*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann condoles death of pilgrims in Mathura due to capsizing of boat*
*Boat carrying Jagraon pilgrims capsizes in Yamuna near Mathura, several devotees lose their lives: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Pilgrimage to Vrindavan turns tragic as Jagraon devotees drown after boat mishap in Yamuna: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Unfortunate loss of lives as boat carrying 32 Jagraon pilgrims overturns in Yamuna river: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Punjab Govt in constant touch with Uttar Pradesh for relief and rescue after Yamuna boat tragedy: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
CHANDIGARH; 10th April 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday expressed deep grief over the tragic loss of lives after a boat carrying pilgrims from Jagraon capsized in the Yamuna river near Mathura, turning a spiritual journey into a devastating incident that has left families shattered.
In a message, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “It is unfortunate that a boat carrying 32 residents of Jagraon for a pilgrimage to Vrindavan capsized in the Yamuna river near Mathura. In this tragic mishap, some of the devotees have lost their lives due to drowning.” He further added, “I am in constant touch with the Government of Uttar Pradesh for relief and rescue operations.”
Extending his condolences, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “I share my heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved families, relatives and friends. I pray to the Almighty to give them strength to bear this irreparable loss and grant eternal peace to the departed souls.”
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*Akali Dal, which has already lost in people’s court, will also lose in court of God: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Sukhbir Badal goes to Sri Akal Takht Sahib to seek forgiveness, but comes out & says he spoke casually: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*People of Punjab know that they conspired against Sri Akal Takht Sahib & went there to speak falsehoods: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH, 10 April:Drawing a sharp contrast between public faith and political conduct, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which has already been rejected in the people’s court, now stands exposed before the court of God as well. He criticised Sukhbir Singh Badal for contradictory conduct, noting that while seeking forgiveness at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, he later attempted to downplay his statements. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that the people of Punjab clearly recognise these actions as a deliberate attempt to mislead and undermine the sanctity of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
On the issue of religious authority and sacrilege, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann reaffirmed the primacy of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, while also announcing decisive legislative action to ensure the strictest punishment against any act of desecration.
Replying to a query, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Sri Akal Takht Sahib is the supreme body of the Sikh community, asserting, “Every Punjabi in general and Sikhs in particular bow head before Sri Akal Takht Sahib and obey every order from it as the final authority.” He added, “If Akali leader Sukhbir Singh Badal has committed any mistake, he must admit it before Sri Akal Takht Sahib, as per the established religious traditions and principles, instead of undermining its authority.”
On legislative measures, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that on the solemn occasion of Vaisakhi, a special Assembly session has been convened to amend the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008. He stated, “Anyone daring to attempt sacrilege will face the strictest punishment with a minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment.”
He further added that consultations are ongoing with the Sant Samaj and legal luminaries regarding the proposed amendments to be introduced during the session.
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*Big relief for farmers; Special trains to be run to lift 155 lakh metric tonnes of rice & wheat lying in FCI godowns in Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Centre agrees on CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s demand*
*This decision will resolve storage issues for farmers during Rabi Marketing Season: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann meets Union Food & Public Distribution Minister, ensures relief measures & concrete progress on key issues concerning farmers & mandis*
*On availing Cash Credit, RBI-linked rate charged to Punjab is 0.55% higher than that applicable to the Centre; we have demanded it be made uniform: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Secretary-level meeting will be held regarding release of ₹9,000 crore of pending RDF funds for Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Wheat crops have been damaged due to hailstorms; we have demanded that Centre send team to assess losses: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Hopeful for ₹4.75 per quintal increase in arhtiyas’ commission on paddy & wheat: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
NEW DELHI / PUNJAB, 10 April 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday met Union Food and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi and secured key relief measures for farmers and mandis, with the Centre agreeing to run special trains to lift 155 lakh metric tonnes of foodgrains lying in Punjab and ease the state’s acute storage crisis ahead of the Rabi Marketing Season.
