YEAR ENDER - FOREST AND WILDLIFE PRESERVATION DEPARTMENT
'THE PUNJAB PROTECTION OF TREES ACT 2025' ACCORDED NOD AIMING TO MAINTAIN GREEN COVER & ENSURING ECOLOGICAL BALANCE
FOREST & NATURE AWARENESS PARKS ALSO COMING UP
Chandigarh, December 21:With a view to ensure the increase in forest cover in the State as well as leaving a clean and green environment for the future generations, the Forests and Wildlife Preservation Department under the guidance of Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak initiated a score of path breaking initiatives during 2025.
The novel measures include developing 8 Forest & Nature Awareness Parks. Four of these parks are being developed in Pathankot, 2 in Patiala and 1 each in Amritsar and Hoshiarpur under the Greening Punjab Mission.
The Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department under the tutelage of Cabinet Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak is working on war footing with regard to the completion of these projects. In Pathankot, Environment Parks are coming up at Village Gharota (0.50 Hectare), Kataruchak (0.75 Hectare), Panchayat land at Haibat Pindi (0.60 Hectare) and ITI Bamiyal. Likewise, the environment parks are in the process of being developed in Patiala at two spots including Baron Minor. In Amritsar, environment park is coming up at village Jagdev Kalan Pul while a Van Chetna Park is underway at Bassi Purani in Hoshiarpur.
As regarding the park at Haibat Pind, the work concerning nature trail with interlocking tiles has been completed while the installation of play equipments and the open air shelters (Gazebo) is currently underway. At Gharota also, the work concerning nature trail with interlocking tiles has been completed while the installation of play equipments and the open air shelters (Gazebo) is currently underway. In Village Kataruchak, the work to install nature trail with interlocking tiles and the play equipments installation is continuing at a very rapid pace.
It has been the sincere endeavour of the State Government to ensure maximum possible green cover as well as undertake measures to protect the environment for the sake of posterity. In this regard, the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department, Punjab, drafted 'The Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025' with the aim to maintain green cover, ensuring ecological balance and preventing the pollution of environment besides conserving the soil.
The Act would be extendable to all the urban areas of Punjab. As per the act, the limits of a Nagar Council, Municipal Corporation, Notified Area Committee, Town Area Committee or any Urban Development Authority/Body. It also has the provision of a Tree Officer which means an Executive Officer in the urban local bodies in Punjab or any other officer so notified by the State Government.
Besides, the fencing work was completed at the Chhatbir Zoo at a cost of Rs. 1.33 Crores and the upgradation of facilities apart from beautification was also done.
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2025-26 Emerges As Landmark Year For Public Works Department
Extensive Road And Bridge Construction Undertaken Across The State
Chandigarh, December 21:Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government continues its sustained drive towards building a Rangla Punjab and ensuring all-round development of the state. In line with this vision, the Public Works Department has been consistently working to provide a robust and reliable road network for the people of Punjab.
Sharing details, Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO said that during this financial year, against proposed upgradation of 840 kms of plan roads at an estimated cost of Rs.663 crore, 501.76 kms have already been completed. An amount of Rs.334.31 crore has been spent under this scheme so far. He informed that construction of 31 bridges was planned during 2025-26 with a financial provision of Rs.155 crore. Of these, work on 29 bridges is currently in progress, while construction of two bridges has been completed. An expenditure of Rs.30.99 crore has been incurred under this scheme.
The Cabinet Minister further said that financial year 2025-26 has proved to be a year of growth for the department. He informed that under the NABARD scheme during 2025-26, construction of 125 kms of roads and 10 bridges had been planned with an outlay of Rs.192 crore. Under this scheme, works of 52 kms of roads and 8 bridges have already been completed.
He further said that construction of 641 kms of roads has been planned during 2025-26 under PMGSY with an allocation of Rs.600 crore, out of which 273.96 kms have already been completed and Rs.243 crore has been spent. Similarly, under National Highways projects, construction of 70 kms of roads has been planned at a cost of Rs. 430 crore, of which 32.39 kms have been completed. An amount of Rs.351.46 crore has already been spent under this head, he added.
