*Punjab has been unlawfully deprived of its capital since Independence; Chandigarh is & will remain ours: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Despite unmatched national contribution, Punjab still denied its rightful capital & High Court: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Even smallest of states in country have their own High Courts, Punjab still doesn't: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji commemorated on historic scale; Sri Amritsar Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo declared holy cities: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*650th Parkash Parv of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji to be celebrated on lines of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji’s Shaheedi Diwas with full state-level arrangements & fervour: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*State-level programmes will be held from February 1 this year till February 20, 2027, to mark 650th Parkash Parv of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji:CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab’s farmers & soldiers make state Food Bowl & Sword Arm of Nation: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjabis made greatest sacrifices for India’s freedom & Constitution: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Conspiracies to snatch Chandigarh, Panjab University and Punjab’s waters will never succeed: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Centre’s changes to MGNREGA will hurt SC workers & landless families in Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab will fight legal & constitutional battles every day to protect its rights: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’, ‘Gangsteraan Te Vaar’ and crackdown on narco-drones are putting Punjab back on track: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Free healthcare up to ₹10 lakh, more than 63,000 govt jobs without bribes & record investments reflect new Rangla Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Investments worth ₹1.5 lakh crore have been attracted since 2022, generating 5.2 lakh jobs; Punjab Investment Summit to be held from March 13 to 15: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Sadak Surakhiya Force has cut road accident deaths by over 48% in Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann unfurls Tricolour, details governance milestones & reforms in Punjab*

HOSHIARPUR, 27th January 2026:Unfurling the national Tricolour in Hoshiarpur on Republic Day, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann coupled the ceremonial occasion with a firm assertion of Punjab’s constitutional rights and a detailed account of his government’s governance record. Recalling Punjab’s unmatched sacrifices in India’s freedom struggle and its continuing role as the country’s Food Bowl and Sword Arm, the Chief Minister said the state has been unjustly denied its rightful capital and a separate High Court since Independence, and made it clear that attempts to undermine Punjab’s claim over Chandigarh, Panjab University and its water rights would not succeed. He underlined that Punjab would continue to pursue legal and constitutional remedies every day to protect its interests.

Linking governance with heritage and faith, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann recalled the historic commemoration of the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, the declaration of Sri Amritsar Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities, and announced that the 650th Parkash Parv of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji would be celebrated on similar lines through state-level programmes from February 1 this year to February 20, 2027.

Highlighting the direction of governance, the Chief Minister pointed to decisive action against drugs, gangsters and narco-drones under ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ and ‘Gangsteraan Te Vaar’, universal healthcare coverage of up to ₹10 lakh, more than 63,000 government jobs provided without bribes, and a sharp reduction in road accident fatalities through the Sadak Surakhiya Force. He also expressed concern over changes to MGNREGA affecting Scheduled Caste and landless families, cited record investments of ₹1.5 lakh crore generating 5.2 lakh jobs, and announced the Punjab Investment Summit from March 13 to 15.

Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Despite the tremendous contribution towards the country and its people, Punjab does not have its own capital. Since Independence, Punjab has been unlawfully deprived of it. To worsen the situation, conspiracies are hatched daily to deprive the state of its capital, Panjab University, waters and other rights. This will never be allowed. Chandigarh was, is and will always remain an integral part of Punjab and the state government will make all-out efforts to take back its capital.”

Expressing anguish over the absence of a separate High Court, the Punjab Chief Minister said it was unfortunate that Punjab does not have its own High Court whereas small states in the North East have their own capitals. “In the absence of its own High Court, Punjabis have to suffer a lot due to the huge pendency of cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court,” he said.

Extending heartfelt greetings to all Punjabis and citizens across the country, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann paid homage to thousands of patriotic freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during India’s freedom struggle.

Saluting the brave soldiers of the Army, Navy and Air Force, the Chief Minister recalled their stellar role in safeguarding the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the country. “On this day in 1950, the Constitution of the country came into force. This is a very special day for all Indians. It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that we are proud citizens of the world’s largest democracy,” he said.

On the sacred occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann bowed in reverence to the invaluable contribution of the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, in framing the Constitution. He said Punjabis take pride in the fact that the maximum sacrifices in the freedom struggle were made by Punjabi warriors. “The inspiration to stand firm against tyranny, injustice and oppression is ingrained in every Punjabi from the teachings of our revered Gurus,” he said.

