*Progressive Punjab Investment Summit to Create Massive Job Opportunities for Youth Through Major Investment Push: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Progressive Punjab Investment Summit to Act as Catalyst for Industrial Growth in State: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Progressive Punjab Investment Summit to be Held from March 13-15 in Mohali to Accelerate Industrial Growth: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Massive Industrialization Only Way to Rejuvenate Punjab’s Stagnated Economy as Agriculture Reaches Plateau: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab Means Business, From Policy to Practice as Global Industrial Giants to Converge in Mohali: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Path Breaking Reforms, Power Surplus and Investor Friendly Climate Make Punjab Preferred Destination: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

CHANDIGARH, 11th February 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the arrangements for the Progressive Punjab Investment Summit to be held from March 13-15 in Mohali, envisioning it as a decisive step towards accelerating industrial growth in the state.

Addressing the meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Progressive Punjab Investment Summit slated to be held on March 13-15 in Mohali will act as a catalyst to further give a major push to the industrial development in the state, which has already emerged as a favorite investment destination across the globe.” He added, “This historic summit will offer a healthy platform to transform the destiny of the state by giving a major push to industrial development.”

Emphasising the need for collective deliberation, theChief Minister stated, “A consensus will be evolved to further chalk out a pro-industry action plan for the overall industrial development in the state after marathon discussions with international industrial giants.” Highly appreciating the leadership qualities and entrepreneurial skills of Punjabis, he remarked, “Punjabis can do wonders anywhere in the world with their grit and stamina.”

Highlighting the theme of the summit, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The summit will be held on the theme of ‘Punjab Means Business - Policy to Practice.’” He informed that the state government has already organised roadshows at Gurugram, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai and in foreign countries like Japan, South Korea and others. He further stated, “The key sessions during the summit will include Inaugural, Valedictory, Country Sessions, Plenary, Sectoral Sessions and others.”

Terming the event a major opportunity for investors, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The investors’ summit will be a platform to showcase the investment opportunities in the state offering maximum incentives across the nation.” He added, “The Punjab Government has received a huge response not only from industrial giants in India but also from across the globe to participate in this mega event.” Reiterating his commitment, he said, “The state’s mainstay agriculture has already reached a plateau and massive industrialization is the only solution for the rejuvenation of the stagnated economy.”

The Chief Minister further said, “The state government has taken path breaking initiatives to emerge Punjab as the most preferred investment destination not only in the country but across the globe,” and urged prospective entrepreneurs to invest in the state in a big way. He added, “The state Government is committed to give a boost to the investment and industrial infrastructure in the state and with its earnest efforts, it has so far roped in investment proposals worth Rs 1.50 lakh crore which will create 5.20 lakh job opportunities for the youth.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Leading companies like Tata Steel, Sanatan Textiles and others are making a beeline to invest in the state and to attract more, the state government is organizing this Progressive Punjab Investment Summit on March 13-15 at Mohali.”

Focusing on reforms, the Chief Minister said, “The Punjab Government has introduced Green stamp paper in the registration of sale deeds to ensure faster and smooth issuance of regulatory clearances to industry projects.” He added, “Punjab is the only state which can rightly boast of its congenial industrial climate coupled with skilled manpower fully capable of catering to the needs of local industry.” Underscoring the importance of energy security, he said, “As power is the engine of growth, the state government has made all out efforts to make Punjab surplus in power.”

He further said, “Top industrial giants from across the country and globe are expected to attend this mega event in the state to firm up their investments.” Bhagwant Singh Mann reviewed the arrangements with senior officers to ensure that the historic summit is organized successfully. He added, “Apart from exhibition, seminars and technical sessions on various aspects of industry, a special focus on emerging technologies and strategies in industry will be laid.”

Earlier, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also released the logo of the summit. Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.

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*GURMEET SINGH KHUDIAN HANDS OVER APPOINTMENT LETTERS TO 13 AGRICULTURE SUB-INSPECTORS*

*• Agriculture Minister congratulates newly appointed ASIs and exhorts them to serve farmers with dedication & honesty*

*• 133 ASIs, 200 ADOs recruited in Agriculture department since CM Mann led govt assumed power, says Khudian*

Chandigarh, February 11:In a significant move to further strengthen the state’s agricultural infrastructure and grassroots extension services, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian today handed over appointment letters to 13 newly appointed Agriculture Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) at his office here.

Congratulating the newly appointed ASIs, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian exhorted them to serve farmers with sincerity and utmost honesty and called them a vital link between Govt’s progressive policies and Punjab's fields. "Your conduct will directly impact agriculture prosperity. You are accepting a responsibility towards the ‘Annadata’ of our nation. Your conduct and dedication will directly impact the prosperity of our agriculture sector,” he stated.

