AS CM ANNOUNCES TO INCREASE SUGARCANE PRICE AT HRS 416 PER QUINTAL, PUNJAB CONTINUES TO LEAD THE COUNTRY BY GIVING HIGEST SUGARCANE PRICE

DEDICATES AS NEW SUGAR MILL AND CO-GENERATION PLANT AT DINANAGAR

LAUNCHES ‘FATEH’ SULPHURLESS SUGAR BEING PRODUCED BY THE STATE GOVERNMENT

Dinanagar, November 26:Continuing the tradition to give highest price to Sugarcane cultivators in the country Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced to increase sugarcane price of Rs 416 per quintal for the upcoming crushing season, reaffirming his government’s firm commitment to safeguarding the interests of farmers across the state.

Interacting with the media persons after inaugurating the New Sugar Mill and Co-Generation Plant at Dinanagar, the Chief Minister said that Punjab has become the first state in the country to fix such a high price for sugarcane, setting a benchmark at the national level. He said that Punjab will be giving the highest rate of sugarcane across the country thereby immensely benefitting its farmers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state has always led the country in maximum sugarcane price adding that today this tradition has been continued.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that this pro-farmer move will greatly benefit cultivators, especially those in the border districts where sugarcane is a key crop. Bhagwant Singh Mann added that sugarcane serves as an ideal alternative crop that can further strengthen the state’s crop diversification efforts. He urged the Union Government to recognize and promote sugarcane as a viable substitute for water-intensive crops.

Responding to media queries, the Chief Minister informed that he had dedicated the new Cooperative Sugar Mill at Gurdaspur, marking a landmark achievement in the state’s cooperative and agro-industrial sectors. He said that established in 1980 with an initial crushing capacity of 1,250 TCD and enhanced to 2,000 TCD in 1987, the mill has served as a vital support system for sugarcane growers for over four decades. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that with the region now producing nearly 80 lakh quintals of sugarcane, against the mill’s earlier capacity to crush only 25 lakh quintals per season, the Punjab Government undertook a major modernization project to address this gap.

The Chief Minister said that the new mill has an expanded crushing capacity of 5,000 TCD, ensuring timely and efficient processing of the area’s abundant sugarcane. He said that the new sugar complex will enhance processing capacity, boost farmer income, ensure efficient sugarcane utilization, improve sugar quality and reduce transportation burdens. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that it will also create a sustainable revenue source through power export besides direct and indirect employment to thousands in the region.

The Chief Minister said that this marks a significant step toward strengthening Punjab’s cooperative sector, advancing rural industry, and reinforcing the state government’s commitment to farmer prosperity and clean energy production. He said that a state-of-the-art Sulphurless Refined Sugar Plant has also been installed, capable of producing premium-grade sugar. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that another key highlight is the commissioning of a 28.5 MW Co-Generation Power Plant, designed to export 20 MW of surplus power to PSPCL.

The Chief Minister said that this power export is projected to generate approximately Rs 20 crore in annual revenue during each crushing season, significantly strengthening the mill’s financial stability. He envisioned that the expansion will directly benefit sugarcane growers across the region adding that the number of farmers supplying cane to the mill is expected to rise from 2,850 growers to nearly 7,025 growers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this will drastically reduce dependency on distant private mills and save farmers substantial transportation time and cost.

Responding to local demands, the Chief Minister announced that the long-pending demand for a Medical College in the area would soon be fulfilled, as the state government is making steady progress towards establishing Punjab as an educational hub in the medical field. He further revealed that the government has initiated the process to set up a Government College for Girls at Tarn Taran to empower young women with quality higher education opportunities. Additionally, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that work is underway to construct a new Over Bridge on the railway line at Jandiala Guru to improve connectivity and ease traffic flow.

Taking a dig at BJP leader Ashwani Sharma, the Chief Minister asked him to first ensure that Punjab receives Rs 1,600 crore announced by the Prime Minister as ‘Token Relief’ during the recent floods. He said that BJP leaders should prioritize securing Punjab’s due share and legitimate rights from the Centre instead of engaging in political blame games. Bhagwant Singh Mann categorically stated that as the custodian of the State’s rights, he will not tolerate any attempt to alter the status of Chandigarh or Punjab University.

