*Bhagwant Mann Govt To Identify Talent From Villages & Prepare Them For International-Level Competitions*
*4th edition of ‘Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan’ to begin from Bathinda on September 5 and conclude in Patiala on November 29: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Record 10 lakh players aged 14 to above 70 years to participate in Punjab’s biggest sporting carnival: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*38 sports disciplines along with four para sports to be organised this year: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Men’s & Women’s Tennis Ball Cricket included as exhibition sport for the first time: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Gold Medal winner to get ₹10,000, Silver Medal winner ₹7,000 and Bronze Medal winner ₹5,000 in cash prize: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Medal winners up to 40 years of age to receive Gradation Certificates for availing benefits under sports quota in government jobs: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*QR code-based registration facility introduced for players for the first time: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Mashaal March commenced on August 12 and will pass through all districts before reaching its destination on September 5: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
CHANDIGARH; 19th August 2026:Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced that the Punjab government will organise the fourth edition of Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan from September 5 to November 29, with a target of involving more than 10 lakh participants across all age groups. The grand sporting event, aimed at reviving Punjab’s sporting culture and channelising the energy of youth towards sports, will begin with the opening ceremony at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium in Bathinda and conclude with the closing ceremony in Patiala. The 2026 edition has been planned as the biggest edition of the sporting extravaganza so far.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Sports will be made the biggest weapon to channelise the energy of youth and fight against drugs, with the Punjab Government launching Season 4 of ‘Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan’ from Bathinda on September 5. More than 10 lakh players are expected to take to the playgrounds this year, with the grand finale scheduled to be held in Patiala on November 29.”
“For the first time, a massive budget of ₹1,794 crore has been allocated for sports. Along with developing 3,148 sports grounds and 6,000 gyms in villages, special work is also being undertaken in the field of sports medicine. Let us witness three generations of Punjabis playing together on the same field and make Punjab a leading state in sports,” the post concluded.
Addressing a press release conference, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The fourth edition of Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan will commence on September 5 and the games will be inaugurated at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium in Bathinda. It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that this year our target is to involve 10 lakh players. Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan is the best platform to identify, promote and nurture hidden sporting talent from every village, town and city of Punjab.”
The Chief Minister stated, “Through these games, we aim to prepare our children and youth for competitions at the national and international levels. A unique feature of Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan is that it brings different generations together. In previous editions, three generations of the same family, including grandfather, son and grandson, participated in the games. This year, players from nine age groups will participate, ranging from 14 years to above 70 years of age.”
He said, “A total of 38 sports disciplines will be organised this year, along with four para-sports, namely Athletics, Powerlifting, Badminton and Wheelchair Basketball. We have introduced a very simple registration process this year and registration is completely free of cost. For the first time, the Sports Department has introduced QR-code-based registration, enabling players to register anytime and from anywhere.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted, “Registration can also be completed through the Sports Department’s portal and the process is already underway. I appeal to all players to register themselves and participate enthusiastically in these games. The competitions will be organised at block, district and state levels, covering all 153 blocks and all 23 districts of Punjab. The state-level games will be held across 16 districts.”
The Chief Minister pointed out, “For the first time, Tennis Ball Cricket for both boys and girls has been included as a demonstration game. The Mashaal March, or Torch Relay, commenced on August 12 and will pass through all districts of Punjab before reaching its destination on September 5. The games will conclude on November 29 in Patiala. Gold Medal winners at the state level will receive ₹10,000, Silver Medal winners ₹7,000 and Bronze Medal winners ₹5,000.”
He said, “Medal winners up to 40 years of age will also receive a Gradation Certificate, making them eligible to avail the benefit of the sports quota in government jobs. During the first three seasons, ₹25.51 crore in prize money was distributed among players, reflecting the huge success of these games.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “In the first season, 3.50 lakh players participated, 9,688 players won medals and ₹6.88 crore in prize money was distributed. In the second season, more than 4 lakh players participated, 12,500 players won medals and ₹8.87 crore was distributed as prize money. In the third season, 4.35 lakh players participated, 14,500 players won medals and ₹9.76 crore was distributed. The games could not be organised in 2025 due to floods.”
