*Young Adults Account for Highest Number of Cashless Cardiac Procedures as 135 Patients Receive Treatment Worth ₹2.71 Crore Under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna*
*Cost No Longer Determines Whether We Receive Treatment in Time: Manjeet Singh, Beneficiary*
*Ignoring Chest Pain Can Be Dangerous; Seek Medical Help Without Delay: Dr. Balbir Singh*
*Prevention & Early Intervention Remain Best Defence Against Heart Disease: Dr. Karandeep Singh Sayal, Consultant Cardiologist My Hospital (Mohali)*
CHANDIGARH, July 19:For weeks, 58-year-old Manjeet Singh of Fazilka district brushed aside the discomfort as nothing more than fatigue. But when the nagging pain in his chest began returning with alarming regularity, even a short walk left him uneasy. A medical examination revealed the cause: a blocked coronary artery that required immediate treatment. Within hours, he was in the catheterisation laboratory, where doctors performed an angioplasty and inserted a stent, restoring blood flow to his heart.
While Manjeet Singh’s case highlights the importance of timely treatment, official data also shows that cardiac conditions are affecting younger people in significant numbers. Under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, young adults aged 17 to 35 have accounted for the largest share of beneficiaries undergoing cashless cardiac procedures, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and access to specialised cardiac care for younger patients.
Heart disease rarely arrives without warning. More often, it announces itself quietly through persistent chest pain, breathlessness, unusual fatigue or pain radiating to the arms, jaw or back. Yet these symptoms are frequently ignored until they culminate in a medical emergency. Doctors say that recognising the warning signs early and seeking immediate treatment can significantly improve survival and reduce permanent damage to the heart.
The challenge is growing across India. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), cardiovascular disease has become the country’s leading cause of illness and death over the past three decades. Rapid urbanisation, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, tobacco use, diabetes and hypertension have all contributed to the rising burden. Although advances in cardiac care have improved survival, the cost of treatment continues to place lifesaving cardiac procedures beyond the reach of many families.
For patients like Manjeet Singh, however, the greatest obstacle was not medical; it was financial. Across Punjab, families facing similar emergencies are receiving prompt treatment under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, which covers the cost of eligible cardiac procedures. By removing the burden of hospital bills, the scheme is allowing patients to undergo treatment when they need it most, rather than delaying care because they cannot afford it.
The scheme’s impact is reflected in figures released by the State Health Agency (SHA), Punjab. As on 15 July 2026, 135 patients have undergone cashless cardiac procedures under the scheme, with treatment support amounting to ₹2.71 crore. The procedures included surgeries for congenital heart defects, valve disorders and other complex cardiac conditions. The figures underscore the growing demand for specialised cardiac care and highlight the importance of financial support in ensuring early access to lifesaving treatment.
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said heart disease remains one of the most serious public health challenges, but many deaths can be prevented through awareness, early diagnosis and prompt medical intervention. He urged people not to ignore persistent chest pain, breathlessness, unexplained fatigue or other warning signs, stressing that seeking medical attention without delay can save lives.
“No family should be forced to delay lifesaving heart treatment because of financial constraints. Through the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, we are ensuring that patients receive quality cardiac care at the right time without the burden of treatment costs. Early diagnosis and timely intervention save lives, and our commitment is to make such care accessible to every eligible family in Punjab,” said Minister Dr. Balbir Singh.
Dr. Karandeep Singh Sayal, Consultant Cardiologist and Head of the Department of Cardiology, My Hospital, Mohali (Indus Network Hospital), said, “Heart disease remains one of the country’s biggest health challenges. Congenital heart defects and other complex cardiac conditions continue to account for a significant share of procedures. However, timely diagnosis and treatment can save lives.”
Dr. Karandeep Singh Sayal added that financial protection encourages patients to seek treatment without delay, improving outcomes and recovery. “At the same time, prevention remains our strongest defence. A heart-healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity, blood pressure and diabetes control, along with routine heart check-ups, can significantly reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular disease,” Dr. Karandeep Singh Sayal said.
Today, Manjeet Singh is back with his family, grateful that a medical emergency did not become a financial one. His story is echoed by dozens of others across Punjab who have received timely cardiac treatment under the scheme. Manjeet Singh said, “The greatest reassurance is not merely that advanced medical care is available, but that the cost no longer determines whether we receive it in time.”
