Governor Prorogues 10th (Special) Session of 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha

Chandigarh 18 December 2025:The Punjab Legislative Assembly, which was adjourned sine-die at the conclusion of its sitting held on the 24th November, 2025, has been prorogued by an order of the Governor of Punjab, dated the 17th December, 2025.

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*Punjab Attracts ₹500 Crore R&D Investment from Amber Group at Rajpura*

*1,000 High-End Jobs to Be Created in Advanced HVAC Design & Engineering*

Chandigarh, 18 December 2025:Punjab continues to emerge as a preferred destination for advanced manufacturing and innovation, with Amber Group of Industries announcing a major expansion through the establishment of a state-of-the-art Research & Development Centre at Rajpura, involving an investment of ₹500 crore.

Welcoming the investment, Cabinet Minister for Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion, Power and NRI Affairs, Punjab, Shri Sanjeev Arora, said:

“The decision of Amber Group to set up a large-scale R&D Centre at Rajpura with an investment of ₹500 crore is a strong endorsement of Punjab’s progressive industrial policies, skilled manpower and investor-friendly ecosystem. This project will create around 1,000 high-quality, well-paid jobs and significantly strengthen Punjab’s position in advanced engineering and product design.”Amber Group of Industries is a leading diversified manufacturing conglomerate with 33 manufacturing facilities and 12 sales offices in India and overseas, having an annual revenue of around ₹10,000 crore and a market capitalisation of approximately ₹27,000 crore. The Group operates across key sectors including PCBs, air conditioners, power electronics, HVAC systems, railways, defence, buses and precision cooling solutions for critical infrastructure.

Highlighting Punjab’s growing role in innovation-led manufacturing, the Minister added:

“This new R&D facility will focus on designing, validation and testing of next-generation HVAC products for both domestic and export markets. It aligns perfectly with Punjab’s vision of moving beyond manufacturing to become a hub for high-end research, design and global exports.”

Shri Jasbir Singh, CEO of Amber Enterprises India Ltd., said:

“Punjab offers a strong combination of skilled talent, robust industrial infrastructure and a responsive policy framework. Our decision to expand our R&D footprint at Rajpura with an investment of ₹500 crore in two phases reflects our long-term commitment to innovation-led growth in India. The upcoming R&D Centre will focus on advanced design, validation and testing of HVAC solutions for both domestic and global markets, while creating around 1,000 high-value engineering and technical jobs. We look forward to working closely with the Government of Punjab as we strengthen India’s position in the global HVAC value chain.”Amber Group already has an established presence in Rajpura, where it operates a sheet metal manufacturing facility catering to multiple components along with an existing R&D Centre. The upcoming facility will further expand its innovation footprint in the state.

The Minister also noted that Amber Group provides solutions for air conditioners and components for several leading global brands, including Daikin, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Hitachi, Fujitsu General, LG and Samsung, Voltas , Godrej etc underlining Punjab’s integration with global value chains.

“Such investments reinforce confidence in Punjab as a reliable partner for global OEMs and demonstrate the success of our continuous reforms aimed at ease of doing business, fast approvals and investor facilitation,” Shri Arora said.The Government of Punjab, he added, remains committed to providing full support to Amber Group and other investors through proactive facilitation, infrastructure development and policy stability.

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YEAR-ENDER - WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION_

OVER RS.2900-CR INVESTMENT BOOSTS WATER AND SANITATION INFRA IN PUNJAB: HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN

*100 PERCENT RURAL TAP WATER COVERAGE BENEFITING OVER 34 LAKH FAMILIES*

*15 SURFACE WATER PROJECTS TO SERVE 1,706 VILLAGES ACROSS QUALITY-AFFECTED BELTS*

*205 RURAL WATER SUPPLY SCHEMES COMPLETED*

*RS.160-CR PROJECT TO UPGRADE 144 WATER SUPPLY SCHEMES*

*RS.140-CR INVESTMENT FOR WATER AND SEWERAGE UPGRADATION IN SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB*

*IOT-BASED MONITORING IMPLEMENTED IN 346 SCHEMES COVERING 897 VILLAGES*

*THREE-TIER NABL-ACCREDITED LAB NETWORK STRENGTHENS WATER QUALITY MONITORING*

*PUNJAB MOVING TOWARDS ODF PLUS (MODEL) STATUS BY MARCH 31, 2026*

*MANN GOVT SCALES UP RURAL WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION INFRA ACROSS PUNJAB*

Chandigarh, December 18:Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian informed that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Government has channelled investment of over Rs.2,900 crore towards strengthening water supply and sanitation infrastructure across Punjab. He said this sustained financial push has accelerated completion of major projects, expanded technology adoption and reinforced water quality and sanitation systems, with the direct outcome of improving daily lives in rural and semi-urban areas. He said that with 100 percent coverage, over 34 lakh families are currently receiving safe and potable drinking water in the state. The Minister informed that for FY 2025-26, the annual implementation plan of Rs.2,190.80 crore, in rural sanitation sector, has been approved for rural development in the state.