The Chief Minister said, “Sports have always remained an integral part of Punjab’s proud cultural heritage and legacy. To channelise the unbounded energy of our youth in a positive direction, the new Sports Policy was introduced in 2023. It increased the budgetary allocation for sports and provided players with cash awards as well as financial assistance for training and preparation.”
He said, “For the first time in Punjab’s history, a budget of ₹1,744 crore has been allocated exclusively for the promotion of sports. Since 2022, for the first time in the history of Punjab, a total of ₹135 crore in prize money has been distributed to 40,415 players across the state.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Financial assistance is also being provided to players for preparation. An amount of ₹15 lakh is being provided for preparation for the Olympic Games and ₹8 lakh for preparation for the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. As many as 85 players have been honoured with the prestigious Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award, while 11 players who brought laurels to Punjab at the national and international levels have been appointed as PCS/DSP officers.”
The Chief Minister asserted, “Promotion of sports culture can be the most effective tool in the state government’s crusade against drugs and that is why we are focusing on promoting sports. Youth involved in sports have no time even to look at drugs because they are using all their might to excel in their respective fields. This will go a long way in eliminating the curse of drugs from the state and making our youth equal partners in the social and economic development of Punjab.” The concept note for the 2026 edition also positions Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan as an important vehicle for strengthening the state’s sporting culture and channelising youth energy towards sport.
He said, “As many as 3,100 ‘Pendu Khed Maidan’ rural sports grounds are being developed across the state. For the first time since Independence, Punjab is hosting the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy, with matches scheduled in Jalandhar and Mohali during October-November, giving the people of Punjab an opportunity to watch their hockey stars play on their home turf. It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that eight players from Punjab are currently representing the Indian hockey team at the World Hockey Cup being held in Europe.”
Highlighting Punjab’s present sporting culture, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted, “Captain of the Indian Hockey Team Harmanpreet Singh, Captain of the Indian Men’s Cricket Team Shubman Gill, Captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team Harmanpreet Kaur and Captain of the Indian Basketball Team Palpreet Singh Brar all hail from Punjab.”
The Chief Minister said, “For the first time in the post-Independence period, India crossed the magic figure of 100 medals in the Asian Games by winning 28 gold, 38 silver and 41 bronze medals. Punjabis made a huge contribution to this tally by winning 20 medals during the Asian Games 2023.”
He said, “As many as 32 players from Punjab bagged eight gold medals, six silver medals and six bronze medals, thereby breaking the 72-year-old record of Punjab’s performance in these games. Players from Punjab had earlier won seven gold medals each at the Asian Games held in New Delhi in 1951 and Jakarta in 1962. By winning eight gold medals in the recently concluded Asian Games, Punjab’s players broke this record and created history. The maximum tally of medals by players from Punjab was earlier 15 at the New Delhi Asian Games in 1951, but after more than 70 years, this record has also been broken as Punjabi players won 20 medals.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The government will continue to strengthen sports infrastructure and create wider opportunities for young players so that Punjab regains its leading position in the sporting arena while providing its youth with a positive and productive avenue to excel.”
*10 Lakh+ Participants, 38 Sports And Four Para Sports To Feature In Fourth Edition*
The games will be conducted through block, district and state-level competitions, with seven sports at block level, 28 at district level and 38 at state level, besides four para disciplines at the state level. The Para State-Level Games will be held in Ludhiana from November 25 to 28 and will feature Para Athletics, Para Powerlifting, Para Badminton and Wheelchair Basketball.
The state-level competitions will be organised in three slots from October 10 to November 23 across 16 districts: Ludhiana, Mansa, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, S.A.S. Nagar, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, Bathinda, Faridkot, Patiala, Sangrur, Rupnagar, Barnala, Fatehgarh Sahib and Malerkotla. The first slot, from October 10 to 15, will feature 13 disciplines, while the second slot from October 17 to 23 will feature 13 disciplines. The third slot from November 17 to 23 will feature 12 disciplines.
The four para disciplines, namely Para Athletics, Para Powerlifting, Para Badminton and Wheelchair Basketball, will subsequently be held at Ludhiana from November 25 to 28.