=============================================
*Our Elders, Our Pride: Mann Government Releases ₹1,423.33 Crore for Old-Age Pension, Says Dr. Baljit Kaur*
*Around 23.77 Lakh Senior Citizens Across Punjab Receiving Timely Financial Assistance*
*Minister Directs Officials to Ensure No Eligible Elder is Deprived of Old-Age Pension Benefits*
*₹4,000 Crore Earmarked to Safeguard the Dignity, Security and Well-being of Every Senior Citizen*
*Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann Reaffirms Commitment to Building a 'Rangla Punjab' Where Every Elder Lives with Dignity*
Chandigarh, July 19:Reaffirming the Punjab Government's unwavering commitment to ensuring dignity, financial security and a life of respect for senior citizens, Punjab's Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Government has released ₹1,423.33 crore under the Old-Age Pension Scheme during the current financial year 2026-27.
Sharing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said the Punjab Government firmly believes that senior citizens are the greatest strength of our families and the foundation of society. Ensuring their safety, financial security and a dignified life is one of the Government's foremost responsibilities. She informed that nearly 23.77 lakh senior citizens across the State are currently benefiting under the Old-Age Pension Scheme, making it one of Punjab's largest and most impactful social welfare initiatives.
The Cabinet Minister further informed that the State Government has earmarked ₹4,000 crore for the Old-Age Pension Scheme in the current financial year to ensure uninterrupted and timely financial assistance to all eligible beneficiaries.
Dr. Baljit Kaur directed all District Social Security Officers and other departmental officials to ensure that pension benefits reach every eligible senior citizen without delay. She instructed the officers to process fresh applications in a transparent and time-bound manner, resolve grievances promptly and make sustained efforts to ensure that no eligible elderly person is deprived of the benefits of the scheme due to lack of awareness or administrative delays.
Highlighting Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's vision, Dr. Baljit Kaur said the Government is working tirelessly to build a 'Rangla Punjab' where every senior citizen feels secure, respected and cared for. She added that the welfare of senior citizens remains one of the top priorities of the Mann Government, which is continuously strengthening the State's social security network.
The Minister clarified that permanent residents of Punjab are eligible to avail benefits under the Old-Age Pension Scheme subject to the prescribed conditions. Under the scheme, men aged 65 years or above and women aged 58 years or above are eligible, provided their annual income from all sources does not exceed ₹60,000. She appealed to all eligible senior citizens who have not yet enrolled under the scheme to contact the concerned authorities and avail themselves of this important social security benefit.
Reiterating the Government's commitment, Dr. Baljit Kaur said the Mann Government will continue implementing people-centric welfare schemes with dedication so that Punjab's senior citizens can spend their golden years with dignity, self-reliance and peace of mind.
==========================================
*PUNJAB’S DSR AREA GROWS 36% TO OVER 4 LAKH ACRES: GURMEET SINGH KHUDIAN*
*• Fazilka & Sri Muktsar Sahib top DSR chart at 1.55 lakh & 1.06 lakh acres respectively*
•*Agriculture Minister Khudian orders swift verification and disbursal of Rs1500 per acre DSR incentives*
Chandigarh, July 19:In a major boost to groundwater conservation, Punjab has recorded its highest adoption of Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) in recent years during 2026 Kharif season with over 4 lakh acres under the technique. The area marks a 36 per cent increase over last year, Agriculture Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said here on Sunday.
Sharing the final validation data, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that 31,478 registered farmers have adopted DSR across 4,00,433.26 acres this Kharif season, up from 2.94 lakh acres in 2025. With the state government providing an incentive of ₹1,500 per acre, the total payout to farmers is estimated at nearly ₹61 crore.
The Agriculture Minister said the 36 per cent jump, more than double last year’s 16 per cent, shows farmers now trust DSR as a sustainable alternative to conventional paddy transplantation. Every acre under DSR saves 15 to 20 per cent of irrigation water and called the farmer-led shift the state’s strongest defence against the groundwater crisis.
Fazilka has emerged as Punjab’s DSR capital with 1,55,422.77 acres under the technique by 12,063 farmers. It is followed by Sri Muktsar Sahib at 1,06,038.81 acres with 7,345 farmers, and Ferozepur with 38,088.59 acres covered by 1,929 farmers. Bathinda and Sangrur are also among the top five districts.
