*DR BALBIR SINGH HANDS OVER APPOINTMENT LETTERS TO 11 CANDIDATES ON COMPASSIONATE GROUNDS IN HEALTH DEPARTMENT*

*— Health Minister wishes them success and exhorts them to discharge duties with utmost dedication, compassion, and commitment towards public service*

*— CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government resolute on standing firmly by families of deceased employees: Dr Balbir Singh*

*— Health Minister lends sympathetic ear to grievances of different unions*

CHANDIGARH, November 10:Reaffirming the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government's commitment to support the families of deceased government personnel, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh handed over appointment letters to 11 candidates on compassionate grounds across various cadres in the Department of Health and Family Welfare, at his office here on Tuesday.

The newly inducted candidates include five Clerks, three Peons, two Ward Attendants, and one Medical Laboratory Technician Grade-2. Among those appointed to clerical posts are Prathamdeep Singh, Renu Bala, Ritu, Divjot, and Kamaljit Kaur. Gagandeep Kaur received appointment as Medical Laboratory Technician Grade-2, while Madhu, Sahil, and Hargurlal Singh were appointed as Peons, and Anuj Thakur and Jatinder Kaur as Ward Attendants.

Extending heartiest congratulations to the newly appointed candidates, Dr Balbir Singh exhorted them to dedicate themselves to their roles, working tirelessly with utmost professionalism, honesty, and empathy towards the public.

Emphasising that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the families of government employees who lost their lives during service, the Health Minister stated that while the loss of a family member is irreparable, providing timely government employment on compassionate grounds offers vital financial stability, security, and a respectable livelihood to grieving families.

The Health Minister stated that the induction of these candidates across district civil surgeon offices, community health centres, and primary health centres will further bolster administrative and grassroots healthcare delivery.

Wishing the candidates a bright and fulfilling career ahead, Dr Balbir Singh urged them to discharge their official responsibilities with compassion and dedication, ensuring that visiting patients and citizens in government healthcare institutions receive prompt and hassle-free assistance.

Later, the Health Minister chaired a meeting with different unions to understand their grievances. Unions including Berozgar Ayurvedic D. Pharmacy Upvaid Union, Punjab; Corona Yodhe Darja-4, Patiala; Para Medical Sehat Mulajam Sangharash Committee Punjab; Corona Yodhe, Rajindra Hospital, Patiala; and Punjab Chemists Association (Regd.) attended the meeting. The union leaders expressed satisfaction that the Health Minister has lent a sympathetic ear to their grievances.

Meanwhile, Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul, Director Health Services Dr Anil Goel, Director Health Services (Family Welfare) Dr Aditi Salaria, Director Research and Medical Education Dr Avnish Kumar, and Director National Health Mission Dr Balwinder Kaur were among others who were present on the occasion.

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt’s Historic Push For Canal Irrigation With 2 Major Projects To Take Water To Over 90,000 Acres: Barinder Goyal*

*Bhagwant Mann Govt Approves ₹64.11 Crore Project To Strengthen 1-R Distributary, Benefit 69,967 Acres: Barinder Goyal*

*Kapuri Lift Irrigation Scheme Worth ₹36.54 Crore To Provide Canal Water To 20,719 Acres Across 20 Villages For First Time: Barinder Goyal*

*Bhagwant Mann Govt Increases Water Allowance From 2.04 To 3.05 Cusecs Per 1,000 Acres To Ensure Fuller Utilisation Of Canal Water: Barinder Goyal*

*₹7,500 Crore Invested In Strengthening Canal Irrigation Network; 14,000 Km Of Watercourses Constructed & Over 19,000 Restored: Barinder Goyal*

*₹7,500 Crore Invested To Strengthen Punjab’s Canal Irrigation Network: Barinder Goyal*

*Chandigarh, 10th November:*Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Tuesday announced two major canal irrigation initiatives worth a combined ₹100.65 crore to provide assured surface-water irrigation to over 90,000 acres of agricultural land, reduce farmers’ dependence on groundwater and strengthen Punjab’s irrigation infrastructure. The initiatives include a ₹64.11 crore concrete lining project for the 1-R Distributary System and a ₹36.54 crore Kapuri Lift Irrigation Scheme, which will bring canal water to 20,719 acres across 20 villages in Patiala district for the first time.

Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said, “The Bhagwant Mann Government has prioritised the restoration, modernisation and expansion of the canal irrigation network to ensure reliable water supply to farmers while addressing the critical challenge of groundwater depletion. The farmers of Punjab have been feeding the nation for decades. Our responsibility is to ensure that they receive assured water for their fields. The Mann Government is restoring the canal network and taking surface water to areas which have remained dependent on groundwater for generations.”