Recalling historic movements, the Chief Minister said freedom movements such as the Kuka Movement, Babbar Akali Movement, Ghadar Movement, Komagata Maru incident and Pagri Sambhal Jatta were led by Punjabis. “National heroes like Baba Maharaj Singh, Baba Ram Singh, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Sukhdev, Lala Lajpat Rai, Shaheed Udham Singh, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, Madan Lal Dhingra, Diwan Singh Kalepani and hundreds of others laid down their lives for the freedom of India,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjabis have made an exemplary contribution to the nation’s progress and have always been at the forefront in safeguarding the country and making it self-reliant in food production.

Highlighting the role of farmers, the Chief Minister said Punjab’s farmers are the nation’s food providers whose hard work and resilience ensure that no one sleeps hungry. “Punjab contributes more than 60 percent to the nation’s food reserves. Even during last year’s devastating floods, Punjab’s farmers contributed 156 lakh metric tonnes of paddy to the central pool,” he said, adding that because of the contribution of Punjab’s farmers and soldiers, the state is aptly called the “Food Bowl and Sword Arm of the Nation.”

Paying tribute to those who helped the state recover from floods, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said he salutes all valiant heroes who put Punjab back on track despite heavy floods. “Despite such a huge natural catastrophe, the state was on its feet within a few hours,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that for the sake of the country, Punjab has sacrificed its fertile land and water resources, which are its only available natural resources. “Despite the greatest sacrifices, Punjab continues to face injustice and discrimination and is being forced to wage legal, legislative and administrative battles to secure its rights,” he said.

Stating that Punjab is being meted out step-motherly treatment, Bhagwant Singh Mann said conspiracies are being hatched to snatch its rights. “An attempt was made to curtail Punjab’s legal rights over BBMB and waters, but the state government did not allow it to succeed,” he said.

Expressing concern over changes in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Chief Minister said the Centre has renamed and altered the structure of the scheme, which will snatch livelihoods from Scheduled Caste workers, women and landless families. “Punjab has the highest proportion of Scheduled Caste population in the country. This new law will prove disastrous for the SC community,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that at present 19.85 lakh families are registered as MGNREGA workers in Punjab, out of which 12.65 lakh belong to the Scheduled Caste community. “The state government is fighting this war against the Centre through legislation and courts,” he said.

He also said that the Centre has withheld Rural Development Fund (RDF) funds meant for rural development despite the clear demarcation of Centre–State rights in the Constitution.

Asserting Punjab’s resolve, the Chief Minister said, “Punjab has to fight every day to get its rights from the Centre. Let me make it very clear that Punjabis have never bowed down, and they never will in the future.”

Warning divisive forces, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said false propaganda is being spread to divide Punjabis, but the state government will never allow such designs to succeed. He issued a stern warning to gangsters and their sympathisers trying to disturb peace to abandon the path of crime or be ready to face consequences. “A crackdown against gangsters, ‘Gangsteraan Te Vaar’ is underway. Their supporters will also not be spared. No leniency will be shown to lawbreakers. Peace, unity and brotherhood will be maintained at all costs, and the state government is duty-bound to ensure this,” he said.

Listing initiatives taken by the Punjab Government over the last four years, the Chief Minister said the Punjab government is committed to delivering governance that fulfils the dreams of martyrs.

He said an all-out war against drugs has been launched under ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’, under which drug supply chains were snapped, traffickers jailed, their properties demolished, and victims treated and rehabilitated. “Anti-drone technology has been installed along the 532-kilometre-long international border. So far, 498 drone activities have been detected and 256 drones seized,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the second phase of the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ has begun and citizens can join it by giving a missed call at 98991-00002. He said village and ward-level defence committees have been formed, recovered addicts are being honoured as heroes, skill training is being provided for rehabilitation, and 3,083 rural sports grounds are being developed. He said to wean youth away from drugs, ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Dian’ have been organised with participation from three generations.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that the 350th Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom day) of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji was commemorated in an unprecedented and historic manner across the state. He said that ₹20 crore has been spent on the construction of the Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial at Sri Anandpur Sahib. The Chief Minister said Sri Amritsar Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo have been declared holy cities, while the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme enables devotees to visit religious places free of cost.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further announced that, on similar lines, the 650th Parkash Parv (birth anniversary) of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji, falling on February 1, will be celebrated on a grand scale, with programmes and events to be organised from February 1 this year and continuing in a sustained manner up to 2027, ensuring a befitting and comprehensive commemoration of Guru Ravidas Ji’s legacy.

