*OVER 21K CRM MACHINES PROCURED TO CURB STUBBLE BURNING; SUPER SEEDER TOPS CHART WITH 14,274 UNITS*

*•Mulcher, MB Plough, Zero Till Drill & Baling Machine in Top Five Most Procured Machines: Gurmeet Khudian*

*•CM Mann-led Punjab Govt’s concerted efforts drive 90% drop in stubble burning from 49,922 cases in 2022 to 5,114 in 2025, says Khudian*

*• Agriculture Minister credits 50% subsidy for individual farmers, 80% for CHCs, FPOs & Panchayats for record shift towards eco-friendly residue management*

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 21:In a decisive push to bring the stubble burning incidents to zero in the state, Punjab farmers have procured 21,019 Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines this season, with the Super Seeder emerging as the top choice among the farming community, said Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian.

The massive procurement, driven by 50% to 80% subsidy, marks a paradigm shift in residue management- from burning stubble to treating it as an asset for sustainable agriculture, he added.

Highlighting the top five most sought-after machines, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the Super Seeder has emerged as the absolute favourite among farmers, with a record 14,274 units procured. After the Super Seeder, the Mulcher with 1,721 units and the Hydraulic Reversible MB Plough with 1,346 units were the second and third most popular choices. The Zero Till Drill and Baling Machine completed the top five with 1,123 and 927 units, respectively. Other equipment including Straw Rakes (874 units) also saw significant adoption, he added.

Attributing the shift to the state government's robust subsidy scheme, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said a 50% subsidy for individual farmers and 80% for Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs), FPOs, cooperative societies and panchayats is being provided for the purchase of CRM machines.

The Agriculture Minister said that backed by a robust Rs 576-crore action plan for 2026-27, these concerted efforts have resulted in a 90% drop in stubble-burning cases- from 49,922 in 2022 to just 5,114 in 2025- earning Punjab national recognition for its crop residue management strategy.

"The substantial subsidy and aggressive awareness drives have convinced our farmers to treat crop residue as an asset rather than a liability," he stated.

The Agriculture Minister noted that machines like the Super Seeder and Zero Till Drill allow farmers to sow wheat directly into paddy residue, saving time and conserving soil moisture, while the Balers and Rake machines facilitate ex-situ utilisation of straw for power generation and animal fodder.

Reiterating Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of Annadatas, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said the state government stands firmly shoulder-to-shoulder with its farmers. He also urged farmers to make optimum use of Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines and shun the practice of stubble burning, stating that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility and every farmer's contribution is vital to securing a healthy future for coming generations.

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*Punjab’s Elderly Citizens Get Stronger Social Security Support; ₹2,507.98 Crore Released Under Old Age Pension Scheme Till September*

*24.07 Lakh Senior Citizens Across Punjab Receive Timely Pension Assistance*

*₹4,000 Crore Budget Provision Reflects CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Government’s Commitment Towards Elderly Welfare*

*Men Above 65 Years and Women Above 58 Years Eligible for Benefits Under Old Age Pension Scheme: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*Collective Efforts Needed to Ensure No Deserving Senior Citizen Is Left Behind in Rangla Punjab*

Chandigarh, September 21:Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to ensuring financial dignity, social security and a respectful life for senior citizens, Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that ₹2,507.98 crore has been released under the Old Age Pension Scheme up to September during the financial year 2026-27, benefiting 24.07 lakh elderly citizens across the State.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is working towards creating an inclusive welfare system where every deserving citizen receives timely support. She said that the vision of ‘Rangla Punjab’ reflects the Government’s resolve to build a compassionate society where senior citizens, women, children and vulnerable sections are treated with dignity, care and respect.

The Cabinet Minister informed that a budget provision of ₹4,000 crore has been made for the Old Age Pension Scheme during the financial year 2026-27, demonstrating the Government’s sustained focus on strengthening the social security framework and ensuring support for elderly citizens.