The Chief Minister said that the process to appoint new doctors is in its final stages and they will soon be posted in border areas to strengthen healthcare services. He assured that the law and order situation in Gurdaspur district remains under control and that strict action will be taken against any activities that threaten peace and harmony. Highlighting the state government’s welfare initiatives, Bhagwant Singh Mann mentioned that Punjab is providing free electricity to domestic consumers adding that 90% of households the state are getting free power these days.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is all set to launch Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna under which Rs 10 lakh insurance cover will be ensured soon for citizens. He said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction has successfully closed 17 toll plazas across the state to reduce the burden on commuters. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that elaborate arrangements were made for procurement in mandis thereby ensuring a smooth and hassle free paddy procurement season for farmers this year.

Earlier, the Chief Minister also launched the consumer brand Fateh Sugar, unveiling one kg packs of Refined Sugar, Caster Sugar, and Icing Sugar, along with 5 gram sachets. He said that manufactured at the Batala Cooperative Sugar Mill, these sulphur-free products are expected to generate additional revenue and provide consumers with high-quality, premium sugar options.

On the ocassion Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak and Chairman Sugarfed Navdeep Singh Jeeda were present.

==========================================

CM STARTS PROCESS TO DISBURSE RS 377 CRORE COMPENSATION TO MORE THAN 30,000 FAMILIES WITH DAMAGED HOUSES

SLAMS CENTRE FOR METING OUT STEP MOTHERLY TREATMENT WITH THE STATE

SAYS FLOOD RELIEF PACKAGE TO THE STATE WAS ANOTHER ‘JUMLA’ WITH THE FLOOD RAVAGED PUNJABIS

REITERATES COMMITMENT OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO SAFEGUARD THE INTERESTS OF THE STATE

Dera Baba Nanak, November 26:In a healing touch to the flood affected people, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday launched the process of disbursement of compensation to more than 30,000 families whose houses were damaged during the recent floods.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the unprecedented floods had caused immense hardship to the people of Punjab and the pain suffered by affected families was beyond words. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that during his visits to the flood-hit areas, he had personally witnessed the suffering of the people. He said that the state government had assured the flood victims that they were firmly standing with every affected family in this hour of distress.

The Chief Minister also appreciated the tireless efforts of social and religious organizations and volunteers from Punjab and other states for their selfless service to humanity during the calamity. Lauding the indomitable spirit of Punjabis, he said that the state had once again demonstrated its ability to rise like a phoenix in case of adversity. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it was the bounden duty of any sensitive government to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people during difficult times and that his government would leave no stone unturned to support the flood-affected households.

The Chief Minister said the state government had already begun payment of enhanced compensation at the rate of Rs 20,000 per acre for crop loss suffered by farmers during the floods adding that it is the highest compensation given by any government in the country. He further said that the government was also rolling out a comprehensive rehabilitation package for house damage, under which Rs 1.20 lakh per fully damaged house is being provided to affected families. Bhagwant Singh Mann informed that out of nearly 30,000 houses reported damaged across Punjab during the floods, 8,056 houses pertain to Gurdaspur district alone.

The Chief Minister said that compensation amounting to Rs 377 crore is being distributed today to affected families, ensuring that they can rebuild their homes with dignity. He further explained that the state government has already released Rs 70,000 as the first instalment to each eligible household for house reconstruction, while the remaining amount is being disbursed in two additional installments so that work can progress smoothly. To further support reconstruction, Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that MGNREGA had been credited with the task of rebuilding the damaged houses, providing 90 days of wage employment to beneficiaries for construction of their own homes.

The Chief Minister clarified that these 90 days of employment are in addition to the grant of Rs 1.20 lakh for each fully damaged house, thereby ensuring both financial assistance and livelihood support for affected families. He said that despite the widespread damage caused by the floods, Punjab had contributed nearly 150 lakh tonnes of paddy to the national pool, once again fulfilling its responsibility as the food bowl of the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann pointed out that the state had suffered losses to the tune of around Rs 13,500 crore due to the floods and reiterated his strong demand that the Union government should immediately release the Rs 1,600 crore relief package that had been publicly announced earlier.

The Chief Minister said that withholding of the promised assistance amounted to yet another “jumla” with the people and slammed the government for step-motherly treatment being meted out to Punjab. He said that the anti-Punjab stance of the centre was reflective of desperate attempts being made by them to change the status of Chandigarh and Panjab University. Listing key pro-people decisions of his government, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state had successfully closed more than 17 toll plazas, resulting in a saving of nearly Rs 65 lakh per day for commuters across Punjab.

