*Bhagwant Mann Govt Delivers Major Festive Cheer To Over 8 Lakh Employees & Pensioners, Grants 8% DA Hike From September 1*

*Bhagwant Mann Govt Fulfils Assurance Given To Employee Representatives, Issues Notification On 8% DA Enhancement*

*Enhanced DA To Provide Financial Relief To Over 8 Lakh Employees & Pensioners Across Punjab*

*Decision Reflects Bhagwant Mann Govt’s Commitment To Welfare & Financial Well-Being Of Employees, Pensioners*

CHANDIGARH; 23rd September 2026:In a major festive gesture for over 8 lakh employees and pensioners across Punjab, the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government has issued a notification granting an 8% enhancement in Dearness Allowance (DA) with effect from September 1, 2026, fulfilling the assurance given to employee representatives and strengthening the government’s commitment to the welfare and financial well-being of its workforce.

Giving details, the Chief Minister’s Office said that the decision reflects the state government’s commitment towards the welfare and financial well-being of its employees and pensioners. “The enhanced DA will provide additional financial support to employees and pensioners at a time when household expenses and the cost of essential commodities have increased,” stated the CMO.

The decision follows a recent meeting between representatives of employee unions and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann at the Chief Minister’s residence, during which various issues concerning employees were discussed in detail, including the demand for enhancement of Dearness Allowance.

The Chief Minister's Office stated, “CM Bhagwant Singh Mann had assured employee representatives that their genuine demands would be considered sympathetically and that the government would take appropriate steps in the interest of employees and pensioners. In keeping with this commitment, the government has now formally notified the decision to grant the 8% enhanced DA.”

The enhanced DA will be applicable from September 1, 2026, and employees will receive the increased amount along with their salary as per the applicable government provisions. Pensioners will also benefit from the enhanced DA as per the relevant rules.

“The decision demonstrates the Bhagwant Mann Government’s approach of maintaining continuous dialogue with employees and addressing their legitimate concerns through constructive engagement,” the CMO stated.

The CMO noted that the notification for the enhanced DA also fulfils the assurance given by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann during his interaction with employee representatives. “The 8% enhancement in DA will bring tangible financial relief to more than 8 lakh employees and pensioners across Punjab and reaffirms the government’s commitment to the welfare and interests of its workforce,” said the CMO.

“The Punjab Government will continue working with a welfare-oriented approach while ensuring that the legitimate concerns of employees and pensioners are addressed in a timely and transparent manner,” affirmed the CMO.

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt to Start Teacher Recruitment Drive, Applications to Be Invited Shortly: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Bhagwant Mann Govt Committed to Resolve Employees’ Legitimate Grievances Without Delay: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Education Department Told to Fast-Track Pending Recruitment, Transfers & Pay-Related Issues: Harpal Singh Cheema*

CHANDIGARH, 23rd September 2026:Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, who also heads the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to resolve employees' issues, on Wednesday held a series of meetings here with representatives of ten education sector unions alongside the Thermal Plant Karamchari Sangh of the Power Department.

During the discussions, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema deliberated on the various issues and demands raised by the employee unions, assuring them of an early and sympathetic resolution of all legitimate grievances. The primary demands raised by the Education Department unions pertained to fresh recruitment drives, transfers and revision of pay structures.

Harpal Singh Cheema reassured the employee representatives, “The Bhagwant Mann Government has already set the teacher recruitment process in motion, and advertisements inviting applications will be released shortly.”

He directed Education Department officials to complete all necessary procedures without delay and instructed that matters requiring Cabinet approval be forwarded expeditiously.

Addressing the issue of recruitment backlogs, Harpal Singh Cheema directed the Education Department to convene a joint meeting with senior officials from the Departments of Social Security, Sports, Defence Services Welfare and Personnel to find a prompt resolution to the pending matters.

In a separate discussion with delegates of the Thermal Plant Karamchari Sangh, Harpal Singh Cheema directed Power Department authorities to address their legitimate demands at the earliest.

The meetings witnessed representation from numerous union leaders who tabled their respective demands. The attendees included Lakhvir Singh, Sarabjit Singh, Manjit Singh, and Satnam Singh representing the Berozgar Special Educator Front; Jaswant Pannu, Beant Singh, Kapoor Singh, and Inderjit Handa representing the Special Cadre Teacher Front; Kulwinder Singh Kataria, Bhagwant Singh, Kuldeep Singh, and Harmesh Kataria representing the Head Master Association (PES-II); Jaswant Rai, Patwant Singh, Dilpreet Singh Bhinder, and Pradeep Kumar representing the Sarkari School Laboratory Staff Union; Ashok Bawa, Lakhwinder Singh, Raj Kumar, and Sarabjit Nidhana representing the ETT TET Pass 5994 Backlog Adhyapak Union; Kuldeep Singh, Rajinder Singh Sandha, Jagseer Singh, Vikas Kumar, and Varun Jain representing the Daftari Karamchari Union; Harjit Singh Sandhu, Nardeep Sharma, Anil Airy, Kulwinder Singh, and Kuldeep Kaur representing the Computer Teachers Union; Lakhvir Singh, Mandeep Singh, and Lakhbir Singh representing the United Physical Education; Jaswant Singh, Nachhatar Singh, Kuldeep Singh, and Harpreet Singh representing the Berozgar B.Ed TET Pass Adhyapak Union; Ranjit Singh, Bhupinder Singh, and Gurjit Singh representing the NSQF Vocational Teachers Front; alongside Bhagwan Singh, Harpreet Singh, and Ajit Singh representing the Thermal Plant Karamchari Sangh.