Explaining the eligibility criteria, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that men aged 65 years and above and women aged 58 years and above, whose annual family income does not exceed ₹60,000, are eligible for pension benefits under the scheme. She reiterated that the Government is committed to ensuring that no eligible senior citizen is deprived of pension assistance and every deserving beneficiary receives support in a transparent and timely manner.

Highlighting the human impact of the scheme, the Minister said that old age pension is not merely financial assistance but a means to provide confidence, independence and dignity to elderly citizens. She said that timely pension support helps senior citizens meet their daily needs and strengthens their sense of security and self-respect.

Dr. Baljit Kaur directed all District Social Security Officers and concerned officials to ensure speedy verification of applications, timely approval of eligible cases and smooth disbursement of pension. She instructed officials to proactively identify eligible beneficiaries, assist them in completing formalities and remove procedural hurdles so that no deserving elderly person faces inconvenience in accessing benefits.

Making a heartfelt appeal, Dr. Baljit Kaur urged eligible senior citizens and their families to come forward and avail the benefits of the scheme. She also appealed to Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, village representatives, social organisations and citizens to support the Government’s efforts by identifying eligible elderly persons and helping them access social security benefits.

“Our senior citizens have devoted their lives to their families and society. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that they live with dignity, security and respect. Together, we can ensure that no deserving elderly citizen is left behind in Punjab’s journey towards a caring and inclusive ‘Rangla Punjab’,” said Dr. Baljit Kaur.

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*POLICE COMMEMORATION DAY OBSERVED AT PAP HQs; DGP GAURAV YADAV PAYS GLOWING TRIBUTES TO POLICE MARTYRS*

*— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO SAFEGUARDING NATION’S INTEGRITY; SACRIFICE OF 1,804 POLICE PERSONNEL WILL ALWAYS INSPIRE: DGP GAURAV YADAV*

*— OVER 95K FIRs REGISTERED, 1.27 LAKH SMUGGLERS HELD & 7,260KG HEROIN RECOVERED SINCE MARCH 2022: DGP GAURAV YADAV*

*— SAYS, NOW DRUG HOTSPOTS BEING MONITORED BY POLICE AND CIVIL ADMINISTRATION COLLECTIVE TO RECLAIM THESE AFFECTED AREAS*

CHANDIGARH/JALANDHAR, October 21:To honour the valiant police personnel who laid down their lives while fighting militants and criminals for the unity and integrity of the nation, the 67th State-Level Police Commemoration Day was observed with solemnity and reverence at the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) Headquarters in Jalandhar on Wednesday.

Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav led the solemn homage ceremony and laid floral wreaths at the Police Martyrs’ Memorial. He was accompanied by Special DGP Law and Order Praveen Kumar Sinha and ADGP PAP MF Farooqui.

Describing the Punjab Police as an exceptional and legendary force that has served the country with unmatched valour during war, peace, and proxy conflicts, the DGP said that since September 1981, as many as 1,804 brave personnel of Punjab Police have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, including two bravehearts who attained martyrdom this year alone.

Addressing the gathering, DGP Gaurav Yadav said, “It is because of these brave martyrs that we are breathing in an atmosphere of peace today. Punjab Police has an illustrious legacy of gallantry, selflessness, and iron-willed determination to eradicate militancy. The force remains steadfastly committed to defending our frontiers and preserving communal harmony across the border state.”

A ceremonial Commemoration Parade was held at the Martyrs’ Memorial within the PAP complex, where the names of all martyrs who laid down their lives during the past year were read out by the Commandant. The ceremony was concluded with the observance of a two-minute silence, and the laying of wreaths by senior officers in honour of the fallen heroes.

Interacting with media persons on the sidelines of the ceremony, DGP Gaurav Yadav said that Punjab Police has delivered a decisive blow to drugs. He revealed that over 95,000 cases under the NDPS Act have been registered since March 16, 2022, leading to more than 1,27,000 arrests and the recovery of over 7,260 kg of heroin.

