*Bhagwant Mann Govt empowers 2,559 families with ₹13.05 crore under Ashirwad Scheme: Dr Baljit Kaur*

*₹51,000 marriage assistance for EWS girls in 12 districts: Dr Baljit Kaur*

*Ashirwad Scheme benefits to be transferred directly via DBT, ensures transparency: Dr Baljit Kaur*

*Bhagwant Mann Govt strengthens backward classes & economically weaker sections: Dr Baljit Kaur*

CHANDIGARH, 23rd January 2026:Reaffirming the Punjab Government's, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, commitment to inclusive development, the Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr Baljit Kaur, said the Bhagwant Mann government is taking decisive steps to strengthen the economic condition of Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).

Sharing details of the Ashirwad Scheme, Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Dr. Baljit Kaur said that during the financial year 2025–26, the Punjab Government has released ₹13.05 crore to benefit 2,559 families belonging to Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections. “This assistance has been provided under the Ashirwad Scheme to support families during important social milestones and to reduce their financial burden,” she said.

Explaining the outreach of the scheme, the Minister said that applications were received through the Ashirwad portal from 12 districts, including Faridkot, Ferozepur, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Patiala, SBS Nagar, Sangrur and Tarn Taran. She added, “An amount of ₹13.05 crore has been sanctioned to cover all eligible beneficiaries from these districts.”

Providing district-wise details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “Financial assistance has been extended to 19 beneficiaries from Faridkot, 45 from Ferozepur, 83 from Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, 723 from Fazilka, 291 from Gurdaspur and 7 from Jalandhar.” She further added, “Similarly, 163 beneficiaries from Kapurthala, 892 from Ludhiana, 175 from Patiala, 43 from SBS Nagar, 37 from Sangrur and 81 from Tarn Taran have also been covered under the scheme.”

Highlighting the objective of the Ashirwad Scheme, the Minister said, “Under this scheme, a financial assistance of ₹51,000 is provided for the marriage of girls from low-income families. This support is aimed at easing their financial burden and ensuring social dignity.”

Detailing the eligibility criteria, Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said, “To avail the benefit, the applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab, belong to a Below Poverty Line family and be from the Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes or other Economically Weaker Sections. The total annual family income from all sources should be less than ₹32,790.” She added, “Up to two daughters from one eligible family can avail the benefit under the Ashirwad Scheme.”

Emphasizing transparency, the Minister said, “The financial assistance is transferred directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer, ensuring transparency and timely delivery of funds.”

Concluding, Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “The Punjab Government is working at a fast pace to uplift the standard of living of all sections of society and to empower economically weaker families, reaffirming our commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive Punjab.

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*Mann Government Strengthens Punjab’s March Towards World-Class Education*

*IK Gujral Punjab Technical University Signs MoU with Universal Business School Sydney In Presence of Harjot Singh Bains*

*Global Academic Collaboration to Boost Quality and Global Exposure in Technical Education: Harjot Singh Bains*

*Harjot Singh Bains Steers Education Reforms Through International Partnerships*

*Chandigarh, January 23:*In a major step towards strengthening international academic cooperation and elevating the standards of technical education in the state, I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University (IKGPTU), Jalandhar, signed an international Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Universal Business School Sydney (UBSS), Australia, reaffirming the Mann Government’s commitment to world-class education.

The MoU signing ceremony was held at Punjab Bhawan here, in the presence of Harjot Singh Bains, Minister for Technical Education and Industrial Training, Punjab. The collaboration is aimed at promoting academic exchange, joint research initiatives, faculty and student mobility and the adoption of global best practices in teaching, learning and research.

Addressing the gathering, Harjot Singh Bains said that international academic partnerships are central pillar of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Government’s education reform agenda. He stated that collaborations with globally reputed institutions such as the Universal Business School Sydney will significantly enhance the quality of education and research across technical institutions in Punjab. The Cabinet Minister highlighted that such MoUs open up vast possibilities for advanced and collaborative research, joint publications, innovation-led projects and exposure to international research ecosystems for both students and faculty members.

Listing the long-term impact of the collaboration, the Technical Education Minister noted that global partnerships would create refined and expanded career pathways for students by providing international exposure, industry-oriented learning and opportunities for higher education, internships and placements abroad. He further added that faculty members would benefit through academic exchange programmes, capacity building initiatives and participation in international research and development activities.

Reiterating the government’s vision, Harjot Singh Bains said that the Mann Government is committed to equipping Punjab’s youth with globally relevant skills, strong research orientation and professional competence to compete successfully at the international level.