The Water Resources Minister said the Government has approved the 1-R Distributary System Concrete Lining Project, estimated at ₹64.11 crore, to reconstruct and enhance the carrying capacity of the approximately 60-year-old distributary. The project will restore and ensure adequate irrigation water supply to its existing Culturable Command Area of 69,967 acres, benefiting approximately 80 villages across Fatehgarh Sahib and Patiala districts.

He said the existing carrying capacity of the distributary would be increased from 154.50 cusecs to 248.69 cusecs through concrete lining. The project provides for side lining along the initial stretch and both side and bed lining along the remaining length. An allocation of ₹40 crore has been made for executing the project during the current financial year. “The 1-R Distributary was designed around six decades ago for a water allowance of 2.04 cusecs per 1,000 acres. With the Government increasing the water allowance to 3.05 cusecs per 1,000 acres, strengthening its carrying capacity has become essential,” said the Minister.

He said the existing unlined channel had deteriorated over the years, with leakage and seepage resulting in substantial water losses and affecting efficient conveyance and uninterrupted supply. The concrete lining would address these deficiencies, enhance carrying capacity and ensure more reliable canal irrigation to farmers.

The Water Resources Minister said the Kapuri Lift Irrigation Scheme, formulated at a cost of ₹36.54 crore, would provide assured surface-water irrigation to 20,719 acres of agricultural land across 20 villages in Patiala district along the Haryana border. “These areas had historically remained without canal-water facilities, leaving farmers heavily dependent on groundwater for irrigation,” he added.

The 20 villages to benefit under the scheme include Sarala Kalan, Kamalpur, Kapuri, Lachhru Khurd, Sautan, Rampur, Chamaru, Taharpur, Jharwan, Harpalan, Narayangarh, Loh Simbli, Darwa, Shamaspur, Dharmgarh, Madian, Kami Khurd, Untsar, Nanheri and Sheikhpura.

Under the scheme, water will be lifted and conveyed through a network of distribution pipelines directly to agricultural fields. The project will be executed in phases, with ₹4 crore proposed for expenditure during the first phase in the current financial year. “The Kapuri Lift Irrigation Scheme addresses a long-standing demand of farmers in an area where canal-water facilities were historically unavailable. For the first time, 20,719 acres will receive assured canal-water irrigation. This will reduce pressure on groundwater and strengthen the sustainability of agriculture,” said Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal.

The Cabinet Minister said the Government has increased the water allowance of the Bhakra Main Line system from 2.04 to 3.05 cusecs per 1,000 acres to ensure fuller utilisation of Punjab’s share of canal water and address the growing problem of groundwater depletion.

He said the revised water allowance had increased the required carrying capacity of channels by approximately 1.5 times, making the strengthening and modernisation of the existing irrigation infrastructure essential. Accordingly, the 1-R Distributary project had been designed to meet the enhanced irrigation requirements.

Barinder Kumar Goyal said both initiatives were part of the Mann Government’s broader strategy to replace excessive groundwater extraction with dependable surface-water irrigation. Improved canal-water availability would reduce farmers’ dependence on tubewells, help conserve groundwater and lower the power subsidy requirement for agricultural electricity supply.

He said the Kapuri Lift Irrigation Scheme was particularly significant as it would extend canal-water facilities to areas that had remained dependent on groundwater for generations, thereby reducing the burden of groundwater extraction and making agriculture more sustainable.

*₹7,500 Crore Invested In Strengthening Canal Infrastructure*

The Water Resources Minister said the Punjab Government had invested approximately ₹7,500 crore in strengthening the state’s canal irrigation infrastructure. Around 14,000 kilometres of watercourses had been constructed and pipelines laid, while more than 19,000 watercourses had been restored.

He said the Bhagwant Mann Government was continuing to revive deteriorated canal infrastructure and ensure that irrigation water reached even the tail-end areas of the distribution network. “Punjab’s water security depends on taking canal water to the fields. Our objective is not merely to expand irrigation infrastructure but to ensure that every possible drop of available surface water is put to productive agricultural use,” said the Minister.

Highlighting Punjab’s contribution to national food security, the Cabinet Minister said groundwater conservation and sustainable irrigation were matters of national importance, given the state’s significant contribution to the country’s foodgrain pool.

He said Punjab contributed around 48% of wheat and 21% of rice to the Central Pool despite accounting for less than two per cent of the country’s geographical area. “If Punjab’s agriculture suffers, the country’s food security is also affected. By expanding canal irrigation and reducing pressure on groundwater, we are protecting Punjab’s agricultural future as well as contributing to the country’s food security,” said the Minister.

