*Punjab has always led from front in sacrifices for nation’s unity & sovereignty: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab has given nation its bravest soldiers & finest military leaders: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Delegation of National Defence College visits Punjab, calls on CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab’s legacy of valour & communal harmony unmatched in the country: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab remains sword arm & food bowl of India: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

CHANDIGARH, 2nd February 2026:A delegation of the National Defence College, New Delhi, currently on a study tour of Punjab, called on Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday, during which he highlighted the state’s unparalleled contribution to the nation’s unity and sovereignty, its legacy of valour and communal harmony, and Punjab’s enduring role as the sword arm and food bowl of India.

Interacting with a delegation of the National Defence College that called on him here today, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab has given the Indian Armed Forces distinguished military leaders and braveheart soldiers who have always made supreme sacrifices for the country.” He said, “It is heartening to learn that the National Defence College, New Delhi, is on a visit to Punjab from February 2 to 6.”

Welcoming the delegation upon their arrival in the state, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This socio-political study tour is aimed at understanding and learning about Punjab’s social, economic, political and other sectors.”

Extending a warm welcome to the delegation on the sacred soil of Punjab, the Chief Minister said, “The state government feels privileged to host you.” He apprised the delegation, saying, “Punjab is the holy land of great Gurus, saints, seers, prophets and martyrs, and it is known as the land of brave and hardworking people.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The youth of the state protect the borders, and our farmers keep the country’s granaries secure, due to which Punjab is proudly known as the ‘Food Bowl and Sword Arm of India’.”

The Chief Minister said, “Punjab’s farmers contribute the most to the country’s grain production, and 40 percent of the food grains in the national pool are contributed by the state.” He added, “The brave soldiers from Punjab have sacrificed their lives to protect the country’s unity, integrity and sovereignty, and it is a fact that Punjabis made the maximum sacrifices in the country’s freedom struggle.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab is a peaceful state where peace, mutual love and communal harmony are so strong that the seeds of hatred cannot germinate here.”

The Chief Minister said, “Despite being a border state, Punjab has never been divided along sectarian lines. Instead, Punjabis have set beautiful examples of communal harmony before the world during times of crisis.” He further said, “The holy city of Amritsar is known as a symbol of all-inclusive coexistence and is home to sacred sites like Sri Harmandir Sahib, Durgiana Mandir, Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal, Jallianwala Bagh and others.” He added, “Punjab shares a 532-kilometre-long international border with a hostile country, yet it has remained an epitome of secularism, peace and amity.”

The Chief Minister said, “As part of the study of India’s socio-political and economic aspects, a week-long tour has started in Punjab.” He added, “This course provides an opportunity to visit states and gain in-depth knowledge about their social, political, economic, cultural and religious aspects.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “It also allows a better perspective on the challenges of implementing administration, governance and law and order at the state level down to the village level.” He said, “The delegation consists of a total of 16 officers, with 31 percent representation from foreign officers, as five of the 16 officers are from abroad.”

The Chief Minister said, “The delegation includes one officer each from Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia and Nepal.” He added, “There are 11 Indian officers, including Army five, Navy two, Air Force two, AFHQCS one and DoLR one.” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The delegation includes officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force at Brigadier or Secretary level, as well as civil officers.”

The Chief Minister said, “Civil officers from services including IAS, IPS, IRS, IFS, Coast Guard and DRDO are also part of this ambitious course.” He added, “The course covers areas such as knowledge about India and strategic orientation, economic security, science and technology, global issues, the international security environment, strategic aspects of neighbouring countries, and strategies and structures for national security.” On the occasion, Bhagwant Singh Mann also felicitated the members of the visiting delegation and said, “I wish them a comfortable stay in the state.”

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*CABINET MINISTER HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN HOLDS MEETINGS WITH VARIOUS UNIONS, ASSURES FULFILMENT OF LEGITIMATE DEMANDS*

*HIGH-PERFORMING PATWARIS AND KANOONGOS TO BE HONOURED: REVENUE MINISTER*

*MANN GOVT SENSITIVE TO UNIONS' DEMANDS, ACTION BEING TAKEN ON PRIORITY*

*ISSUES OF REVENUE PATWAR UNION, KANOONGO UNION, SANJHA MULAZIM MANCH PUDA AND ALL INDIA TERRORISM VICTIMS ASSOCIATION HEARD THREADBARE*

*Chandigarh, February 2:*Punjab Revenue and Housing & Urban Development Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian today held marathon meetings with various unions.