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*‘ED Party’ Misusing Central Agencies, Resorting To Old Anti-Democratic Tantrums To Disrupt Punjab Polls: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*BJP Has No Base In Punjab, Using ED-CBI To Defame & Threaten Us: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*We Will Not Be Deterred By Political Vendetta, Will Continue Working For Common Man: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Punjab Doesn't Need BJP’s Certificate Of Patriotism Or Nationalism: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
CHANDIGARH; 19th August 2026:Lashing out at the BJP over the arrest of senior AAP leader and Punjab Sah-Prabhari Satyendar Jain, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday said that the “ED Party” (BJP) had once again resorted to its old anti-democratic tactics to muzzle the Opposition ahead of the Vidhan Sabha polls. He said the BJP, which had no political base in Punjab, was misusing central agencies like the ED (Enforcement Directorate) and CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) to defame, threaten and suppress its political opponents, but such political vendetta would not deter the AAP government from working for the common people. Taking a dig at the BJP’s attacks on his government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said he did not need a certificate of honesty, patriotism or nationalism from those who had mercilessly looted Punjab and its people.
In a post on X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “The arrest of Satyendar Jain ji is a clear case of political vendetta. The Central Government is misusing agencies like the ED to intimidate and suppress Opposition leaders. Those who have themselves sold out Punjab are questioning us today. This approach is not right for democracy.”
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*DAY-2 OF GENDER SENSITISATION TRAINING: WOMEN & CHILD DEVELOPMENT DEPT PARTNERS WITH PUNJAB POLICE TO SAFEGUARD RIGHTS OF VULNERABLE SECTIONS*
*— COMPASSION FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED AND MARGINALISED AS CRUCIAL AS GENDER SENSITIVITY, SAYS CABINET MINISTER DR BALJIT KAUR*
*— MALE OFFICERS MUST PROVIDE A SUPPORTIVE ECOSYSTEM FOR WOMEN PERSONNEL TO TAKE UP ACTIVE OPERATIONAL ROLES, SAYS SPL DGP GURPREET DEO*
CHANDIGARH/JALANDHAR, August 19:The Community Affairs Division (CAD) of Punjab Police, in partnership with J-PAL South Asia and Hartek Foundation, on Wednesday successfully conducted the second day of the Round-III training programme under the Gender Sensitization Project, “Mainstreaming of Women in Punjab Police,” at the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Police Academy (MRSPPA), Phillaur.
Day-2 of the programme focused exclusively on Group T2—the male-only group—comprising 413 nominated police officials serving as Station House Officers (SHOs), Investigating Officers (IOs), and Munshis (MHCs) representing their respective Police Stations.
Presiding over the event as Chief Guest, Cabinet Minister for Social Security, Women & Child Development Dr Baljit Kaur addressed the participating officials, emphasising that alongside gender sensitisation, officers must demonstrate compassion toward underprivileged citizens, senior citizens, and people with special needs. She noted that while individuals with resources can easily access help, those lacking support from society are the ones who genuinely require empathy and understanding from the police.
Underscoring the importance of a gender-friendly organisational environment where women personnel are treated with equality and dignity, Dr Baljit Kaur announced that the Department of Social Security, Women & Child Development will work in close coordination with the Community Affairs Division of the Punjab Police. She urged the police department to collaborate actively with her department to battle crimes against children, eradicate beggary, and take stringent action against organised human trafficking.
Speaking on the occasion, Special DGP CAD Gurpreet Kaur Deo emphasised that as women remain a minority in a male-dominated organisation, it is the need of the hour to integrate them into the mainstream by assigning them active operational roles rather than routine administrative desk jobs. She called upon women officers to be proactive, while directing SHOs and male colleagues to cultivate a supportive ecosystem that empowers women to become effective operational members of the police station team.
The training sessions were led by eminent former police officers and lead trainers, former DGP Maharashtra Meeran C Borwankar and former DGP Punjab RC Singh, along with other resource persons. The sessions focused on dismantling gender stereotypes, promoting inclusive policing practices, and strengthening community engagement based on field realities.
Meanwhile, the broader intervention covers around 2,000 police officials across 384 Police Stations (288 for training, 96 as a control group) using a Training of Trainers (ToT) model with 60 Master Trainers. Designed as a research-based impact assessment, J-PAL will conduct an endline survey following the training to evaluate shifts in attitudes and perceptions compared to pre-training baseline data.
The third and concluding day of Round-III, scheduled for August 20, 2026, will focus on Group T1—the women-only group—comprising 398 Punjab Police Mahila Mittars stationed at Women Helpdesks in 384 police stations of the state.