The Minister said the two initiatives marked another significant step towards the Mann Government’s objective of ensuring assured canal-water supply, reducing dependence on groundwater and building a more efficient, sustainable and robust irrigation system across Punjab.

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*Punjab To Begin Potash Exploration By April-End Or First Week Of May 2027; Centre Approves 35 Boreholes, State To Drill Five More: Barinder Goyal*

*Punjab Secured 1st Rank In Centre’s Mining Reform Assessment For 2025 & Received ₹200 Crore Incentive: Barinder Goyal*

*Potash Exploration Will Strengthen India’s Mineral Security, Reduce Import Dependence & Open New Avenues For Investment: Barinder Goyal*

*Bhagwant Mann Govt Committed To Unlocking Punjab’s Mineral Potential Through Scientific Exploration & Mining Reforms: Barinder Goyal*

*Union Coal & Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy Assures Full Cooperation In Resolving Punjab’s Mining-Related Concerns*

*Punjab Seeks Early NMET Sanctions For Potash Exploration Blocks And Continued Incentives Under Mining Reforms*

Chandigarh, 10th November:Punjab is poised to enter a new era of mineral exploration, with potash exploration expected to commence by the end of April or the first week of May 2027. The Centre has approved 35 boreholes in Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts, while the Punjab Government will drill five additional boreholes, taking the ongoing programme to 40.

Announcing this at a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Punjab Mines and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said the Bhagwant Mann Government has consistently pursued the matter with the Centre to unlock Punjab’s untapped mineral potential and strengthen India’s self-reliance in critical minerals.

Sharing the outcome of the two-day National Mining Ministers’ Conference held in Goa on November 5 and 6 under the chairmanship of Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy, the Mines and Geology Minister said, “Punjab firmly presented its case on potash exploration and other state-specific mining issues at the national conference. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy directed senior officials to accord top priority to Punjab’s proposals and assured full cooperation in expediting the exploration process. This is a significant step towards unlocking Punjab’s mineral potential and strengthening the country’s mineral security.”

Highlighting the neglect of potash exploration by successive governments, he said, “Potash deposits in parts of Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib were discovered as far back as 1989, but successive governments failed to undertake any sustained exploration work. Only a handful of boreholes were drilled over the years, including one during 2018-19 and eight during 2022-23. The Bhagwant Mann Government has taken up this matter seriously and is ensuring that exploration moves forward in a systematic and time-bound manner.”

Explaining the importance of the ongoing exercise, Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said, “Drilling boreholes is essential to ascertain the depth, quantity, quality and geological characteristics of potash deposits. Potash is a critical mineral for which India has almost 100 per cent import dependency. Domestic exploration is therefore vital to reducing our dependence on imports and strengthening the country’s mineral security.”

Detailing the progress achieved following Punjab’s repeated interventions, he said, “Following our persistent efforts and repeated representations at national-level meetings, the Union Government has approved 35 boreholes in Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts. Of these, 20 are being drilled by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), while 15 are being undertaken by Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL). The Punjab Government will drill five additional boreholes, taking the ongoing programme to 40. Some boreholes have already been completed, while work on the others is progressing.”

He further said, “Reports from the ongoing drilling activities are expected by February 2027. This will pave the way for potash exploration to commence by the end of April or the first week of May next year. The state has also planned 16 additional boreholes for 2026-27 with the approval of the Central Government, demonstrating our commitment to taking mineral exploration forward.”

Emphasising the state’s preparedness to support scientific exploration, Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said, “Punjab is also strengthening its institutional and scientific infrastructure to facilitate this exercise. A dedicated potash and heavy metals testing laboratory is being established in Mohali, and the necessary preparations have already been completed. We are ensuring that the state has the required scientific capabilities to support mineral exploration.”

*Punjab Seeks Early Sanctions For Potash Blocks And Upgradation Of Geological Surveys*

Barinder Kumar Goyal said Punjab had also taken up the issue of early sanctions for proposed potash exploration blocks and the upgradation of geological surveys with the Union Government. “Punjab has sought early sanctions from the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) for potash exploration blocks proposed for 2027-28 at Patrewala, Khippanwali, Khuranj and Badian. Early approval of these blocks will help us accelerate exploration and identify additional mineral resources in the state,” he said.

On the demand for upgrading geological surveys, he added, “We have requested the upgradation of geological exploration from G-3 to G-1 in Rajpura, Gidranwali and Shergarh. This is necessary to establish the commercial viability of mineral resources and make these areas attractive for prospective investors.”

