*Punjab Government releases Rs.35.50 crore for dependent children; over 2.36 lakh beneficiaries: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*Rs.432.78 crore earmarked for FY 2026–27 to ensure uninterrupted support*

*Focus on education, healthcare and holistic development of vulnerable children*

Chandigarh, April 23:Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to the welfare and holistic development of dependent and vulnerable children, Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, announced the release of Rs.35.50 crore as financial assistance for the month of March during the financial year 2026–27. The assistance will directly benefit over 2.36 lakh children across the State.

Highlighting the Government’s sustained focus on child welfare, the Minister informed that a budget provision of Rs.432.78 crore has been earmarked for the financial year 2026–27 to ensure uninterrupted financial support to eligible beneficiaries.

Providing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that a large number of dependent children are currently benefiting under the scheme. She emphasized that the objective of this assistance is to support children’s education, healthcare and overall development, ensuring that no child is deprived of a secure future due to financial hardship.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government continues to implement people-centric and compassionate welfare initiatives. The Minister said that extending financial support to dependent children is not merely a welfare measure, but a sensitive and significant step towards securing their future.

She further elaborated that the scheme covers children below 21 years of age whose parents have passed away, are missing, or are unable to support the family due to physical or mental incapacity. The financial assistance enables such children to continue their education and improve their standard of living.

Reiterating the Government’s commitment, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that continuous efforts are being made to strengthen social security schemes and ensure the care, protection and holistic development of every child belonging to vulnerable sections of society.

She added that the Government’s objective is to build a safe, inclusive and progressive Punjab, where every child gets equal opportunities to grow and shape a better future.

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*Special honor to Speaker Sandhwan for implementing Anti- Sacrilege law to prevent religious desecration in Punjab*

*Speaker Sandhwan's clean image and humble nature impress everyone: Chanakya*

Chandigarh 23 April 2026:Head Sewadar of Nihang Singh, Baba Kulwant Singh Chanakya of Gurdwara Sahib Patshahi Dasvin Kotkapura today honoured Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha S Kultar Singh Sandhwan at Kotkapura and said that due to the sincere efforts of Bhagwant Singh Mann, Chief Minister of Punjab and Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, The Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill 2026 came into force thereby Sangat across the globe are rejoicing.

After recitation of Sukhmani Sahib, Nitnem Banis, Ardas and the holy Hukamnama, Baba Kulwant Singh Chanakya said that Speaker Sandhwan's clean image and humble nature impress everyone.

Speaker Sandhwan thanked the entire Sangat including Jathedar Baba Kulwant Singh Chanakya and said that all this has been accomplished only with the cooperation of the Sangat and the blessings of Guru Ji. He claimed that this work could not be done by the leaders of various traditional parties and representatives of influential organisations despite being in power. Now they are trying to create confusion among the society with baseless and unnecessary statements.

Speaker Sandhwan said that anyone will now onwards will afraid of to commit this heinous crime as harsher punishment law have been enacted.

On this occasion, the Sangat gathered from different areas of the city thanked the Punjab Government, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Speaker Sardar Kultar Singh Sandhwan for this exemplary work.

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*Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema directs Health Department to approach Union Govt for increasing incentives of ASHA workers & facilitators*

*Health Department to secure life insurance agreements to ensure social security for ASHA workers: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Bhagwant Mann Govt committed to sympathetically resolving issues of Punjab Police Corona Warriors: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Bhagwant Mann Govt stands with its workforce: Harpal Singh Cheema*

CHANDIGARH, 23rd April 2026:In a significant move to support the Punjab’s essential grassroots healthcare workforce, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, operating in his capacity as the Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to resolve employee issues, on Thursday directed the Health and Family Welfare Department to officially write to the Union Government advocating for a necessary increase in the incentives provided to Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers and facilitators.

The Finance Minister emphasised that the Union Government must be urged to enhance these payments under the existing scheme, which functions on a 60:40 financial ratio between the Centre and the State.

Chairing the meetings with delegations from various employee organisations, including the ASHA Workers Facilitators Sanjha Morcha, the Powercom And Transco Theka Mulazam Union, and the Punjab Police Corona Warriors, the Finance Minister Cheema also directed the Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) and the Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL) to frame a concrete policy to resolve demands of the Powercom And Transco Theka Mulazam Union.

