*SO FAR, OVER 1.32 LAKH PILGRIMS AVAIL BENEFITS OF MUKH MANTRI TEERTH YATRA YOJANA: HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN*
*97,041 DEVOTEES BENEFIT UNDER SECOND PHASE THROUGH 2,462 TRIPS ACROSS MAJOR CLUSTERS*
*UNDER FIRST PHASE, DEDICATED TO THE 550TH PARKASH PURB OF SRI GURU NANAK DEV JI, AROUND 35,500 PILGRIMS BENEFIT*
*Chandigarh, April 28:*Punjab Revenue Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian on Tuesday said that more than 1.32 lakh pilgrims have so far visited various sacred shrines under two phases of the Mukh Mantri Teerth Yatra Yojana, a flagship initiative of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government aimed at facilitating free pilgrimage for citizens and fulfilling their dreams of visiting religious places in their lives.
Sharing district-wise progress of the currently running second phase, the Cabinet Minister said that till April 27, 2026, Bathinda cluster recorded 1,179 trips benefiting 46,030 pilgrims, Mohali accounted for 533 trips with 21,104 pilgrims, Ludhiana saw 596 trips covering 23,747 pilgrims, while Amritsar cluster registered 154 trips benefiting 6,160 pilgrims. In total, 2,462 trips have been conducted, facilitating pilgrimage for 97,041 devotees across these clusters.
He further informed that during the first phase, which was dedicated to the 550th birth anniversary of First Guru, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and was launched on 27th November 2023, around 35,500 pilgrims were taken free of cost to major religious places including Sri Hazur Sahib (Nanded), Sri Patna Sahib (Bihar), Varanasi Temple, Mathura and Sri Vrindavan Dham (Uttar Pradesh), Ajmer Sharif Dargah (Rajasthan), Sri Anandpur Sahib, Sri Amritsar Sahib, Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo), Sri Salasar Dham, Sri Khatu Shyam Ji, Mata Chintpurni Ji, Mata Jwala Ji, Mata Naina Devi Ji and Mata Vaishno Devi Ji.
S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that the second phase of the scheme was launched in October 2025 in dedication to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. He added that the scheme is open to people of all castes, religions and regions, with eligibility for devotees aged 50 years and above. Under the second phase, pilgrims are being taken to prominent religious and heritage sites including Sri Harmandir Sahib, Sri Durgiana Temple, Bhagwan Sri Valmiki Tirath Sthal, Jallianwala Bagh, Partition Museum and several other sacred destinations.
Highlighting the facilities, the Cabinet Minister said that under both phases of the scheme, pilgrims were provided free travel and accommodation, meals, medical assistance and essential kits, with the entire expenditure borne by the State Government.
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*BARINDER GOYAL REVIEWS FLOOD PROTECTION ARRANGEMENTS AT RAVI RIVER EMBANKMENT NEAR BOP SHAHPUR*
*MANN GOVT SPENDING RS.600 CRORE ON FLOOD PREVENTION MEASURES: WATER RESOURCES MINISTER*
*STATE TO PROCURE ADVANCED AMPHIBIOUS MACHINES TO STRENGTHEN PRE-MONSOON FLOOD PREPAREDNESS: CABINET MINISTER*
*MLA DHALIWAL THANKS FOR TIMELY FLOOD PROTECTION WORKS*
*Chandigarh/Amritsar, April 28:*Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Goyal today reviewed the ongoing flood protection arrangements at the Dhussi embankment of the Ravi river near BOP Shahpur in district Amritsar. He was accompanied by MLA Ajnala S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal and Superintending Engineer Mr. Jagdish Raj, Executive Engineer Mr. Vishwapal Goyal and Sub-Divisional Officer S. Satnam Singh from the Water Resources Department.
Notably, the Dhussi embankment of the Ravi river near BOP Shahpur had suffered a breach during last year’s floods. After plugging the breach, the Water Resources Department is now reinforcing the embankment with stone pitching and an amount of Rs.4 crore is being spent on flood protection works at this site.
Speaking to the media, Sh. Barinder Goyal said that the Punjab Government is actively working to minimise damage caused by floods or heavy rains during the monsoon season and to safeguard lives and property. He informed that Rs.600 crore is being spent on flood prevention measures.
He further informed that after last year’s floods, the department constituted committees led by two Superintending Engineers for each of the four rivers. These committees identified 132 vulnerable points, where flood protection works are currently underway. Some works have already been completed while the remaining will be finished by June 30, 2026, he added.