Highlighting the potential of the Shergarh block, Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said, “The 46-square-kilometre Shergarh block in Punjab has failed to attract bidders in recent auctions. We have urged the Union Ministry to encourage companies exploring the contiguous Nagaur-Ganganagar basin of Rajasthan to also participate in bidding for Shergarh. This approach can help unlock significant exploration potential and attract investment into Punjab.”

Underlining the administrative measures taken by the state to facilitate exploration, he said, “To ensure that exploration activities are not held up due to administrative hurdles, the Punjab Government has established a State-Level Coordination Committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, along with a Joint Working Group. These mechanisms will address land clearance issues and ensure smooth operations for survey teams. The Union Ministry of Mines has also assured support in expediting geological exploration and block auctions in Punjab.”

Punjab Seeks Continuation Of Mining Reform Incentives Under Revised SASCI Framework

Highlighting Punjab’s achievements in mining reforms, Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said, “Over the past year, Punjab has undertaken significant reforms to strengthen transparency, accountability and enforcement in the mining sector. These include integration of weighbridges, establishment of check posts, development of digital portals to monitor illegal mining and installation of CCTV cameras. These measures have strengthened monitoring and helped improve the overall functioning of the mining sector.”

He added, “Punjab secured the first rank in the relevant category under the Centre’s mining reform assessment for 2025 and received an incentive of ₹200 crore from the Union Ministry of Mines. This recognition reflects the commitment and hard work of the state government in implementing meaningful mining reforms.”

However, raising concerns over the revised eligibility criteria under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) for 2026-27, he said, “The revised eligibility criteria have clubbed major and minor minerals together, whereas these two categories were assessed separately earlier. Punjab primarily deals with minor minerals and does not have major minerals in the relevant category. We have therefore requested the Union Government to either retain the previous assessment framework or assess Punjab’s performance separately so that the state does not suffer despite its outstanding reform performance.”

Sharing the response received from the Union Government, he said, “Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy has entrusted Additional Secretary Dr. Veena Kumari Dermal with examining Punjab’s concerns. She has assured us that the state will not face any injustice and acknowledged the exceptional nature of the reforms undertaken by Punjab, which helped it secure the first rank.”

Barinder Kumar Goyal expressed confidence that Punjab would continue to receive incentives for its mining reforms under the revised framework.

*Punjab Highlights Groundwater Conservation Achievements At National Conference*

The Mines and Geology Minister said Punjab had also showcased its achievements in groundwater conservation at the national conference. “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab has made significant progress in groundwater conservation, with water levels rising by 2 to 4 metres at various locations. We presented these achievements before participating states at the national conference, where our efforts received appreciation from Mining Ministers and other participants,” he said.

Highlighting Punjab’s contribution to national food security and its expanding role in mineral exploration, he said, “Punjab has traditionally contributed immensely to the nation’s food security through agricultural production and surface-level mining of sand and gravel. The state contributes 47 per cent of India’s wheat and 21 per cent of its rice production. We are now preparing to expand our contribution by entering the field of subsurface mineral exploration, opening new avenues for economic growth and development.”

The Minister also informed that he had held a detailed meeting with senior officials of the Union Ministry of Mines to discuss Punjab’s potash exploration proposals, geological surveys, mining reforms and other state-specific concerns.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Veena Kumari Dermal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines; Dinesh Ganvir, Director General of Mines; and Yogendra Singh Bhamboo, Director (Technical), Ministry of Mines.

“Senior officials of the Union Ministry have assured full cooperation in resolving Punjab’s concerns and expediting the ongoing exploration activities. We will hold a follow-up meeting shortly in Chandigarh to ensure that the assurances given translate into concrete action within the stipulated timelines,” he said.

Concluding, Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said, “The cooperation extended by Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy and senior officials of the Ministry of Mines has given a significant push to Punjab’s potash exploration programme. We are confident that this initiative will unlock new opportunities for mineral development, attract investment, create economic opportunities and contribute significantly towards strengthening India’s self-reliance in critical minerals.”

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*PUNJAB INKS TWO LANDMARK MOUs TO BOOST INDUSTRY-READY SKILLS & JOBS FOR PUNJAB’S YOUTH*

*•Collaborations with FDDI, NIIFT & SIADS to deliver world-class, Industry-aligned training for high-demand footwear & automotive sectors: Aman Arora*

*• Punjab Govt transforming job seekers into future ready workforce, says Aman Arora*

Chandigarh, November 10:In a major push to make Punjab’s youth industry-ready and job-ready, the Punjab Skill Development Mission (PSDM) signed two landmark MoUs- one with the State Institute of Automotive & Driving Skills (SIADS), Mahuana for high-demand automotive and driving trades and a tripartite MoU with the Northern India Institute of Fashion Technology (NIIFT), Industries & Commerce department (GoP) and the Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) for specialised footwear and fashion manufacturing roles.