Striking at the economic roots of the narco-trade, the DGP stated that Punjab Police has frozen properties worth ₹902 crore belonging to drug traffickers—marking the highest forfeiture anywhere in the country—alongside securing an unprecedented 90% conviction rate in courts.

Furthermore, sustained anti-gangster operations launched in April 2022 have dismantled as many as 1,288 organized criminal modules and led to the arrest of over 3,300 gang members.

Outlining new strategic frameworks under the ongoing Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, the DGP revealed that campaign has now transitioned into an intensive 60-day mission mode wherein all designated drug hotspots are being jointly surveillance by senior police officers and Gazetted Officers from the civil administration round-the-clock. He emphasized that the central objective of this multi-pronged approach is to reclaim these vulnerable areas through community outreach and playgrounds for youth.

Emphasizing a whole-of-government approach, the DGP outlined future strategies focused on dismantling financial networks, targeting drug hotspots, modernizing infrastructure with over Rs 1600 crore investment, and bolstering cyber security capacities to effectively suppress criminal syndicates across the state. He further highlighted that the Punjab Police has flagged the critical issue of pharmaceutical drugs being supplied from other states with the DGPs of respective states so that concerted efforts could be made to curtail the unauthorized supply of such banned drugs into Punjab.

Following the parade, DGP Gaurav Yadav personally met the families of police martyrs, patiently listened to their concerns, and assured them that the Punjab Government and the Punjab Police Department remain an unyielding pillar of support for their welfare.

Prominent among those present on the occasion included Special DGsP, several ADGsP, IGsP, DIGs, and senior police officers and officials from across the state.

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*PUNJAB TEAMS’ TRIALS FOR ALL INDIA CIVIL SERVICES FOOTBALL (MEN) TOURNAMENT TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 26*

Chandigarh, October 21:Central Civil Services Cultural and Board are organising the All India Services Football tournament from 17th to 24th November 2026 in Goa.

Trials for selection of Punjab players for this tournaments will be conducted on October 26 at 11:00 am. Trials for the men’s Football team will take place at Football Sports Stadium, Mehalpur.

The spokesman of the sports department further informed that in these trials security services personnel/para-security organizations/central police organizations/police/RPF/CISF/BSF/ITBP and NSG etc., autonomous parties/undertakings/public sector Banks including central ministry run banks, excluding casual/daily workers, temporary office workers, newly recruited employees who have been in regular services for less than 6 months, Government employees (regular), government officials (regular) of different departments can participate only after receiving NoC from their departments. The cost of travel, accommodation and food in this tournament will be paid by the player personally.

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt Resolves Pay Parity Issues Demand of 180 ETT TET Pass Teachers: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Personally Hands Over Official Orders*

*Harpal Singh Cheema Assures Teacher Unions of Fair, Time-Bound Action on Recruitment, Pay & Service Issues*

CHANDIGARH; 21st October 2026:Reaffirming the Bhagwant Mann government’s steadfast commitment to addressing the genuine concerns of employees, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, who also heads the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to resolve employees’ issues, announced on Wednesday that the Education Department has issued an official order resolving pay parity and other service matters of the 180 ETT (Elementary Teacher Training) TET (Teacher Eligibility Test) Pass Adhiyapak Union.

Minister Harpal Singh Cheema personally handed over a copy of the formal directive to representatives of the union. The order, issued by the Directorate of School Education (Elementary), approves the fixation of salaries in accordance with Finance Department instructions and relevant judicial precedents, while also noting that an inquiry officer, former Additional District and Sessions Judge has been assigned to probe matters regarding financial benefits and appointment parity dating back to 2016 so further steps can be determined.

Following this key development, the Finance Minister held an extensive series of meetings with several representative unions and fronts from the Education Department to examine their memorandums and expedite resolutions.

Minister Harpal Singh Cheema listened attentively to the delegations, assuring them that the Cabinet Sub-Committee is actively processing genuine demands and working in close coordination with concerned departments to resolve all outstanding matters in a fair and time-bound manner.