The Cabinet Minister said that during the previous monsoon season, 23 breaches had occurred in the Dhussi embankment of the Ravi river. These have now been plugged and strengthened with stone pitching. In addition, desilting work in the river is being carried out on a war footing and will be completed before the monsoon season. Cleaning of the Sakki Nullah is also in progress along with other seasonal drains.
Sh. Goyal further stated that Chief Minister S Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is procuring advanced amphibious machines from Finland to strengthen flood prevention, relief infrastructure and cleaning of canals and drains. These machines are capable of operating both in water and on land and can perform deep desilting even in flowing water making them highly effective for preventive measures and emergency response. He said that these multi-purpose machines will play a crucial role in flood management and relief operations.
MLA Ajnala S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal thanked Water Resources Minister, saying that under his leadership the department is ensuring timely completion of flood protection works. He said that several villages in the Ajnala constituency had suffered during last year’s floods and the state government had extended full support to the affected people. He reiterated that all flood protection measures are being completed before the monsoon, adding that the Punjab Government is committed to safeguarding lives and property.
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Public Works Minister Reviews Road Construction Work
Cabinet Minister Directs Officials to Streamline Supply of Bitumen
Chandigarh, April 28-Punjab Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO today reviewed in detail the work being done by the department, as part of the Punjab government's efforts to improve the state's road network. The Cabinet Minister instructed officials to meet the set financial and physical targets.
During the meeting, Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO directed Public Works Department officials to achieve the road construction targets set by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Singh at all costs. He instructed them to complete the work before June 30, 2026.
He stated that the government has no shortage of funds for infrastructure projects and that the work should be completed within the stipulated time with full vigor.
He noted that the ongoing war in Gulf countries has caused a bitumen shortage, but department officials have made full preparations to address it. To overcome delays due to non-availability from Bathinda Refinery, officials have arranged supplies from Panipat, Mathura Refinery, or other sources.
Special Secretary (Public Works) Mrs. Hargunjit Kaur, Joint Secretary Mr. Amarbir Sidhu, Engineer-in-Chief Mr. Gagandeep Singh, Chief Engineer Mr. Anil Gupta, all Superintending Engineers, and Executive Engineers were present at the meeting.
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*Speaker Awarded Bharat Vibhusan Samman to Distinguished & Renowned Personalities*
Chandigarh 28 April 2026:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S Kultar Singh Sandhwan today awarded Bharat Vibhusan Samman 2026 in Punjab Vidhan Sabha to eminent and distinguished personalities related to different fields. Institute for Social Reforms and Higher Education Charitable Trust (ISRHE) has selected these renowned personalities for Bharat Vibhusan Samman 2026. In this function, Punjab Legislative Assembly Speaker S Kultar Singh Sandhwan was the chief guest.
He extended a warm welcome to the distinguished and conscientious citizens selected for this awards who have set unparalleled examples of service and dedication through their contributions across diversified fields. He expressed profound gratitude to all the members of the *Institute for Social Reforms and Higher Education Charitable Trust* for organizing this special ceremony, and also expressed his heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of the esteemed recipients of these honors.
It is a moment of immense pride and privilege for him to present the 'Bharat Vibhushan Samman 2026' to the most deserving torchbearers of excellence, he added.
Sharing this hallowed platform with such exceptional personalities—individuals being honored with a prestigious award like the 'Bharat Vibhushan Samman' is, truly, an inspiring moment for all of us, he said.
He said that this is not merely an awards distributing ceremony but it is a celebration of India's rich talent, unwavering dedication, and enduring excellence. Our revered Gurus have shown us the path of *'Sarbat da Bhala'*—the welfare of all.
Sharing more details he said that the personalities being honored today have made selfless service the ultimate purpose of their lives. The distinguished individuals being felicitated here today are not merely pioneers in their respective fields but they stand as pillars of inspiration for society at large. Being a part of education, science, art, literature, social service, industry, or any other field, all of you—through your tireless hard work, dedication, and foresight have brought great laurels to your society, your state, and your country.
Speaker Sandhwan stated that your achievements demonstrate that with true passion and commitment, no goal is impossible. You have not only attained personal success but have also made significant contributions to the development of both society and the nation.
Furthermore he extended his heartfelt congratulations to all the distinguished personalities associated with ISHRE, the organizers of today's ceremony for hosting such a successful event.
He expressed his gratitude for this commendable effort of this organization that seeks out talented individuals from various states and diverse backgrounds across the country, brings them together on a single platform, and further strengthens our spirit of "Unity in Diversity." He added that their collective efforts and success serve as a guiding beacon for future generations.