Highlighting healthcare reforms, the Chief Minister said the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna provides cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh for all 65 lakh families. “Income conditions have been removed. Government employees and pensioners have also been included. Punjab has become the first state to provide free healthcare to all citizens,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics are providing free treatment daily and the number will soon touch 1,000.

On employment, he said 63,027 government jobs have been given transparently without bribe or recommendation. He said 90 percent households are receiving free electricity and for the first time in Punjab’s history, more than eight hours of uninterrupted daytime power is being supplied to farm tubewells during the paddy season, allowing farmers to have meals at home.

The Chief Minister said 6,900 kilometres long 18,349 watercourses have been revived, ₹2,300 crore is being spent on the Malwa canal, the first canal constructed after Independence.

On education, the Chief Minister said 118 Schools of Eminence have been established, teachers have been sent for training in Finland, Singapore and Ahmedabad, bus services for girl students are benefitting over 10,000 girls, Punjab topped the National Achievement Survey by surpassing Kerala, and government school students cleared JEE and NEET in large numbers.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said investments worth ₹1.5 lakh crore have been attracted since 2022, generating 5.2 lakh jobs. He announced that the Punjab Investment Summit will be held from March 13 to 15.

He said Punjab offers the highest sugarcane price in the country at ₹416 per quintal, stubble burning incidents have reduced by 53 percent, and closure of 21 toll plazas has saved ₹67.7 lakh daily for citizens.

The Chief Minister said the Punjab government provides ₹1 crore honorarium to the families of defence personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty and ₹2 crore honorarium to the families of police personnel in case of losing their lives during duty.

Highlighting the Sadak Surakhiya Force, the Chief Minister said it is the first-of-its-kind initiative in the country. “Since its launch in February last year, road accident fatalities have reduced by more than 48 percent. The force is deployed along 4,200 kilometres of highways and also acts as a deterrent against traffic violations,” he said.

He said village ponds have been cleaned, libraries built, 49,000 kilometres of rural roads upgraded, 1,600 bus permits issued to youth, the Easy Registry scheme introduced, and a Rs 148 crore memorial is being built at Khural Garh associated with Sri Guru Ravidas Ji.

Praising Hoshiarpur district, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said it is Punjab’s most educated district, tops in gender ratio, excels in athletics and football, and Mahilpur is globally known as a football nursery. He said work on the medical college in Hoshiarpur will begin soon and released posters for the Nature Fest to be held in February.

*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann inspects parade, witnesses cultural performances and felicitates achievers at Republic Day celebrations*

Earlier, the Chief Minister inspected the parade led by Parade Commander Dhirendra Verma, IPS, and Assistant Parade Commander Ramanpreet Singh Gill, and took salute from contingents of Punjab Police, Punjab Home Guards, PESCO, NCC, Boy Scouts, Police Cadets, Girl Guides and the Punjab Police Brass Band.

Tent pegging by the PAP Jalandhar team and a colourful cultural programme including Bhangra, Giddha, group dance, PT show and group singing by school students were also presented.

The Chief Minister felicitated freedom fighters and their kin, distributed tricycles to the physically challenged and sewing machines to needy women. Tableaux depicting the development of the state and district administration were also showcased.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also felicitated officers, officials, participants and citizens from various walks of life for their remarkable contribution to society during the Republic Day celebrations.

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*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann reviews progress of Phase II of Yudh Nashean Virudh; says this phase will further strike at backbone of drug menace*

*Important state-level meeting of Village Defence Committees (VDCs) will be organised in coming month to give further impetus to Yudh Nashean Virudh*

CHANDIGARH, 27th January 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that the second phase of ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ is set to strike at the very backbone of the drug menace, as the state prepares to escalate its most aggressive mass campaign yet against narcotics by mobilising people at the village level and deepening public participation across Punjab.

Reviewing the progress of Phase II of Yudh Nashean Virudh, the Chief Minister announced that a major state-level meeting of Village Defence Committees (VDCs) will be convened in the coming month to give renewed momentum and sharper direction to the campaign, signalling the government’s intent to convert the anti-drugs drive into an irreversible people-led movement.

