*Bhagwant Mann Govt To Hold Mega PTM Across 19,200 Govt Schools On October 9; 25 Lakh Parents To Join Across Punjab*

*This Mega PTM Is Opportunity To Sit With Teachers, Build Future Of Every Child & Make Punjab’s Schools No.1 In World: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*When Schools & Families Take Next Step Together, Our Children Gain Confidence To Keep Growing: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Report Card Tells Only Part Of Student’s Story, We Are Focusing On Giving Individual Attention To Every Child & Creating Tailored Plans For Their Progress: Harjot Singh Bains*

*‘Har Din, Ik Kadam Agge’ Is Concrete Action To Support Every Child’s Progress: Harjot Singh Bains*

CHANDIGARH, October 8:The Bhagwant Mann Government will organise a statewide Mega Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM) on October 9, 2026, across nearly 19,200 Government Primary, Middle, High and Senior Secondary Schools in all 23 districts, with approximately 25 lakh parents expected to participate. Held under the theme “Har Din, Ik Kadam Agge”, the initiative will bring parents and teachers together to celebrate every child’s progress, understand areas where support may be needed and jointly plan the next steps in the child’s learning. This mega initiative further strengthens Punjab’s position as the leading state in school education across the country, as recognised by the Government of India.

The Mega PTM will provide parents with an opportunity to spend time with their child’s teacher and understand what their child is doing well, where they may need help, and how encouragement at home and support at school can help them take the next step.

On this, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Every parent wants to see their child move forward. This Mega PTM is an opportunity to build the future of every single child and make Punjab’s schools number one in the world. When schools and families take that next step together, our children gain the confidence to lead and excel globally.”

During individual meetings, teachers will share each child’s report card and discuss their overall classroom performance, attendance, strengths and areas for improvement. Teachers and parents will formulate individualised action plans tailored to each child’s specific learning needs to ensure consistent progress. Parents will also have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss simple ways to support their child’s learning at home.\The schools will also create awareness about student-support initiatives, while School Management Committee (SMC) members will be recognised for the time and effort they have contributed to schools and children’s education.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains stated, “Our focus is on ensuring dedicated, individual attention for every child and crafting customised learning roadmaps to help them advance. ‘Har Din, Ik Kadam Agge’ is not merely a promise, but a decisive action on the ground to nurture each student’s potential and accelerate their learning journey.”

The Mega PTM is part of Punjab Sikhya Kranti’s effort to strengthen the connection between schools and families. SMC members will help schools reach parents and encourage them to attend. Through these conversations, the Government aims to ensure that each parent leaves with a clearer picture of their child’s progress and a practical way to support what comes next, cementing Punjab’s benchmark status as the number one education system in India, as recognised by the Government of India.

*Key Highlights:*

Date And Theme: October 9, 2026 | “Har Din, Ik Kadam Agge” (Decisive Action for Every Child)

Coverage: Nearly 19,200 Government schools across all 23 districts

Parent Reach: Approximately 25 lakh parents

Individual Attention: Formulation of individualised growth plans and targeted attention for every single student based on classroom performance, attendance, and specific support needs.

Parent Awareness: Information on student-support initiatives

Community Recognition: Appreciation of SMC members for their contribution to schools and children’s education

State Achievement: Reinforcing Punjab’s rank as the nation’s top-performing state in school education, as validated by Central Government assessments.

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*Over ₹3,722 Crore Directly Transferred to Women Beneficiaries Under 'Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna' Through DBT: Dr Baljit Kaur*

*₹2,602.46 Crore Released to Over 75.16 Lakh Women During July-September*

*₹1,118.93 Crore Credited to Accounts of Over 32 Lakh Women as First Instalment of Second Phase*

*More Than 79 Lakh Women Registered; Over One Crore Women to Benefit*

*Country's First-of-its-Kind Initiative to Cover Around 97% of Punjab's Women with an Annual Outlay of Nearly ₹12,000 Crore*

Chandigarh, October 8:Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, launched under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, has emerged as one of the country's most transformative women empowerment initiatives. She said that through the transparent Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, nearly ₹3,722 crore has so far been transferred directly into the bank accounts of eligible women beneficiaries, ensuring timely financial assistance with complete transparency and accountability.