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During a press conference, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This is an old strategy of the BJP to use central agencies like ED, CBI and others to harass its political rivals. A similar exercise was done in Delhi too where ahead of the Vidhan Sabha polls, the entire top brass of the AAP was put behind the bars. Action against senior AAP leader Satyendar Jain is the same strategy as the BJP is habitual of such theatricals.”
Responding to repeated attacks by the Opposition, the Chief Minister affirmed, “I do not need a certificate of honesty from leaders whose hands have been drenched with the merciless plundering of the state and its people. These leaders have nothing to say against me due to which they are defaming me on non-issues. The BJP, which has no base in the state, is using the ED and CBI to defame and threaten us. This won’t deter me and I will continue to work for the well-being of the common people of Punjab.”
On the issue of patriotism and nationalism, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab does not need a certificate of patriotism from the saffron party or its government at the Centre. Punjabis have made countless sacrifices to enrich every colour in the national tricolour and the BJP or Union Government should not teach us about it. It is unfortunate that the saffron party is repeatedly indulging in cheap tantrums by questioning the nationalism and patriotism of the state and its people.”
*Punjab Govt Keeping Regular Tab On Water Levels, People Should Not Panic: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
On the water situation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The state government is keeping a regular tab over the water level in the rivers and water sources. People of the state should not panic about it.”
*Jagtar Singh Hawara Should Be Granted Parole To Meet Ailing Mother On Humanitarian Grounds: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
On Jagtar Singh Hawara, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is lodged in jail, should be given parole to meet his ailing mother on humanitarian grounds. I have already flagged this issue before the Governor of Punjab. Now the final decision has to be taken by the Government of India.”
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Maximum utilisation of the newly constructed rural playgrounds will be ensured during the block and district-level competitions, with each competition also serving as a community mobilisation event bringing together local leadership, Olympians, public figures and youth.
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*Vigilance Bureau arrests 1138 accused in 1091 registered cases from March 2022 to July 2026*
*Punjab Government Adopted Zero Tolerance Policy against Corruption*
Chandigarh, 19 August 2026:Adopted zero tolerance policy against corruption by Punjab Government, the Vigilance Bureau has registered total 1091 cases from 16-03-2022 to 31-07-2026 in which 1138 accused were arrested. In addition to this, total 298 vigilance enquiries were registered during this period and the competent courts have convicted 242 accused in 150 corruption cases.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of Punjab Vigilance Bureau said that 630 accused were arrested in 523 trap cases during the aforementioned period. Similarly, 492 accused were arrested in 536 criminal cases and 16 persons were arrested in 32 disproportionate assets cases during the aforesaid period.
He further informed that 117 vigilance enquiries were registered in connection with disproportionate assets cases and 181 other vigilance enquiries were also registered during the above said period.
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*World Mosquito Day 2026: As Monsoon Fevers Return, Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana Helps Punjab Patients Access Cashless Care*
*Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana Helps 351 Beneficiaries Access 357 Treatments Worth ₹89.35 Lakh For Mosquito-Borne Diseases*
*Mosquito-Borne Diseases Need Community-Wide Response, Every Household Must Prevent Breeding: Dr Balbir Singh*
*Persistent Fever, Severe Weakness Or Bleeding Should Prompt Immediate Medical Attention: Dr Shifali Choudhary, Medical specialist, District Hospital, Mohali*
CHANDIGARH, August 19:With monsoon conditions favouring mosquito breeding, Punjab is strengthening surveillance, prevention and treatment for dengue, malaria and other vector-borne diseases. Alongside these public-health measures, the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY) is helping eligible families access cashless healthcare when illness requires treatment.
Earlier this year, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh stressed the need for stronger community participation in preventing mosquito-borne diseases.
During a state-level review, authorities highlighted dengue, malaria and chikungunya and called for greater surveillance, testing and elimination of mosquito-breeding sites.
Punjab has reported a substantial decline in dengue. Cases fell from 23,389 in 2021 to 4,981 in 2025, while deaths declined from 55 to eight. The Health and Family Welfare Minister attributed the improvement partly to proactive house-to-house surveillance, including around 15 million visits during the previous transmission season.