Chairing a meeting to review the implementation of the second phase of ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ on Tuesday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Drugs is a global phenomena but nowhere across the world the war against this menace has been launched in such a vigorous manner. In an unprecedented manner a 1.50 lakh member strong team of ‘Pinda De Pehredaar’ (warriors) in the form of Village Defence Committee (VDC) has been constituted to make Punjab drug free.” He said that an important meeting of these VDCs will be convened in the coming month to give further push to this campaign.

The Punjab Chief Minister stated, “In this meeting the VDC Members will take pledge to ensure their villages become Drug Free,” adding that the Punjab government will ensure fulsome support and cooperation to them for this noble cause.

He also asked the officers to award Identification Cards to members of VDC so that their significant work is recognized. Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Public participation is must for every campaign,” adding that it is also imperative for sustainability.

The Chief Minister said, “The ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ has been transformed into a mass movement as this menace was a social problem.” He said that with the active support of the people Phase II of ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ will be more successful than the Phase I and Punjab is all set to script a new success story as a part of this campaign. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab has set an example by successful completion of this mass movement.

On the occasion, Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh and others were also present.

*Punjab Govt stands firm in safeguarding state’s interests in water dispute: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab is not depriving anyone of their rights; Punjab has no surplus water: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Not even single drop of Punjab’s rightful water will be allowed to be taken away: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab ready to play role of elder brother to resolve Sutlej–Yamuna Link canal dispute: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Haryana agrees to formation of Joint Committee on Punjab’s proposal to resolve water dispute: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

CHANDIGARH, 27th January 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday asserted that the Punjab Government stands firmly committed to safeguarding the State’s interests in the water dispute, while pursuing a mutually agreed resolution of the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue during a meeting with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, "We have no water to share with any other state, but as the elder brother of Haryana, we do not want to draw daggers with our neighbouring state and seek early resolution of this long-pending issue.”

The Punjab CM stated, “Punjab has no surplus water to share with any other state,” and categorically asserted, “Not even a single drop of Punjab’s rightful water can be allowed to be taken away.” He said that the SYL canal is an emotive issue for the State and added, “The State will face serious law and order problems if it is imposed,” while making it clear that “land for the SYL canal is not available in Punjab as of today.”

Reiterating Punjab’s approach, the Chief Minister said, “Punjab is the elder brother, and both states are here to find an amicable solution to this controversial issue,” adding that “both the Supreme Court and the Government of India want a mutually accepted solution, and it is a good thing that both states have joined hands to resolve the issue and end confrontation.”

Highlighting that Punjab is not depriving anyone of their rightful share, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Out of 34.34 Million Acre Feet (MAF) of water from the three rivers, Punjab was allocated only 14.22 MAF, which is 40 percent, while the remaining 60 percent was allocated to Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan, even though none of these rivers actually flow through these states.”

Expressing concern over Punjab’s water crisis, the Chief Minister said, “Due to reduction in surface water availability, excessive pressure is being put on groundwater resources,” adding that “115 out of 153 blocks in Punjab have been declared over-exploited.” He said that Punjab today has “the highest rate of groundwater extraction in the country.”

Invoking the spirit of Bhai Kanhaiya Ji, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab ignores its own water requirements and gives about 60 percent of its water to meet the needs of non-riparian states,” but added that “while Punjab shares its river waters, flood-related damages are borne solely by the State,” making it imperative that “the rights of Punjab are duly safeguarded.”

Quoting a Gurbani verse, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Pawan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat,” adding, “The Sikh Guru Sahiban have equated air with the teacher, water with the father and land with the mother, and the State government is following their teachings to protect these natural resources.”

The Chief Minister said, “For the first time in recent history, both state governments are holding serious deliberations to solve this matter,” adding that “there is no question of winning or losing, but the interests and emotions of Punjab and Punjabis cannot be ignored.”

He said that “water is the lifeline of both states,” and proposed that “regular meetings between officers of both states through a Joint Working Group are necessary.” Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that “frequent meetings of the Joint Working Group will go a long way in finding an amicable solution and ushering in an era of progress and prosperity for both states.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Barinder Goyal, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Ravi Bhagat, Secretary Irrigation Krishan Kumar and others.

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*Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan condoles demise of I S Bindra, former President of Punjab Cricket Association*

Chandigarh, 27 January 2026:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan expressed grief over the demise of Inderjit Singh Bindra, former President of Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He added that his work done towards cricket game will always inspire the future generations.