The Cabinet Minister said that Punjab has already achieved the target of providing Functional Household Tap Connections to every household in rural areas, emerging as the fifth state in the country to attain this milestone. He said that focused attention was given to water quality-affected regions through 15 major surface water supply projects covering 1,706 villages. Of these, four projects have already been commissioned, while 11 are nearing completion. These projects will collectively benefit nearly 25 lakh rural households by ensuring dependable surface water supply, he added.

During the current financial year, the Water Supply and Sanitation Minister said, 205 rural water supply schemes were completed at a cost of Rs.278.37 crore, benefiting around 2.33 lakh rural residents by improving access, pressure and reliability of drinking water supply.

He said that a project involving 144 water supply schemes covering 176 villages has been approved at a cost of Rs.160 crore and is scheduled for completion by 2026-27. The project will benefit about 3.04 lakh rural residents. In addition, a proposal for up-gradation of 98 schemes covering 127 villages in 19 districts, with an estimated cost of Rs.105 crore, is under approval.

The Cabinet Minister said that the foundation stone for up-gradation of water supply and sewerage works in the historic city of Sri Muktsar Sahib has been laid by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann recently with an investment of Rs.140 crore, further strengthening coordinated infrastructure planning across urban and rural areas.

He informed that technology-led governance remained a key focus area during the year. An IoT-based automation and monitoring system has been implemented in 346 water supply schemes covering 897 villages. These schemes are linked to a web and mobile app-based dashboard that tracks operational parameters in real time, enabling faster response and improved service delivery.

Besides this, the Cabinet Minister said, a strong institutional framework for water quality monitoring has been put in place through a three-tier network of laboratories comprising one state-level, seven regional-level, 17 district-level and seven block-level laboratories. All laboratories are NABL accredited for chemical testing, while seven laboratories are also equipped for bacteriological analysis.

The department is strengthening bacteriological facilities at these laboratories and establishing similar sections in 17 district-level laboratories at a cost of about Rs.11.42 crore, with completion targeted by FY 2025-26. Infrastructure development and equipment installation have already been completed in seven laboratories, he added.

S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that focused mitigation measures have been undertaken in villages affected by heavy metals in groundwater. Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants have been installed in 10 villages affected by sulphate, nitrate and selenium at a cost of Rs.54.33 lakh. Community Water Purification Plants in 23 uranium-affected villages, costing Rs.5.91 crore, are under execution and are expected to be completed by February 2026.

`He said that administrative approval has been granted for Arsenic-cum-Iron Removal Plants in 32 arsenic-affected villages at a cost of Rs.9.77 crore, with the tender process underway. Community Water Purification Plants have also been installed in four fluoride-affected villages at a cost of Rs.38.69 lakh, while similar works in two arsenic-affected villages costing Rs.18.60 lakh are scheduled for completion by December 2025. A Uranium Removal Plant has been installed at village Ranbirpura in Patiala district under CSR support.

The Water Supply and Sanitation Minister said that in the rural sanitation sector, 1598 community sanitary complexes have been constructed across the state and work on 580 additional complexes is ongoing. During the current financial year, 6606 households were provided with toilets, while construction of 12,967 household toilets is in progress.

Twenty biogas plants have been established at district-level gaushalas, with three more planned in Malerkotla, Gurdaspur and Sri Muktsar Sahib by 2025-26. Solid waste management initiatives have gathered pace with completion of 28 block-level plastic waste management units and 22 more units are under progress. During FY 2025-26, 77 additional units are planned to be installed in villages to manage dry/plastic waste generated in rural areas.

S. Hardeep Singh Mundian categorically said that after achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, the state of Punjab is now progressing towards achieving ODF Plus (Model) status for all villages by March 31, 2026. So far, 2250 villages have adopted scientific wastewater management models, while work is ongoing in 1812 villages. Similarly, screening-cum-desilting chambers have been constructed in 8747 villages and compost pits for solid waste management have been completed in 4,260 villages.

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Year Ender 2025 : Tourism and Cultural Affairs

350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Eternally Etched in Memory: Tarunpreet Singh Sond

• Punjab Government launched world-class projects for the holistic development of Sri Anandpur Sahib

• Rs 20 crore spent on the memorial of Bhai Jaita Ji and Rs 18 crore to be spent on construction of the Virasti Marg

• Significant steps taken to promote Punjab’s culture, traditional sports and tourism

Chandigarh, December 18:The Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Punjab, was entrusted with the responsibility of acting as the nodal department for organizing events dedicated to the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji during the year 2025. The Minister for Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, said that the events organized in connection with the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji will remain forever etched in the memory of the devotees. He stated that during 2025, with the blessings of Guru Sahib and under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the successful events organized by the Punjab Government were widely appreciated by devotees across the world.