Elaborating on the government’s sustained focus on building human resources in agriculture department, S. Khudian said that since the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government assumed power, the department has recruited 133 Agriculture Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) and 200 Agriculture Development Officers (ADOs). These recruitments are injecting fresh energy and enhancing our capacity to serve farmers effectively.”

He said that CM Mann led Punjab Government has provided 63,943 government jobs to youth in various government departments. This bulk recruitment filled long-standing vacancies, besides, ensuring efficient and transparent services to people of Punjab.

Secretary Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Arshdeep Thind, Director Agriculture Gurjit Singh Brar and other senior officials of the department were also present on the occasion.

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*Punjab Govt releases over ₹3,806 crore under Old Age Pension Scheme in 2025–26 to uphold ‘Our Elders, Our Pride’: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*More than 23.62 lakh senior citizens receiving ₹1,500 monthly pension with dignity & security: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*₹4,100 crore budgetary provision ensures timely & transparent pension disbursement to elderly: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*Delay or negligence in pension distribution will not be tolerated, strict action against erring officials: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*Ensuring safety, dignity and happiness of senior citizens key to realizing dream of Rangla Punjab: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

CHANDIGARH, 11th February 2026:Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur on Wednesday said that under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government regards senior citizens not merely as an important section of society, but as its living heritage and pride. She said the government has translated the vision of “Our Elders, Our Pride” into concrete action by releasing over ₹3,806 crore under the Old Age Pension Scheme during the financial year 2025–26, up to January 2026.

The Minister further stated, “More than 23.62 lakh eligible elderly beneficiaries across Punjab are receiving regular financial assistance under the Old Age Pension Scheme. Every eligible senior citizen is being provided a monthly pension of ₹1,500, enabling them to lead their daily lives with dignity, security and independence.”

Highlighting the government’s commitment to seamless delivery, Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “To ensure timely and transparent disbursement of pension to all beneficiaries, the Punjab Government has made a budgetary provision of ₹4,100 crore, ensuring that no eligible senior citizen faces inconvenience in receiving their rightful support.”

The Cabinet Minister also issued strict directions to departmental officers and said, “Pension payments must reach every eligible beneficiary on time and without any hindrance. Any delay, negligence or lapse in the distribution of pension will not be tolerated, and strict action will be taken against the responsible officials in accordance with rules.”

Underlining the broader vision of the government, Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur added, “Senior citizens are the custodians of Punjab’s social heritage, wisdom and values. Their safety, dignity and happiness are essential to realizing the dream of a ‘Rangla Punjab.’ The government is firmly resolved to ensure that every elderly citizen spends their later years free from worry, with dignity and strong government support, so that Punjab continues to remain prosperous, secure and vibrant.”

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Jasvir Singh Garhi orders Punjab Police officers to further expedite the training process on SC/ST Act

Chairman Directs Social Justice Department to provide training to committees regarding roster registers on reservation points and roster registers

Chandigarh, February 11:Presiding over the 28th Full Commission Meeting of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission, the Chairman of the Commission, S. Jasvir Singh Garhi, directed the Punjab Police to further expedite the training process on SC/ST Act aiming reduction in number of complaints. Along with this, he also ordered the Social Justice Department to provide training to the Roster Register Committees on reservation issues and roster registers.

During the meeting, he directed the General Administration Department to appoint an ADC level officer as the nodal officer on the lines of Punjab Police for the disposal of cases registered under the SC/ST Act in every district so that the disposal of complaints could be expedited.

Chairman said that in today's meeting, a report was taken from senior officers of police, local bodies, social justice and other departments regarding the status of cases registered under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act 1989. Apart from this, a report was also taken on the establishment of a special helpline number as per the instructions given to the police department during the 27th meeting of the Commission, on the appointment of guards for the security of the Bhuriwale Gurgaddi (Garib Dasi tradition) sect's Dham Shri Ram Moksh Dham, Khurda Tapprian (Nawanshahr) and Gaddi Nashin Acharya Shri Chetna Nand Ji Maharaj and the action taken on the Commission's order to provide security to the members of the Commission. Apart from this, a review was also made on the security of the revered sants of Tapasthan Shri Khuralgarh Sahib and Charan Soh Ganga Shri Khuralgarh Sahib.

S. Garhi said that apart from this, the officials of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department were ordered to expedite the construction work of Ambedkar Bhawan in Barnala, Fazilka, Malerkotla, Pathankot, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar. He said that Ambedkar Bhawan at Tarn Taran will be completed by March 2026. Information was also sought from the Director of Local Governments regarding the early disposal of pending cases regarding compassionate employment to the families of sanitation workers who died on duty in municipal councils, which was found commendable.

He said that the Social Empowerment Department has written a letter to the government to increase the capacity of 50 students at Ambedkar Institute Mohali to 100. He directed the department to complete the action regarding 59 fake Scheduled Caste certificates pending for investigation in a timely manner.

