*SELECTIVE TRIMMING AND ACCOMPANYING CAPTIONS OF CERTAIN SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES HAVE ATTEMPTED TO DISTORT THE STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, AMRITSAR*
*— NO ASSOCIATION OF JANTAR-MANTAR PROTESTORS WITH ANY TERROR MODULE*
*— ARRESTED PERSONS WERE ATTEMPTING TO TARGET THE PROTESTS AND WERE NOT PART OF IT*
*— WRONGFUL IMPRESSION OF ARRESTED PERSONS BEING ASSOCIATED WITH JANTAR-MANTAR PROTESTS*
*— LEGAL ACTION BEING TAKEN IN THE MATTER*
CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, August 6:Some social media handles have uploaded URL https://www.instagram.com/bjp4india/reel/DbqvY3gAT_z and other similar URLs, which include edited extracts of press conference held by the Commissioner of Police, Amritsar on August 04, 2026 wherein facts relating to busting of terror module by Punjab Police were explained, and, have presented the press conference in a manner that seeks to associate Pak ISI supported terror modules with the Jantar-Mantar protests in New Delhi.
A Punjab Police Spokesperson stated here today that the press conference of the Commissioner of Police, Amritsar on August 04, 2026 had stated that some of the arrested persons had visited Jantar-Mantar, conducted reccee and had planned to target the protestors through petrol bombs. No statement was made that the arrested persons participated in the protests or that the Jantar-Mantar protestors had any links with the module.
The Spokesperson said that the changing of the background visuals, the selective trimming of the video and the accompanying captions/descriptions tend to provide a different and erroneous impression that the arrested individuals were associated with the Jantar-Mantar protests. Although the audio and factual content of the press conference have not been altered or morphed, the selective editing and the accompanying captions and video in the URL https://www.instagram.com/bjp4india/reel/DbqvY3gAT_z and other similar URLs are an attempt to convey an inference not expressly stated during the press conference, represents a selective presentation of an original statement that has the potential to lead viewers to draw contrary interpretation from the actual context of the statement made by the Commissioner of Police, Amritsar in his press conference held on August 04, 2026.
The Spokesperson further stated that appropriate legal action in accordance with provisions of the Information Technology Act is being taken in the matter.
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*FROM NO BOUNDARY WALLS IN 8K SCHOOLS & 4 LAKH KIDS ON FLOOR IN 2022 TO NO.1 IN SCHOOL EDUCATION ACROSS INDIA TODAY: HARJOT SINGH BAINS*
*•State beats Kerala in NITI Aayog rankings; Education Minister presents four-year transformation report in Vidhan Sabha*
*•₹2638-CR spent on infrastructure upgradation of 19,125 school: Harjot Bains*
*•“Target me, not govt schools”, Bains slams Opposition over false narrative*
Chandigarh, August 6-Claiming a historic turnaround, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains on Thursday said the state has overtaken Kerala to rank No. 1 in the NITI Aayog School Education Quality Index 2026. While 8,000 schools had no boundary walls and 4 lakh children sat on the floor in 2022, today Punjab has 882 NEET qualifiers from government schools and has become the first state in the country to introduce Artificial Intelligence as a core subject from Classes I to XII. This is the revolution AAP led government promised.
Participating in a discussion on an education-related resolution moved by MLA Prof. Jaswant Singh Gajjanmajra, the School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains recalled the dire state of affairs when he assumed office in July 2022.
Revealing the findings of an initial infrastructure survey, S. Bains said over 8,000 schools lacked boundary walls, 3,200 had no functional toilets and nearly 4 lakh children were sitting on the floor. Textbooks would reach schools only in October-November, wasting precious months of the academic session.
"Today, for the first time, textbooks reach district headquarters by February 15 and are fully distributed by March 31," he said, while challenging anyone to verify this from any government teacher.
Emphasising his hands-on governance model, S. Bains stated that he has personally visited over 2,000 government schools across every district of Punjab including border schools, zero-line villages, and remote areas.
He informed the House that the government's flagship 'Mission Samarth' has emerged as one of India's largest foundational learning programmes. Under its level-based teaching model, students are grouped by learning ability rather than grade to ensure every child masters reading, writing and mathematics.
"When I visited schools in September-October 2022, I found Class 8 students who could not write simple sentences. Some could not do basic addition and subtraction. We identified these students and taught them from Class 3 syllabus level. Today, they are learning and improving,” S. Harjot Bains said, while adding that the programme now covers nearly 12 lakh students and engages over 70,000 teachers annually.
Highlighting a surge in government school students performance, S. Harjot Bains told the House that NEET-UG qualifiers from Punjab’s government schools had jumped from just 80 in 2021 to 882 in 2026. The results, he said, are the direct outcome of the 'Punjab Academic Coaching for Excellence' (PACE) initiative.