The Chief Minister added that canal water had reached many fields at the tail end of the state for the first time in around four decades. Likewise, he said that more than 58,000 government jobs had been provided to youth purely on merit without any corruption. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that farmers of the state are now receiving regular uninterrupted power supply for agricultural operations due to strenuous efforts of the state.

The Chief Minister said that his government firmly believes that education is the real panacea for all social and economic ills due to which his government had laid thrust on upgrading the school infrastructure. He mentioned that students from Punjab are increasingly clearing prestigious examinations such as IIT and JEE, reflecting the renewed focus on quality education in government institutions. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that only education, employment and empowerment could secure the future of the younger generation.

The Chief Minister underlined that strict action had been taken against drug peddlers, who are now facing the full force of the law adding that the state government has broken the backbone of drugs. He said the government was committed to freeing Punjab from the scourge of drugs and to ensuring that the youth were channelized towards education, sports and constructive activities. Announcing a major boost to sports infrastructure, Bhagwant Singh Mann declared that 23 model sports grounds would be developed specifically in the Dera Baba Nanak area, while a total of 194 modern sports grounds would be established across Gurdaspur district.

The Chief Minister said these state-of-the-art playgrounds would provide world-class facilities to budding sportspersons and help nurture sports culture at the grassroots level. In a significant step towards women’s empowerment and access to higher education, he announced the setting up of a new Government College for Girls at Dera Baba Nanak. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that classes in the college would commence from the coming academic session and that all necessary infrastructure and faculty arrangements would be put in place well in time.

The Chief Minister said that the new institution would enable girls from Dera Baba Nanak and nearby areas to pursue higher studies close to home in a safe and conducive environment. He also announced that the existing grain market (mandi) and the power grid located in densely populated parts of the town would be shifted to more suitable locations. Inviting people to be part of a historic spiritual occasion, Bhagwant Singh Mann urged devotees to visit Anandpur Sahib in large numbers during the ongoing commemorations of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib.

The Chief Minister said that, in a landmark decision, Amritsar (walled city around Sri Harmandir Sahib), Sri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo had been designated as “holy cities”, with special measures to preserve their sanctity and heritage. He said that senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party did not participate in the martyrdom day events at Anandpur Sahib adding that this has exposed their insensitivity towards Punjab’s rich spiritual and martyrdom legacy. Bhagwant Singh Mann also launched a sharp attack on the Shiromani Akali Dal, accusing its leadership of running politics on a narrow family-centric agenda and reminding that they had even fielded a relative of an alleged gangster during the Tarn Taran by-election.

The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to clean and transparent politics, public welfare and rule of law adding that people of Punjab were fully aware of the old political tactics of those who had looted and misled the state in the past. However, he said that the people of the state are now standing firmly with policies that ensure development, justice and dignity for every section of society. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Akali Dal’s agenda revolves only around four key points – “Mera Putt (Son), Mera Bhatija (Nephew), Mera Salla, Mera Jijja (Brother‑in‑laws)” and that they have no real programme for the public.

The Chief Minister said that the nephew has now joined another party, while the brother‑in‑law is behind bars for their sins. He added that the party even gave a ticket to a relative of a gangster in the Tarn Taran bypoll, who was badly rejected by the wise people of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the menace of drugs had spread its wings during the misrule of the Akalis and BJP.

On this occasion Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian and other dignitaries were present.

==========================================

*CM BATS FOR STRATEGIC TIE UP WITH JAPAN IN KEY SECTORS*

*SEEKS HUGE POTENTIAL IN SECTORS LIKE ADVANCED MANUFACTURING, MOBILITY, ELECTRONICS, FOOD PROCESSING AND OTHERS*

*KEY JAPANESE COMPANIES LAUDS PUNJAB GOVERNMENT FOR INDUSTRIAL FRIENDLY POLICIES*

Chandigarh, November 26:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday batted for strategic tie up with Japan in key sectors of advanced manufacturing, mobility, electronics, food processing, renewable energy, and global services.

The Chief Minister, accompanied by Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, virtually held a detailed deliberation with a high level delegation of Japan comprising representatives of the Embassy of Japan, JETRO, JCCII, and over 25 leading Japanese companies operating across India such as Panasonic, Sumitomo, Nippon, NEC, Toyota and others.

