*Dr. Ravjot Singh reviews ongoing development works in sham Churasi constituency*

*Directs officials concerned to intensify pace of Health Wellness Centres, Aam Aadmi Clinics, playgrounds and Local Government projects*

*Punjab Government’s top priority to provide quality healthcare facilities and modern infrastructure to people: Dr Ravjot Singh*

*Officials told to ensure timely completion of projects*

Chandigarh, October 19:Punjab Jails, Parliamentary Affairs and NRI Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, today chaired three separate important meetings at his office in Punjab Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh, to review the progress of public welfare initiatives and ongoing development works in Sham Churasii Assembly Constituency of Hoshiarpur district.

During the meetings, the Cabinet Minister reviewed the status, maintenance and upkeep of Health Wellness Centres, Aam Aadmi Clinics, playgrounds, besides various development projects being undertaken by the Local Government Department.

Dr. Ravjot Singh said that the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to providing quality healthcare services, better infrastructure and transparent implementation of development works for the people. He emphasised that effective maintenance of government health institutions and public welfare projects is of utmost importance to ensure that citizens receive the intended benefits.

After reviewing the ongoing development works and pending projects, the Cabinet Minister directed the concerned officials to complete all remaining works within the stipulated timelines and ensure speedy resolution of pending issues. He categorically stated that unnecessary delays in the execution of development projects would not be tolerated.

Dr. Ravjot Singh stressed the importance of effective coordination amongst line departments and officials, stating that the benefits of every public welfare initiative must reach people at the grassroots level without any undue delay. He directed officials to monitor the progress of development works regular basis while ensuring quality standards and adherence to timelines.

Senior officers from the Departments of Health and Family Welfare, Water Supply and Sanitation, Panchayats and Rural Development, and Local Government participated in the meetings.

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*Punjab Government’s strong campaign against child marriage yields results; 137 child marriages prevented during 2025 and January-July 2026: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Government remains committed to protecting every child’s safe childhood, education and bright future*

*64 child marriages prevented in 2025 and 73 during January-July 2026 through timely intervention*

*2,076 Child Marriage Prohibition Officers and district-level Child Marriage Prevention Units active across all 23 districts; Dr. Baljit Kaur appeals to people to become partners in this social mission*

Chandigarh, October 19:Punjab Cabinet Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, said that the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is working with firm determination to eliminate the social evil of child marriage from the state. She said that ensuring a safe childhood, quality education and opportunities to realise dreams for every child remains one of the foremost priorities of the government.

Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that through effective government intervention and close coordination among various departments, a total of 137 child marriages were successfully prevented during 2025 and January-July 2026.

Giving year-wise details, the Cabinet Minister said that 64 child marriages were prevented during 2025, while 73 more child marriages were stopped during January-July 2026, thereby safeguarding the future of numerous children. She said that these figures reflect the government’s proactive approach, effective enforcement of law and increasing public awareness against this social menace.

The Cabinet Minister said that to further strengthen prevention of child marriages, the Punjab Government has appointed 2,076 Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs), including all Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) and Principals of Government Senior Secondary Schools across the state. These officers are actively working at village and urban levels to create awareness, identify suspected cases and ensure timely legal action.

She further informed that through a notification issued on February 10, 2025, the Punjab Government has constituted District-level Child Marriage Prohibition Units in all 23 districts of the state. These units are ensuring prompt intervention in suspected cases, rescue and rehabilitation of affected children, besides effective coordination among various departments.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that child marriage deprives children of their childhood, education, health and a better future, and eliminating this social evil is a collective responsibility of the entire society. She added that the government is adopting a two-pronged approach by strictly enforcing the law along with creating social awareness to eradicate this practice.

Appealing to the people of Punjab, Dr. Baljit Kaur urged parents, teachers, Panchayati Raj Institutions, religious leaders, social organisations and youth to become active partners in this campaign. She appealed that any information regarding a possible child marriage should immediately be reported to the concerned authorities so that timely action can be taken to protect the future of children.

Reiterating the commitment of the Punjab Government, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state government will continue to work with dedication towards protecting children’s rights, eliminating social evils and creating a safe, sensitive and child-friendly Punjab.