Alongside this immediate intervention, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann pressed for resolution of structural issues burdening Punjab, including higher Cash Credit interest rates, ₹9,000 crore pending under the Rural Development Fund, compensation for hailstorm-hit crops, and long-pending demands of arhtiyas, with the Union Minister responding positively and assuring concrete follow-up, including a Secretary-level mechanism to address pending dues.
Sharing a few snippets from the meeting on X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Today, in Delhi, I held an important meeting with Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi ji. During this time, we discussed in detail several key issues related to Punjab, including the demands of the arhtiyas.”
The Chief Minister further wrote: “During the meeting, critical matters were raised before the Centre, such as the swift lifting of 15.5 million metric tonnes of wheat and rice lying in Punjab, and the immediate payment of the outstanding ₹9,000 crore under RDF. At the same time, a demand was made to reduce the high interest rates imposed on states under the Cash Credit Limit and to consider the arhtiyas' demands related to the Centre on a priority basis. In addition, an appeal was made to promptly resolve issues concerning the EPF of mandi laborers, and a demand was also raised to provide farmers with the due compensation for losses caused by unseasonal rains.”
“I am pleased that the Union Minister ji has responded very positively to all these issues. We remain continuously committed to safeguarding the interests of Punjab,” the post concluded.
Flagging the acute shortage of storage space, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “180.88 LMT of food grains (151.20 LMT rice and 29.67 LMT wheat) are already stored in the state’s covered godowns, whereas the total available covered storage capacity is approximately 183 LMT (173 LMT covered godowns + 10 LMT wheat silos). As a result, only 0.50 LMT covered space is available for rice and 1.75 LMT silo space for wheat.”
He added, “The Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2026–27 has begun in the state from April 1, 2026, during which procurement of 130–132 LMT of wheat is expected.”
Highlighting the existing stock burden, the Chief Minister stated, “Out of the previous year’s wheat stock of 38 LMT, about 8.71 LMT is already lying in CAP or open storage in the state, which has led to a shortage of scientific storage space, and approximately 40 LMT of wheat will have to be stored in suboptimal conditions.”
Raising the issue of slow movement of food grains, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our government has been consistently requesting adequate movement of wheat and rice to create the necessary storage space for rice procurement and storage. However, over the past several months, the average movement from the state has been only about 5 lakh metric tonnes per month for both wheat and rice.”
He urged, “At least 12 lakh metric tonnes each of wheat and rice be moved every month, or alternatively, arrangements such as enhanced distribution of food grains under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) be made, as was done during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially considering the hardships faced by the general public amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.” He added, “This will help ensure smooth procurement operations during RMS 2026–27 and expedite the milling of paddy for KMS 2025–26.”
Raising another issue, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted, “Funds for procurement are arranged through a consortium of banks led by the State Bank of India, as authorized by the Reserve Bank of India.” He added, “The State Bank of India is charging an interest rate that is 0.5% higher than the recovery rate applicable to the Food Corporation of India, and is levying interest on a monthly compounding basis.”
He further said, “However, in the provisional cost sheets issued by the Government of India for each season, the state is allowed only simple interest at Food Corporation of India (FCI)’s interest rate. As a result, the State of Punjab is incurring an avoidable loss of approximately ₹500 crore every season.
He added, “We have raised this issue with the Union Finance Minister as well. The third issue is related to the Rural Development Fund. We have repeatedly said that the roads leading to our mandis need to be constructed, and we even passed a Bill in the Vidhan Sabha stating that this money will be used solely for repairing mandis, modernising mandis, and improving mandi roads. However, the previous government led by Captain Amrinder Singh misused these funds, due to which the money has been withheld.”
He further said, “We have already approached the Supreme Court of India on this issue and the matter is currently sub judice. Instead of prolonging litigation, the Union Government should release Punjab’s rightful dues. This is Punjab’s share and Punjab’s right, and we are only demanding what legitimately belongs to it.”
He added that if there is any constraint on the Centre’s budget, the funds can be released in installments, in any manner deemed appropriate, but the amount has now reached ₹9000 crore and continues to be withheld.
The Chief Minister added, “We strongly raised this issue as well, and they assured us that in the coming days, a meeting at the Secretary level will be convened to create a mechanism through which these funds will start being released.”