During separate meetings held at Punjab Bhawan here with representatives of the Revenue Patwar Union, Kanoongo Union, Sanjha Mulazim Manch PUDA and the All India Terrorism Victims Association, the Cabinet Minister assured that all their legitimate demands would be addressed on priority.

S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is fully committed to the welfare of every section of society. The Revenue Minister sympathetically listened to the demands put forth by various associations and unions.

He said that demands which can be resolved at the departmental level will be settled expeditiously on a priority basis, while matters requiring intervention at the level of the Chief Minister or the Finance Department will be taken up soon through meetings with Chief Minister and Finance Minister.

The Revenue Minister informed representatives of the Patwari and Kanoongo associations that Patwaris and Kanoongos showing commendable performance in discharge of their duties will be honoured and encouraged. He also urged all employees to perform their duties with dedication, honesty and responsibility.

While deliberating seriously on the demands of the Sanjha Mulazim Manch PUDA, the Cabinet Minister said that the issue of extending pension scheme benefits to PUDA retire employees will be effectively taken up with Chief Minister at the earliest.

During the meeting with representatives of the All India Terrorism Victims Association, S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that assistance, security and rehabilitation of terrorism-affected families remain a priority of the Punjab Government. He assured that the genuine demands raised by the association would be examined seriously in coordination with the concerned departments and all possible and appropriate steps would be taken for their redressal.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meetings included Additional Chief Secretary-cum-Financial Commissioner Revenue Sh. Anurag Verma and Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Mr. Vikas Garg and others.

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*BJP-led Central Govt’s Budget 2026 sidelines Punjab yet again, threatens democracy & federalism: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Anti-farmer, anti-education, anti-health Budget ignores Punjab’s sacrifices & needs: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Punjab punished for feeding nation as BJP-led Centre ignores farmers, cuts subsidies and neglects states: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*No relief for common people, no respect for states, no support for Punjab in Union Budget 2026: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Centre turns blind eye to Punjab’s economy, security and farmers in 12th consecutive Budget: Harpal Singh Cheema*

CHANDIGARH, 2nd February 2026:Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday called out the BJP-led Centre for completely ignoring Punjab’s needs and sacrifices in Union Budget 2026, pointing out that there is no mention of Punjab anywhere in the budget and no reference to the long-pending Rural Development Fund (RDF) of ₹8,500 crore that is legitimately due to the state.

Declaring the budget anti-farmer, anti-education and anti-health, the Punjab Finance Minister said Punjab has once again been pushed to manage on its own despite bearing the burden of national food security, facing the impact of repeated natural calamities and responsibly handling RDF-related obligations, while receiving no relief for common people and no meaningful support from the Centre for the 12th consecutive year.

Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the budget represents a deliberate attempt to derail the growth of Punjab, a state that has made unparalleled sacrifices for the nation. “The mindset of the BJP in power at the Centre has become a big threat to the country’s democracy and especially Punjab. The Union Budget 2026 is anti-education, anti-health and inimical to the farmers, the poor, traders and even the security of Punjab. Through this budget, a nasty attempt has been made to derail the growth of Punjab, which has made great sacrifices for the country,” he said.

The Finance Minister said that Punjab has been completely sidelined for the 12th consecutive year in the budget presented by the BJP-led Central Government. “The memorandum submitted by Punjab to the Union Finance Minister has been blatantly ignored. Punjab has always stood firm in the defence of the country and has not reduced its contribution to the Central food pool. In fact, our contribution has increased every year. Because Punjab has continuously replenished the country’s food reserves, 117 blocks of the state’s groundwater have gone into the dark zone,” he said.

Taking strong objection to the approach of the 16th Finance Commission, the Punjab Finance Minister said the Centre has turned a blind eye towards the states. “The poor financial condition of states has been completely ignored. The vertical devolution, which is the total share of all states in the tax pool, has been kept unchanged at 41 percent. There is no increase at all despite the fiscal stress faced by states. The 16th Finance Commission has not recommended any Revenue Deficit Grants, whereas the 15th Finance Commission had done so. Conditions imposed on the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) are overly restrictive and will severely affect states like Punjab in effectively mitigating and managing disasters,” he said.

Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the Union Government has once again ignored the legitimate concerns of Punjab’s farmers, exposing its hollow claims of being pro-farmer. “There is neither any increase in the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund nor any concrete assistance to strengthen mandi infrastructure. There is absolutely nothing for farmers of Punjab in terms of increased allocation to the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund or for strengthening mandi infrastructure in Union Budget 2026. States will now be forced to do all this from their own funds. The budget talks about high-value crops but has completely left out Punjab,” he said.

The Punjab Finance Minister pointed out that farmers of Punjab feed the nation, yet the Union Government continues to neglect investment in systems that ensure food security. “The selective approach towards high-value crops is deeply discriminatory. The budget mentions crops like coconut, cashew, sandalwood and dry fruits, but there is nothing for farmers in North India who depend on crops suited to their agro-climatic conditions. This budget clearly reflects the Centre’s bias and its continued indifference towards farmers of food grain producing states, especially Punjab. These farmers deserve respect, support and appropriate investment, not empty slogans,” he said.

Criticising the reduction in subsidies and the absence of relief for common citizens, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “Urea subsidy has been reduced from ₹1,26,475 crore last year to ₹1,16,805 crore this year. There is nothing for the common people in this budget. There is zero tax relief at a time when incomes are stagnant and inflation is eating into the savings of common people. Instead, the Government of India has increased the Securities Transaction Tax, which will adversely impact the common man. There is also no relief on Long-Term Capital Gains. It is like squeezing the common man from all sides.”

On defence, the Punjab Finance Minister said expectations have been completely belied. “Given last year’s tensions with Pakistan, we were expecting major announcements to strengthen defence production and a meaningful increase in the defence budget. Nothing of that sort has happened. Defence finds mention only four times in the Union Finance Minister’s speech,” he said.

Referring to the PM-Vishwakarma Scheme, he said, “This scheme was launched last year with much fanfare to provide holistic, end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople. Instead of strengthening it, the budget allocation has been reduced from ₹5,100 crore to ₹3,861 crore. On one hand, the government claims this is a Yuva-Shakti Budget aimed at developing legacy industries, and on the other hand, it cuts the budget for a scheme meant exactly for that purpose.”

On education, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema termed the budget “deeply uninspiring”. “There is less than 10 percent growth, around 8 percent, in the education budget compared to last year. The allocation for the PM-SHRI scheme remains unchanged at ₹7,500 crore. There is no mention at all of Special Assistance to States for Capital Creation. All states had requested extension and enhancement of this scheme to sustain high levels of capital expenditure, but the Centre has ignored this demand,” he said.

On the health front, he said, “The Ayushman Bharat scheme budget remains unchanged at ₹9,500 crore. The Swachh Bharat Mission budget has been halved to ₹2,500 crore from ₹5,000 crore last year. Allocation under VB-G-RAM-G has been increased to ₹95,692 crore from ₹88,000 crore under MGNREGA, but at the same time, the Border Infrastructure and Management Scheme budget has been reduced from ₹5,597 crore last year to ₹5,577 crore in the current budget,” he added.

Summing up, the Punjab Finance Minister said the Union Budget 2026 reflects the Centre’s apathy towards Punjab and its people. “This budget ignores Punjab’s contribution, overlooks its challenges and undermines its future. It neither strengthens the nation’s security nor supports farmers, workers, youth or states. Punjab and its people deserve far better than this,” said Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.

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*Vigilance Bureau nabs Clerk red handed accepting bribe of Rs 2700/-*

Chandigarh February 2, 2026: The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against the corruption in the state, has apprehended Clerk David, posted at Regional Transport Office Bathinda, red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 2700/-.

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 Kanhiya Nagar, district Bathinda.

He said that the complainant is working in the office of agent Raja Mittal as a daily wage worker and looking into the work related to RTO Bathinda. He said accused is performing the duties of verifying the registration certificate (RC) of vehicles online in RTO Bathinda. But the accused was not verifying the complainant files and was demanding Rs. 300/- per file to get those files verified. The accused called the complainant to reach bus stand of Bathinda and took Rs. 2100/- as bribe and further demanded Rs. 3000/- as illegal gratification. The complainant did not want to pay the bribe, due to which he contacted the Vigilance Bureau Unit, Bathinda.

After a preliminary enquiry on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused was arrested red handed while accepting bribe money of Rs 2700/- 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 Bathinda and further investigation into this case is under progress.