Speaker Sandhwan deeply saddened to hear the news of his passing away and he prayed to the God to grant peace to the departed soul. Almighty may give strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss in this hour of distress.

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*77th Republic Day Celebrations Across Punjab*

*Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan unfurled National flag at Sangrur & Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri at Barnala*

*Punjab Cabinet Ministers unfurled National Tricolour at various district level functions*

*People sensitized about welfare centric decisions taken by State Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann*

Chandigarh, January 27:The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with full pomp and enthusiasm in the state of Punjab today. On this occasion, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and the Cabinet Ministers of the Punjab Ministry performed the ceremony of unfurled the National Tricolour at various district levels. They addressed the people, inspected the parade and took salute from the March Past.

Addressing huge gatherings on this occasion, the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and the Cabinet Ministers said that the State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has taken many pro people and Welfare centric decisions. The Punjab Government is following the path shown by Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and is continuously working for the welfare of the people and the betterment of Punjab.

In their speeches, they said that Punjab is the first state in the country to implement the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana (Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme), which is providing health insurance of Rs. 10 lakh to every citizen of the state. Apart from this, free electricity, free bus service for women, war on drugs, war on gangsters, etc. were specially mentioned in their speeches.

On the occasion of Republic Day, Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan unfurled the flag at Sangrur while Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri unfurled the flag at Barnala.

Among the cabinet ministers, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema unfurled the National Tricolour at Bathinda, New and Renewable Energy Resources Minister Aman Arora at Pathankot, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur at Ferozepur, Local Government Minister Sanjeev Arora at Faridkot and Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh hoisted the national flag at Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

Similarly, Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian unfurled the National Tricolour at Amritsar, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak at Malerkotla, Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar at Sri Muktsar Sahib, Education and Information and Public Relations Minister Harjot Singh Bains at Patiala and Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO at Ludhiana and took the salute from the March Past and inspected the parade.

Similarly, Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal unfurled the National Tricolour at Jalandhar, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond at Rupnagar, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh hoisted the national flag in Mansa, Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian in Tarn Taran and Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat in SAS Nagar.

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*11 CADETS OF MRSAFPI MAKE IT TO NDA & OTHER PREMIER DEFENCE TRAINING ACADEMIES*

*• 289 cadets joined various defence training academies so far: Aman Arora*

Chandigarh, January 27:The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI), SAS Nagar has added another feather to its cap, with 11 cadets securing admission to the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) and other premier defence training academies during the past one month.

Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that this achievement underscores the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to nurturing young talent for the armed forces, with a total of 289 cadets having joined various defence training academies since its inception.

While congratulating the cadets on joining the training academies, Mr. Aman Arora wished the cadets success and encouraged them to work hard and become exemplary officers.

Mr. Arora said that eight cadets have joined the NDA’s 155th Course, which include Vishvaroop Singh Grewal & Bhaskar Jain from Ludhiana, Apardeep Singh Sawhney from Patiala, Paramdeep Singh from Pathankot, Rehaan Yadav from Bathinda, Sukhpreet Singh from Sangrur, Prince Kumar Dubey & Shaurya Vardhan Singh from Jalandhar. Cadet Gurkirat Singh from Ropar district joined the Indian Naval Academy’s (INA) 117 course. In addition, Gurnoor Singh from Bathinda joined the Cadet’s Training Wing (CTW) at the Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME), Secunderabad, while Akash Singh Kushwaha from Jalandhar joined the CTW at the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Mhow for the Technical Entry Scheme (TES)-54 Course. Incidentally Gurnoor Singh secured the All-India rank of 15 for the Technical Entry Scheme (TES)-54 Course.

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*PUNJAB TEAMS’ TRIALS FOR ALL INDIA CIVIL SERVICES HOCKEY, BASKETBALL, CHESS AND CRICKET TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 29*

Chandigarh, January 27:Central Civil Services Cultural and Board are organising the All India Services Hockey, Basketball, Chess (Men and Women) and Cricket (Men) tournament from 17th to 28th February 2026 in Delhi.

Trials for selection of Punjab players for these tournaments will be conducted on January 29 at 11:00 am. Trials for the men’s and women’s hockey teams will take place at Surjit Hockey Stadium, Jalandhar, while selection trials for basketball and chess teams will be organised at Guru Nanak Stadium, Ludhiana. Similarly, trials for the men’s cricket team will be held at the Practice Ground, PCA Stadium, Sector-63, SAS Nagar.