The state also pushed the “Har Shukarvaar Dengue Te Vaar” campaign, under which students, teachers and health workers are encouraged to inspect surroundings every Friday and remove stagnant water from coolers, flower pots, overhead tanks and other containers.
On this, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said, “Mosquito-borne diseases need a community-wide response. Prevention cannot remain the responsibility of the health department alone. Every household, school and institution must ensure that stagnant water does not become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.”
Punjab has also expanded diagnostic facilities, with free ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) testing for dengue and chikungunya available at 47 Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals. Malaria rapid diagnostic testing and dengue testing have also been expanded.
Doctors, meanwhile, caution residents against ignoring persistent fever or assuming every monsoon fever is routine. Dr Shifali Choudhary (MBBS, MD) Medical specialist, District Hospital, Mohali, explained, “Mosquito-borne diseases can cause havoc when symptoms are ignored or treatment is delayed. Persistent fever, severe weakness, intense body or joint pain, repeated vomiting, unusual bleeding, breathing difficulty or dehydration should prompt medical attention.”
For patients who do fall ill, financial access to healthcare can be equally important. The latest Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana treatment data record 351 beneficiaries receiving 357 treatments, involving expenditure of ₹89,35,345.
Of these, 250 patients received 256 treatments at P-type hospitals, involving ₹75,02,250, while 101 patients received 101 treatments at G-type hospitals, involving ₹14,28,895. Women accounted for 194 beneficiaries and 199 treatments, while men accounted for 157 beneficiaries and 158 treatments. The largest age group was 31–45 years, with 102 beneficiaries and 105 treatments, followed by those aged 46–60, with 80 beneficiaries and 80 treatments.
Dr Shifali Choudhary added that Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana can reduce the financial hesitation that sometimes delays treatment. “Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana is helping people across Punjab seek timely medical care without the immediate burden of arranging treatment expenses. Cashless access can be especially valuable when an illness requires emergency and hospitalisation.”
Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana data from SHA reveal significant treatment burden from dengue, malaria and chikungunya cases:
* Total: 357 mosquito-borne disease treatments, involving ₹89.35 lakh in expenditure.
* Dengue: Largest share of treatments, including dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.
* Dengue fever: Key treatment groups included 51 treatments costing ₹12.22 lakh, 25 costing ₹9.11 lakh, and 55 costing ₹8.46 lakh.
* Malaria: Multiple cases were recorded, including complicated malaria.
* Chikungunya: Several treatment records were reported.
* Severe cases: Some patients required additional interventions, including blood transfusions, advanced imaging and treatment for complications such as renal failure and severe sepsis.
For Punjab, the broader response therefore rests on two pillars: preventing mosquito-borne infections through surveillance and elimination of breeding sites, and ensuring patients can access timely, affordable treatment when illness occurs
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*₹29-CR “NEURON 2.0” INCUBATION CENTRE TO COME UP IN MOHALI AS PUNJAB INKS MoU STPI*
*• New facility to focus on cybersecurity & next-gen startups to further strengthening state’s startup ecosystem: Aman Arora*
•*Hub to nurture 50 startups, train 2,000 professionals in emerging technologies, says Aman Arora*
CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 19:In a major push to position Punjab as a national hub for technology-driven entrepreneurship, the Punjab Government signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) to set up “Startup Punjab Hub –Neuron 2.0” at STPI Mohali with an investment of ₹29 crore. The state-of-the-art technology incubation centre will focus on cybersecurity and next-gen startups to further strengthening state’s startup ecosystem.
Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Mr. Aman Arora witnessed the signing of the MoU at Udyog Bhawan here. The agreement was signed by Director Industries and Commerce-cum-Punjab Startup Nodal Officer Mr. Jaspreet Singh and Director of STPI Mr. Shailendra K Tyagi.
Mr. Aman Arora said the new facility builds on the success of Neuron 1.0, which incubated 114 startups, supported the development of 158 products and 171 prototypes and created nearly 2,700 jobs. Startups from the earlier hub have attracted ₹251 crore in investments and hold a combined valuation of ₹2,890 crore.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has extended an in-principle support of ₹12 crore for the project, while STPI will contribute ₹17 crore, he said, while adding that the initiative aims to nurture at least 50 startups over the next five years and train 2,000 professionals through structured skilling programmes in emerging technologies. Eligible startups at the facility will be encouraged to register with Startup Punjab to avail benefits under the state’s startup policy.
