*Mann Government Takes Major Step for the Welfare of Poor and Marginalized; Ashirwad Scheme to Be Implemented Only Through Sewa Kendras: Dr. Baljit Kaur*
*Ashirwad Online Portal Linked with Sewa Kendras to Ensure Transparency, Ease, and Trust: Dr. Baljit Kaur*
*Financial Assistance of ₹51,000 Provided for Daughters’ Marriages under Ashirwad Scheme: Social Justice Minister*
Chandigarh, January 28:The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, continues to take people-centric decisions for the welfare of the poor, backward, and marginalized communities. In this direction, a significant step has been taken to make the Ashirwad Scheme more transparent, efficient, and citizen-friendly, said Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities.
Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur officially inaugurated the Ashirwad Online Portal in conjunction with Sewa Kendras on Wednesday at Punjab Bhawan. She informed that from now on, applications under the Ashirwad Scheme can only be submitted through Sewa Kendras, making the scheme more effective and accountable.
The Minister emphasized that the Mann Government is committed to ensuring that every rupee of public welfare schemes reaches the rightful beneficiaries with full honesty and transparency. Receiving applications through Sewa Kendras will curb corruption, middlemen exploitation, and misuse, while strengthening public trust in government systems. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to the dignity of daughters, social security, and transparent governance.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Ashirwad Scheme is a flagship welfare initiative of the Punjab Government. Under the scheme, financial assistance of ₹51,000 is provided at the time of marriage to daughters of Scheduled Castes, Christian community, backward classes, and economically weaker sections, as well as daughters of widows from all communities and widows/divorced women from Scheduled Castes.
Earlier, beneficiaries had to submit applications along with documents at departmental Tehsil offices, causing delays and technical challenges. Even after making the scheme online, complaints were received regarding private cyber cafes charging excessive fees and misusing the system.
Considering all these issues, Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government has now linked the Ashirwad Portal with Sewa Kendras. Beneficiaries can now avail the scheme’s benefits from their nearest Sewa Kendra at minimal cost, without any middlemen, in a simple and fully transparent manner.
On this occasion, Mrs. Vimmi Bhullar, Director of the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, was present.
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Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan condoles demise of Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and other officials
Chandigarh, 28 January 2026:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan expressed grief over the sudden demise of Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and other officials who have lost their lives in this unfortunate incident of plane crash. He added that he was a stalwart leader and his unwavering dedication towards public service will always inspire us and remain in our mind.
Speaker Sandhwan deeply saddened to hear the news of their passing away and he prayed to the God to grant peace to the departed souls. Almighty may give strength to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss in this hour of distress.
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*PUNJAB GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO RESOLVING LEGITIMATE DEMANDS OF EMPLOYEES: DR. RAVJOT SINGH*
*HOLDS MEETINGS WITH 13 EDUCATION DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATIONS*
CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 28:Punjab Parliamentary Affairs & NRI Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh on Wednesday reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of its workforce, stating that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, a significant number of employee issues, including those of contractual staff, have already been resolved. He emphasised that the resolution of remaining legitimate demands is currently in the pipeline and the demands would receive due consideration.
Presiding over the various meetings at Punjab Secretariat, Dr. Ravjot Singh held detailed discussions regarding the Department of Education. The meeting was attended by key officials including Secretary Education Sonali Giri and other senior officers of the Education Department.
During the meetings, Dr. Ravjot Singh also engaged with representatives from 13 Employee Unions related to the education department. While interacting with the representative from the Teachers Association, the Minister provided an assurance that their valid concerns are being given due thought.
During the meeting Cabinet Minister directed the Education Department and other concerned departments to take requisite action regarding the legitimate demands raised during the meeting. He reiterated that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government is a pro-employee dispensation focused on creating a stable and supportive environment for all public servants.
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*Punjab Government committed to regularise contractual employees; genuine demands will be resolved at the earliest: Laljit Singh Bhullar*
*Meeting of union members with Secretary Transport to be held on February 3*
*Transport Minister meets delegation of Transport Union*
Chandigarh, January 28:The Punjab Government is committed to resolve all genuine demands of contractual employees of the Transport Department, including their regularisation, at the earliest. Stating this, Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said that a meeting of union members with the Transport Secretary has been scheduled for February 3, 2026, to take on demands of these employees as per rules.