PWD has embarked on a drive for Special Repairs/Modernization of 10262 Link roads at a cost of Rs. 1543 Crore. The works have already been started in respective market committees. Additionally widening, modernization & new connectivity of 7767 Km Link Roads at an estimated cost of Rs. 2920 Crore has been taken in hand. Bids for the works have been invited and works are likely to start shortly.
Keeping in view the importance of Plan Roads such as State Highways/MDRs/ODRs a special program for upgradation of 2834 Km of Plan Roads at an estimated cost of Rs 2363 Crore has been devised. Bids for all these works will be allotted shortly.
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IN YEAR 2025, FISCAL PRUDENCE AND DIGITAL INNOVATION DRIVE "RANGLA PUNJAB" VISION: HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA
*FROM FUND DISTRIBUTOR TO INNOVATION DRIVER: FM CHEEMA HIGHLIGHTS SHIFT IN FISCAL GOVERNANCE*
*FARMERS GET RELIEF: RS 968 CRORE RELEASED FOR CROP LOSS COMPENSATION DUE TO SEVERE FLOODS THIS YEAR*
*LOAN WAIVER FOR 4,650 BENEFICIARIES UNDER PSCFC LOAN WAIVER PROGRAM*
*PAYING OUTSTANDING DUES OF RS 14,191 CRORE OF 6TH PUNJAB PAY COMMISSION, LEFT UNPAID BY THE PREVIOUS GOVERNMENT*
*BUILDING THE FUTURE: RS 9,600+ CRORE INFRASTRUCTURE PUSH FOR ROADS AND RURAL CONNECTIVITY*
*SUCCESSFUL NEGOTIATIONS WITH WORLD BANK FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OF RS. 2,520 CRORE FOR ‘PUNJAB ACCELERATED OUTCOMES IN SCHOOL EDUCATION’ PROGRAMME*
*SAYS, FD NO LONGER JUST A "DISTRIBUTOR OF FUNDS" BUT A "DRIVER OF INNOVATION"*
*LEADING NATION IN FINTECH: PUNJAB PIONEERS DIGITAL AUDITS AND PAPERLESS FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT*
*DEDICATED PENSIONER SEWA PORTAL NOW ALLOWS PENSIONERS TO TRACK THEIR CASES, SUBMIT LIFE CERTIFICATES, AND LODGE GRIEVANCES ONLINE*
CHANDIGARH, December 21-In the annual year-ender report of the Finance Department, the Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday showcased a year of robust fiscal management, unprecedented infrastructure investment, and landmark digital reforms. He emphasized that the department of Finance is no longer just a "distributor of funds" but a "driver of innovation".
Highlighting the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s "people-first" approach, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the priority remains ensuring the state exchequer serves the common man directly. "Whether it is the Rs 968 crore released for crop loss compensation to our farmers who faced severe floods this year or the loan waiver for 4,650 beneficiaries under the Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation (PSCFC) loan waiver program, we are committed to providing a safety net for every Punjabi. We have even reduced the cost of doorstep delivery of government services from Rs 120 to just Rs 50, with the government absorbing the remaining cost to ease the burden on citizens."
Referring to the free 600 units power to domestic consumers for every two month bill cycle, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the state government is not only providing free power to more than 90 percent households but has also cleared all payments related to power subsidy up to September 2025, including pending dues. He said that the 6th Punjab Pay Commission was implemented from July 1, 2021, and the government is committed to clearing the outstanding dues of Rs 14,191 crore left unpaid by the previous government. The government has already started releasing arrears as per the structured liquidation plan in FY 2025-26, benefiting 6 lakh employees and pensioners, Cheema added.
Revealing the initiatives taken to bolster grassroots development, the Finance Minister said that the state government has released Rs 292 crore under the Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme, ensuring every constituency receives Rs 2.5 crore to address immediate local needs. He said that the year 2025 marked a massive surge in connectivity and sports infrastructure. “A mammoth project to construct 2,832 km of Plan Roads and 7,767 km of Link Roads is underway at a cost of Rs 5,338 crore. The Mandi Board is executing the construction of 12,361 km of new rural link roads with an investment of Rs 4,275 crore, and Rs 500 crore has been earmarked for developing world-class playgrounds across the state to foster a culture of fitness and sports”, he added.
