*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann continues his campaign to engage with people at grassroots level in order to give fresh impetus to development of villages*

*There is no dearth of funds for giving comprehensive facelift to entire state: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab Govt has been making strenuous efforts to raise standard of living of people in Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Merely changing nomenclature of MGNREGA would hardly make any difference on ground: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojna will be launched to provide cashless treatment worth ₹10 lakh to each family; CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Due to Akali Dal’s fad for this new technology that they have forgotten their real work: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

SANGRUR, 22nd December:Continuing his campaign to interact with the people at grassroots level to give fillip to the development of the villages, the Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said that the move is aimed at ensuring world class civic amenities to the villages at par with the cities.

Interacting with the people, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, amidst huge round of applause from the masses, said that the holistic growth of villages was the need of hour to give further impetus to all round development of the state. “The state government is already making all out efforts for ensuring public welfare and giving impetus to development of villages. This gigantic task could not be possible without active support and cooperation of the general public,” he added.

Striking an emotional chord with the people, the Chief Minister said that the people and their elected representatives should regularly monitor the ongoing development works in the state adding that this will help in quality execution of work. He exhorted people to make sure that concerted efforts of the state government for giving fillip to the development of villages are successful with their assistance and guidance. “The majority of the population of the state live in villages so the state government was committed to ensure unprecedented development in them,” he noted.

The Chief Minister asserted, “The Punjab government is committed to provide facilities at par with cities to facilitate people and no stone was being left unturned for this noble cause. The sole aim of holding such events was to prepare a road map for giving further impetus to ongoing development of the state and especially in the villages.”

Laying thrust on the comprehensive development of rural areas, he said that the state government has already sanctioned a number of projects for accomplishing this task adding he solicited the support of the general public in strengthening rural infrastructure to further accelerate the pace of development.

Later on interacting with the media persons, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has no dearth of funds for the development of Punjab adding that all the issues like garbage heaps, street light, sewage problems or others will be resolved soon. “In the last four years unprecedented development has taken place across the state as the Punjab government has never complained about any fund shortage. Contrary to the previous regimes which had landed the state in debt trap his government has been repaying the debts,” he affirmed.

Citing the examples, he said that the state government has bailed out the electricity board, repaid the loans of the sugar mills, Markfed and others. “The Punjab government has been managing many old debts so that past liabilities are cleared, without halting any new development projects. The government has created more than 58,000 jobs, new buildings of the schools have been built, 43,000 kilometres of roads are being constructed as the state government has managed the expenditure with financial prudence,” he pointed out.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has been making strenuous efforts for raising the standard of life in Punjab adding that earlier no one had ever heard that the students from state are becoming pilots. However, he said that now the state government has bought seven planes for imparting this world class training to the students so that they can get into high-level jobs now. “Dreaming is everyone’s right and not just that of the rich class due to which this government is providing benefits to ordinary people, not just to the wealthy,” he asserted.

In a fervent appeal to the newly elected Zila Parishad and Block Samiti Members, the Chief Minister said that the elections last for only 10–15 days but once elected, these elected representatives belong to everyone. “The members represent everyone and even those who didn’t vote for them, so it is their bounden duty to serve the people with missionary zeal. Work must be done for the well being of all, so that Punjab can progress and become frontrunner in every arena,” he affirmed.

Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that the state government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against the menace of corruption due to which several reforms have been initiated. Citing the example of property registrations, he said, “The process is very easy nowadays as people don’t have to visit the offices for mutation or deed verification as online facilities are available. People have to just visit the sub-registrar office only for a quick photo and within 15–20 minutes, their registration is done.”

The Chief Minister said that several services have been shifted to online which has considerably reduced corruption adding that RTO offices across the state have gone faceless due to which people can renew or upgrade their licenses online. “Due to patronization by previous regimes, the curse of corruption was deep-rooted, but the state government has been making concerted efforts to uproot it. Nothing ends overnight, but the state government is trying vehemently to make Punjab corruption free,” he added.

When asked to comment on the centre government’s recent move to change the name of MGNREGA, the Chief Minister said that the change in nomenclature will hardly make any difference. “Name changes don't feed the poor but the daily wage laborers only care that they get work, so that they can feed their families. Hardly any change was witnessed when Allahabad was renamed to Prayagraj or when a station named Sarai Kale Khan became Deen Dayal Upadhyay Nagar,” he noted.

The Chief Minister said that it was a sorry state of affairs that even cleanliness didn’t improve in these cities after the changing of names. All of us should be thankful that the country’s name hasn’t been changed yet by those at the helms of the affairs. Taking a jibe over Congress, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the leaders of the Grand Old party of the country are stuck on debating names, while we focus on real work.

