*Nearly 9,000 Senior Citizens Registered in District-wise Health Camps under ‘Our Elders, Our Pride’ Campaign: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*Bhagwant Mann Govt Allocates ₹7.86 Crore for Senior Citizens’ Health under State Action Plan: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*From health check-ups to assistive devices, Bhagwant Mann Govt ensures dignity and care for elderly: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur Urges Families to Ensure Senior Citizens Avail Health Camp Benefits*

*Mann Government Committed to Health, Dignity and Rights of Senior Citizens: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

CHANDIGARH, 13th February 2026:The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is strengthening its commitment to the welfare of senior citizens through focused grassroots interventions aimed at ensuring their health, security and dignity. Sharing details of the statewide outreach under the ‘Our Elders, Our Pride’ campaign, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said the initiative reflects the government’s people-centric approach towards honouring and supporting the elderly population of Punjab.

Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “The Punjab Government, under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, considers senior citizens a valuable asset of society and is taking effective, people-centric steps at the grassroots level to ensure their health, security and dignity. Under the ‘Our Elders, Our Pride’ campaign, nearly 9,000 senior citizens have so far registered and directly benefited from district-wise health camps organised across the state.”

The Punjab Social Security and Women & Child Development Minister further shared detailed data highlighting the impact of the campaign. “Among the registered beneficiaries, 2,268 senior citizens underwent general health check-ups, 1,241 availed orthopaedic check-ups, while 2,607 received eye examinations. In addition, 631 senior citizens participated in yoga sessions, 551 availed homoeopathic treatment, and 791 benefitted from ayurvedic health services. These figures reflect the wide outreach and effective implementation of the campaign across Punjab,” said Dr. Baljit Kaur.

Elaborating on additional welfare services, the Minister stated, “Under the ALIMCO scheme, 243 senior citizens were registered, out of which 89 were provided assistive devices such as wheelchairs, spectacles and hearing aids. Besides this, old age pension forms of 233 senior citizens were processed and senior citizen cards were issued to 306 beneficiaries during the camps.”

Providing district-wise details, Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “Health check-up camps for senior citizens have already been successfully organized in the districts of Sri Amritsar Sahib, Barnala, Bathinda, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Moga, Mansa, Patiala, Rupnagar and S.A.S. Nagar. District-wise health check-up camps are being conducted in a phased manner and will be completed across all districts of Punjab during the month of February.”

She added, “To ensure maximum participation of senior citizens in these health camps, the remaining camps are yet to be organized in the districts of Faridkot, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Malerkotla, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Sangrur and Tarn Taran. Necessary arrangements are being made to conduct these camps at the earliest.”

Highlighting the financial backing of the initiative, Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “Under the ‘Our Elders, Our Pride’ campaign, a budget provision of ₹7.86 crore has been made under the State Action Plan for Senior Citizens for organising district-wise health camps and related activities. These camps not only provide medical check-ups but also facilitate cataract surgeries, free distribution of assistive devices, preparation of old age pension forms, issuance of senior citizen cards, and awareness about the legal and social rights of senior citizens.”

Underscoring the emotional and social importance of caring for elders, she stated, “Senior citizens are the living heritage of society, whose experience, guidance and sacrifices have shaped generations. The Mann Government believes caring for elders is not merely a welfare responsibility but a moral duty, and initiatives like ‘Our Elders, Our Pride’ reflect the government’s resolve to ensure that every senior citizen lives with respect, care and dignity.”

Appealing to families across the state, Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “I urge families to bring their elderly members to these health camps so that maximum senior citizens can benefit from the welfare initiatives of the Punjab Government. Ensuring the health and well-being of senior citizens reflects the Bhagwant Mann Government’s commitment to public service.”

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*Punjab to Roll Out End-to-End Digital Evaluation for March 2026 Board Exams: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• PSEB Introduces On-Screen Marking, Punjab Among First States to Adopt Fully Digital Assessment: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• 23,000 Answer Sheets Evaluated Successfully, OSM to be Implemented in Matric Exams This Year: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• QR-Coded Answer Sheets & Automated Totalling to Ensure Fair, Fast and Transparent Results: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• OSM Reinforces Punjab Govt’s Commitment to Integrity & Efficiency in Education: Dr. Amarpal Singh*

CHANDIGARH, February 13:The Punjab Government is set to introduce a major reform in the evaluation process for board examinations, with the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) preparing to roll out an On-Screen Marking system for the March 2026 examinations. Announcing the initiative, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said Punjab will become one of the first state boards in the country to adopt end-to-end digital evaluation, marking a transformative shift in how answer sheets are assessed.

Divulging details of the project, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, “This digital system will enable teachers to evaluate scanned answer sheets on computers, with marks calculated automatically by software, ensuring faster and more accurate results.”