He informed that Light and Sound shows depicting the life of Guru Sahib were organized in all districts. In addition, a drone show held at Sri Anandpur Sahib from November 20 to 29 attracted the attention of devotees worldwide. From November 23 to 25, devotees from across the globe paid obeisance at Sri Anandpur Sahib, and appreciated the arrangements made by the state government, including the tent city, shuttle bus service, media center, and religious and social programs.

Sond further said that the series of events related to Guru Sahib commenced on October 25 from Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi. Thereafter, besides Light and Sound shows, various religious and educational programs were organized in different districts. On November 18, a Kirtan Darbar was organized in Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir), followed by a Nagar Kirtan on November 19. Nagar Kirtans were also organized from Talwandi Sabo, Faridkot, and Gurdaspur. All four Nagar Kirtans culminated at Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22.

He stated that during 2025, the Punjab Government also initiated major works for the comprehensive development of Sri Anandpur Sahib, the sacred land associated with Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. At Sri Anandpur Sahib, five galleries depicting history and dedicated to humanity have been inaugurated at the memorial of Bhai Jaita Ji. The total area of this memorial is 5 acres, out of which the covered area is approximately 2 acres, with a construction area of 3,200 square feet.

The memorial has been completed in two phases. In the first phase, the construction of the building was completed and dedicated in February 2024. In the second phase, dedicated to the public by the Chief Minister in September, five galleries depicting the lives of Guru Sahib and Bhai Jaita Ji have been established within both wings of the building. The first phase involved an expenditure of Rs 17 crore, while the second phase cost Rs 3 crore. At Virasat-e-Khalsa, an exhibition gallery related to the Ninth Guru was also inaugurated by the Chief Minister on November 23.

Sond added that the road leading to the Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, is being developed as a Virasti Marg with white marble. The total cost of this project will be Rs 18 crore. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann laid the foundation stone of this project on October 5, and it is expected to be completed within about 10 months. He said that white marble will be laid along the 580 meter stretch from the main road to Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, and a total of six entrance gates will be constructed.

The Minister said that apart from these major events and projects, the Tourism Department organized Dheeyan Di Lohri in Khanna at the beginning of 2025. Such events play a special role in ensuring equal rights for newborn girls in society and in further improving the state’s sex ratio.

He further informed that important administrative decisions were taken this year for the restoration and conservation of Jahaz Haveli in Fatehgarh Sahib. The Punjab Government initiated the restoration of the historic residence of Diwan Todar Mal, Jahaz Haveli, in Fatehgarh Sahib, thereby taking a significant step toward preserving Sikh heritage. Diwan Todar Mal, who had purchased land for the cremation of Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh, Baba Fateh Singh, and Mata Gujri Ji after their martyrdom, is being honored through the restoration of his haveli to its original form. The work is being carried out under the supervision of the Diwan Todar Mal Heritage Foundation, Punjab.

In addition, to promote Punjab’s culture and preserve the grandeur of traditional sports, a two-day state-level Basant Mela was organized in Ferozepur. One of Punjab’s most prominent sporting events, the Kila Raipur Rural Olympics, was inaugurated by the Minister for Tourism and Cultural Affairs himself. The Patiala Heritage Festival was organized from February 13 to 16, featuring a variety of attractive programs such as a heritage walk, food festival, musical evenings, aero show, nature walk, flower exhibition, and fashion walk.

Concluding, Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that the Punjab Government will continue to work with greater dedication, sincerity, and commitment during 2026 to develop tourism in the state to world-class standards and to promote culture, traditional sports, and festivals.

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Punjab Government Releases ₹12.44 Crore for Beneficiaries from Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections under Ashirwad Scheme: Dr. Baljit Kaur

2,440 Beneficiaries across 15 Districts to Benefit

₹51,000 Financial Assistance Provided under Ashirwad Scheme

Chandigarh, December 18:Punjab’s Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today informed that the Punjab Government has released an amount of ₹12.44 crore under the Ashirwad Scheme during the current financial year 2025–26 for the benefit of 2,440 beneficiaries belonging to Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections.

Providing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that applications from eligible beneficiaries were received through the Ashirwad Portal from 15 districts, including Amritsar, Barnala, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Mansa, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Patiala, Pathankot, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar, Sangrur and Malerkotla. To cover these 2,440 beneficiaries, a total amount of ₹12.44 crore has been released.

She further stated that under this assistance, 657 beneficiaries from Amritsar, 7 from Barnala, 44 from Bathinda, 124 from Ferozepur, 509 from Gurdaspur, 79 from Hoshiarpur and 92 from Jalandhar have been covered.