The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann, is extending continuous technical guidance and field-level support to ensure further expansion of the DSR area in the coming years,” he said, while directing the district-level officers to ensure prompt verification and disbursal of incentives. This is not just about incentives. It is about building a lasting culture of conservation in Punjab.
=============================================
*Bhagwant Mann Govt’s Sikhya Kranti Helps Punjab Students Start Their Own Businesses; Over 20,000 Student Ventures Generate ₹90 Crore in First Year*
*•Following Encouraging Results, Business Class to Be Expanded to All Undergraduate Degree Programmes Across Punjab*
*•Bhagwant Mann Govt’s Sikhya Kranti Is Creating Punjab’s Young Founders & CEOs From 1st Year of College*
*Punjab’s Sikhya Kranti Is Preparing Our Youth Not Just for Jobs of Tomorrow, but to Create Tomorrow’s Opportunities: Harjot Singh Bains*
CHANDIGARH, July 19:Punjab’s ‘Sikhya Kranti’ (education revolution) under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has delivered encouraging results through the Business Class programme introduced in Higher and Technical Education institutions across the state. Introduced as a mandatory subject for students pursuing B.Com., BBA, B.Tech. and B.Voc. courses, and students studying in ITIs and Polytechnics the programme covered nearly 95,000 students across Punjab during its first year. As part of the programme, 25,693 students started their own businesses, while 20,241 of these ventures have already generated nearly ₹90 crore in revenue.
On this achievement, Punjab Higher and Technical Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, “Punjab’s Business Class programme is redefining the purpose of education. Our objective is not merely to award degrees but to nurture a generation of young innovators, entrepreneurs and job creators. The fact that nearly 95,000 students have worked on their own business ideas and that more than 25,000 of them have started businesses, collectively generating nearly ₹90 crore in revenue within the very first year, demonstrates that when young people are provided with the right opportunities, they can build businesses, create employment and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.”
The Education Minister added, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab’s Sikhya Kranti is preparing our youth not just for the jobs of tomorrow, but to create tomorrow’s opportunities.”
The Business Class programme was launched with a clear vision of ensuring that Punjab’s youth do not merely aspire to secure jobs but become creators of employment and contributors to economic growth. The two-credit compulsory course was introduced during the Academic Session 2025-26 for students pursuing B.Com., BBA, B.Tech. and B.Voc. programmes across 20 universities, 494 colleges, 320 ITIs and 91 polytechnics, covering 925 Higher and Technical Education institutions across Punjab.
Unlike conventional education that remains confined to textbooks and examinations, Business Class equips students with practical entrepreneurial skills such as identifying business opportunities, customer discovery, market validation, business setup, digital presence, pricing strategies, customer acquisition, financial planning, communication and problem-solving. As a result, around 57,000 students, nearly 60% of all participants, actively engaged in practical business activities during the academic session itself.
The programme has encouraged students across Punjab to start businesses in a wide range of sectors, including e-commerce, bakery and food services, digital content creation, coding and professional services, graphic designing, fitness and wellness, retail, beauty and personal care, agriculture-based enterprises, handicrafts and several local service businesses. The impact of the initiative is visible across the state.
Sourav, a Computer Engineering student at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, started Mock, in Matcha, a Matcha beverage venture that has generated around ₹90,000 in revenue by selling at college festivals and events. The venture gained popularity because of its unique flavours and freshness.
Sharanveer Singh of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, Bathinda, developed Skillexus, a digital career guidance platform that has already attracted more than 2.5 lakh users, demonstrating how students are building scalable technology ventures through the programme.
Pankaj, a B.Com. student from Sant Baba Bhag Singh University, Jalandhar, launched Zaria Jewellery, an online artificial jewellery business through Instagram and YouTube, serving around 150 customers and generating approximately ₹30,000 in revenue.
Kamaljeet Singh of Government ITI, Patiala, established KML Mushroom, supplying button mushrooms to local markets and restaurants. His venture has generated nearly ₹1.5 lakh in revenue and developed its own brand packaging.
Gaganpreet Kaur Rangi from Government ITI (Women), Mohali, started Nail Studio by Gagan, a home-based nail art business that has expanded through Instagram and collaborations with local salons, earning around ₹55,000.
Ramandeep Singh of Government ITI, Mohali, launched Quality Electronic Store, an online electronics business that has developed its own website and expanded sales through social media outreach.
These examples demonstrate that the Business Class programme is creating entrepreneurial opportunities for young people across Punjab.