“For those who see only darkness, here is the light,” Bains said. In Majitha, six students from government schools cracked NEET. In Dinanagar, 17 did. These are not private coaching numbers. These are our sarkari schools, he added.
He singled out Harnoorpreet Kaur, a girl from a humble background who secured All India Rank 3140 in her category. This is the power of government schools today.
Taking on the Opposition, he shot back, “Target me personally if you want. Why are you targeting government schools? A false narrative created by a few negative minds has already driven people away from government schools.”
Confronting criticism over declining enrolment in government schools, Bains said the trend was not limited to Punjab but part of a nationwide pattern post-Covid.
Citing all-India data, he said enrolment across government schools had fallen by 1.76 crore students. “During Covid, enrolment in government schools actually went up. But after that, numbers dropped everywhere,” he said.
Giving examples, S. Bains said Bihar had 2.49 crore students, which came down to 2.13 crore and is estimated to fall further to 1.95 crore this year. In Uttar Pradesh, numbers declined from 4.44 crore to 4.16 crore, with an estimated 4.1 crore this year. Maharashtra saw a drop from 2.32 crore to 2.13 crore.
He also referred to the Government of India’s APAAR ID initiative launched in 2023. “Now every student has a unique ID. Earlier, one child was enrolled in six schools but was not studying in any. That is why the numbers are correcting,” S. Bains said.
The Education Minister detailed that infrastructure works worth ₹2,638 crore have been executed across 19,125 government schools. This year, an additional ₹1,000 crore from the World Bank has been approved for further upgrades.
S. Harjot Bains listed several Schools of Eminence that have been completely transformed. He cited a Ludhiana’s School of Eminence in the name after Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar, which he said was once totally neglected. “Today ₹18 crore is being spent to make it world-class. Seventeen students from that school have already cleared NEET this year,” he said.
The Mann-led Punjab government has been transforming government schools from the last option into the first choice. We are not stopping here. We are aiming higher every year,” he said.
He said teachers will no longer have to seek donations to run government schools.
“We have made ample funds available for schools, unlike previous governments when teachers had to go seeking donations. The era of humiliation is over,” S. Bains said.
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*Bhagwant Mann Govt Reviving 16,000 Km of Watercourses To Reverse Groundwater Depletion: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Groundwater Levels Have Risen by 3 to 5 Metres in Several Blocks Due to Massive Canal Revival Drive: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Around 39,049 Cusecs of Canal Water Being Released To Ensure Water Reaches Every Farmer’s Field: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*510 Groundwater Recharge Schemes Implemented Across Punjab To Maximise Rainwater Harvesting: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Statewide Recharge Drive With Ponds, Wells and New Projects to Secure Water Future: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Bhagwant Mann Govt Launches Mission to Restore Canals After 30 Years of Neglect by SAD-BJP and Congress Govts: Harpal Singh Cheema*
CHANDIGARH; 6th August 2026:Highlighting the proactive measures being undertaken by the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to address the state’s water crisis, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the government has made unprecedented strides in reversing the decades-long depletion of Punjab’s groundwater table through large-scale canal revival, watercourse restoration and groundwater recharge initiatives. He was addressing a press conference and had earlier spoken in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in support of a resolution moved by Professor Jaswant Singh Gajjanmajra.
Highlighting the deteriorating groundwater situation inherited from previous governments, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “For the past 25 to 30 years, continuous extraction had caused groundwater levels to plummet, forcing farmers to constantly deepen tubewells and increase electricity loads. To combat this, the current government has embarked on a massive mission to restore the state’s canal network. By laying and reviving 16,000 kilometers of watercourses and releasing around 39,049 cusecs of water into canals, the state government has successfully ensured that canal water reaches the tail-end of every farmer’s field.”
Detailing the impact of these initiatives, the Finance Minister said, “This massive effort has yielded remarkable results, with groundwater levels rising by 3 to 5 meters in several blocks across the state. Utilising mineral-rich canal water instead of excessive groundwater extraction has boosted crop yields for wheat and paddy by 1 to 2 quintals per acre, directly increasing farmers’ incomes while easing the burden on power consumption and preserving natural energy.”
Highlighting the state’s efforts to strengthen groundwater recharge, he said, “Municipal committees in various cities have made rainwater recharge wells mandatory for the approval of any new building site plans. To ensure rainwater is effectively channelled back into the earth rather than running off wastefully, the state government has also granted administrative approval to numerous groundwater recharge schemes. A total of 510 schemes have been implemented, including 192 pond-based recharge schemes and 246 canal-based recharge schemes.”