"The partnership of IKGPTU with UBSS in Australia will not only foster knowledge exchange within the two large learning communities but will also proliferate IKG Punjab Technical University learning experience across the Australian Higher Education ECO System", he added.

The MoU was formally signed by Dr. Susheel Mittal, Vice-Chancellor, IKGPTU and Garry Malhotra, President, Universal Business School Sydney, marking the beginning of a strategic academic partnership between India and Australia.

Speaking on the occasion, Garry Malhotra underscored the importance of cross-border collaborations in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and global leadership among students.

Dr. Susheel Mittal reaffirmed IKGPTU’s commitment to expanding international linkages in alignment with the Punjab Government’s vision of transforming the state into a hub of globally competitive technical education and research excellence.

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*Punjab Attracts ₹1,003.57 Crore Greenfield Investment in Special Steel Manufacturing Sector: Sanjeev Arora*

Chandigarh 23 January 2026:Punjab has secured a major greenfield investment in the special steel manufacturing sector, further strengthening the State’s industrial and metallurgical ecosystem.

Disclosing this here today, Cabinet Minister for Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion and Power, Punjab, Mr. Sanjeev Arora, informed that AISRM Multimetals Private Limited (AISRM)—a part of the Arora Iron Group with a group turnover of approximately ₹2,200 crore—has proposed an investment of ₹1,003.57 crore to set up a state-of-the-art steel manufacturing facility at Village Jaspallon, Doraha–Khanna Road, District Ludhiana.

The project will be established over an area of around 46 acres and is expected to generate employment for over 920 persons, providing a significant boost to industrial employment in the region. The project will be implemented in three phases, with the first phase targeted to become operational by September 2027.

The proposed unit will have an installed capacity of 5.40 lakh metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) and will manufacture Round Bars, Wire Rods, Coils and Flats, using scrap and ferro alloys as raw materials. The facility is proposed to operate on a triple-shift basis for nearly 350 days a year, reflecting the scale and continuous nature of operations.

Mr. Arora stated that the plant will be equipped with modern and advanced steelmaking technologies, including Induction Furnaces, Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), Ladle Refining Furnace (LRF), Vacuum Degassing, Argon Oxygen Decarburization (AOD), Continuous Casting Machines and Rolling Mills. These technologies will enable the production of high-quality alloy and special steel products for demanding industrial applications.

“The proposed investment will significantly strengthen Punjab’s alloy and special steel ecosystem, especially for the automobile and automotive components sector, where demand for high-grade steel is steadily rising,” said Mr. Arora. He added that the project would further reinforce Ludhiana’s position as a major industrial and metallurgical hub of North India.

The Cabinet Minister said that this project aligns with the Punjab Government’s vision of promoting industrial growth, value addition, employment generation and sustainable manufacturing, while leveraging the State’s strong industrial base, skilled manpower and strategic logistical advantages.

Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora also added under Dynamic leadership of our Hon'ble National Convener Arvind Kejriwal & Hon'ble CM Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann Punjab will soon be a best investment destination of Country.

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*RECORD RESPONSE TO GOVT SCHOOLS SHOWS PARENTS’S GROWING TRUST IN BHAGWANT MANN GOVT’S “SIKHYA KRANTI”: HARJOT SINGH BAINS*

*•Over 2 lakh applications for 20,000 seats in Schools of Eminence & Residential Schools reflect transformation in Punjab’s govt schools: Harjot Singh Bains*

*January 25 last date to apply for Schools of Eminence & RSMS admissions; entrance exam on March 1: Harjot Singh Bains*

CHANDIGARH, January 23:In a remarkable testament to the growing confidence in government schools, Punjab’s Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, on Tuesday, said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government’s initiatives under ‘Sikhya Kranti’ (education revolution) are yielding positive results, as reflected in the overwhelming response to admissions in Schools of Eminence and Residential Schools for Meritorious Students.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, “The response to admissions in Schools of Eminence and Residential Schools for Meritorious Students shows a clear and growing confidence of parents and students in government schools. Over two lakh students have registered for admissions to Classes 9 and 11 in these institutions, competing for nearly 20,000 available seats, which marks a significant shift towards quality education in government-run schools.”

Giving an overview of the institutional framework, the Education Minister said, “At present, Punjab has 118 Schools of Eminence and 10 Residential Schools for Meritorious Students, where admissions are being conducted for the academic session 2026–27.”

Sharing details of seat availability, Minister Harjot Singh Bains stated, “For Class 9, a total of 4,248 seats are available in Schools of Eminence, with 36 seats per school, while 50 seats are available in Residential Schools for Meritorious Students, which is currently operational through one residential school.”