He urged, “Punjab be allowed to claim interest charges on a monthly compounding basis as per the interest rate levied by the State Bank of India on Cash Credit Limit (CCL), instead of the interest rate of the Food Corporation of India.”
Speaking on the issue of arhtiyas, he said, “The main issue was that the arhtiyas are demanding 2.5% commission, whereas the Government of India has fixed their commission at the current rates.”
Dwelling on the issue of arhtiya commission, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), Government of India, had fixed the arhtiya (commission agent) commission at ₹45.88 per quintal for paddy for the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2020–21 and ₹46.00 per quintal for wheat for the Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2021–22.”
He added, “Since then, the same fixed commission has been continued every year for both paddy and wheat, which has led to considerable dissatisfaction among arhtiyas, and the State Government has been consistently writing to the Central Government to increase the arhtiya commission.”
The Chief Minister added, “The Ministry of Food, Government of India has made a marginal increase in the commission of ₹4.75 per quintal for wheat (from ₹46 to ₹50.75) and ₹4.73 per quintal for paddy (from ₹45.88 to ₹50.61), which will be applicable from RMS 2026–27.” He added, “However, this nominal increase has not been accepted by the arhtiyas, and they have demanded that, as per the Punjab Agricultural Produce Markets Act, 1961 and the rules framed thereunder, the arhtiya commission should be fixed at 2.5% of MSP.”
He urged, “The Government of India, through DFPD, should review this negligible increase in arhtiya commission and approve commission at the rate of 2.5% of MSP in accordance with the Punjab Agricultural Produce Markets Act, 1961.”
Highlighting another concern, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “For the past several years, the Food Corporation of India has been withholding 30% of the mandi labour charges payable for the crops procured by it each season due to issues related to EPF.” He added, “As a result, approximately ₹50 crore belonging to arhtiyas is lying with FCI, which has further increased their financial burden.”
The Chief Minister stated, “Meanwhile, the state agencies are making payments to arhtiyas after obtaining undertakings or affidavits from them, stating that if any liability is determined by the EPF authorities, the arhtiyas will fulfill the same.” He asserted, “Therefore, there is no justification for withholding 30% of the labour charges on account of EPF,” and urged the Union Minister to direct FCI to release the payments by obtaining affidavits, similar to the practice followed by the state agencies.
Reiterating Punjab’s key role in the national food procurement system, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasised that timely intervention by the Centre on these issues is essential to ensure smooth procurement, protect farmers’ interests, and prevent further financial strain on the state.
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*20 MRSAFPI CADETS MAKE IT TO NDA MERIT LIST*
*• Cadet Abhish secures 4th, Gurkaranjit Singh 12th All India Rank*
*• Aman Arora congratulates cadets & hails the achievement as testament to Punjab’s growing dominance in defence preparatory education*
CHANDIGARH, April 10:Adding yet another luminous chapter into legacy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI), as many as 20 cadets have successfully cleared the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview and secured place in the final merit list for the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA)-156 course, commencing in June 2026.
In a spectacular display of grit and training, Cadet Abhish of Mohali has clinched the 4th rank at the All India level, while Cadet Gurkaranjit Singh from Malerkotla secured the 12th rank. Overall, five cadets from the Institute have broken into the top 100 of the national merit list. The selected cadets now await their joining letters from the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla.
Extending his warmest congratulations, Punjab Employment Generation , Skill Development and Training Mr Aman Arora, hailed the achievement as a testament to Punjab’s growing dominance in defence preparatory education under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. These cadets are the pride of Punjab. Their hard work, discipline and the exceptional training at MRSAFPI have brought laurels to the entire state. I wish them the very best for brighter future, he added.
Major General Ajay H Chauhan, VSM, Director of Maharaja Ranjit Singh AFPI, expressed immense pride in the cadets’ performance while underscoring the Institute’s unbroken track record of producing finest officers for the Indian Armed Forces. This result reflects the unwavering commitment of our faculty and the relentless spirit of our cadets.