Emphasising the government’s long-term vision for sustainable water conservation, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The state government is proudly walking the path shown by the great Gurus, treating water not merely as a commodity for farmers, but as a precious lifeline for the entire ecosystem and future generations.”
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BLO Played an Exemplary Role with Immense Dedication During house to house phase of SIR-2026: CEO Anindita Mitra
Process for Filing Claims and Objections Under SIR-2026 in Punjab to Begin on August 13: CEO Anindita Mitra
CEO Punjab Organizes Training Program on Claims and Objections for Election Machinery
Chandigarh, August 6: As per the instructions of the Election Commission of India, following the completion of the house-to-house enumeration process under the Special Summary Revision (SIR-2026) in Punjab, the draft electoral rolls will be published on August 13, 2026. Along with this, the process for claims and objections will commence on August 13, 2026, and continue upto September 12, 2026, spanning a period of 31 days. Informing this here today Mrs. Anindita Mitra, Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, while addressing the inaugural ceremony of a training program organized for election machinery regarding claims and objections. This training program was conducted for Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), AEROs, AERO-1, and Assistant EROs.
In her address, she lauded the role played by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during the house-to-house enumeration process, stating that the dedication of these frontline workers made 100% digitization possible well within the stipulated timeframe across Punjab. She emphasized that the primary objective of this entire exercise is to include every eligible citizen in the voter list while ensuring ineligible voters are removed.
She instructed the officials that providing a smooth and hassle-free environment to citizens during the notice period is a core duty, ensuring no inconvenience is faced by the public. Mrs. Mitra added that just as the massive first phase of SIR-2026 was executed flawlessly, the same standard of diligence must be maintained during the claims and objections phase.
She noted that the transparent and accountable work ethics of the election machinery resolved all apprehensions within just a few days of starting the house-to-house enumeration.
Mrs. Mitra informed that the notice period and the disposal of claims and objections will take place between August 13, 2026 to October 8, 2026 (a total of 57 days). Following this, the final electoral rolls will be published on October 12, 2026.
She appealed to the state residents to verify their details promptly after the publication of the draft voter lists so that any claims or objections can be submitted in time. She clarified that no claims or objections will be accepted after September 12, 2026.
During the training program, officials were thoroughly briefed on all procedures related to the notice period, claim and objection, disposal of claims and objection period.
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*MANN GOVT DISPELS MISCONCEPTIONS OVER BHAKHRA DAM, SAYS STRUCTURE COMPLETELY SAFE: BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL*
*PUNJAB LEADS NATION IN MINING REFORMS; REVENUE SURGES TO OVER Rs.825 CRORE, POTASH, GOLD AND OIL EXPLORATION GATHERS MOMENTUM*
*Chandigarh, August 6:*Punjab Water Resources and Mining & Geology Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal on Thursday categorically dismissed speculation regarding the structural safety of the Bhakhra Dam, asserting that the dam is completely safe and there is absolutely no reason for panic among the people of Punjab.
Speaking during Zero Hour in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the Cabinet Minister said misleading reports had created unnecessary fear among the public and clarified that the dam's temporary movement is an integral part of its engineering design. He also highlighted the Punjab Government's notable achievements in the mining sector, including a sharp rise in revenue, national recognition for reforms and renewed efforts to unlock the state's mineral wealth.
Referring to media reports claiming that the Bhakhra Dam had tilted, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said the misleading reports had created unnecessary panic among the people of Punjab. He clarified that the Bhakhra Dam remains one of the world's finest engineering marvels and has earned global appreciation, with expert teams from countries including the United States and Canada acknowledging its robust design and engineering standards.
The Water Resources Minister explained that the dam is designed to experience slight movement under increased water pressure and return to its original position once the pressure recedes. He said the reported movement of merely 1.03 inches falls well within the engineering design parameters of the dam. Between 1995 and 2025, such movement was recorded 15 times and on every occasion the structure reverted to its normal position without any safety concerns.
Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said the recent movement observed in 2025 was also part of the dam's normal structural behaviour and did not indicate any structural weakness or danger. He urged people not to be misled by misinformation and reiterated that the Bhakhra Dam is completely safe.
Addressing concerns regarding silt accumulation, the Cabinet Minister clarified that the deposited silt is located nearly 12 kilometres upstream of the dam wall and has no connection with the structural stability of the dam. He acknowledged that nearly 26 percent silt accumulation has reduced the storage capacity of the reservoir but stressed that it has no bearing on the dam's safety. He said the responsibility for desilting rests with the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the Union Government.
The Water Resources Minister said, "Punjab has consistently raised the issue of desilting during meetings of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB)." He informed the House that the State Government had recently written to the BBMB and the Union Government, urging them to undertake desilting operations at the earliest, as it falls within their responsibility. He said removal of silt would restore the reservoir's storage capacity and enhance water availability.