Neuron 2.0 will introduce cybersecurity as an additional core domain alongside artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, internet of things (IoT) and audio-visual graphics. A dedicated cybersecurity lab with advanced facilities will be set up to support product development and experimentation.The facility is envisioned as a comprehensive innovation platform that will offer startup incubation, mentoring, advanced infrastructure, skilling, product commercialisation and industry linkages, he added.
“The collaboration with STPI for Neuron 2.0 reflects Punjab Government’s commitment to leveraging emerging technologies for economic growth and job creation. By adding cybersecurity to our existing domains, we are strengthening the state’s startup ecosystem and preparing our youth for future opportunities,” Mr. Aman Arora stated.
He said that STPI will operate and manage the facility, maintain the cybersecurity lab and conduct outreach programmes, hackathons, bootcamps and investor-connect events. The skilling component will include foundation, intermediate and expert-level programmes. Startup Punjab will facilitate startup outreach, mentoring, and ecosystem development, and connect the hub with government departments, educational institutions and industry bodies. Training opportunities will also be extended to students of government and government-aided schools and colleges.
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*Punjab Transport Department Maintains Over 99% Timely Disposal In DL & RC Services: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Transport Department records just 0.36% pendency in 18.27 lakh DL & RC applications, Bhagwant Mann prioritise citizen-centric, hassle-free services: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Driving Licence services record only 1.06% pendency despite 2.71 lakh applications received: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Harpal Singh Cheema directed officials to maintain efficiency & resolve all cases pending beyond prescribed timelines on priority during meeting*
CHANDIGARH; 19th August 2026:Highlighting the Bhagwant Mann government’s resolve toward prompt and accountable public service delivery, Punjab Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday announced that the Punjab Transport Department has brought down overall pendency across Driving Licence (DL) and Registration Certificate (RC) services to a remarkable 0.36%, keeping backlog well under the 1% threshold.
Disclosing the details after chairing a state-level performance review meeting through video conferencing, Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The evaluation covered 12 key public services notified under the Punjab Transparency and Accountability in Delivery of Public Services Act, 2018. The review was attended by State Transport Commissioner Parneet Shergill, along with Sub-Divisional Magistrates-cum-Licensing and Registering Authorities and Regional Transport Officers from across Punjab.”
He asserted, “Bhagwan Mann government is committed to ensuring citizen-centric governance where public services are delivered efficiently without unnecessary administrative bottlenecks.”
Giving details of the department’s performance, the Transport Minister stated, “Between January 1 and August 17, 2026, the department received 15,55,958 applications for Registration Certificates, of which only 3,673 remained pending beyond the prescribed timelines, recording a minimal pendency rate of 0.24%. Likewise, out of 2,71,146 applications received for Driving Licences, only 2,871 cases were pending, reflecting a low pendency of 1.06%.”
Highlighting the combined figures, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema added, “Across the combined 18,27,104 applications received for Driving Licence and Registration Certificate services during this period, only 6,544 cases were pending past the designated timeframes, bringing cumulative pendency to just 0.36%. These metrics stand as clear evidence of the department’s sustained monitoring and streamlined disposal mechanisms.”
Directing officials to maintain the same standard of efficiency, the Transport Minister affirmed, “All Licensing and Registering Authorities and Regional Transport Officers must maintain this benchmark of efficiency and ensure that all cases pending beyond the prescribed timelines are resolved on top priority. Officials must continue strict internal tracking at their respective levels to ensure transparent, timely and hassle-free administrative services for all citizens of the state.”
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*Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Meets Employee Unions; Assures Speedy Resolution of Demands*
*Bhagwant Singh Mann Govt committed to employee welfare, legitimate demands of employees will be fulfilled soon: Harpal Singh Cheema*
CHANDIGARH; 19th August 2026:Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, who also heads the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to resolve employee grievances, held a series of meetings on Wednesday with representatives of various employee unions to discuss their service-related matters.
During the discussions, the union leaders presented their respective memorandums focusing on key issues such as service regularization, salary enhancements and allowances, job security, and departmental integration.