Expanding on the financial relief sought for the ASHA Workers Facilitators Sanjha Morcha, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema prioritised the immediate social security of these workers. Issuing directions, he said, "The Health and Family Welfare Department has been instructed to establish an agreement with a banking institution to ensure life insurance coverage for all ASHA workers and facilitators."

He further said, "Any legitimate demands raised by the union that can be resolved directly at the departmental level must be addressed without delay through prompt administrative meetings and decisive action."

Addressing the concerns of the state’s power sector workforce, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema held an in depth meeting with the Powercom and Transco Theka Mulazam Union. He sympathetically reviewed the operational difficulties they face and their demand to transition from outsourced employment to formal contractual terms.

Seeking a structural solution, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, "Direct instructions have been issued to Basant Garg, Chairman cum Managing Director of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited and Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited, to immediately formulate a concrete policy at the corporation level to comprehensively resolve the issues and demands of these outsourced employees."

Concluding his series of administrative engagements, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema met representatives of the Punjab Police Corona Warriors and assured them regarding their issues. He provided the union with a firm reassurance regarding their issues, conveying that the state government is considering these sympathetically.

Reaffirming the government’s stand, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, "Under the dedicated leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, your demands are being considered with the utmost seriousness and are undergoing active review for a fair resolution.”

During the meetings, Amarjeet Kaur, Rano, Harinder Kaur Shatrana and Santosh Kumar from the Asha Workers Facilitators Sanjha Morcha, Balihar Singh, Tek Chand and Sher Singh from the Powercom And Transco Theka Mulazam Union, and Gurbaz Singh, Pawanbeer Singh and Gurwinder Singh from the Punjab Police Corona Warriors presented their issues and demands.

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*BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL CRACKS DOWN ON ILLEGAL MINING, ORDERS FLYING SQUADS AND TECH-DRIVEN MONITORING*

*JUNE 30 DEADLINE SET FOR FLOOD WORKS, PUSH TO EXPAND CANAL IRRIGATION BEYOND 78 PERCENT*

*STATE SCALES UP SOLAR IRRIGATION, CHECK DAMS AND WATERLOGGED LAND RECLAMATION PROJECTS*

*BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL REVIEWS DEPARTMENTS' PROGRESS*

*Chandigarh, April 23:*Punjab Water Resources, Soil and Water Conservation and Mining & Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal conducted a high-level review meeting of the three departments and issued strict directions aimed at strengthening enforcement, accelerating irrigation projects and ensuring flood preparedness across the state.

Reviewing the functioning of the Mining Department, the Cabinet Minister directed officials to constitute Flying Squads to effectively check illegal mining activities. He called for operationalisation of the maximum number of mining sites under the Commercial Mining Sites (CRMS) framework to streamline operations and improve transparency. Stressing the need for modern governance tools, he underscored adoption of advanced software systems for real-time monitoring and regulation of the mining sector.

While assessing the Water Resources Department progress, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal instructed that all flood preventive works must be completed before June 30 to avert any exigencies during the monsoon season. He further directed officials to enhance the area under canal water irrigation beyond the existing 78 percent coverage.

The Minister directed the department to expedite ongoing canal water utilisation projects in view of the upcoming harvest season. He also emphasised scaling up of waterlogged land reclamation initiatives across all affected districts to maximise agricultural output and ensure sustainable water management.

During the review of the Department of Soil and Water Conservation, the Cabinet Minister was apprised that 5,253 kilometres of irrigation pipeline has been laid to provide canal water, benefitting over 1,61,000 acres of agricultural land. Highlighting key initiatives of the state government, the Cabinet Minister informed that three major programmes have been launched, which include creation of solar-powered irrigation infrastructure using village ponds, construction of check dams in the kandi region to control soil erosion, mitigate flash floods and recharge groundwater and a flagship project for reclamation of waterlogged lands in 29 villages of Fazilka district.