Taking on the opposition's allegations regarding mining, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal rejected the allegations and said Punjab has emerged as the country's top-performing state in mining reforms. He said the criticism ignored the remarkable transformation witnessed under the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government. He pointed out that mining revenue, which stood at around Rs.120 crore during previous regimes, has increased to over Rs.825 crore during the current financial year under the Aam Aadmi Party government.
He further informed the House that Punjab has secured the top position in the country in its category in the Centre's assessment of mining reforms. As a recognition of these reforms, the State has also received an appreciation award of Rs.200 crore from the Government of India. He said the award is testimony to the State Government's sustained efforts to ensure transparency, accountability and efficient resource management.
Sh. Goyal said the Punjab Government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining. Whenever complaints are received, prompt action is initiated and FIRs are registered against violators. The State has significantly strengthened enforcement mechanisms to curb illegal mining activities, he added.
Sh. Goyal said previous governments confined their focus largely to sand mining while neglecting Punjab's vast mineral potential. He said despite the discovery of potash deposits in Punjab in 1989, no serious efforts were made for decades to harness this strategically important mineral.
He said that after the Mann government took office, the matter was vigorously pursued with the Union Government during meetings held in Odisha and Gujarat, where he personally urged the Union Minister to expedite action, highlighting that potash is a critical mineral with immense national significance. Following these interventions, the Centre sanctioned around Rs.19 crore for detailed exploration and drilling has now commenced at 10 more locations. He said preliminary assessments by Central agencies have indicated encouraging potash prospects and expressed confidence that successful exploration could help reduce India's dependence on imported potash while opening new avenues of economic growth for Punjab.
The Cabinet Minister also revealed that official geological surveys had indicated the presence of gold-bearing zones in Punjab. He said historical reports of the Geological Survey of India dating back to 1985-86, 1986-87, 1991-92 and 1993-94 had indicated the presence of gold-bearing zones in parts of Punjab, including stretches along the Siswan and Budki rivers.
He said the Geological Survey of India reports had recorded encouraging gold values in the samples collected during reconnaissance surveys. He added that modern exploration technologies are now being deployed to undertake detailed investigations and scientifically assess these mineral reserves for future development.
He said that no detailed follow-up exploration was undertaken by previous governments, while the Mann Government has now assigned a dedicated geologist to monitor exploration of both potash and gold and will extend full cooperation for scientific investigations to accurately assess the mineral potential. He added that only detailed exploration using modern technologies can establish the commercial viability of gold deposits.
Sh. Goyal further informed the House that oil exploration activities are also progressing in Punjab. For the exploration of hydrocarbon reserves in sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda and Faridkot districts, the State Government has assured complete cooperation to central exploration agencies. He said directions have already been issued to Deputy Commissioners and district authorities to facilitate surveys and provide all necessary administrative support for the exploration work.
Referring to claims regarding additional mining revenue, the Cabinet Minister said the State could have generated substantially higher earnings of Rs.20,000 crore, as stated by the Aam Aadmi Party Convener Sh. Arvind Kejriwal, had the Union Government extended timely support for developing Punjab's mineral resources. He asserted that several proposals requiring Central assistance have remained pending despite repeated representations by the State Government.
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NO FAMILY TO BE LEFT OUT OF NFSA RATION SCHEME IN PUNJAB: FOOD & CIVIL SUPPLIES MINISTER LAL CHAND KATARUCHAK
Portal for new ration cards open till August 11; Distribution of foodgrains through e-PoS machines at over 14000 depots ensures transparency
Ration kits under the Punjab Government’s pro-people ‘Meri Rasoi’ scheme also being distributed at ration depots
Chandigarh, August 6:Replying to a question in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Sh. Lal Chand Kataruchak informed that under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013, it is being ensured that no family is left behind in receiving ration (wheat). This ration is being provided under the Priority Household Scheme as well as the Antyodaya Anna Yojana.
Sharing further details, the Minister told the House that the portal *https://Ercms.punjab.gov.in* is open till August 11 for applying for new ration cards. Additionally, people can also apply manually at the concerned offices. In case of any difficulty or to seek information, people can contact the office of their respective District Food & Supply Controller (DFSC).
The Minister further stated that Punjab has more than 14,000 ration depots across the state and all of them are equipped with e-PoS machines. These machines have brought transparency to the distribution of foodgrains at the depots.
Sh. Kataruchak also added that 2,800 more such depots have been allotted recently.
In addition, apart from the wheat provided under the National Food Security Act, 2013, ration kits under the Punjab Government’s significant pro-people initiative, the ‘Meri Rasoi’ Scheme, are also being provided at the depots. Each kit includes 2 kg pulses, 2 kg sugar, 1 kg salt, 200 grams turmeric powder and 1 litre mustard oil.