The Education Minister further shared that the system has already demonstrated its effectiveness. “The system has already proved its mettle by evaluating 23,000 answer sheets swiftly and accurately during the September 2025 Supplementary Examinations,” he stated.

Encouraged by these exceptional outcomes, the Punjab School Education Board will implement On-Screen Marking in one subject of the Matriculation Examination this year, with phased expansion in subsequent cycles.

Explaining the technical safeguards, Harjot Singh Bains said, “Each page of the newly designed answer sheet features a unique QR code, enabling secure scanning and seamless digital processing. Under the OSM system, answer sheets are scanned in a protected environment and uploaded to a centralized dashboard, where examiners evaluate them online with automated totalling, structured marking schemes and real-time progress monitoring.”

Describing the reform as far more than a technological upgrade, the Education Minister stated, “It is not just an upgrade, it’s a complete overhaul of evaluating our children’s future. It will ensure every student gets fairness, speed and accuracy in examinations.”

PSEB Chairman Dr. Amarpal Singh underlined the student-first vision guiding the reform. He said, “This initiative reinforces Chief Minister S Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to integrity and efficiency. Students will benefit from reduced result timelines, standardised marking and complete transparency in evaluation. Our teachers, too, will work with a clutter-free digital interface that ensures consistency and systematic record-keeping.”

He added that the Board has completed all technical and administrative preparations for the March 2026 rollout. “The OSM system carries the guarantee of Punjab’s commitment to its students,” Dr. Amarpal Singh stated.

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt accelerates resolution process for 180 ETT Adhyapak Association*

*Urgent Joint Meeting of Finance & Education Depts Ordered to Resolve 180 ETT Teachers’ Demands: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Bhagwant Mann Govt Committed to Settling Legitimate Issues of 180 ETT Adhyapak Association Without Delay: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Legal & Financial Viability to Guide Decision on 180 ETT Teachers’ Concerns: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Inter-Departmental Coordination Key to Amicable Resolution of Teachers’ Issues: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Bhagwant Mann Govt Dedicated to Welfare of Employees: Harpal Singh Cheema*

CHANDIGARH, 13th February 2026:Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday directed the Finance and Education Departments to convene an urgent joint meeting to address the concerns of the 180 Elementary Teacher Training (ETT) Adhyapak Association, reiterating that the Bhagwant Mann Government is committed to resolving the legitimate demands of its employees without delay. The directive came after a detailed consultative meeting held at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, where representatives of the association presented their case comprehensively.

Providing a patient and exhaustive hearing to the delegation, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The concerns raised by the 180 ETT Adhyapak Association deserve serious and time-bound consideration. I have directed the Finance and Education Departments to hold an urgent joint meeting so that all legitimate demands are settled without any further delay.”

The Punjab Finance Minister stated, “During today’s meeting, the teachers were given full opportunity to outline the specific administrative and professional hurdles they are facing. We have ensured that every aspect of their demands is examined carefully, including the legal and financial implications, so that the final decision is both legally sound and fiscally viable.”

The meeting witnessed detailed deliberations by key government functionaries, including Special Secretary Finance Showkat Ahmed Parray, Additional Advocate General Ramandeep Singh Pandher, Special Secretary Personnel Upkar Singh and Joint Secretary Education Harpreet Singh. The Finance Minister underlined, “By integrating the expertise of the Advocate General’s office and senior finance officers, we are ensuring that the path towards resolution is structured, transparent and sustainable.”

To expedite the process, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema specifically instructed the Education Department to immediately share all relevant case details with the Finance Department. He said, “This inter-departmental coordination is the critical final step required to reach an amicable and lawful decision. There must be no administrative bottlenecks in resolving the issues of our teachers.”

Reaffirming the government’s stance, he added, “The Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann remains fully dedicated to the welfare of its employees. Constructive dialogue and lawful resolution will always be our approach.”

The 180 ETT Adhyapak Association was represented by its President Kamal Thakur, along with Sohan Singh, Gurmukh Singh and Gaurav Kant during the meeting.

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt finalises year-long roadmap for 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*4 major Shobha Yatras to converge at Sri Khuralgarh Sahib as part of 650th Parkash Purb celebrations: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Punjab to organise Tirath Yatra to Seer Govardanpur and district-wide drone shows for 650th Parkash Purb: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*6.5 lakh saplings per district, blood donation camps and Kirtan Samagams planned for 650th anniversary: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Youth-focused seminars in schools, colleges and universities to spread message of ‘Begampura’: Harpal Singh Cheema*

CHANDIGARH, 13th February 2026:The Punjab Cabinet Sub-Committee chaired by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday held its second meeting to finalise an extensive, year-long roadmap for commemorating the 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, with a clear resolve to elevate the celebrations to a global scale and carry the Guru’s message of equality, humanity and devotion to every corner of the state and beyond.

During the meeting, Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Advisor to the Tourism Department Deepak Bali and special invitee Pawan Tinu held detailed deliberations on the month-wise organisation of programmes, ensuring a balanced blend of spiritual reverence, educational outreach and social welfare initiatives.

Highlighting the spiritual dimension of the celebrations, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “Our goal is to celebrate this historic occasion on a scale that reflects the profound impact of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji’s teachings on society. We are committed to ensuring that every citizen, especially our youth, connects with the message of ‘Begampura’—a society free from sorrow and discrimination.”

The committee decided to organise four major Shobha Yatras originating from Varanasi, Faridkot, Jammu and Bathinda, which will converge at Sri Khuralgarh Sahib, the revered tap asthan of Guru ji. It was also resolved to facilitate a Tirath Yatra for pilgrims from different parts of Punjab to visit the Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Janam Sathan Mandir at Seer Govardanpur, Varanasi, enabling devotees to pay obeisance at the sacred birthplace.

To ensure that Guru Ji’s philosophy reaches the younger generation in a meaningful manner, the sub-committee approved seminars on the life and teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji in schools, colleges and universities across the state. The roadmap also includes innovative outreach through drone shows in every district and the screening of documentary films in villages, using modern technology and visual media to strengthen awareness and engagement.

Reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and social service, the committee discussed launching a massive plantation drive involving 6.5 lakh saplings per district dedicated to the 650th anniversary. Statewide blood donation camps, marathons, cycle rallies and grand Kirtan Samagams will also be organised to promote community bonding and physical well-being as part of the year-long commemorations.

Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Punjab and Secretary Tourism Kumar Amit, Director Tourism Sanjeev Tiwari, and Deputy Director Tourism Yashpal Sharma were also present in the meeting.

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*Vigilance Bureau nabs Two Senior Industrial Promotional Officers and Trade Assistant red handed accepting bribe of Rs 30000/-*

Chandigarh, February 13, 2026:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against the corruption in the state, has apprehended Jaspal Singh and Rishav Garg, both Senior Industrial Promotional Officer posted at District Industries Centre office, Ludhiana and Antarpreet Singh Trade Assistant posted at District Industries Centre office, Ludhiana, red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 30000/-.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused have been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a resident of Focal Point, Ludhiana.

He said that the complainant runs a production unit at focal point, Ludhiana. In this regard, complainant applied for exact date of production certificate thereby above mentioned accused demanded bribe of Rs 45000/- from the complainant. Complainant had recorded the conversation of demanding illegal gratification.

After a preliminary enquiry of his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which all three accused were arrested red handed while accepting bribe money of Rs 30000/- from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses.

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

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*SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB READIES FOR HOLLA MOHALLA; HARJOT BAINS ORDERS COMPREHENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS*

*• EM Bains directs authorities to set up tent city, trolley city and start shuttle bus & autorickshaw services to ease devotees’s journey*

*• Bains vows to ensure seamless experience for Sangat at Sri Anandpur Sahib*

Chandigarh/Sri Anandpur Sahib, February 13:With an aim to facilitate millions of sangat expected to converge at Sri Anandpur Sahib on the pious occasion of Holla Mohalla, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains directed the Rupnagar district authorities to put in place extensive arrangements including tent city, trolley city, dedicated parking zones and shuttle bus & autorickshaw service, to facilitate and ensure spiritually enriching experience for all devotees.

While chairing a meeting with Rupnagar district administration to review the preparedness for the grand celebrations of Sikh traditions, S. Harjot Singh Bains emphasised on Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to facilitating the millions of devotees expected to converge at the holy city. He conducted a detailed review of the infrastructure and large gathering management strategies. The review focused on ensuring that the spirit of the three-day event remains rooted in the core values of the Sikh faith.

S. Bains informed that the district administration has been directed to set up an eight-acre Tent City, a dedicated Trolley City, 60 shuttle buses, 100 e-rickshaws and 25 parking zones with pedestrian walkways."

S. Harjot Singh Bains issued clear directives to senior officials concerned to ensure smooth traffic flow, maintaining spotless surroundings and zero inconvenience to the Sangat coming to pay obeisance at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib.

“Our collective effort is to create an atmosphere where devotion is the only focus. We have left no stone unturned in our planning. From the eight-acre Tent City to the fleet of shuttle buses, every logistical element is designed to serve the devotees. Clear instructions have been issued to the administration to ensure smooth traffic, clean surroundings and cause zero inconvenience to the Sangat,” S. Bains stated while adding that the district administration has been put on high alert to ensure that all systems function optimally throughout the duration of the Holla Mohalla.

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