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*Sehat Card is for all, with no age, gender, or income barrier, ensuring universal access to healthcare: Dr Balbir Singh*
*Over 2 lakh treatments worth ₹300 crore delivered under the scheme, backed by ₹2,000 crore allocation in Punjab Budget 2026–27*
*₹10 Lakh Cashless Cover Under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana; A Simple 6-Step Guide to Registration*
CHANDIGARH, April 10:A medical emergency rarely comes with a warning, often pushing families into distress not just due to health concerns but also the burden of treatment costs. To address this challenge, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann introduced the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna with a clear objective of ensuring that families across Punjab can access timely healthcare without worrying about financial constraints.
The Bhagwant Mann Government’s commitment is being realised through the rollout of the Sehat Card, which is providing financial protection and instilling confidence among families across the state. Around 50,000 Sehat Cards are being issued every day through widespread enrolment drives conducted across villages, towns, and cities.
Highlighting the inclusive nature and expanding reach of the scheme, Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Balbir Singh stated, “The Sehat Card is for all; there is no age, gender, or income barrier. As awareness increases, more families are coming forward to secure coverage and safeguard themselves against unforeseen medical costs.”
He further noted that the scheme has already facilitated more than 2 lakh treatments, including critical procedures such as cancer care, cardiac interventions, and orthopaedic surgeries. “Over ₹300 crore worth of treatment has been provided so far under the scheme, which is further strengthened by a ₹2,000 crore allocation in the Punjab Budget 2026–27 to sustain and expand its benefits,” he added.
Under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, families are entitled to cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh annually at both government and empanelled private hospitals, ensuring that no patient delays treatment due to financial limitations or the need to arrange funds in emergencies.
To maximise outreach and ensure ease of access, the Punjab Government is organising daily enrolment camps from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at accessible community locations, including Gurudwaras, Panchayat Ghars, temples, and community centres. These camps are designed to simplify the registration process, particularly for individuals who may face challenges in accessing formal centres independently.
Providing a clear roadmap for citizens, the Punjab Government has also outlined a simple six-step process for registration. Residents can directly visit a nearby Common Service Centre (CSC), government enrolment camp, or Seva Kendra without any prior appointment. Applicants are required to carry essential documents such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, and birth certificates for minors, ensuring that all family members, who must be residents of Punjab, are covered under the scheme.The scheme provides a shared annual coverage of ₹10 lakh per family, making it crucial for families to register all members together. At the registration point, officials assist in completing the process, following which beneficiaries receive an SMS confirming activation of their Sehat Card benefits.
Additionally, residents are advised to carry supporting documents such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Smart Ration Card if available, and J-Form for farmers where applicable, to facilitate smooth registration.
Reaffirming its commitment to accessible and affordable healthcare, the Punjab Government continues to encourage residents to enrol for the Sehat Card through designated centres and on-ground camps, ensuring that every family can avail cashless treatment benefits under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna.
*A Simple Guide: Register for Sehat Card in 6 Steps*
*Step 1: No Appointment Needed*
You can directly visit a centre or camp for registration.
*Step 2: Visit a Registration Point*
You can:
Visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC)
• Go to a government enrolment camp
• Visit a Seva Kendra
*Step 3: Carry Required Documents*
• Bring the following for all family members: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Birth certificate (for minors)
• All members must be residents of Punjab.
*Step 4: Understand Family Coverage*
The scheme provides ₹10 lakh coverage per family per year.
This is shared across family members, so it is important to bring documents for all.
*Step 5: Complete Registration*
At the centre or camp, officials will assist in entering your details and completing the process.
*Step 6: Receive Confirmation*
Once registered, you will receive an SMS confirming activation of your Sehat Card benefits.
*Documents to Carry*
• Aadhaar Card (identity and address proof), Voter ID, Smart Ration Card (if available), J-Form (for farmers, if applicable)
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*HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN HANDS OVER PROMOTION LETTERS TO TEHSILDARS AND NAIB TEHSILDARS*
*REVENUE MINISTER REITERATES MANN GOVT’S COMMITMENT TOWARDS EMPLOYEE WELFARE AND TIMELY CAREER ADVANCEMENT*
*OFFICERS GIVEN POSTINGS AT PREFERRED STATIONS NEAR THEIR HOMES*
*Chandigarh, April 10:*Punjab Revenue Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian on Friday handed over promotion letters to newly elevated revenue officers during a function held at Punjab Bhawan.