The spokesman of the sports department further informed that in these trials security services personnel/para-security organizations/central police organizations/police/RPF/CISF/BSF/ITBP and NSG etc., autonomous parties/undertakings/public sector Banks including central ministry run banks, excluding casual/daily workers, temporary office workers, newly recruited employees who have been in regular services for less than 6 months, Government employees (regular), government officials (regular) of different departments can participate only after receiving NoC from their departments. The cost of travel, accommodation and food in this tournament will be paid by the player personally.

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*21 GOVERNMENT COLLEGE GET NEW PRINCIPALS IN PUNJAB*

• *The move to boost efficiency & academic outcomes of Govt colleges: Harjot Bains*

CHANDIGARH, January 27:In a significant move to revitalise the state’s higher education system, the Punjab Government has issued posting orders for 21 Government College Principals.

Sharing this information here today, Punjab Higher Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains informed that these postings comprise of thirteen promoted senior lecturers and eight newly appointed principals, ensuring a blend of institutional knowledge and new perspectives.

The Education Minister said that the list of promoted and posted principals includes Vinita Rao at Government College, Dera Bassi; Sham Sundar at Shaheed Udham Singh Government College, Sunam; Ami Bhalla at Sant Baba Sewa Singh Memorial Government College (Girls), Guru Ka Khuh, Munne (Nurpur Bedi); Mamta at Government College, Raikot; Jagjeet Kaur at Government College, Shahkot; Navdeep Singh at Government College, Nial Patran; Nandini Vaid at Government College, Machhiwara; Manju Kapoor at Government College, Sri Muktsar Sahib; Jaspreet Kaur Grewal at Government College, Mandi Gobindgarh; Pooja Kohli at Government College, Kotkapura; Amandeep Bhatti at Sri Guru Arjan Dev Government College, Tarn Taran; Jasmeet Sethi at Government College of Education, Jalandhar; and Sarita at Government College, Malerkotla.

He further shared that the eight newly recruited principals have been allocated their stations as follows: Manish Kumar at Government College, Pojewal; Sumit Brar at Government College, Jagraon; Parul Khanna at Government College, Mukhliana, Chabbewal; Rajiv Khosla at Government College, Talwara; Aneet Kumar at Government College, Dhudike; Gulshan Kumar at Government Brijindra College, Faridkot; Savita Gupta at Government College, Dholbaha; and Harinder Singh at Government College, Shahbaazpur, Tarn Taran.

"Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is making all out efforts to ensure our colleges get dynamic and experienced leadership to shape Punjab's youth and elevate higher education standards”, S. Bains stated, while emphasising that these postings would boost efficiency and academic outcomes in government colleges. Punjab Govt remains committed to a future-ready education system that empowers students.

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Vigilance Bureau nabs Forest Guard and Daily Wage Worker red handed accepting bribe of Rs 20000/-

Chandigarh January 27, 2026:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against the corruption in the state, has apprehended Kuldeep Singh, Forest Guard, and Darshan Singh Mate, Daily Wage Worker red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 20000/-. Both accused were posted at Forest Range office at Nakodar, District Jalandhar.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a resident of village Sanghowal, sub tehsil Mehatpur, district Jalandhar.

He said that the complainant works as a labourer and when the complainant's domestic gas cylinder got exhausted, he was collecting small pieces of wood from trees along the Mehatpur-Jagraon road for household use. At that time, both accused Kuldeep Singh, Forest Guard, and Darshan Singh Mate Daily Wage Worker arrived at the spot, informed the complainant that a case of theft of government wood would be registered against him and took his motorcycle in their custody.

The spokesperson added that complainant contacted Darshan Singh Mate, and then he told him that Kuldeep Singh Forest Guard, was demanding Rs. 20000/- for releasing the complainant's motorcycle. Despite repeated requests by the complainant, accused Darshan Singh remained adamant about the bribe amount which was demanded for Kuldeep Singh, Forest Guard. The complainant recorded the conversation regarding the demand of illegal gratification of Rs. 20000/-.

After a preliminary enquiry of his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the both accused were arrested red handed while accepting bribe money of Rs 20000/- from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Jalandhar and further investigation into this case is under progress.