The interaction formed a key part of Punjab’s international outreach in the run-up to the 6th Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit scheduled from March 13-15, 2026 at the Indian School of Business (ISB), Mohali. Invest Punjab showcased the state’s economic landscape and the unique Invest Punjab unified regulatory model, which integrates powers of multiple departments under a single authority.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab is a land known for courage, resilience, hard work, entrepreneurship, creativity, and a strong sense of community. He said that Punjab has always played a major role in India’s development especially in making the country self reliant in food production. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that today Punjab is moving forward with a renewed vision to become a leading centre for modern industry, technology, and global collaboration.

The Chief Minister, in his keynote remarks, emphasized Punjab’s strong and growing ties with Japanese industry and extended a warm invitation to Japanese companies to be part of Punjab’s next phase of industrial transformation. He said that Punjab and Japan share values of trust, discipline, and long-term partnership which can be pivotal for state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Japanese companies in Punjab have already demonstrated strong success in the state.

The Chief Minister said that the goal of state government is to create new opportunities for our youth and a stable, reliable environment for investors. Recalling Punjab’s ties with Japanese industry, he said that these relations are already strong and growing adding that several well-known companies of Japan have placed their trust in Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said it is matter of immense pride and satisfaction that in automotive and manufacturing sector Punjab hosts Mazda, Sumitomo, SML Isuzu, Yanmar, Aichi Steel, and Gunma Seiko.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that in the packaging and industrial products, Toppan and Oji Holdings

have built a solid presence whereas in chemicals and paints, Kansai Nerolac and Nissan Chemical

operate successfully. Likewise, he said that in agriculture and machinery, Yanmar Agricultural Machinery and CLAAS India are valued partners adding that in retail and consumer products, Uniqlo has introduced Japanese quality to our people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in renewable energy, Mitsui & Co. is contributing to our green

vision adding that these partnerships reflect the confidence that Japanese investors place in Punjab’s stability, skills, and commitment to growth.

The Chief Minister said that to take this partnership to the next level, the Punjab government is showcasing Punjab’s industrial strengths, exploring new areas of collaboration, and deepening long-term engagement with Japanese industry. He said that Punjab today stands among India’s most business friendly states and the Government of India has recognised Punjab as a Top Achiever in the 2024 Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) rankings. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this achievement reflects focus of state government on ease of doing business, transparency, and responsive governance.

The Chief Minister said that this vision is simple and clear to make Punjab a preferred destination for global industry by offering stability in policy, speed in decision-making, and a governance system that respects the time and trust of investors. He said that Punjab’s approach is based on partnership and working closely with industry, by understanding their needs and ensure that government becomes an enabler of growth. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab strengthens its infrastructure, expands its industrial

capacity and opens new avenues for investment.

Extending red carpet welcome to Japanese companies to explore the new possibilities emerging in state, the Chief Minister said that future of Punjab is being shaped around

advanced manufacturing, mobility, electronics, food processing,

renewable energy, and global services. He said that these are the core areas where Japan’s strengths and Punjab’s aspirations align naturally adding he called upon the investors to join the state at the 6th

Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the summit will showcase Punjab’s progress, bring together leading industrial players, and present new opportunities for partnership and

collaboration.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab and Japan share values of trust, quality, and long-term commitment adding that state Government is fully dedicated to deepen this relationship. He said that these state government is committed to build a future of shared prosperity through strong economic and cultural ties. Thanking the investors, Bhagwant Singh Mann sought their fulsome support and cooperation for their continued engagement with Punjab.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora said that the FastTrack Punjab digital platform now delivers more than 200 Government-to-Business services with guaranteed approvals within 45 working days, backed by legally enforceable auto-deemed approvals. He underlined the coordinated reforms undertaken across Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion, Power, and NRI Affairs to ensure world-class facilitation for investors. The Minister highlighted that Punjab has attracted more than Rs 1.39 lakh crore in industrial investments generating employment of 5.09 lakh jobs adding that state is further strengthening its power infrastructure with an outlay of Rs 5,000 crore to support future industrial and renewable energy needs.

Meanwhile, Japanese and Indo-Japanese industry leaders, including senior representatives from Yanmar Holdings and TTC Group, shared their experiences of operating in Punjab, highlighting the quality of human capital, supportive policy ecosystem, and seamless facilitation by Invest Punjab. JETRO and Embassy officials appreciated the proactive outreach of Punjab and discussed avenues for deeper collaboration through industry delegations, B2B matchmaking, SME partnerships, and potential sector-specific cooperation in areas such as manufacturing, logistics, renewable energy, digital transformation, and agri-technology.

---------