Slamming the Union government for not releasing the legitimate share of the state in funds, the Chief Minister said that the centre government has illegitimately halted funds thereby putting unnecessary load on states. “This is unwarranted and undesirable as it is against the basic spirit of federalism in the country. The Punjab government is committed to safeguard the interests of Punjab and Punjabis and will vehemently oppose the step motherly treatment by the centre,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister said that the state government will soon launch the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna that will open doors of quality healthcare for 65 lakh families in state by allowing them to avail cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh in both government and private hospitals across Punjab. “Likewise, the Punjab government will roll several more people-oriented schemes in the next budget session for the well being of the public. The Punjab government is committed for the welfare of every section of society and no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause,” he affirmed.

Assailing the Shiromani Akali Dal for misleading the people through slanderous campaigns through AI technology, the Chief Minister said that due to their fad for this new technology that they have forgotten their real work. “While AAP is spreading its wings across the country, the Akali Dal has been decimated in a few belts of the state with just two or three seats. Due to its people friendly and development oriented policies AAP has got the support from every section of society,” concluded CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

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*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asks Vice Chairperson of Planning Board to work dedicatedly for Punjab’s progress & prosperity*

*Newly appointed Vice Chairperson calls on CM Bhagwant Mann*

CHANDIGARH, 22nd December 2025:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday asked the newly appointed Vice Chairperson of the Punjab Economic Policy and Planning Board, Gulzar Inder Singh Chahal, to make continuous efforts for the progress and prosperity of the state so that the welfare of the people can be ensured to the maximum extent.

The Vice Chairperson of the board called on CM Bhagwant Singh Mann here today during which the CM asked him that the Economic Policy and Planning Board assists the state government in formulating development strategies, preparing plans for the progress of various sectors, and designing appropriate policies. “The Punjab government is already working to create employment opportunities for the youth and to frame welfare schemes for the common people adding that the Board should continue to play a key role in it,” he added.

On this occasion, the Vice Chairperson profusely thanked the Chief Minister for entrusting him with the new responsibility.

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*YEAR ENDER-2025: 56 SMART TRANSPORT SERVICES MADE AVAILABLE 24x7: LALJIT SINGH BHULLAR*

*ENSURED SINGLE-POINT PRINTING OF DRIVING LICENCE AND RC SMART CARDS AT CHANDIGARH WITH HOME DELIVERY THROUGH SPEED POST*

*19 VOLVO BUSES OPERATING FROM PUNJAB TO DELHI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT*

Chandigarh, December 22:In line with its commitment to efficient and citizen-centric governance during the year 2025, the Punjab Government has made 56 smart services related to driving licences and vehicle registration available round the clock for the residents of the state. These services can be availed by applying online, through Sewa Kendras during office hours or by calling the 1076 helpline, enabling applicants to access services from their homes.

While divulging further, Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said that for the past nearly three and a half years, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has been delivering improved transport-related services to the general public. This initiative has reduced inconvenience for citizens while ensuring transparent procedures, thereby curbing corruption through streamlined service delivery.

The Cabinet Minister said that these services are being provided 24x7 through the departmental portal https://www.parivahan.gov.in. Citizens can access these services from home using Aadhaar-based authentication. He said that smart cards for driving licences and registration certificates are being printed at a single location in Chandigarh and dispatched to applicants’ residences through Speed Post. He further informed that essential documents such as Registration Certificates, Driving Licences and insurance documents stored on digital platforms namely mParivahan and DigiLocker are recognised as valid originals when produced before enforcement staff.

S. Bhullar said that the Punjab Government has extended the facility of free travel for women in state-run buses. From 2022-23 up to 2025-26 till October 15, 2025, women availed nearly 21 crore free journeys in Punjab Roadways and PUNBUS buses. For which, the state government has incurred an expenditure of around Rs.1157 crore.

The Transport Minister further informed that the state government has also introduced the facility of e-Learner’s Licence for citizens. Under this system, eligible applicants can obtain their learner’s licence from home using Aadhaar without any inconvenience. The motor vehicle dealers in Punjab have been authorised as registering authorities for on-the-spot registration of new vehicles through Aadhaar-based processes, said the Cabinet Minister, adding that the objective of this system is to spare citizens unnecessary hassle and enable issuance of Registration Certificates at the dealer level itself.

The Cabinet Minister further informed that Volvo buses have also been operated from Punjab to the Delhi International Airport. He said that a total of 19 Volvo buses of Punjab Roadways and PUNBUS are being run from various cities of the state to the Delhi Airport. The fare of these buses is much lower compared to private buses and they are providing comfortable travel facilities to passengers from Punjab, he added.