In today's meeting, Member Secretary of the Commission Dr. Nayan Jassal, Members Rupinder Singh Sital, Gurpreet Singh Ittanwali, Gulzar Singh Bobby, Additional Director General of Police of Punjab Police Mr. Kostub Sharma, Director Local Government Mr. Kulwant Singh, Director Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Ms. Vimi Bhullar, besides AIG Surinderjit Kaur, Mr. Gautam Singhal, AIG Training Police Department and officers of many departments were present.

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Punjab Government fully committed towards welfare of workforce; Forest department employees an important part: Lal Chand Kataruchak

· Restructuring proposal of department emphasizes availing services of Law Officers & Legal Assistants to deal with litigation matters

· Minister presides over meetings with various employee unions

Chandigarh, February 11:The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is fully committed to undertake every necessary measure aimed at the welfare of its workforce and the forest department employees constitute a very important part of the same.

This was stated today at the forest complex by the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak during marathon meetings with the Forest Rangers and Deputy Forest Rangers Association, Retired Employees Union of the Punjab State Forest Development Corporation Bathinda & Democratic Janglat Mulazam Union, Punjab.

In response to the demand of increasing the promotion quota from forest ranger to PFS, the Minister apprised the forest rangers that as per the restructuring proposal of the department okayed by the Finance Department, the total 44 posts of PFS Cadre (EACF) have been approved. Besides, the restructuring proposal also includes 2 posts of the Law Officer and 6 posts of Legal Assistants to deal with the litigation matters. Regarding the demand of making direct recruitment to the posts of Forest Ranger and PFS cadre, the Minister said that the matter can be sympathetically considered after notifying the rules in respect of forest rangers and PFS.

While interacting with the retired employees union of the Punjab State Forest Development Corporation, the Minister in reference to the pension issue raised by the union, said that a high level committee has been constituted to study the issue and submit a report. Apart from this, the Minister also met Democratic Janglat Mulazaam Union, Punjab and lent a patient hearing to their various demands including regularizing the services of adhoc and illiterate workers working with the department from time to time (519 Petitioners/Non-Petitioners).

Among others present on the occasion included the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF) Saurabh Gupta and Chief Wildlife Warden Basanta Raj Kumar.

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*FIR Registered Against Haryana-Based Firm for Storing & Selling Unauthorised Fertilizers and Insecticides: Gurmeet Singh Khudian*

*• CM Mann-led Punjab Government Committed to Providing Quality Agri Inputs to Farmers: Khudian*

Chandigarh, February 11:In a major crackdown against the sale of unauthorised agricultural inputs, an FIR has been registered against a Haryana’s Jhajjar based firm having godown in Malerkotla, for storing and selling unauthorised fertilizers and insecticides on the complaint of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Punjab.

Disclosing this here today, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that during a surprise inspection, stock of unauthorised fertilizers and insecticides were found at “M/s Unitech Crop Science” firm’s premises.

The Agriculture Minister informed that the unauthorised stock has been seized to prevent their sale and distribution to farmers apart from other necessary action under the provisions of the Fertilizers (Control) Order, 1985, the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and the Insecticides Act, 1968. He added that an FIR has also been registered under Section 318 (4) of BNS at police station Amargarh in Malerkotla district.

Reiterating Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government’s firm stance, S. Khudian said that the CM Mann-led Punjab Government is fully committed to ensuring the availability of quality agricultural inputs to farmers across the state. “We will not tolerate any violation of statutory provisions related to fertilizers and insecticides. Strict action will continue against any individual or firm found involved in the manufacture, storage or sale of unauthorised agricultural products,” he asserted.

Director Agriculture Gurjit Singh Brar emphasised that the Agriculture Department has intensified inspections across the state to safeguard farmers’ interests and maintain transparency and quality standards in the agri-input supply chain.

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Partap Singh Bajwa's lawyer appears in the case of objectionable remarks against cabinet minister Harbhajan Singh ETO

Chandigarh, February 11:In the case of objectionable remarks against Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, Advocate appeared before the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission on behalf of Leader of Opposition (LoP) Partap Singh Bajwa .

Giving information in this regard, Chairman Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission S. Jasvir Singh Garhi said that

Advocate Arvind Kumar Sachdeva, who appeared with a written reply on behalf of Partap Singh Bajwa, presented the clarification of Mr Bajwa and said that no caste-sensitive remarks were made by the Leader of the Opposition and along with his clarification, some other supporting documents were also presented and demanded that the case should be filed.

Advocate Sachdeva informed that LoP Bajwa is out of Punjab and they should be given 15 more days to provide additional requirements, if any.

S. Garhi said that while accepting the request of Bajwa's lawyer, the next date for the hearing has been fixed as February 26, 2026.

During the hearing, he also said that a legal opinion will be taken on the documents submitted by Partap Singh Bajwa through his lawyer and only after that a decision will be taken in this matter.