Similarly, 143 beneficiaries from Mansa, 70 from Sri Muktsar Sahib, 42 from Patiala, 290 from Pathankot, 35 from Rupnagar, 13 from SAS Nagar, 50 from Sangrur and 285 from Malerkotla have also been provided benefits under the scheme.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the Ashirwad Scheme, the Punjab Government provides financial assistance of ₹51,000 for the marriage of girls belonging to low-income families.

She added that to avail the benefits of the scheme, the applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab, belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family, and fall under Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes or other Economically Weaker Sections. The total annual family income from all sources should be less than ₹32,790, and up to two daughters per eligible family can avail benefits under the scheme.

The Cabinet Minister further informed that the financial assistance is transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts through DBT. She emphasized that the Punjab Government is working at a fast pace to raise the standard of living of people from all sections of society and to strengthen them economically.

Dr. Baljit Kaur also stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government remains fully committed not only to the welfare of all sections but is also continuously working for the upliftment of Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections.

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Vigilance Bureau nabs Patwari red handed accepting a bribe of Rs. 8000/-

Chandigarh, 18 December 2025:Continuing its relentless drive against corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau today arrested Ram Singh Patwari posted at patwar circle Badala, tehsil Dasuya, district Hoshiarpur red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs. 8000/- from complainant for executing the mutation of the complainant's ancestral land situated at village Badala, tehsil Dasuya, district Hoshiarpur.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of Vigilance Bureau Punjab said that the complainant resident of chintpurni road Hoshiarpur, reported that after the death of his father, an application for mutation of the ancestral property situated at village Badla, tehsil Dasuya, was submitted at Sewa Kendra, Dasuya.

He further said that the accused Patwari informed the complainant that the official fee was Rs. 1,200/-. However, he subsequently demanded an illegal gratification of Rs. 8.000/-for executing the mutation. The complainant recorded the conversation.

Acting on complainant information, the Vigilance Bureau got a recorded complainant statement at VB Unit Jalandhar. After verifying the allegations, VB laid a trap and apprehended the accused red handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 8000/- from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.

A case under the relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused at the Police Station Vigilance Bureau, Range Jalandhar. The accused will be produced in competent court tomorrow, and further investigation is underway.

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**16th Meeting of the Punjab State Road Safety Council Held under the Chairmanship of Laljit Singh Bhullar**

**Council Decides to Release Funds of 66 Lakhs for the Modernization of 5 Trauma Care Centers**

**Decision Taken to Provide 415 Smart Phone Police Units for Effective Implementation of the E-DAR Project**

**35 ALS Ambulances to be Funded with Rs. 14 Crore Until March 31, 2026**

**Chandigarh, December 18:**The 16th meeting of the Punjab State Road Safety Council was held under the chairmanship of Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar. During the meeting, the council decided to release funds of 66 lakh rupees for the modernization of 5 trauma care centers. The council also decided to allocate 415 Smart Phone units to the Police Department for the effective implementation of the E-DAR project. Additionally, the council approved a fund of 14 crore rupees for 35 ALS ambulances, which will be disbursed until March 31, 2026.

The meeting, which took place at Punjab Bhawan in Chandigarh, also discussed in detail the E-DAR project, rectification of black spots, and other related issues. The meeting also included discussions on awards for Good Samaritans under Punjab and Government of India schemes, benefits for individuals affected by hit-and-run incidents, free medical treatment for road accident victims, and the "Frishte Scheme."

Furthermore, the meeting directed the purchase of electronic equipment, interceptors, recovery vans, and alco-meters to be expedited in order to improve enforcement operations.

Additionally, the council decided to release 66 lakh rupees for the modernization of 5 trauma care centers and to provide funds for 35 ALS ambulances worth 14 crore rupees until March 31, 2026.

To prevent serious accidents during the fog season, the council also decided that road-owning agencies must complete work on white lanes, reflective tapes, and road marking lights within a week. If required, the related Deputy Commissioners will release up to one lakh rupees from the existing Road Safety Fund.

The meeting also decided that during the fog season, if an accident occurs due to lack of lights or other safety measures, the Chief Engineer of the concerned road will be held personally responsible.

The council further decided that to better implement the Hit and Run scheme, orientation/training programs will be conducted in the main district headquarters over the next two months, so that affected individuals can benefit from the scheme.

In preparation for the National Road Safety Month 2026, the council directed departments such as Traffic Police, Transport, Health, and various NGOs to ramp up efforts. These programs will take place throughout the month of January.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Varun Roopam, IAS, Administrative Secretary of Transport, Mr. R. Venkataratnam, IAS (Retd.), Director General Lead Agency on Road Safety, Punjab, Mr. A.S. Rai, Special DG Traffic, Mrs. Praneet Shergill, IAS, State Transport Commissioner, Punjab, Joint Secretaries of Road Safety, Chief Engineer of Local Government, NH, Health Department, Education Department, and representatives from the Public Works Department.