone, the state registered a Gross GST collection of ₹2,614.45 crore, reflecting an 8.31% year-on-year increase alongside a national high SGST cash growth exceeding 16.23%, backed by severe crackdowns on bogus billing networks and strict recovery of legacy tax arrears."

Attributing the fiscal achievements directly to the department's structured roadmap, Punjab Finance, the Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the state has continued its strong revenue performance during the current financial year by registering healthy growth in GST collections through improved tax compliance, intelligence-based enforcement, and technology-driven administration. He said, "During July 2026, Punjab recorded a Gross GST Collection of ₹2,614.45 crore, as against ₹2,413.91 crore during July 2025, registering an increase of ₹200.54 crore (8.31%). A significant highlight of the month's performance has been the growth in SGST Cash Collection, which increased from ₹815.84 crore in July 2025 to ₹948.29 crore in July 2026, registering an increase of ₹132.45 crore (16.23%)."

Highlighting the growth in SGST, the Finance Minister said, "Punjab has recorded SGST Cash growth of more than 16.23%, amongst the highest in the country. The increase in SGST cash receipts is a key indicator of improved voluntary compliance and actual tax payments by businesses operating in the State."

Elaborating on the sustained momentum across the financial period, Minister Harpal Cheema said that the State has also maintained robust revenue growth during the first four months of the financial year. "During April–July 2026, Punjab recorded a Gross GST Collection of ₹10,447.9 crore, as against ₹8,708.48 crore during the corresponding period of the previous year, registering an increase of ₹1,739.42 crore (20%)," he added.

Underlining the state's taxpayer-centric initiatives, the Finance Minister remarked, "Reaffirming its commitment towards promoting ease of doing business and supporting compliant taxpayers, the Punjab Government has ensured timely sanction and disbursement of legitimate GST refunds. During July 2026, GST refunds amounting to more than ₹200 crore were sanctioned. This demonstrates the Government's policy of facilitating honest taxpayers by ensuring prompt release of legitimate refunds while maintaining strict vigilance against fraudulent claims. The Government remains committed to providing a transparent, predictable and taxpayer-friendly tax administration that encourages voluntary compliance and strengthens business confidence."

The Excise and Taxation Minister Cheema also outlined the stern enforcement measures taken against tax evaders. He said "The Department has significantly intensified enforcement activities against tax evasion and fraudulent practices. During July 2026 alone, enforcement actions undertaken across the State resulted in the imposition of penalties exceeding ₹200 crore. The Department adopted an intelligence-based approach by utilising data analytics and risk profiling to detect tax evasion and fake Input Tax Credit networks. In one of the major enforcement actions during the month, an FIR was registered at Jalandhar in connection with a bogus billing scam involving transactions of approximately ₹55.35 crore, and the principal accused was arrested under the provisions of the Punjab GST Act."

Addressing measures taken to prevent registration misuse and collect older dues, the Minister Cheema added, "The Department has also undertaken a focused campaign against fraudulent registrations obtained by misusing the provisions of Rule 14A. As a result of extensive verification and field enquiries, more than 100 GST registrations have been cancelled, thereby curbing the misuse of the GST registration framework and preventing fraudulent availment and passing of Input Tax Credit." He said that special emphasis has also been laid on recovery of long-pending VAT arrears. "Through attachment and auction of properties belonging to chronic VAT defaulters, the Department has recovered ₹12.39 crore during the current financial year. The recovery drive will continue against all defaulting dealers in accordance with law to safeguard Government revenue", said Cheema.

Reaffirming the Punjab Government's dual approach to revenue mobilization, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, "Punjab's encouraging GST performance is the result of a balanced strategy based on taxpayer facilitation, technology-driven administration and firm enforcement against tax evasion. While the Government is ensuring prompt sanction of legitimate refunds to honest taxpayers to improve liquidity and promote ease of doing business, it has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against fake billing, fraudulent registrations and tax fraud. The significant growth in SGST cash collections, sustained increase in overall GST revenue, recovery of legacy VAT arrears, cancellation of fraudulent GST registrations and strong enforcement actions undertaken during July clearly demonstrate the State Government's commitment towards protecting public revenue and creating a fair and transparent tax environment."

Giving a call to all taxpayers to remain fully compliant, while assuring every genuine taxpayer of complete facilitation and support from the Department, the Finance Minister Cheema said, "The Excise and Taxation Department shall continue to strengthen compliance through advanced analytics, targeted enforcement, digital governance and taxpayer-centric initiatives with the objective of enhancing revenue mobilisation while ensuring transparency, accountability and ease of doing business in the State of Punjab."