Encouraged by the response and the results achieved during the first year, Vice Chancellors of universities across Punjab have unanimously recommended expanding Business Class to all undergraduate degree programmes from the Academic Session 2026-27. While the programme was initially introduced for students pursuing B.Com., BBA, B.Tech. and B.Voc. courses, it will now be extended to students enrolled in BA, B.Sc. and other undergraduate degree programmes, enabling many more young people to acquire practical entrepreneurial skills alongside their regular education.
The success of Business Class is another significant achievement of Punjab’s ongoing Sikhya Kranti under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. By integrating entrepreneurship into higher education, the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government is equipping students with practical skills that enable them to start businesses while pursuing their studies and emerge as job creators in the years ahead.
“Punjab Government’s focus on entrepreneurship gave students like me the confidence to build. Skillexus is my attempt to turn that mindset into a digital career guidance ecosystem that helps students make informed career choices,” said Sharanveer Singh, B.Tech (Computer Science & Engineering), Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, Bathinda.
“Before the ‘Business Class’ program, I thought a job was the only option. This program changed my mindset and gave me the confidence to believe in my ideas. Today I don’t just look for a job, I’m motivated to build my own business and create opportunities for others,” said Gaganpreet Kaur Rangi, Govt ITI (Women), Mohali.
=============================================
*MANN GOVT MAKES PROPERTY REGISTRATION LANGUAGE EASIER FOR COMMON PEOPLE*
*35 COMPLEX TERMS USED FOR DECADES IN REVENUE DEPARTMENT REPLACED WITH SIMPLE PUNJABI WORDS*
*REVENUE MINISTER HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN DIRECTS OFFICIALS TO ENSURE USE OF NEW TERMINOLOGY FOR PUBLIC CONVENIENCE*
*Chandigarh, July 19:*The Punjab Government has taken a significant step towards simplifying the language used in property registration documents to make the process easier for the common people while buying or selling land and other properties. Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has decided to replace 35 complex terms that have been traditionally used in the Revenue Department with simple Punjabi words that are easy for the general public to understand.
Divulging further, Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that the government is committed to making public services simpler, more transparent and accessible to the people. He said that the complex language used in property registration documents often created difficulties for ordinary citizens. Keeping public convenience at the forefront, the Mann government has therefore decided to replace the old and difficult terms with simpler Punjabi words.
The Revenue Minister said that following the directions of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to simplify complex terminology used in the Revenue Department, the Department of Revenue and Rehabilitation had constituted a special committee. Based on the recommendations of this committee, it has now been decided to replace 35 old and complex terms used in property registration with 35 simpler Punjabi terms.
S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that the decision is part of the Punjab Government's people-centric approach under which the language used in official work is being made easier for ordinary citizens to understand. He said that the government aims to ensure that no citizen faces unnecessary difficulty in understanding documents related to their land or property.
The Revenue Minister said that a letter has been issued to the Inspector General of Registration and all Deputy Commissioners in the state along with a list of newly recommended terminology. He directed the field officers to give priority to ensuring the use of the new simplified terms in documents related to property registration for the convenience of the public.
*RECOMMENDED SIMPLE TERMINOLOGY TO REPLACE OLD TERMS*
Ujr replaced with Itiraz,
Ujrat replaced with Fees,
Arazi replaced with Zameen,
Sakin replaced with Vasneek,
Sakin Deh replaced with Pind Da Vasneek,
Hasab Zabta replaced with Kanoon Anusar,
Hiba replaced with Daan,
Kaifiyat replaced with Vishesh Kathan,
Ghair Majrua replaced with Anvaheya Khet,
Gareenda replaced with Lain Wala,
Zar replaced with Raqm,
Tabe replaced with Anusar/Mutabik/Adheen,
Takavi replaced with Kheti Karza,
Tarmeem replaced with Sodh/Darusti,
Tasabbur/Tasavvur replaced with Mann Laina,
Talbana replaced with Kharcha,
Deh replaced with Pind,
Dakhil Kharij replaced with Intkaal,
Fak-ul-Rahin replaced with Gehne Pai Sampatti Nu Chhadauna,
Faut replaced with Maut,
Fard replaced with Nakal Jamabandi,
Fareeq replaced with Dhir,
Fareeq Awwal replaced with Pehli Dhir,
Fareeq Doem replaced with Dooji Dhir,
Badastoor replaced with Pehlan Di Tarah,
Bainama replaced with Vikri Nama,
Bazariya replaced with Raheen,
Bayaa replaced with Vechhan Wala,
Makhsus replaced with Khaas,
Mushtarka replaced with Sanjha,
Muntqil replaced with Tabdeel,
Mazkoor replaced with Uparokat,
Mansookh Karna replaced with Radd Karna/Kharij Karna,
Mushtari Hoshiarbash replaced with Khareed-daar Chukanna Rahe,
Murtahin replaced with Zameen Gehne Lain Wala.