He further stated that solar-powered irrigation systems have already been installed on more than 250 village ponds, benefitting around 10,500 acres of farmland. The waterlogged area reclamation project is progressing steadily and is expected to be completed in four villages by the end of May.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Additional Chief Secretary Mining Mrs. Jaspreet Talwar, Principal Secretary Water Resources Sh. Krishan Kumar, Director Mining Mr. Abhijeet Kaplish, Chief Conservator of Soils Mr. Mohinder Singh Saini, Chief Engineer (Mining and Drainage) S. Hardeep Singh Mendiratta, Chief Engineer (Canals) Mr. Sher Singh, MD PWRMDC Sh. Manoj Bansal, XEN (Soil and Water Conservation) Mr. GS Dhillon.

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*Punjab Labour Welfare Board Disburses Benefits Worth ₹17.11 Crore to 7,831 Industrial Workers: Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond*

*Minister Sond directs officials to intensify awareness drive for welfare schemes among industrial workers*

Chandigarh/SAS Nagar, April 23:Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare and upliftment of industrial workers, the Punjab Labour Welfare Board has disbursed financial assistance amounting to ₹17.11 crore to 7,831 beneficiaries under various welfare schemes during the last financial year.

Chairing a review meeting to assess the progress and ongoing activities of the Board, Punjab Labour Minister Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond emphasized the need to further strengthen outreach efforts. He directed officials to intensify awareness campaigns so that a larger number of eligible workers can benefit from the welfare schemes. The Minister stressed that lack of awareness often prevents workers from availing themselves of the assistance meant for their well-being.

Highlighting the scope of the schemes, the Minister stated that industrial workers employed in establishments covered under the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1965 are eligible to receive benefits provided by the Board. He added that these initiatives are designed to support workers and their families across various aspects of life, including health, education, and social security.

The schemes offered by the Board include financial assistance for medical treatment and general surgeries, ex-gratia grants, funeral expenses, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), maternity benefits, and support for workers with mental or physical disabilities. Additionally, workers can avail benefits under the shagun scheme, assistance for spectacles, dental care, and hearing aids, as well as stipend schemes for education and disability compensation.

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that welfare measures reach every eligible worker, thereby improving their quality of life and providing a safety net in times of need. He called upon officials to adopt proactive measures, including awareness camps and simplified application procedures, to maximize the reach and impact of these schemes.

The Punjab Government continues to prioritize labour welfare as a key component of its inclusive growth agenda, ensuring that industrial workers receive the support and dignity they deserve.

On this occasion, secretary labour department Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Labour commissioner cum Welfare Commissioner, Punjab Rajiv Kumar Gupta, member Baldev Balkhandi among several others were also present.

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*No Laxity Will Be Tolerated in Welfare of Ex-Servicemen: Mohinder Bhagat*

* Minister directs officials to prepare a comprehensive list of all pending cases pertaining to ex-servicemen

Chandigarh, April 23:Punjab Defence Services Welfare Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat today directed the officials of the Defence Services Welfare Department to prepare a detailed and comprehensive list of all pending cases related to ex-servicemen and their families.

Issuing strict directions to the officers, the Minister stated that no laxity in welfare-related works pertaining to ex-servicemen and their families will be tolerated. Mr. Bhagat emphasized that the status of each case must be clearly and accurately recorded in the list to ensure faster, more efficient and fully transparent disposal of pending matters.

He said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is fully committed to the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families and is taking all necessary steps in this direction.

The Minister added that recruitment against departmental vacancies and budget-related matters are being expedited on a priority basis. He further said that the Punjab Government holds deep respect and gratitude for ex-servicemen and the brave soldiers who have served and sacrificed their lives for the nation.

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt ends monopoly in textbook distribution, PSEB to supply books directly to private school students from 2026-27: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• PSEB launches direct distribution system with e-portal to ensure timely, transparent textbook access: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• Over 10 lakh students to benefit as 15% discount now passed directly to families, ensuring transparency & affordability: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• Schools barred from charging extra as Punjab Govt enforces strict norms in textbook distribution reform: Harjot Singh Bains*

CHANDIGARH; April 23:In a student-centric move aimed at reshaping school education delivery, the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has introduced a major reform in textbook distribution for private schools. From the 2026-27 academic session, the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) will directly supply books to every Class I to XII student studying in PSEB-affiliated private schools, effectively ending the long-standing monopoly of authorised agencies and bookshops.

Announcing the reform, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains underlined that the decision is designed to improve transparency, reduce costs for families, and ensure timely availability of textbooks without dependence on intermediaries. “Schools will strictly ensure that no amount beyond the discounted printed bill price is charged. They will only facilitate distribution without generating any revenue. This will benefit more than 10 lakh students of private schools,” stated Harjot Singh Bains, as he detailed the contours of the new system.

Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s focus on accessible and cost-effective education, the Education Minister highlighted that the 15% discount, which was earlier extended to book sellers, will now directly benefit students through schools. The move is expected to significantly ease the financial burden on families while bringing greater accountability into the system.

Elaborating on the operational framework, Minister Harjot Singh Bains informed that PSEB has developed a dedicated e-commerce portal to streamline the process. Students will be able to place textbook demands through a mobile application or the online portal, while schools will upload class-wise and subject-wise requirements digitally. “Each student will be provided with individual login credentials, enabling parents to place orders directly if required,” he added.

Chairman of PSEB, Dr. Amarpal Singh, stated that the portal has been integrated with a secure online payment gateway to ensure seamless, transparent, and efficient transactions. He noted that the system has been specifically designed to eliminate any scope for overcharging and to maintain complete transparency throughout the process.

He further explained that based on the orders received, PSEB’s regional offices will prepare textbook bundles for timely collection by schools and students. Schools will also be required to submit an undertaking confirming that no additional charges will be levied beyond the prescribed discounted price, ensuring strict compliance with the new policy.

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*BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL INAUGURATES CANAL-BASED LIFT IRRIGATION PROJECT AT VILLAGE OIND*

*RS.44.83-CR PROJECT TO PROVIDE CANAL WATER IRRIGATION TO 4,500 ACRES FOR THE FIRST TIME*

*Chandigarh/Sri Chamkaur Sahib, April 23:*With the objective of promoting farmers’ welfare and strengthening the agricultural sector, Punjab Cabinet Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal on Thursday inaugurated a lift irrigation scheme at village Oind. The project is expected to prove a significant milestone for villages in Sri Chamkaur Sahib tehsil that have so far remained deprived of canal water and where groundwater levels are continuously declining.

Addressing the inaugural function, the Cabinet Minister said that Sri Chamkaur Sahib is a historic town and despite the presence of major canals such as the Sirhind Canal and the Bhakra Main Line Canal passing through the region, several villages had not been receiving canal irrigation facilities. As a result, small farmers without motor connections were dependent on other landowners for water.

He said that keeping in view the long-pending demand of the people and the government’s target to bring maximum cultivable land under canal irrigation, this lift irrigation scheme has been designed and is being successfully implemented across the state. The initiative will also help farmers move towards self-reliance, he added.

Providing technical details, he informed that under this scheme, water will be lifted from the Samrala Minor system of the Bhakra Main Line Canal near village Oind and transported through a main riser pipe of about 900 mm diameter to a D-Tank proposed at village Gaggon. Thereafter, water supply will be ensured to surrounding villages through four separate distribution schemes.

Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal further informed that the project entails an expenditure of approximately Rs.44.83 crore and will provide canal irrigation to nearly 4,500 acres of agricultural land and Sri Chamkaur Sahib, Sallomajra, Gaggon, Gadhram Khurd, Gadhram Kalan, Pippalmajra, Rurki, Talapur, Dugri, Kotli, Kamalpur and Rampur Bet among other villages will benefit from the scheme.

The Cabinet Minister said, the project will not only enhance agricultural productivity but also increase farmers’ income, reiterating that the Punjab Government is committed to resolving farmers’ issues and will continue to implement such pro-people initiatives in the future.

MLA Sri Chamkaur Sahib Dr. Charanjit Singh expressed gratitude to the Cabinet Minister for this significant project. Addressing the gathering, he said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the government has fulfilled its promises to the people and ensured maximum outreach of welfare schemes.

Prominent amongst others who were present included Assistant Commissioner (G) cum SDM Sri Chamkaur Sahib Pradeep Singh Bains, DSP Manjit Singh Aulakh, SE Gagandeep Singh Gill, XEN Gursharan Singh Virk, SDO Kulwinder Singh, Prof. Birdavinder Singh Ballan, NP Rana, Sikandar Singh Saheri, Amandeep Singh Mangat, Harnek Singh Bhura, Jagdev Bhattoa, Amritpal Kaur Nagra, Jagtar Singh Gharuan and other senior officials and dignitaries.


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