He further said, “For Class 11, Schools of Eminence have 11,187 seats available. The total sanctioned intake for Class 11 is 15,104 seats, out of which 3,917 students from Class 10 studying in Schools of Eminence will be promoted to Class 11. In addition, 4,600 seats are available in Residential Schools for Meritorious Students for Class 11 admissions.”

Providing details of the registration status, the Minister noted, “So far, 93,300 students have registered for Class 9 admissions, out of which 74,855 applications have been finally submitted. For Class 11, 1,10,716 students have registered, with 92,624 applications successfully submitted.” He added, “A total of 36,537 students across both classes are yet to complete their final submission.”

Urging students and parents to complete the process in time, the Education Minister said, “The last date for submission of applications is January 25, 2026, while the entrance examination will be conducted on March 1, 2026.” He added that “further details regarding admit cards and examination centres will be shared through official channels in due course.”

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*IICDEM concludes with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration 2026*

Chandigarh, Jan 23: Election Commission of India’s (ECI) 3-day conference International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 concluded today at the Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration 2026.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, Shri Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners (ECs) Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, Heads of 42 Election Management Bodies (EMBs), experts from over 70 national institutions and senior officers of the ECI & 36 Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of States/UTs were present at the closing session of IICDEM-2026.

At the closing session, CEC Shri Gyanesh Kumar read out the Delhi Declaration 2026, which was unanimously adopted by the EMBs. The EMBs resolved to work together on the five pillars of the declaration relating to Purity of Electoral Rolls, Conduct of Elections, Research and Publications, Use of Technology and Training and Capacity Building. The participants also resolved to review their progress periodically and proposed to meet on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of December 2026 at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi.

The EMBs also resolved to bring out a co-curated Encyclopaedia of Democracies of the World, comprehensive reports on the seven themes which are being led by International IDEA and 36 themes led by IIIDEM; co-development of digital platforms, similar to ECINET; training and exchange of transparent practices through IIIDEM, to impart professionalism in the Conduct of Elections and preparation of Electoral Rolls.

In his keynote address, CEC Shri Gyanesh Kumar, said that the conference has ignited conversations regarding model international electoral standards. Referring to the over 40 bilateral meetings held during the conference, CEC Kumar said they have contributed to expansion of mutual cooperation and understanding of collective priorities and perspectives.

Speaking at the closing session, EC Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu said that the openness, mutual respect, and willingness to learn from one another, reflect the maturity andprofessionalism of the global electoral community.

In his address, EC Dr. Vivek Joshi said that the launch of ECINET has specifically been the standpoint for Indian technological advancement and has brought together the importance accorded by ECI to technology, reinforcing the measured adoption ensuring that technology supports trust rather than replace it.

The 3-day Conference, the first and the largest of its kind, was flagged off with a grand Reception Ceremony and the Inaugural Session, which was attended by nearly 1,000 persons including International Delegates from 42 EMBs and Heads of Missions of 27 countries.

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt Implements Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, Ensures Cashless Treatment up to ₹10 Lakh for Every Family*

*Punjab becomes only state in country where rich & poor alike have access to same healthcare facilities*

*Free treatment to be available under this scheme in over 820 empanelled hospitals across Punjab, including leading private hospitals*

*More than 2,300 diseases to be treated under this scheme, from dialysis to cancer care*

*When required, patients will also be able to avail treatment in hospitals outside state using health card*

*Single health card to provide easy cashless healthcare coverage of up to ₹10 lakh to nearly 3 crore people*

*Trained youth club members will also go door-to-door to help citizens get their health cards made*

CHANDIGARH, January 23, 2026-Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has implemented the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, a landmark and path-breaking healthcare initiative that ensures every resident of the state has access to quality medical treatment without financial hardship. The scheme provides cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per family per year and is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive and universal healthcare programmes in the country.With this initiative, Punjab has set a new national benchmark by offering universal health coverage without any income limit or exclusion, a feature unmatched by any other health insurance scheme currently operational anywhere in India.

*What is Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna*

Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna is a universal health insurance scheme introduced by the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government to provide free and cashless medical treatment to families across the state through empanelled government and private hospitals. Under the scheme, all treatment expenses are settled directly between hospitals and the implementing agencies, ensuring that patients do not have to make any out-of-pocket payments.

*Eligibility Under the Scheme*

The scheme applies to all bona fide residents of Punjab and has been made fully universal by removing all income and category-based restrictions. Families with a valid Punjab Voter ID are eligible for enrolment, while children below the age of 18 are covered through the Voter ID of their parent or guardian. Government employees, pensioners, and individuals engaged on contractual, outsourcing, or consultancy basis under Punjab Government departments, corporations, trusts, and societies are also eligible. There is no income limit under the scheme.