==============================================
MERI RASOI Ration kit Distribution crosses 30 Lakh mark
Ludhiana leads with distribution of over 3.44 Lakh Ration Kits, Patiala crosses 2.24 lakh mark & Amritsar third with 2.08 Lakh
Chandigarh, July 19:The Punjab Government has intensified its ongoing flagship ration kit distribution drive namely MERI RASOI to ensure nutritional security for vulnerable households, with nearly 30.48 lakh families already benefiting under the initiative. The drive aims to cover a total of 40.48 lakh eligible families across Punjab after every quarter i.e. 3 Months.
Guided by the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, the distribution under the flagship initiative is being carried out on mission mode.
Notably, each family would receive one ration kit which has been carefully designed to meet essential dietary needs of a household. It contains two kilograms of lentils, two kilograms of sugar, one kilogram of salt, 200 grams of turmeric powder, and one litre of mustard oil for monthly consumption. These food kits are being provided in addition to the wheat already being distributed to eligible beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act, 2013.
The ration kits are assembled by the Markfed while the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department oversees the distribution network across the State.
Out of the 30.48 Lakh ration kits distributed so far, Ludhiana accounts for maximum with 344427, Patiala at second spot with 224447, Amritsar third with 208073, Bathinda fourth with 190800, Jalandhar fifth with 169223 and Gurdaspur Sixth with 168880 Ration Kits.
As for the other districts Fazilka has seen distribution of 162163 Ration Kits, Sangrur 157009 Ration Kits, Hoshiarpur 149846, Tarn Taran 147049, Sri Muktsar Sahib 141122, Ferozepur 117865, Moga 115314, Mansa 98149, Kapurthala 84355, Fatehgarh Sahib 81700, Faridkot 81300, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar 79753, Pathankot 79363, Rupnagar 73625, Barnala 67927, Malerkotla 53804, and in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar 52002 ration kits stand distributed.
The objective is to supplement the staple grain with essential proteins, cooking oil, and spices, thereby improving overall nutritional intake for families covered under the scheme.
The distribution is being monitored to ensure transparency, prevent duplication, and guarantee last-mile delivery. District administrations, the Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, and local officials are coordinating to ensure the success of the novel measure.
The scheme stands testimony to the State Government's committment to ensuring that no eligible family is left without food security. By adding these ration kits to the existing NFSA wheat distribution, both hunger and nutrition issues are being addressed.
=======================================
*882 Punjab Govt School Students Crack NEET-UG 2026, Marking 100% Rise in 2 Years: Harjot Singh Bains*
*•“Our students prove it again”: EM Bains says NEET successes reflect impact of “Sikhya Kranti”*
CHANDIGARH, July 19:In a major boost to Punjab’s public education system, 882 students from government schools in the state have qualified the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026. The results were declared following a nationwide re-examination conducted after the cancellation of the original paper due to a leak.
Sharing the details, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains congratulated the NEET qualifiers and wished them success in the medical field. “Once again, students from our government schools have proven that quality education and hard-work go hand in hand. This year, 882 of our students have qualified NEET, reflecting the sustained impact of “Sikhya Kranti” and the dedication of our teachers,” he said.
The Education Minister said that the 2026 tally continues a strong upward trend for the state’s government schools. In 2024, 437 students qualified NEET, which rose to 847 in 2025. This year’s 882 qualifiers mark a cumulative increase of over 100 per cent since 2024, a gain achieved despite the disruption to the 2026 exam cycle caused by the paper leak and re-test.
Reaffirming Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to public education, S. Harjot Singh Bains emphasised, “Education is the most powerful tool to eradicate poverty and transform lives. The success of our government school students in NEET, even in a year marked by disruption, is a testament to what our children can achieve with the right support and environment.”