The Revenue Minister congratulated 14 Tehsildars and 13 Naib Tehsildars who were promoted on the basis of seniority. He termed the promotions as a well-deserved recognition of their dedication and years of service in strengthening the revenue administration across the state.
Addressing the employees, S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is committed to ensuring that employees receive their due in a timely manner. He added that transparent and merit-based promotions boost morale and enhance efficiency in public service delivery.
The Cabinet Minister further informed that the promoted officers have been given postings near their place of residence, keeping in view the three preferences submitted by them. He said this step has been taken to ensure work-life balance and to enable officers to perform their duties with greater focus and commitment.
Seeking active participation from field functionaries, the Revenue Minister invited suggestions from the officers for further improvement and betterment of the functioning of the Revenue Department. He said that feedback from ground-level officers plays a crucial role in policy refinement and in ensuring responsive and efficient governance.
Reaffirming the government’s employee-friendly approach, he said that such initiatives will continue in future as well, aimed at strengthening governance at the grassroots level.
Additional Chief Secretary-cum-Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. Anurag Verma also congratulated the newly promoted officers and expressed confidence that they will discharge their duties with dedication, integrity and professionalism, thereby contributing effectively to public service delivery.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Secretary Revenue-cum-Director Disaster Management S. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, other officers of the Revenue Department.
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*SEC Starts the Process of Revision of Electoral Rolls Pertaining to General/ Bye Elections for 9 Municipal Corporations and 104 Municipal Councils*
Chandigarh 10 April 2026:State Election Commission has started the process of revision of electoral rolls and has directed all Deputy Commissioners-cum-District Electoral Officers to carry out the same with regard to General /bye elections to be conducted for 09 Municipal Corporations (i.e. Barnala, Bathinda, Abohar, Batala, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Moga, S.A.S. Nagar and Pathankot) and 104 Municipal Councils/Nagar Panchayats. The latest electoral rolls as available with Election Commission of India have been provided to the districts, on the basis of which the electoral rolls to the various municipalities where elections are due will be prepared keeping in view the delimitation status as finalized and intimated by Department of Local Government.
The eligible Voters falling within the jurisdiction of concerned municipalities are advised to verify their names and details in the draft electoral roll which would be put up on the website of the concerned districts on 15-04-2026. The Commission has fixed legally mandated 07 days for filing Claims and Objections, i.e. from 17-04-2026 to 23-04-2026 (both days inclusive). Further, all Deputy Commissioners have been directed to carry out a Special campaign for voter enrollment on 20-04-2026 and 21-04-2026. Disposal of Claims & Objections, if any, shall be completed by 30-04-2026, and the final electoral roll shall be published on 05-05-2026 & shall be available for public viewing on districts’ websites also. The qualifying date for new voters to be enrolled has been fixed as 23-04-2026, meaning thereby any person who would attain 18 years of age as on 23-04-2026 would be eligible to get himself/herself enrolled.
The forms for filing Claims and Objections (Form-7, 8 and 9) would be available in the office of concerned SDM-cum-Electoral Registration Officer. A copy of same can also be downloaded from Commission’s Website <sec.punjab.gov.in> and then duly filled & submitted to the concerned SDM-cum-Electoral Registration Officer.
The Commission appeals to the general public for taking maximum benefit of this opportunity to ensure purity and inclusiveness of the electoral roll. The Commission seeks the active participation of the eligible voter population during the process of revision of electoral rolls in the concerned municipalities.
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*Industries to get major relief under the New Industrial Policy 2026 – Minister Sanjeev Arora*
*Government focusing on strengthening the MSME sector*
*2120 kilometres of roads to be constructed with a cost of ₹1300 crore*
*Government committed to protecting farmers’ interests – Minister Sanjeev Arora*
Chandigarh April 10, 2026:Punjab’s Cabinet Minister for Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion, Local Government and Power, Sanjeev Arora, interacted with industrialists during a district-level meeting of MSMEs held in Patiala. During the meeting, he listened to the issues raised by entrepreneurs from different districts and resolved several matters on the spot. Punjab’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh was also present on the occasion.