Stressing on the AAP Government’s focus areas of Education and Health, the Finance Minister said that in a significant move for the education sector, the state government concluded negotiations for the World Bank-supported POISE programme (Punjab Outcomes-Acceleration In School Education Operation). He said that with a total outlay of Rs 2,520 crore (70:30 cost-sharing with the State), this five-year initiative aims to revolutionize learning outcomes and governance in school education. He said that the state soon to provide an insurance cover of Rs 10 lakh to approximately 65 lakh families under Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 600 crore this fiscal year.
Lauding the Finance Department for leading the nation in FinTech, the Finance Minister said that the department has undergone a digital metamorphosis through the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS), introducing several "Good Practices" that enhance transparency and efficiency. He said that Punjab became a pioneer in implementing the SNA-SPARSH fund flow mechanism. He said that the state had earned an incentive of Rs 450 crore in FY 24-25 and is eyeing another Rs 350 crore this fiscal year by optimizing cash liquidity and reducing unutilized funds.
“A dedicated Pensioner Sewa Portal (PSP) now allows pensioners to track their cases, submit life certificates, and lodge grievances online, ensuring "Ease of Living" for senior citizens. Moving away from slow manual processes, the new Audit Management System (AMS) portal allows for real-time tracking of audit memos and reports, ensuring accountability at the highest administrative levels. By shifting to electronic vouchers for all bills across Punjab, the government has significantly reduced stationary and logistical costs while streamlining the accounting process with the Accountant General (AG)”, said the Finance Minister while adding that for the first time, the Punjab Treasury Rules (PTR) have been completely overhauled to incorporate modern FinTech and IT applications, with the new rules set to be published shortly.
Concluding the year-ender, the Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state has successfully balanced grassroots development with cutting-edge financial technology. "Through the automation of deposit works in the Forest and Works departments and the introduction of a non-treasury accounting system, we have plugged leakages and ensured that every rupee is accounted for. We enter 2026 with a stronger balance sheet and a clearer vision for a prosperous Punjab," the Minister added.
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PUNJAB BRINGS AI-DRIVEN CAREER GUIDANCE TO GOVT SCHOOLS, HELPING STUDENTS MAKE INFORMED FUTURE DECISIONS
*• Harjot Singh Bains inaugurates pilot project in 25 schools*
*• Free, personalised guidance for students to bridge the opportunity gap, says Bains*
CHANDIGARH, December 21:Marking a significant step toward equitable career planning for all students, Punjab Government today launched a first-of-its-kind initiative to integrate artificial intelligence-driven career guidance into its public school system. Under the pilot phase, 25 AI-Enabled Career Guidance Labs were inaugurated in Government and Punjab School Education Board (PSEB)-affiliated schools, announced S. Harjot Singh Bains, Education Minister, Punjab.
S. Harjot Singh Bains rolled out the initiative by simultaneously inaugurating labs at Government Senior Secondary School, Nangal and Government Senior Secondary School for Girls, Sri Anandpur Sahib. The program, implemented in collaboration with ed-tech partner “Beyond Mentor”, is being offered free of cost to students and the state.
This initiative is about empowering the state’s youth with the right tools at the right time, S. Harjot Singh Bains informed that the 25-school pilot will be closely monitored for impact, student outcomes, and operational efficacy. Successful implementation is expected to pave the way for a phased expansion across Punjab, potentially making it one of the first states in India to embed systematic AI-led career guidance within its public education framework. The initiative underscores Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to preparing its students for the demands of the 21st-century economy.
He further stated, “career guidance should not be a luxury. By bringing structured, AI-powered counselling into our government schools, we are ensuring every child, irrespective of their socio-economic background, can make an informed choice about their future.”
Outlining the AI Labs work process, the Education Minister informed that students will undergo an AI-based aptitude and interest assessment on the digital platform. The system will generates an individualised career report, highlighting potential academic and vocational pathways and then Professional counsellors conduct one-to-one sessions with students, involving parents, to discuss the report and create a actionable plan.
