*Punjab Government Releases ₹102 Crore to Support Widows and Destitute Women Across the State: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*6.83 Lakh Women Receive Monthly Assistance to Live with Dignity and Financial Security*

*Over Rs.1200 Crore Allocated to Strengthen Social Security Net for Women in 2026-27*

Chandigarh, April 19:Reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding the dignity and financial independence of vulnerable women, the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has released over Rs.102 crore for widowed and destitute women for the month of March during the financial year 2026-27.

Sharing this information, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government is consistently taking people-centric and result-oriented steps to empower women and ensure that they live with dignity, security, and self-respect.

She said that this financial assistance acts as a lifeline for thousands of women, helping them meet essential household expenses and lead a more secure and independent life.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further informed that 6,83,004 widowed and destitute women across Punjab are currently benefiting from the scheme and receiving monthly financial assistance from the state government.

The Cabinet Minister added that to ensure uninterrupted financial support to eligible beneficiaries, the Punjab Government has made a budgetary provision of over Rs.1200 crore for the financial year 2026-27, reflecting the government’s strong commitment towards strengthening social security for women.

Highlighting eligibility criteria, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that widowed and destitute women below 58 years of age, unmarried women above 30 years of age, and applicants with annual family income of ₹60,000 or less are eligible to avail benefits under this scheme.

Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that the Punjab Government remains committed to supporting vulnerable sections of society and ensuring that every eligible woman receives financial assistance in a timely manner. She added that such initiatives are playing a crucial role in improving the quality of life of women and empowering them to live with confidence and dignity.

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt’s anti-beadbi bill becomes law with Governor’s assent, ends era of weak laws & political shielding: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*From missing evidence to strict justice, Bhagwant Mann Govt rewrites Punjab’s response to beadbi: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*No escape for conspirators or perpetrators, new law makes beadbi non-negotiable crime: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*After years of inaction by previous regimes, Punjab enforces toughest law to protect Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Bhagwant Mann Government fulfils every guarantee, brings watertight law to safeguard religious sanctity in Punjab: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Bill Reflects Bhagwant Mann Govt's Commitment to Peace and Communal Harmony: Harpal Singh Cheema*

CHANDIGARH, 19th April 2026:The Bhagwant Mann Government has officially implemented the ‘Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Bill’, with the Governor of Punjab granting assent to the legislation mandating life imprisonment for those found guilty of desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan on Sunday, Cabinet Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema described the move as a decisive step to preserve communal harmony and uphold the sanctity of religious scriptures. “The history reflects a troubling pattern where incidents of beadbi occurred during the tenure of the Akali-BJP government, specifically citing the 1986 Nakodar incident and the 2015 Bargari and Behbal Kalan cases," he added.

The Cabinet Minister added that successive regimes failed to ensure justice, saying, “Despite the formation of various commissions and Special Investigation Teams under previous governments, key evidence such as Action Taken Reports went missing and investigation files gathered dust, leaving the culprits and conspirators shielded from the law.”

Highlighting the shift since 2022, he said, “The Bhagwant Mann Government has worked tirelessly to accelerate investigations that remained stalled for decades. For the first time, high-profile figures who previously enjoyed political protection were forced to seek anticipatory bail from courts.” Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated that every perpetrator, irrespective of social or political stature, will be brought to justice.

Explaining the provisions of the law, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The newly enacted law is designed to be comprehensive and watertight, leaving no loopholes for offenders to escape justice. The act not only targets those who physically commit acts of beadbi but also holds the masterminds and conspirators accountable.”

He further added, “Furthermore, the legislation addresses the common defense of ‘mental instability’ used to evade prosecution. Under the new provisions, if an individual under the care of a guardian commits such an act, the guardian or custodian can also be held liable for negligence, ensuring a higher level of accountability for the protection of the holy scripture.”

Concluding his address, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “This legislation marks the fulfillment of a major guarantee made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal to the people of Punjab. While previous governments collaborated to create weak laws that failed to stand legal scrutiny, the Bhagwant Mann Government has delivered a robust legal framework.”

He affirmed, “This act serves as a stern warning to any forces attempting to disrupt the peace and social fabric of Punjab, signaling a new era where the dignity of religious faith is protected by the absolute power of the state.”

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Out of 28 LMT Wheat arrival in mandis, more than 24 LMT stands procured: Lal Chand Kataruchak

Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister takes stock of procurement operations at Dana Mandi Tanda along with MLA Jasvir Singh Raja Gill; more than Rs. 647 Crore credited into accounts of farmers

Robust arrangements in mandis to achieve procurement target of 122 LMT

Chandigarh/Tanda, April 19:The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak here today at Dana Mandi took stock of the procurement operations and said that the procurement of Wheat continues uninterruptedly in the mandis of the State and till now more than 24 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) produce out of 28 LMT arrival, has been procured.

Initiating the procurement of the produce of farmer Jaila hailing from village Basti, the Minister accompanied by MLA Jasvir Singh Raja Gill, said that robust arrangements have been made in the mandis regarding procurement to ensure the farmers encounter no difficulty in selling their crops.

As per the Minimum Support Price (MSP) fixed at Rs. 2585 Per Quintal, an amount of Rs. 647 Crore has been credited into the accounts of farmers. The State Government is fully committed to procure every single Grain produced by the farmers and as part of this commitment, payments are being made to the farmers within 48 hours of the procurement with lifting also picking up pace.

The Minister while directing the concerned officers of the procurement agencies to make sure that the farmers encounter no hassle in the mandis, divulged further that the necessary arrangements with regard to the Bardana, Labour and Transportation have been ensured in the mandis. He also appealed to the farmers to desist from burning wheat stubble and instead go for managing the stubble in the fields itself through usage of the machinery made available by the Agriculture Department.