Issuing directions to the Local Government Department, Minister Sanjeev Arora said special attention should be given to improving cleanliness and the sewerage system in cities. He emphasized that basic civic facilities for people must be given top priority. In this regard, he announced that by the end of May, 2120 kilometres of roads will be constructed in urban areas of Punjab at a cost of ₹1300 crore. A separate plan has been prepared for rural areas.
Sanjeev Arora also announced that the Punjab Government will implement a new Industrial Park Policy within one month, under which large industrial parks spread over at least 25 acres will be developed in the state. Entrepreneurs and real estate developers will jointly participate in developing these parks, while investors will be able to register and obtain necessary approvals for investment in these projects.
To further accelerate industrial growth, the cabinet minister Sanjeev Arora said the government is preparing a new Industrial Park policy that will encourage the private sector to develop industrial parks where both large and small plots will be available. During the meeting, officials of the Industries Department appreciated the government’s new policies, and industrialists also expressed satisfaction.
Sanjeev Arora also said that the government is fully committed to protecting the interests of farmers. Whether crop damage occurs or farmers face losses due to natural calamities, the government will provide every possible assistance. He also warned that strict action will be taken against those selling fake seeds.
Speaking about the power sector, he said earlier solar projects were allotted with 100% allocation, but now the power board itself is issuing tenders, which has achieved significant success.
The minister further said that under the New Industrial Policy 2026, several new sectors such as film studios, hospitals and hotels have also been included. Special emphasis has been laid on strengthening the MSME sector, as it is the backbone of industrial development.
He claimed that Punjab is now emerging as one of the most preferred states for investors, and other states are also appreciating these initiatives.
The minister Sanjeev Arora said that the government’s main objective is to ensure people-centric development, and through improvements in industry, infrastructure and public facilities, Punjab will move towards new milestones of progress.
On the occasion, MLA Samana Chetan Singh Jaura Majra, MLA Patiala Urban Ajitpal Singh Kohli, Mayor Kundan Gogia, Deputy Mayor Harinder Kohli, State Secretary Jagdeep Jagga, Municipal Commissioner Paramjit Singh, ADC (Urban Development) Navreet Kaur Sekhon, Director Industries Jaspreet Singh, Punjab State Information Commissioner Virender Jeet Singh, GM DIC Patiala Arshdeep along with representatives of various industries, were present.
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*Punjab's CRM Push Pays Off: 94% Fire Drop Wins National Award*
*• Gurmeet Singh Khudian dedicates this award to every farmer who opted for equipment over fire*
Chandigarh, April 10:Punjab’s aggressive crop residue management strategy has earned the national recognition as the Punjab has been conferred the SKOCH Silver Award 2025 in the Environment category, said Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, while crediting Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s sustained efforts in crop residue management.
While addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, S. Khudian informed that Punjab has recorded a 94 per cent reduction in farm fire incidents, plummeting from 83,002 in 2020‑21 to just 5,114 in 2025‑26.
The Agriculture Minister lauded the PPCB and Punjab's farming community, while stating, "This Award is a testament to Punjab's farmers' resilience and our governance's foresight. Under CM Mann's leadership, we've turned a burning crisis into a breakthrough. Our strategy of subsidising machinery, realtime monitoring, setting up custom-hiring centres and allocating record funds has redefined stubble management. I dedicate this award to every farmer who opted for equipment over fire."
Punjab's farmers, FPOs, and panchayats can avail 50-80% subsidy on Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines. The state has allocated ₹600 crore to support purchase of 25,000 CRM machines this year, said S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian.
During 2025‑26, the scheme facilitated the purchase of about 13,000 machines, with ₹427 crore has already been released as subsidy. To ensure last‑mile delivery, the agriculture department is accepting online applications from April 1 to April 24, 2026.
The significant drop in farm fires has boosted soil health and improved air quality, he noted, while stating that Punjab's model shows environmental challenges can be overcome with strong political will, financial backing and community involvement.
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