The model is designed to move beyond traditional, generic advice to provide personalised, data-informed insights at an early stage—from Class 6th onwards, he added.
PSEB Chairman Dr. Amarpal Singh emphasised a shift from exam-centric learning to holistic development, while stating, "True education is about unlocking potential. These labs will help students understand their innate strengths and translate them into tangible career goals, moving beyond the conventional chase for marks.”
Mr. Saurav Kumar, CEO of Beyond Mentor, the implementing partner, noted, “Our platform combines technology with human empathy. The AI handles scalable assessment, but the crucial counselling is delivered by professionals, ensuring each child feels heard and guided.”
Meanwhile, a 9th grade student at GGSS, Nangal Akshita shared, “it’s exciting that our government school is offering something so advanced. Earlier, we only knew about a few common career options. Through the counselling session, we learned about many new possibilities. Such guidance was usually available in private schools.” Mr. Vishal Sharma, father of Akshita appreciated the state government for inclusive approach. “Being part of the counselling session with my daughter was invaluable. It brings the family into the conversation about her future, which is very reassuring.”
Sharan, Class 6th student of Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Sri Anandpur Sahib, said, “This programme helped me understand my interests and personality better. It will help me choose the right career path with confidence.”
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Mann Government Accelerates Efforts Towards a Child Begging-Free Punjab: Dr. Baljit Kaur
*Major Success of Jeevanjyot Campaign; 31 Begging Children Rescued in Mohali in Three Days*
*68 Children Rescued Since August 17; Mohali Emerges as Leading District in the State*
*No Leniency for Those Involved in Child Begging and Trafficking; Strict Legal Action to Follow*
Chandigarh, December 21:Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is taking continuous, firm and effective steps to eradicate the serious social evil of child begging from the state. Sharing this information, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that 31 children engaged in begging were rescued in district Mohali during the past three days by the regional social security teams, marking a major success of the Jeevanjyot campaign.
Providing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that a total of 68 begging children have been rescued from district Mohali since August 17, making Mohali the leading district in Punjab in terms of rescuing children involved in begging.
The Cabinet Minister stated that after verification of documents by the District Child Welfare Committee, three children have been handed over to their parents, while the remaining 28 children have been placed in child care institutions until verification is completed, where adequate arrangements for their shelter, food and safety have been ensured.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further informed that a total of 807 children involved in begging have been rescued across Punjab so far and linked with the rehabilitation process, reflecting the Mann Government’s child-friendly and sensitive governance approach.
She clarified that the Jeevanjyot campaign is not limited to rescue operations alone, but is a successful initiative aimed at taking children from the streets to schools and towards a secure future. After rescue, priority is being given to health check-ups, counselling, educational support and family rehabilitation to ensure that no child is forced back into begging.
Issuing a stern warning, the Cabinet Minister said that any individual or gang found involved in child begging or Child trafficking will face the strictest possible action as per law.
Appealing to the people of Punjab, Dr. Baljit Kaur urged citizens to extend full cooperation to the government in eliminating child begging and advised that if any child is seen begging, people should refrain from giving alms and immediately inform Child Helpline Number 1098, so that every child is connected with education and can lead a dignified life.
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Naming Martyrdom of Sahibzadas as Veer Bal Diwas is not align with Sikh traditions and tenets, Says Speaker
Chandigarh, 21 December 2025:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that the entire Sikh community respect the Sahibzadas and given them the title 'Babas' because the Sahibzadas of Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji had made great sacrifices at childhood age.
However, the unique martyrdom of the Sahibzadas are not limited to one country, one community and one ideology. Speaker Sandhwan respects the sentiments of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to observe the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas at the national level.
But, naming the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas as Veer Bal Diwas is not aligned with traditions of Sikhism.We hope that the Prime Minister will take an appropriate decision with regard to naming the martyrdom day of Sahibzadas, keeping in mind the sentimens of Sikh community. In this way, the unparalleled story of martyrdom of Sahibzadas will reach in the minds of our children as well as respect for the sentiments of the nation will also be maintained, he added.