*Coverage and Beneficiaries*

Under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, health cards will be issued to approximately 65 lakh families, covering nearly three crore citizens across Punjab. Each eligible family is entitled to cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per year. The earlier coverage limit of ₹5 lakh has been doubled, significantly strengthening health protection and financial security for families.

*Issuance of Health Cards*

Health cards under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna serve as the key access document for availing cashless treatment. These cards can be obtained through facilitation centres, Common Service Centres, or online registration using Aadhaar Card and Punjab Voter ID. To ensure maximum enrolment, trained youth club members will also assist families through door-to-door outreach across the state.

*Medical Treatments and Services Covered*

More than 2,300 treatment packages have been included under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, covering secondary and tertiary healthcare services across a wide range of medical specialties such as orthopedics, general medicine, cardiology, neurology, nephrology, urology, and oncology. The scheme includes major treatments such as heart procedures, cancer treatment, kidney dialysis and transplant, brain and spine surgeries, knee and hip replacement, cataract surgery, maternity and newborn care, accident and emergency services, ICU care, as well as pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation services. Diagnostic services related to treatment are also covered.

*Hospitals Empanelled Under the Scheme*

Under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, cashless healthcare services are being provided to beneficiaries through a robust and extensive network of empanelled hospitals spanning government institutions, private hospitals, public–private partnership facilities, and medical colleges across Punjab. As of date, a total of 823 hospitals have been empanelled under the scheme, ensuring wide geographical coverage as well as access to medical college-level care throughout the state. This network includes four government medical colleges, four private medical colleges, and one medical college operating in public–private partnership mode. In addition, 23 district hospitals, 41 sub-divisional hospitals, and 151 community health centres have been brought under the scheme, strengthening access to healthcare at the district and sub-district levels.

The private sector forms a significant component of the network, with 559 private hospitals empanelled under MMSY. Major private hospitals included under the scheme are PIMS Medical and Education Charitable Society, Jalandhar; Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda; Chintpurni Medical College and Hospital, Pathankot; RIMT Medical College and Hospital, Fatehgarh Sahib; Gian Sagar Medical College, Patiala; Neelam Hospital, Patiala; Shri Guru Ram Dass Charitable Hospital, Amritsar; Capitol Hospital, Jalandhar; Sohana Hospital, SAS Nagar; and Amar Hospital, SAS Nagar. The Punjab Government will continue to expand the empanelled hospital network to further strengthen access to cashless treatment across the state.

*Where Treatment Can Be Availed*

Beneficiaries can avail cashless treatment at any empanelled government or private hospital across Punjab. Empanelled hospitals located in Chandigarh are also included, allowing beneficiaries access to treatment beyond the state where required.

*How Cashless Treatment Works*

To avail treatment, beneficiaries are required to present their Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna health card at the empanelled hospital. Treatment is provided without any payment by the patient. After completion of treatment, the hospital submits the claim for reimbursement, and payment is released within fifteen days. The Punjab Government has already paid the advance premium to the insurance company to ensure uninterrupted services.

*Implementation and Financial Provision*

The scheme is being implemented through a hybrid model. Insurance coverage of ₹1 lakh per family is provided by United India Insurance Company, while the remaining coverage up to ₹10 lakh is borne by the Punjab Government through the State Health Agency. A budgetary provision of ₹1,200 crore has been made to ensure smooth and sustained implementation.

*Objective of Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna*

The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna reflects the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government’s commitment to ensuring that no citizen of Punjab is forced to delay or forgo medical treatment due to financial constraints. By offering universal, cashless healthcare without discrimination, the scheme positions Punjab as a national leader in public healthcare reform.

*For further information and enrolment assistance, citizens may contact their nearest Common Service Centre or government health facility.*

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*Speaker participates in All India Presiding Officers Conference (AIPOC), held at Lucknow*

Chandigarh 23 January 2026:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S Kultar Singh Sandhwan participated in the 86th ‘All India Presiding Officers Conference’ (AIPOC) held at Lucknow. Leading members of the Legislative Assemblies and Legislative Councils from across the country participated in this three days conference organized by the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha.

During the conference, discussions were held on ‘Good Governance’, current challenges facing by democratic institutions and increasing use of ‘Technology’ in legislative functioning. These discussions will prove to be very significant to make democracy more transparent and accountable in today’s digital era, he added.