Congratulating the PSDM team on the strategic importance of these partnerships, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora stated, "These collaborations mark a new chapter in Punjab's skill development landscape. By aligning our training programmes with the specific needs of high-growth sectors like automotive and footwear, we are not just creating job seekers, but building a future-ready workforce. The integration of premier national institutes like FDDI and NIIFT with our state machinery ensures that our youth receive world-class training, directly translating into better career prospects and contributing to the industrial growth of Punjab."

Highlighting the key objectives of the collaborations, Mr. Aman Arora said that the partnerships would leverage FDDI's expertise as a premier institute of national importance in the footwear sector, NIIFT's domain expertise in apparel and fashion and SIADS' expertise in automotive and driving. The partnerships aim to strengthen institutional collaboration, promote industry-aligned skill training, enhance employability and meet the skilled workforce requirements of industry, with a focus on NSQF-based programmes, placements, apprenticeships and entrepreneurship development.

The MoUs were signed by PSDM Director Ms. Amrit Singh, who said the collaborations will deliver NSQF-aligned training, placements, apprenticeships and entrepreneurship support to bridge the skill gap, enhance employability and create better career opportunities for Punjab's youth.

Ms. Amrit Singh informed that the first MoU between PSDM and the State Institute of Automotive & Driving Skills (SIADS), Mahuana will power vocational training in the high-demand automotive and driving sectors, equipping trainees with the technical skills needed for the evolving transportation industry.

The second, a tripartite MoU between PSDM, the Northern India Institute of Fashion Technology (NIIFT), Department of Industries, Government of Punjab and the Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, GoI, will focus on industry-oriented, employment-linked training in specialised roles — Footwear Upper Stitching Technician, Sports Footwear Assembly Technician, Footwear CAD/CAM Operator and Footwear Pattern Cutter, she added.

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EVMs AND VVPATs TO UNDERGO FIRST LEVEL CHECKING (FLC) IN ALL DISTRICTS OF PUNJAB FROM NOVEMBER 12 AHEAD OF VIDHAN SABHA ELECTIONS-2027

CEO ANINDITA MITRA URGES POLITICAL PARTIES TO AUTHORISE REPRESENTATIVES TO WITNESS THE FLC PROCESS

FLC TO BE CONDUCTED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF DISTRICT ELECTION OFFICERS IN STRICT ACCORDANCE WITH ECI GUIDELINES

Chandigarh, November 10:In view of the forthcoming General Elections to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha-2027, the First Level Checking (FLC) of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines will commence in all districts of Punjab from November 12, 2026.

Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, Mrs Anindita Mitra, IAS, informed that the First Level Checking of EVMs and VVPATs is an essential process prescribed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure that only fully functional and election-ready machines are used during the elections.

She said as per the guidelines of the Election Commission of India, First Level Checking of EVMs and VVPATs to be used in every General Election and Bye-Election is conducted under the supervision of the District Election Officer by authorised engineers of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

CEO stated that only those EVMs and VVPATs which successfully pass the First Level Checking Will be used in Vidhan Sabha elections. The detailed procedure for FLC will be conducted as per instructions of Election Commission of India.

The process will be conducted in accordance with the extant instructions of the Election Commission of India. All necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the smooth, transparent and systematic conduct of the FLC process.

Mrs Anindita Mitra stated that the FLC process will be conducted under the supervision of the concerned District Election Officers and will be monitored at the level of the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, as well as the Election Commission of India.

The CEO further said that to ensure complete transparency and accountability throughout the process Live webcasting of the entire FLC process will be conducted at all 23 locations .Two display screens (One at FLC site and the other at respective DC offices) have been installed at each district headquarters so that representatives can closely observe the proceedings.

Dedicated screens have also been set up at the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) headquarters to oversee the entire process live. Furthermore, the Election Commission of India has appointed observers to supervise these operations.

Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, Mrs. Anindita Mitra, has urged all recognised political parties to authorise their representatives to witness the First Level Checking (FLC) of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines. She emphasised that the presence of party representatives during the FLC process would further strengthen transparency, build confidence among stakeholders and ensure that the entire process is carried out in a fair and impartial manner, in accordance with the guidelines of the Election Commission of India.