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*Punjab Government Gives a Child a Forever Family Through Adoption; Dr. Baljit Kaur Reaffirms Commitment to Every Child's Right to a Safe Childhood*

*Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann's, Punjab is ensuring that every vulnerable child gets protection, dignity and the opportunity to grow up in a loving family*

*Rescued under the 'Jeewanjot 2.0' initiative, the child has completed an inspiring journey from the streets to a permanent home through the legal adoption process*

*Dr. Baljit Kaur says every rescued child deserves not only protection, but also love, belonging and the promise of a brighter future*

Chandigarh, September 23:In a heart-warming testament to the Punjab Government's child-centric governance, a child girl who was rescued while begging on the streets has now found the love and security of a permanent family through the legal adoption process. The remarkable transformation reflects the State Government's unwavering resolve to ensure that every child in need of care and protection receives not only immediate support but also the opportunity to build a life of dignity, hope and happiness.

Punjab Cabinet Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is creating a robust child protection system that places the best interests of every child at its core. She said the Government is committed to ensuring that no vulnerable child is left without care, compassion and a fair chance to realise his or her full potential.

Sharing details, the Minister informed that the girl, born in 2019, was rescued on 19 November 2024 from the Leela Bhawan area of Patiala during the 'Jeewanjot 2.0' campaign, an initiative aimed at rescuing children found begging and connecting them with protection, rehabilitation and long-term care.

Following the rescue, the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Patiala produced the child before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Patiala, which directed her placement in a Specialized Adoption Agency (SAA). There, she received counselling, healthcare, education, emotional support and holistic care in a safe, nurturing environment designed to restore confidence and normalcy to her life.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that a comprehensive social investigation established that the child had no surviving biological relative capable of providing care and protection. After following the prescribed legal procedure, the Child Welfare Committee declared her legally free for adoption on 4 June 2026.

The child was subsequently matched with a suitable Prospective Adoptive Parent through the statutory adoption process and placed in Pre-Adoption Foster Care on 27 July 2026. Upon completion of all legal formalities, the adoption was finalized by the competent authority on 22 September 2026, enabling the child to begin a new chapter in the warmth of a permanent family.

The Minister said the case demonstrates that meaningful rehabilitation extends far beyond rescue. It requires sustained emotional support, quality care, access to education and, wherever possible under the law, the security of a loving family. She said that every successful adoption is a celebration of a child's right to affection, stability and a future filled with possibilities.

Dr. Baljit Kaur appreciated the dedicated efforts of the State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA), District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Specialized Adoption Agency (SAA), counsellors and all adoption authorities, whose coordinated and sensitive approach ensured that the child's welfare remained the highest priority at every stage.

She reiterated that the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development will continue to strengthen child protection services, expand family-based care and ensure timely rehabilitation for children in need across Punjab, in line with the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to build a compassionate and inclusive society where every child feels safe, valued and empowered.

"A child's future should never be defined by hardship or abandonment. Our responsibility does not end with rescue—it begins there. Our mission is to restore childhood, protect dreams and ensure that every child grows up with the love, security and opportunities that only a caring family can provide. The Punjab Government will continue to stand firmly with every child who needs our support," said Dr. Baljit Kaur.

The successful adoption stands as a powerful example of how compassion, effective institutions and timely intervention can transform a life, reaffirming the Punjab Government's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity and future of every child.

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*BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL ASSURES NEHRI PATWARIS OF SYMPATHETIC CONSIDERATION OF THEIR LEGITIMATE DEMANDS*

*SAYS, MANN GOVT COMMITTED TO RESOLVING GENUINE SERVICE-RELATED ISSUES*

*Chandigarh, September 23:*Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today held meeting with representatives of the Nehri Patwar Union of the Water Resources Department to discuss their service-related demands and issues.

During the meeting held at the head office of the department, the union representatives apprised the Cabinet Minister of various concerns being faced by Nehri Patwaris in the discharge of their duties.

The Water Resources Minister gave patient hearing to the representatives and assured them that all legitimate and genuine demands would be examined sympathetically and appropriate action would be taken as per the rules and applicable government provisions.

Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led state government attaches due importance to the concerns of its employees and is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent mechanism for resolving genuine service-related matters. He assured the delegation that the issues raised during the meeting would be taken up with the concerned authorities for necessary consideration.

He said the government recognises the important role played by its employees in delivering public services and remains committed to maintaining a constructive dialogue with employee organisations. Sh. Goyal said that legitimate demands would continue to be examined in a positive manner and appropriate steps would be taken within the framework of rules and financial and administrative provisions to address genuine grievances in a timely manner.

The seven key demands placed before the Cabinet Minister were grant of technical grade to Nehri Patwaris; action on complaints received against Nehri Patwaris should be taken only after a fair inquiry; promotions of Nehri Patwaris to the post of Assistant Revenue Clerk (ARC) should be carried out at the earliest; Nehri Patwaris should be transferred to places near their homes; vacant posts of Nehri Patwaris should be filled at the earliest; the number of Assistant Revenue Clerk (ARC) posts should be increased and pending service-related demands of Nehri Patwaris should be resolved within a stipulated timeframe.

The Cabinet Minister assured the representatives that the demands would be considered sympathetically and genuine issues would be addressed in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Chief Engineer (Canals) S. Sher Singh, other senior officers and representatives of the Nehri Patwar Union.

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