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PUNJAB & ISRAEL TO FORGE STRATEGIC AGRI-PARTNERSHIP TO ESTABLISH STATE AS SEED CAPITAL

*•Gurmeet Singh Khudian meets Fares Saeb; Israel expresses keen interest in importing food grain seeds from Punjab*

*• Punjab to integrate cutting-edge agricultural technologies under academic exchanges, says Khudian*

Chandigarh, December 22:Punjab is set to emerge as a global seed capital as the state government is mulling to enter a strategic partnership with Israel to integrate cutting-edge agricultural technologies. This was discussed during a high-level meeting between Punjab's Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian and Minister, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Israel, Mr. Fares Saeb, here at Punjab Bhawan, on Monday.

S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the collaboration will focus on four key areas including exporting food grain seeds to Israel, academic exchanges between Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana and Israeli institutions, exchanging citrus stocks and adopting advanced water-management technologies.

Punjab Agriculture Minister informed that a key focus of the deliberations was introducing Israel's precision 'N-Drip' irrigation system, saving up to 70% water and significantly reducing energy consumption. The state will also explore modalities to adopt Israeli’s expertise in treating and utilising sewage and village pond water for irrigation, mirroring Israel's model where 95% of treated wastewater is reused in agriculture.

S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated, “This tie would be a visionary leap for Punjab's farming community. Merging Israeli innovation with our agricultural strength, we aim to secure water resources, boost farmer profitability and position Punjab as a leader in seed production and sustainable practices globally."

While extending the invitation for a high-level delegation from Punjab to deepen collaboration in agricultural Research & Development and water reuse, Mr. Fares Saeb expressed keen interest in importing food grain seeds from Punjab. He also highlighted improved connectivity, announcing that a direct flight from Delhi to Israel, shortening travel to about six hours, will start in January 2026.

Secretary Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Mr. Arshdeep Singh Thind, MD Punjab Agro Ms. Hargunjit Kaur, Special Secretary Agriculture Ms. Baldeep Kaur, Director Agriculture Mr. Jaswant Singh and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.

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Safety of School Children in Fog a Top Priority for Mann Government: Dr. Baljit Kaur

*Strict Enforcement of Safe School Vehicle Policy Ordered: Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*Special Focus on Checking and Safe Operation of School Vehicles During Winter: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

Chandigarh, December 22:Giving top priority to the safety of school children, the Punjab Government has issued necessary instructions to prevent untoward incidents caused by dense fog during the winter season. In this regard, Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, has directed the strict implementation of the Safe School Vehicle Policy across the state.

Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children. She emphasized that it is the clear policy of the Mann Government that every child must commute safely from home to school and back. Accordingly, all safety norms related to school vehicles are being enforced rigorously during the foggy winter months.

The Minister informed that under the Transport Department’s Safe School Vehicle Policy, regular checking of school vehicles will be conducted throughout the state and strict compliance with all prescribed norms will be ensured to avoid any kind of mishap.

Highlighting key safety measures, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that during foggy conditions, ensuring proper visibility, reducing vehicle speed, using reflectors, and keeping headlights and fog lights switched on have been made mandatory. Clear instructions in this regard have been issued to school managements and vehicle drivers.

She further directed schools that no undue pressure should be put on drivers if school vehicles get delayed due to fog. Instead, the prevailing conditions should be understood, and the safety of children and staff travelling in school vehicles must be given utmost priority. The Punjab Government, she asserted, will not compromise on the safety of children under any circumstances.

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PUNJAB HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT MINISTER HOLDS MEETING WITH ISRAELI DIPLOMAT

FOCUS ON WATER CONSERVATION AND SEWERAGE WASTE WATER RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES

Chandigarh, December 22:Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian, on Monday, held meeting with Mr. Fares Saeb, Minister and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Israel, at his office in the Punjab Civil Secretariat here.

During the interaction, detailed discussions were held on the adoption of advanced Israeli technologies in the fields of water conservation and sewerage waste water recycling, particularly for application in urban areas of the state.

The Cabinet Minister said that sustainable water management and efficient reuse of treated wastewater are key priorities of the state government in view of rapid urbanisation and growing demand for civic services.

Mr. Fares Saeb shared Israel’s globally recognised practices in water efficiency, reuse of treated sewage and modern urban infrastructure solutions. Both sides exchanged views on possible technical cooperation, knowledge sharing and future engagement to explore practical implementation of such technologies in Punjab’s cities.

Mr. Saeb also extended invitation to S. Hardeep Singh Mundian to visit Israel to witness these technologies firsthand and to explore avenues for deeper collaboration. Besides this, other issues of mutual understanding and cooperation were also discussed in a cordial and constructive atmosphere. The Cabinet Minister assured that he would soon visit Israel to explore and adopt Israeli technologies for the overall development of the state.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Mr. Vikas Garg and other officers.

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