The meeting concluded in a very positive and cordial atmosphere. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema listened attentively to the issues raised by the union representatives. He assured, “The CM Bhagwant Mann led government is committed to employee welfare and that all your legitimate demands would be fulfilled soon.”
The delegations included representatives from the All Diploma Degree Apprenticeship Association, the Water Supply and Sanitation Social Employees Union, the All Punjab DST (Dual System of Training) / CTS (Craftsmen Training Scheme) Contract Instructor Union (ITIs), the MGNREGA Karamchari Union Punjab, and the Punjab AIDS Control Employees Welfare Association.
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*Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat Urges Farmers to Adopt Crop Diversification for Higher Profits*
*Punjab Government Committed to Promoting Horticulture and Enhancing Farmers’ Income*
Chandigarh, August 19:Punjab Horticulture Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat has urged farmers across the state to adopt crop diversification and move towards high-value horticultural crops for better returns. He said that crop diversification is crucial not only for increasing farmers’ income but also for making horticulture more sustainable and remunerative.
Mr. Bhagat said that the cultivation of fruits, vegetables and flowers, mushroom production and the adoption of other high-value horticultural crops can create new and more profitable income opportunities for farmers. He said that farmers should move towards crop diversification while keeping in mind market demand, the potential of their soil, and local climatic conditions.
The Horticulture Minister said that the Punjab Government is promoting modern technology, efficient irrigation systems, protected cultivation, post-harvest management, cold-chain infrastructure and value addition to strengthen the horticulture sector. These initiatives are aimed at providing farmers with improved facilities and support from production to marketing.
He said that farmers can contact the nearest Horticulture Office in their respective districts to avail themselves of the benefits of various schemes being implemented by the Horticulture Department.
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Artistic Tribute to Dr. M. S. Randhawa on World Photography Day, 2026
Chandigarh, August 19, 2026:Marking World Photography Day in Chandigarh, a significant art work “Colours of Faith & Bravery: The Spiritual Heritage of Punjab” was unveiled before the bust of the revered Dr. M. S. Randhawa, the legendary visionary who made an unparalleled contribution to the promotion of Punjab’s art, culture, agriculture and heritage during an event held at Punjab Arts Council, Kala Bhawan, Chandigarh. The event marks a artistic tribute to the visionary Dr. M. S. Randhawa and his unparalleled contribution to the preservation and promotion of Punjab’s art, culture, nature and heritage. The artwork has been prepared by Harpreet Sandhu, State Information Commissioner, Punjab dedicated to Dr. M.S. Randhawa’s enduring legacy and his vision of documenting and preserving the cultural soul of Punjab for generations to come.
The art portrait of spiritual heritage was unveiled before the bust of the revered Dr. M. S. Randhawa, adding special significance to the occasion and symbolising a continuing tribute to his pioneering contribution towards Punjab’s artistic and cultural landscape.
The placement of the artwork before the bust of Dr. M. S. Randhawa carries special significance, symbolising a connection between the visionary preservation of Punjab’s heritage and the contemporary role of photography in documenting and celebrating its living traditions.
Harpreet Sandhu, State Information Commissioner, Punjab further stated that the artwork seeks to highlight the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of Punjab through the creative medium of photography and visual art, while encouraging greater appreciation and preservation of the State’s timeless legacy.
Swaranjit S Savi, Chairman Punjab Arts Council appreciated the art portrait work as a noble cuase initiated by Harpreet Sandhu, State Information Commissioner, Punjab.
Justice Jasbir Singh Former Judge Punjab & Haryana High Court, Shri Inderpal Singh, Chief Information Commissioner, Punjab, Shri Harpreet Sandhu State Information Commissioner Punjab, Swaranjit S Savi, Chairman Punjab Arts Council, Shri Iqbal Singh Sidhu, Former IAS, Subash Parihar, i Narlep Singh, Eminent Photographers and Dr Yog Raj Singh, Vice Chairman from Punjab University Chandigarh and several other prominent personalities were present during the unveiling of the art work before the bust of the revered Dr. M. S. Randhawa Punjab Arts Council, Kala Bhawan, Chandigarh.
Mr Justice Jasbir Singh, Former Judge High Court congratulated Harpreet Sandhu State Information Commissioner Punjab for this creative art work as a noble endeavor dedicated to World Photography Day 2026.