During a meeting here today with a delegation of the Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS/PRTC Contract Workers Union Punjab, Mr. Bhullar said that the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to regularise temporary employees. He added that all genuine demands of the contractual employees of the department are being considered sympathetically.
The Minister said that while the Punjab Government is committed to the welfare of its employees and workers, it is equally concerned about the interests of the people of the state and passengers.
Assuring the representatives of the employees’ union, the Minister said that while they should continue to discharge their services in the larger public interest, the government will also take full care of its employees.
On the occasion, Transport Secretary Varun Roozam, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Kumar Amit, Director State Transport Rajiv Kumar Gupta, AMD PRTC Navdeep Kumar, along with union leaders including State President Resham Singh, General Secretary Shamsher Singh, Senior Vice President Harkesh Kumar Vicky, Cashier Baljit Singh and Jagtar Singh, among others, were present at the meeting.
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*PEDA INKS MoUs WITH ACADEMIC INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN ENERGY CONSERVATION*
*• Collaboration to drive energy conservation research to improve energy efficiency in buildings, industries & public infra: Aman Arora*
Chandigarh, January 28:In a significant step towards promoting energy conservation and efficiency to build a sustainable and energy-efficient future for the state, Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with reputed academic institutes to undertake Research and Development (R&D) projects.
Punjab New any Renewable Energy Sources Minister Mr. Aman Arora informed that the MoUs were inked with Chandigarh University, Gharuan and Bhai Gurdas Institute of Engineering & Technology, Sangrur to drive energy conservation research to improve energy efficiency in buildings, industries and public infrastructure.
Congratulating the PEDA for the partnership, Mr. Aman Arora said that the MoUs aim to create a strong collaboration between government, academia and students to promote innovation, research and practical solutions for reducing energy consumption and enhancing efficiency across sectors in Punjab. Under this initiative, students from engineering colleges, universities and technical institutions will get an excellent opportunity to actively participate in real-world energy research, field studies, technology development and pilot projects.
Mr. Arora said that the MoUs, signed by PEDA CEO Ms. Neelima, will nurture young talent, boost technical skills and spread awareness on energy conservation and sustainable development among students.
He further informed that the R&D projects under these MoUs will focus on boosting energy efficiency in buildings, industries and public spaces, promoting green technologies and best practices, supporting policy research for long-term energy planning and cutting energy costs and carbon footprint for the State. The Cabinet Minister reaffirmed Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable growth, marking a key step towards making Punjab a model state for responsible energy use.
Administrative Secretary New & Renewable Energy Sources Dr. Basant Garg emphasised that these collaborations will play a crucial role in achieving Punjab's energy conservation goals, besides preparing students and institutions to contribute meaningfully to the State's clean energy transition. The initiative is expected to benefit Punjab by promoting innovation and research, building capacity of students and faculty, while reducing emissions for a cleaner environment.
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Punjab Government committed to upliftment of backward classes, minorities, and economically weaker sections: Sandeep Saini
Chandigarh, January 28:Punjab Backward Classes Land Development and Finance Corporation (BACKFINCO) provides low-interest loans to individuals belonging to backward classes, economically weaker sections, and minority communities in the state. These loans are meant to help them establish self-employment ventures and to assist students in pursuing higher education in India and abroad.
Disclosing this here today Shri Sandeep Saini, Chairman of BACKFINCO, stated that the Punjab Government is making constant efforts for the upliftment of backward classes, minority communities, and economically weaker sections.
Mr. Saini further informed that under the National Minorities Development (NMD) Scheme, during the financial year 2025–26, from 1st April, 2025 to 31st December, 2025 BACKFINCO provided loans worth ₹8.25 crore to 256 beneficiaries from minority communities in Punjab (Sikh, Muslim, Christian, Parsi, Buddhist, and Jain). He appealed to the youth of Punjab from backward classes, minority groups and economically weaker sections to contact BACKFINCO to start self-employment.
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SC Commission summons SDM
Chandigarh, January 28:The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has summoned SDM Sachin Pathak while taking action in a case.
Giving information in this regard, the Chairman of the SC Commission, S. Jasbir Singh Garhi, said that the Commission is hearing a complaint filed by Sant Inder Das, a resident of village Chuharwali, district Jalandhar. In which the Commission has summoned Mr. Sachin Pathak, SDM, Nangal on 03-02-2026.