Among this year’s qualifiers is Prateek Kumar, a student of the School of Eminence, Sekhewal in Ludhiana, whose story embodies the impact of the state’s education reforms. The son of a private school teacher with a monthly income of Rs 16,000, Prateek scored 594 out of 720 in NEET-UG 2026. He prepared for the exam through free online classes and mock tests under Punjab School Education Department’s PACE programme for government school students. Prateek aspires to become an oncologist and serve cancer patients. His achievement demonstrates that with the right support, dedication and hard-work can overcome financial barriers.
“I always believed that education is the only way to change our family’s destiny. The Punjab Government’s free coaching and mock tests gave Prateek the wings. Today, when he has qualified NEET, it is the proudest and happiest day of our lives,” said Prateek’s father.
This NEET performance builds on wider gains. Earlier this year, Punjab emerged as India’s top-performing state in school education, surpassing Kerala and Delhi in the NITI Aayog Education Quality Report 2026. The Education Minister said the state government has provided structured mentorship and exam preparation. CM Bhagwant Mann led government remains committed to identifying and nurturing talent, while ensuring that every child has access to world-class education to realise their dreams.
======================================================
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Reviews Preparedness for National Badminton Championship Slated to Be Held in Jalandhar*
*National Badminton Championship Returning to Jalandhar After Nearly Four Decades Reflects Punjab’s Sporting Resurgence: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Announces ₹2.14 Crore for State-of-Art Indoor Badminton Hall at Historic Raizada Hansraj Stadium*
*Raizada Hansraj Stadium to Become Punjab’s First Venue With 10 Indoor Badminton Courts: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Our Govt Committed to Creating World-Class Sports Infrastructure & Nurturing Young Talent: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
JALANDHAR; 19th July 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday reviewed the preparedness for the Sub-Junior National Badminton Championship scheduled to be held at the historic Raizada Hansraj Stadium in Jalandhar in December this year. During his visit, the Chief Minister announced a special grant of ₹2.14 crore for the construction of a state-of-the-art indoor badminton hall, reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and promoting sporting excellence across the state.
During this, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that after nearly 44 years, the National Badminton Championship is returning to the historic Raizada Hansraj Stadium. “The championship for the Under-13 category will provide a major boost to badminton in Punjab and further strengthen the sporting culture in the state. The Punjab Government is committed to promoting sports to channelise the boundless energy of the youth in a positive direction,” he added.
The Chief Minister handed over the sanction cheque of ₹2.14 crore to Deputy Commissioner (DC) Jalandhar Varjeet Singh Walia and Secretary of the Punjab Badminton Association Ritin Khanna for the construction of the new indoor badminton hall. “It is the first time in nearly six decades that a sitting Chief Minister has visited this iconic stadium, which has produced several outstanding badminton players,” he noted.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The Public Works Department will execute this project, and the tender process will begin shortly. Construction is expected to commence in August. The existing four outdoor multipurpose courts will be converted into a world-class indoor badminton facility equipped with international-standard infrastructure.”
The Chief Minister said that once completed, the Raizada Hansraj Stadium will have a total of 10 indoor badminton courts, making it the only venue in Punjab with such a large indoor badminton complex and one of the premier badminton centres in North India.
He said, “This upgraded infrastructure will significantly strengthen Punjab’s capacity to host prestigious national and international badminton tournaments. The stadium has been selected to host the Sub-Junior National Badminton Championship in December this year, which will be the first National Badminton Championship to be organised here in nearly four decades.”
During his visit, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann interacted with players, coaches and sports officials and reviewed the existing sports infrastructure at the stadium. He assured the badminton fraternity that the Punjab Government would extend every possible support for the successful organisation of the championship and continue investing in the development of sports infrastructure across the state.
The Chief Minister said that Punjab has produced several legendary sportspersons and has shared a deep connection with sports for centuries.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our revered Sikh Gurus promoted not only spirituality but also physical fitness through sports. Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji established a Mall Akhara at Khadur Sahib and personally supervised wrestling and physical training, while Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib trained youth in horse riding and archery. Dashmesh Pita Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji mastered every form of sport and martial art of his time. Even today, Punjab proudly showcases its rich sporting traditions through the traditional games organised during Hola Mohalla at Sri Anandpur Sahib.”
The Chief Minister said, “The Punjab Government’s sustained investment in sports infrastructure and athlete development has already started yielding encouraging results, with several players from the state earning places at higher levels of competition.” He reiterated that the government will continue making every effort to promote sports and create world-class facilities for the youth of Punjab.