Sharing further details, the Cabinet Minister said that during the first phase, financial assistance amounting to ₹2,602.46 crore was credited directly into the bank accounts of over 75.16 lakh women for the months of July, August and September. She further informed that under the first instalment of the second phase, another ₹1,118.93 crore has been transferred to the accounts of over 32 lakh women, taking the total financial assistance disbursed under the scheme to nearly ₹3,722 crore. She said these timely transfers have significantly strengthened the financial security and economic independence of women across Punjab.

Dr Baljit Kaur informed that more than 79 lakh women have already registered under the scheme, while over one crore women are expected to benefit from this landmark initiative. She said the scheme is empowering women economically while also reinforcing their dignity, social security and meaningful participation in society.

The Cabinet Minister said the Punjab Government will spend nearly ₹12,000 crore annually on the scheme, making it the first-of-its-kind initiative in the country. Around 97 per cent of Punjab's women will be covered under its ambit. Eligible women aged 18 years and above receive ₹1,000 per month in financial assistance under the General Category, while women belonging to the Scheduled Caste category receive ₹1,500 per month, ensuring greater social equity and inclusive growth.

Reaffirming the Government's commitment towards women-centric development, Dr Baljit Kaur said the Punjab Government is determined to ensure that no eligible woman is left behind in the journey towards economic empowerment. She added that the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna is not merely a financial assistance programme but a transformative social welfare initiative that is strengthening women's dignity, enhancing financial independence and accelerating inclusive development across Punjab.

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*PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA SPEAKER KULTAR SINGH SANDHWAN EXPRESSES DEEP GRIEF OVER THE DEMISE OF VETERAN ACTOR NANA PATEKAR*

Chandigarh, 8 October 2026:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sardar Kultar Singh Sandhwan today expressed profound grief over the sudden passing of legendary Indian actor and filmmaker Nana Patekar, who passed away at the age of 75.

In a statement released here today, Speaker Sandhwan stated that Nana Patekar’s extraordinary contribution to the field of acting has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, and his work will continue to inspire future generations of artists.

Reflecting on the legendary actor's legacy, the Speaker said, "Nana Patekar was an exceptional artist who possessed the unique ability to breathe life into his characters with his distinctive acting style. His departure has created a profound void in the film industry that can never be filled. Such an iconic personality can never be forgotten; he will always remain alive in our hearts."

Sardar Sandhwan extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and millions of admirers of actor Nana Patekar, praying to the Almighty to grant his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

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*Vigilance Bureau nabs SDO red handed accepting bribe of Rs 50,000/-*

Chandigarh, 8 October 2026:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has apprehended Sub Divisional Officer(SDO) Hardeep Singh posted at Mining Department Nabha district Patiala, red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000/-.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a Contractor resident of village Alipur Arian, district Patiala.

He stated that the complainant alleged that the accused SDO Hardeep Singh was threatening to issue challans against his overloaded tipper vehicles and demanded a bribe of Rs. 50,000/- for not taking any action.

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*Mann Government Committed to Purchase Every Grain of Farmers’ Produce: Deputy Speaker Rouri*

*Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri visits grain markets in Garhshankar to review procurement arrangements*

Chandigarh/Garhshankar, October 8:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker and Garhshankar MLA Shri Jai Krishan Singh Rouri today visited various grain markets in the constituency to review arrangements for the procurement of paddy. Deputy Speaker Rouri visited Rur Majara, Samundra, Panam, Garhshankar, Megowal, Mahilpur and Moranwali, where he interacted with farmers, commission agents and officials associated with the procurement process.

On the occasion, Deputy Speaker Rouri took detailed information regarding the arrival, procurement and lifting of paddy, availability of gunny bags, payments and other arrangements at the markets. He also directly interacted with farmers who had brought their produce to the markets and enquired about the difficulties they were facing. He said that farmers should not face any inconvenience while selling their produce and directed officials to work with complete seriousness in this regard.

Deputy Speaker Rouri said that the Punjab Government is fully committed to purchasing every grain of the farmers’ produce. He said that adequate arrangements have been made in the markets for the procurement of paddy and that the convenience of farmers is being given priority. He issued clear instructions to officials that any negligence or unnecessary delay in the procurement process would not be tolerated.

He said that along with the procurement of paddy, the lifting of the procured crop should also be expedited so that there is no unnecessary accumulation of produce in the markets and farmers can bring their next crop to the markets on time. He also sought daily updates from market officials and representatives of procurement agencies regarding procurement and lifting.