Moreover, he said that it is our great fortune that the nation is benefited from the selfless service of a socially conscious organization like ISHRE. This institution not only provides noble services to the most vulnerable segments of our society namely, women and children but is also wholly dedicated to recognizing and honoring those talented individuals who provide invaluable contributions across almost every sphere of society, including education, healthcare, animal welfare, technology, media, and literature. He hopes that members of ISHRE will continue to scale new heights of excellence in their respective fields and bring pride to the nation.
During the award ceremony, MLA Brahm Shankar Jimpa, MLA Inderjit Kaur Mann, MLA Inderbir Singh Nijjar, MLA Kulwant Singh Pandori and Swami Brahm Muni Ji, Visionary Spiritual Guru were present to grace the occasion.
Speaker Sandhwan also presented Lohi and memento to Spiritual Guru Brahm Muni Ji. Besides this, ISRHE presented a Lohi and Memento to Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha and Secretary Punjab Vidhan Sabha.
At the end, he once again extended his heartfelt congratulations to all the award winners and wished them a bright future.
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Increase in the procurement rate of Milk by Milkfed Punjab.
CHANDIGARH, April 28:The Punjab Government and Milkfed Punjab, under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble
Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, announced an increase in the milk
procurement price for farmers associated with Milkfed Punjab (brand Verka), effective
from 01.05.2026. This will increase the Milk Procurement price by Rs.20 per Kg Fat.
The decision aims to ensure better remuneration for dairy farmers, strengthen the rural
economy, and reinforce the cooperative dairy structure in the State.
Milkfed sources stated that as per the directions of Hon’ble Chief Minister, this move
has been taken by Milkfed to safeguard the interest of farmers and dairy producers,
who are the backbone of Punjab’s rural economy. The official sources highlighted that
2.5 lakh dairy farmers who are part of Milkfed family will immediately get the benefit of
increased payments.
This price enhancement will improve the economic viability of dairy farming and will
actually benefit all the approx. 30 lakh milk producers of Punjab, as all other companies
& Institutions which procure milk will have to increase their procurement rates so as to
match those of Milkfed’s.
Milkfed Punjab is North India’s leading Milk Cooperative with majority share in
packaged milk & milk products. Being the leader in the industry in this part of the
country, the raising of milk procurement prices by Milkfed will have a spiralling effect
and lead to additional infusion of Rs. 100 cr per month in Punjab’s rural economy.
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*Wheat Procurement by Government agencies crosses 100 Lakh Metric Tonnes in the shortest ever span of two weeks*
MSP payment of over Rs 22000 Crores made directly into accounts of farmers
Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak personally visiting mandis to take stock of procurement operations
Chandigarh, April 28:In a major milestone, the Wheat procurement by the Government agencies has crossed 100 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) today in the shortest ever span of two weeks. The arrivals of wheat had picked up on 14th April and till today, i e. during a span of 2 weeks, the Govt agencies have already procured 103.4 LMT.
The total arrival as of now stands at 107.26 Lakh MT out of which 104.29 LAKH MT stands procured.
Out of the procured Wheat, the various Government agencies have procured 103.4 Lakh MT while the traders have procured 90434 MT.
It is noteworthy that this record breaking milestone has been achieved by the Department in a span of just two weeks.
From amongst the Government agencies, PUNSUP has procured 23.99 Lakh MT, Markfed 26.98 Lakh MT, PUNGRAIN (DCP) 7.55 Lakh MT, FCI 2 Lakh MT, PUNGRAIN (NON DCP) 25.95 Lakh MT and PSWC 16.90 Lakh MT.
Lauding the efforts of the department in this regard, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak today said that the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stands fully committed to procure every single bale of Grain produced so laboriously by the farming community.
The Minister further stated that he has personally visited the mandis throughout the State to take stock of the procurement operations so as to make sure that no stone is left unturned in ensuring a hassle free procurement season. He has also held interactions with all the stakeholders i.e. Farmers, Arhtiyas and the Labourers to get a full 360 degree view of the procurement process and ascertain their suggestions besides redressal of grievances.
On the payments front, Minimum Support Price of over Rs 24000 Crores has been cleared out of which Rs. 22000 Crore has already been credited into the accounts of the farmers, while the remaining is in process and the payment percentage at 48 hours of procurement stands at 101 percent.
Notably, as part of the efforts for making the procurement season a success, foolproof arrangements have been made such as the operationalization of 1897 procurement centres and nearly 986 temporary yards