Speaker also held a positive and constructive meeting with S. Baldev Singh Aulakh, Minister of State for Agriculture Education and Research the Government of Uttar Pradesh. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the current challenges of the agriculture sector and the efforts being made for the welfare of farmers. He was very impressed by his simplicity, visionary thinking and seriousness towards farming issues. Speaker expressed his gratitude and warm respect for Agriculture Minister.

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*Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna gets massive response across Punjab*

*No income limit, 65 lakh families to receive cashless healthcare under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna: Aman Arora*

*Over 820 govt & private hospitals empanelled as Bhagwant Mann Govt rolls out universal health card scheme: Hardeep Singh Mundian*

*Even poorest families can now access best private hospitals under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna: Laljit Singh Bhullar*

*Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Lal Chand Kataruchak, Laljit Singh Bhullar and Hardeep Singh Mundian lead rollout of registration drive*

CHANDIGARH, 23rd January 2026:The Bhagwant Mann Government launched the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna with a full-scale push on day one, as Cabinet Ministers and AAP MLAs took charge of registration drives across Punjab to fast-track universal healthcare. From towns to villages, ministers stepped out to initiate and accelerate enrolment as the scheme drew a massive public response within hours of its launch.

Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Lal Chand Kataruchak, Laljit Singh Bhullar and Hardeep Singh Mundian spearheaded the outreach, underscoring the government’s intent to translate policy into immediate on-ground delivery. The scheme offers cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per family, with no income cap and over 820 government and private hospitals empanelled across Punjab, allowing even the poorest families to access private healthcare.

Leading the registration drive at Sunam Udham Singh Wala, Cabinet Minister Aman Arora said, “With the launch of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, every family in Punjab will now be entitled to free treatment up to ₹10 lakh.”

Explaining the scope of the scheme, he stated, “Under this scheme, all medicines and tests for both major and minor illnesses up to ₹10 lakh will be completely free. Once a patient is admitted to a hospital, the entire treatment will be cashless and only the health card will be required.”

Minister Aman Arora added, “Punjab has nearly 65 lakh families and health cards will be issued to all these families, covering close to three crore citizens. For the first time in the country, there is no income limit for eligibility, which sets a new national benchmark.”

He further stated, “At present, 850 government and private hospitals have been empanelled under the scheme and more hospitals will be added in the coming days. The scheme includes more than 2,356 treatment packages, which is a significant increase from the earlier 1,600 packages, and covers departments such as orthopaedics, general medicine, cardiology, neurology, nephrology, urology, oncology and many others.”

Highlighting the operational aspects, Minister Aman Arora said, “Diagnostic services have also been included along with hospital expenses. Any citizen can now avail free treatment at any government or private hospital in Punjab or Chandigarh. Hospitals will receive payment within 15 days of treatment, as the state government has already paid advance premiums to the insurance company.”

In Pathankot, Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak began the registration process by going door to door in the villages of Daro Salaam, Bhoa and Gobindsar. He said, “Fourteen hospitals in District Pathankot have been attached under the scheme. Camps will be organised in villages to prepare the health cards and the cards will also be made at Common Service Centres.” He added, “For persons above 18 years of age, Aadhaar Card and Voter Card are required, while those below 18 years of age will need Aadhaar Card, Birth Certificate and the Voter Card of either parent for registration.”

During the visit, Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak personally handed over the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna card to Pardeep Kumar, a resident of Gobindsar village, at his residence. Pardeep Kumar had been injured in an accident.

Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian today inaugurated a camp at Mangarh village in Sahnewal to provide free treatment of up to ₹10 lakh to every family under the “Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna”.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said, “The AAP has fulfilled its promise of providing free healthcare to the people of Punjab.” He said, “In the last four years, the government has established around 1,000 Mohalla Clinics in villages and neighbourhoods. In the last 75 years, all previous governments together opened only 400 Primary Health Centres, whereas the present government has set up 1,000 Mohalla Clinics in just four years, with another 500 currently under construction.”

He further stated, “In the next four to five months, 2,500 ‘Pind Clinics’ will also be opened to further strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.” Explaining eligibility, he said, “Government employees, pensioners and every other citizen of Punjab will be eligible for the health card. At present, 850 government and private hospitals have already been empanelled and more will be added soon.”

Initiating the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna at village Sabhra in Tarn Taran district, Transport and Jails Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said, “With this scheme, even the poorest of the poor will now be able to avail the best treatment facilities, including in private hospitals.”

Meanwhile, the registration for issuance of health cards under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana was begun at Sultanpur Lodhi by Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal and at Hoshiarpur by MLA Bram Shanker Jimpa.

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