Rouri said that the farmers of Punjab are the backbone of the state’s economy and that the nation’s food reserves are filled through their hard work. Therefore, it is the government’s responsibility to provide farmers with a smooth and hassle-free environment for selling their produce. He said that facilities such as drinking water, cleanliness, lighting, seating arrangements and other essential amenities for farmers should also be ensured in the markets.

The Deputy Speaker appealed to farmers to bring their dry and quality produce to the markets in accordance with the standards prescribed by the government, so that the procurement process can be completed swiftly. He said that he himself is continuously monitoring the arrangements at the markets to ensure that farmers do not have to face any unnecessary inconvenience or harassment while selling their produce.

He directed officials to resolve farmers’ complaints on priority. He said that the paddy procurement season is extremely important for farmers and that during this period, the government, administration and procurement agencies should work in close coordination.

On the occasion, farmers also shared their views with Deputy Speaker Rouri regarding the arrangements being made in the markets. He assured the farmers that the Punjab Government is taking every possible step to safeguard their interests and that no difficulty would be allowed to arise for farmers during the procurement of paddy.

Those present on the occasion included constituency organisational in-charge Charanjit Singh Channi, Market Committee Chairman Baldeep Saini, Block President Jagtar Kitna, concerned officials, market committee employees, commission agents, farmers and other prominent personalities of the area.

Unwilling to pay the illegal gratification, complainant approached the VB Range Patiala. Acting on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which accused SDO Hardeep Singh was arrested red handed while accepting bribe money of Rs 50,000/- from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Patiala and further investigation into this case is under progress.

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*Mann Govt's Diwali Bonanza for Shopkeepers: Harjot Bains Launches Historic 'Meri Dukan, Mere Naam' Scheme to Confer Ownership Rights*

*•Shopkeepers with 12 years’ legal possession before April 1, 2020, can apply at council and corporation offices: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• Applications can be submitted by November 6 at Local Body offices: Bains*

*• Concessional price based on Collector rate of area and income-category of applicant (for shops under 50 sqm)*

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 8: In an early Diwali bonanza for lakhs of shopkeepers and small traders across Punjab, the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government today launched the historic “Meri Dukan, Mere Naam” scheme, paving the way for shopkeepers running shops on rent or lease in Municipal Corporations, Councils and Nagar Panchayats for over 12 years to become rightful owners.

Announcing the scheme at a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan today, Punjab Local Government Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains said the scheme will allow eligible shopkeepers to get ownership rights of their shops. He further informed that any shopkeeper who can prove legal possession for 12 years prior to April 1, 2020, will be eligible to apply. The initiative would benefit traders operating under Municipal Corporations, Councils and Nagar Panchayats who have been running shops on rent or lease without proprietary rights.

Applications can be submitted at Municipal Council offices and Municipal Corporation offices till November 6, 2026, S. Bains said, adding that the entire process will be time-bound. An SDM-level committee will scrutinise the applications, while price fixation will be done by a DC-level committee and resolution will be passed by the local bodies concerned.

Detailing the price slabs, S. Harjot Singh Bains said EWS applicants with annual income below ₹3 lakh will have to pay only 12.5% of the collector rate, while Lower Income Group (LIG) applicants in the ₹3–8 lakh bracket will pay 25%, Medium Income Group (MIG) applicants in the ₹8–15 lakh bracket will pay 50% and those earning above ₹15 lakh will pay 100% of the collector rate. He added that the concessional rates will apply to shops measuring less than 50 square metres.

The Local Government Minister clarified that the scheme has two exclusions- sub-tenants will not be allowed and occupants on parks, streets or public utilities will not be regularised.

He said the documentation process has been kept simple and hassle-free, with applicants allowed to submit any valid proof including GST certificates, electricity bills, voter cards etc.

“Previous governments made promises but could never deliver. Our officers and legal team have toiled day and night for months to turn this dream into reality. Our trader brothers have endured immense hardships, especially during COVID-19. This festive season, we want to wipe their worries away and give them the gift of happiness, security and rightful ownership,” S. Bains said.

Terming it a historic step, S. Harjot Singh Bains said, “We are ensuring that our trader brothers get their rightful ownership. This scheme is a Diwali gift for the trading community. It reflects the heart and soul of the CM Mann-led Government, which is committed to upholding the dignity of the small shopkeeper.”

“We want every ‘chhota dukandar’ to hold his head high with confidence and legal security. This is not just a policy, it is an assurance that this government stands with you, cares for you, and will never leave your side,” he added.