Regarding making good the losses caused to the crops in the past few days due to the unseasonal rain, the Minister said that specifical girdawari has been ordered and the State Government would make good the loss suffered by the farmers.

The MLA Jasvir Singh Raja Gill said that the Punjab Government would ensure hassle free procurement and prompt lifting of the produce like previous year. He also said that the State Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has always catered to the interests of farmers and is ensuring timely payments after the procurement of Wheat. He also gave instructions to the administrative officials to ensure timely procurement in the mandis.

In Hoshiarpur, 78 mandis have been set up out of which 65 are permanent while the rest 13 are temporary. The District expects 316000 MT of Wheat arrival.

Among others present on the occasion included the SDM Lovepreet Singh, Chairman Market Committee Rajwinder Singh, Secretary Market Committee Harpreet Singh, Deputy Director Food supply Rajnish Kumari and the DFSC Preetkamal Sood.

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt walking on Babasaheb’s path, not politics of neglect: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Portraits of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh & Babasaheb Ambedkar installed in every govt office of Punjab: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*While others used Babasaheb Ambedkar for slogans, Bhagwant Mann Govt delivered excellent education, welfare & social justice: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*AAP Govt has implemented special reservation for Scheduled Castes in Advocate General’s office: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*My entire life is dedicated to improving govt schools in Punjab: Harjot Singh Bains*

*From Babasaheb’s vision to village grants & school reforms, Bhagwant Mann Govt delivering change while others gave speeches: Harjot Singh Bains*

CHANDIGARH / NANGAL, 19 April 2026:Punjab Cabinet Minister for Finance, Transport, Taxation and Excise, Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Punjab Government led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann is following the path shown by Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. He stated that soon after the formation of the government, portraits of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh and Babasaheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar were installed in every government office. Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that Punjab government schools are now setting new benchmarks while development grants are reaching villages on the ground.

Paying tribute to Babasaheb Ambedkar while addressing the ‘Shiksha Sankalp Programme’ organised on the occasion of the 135th birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar at the School of Eminence in Nangal, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, "Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, attained the highest level of education, holding 32 degrees including four PhDs, and always worked for the spread of education. Today’s society is a reflection of his visionary thinking."

He said, "With the Governor signing the Jagt Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill 2026, the way has been cleared to impose strict punishment on those who commit beadbi against the Guru. A Guru Ravidas Bani Centre is being established where 700 students will be able to receive training. The 650th Prakash Parv of Guru Ravidas will be celebrated across the state with great devotion and on a large scale."

Highlighting development works, Harpal Singh Cheema added, "Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency has received the highest amount of development funds in Punjab. The constituency is also the third highest recipient of grants in the state, where bridges, roads, schools and various development works are being undertaken."

Emphasising education reforms, the minister continued, "The Aam Aadmi Party government has given the highest priority to the education sector. For the first time in Punjab’s history, the education budget has been increased manifold and government schools have been transformed. In Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency alone, more than ₹100 crore has been spent on the development of schools, providing modern laboratories, libraries and other facilities."

Speaking on welfare measures and social justice, Harpal Singh Cheema said, "Under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, the government is implementing public welfare schemes such as health insurance up to ₹10 lakh and the Mawa Dhian Satkar Yojna for women. People must remain vigilant in safeguarding their right to vote and their constitutional rights. Following the principles of Babasaheb Ambedkar, the Punjab Government is taking major steps in the fields of education, health and social justice. Punjab is the first state in the country where the Aam Aadmi Party government has implemented reservation for Scheduled Castes in the Advocate General’s office, and today around 60 law officers are providing their services.”

Meanwhile, Minister of School Education Harjot Singh Bains stated, "My entire life is dedicated to ensuring that quality education reaches every section of society. Babasaheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar’s invaluable gifts to society are equality and the right to education."

Highlighting reforms in the education sector, Harjot Singh Bains said, "The Punjab Government is bringing revolutionary changes in education and significant improvements have been made in government schools. Today, government schools are receiving recommendations for admissions, and their students are performing exceptionally well in competitive examinations like JEE and NEET. This proves that with proper guidance and opportunities, every student can achieve great heights."

He added, "This programme was not organised for any political purpose, but to adopt Babasaheb’s ideology and promote equality in society through education. During the programme, high achieving students were also honoured, which will inspire other children. Education is the only tool that can bring real change in society."

Announcing grants for the constituency, Harjot Singh Bains said, "Grants have been approved for various villages and institutions, including ₹5 lakh for Chandeser, ₹10 lakh for Beekapur Lower, ₹10 lakh for Basowal SC Dharamshala, ₹5 lakh for Lodhipur Bas Barotu, ₹5 lakh for Kutiya Baba Jamna Dass Ajauli Brahmpur, ₹5 lakh for Dadhi, ₹5 lakh for Miyapur Handur, ₹5 lakh for Awanakot Lower, and ₹1 lakh under the Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Grant for Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Sewa Society, Sri Anandpur Sahib. This financial assistance will help strengthen development and infrastructure in the area.”

On this occasion, Dr. Sanjeev Gautam, District President Kamikar Singh Dadhi (Organization Constituency Coordinator), Dalip Hans (Member, Dalit Board Punjab), Dr. J.S. Kahlon, Deepak Soni (Constituency Coordinator), Kala Baba Jamuna Dass Kutiya, and retired Principal Baldev also shared their views on the life and contributions of Babasaheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar.