*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann invites global semiconductor giant NXP to explore feasibility of setting up R&D centre in Mohali*
*NXP leadership to visit Punjab to explore state’s vast potential & collaborative opportunities*
*Collaboration on NXP Startup Challenge Program in partnership with Startup Punjab*
CHANDIGARH; 20 April 2026:In a significant push to position Punjab at the forefront of the global semiconductor and advanced electronics ecosystem, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday rolled out the red carpet to NXP Semiconductors, a global leader in automotive and secure connectivity semiconductor solutions, inviting the multinational technology giant to explore the feasibility of establishing a research and development (R&D) centre in Mohali.
The move forms part of the Punjab Government’s focused strategy to attract high-value investments, strengthen its innovation ecosystem, and integrate the state into the global semiconductor value chain, while leveraging Mohali’s emergence as a key hub for electronics system design, IT, and next-generation mobility solutions.
During a meeting with Executive Director and Country Manager, NXP Semiconductors Netherlands Maurice Geraets and Head of Public Policy, NXP Semiconductors Dr. Ankit Pal, the Chief Minister, asked them to explore avenues of collaboration in advanced electronics, semiconductor design, and innovation-led ecosystems. “Mohali is considered as a potential location, leveraging the state’s strong talent pool and emerging electronics ecosystem,” he said.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also apprised NXP of the state government’s plans to develop a ‘Silicon Valley’- like ecosystem at Kalkat Bhawan, Mohali, strategically located near the international airport and IT City.
The Chief Minister discussed potential collaboration on system design solutions and the NXP Startup Challenge Program in partnership with Startup Punjab, aimed at fostering innovation, supporting startups, and co-developing cutting-edge technology solutions. He also advocated leveraging Punjab’s growing automotive and auto-components ecosystem to develop solutions in areas such as Near Field Communication (NFC), Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and secure connectivity technologies, aligned with global industry trends.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also highlighted its strong talent ecosystem, with proximity to premier institutions such as IIT Ropar, ISB Mohali, Plaksha University, Punjab Engineering College, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology and others which can serve as a robust pipeline for high-quality research and engineering workforce.
The Chief Minister invited the NXP leadership to visit Punjab to explore the state’s vast potential and collaborative opportunities adding he also batted for taking forward discussions in the areas of research, innovation, and startup ecosystem development, aimed at strengthening Punjab’s position in the global semiconductor value chain.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “As part of the Punjab government’s ongoing investment promotion outreach in the Netherlands, they are in process of business engagements with leading global companies to explore strategic partnerships and attract investments in priority sectors.”
He also presented the Punjab’s vision to position itself as an emerging hub for Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM), IT, and next-generation mobility solutions.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the recently launched Industrial and Business Development Policy (IBDP) 2026, wherein electronics and semiconductors have been identified as thrust sectors, with incentives of up to 125% of fixed capital investment.
He further showcased recent investments by leading global companies, including Infosys at IT City, Mohali, and the ongoing expansion of the Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL), Mohali, where capacity augmentation initiatives are being undertaken with the involvement of the Tata Group under the Government of India’s semiconductor mission. “Due to strenuous efforts of the state government the state has emerged as the most preferred investment destination across the globe,” he added.
Meanwhile, during the discussions, NXP highlighted its strong global presence and extensive footprint in India, with a focus on research and development, embedded systems, and automotive semiconductor solutions. The company also shared insights on emerging global trends, including the rapid growth of intelligent edge systems, automotive electronics, IoT, and secured connectivity technologies.
On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora and others were also present.
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*CM’S EFFORTS BEAR FRUIT, PUNJAB TO HAVE DEDICATED HORTICULTURE EXPERIENCE AND LEARNING CENTER ON THE LINES THE WORLD HORTI CENTER ECOSYSTEM*
MOVE AIMED AT GIVING A MAJOR PUSH TO CROP DIVERSIFICATION FOR TRANSFORMING DESTINY OF PUNJABI FARMERS
Chandigarh, April 20:In a strategic tie up that will transform the destiny of Punjab’s farmer, the state is all set to a have dedicated Horticulture Experience and Learning Center in Punjab, on the lines the World Horti Center ecosystem, to give major push to crop diversification, due to the strenuous efforts of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
As a part of his visit for investment promotion outreach in the Netherlands on Monday, the Chief Minister undertook key visits to leading horticulture institutions, including the World Horti Center (WHC), Westland, and the globally renowned Keukenhof, Lisse, to study best practices in sustainable agriculture, floriculture, and high-efficiency farming systems. He mooted the idea of establishing such a centre in Punjab and said that the proposed center would bring together researchers, academic institutions, industry partners, and government stakeholders to promote innovation, skill development, and the adoption of sustainable agricultural solutions in the State. At the World Horti Center, a global hub for greenhouse horticulture innovation, Bhagwant Singh Mann was received by CEO Puck van Holsteijn and Manager International Business Lenny Dijkshoorn, who led a comprehensive tour of the facility.
The Chief Minister said that it was a unique experience as they were introduced to the Netherlands’ globally acclaimed ecosystem of greenhouse and controlled-environment agriculture, where the integration of technology, research, education, industry, and government has transformed traditional farming into a high-productivity and sustainable sector. He said that the key learnings included the effectiveness of greenhouse and advanced indoor farming systems, which significantly enhance crop yields while ensuring efficient water usage, reduced reliance on pesticides, and improved farmer incomes compared to conventional open-field farming. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this can be helpful for the state to give a major push to crop diversification and bring the farmers out of the vicious circle of water guzzling crops.
The Chief Minister said that the role of automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and precision irrigation systems in optimizing plant growth and resource efficiency, along with innovative water management practices such as rainwater harvesting, reuse of irrigation water, and controlled nutrient delivery systems to ensure climate-resilient agricultural production is also a new learning. He said that both sides explored avenues for collaboration, including knowledge transfer and technology partnerships and in principle agreed to it. Earlier, Bhagwant Singh Mann visited Keukenhof, one of the world’s most iconic floriculture destinations, where they were apprised of a unique operational model where nearly 7 million flower bulbs are grown and planted annually during autumn beginning October, and bloom in a precisely managed 7–8 week window starting March.
The Chief Minister said that spread across approximately 32 hectares and maintained through a collaborative ecosystem of growers and industry stakeholders, Keukenhof represents a highly structured, export-oriented horticulture model integrating production, tourism, and global marketing. He said that the visit provided valuable insights for Punjab in developing floriculture clusters, strengthening export linkages, and promoting agri-tourism through a coordinated and market-driven approach. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that learnings from both visits are expected to support Punjab’s transition towards high-value, technology-driven agriculture, with a focus on sustainability, productivity enhancement, and diversification of the agricultural economy.
The Chief Minister said that this visit will go a long way in strengthening economic cooperation and promoting Punjab as a preferred investment destination. Showcasing the Industrial and Business Development Policy (IBDP) 2026 of the state, he said that it offers a comprehensive and flexible incentive framework supported by sector-specific policies and a strong ease of doing business ecosystem. Through these engagements, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab aims to build long-term technology-led partnerships, facilitate knowledge exchange, and position itself as a progressive, innovation-driven, and globally competitive hub for sustainable agriculture.
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*Punjab Government Releases ₹728.48 Crore under Ashirwad Scheme; Over 1.43 Lakh Families Benefit: Dr. Baljit Kaur*
*Ashirwad Scheme Emerges as Major Support for Daughters of Poor Families, Ensuring Dignity and Secure Future*
*Officials Directed to Ensure Timely and Transparent Delivery of Benefits to Every Eligible Beneficiary*
Chandigarh, April 20:Reaffirming its commitment to social justice and welfare of underprivileged sections, the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann is continuously implementing pro-people initiatives for the upliftment of needy families.
In this regard, Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, informed that during the tenure of the Mann government, an amount of ₹728.48 crore has been released under the Ashirwad Scheme for Scheduled Castes, benefiting more than 1.43 lakh families across the state.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Ashirwad Scheme has emerged as a strong support system for economically weaker families by reducing the financial burden during the marriage of daughters. She emphasized that the Punjab Government’s objective is not only to provide financial assistance but also to ensure dignity, security and a respectful life for daughters belonging to poor families.
The Minister further informed that families who are permanent residents of Punjab and fall below the poverty line, belonging to Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes or Economically Weaker Sections, are eligible to avail benefits under the scheme. She added that financial assistance is provided for the marriage of up to two daughters in a family, bringing significant relief to thousands of needy households.
Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that while the marriage of a daughter is a moment of joy for families, it often brings financial concerns for economically weaker parents. She noted that the Ashirwad Scheme has helped reduce these worries and brought happiness to thousands of households, enabling poor parents to marry off their daughters with dignity, respect and hope for a secure future.
The Minister also directed officials to ensure that benefits under the scheme reach every eligible beneficiary in a timely and transparent manner. She stressed that applications should be processed without delay so that no deserving family is deprived of government assistance.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government remains dedicated to social justice and public welfare and will continue to strengthen people-centric schemes to support poor and needy families. She added that the government’s goal is to bring a smile to every daughter’s face and strengthen every family across Punjab.
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Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak takes stock of Wheat procurement at Sangrur anaj mandi
Pace of wheat arrival gathering fastens in mandis of State, payment of Rs. 1818.31 Crore made into farmers accounts
Said, 9,50,000 MT arrival expected in 170 anaj mandis of Sangrur District
Minister emphasizes safeguarding interests of farmers & labourers
Chandigarh/Sangrur, April 20:The farmers won’t be made to encounter any difficulty in the mandis and it is being ensured that every single bale of grain produced so laboriously by the farmers is lifted and payment credited into their accounts within stipulated time frame. These views were expressed by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak while inspecting Wheat procurement operations at Dana Mandi Sangrur. He was accompanied by the Sangrur MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj. He reiterated that the Punjab Government under the leadership of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stands fully committed to ensure a hassle free and successful procurement season.
Divulging more, the Minister said that till April 19th, 3872735.53 Metric Tonne (MT) of Wheat has arrived in all the mandis of the State out of which 3416926.10 MT has been procured by various procurement agencies while the traders have accounted for 6163.30 MT of the produce. An amount of Rs. 1818.31 Crore has been credited into the accounts of the farmers.
In the 170 mandis of Sangrur, 9,50,000 MT Wheat arrival is expected out of which 400238.97 has arrived till now. A total of 352766 MT of the Wheat has been procured and payment to the tune of Rs. 351.81 Crore made to the farmers. The Minister further added that lifting is also proceeding smoothly and till date 30158.45 MT of the crop has been lifted in mandis of Sangrur.
Adding more, Mr. Kataruchak said that the State has been given the target to procure 122 LMT of wheat this season. While interacting with the farmers and the arhtiyas, the Minister also took feedback from them and stated that in the previous regimes the farmers had to face shortage of Bardana, Lifting and Payment issues but the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has permanently resolved these issues and in the process has set an example during the last 4 years.
The Minister disclosed that the 9 procurement seasons during the last 4 years have been very successful and hassle free and expressed pride at the fact that Punjab is the food bowl of the country which has repeatedly demonstrated its capability to ensure successful procurement seasons on such a big scale each time.
The farmers as well as the arhtiyas termed the procurement process as transparent & hassle free and said that the procurement and the lifting of their produce has been on time. They also appreciated the pro-farmer approach of the State Government.