During the discussions, the ETT TET Pass Berozgar Adhiyapak Union (Punjab) raised the urgent need to advertise and fill vacant ETT cadre posts across the state education department. The Berozgar B.Ed. TET Pass Adhiyapak Union, Punjab urged the government to address recruitment requirements and resolve pending cadre considerations. The Berozgar Special Educator Front Punjab called for concluding recruitment drives to fill remaining posts.

Furthermore, the Special Cadre Adhiyapak Front, Punjab submitted representations seeking regular pay scale implementations, service rules, leave benefits, and promotion channels for contractual and special cadre teachers. The ETT 2364 Berozgar Adhiyapak Union, Punjab demanded the release of remaining waiting lists and station allocation or transfer opportunities for selected candidates.

Representation from the NSQF Vocational Teachers Front (Punjab) centered on bringing vocational teachers out of private company contracts to absorb them directly under the department on regular norms. The Berozgar Librarian Front, Punjab urged the administration to release advertisements for school librarian vacancies to address acute shortages in government schools. Representatives from Lecturer Bharti Punjab (Lecturer Recruitment 1067) requested the scheduling and conduct of exams for the remaining five subjects to finalise the recruitment process. Additionally, the ETT TET Pass 5994 Backlog Adhiyapak Union Punjab pressed for the swift distribution of appointment letters to remaining candidates and the de-reservation and filling of pending backlog posts.

Meanwhile, representatives of the B.Ed. TET Pass Berozgar Adhiyapak Union, Murh Bahal Kachhe Adhiyapak Union, and Berozgar PSTET Pass Art and Craft Sangharsh Union also discussed their issues and concerns during separate meetings with the Finance Minister.

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt Committed to Address PUNBUS / PRTC Contract Workers’ Demands, Review Meeting on October 29: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Regularisation of Punbus Contract Workers on PRTC Pattern to Be Taken Up at High-Level Meeting: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Bhagwant Mann Govt Reviews Transition of Outsourced Punbus Staff to Contractual Jobs Under 2026 Act: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Govt to Deliberate on Cancellation of Police Cases Against Transport Workers During Past Agitations: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Directs Transport Department to Act Immediately on Contract Workers’ Legitimate Demands*

CHANDIGARH; 21st October 2026:Punjab Finance and Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday held a key meeting with representatives of the Punjab Roadways Punbus/PRTC Contract Workers Union Punjab 25/11 to address their concerns and resolve key matters.

During the meeting, Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema issued clear instructions to the Transport department to take immediate, result-oriented action on the union's legitimate demands, prompting the department to promptly issue official orders to initiate the redressal process.

Following the Transport Minister's directives, the Punjab State Bus Stand Management Company Limited (PUNBUS) has scheduled a high-level review meeting on October 29, 2026, under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.

The agenda of the proposed meeting focuses on finalising the rules to regularise PUNBUS contractual workers on the pattern of PRTC, reviewing actions taken to transition PUNBUS outsourced employees to contractual status under the Punjab State Outsourced Personnel (Transition to Contractual Engagement) Act 2026, and deliberating on the cancellation of police cases registered against workers during past agitations.

In line with these measures, PUNBUS management has directed all Depot Managers across the state to expedite the verification of outsourced staff eligible for contractual transition.

The orders stated, "As per the guidelines issued under the Act by the Department of Personnel, depots must verify the records of personnel with up to 5 years of service based on the cut-off date of May 30, 2026, and submit comprehensive compliance reports by October 26, 2026, ahead of the ministerial review. Field officials have been cautioned that strict accountability will be fixed and any delay, negligence, or discrepancy in verifying service records will invite direct departmental action against the responsible depot authorities."

During the meeting, Resham Singh Gill, Samsher Singh, Harkesh Kumar, Balwinder Singh Rath, Jatinder Singh, Pardeep Kumar from Punjab Roadways Punbus/PRTC Contract Workers Union Punjab 25/11 raised their issues and concerns.