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*SPEAKER KULTAR SINGH SANDHWAN EXTENDS DUSSEHRA GREETINGS TO PUNJABIS; URGES PUBLIC TO FOLLOW THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, TRUTH, PEACE AND BROTHERHOOD*

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 19, 2026:The Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly, Sardar Kultar Singh Sandhwan, today extended his warm greetings to the people of Punjab on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra.

Speaker Sandhwan highlighted that the festival of Dussehra symbolises the ultimate victory of good over evil. He stressed that Punjabis have, from the very beginning, possessed the unique capacity to stand for good over evil as shown by our Guru Sahiban.

He added that Punjabis will continue to uphold and preserve this inherited capacity to serve for the welfare of humanity. He urged citizens to imbibe this timeless spirit in their daily lives, walk steadfastly on the path of truth and maintain a mindset dedicated to the welfare of others. He further stated that society must follow the noble path and ideals shown by Lord Rama.

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*Village Ali Sher Accident: Cabinet Ministers Barinder Kumar Goyal and Dr Balbir Singh Visit Injured MGNREGA Workers at Rajindra Hospital*

*Families of the deceased to receive ₹2 lakh each and the injured ₹50,000 each, along with free medical treatment*

*Punjab Govt stands firmly with the affected families in every possible way: Barinder Kumar Goyal and Dr. Balbir Singh*

*Chandigarh/Patiala, October 19:*Punjab Cabinet Ministers Barinder Kumar Goyal and Dr. Balbir Singh today visited Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala to enquire about the well-being of injured MGNREGA workers from Ali Sher village in the Lehragaga Assembly constituency, who are undergoing treatment. Expressing their condolences to the affected families, the ministers said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, stands firmly with the victims in this hour of grief. They wished the injured speedy recovery and directed the doctors to ensure the best possible medical care for all patients and to ensure that they face no inconvenience.

Dr. Balbir Singh and Barinder Kumar Goyal said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic accident and ₹50,000 each for the injured. In addition, the Punjab Government will provide free medical treatment to the injured. They added that arrangements for food and refreshments would also be made for the hospitalised MGNREGA workers and their family members.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh and Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said that the accident took place at around 4:30 pm on October 18 on the Jakhal-Lehragaga road near Ali Sher village. At the time, MGNREGA workers were engaged in planting saplings and carrying out cleaning work along the roadside. When they stopped to drink water, a speeding car hit them. Eight workers lost their lives in the accident, while 12 others sustained injuries. Of these, five seriously injured women workers were admitted to Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala, while the remaining injured are undergoing treatment at the Civil Hospital in Sangrur.

The ministers said that the condition of the patients undergoing treatment was improving and that they were out of danger. They added that the Sangrur district administration had also made the necessary arrangements to assist the victims and facilitate their family members.

Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said that the tragic accident, caused by negligence, had extinguished the hopes and happiness of eight families. He assured that strict legal action would be taken against the car driver responsible for the accident. He also prayed for peace for the departed souls and wished the injured speedy recovery.

Director-Principal of the Medical College Dr R.P.S. Sibia, Medical Superintendent Dr Vishal Chopra, BDPO Bhawanigarh Sukhwinder Singh Tiwana, Dr Paramjit Singh Raja and Dr Vinod Dangwal were also present during the ministers visit.

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*Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Chairs High-level Meeting with Key Employee Unions*

*Bhagwant Mann Govt Committed to Resolving Employees’ Demands at Earliest: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Directs Education Department to Fast-Track Resolution of Employee Unions’ Demands*

CHANDIGARH; 19 October 2026:Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to resolve the grievances of key employee unions. During the meeting, the Minister assured the representatives of the 3704 Master Cadre Union, Punjab, and the Computer Union, Punjab that the Bhagwant Mann government is deeply concerned about their core issues and is committed to resolving all legitimate demands at the earliest.

Extending strong assurances to the unions, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “Your long-pending, genuine demands would be fulfilled shortly.” To ensure swift action, the Finance Minister directed the Education department officers to expedite the administrative processes without any delay.

During the meetings Harjinder Singh, President of the 3704 Master Cadre Union, Punjab; and President Gurvinder Singh and Hardeep Singh, representing the Computer Union, Punjab raised their issues and concerns.