*PUNJAB GOVERNOR ADMINISTERS OATH TO NEW PPSC NON-OFFICIAL MEMBER*

CHANDIGARH, May 4: Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Monday administered the oath of office to the newly appointed non-official member of Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC).

Sunil Kapoor took the oath of office and allegiance to the Constitution, officially joining the Commission as a non-official member. A prominent personality and social worker from Ludhiana, Sunil Kapoor has been involved in humanitarian and social outreach programs.

Chief Secretary KAP Sinha conducted the proceedings of the swearing-in-ceremony at the Punjab Lok Bhawan here.

Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, Chairman PPSC Major General (Retd.) Vinayak Saini, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) to Governor Vivek Pratap Singh and Secretary General Administration and Coordination Kamal Kishore Yadav were present at the ceremony, along with the family members and well-wishers of the newly appointed member.

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*Major Achievement in Four Years: 1,367 Families Empowered Towards Self-Reliance with Rs.26.68 Crore Assistance — Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*Boost to Self-Employment: Rs 5.39 Crore Subsidy Support Extended to 1,229 Beneficiaries*

*Inclusive Development Vision of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann Taking Shape on the Ground*

Chandigarh, May 4:The Punjab Government has taken consistent and impactful steps over the past four years to strengthen social justice and economic equality. Under the leadership of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, the Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation has undertaken significant initiatives to economically empower needy families.

Sharing details, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that from 2022–23 to 2025–26, loans amounting to Rs 26.68 crore have been extended to 1,367 individuals for various self-employment activities, significantly enhancing their income and enabling a sustainable path towards self-reliance.

The Minister added that the government’s efforts are not limited to financial assistance alone, but are focused on enabling beneficiaries to become self-sufficient through planned and result-oriented support. Under this approach, subsidy assistance of Rs 5.39 crore has been provided to 1,229 beneficiaries, strengthening economic resilience and instilling new hope among families. “Our goal is not just to provide aid, but to empower people to stand on their own feet,” she added.

These initiatives reflect real, on-ground transformation in people’s lives. Many beneficiaries have started small businesses, while others have turned their skills into sustainable livelihoods. Today, they are leading their lives with dignity and confidence, spreading a message of hope across both rural and urban Punjab.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further highlighted that beneficiaries are being provided continuous “handholding support,” including guidance, technical assistance and market linkages, to ensure long-term sustainability and success. She noted that the progress of one family ultimately contributes to the progress of society as a whole.

The Minister further stated that under the able leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is committed to translating the vision of “inclusive development for all” into reality by ensuring equal opportunities for every section of society. The objective is to economically uplift Scheduled Castes and other underprivileged sections and build a prosperous and equitable Punjab.

These efforts clearly demonstrate that development in Punjab is not merely policy-driven, but a visible force bringing real and meaningful change to the lives of the people.

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*Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema directs DCs to complete development works Under Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme*

*No delay in Phase One works, time bound completion must be ensured across districts: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Phase Two to begin immediately, Punjab pushes next wave of development without pause: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Daily monitoring & detailed reporting made mandatory to ensure transparency in projects: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Finance Minister chairs high-level review meeting with all district DCs & officers of concerned departments to review ongoing works under Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme*

CHANDIGARH, 4th May 2026:In a firm push to accelerate state development, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema convened a high-level meeting on Monday with all district Deputy Commissioners and officers of concerned departments to rigorously review the progress of the Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme, issuing strict directives to expedite pending works, ensure daily monitoring, and launch the next phase of development without delay.

During the comprehensive review session, the Finance Minister explicitly instructed the Deputy Commissioners to guarantee the time-bound completion of all Phase One development works under the scheme.

Recognising the need to maintain the momentum of state-wide progress, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema mandated that the administrative processes for Phase Two projects be initiated immediately. To ensure complete transparency, he directed the district heads to compile and share detailed, comprehensive reports regarding the exact status of all these development initiatives.

Taking a serious note of administrative lethargy, he expressed his displeasure over instances where Phase One works had not yet commenced. He issued a stern warning to the concerned officials in those jurisdictions, demanding that these delayed projects be started immediately and completed at the earliest possible timeframe to avoid strict disciplinary action.

The Finance Minister further instructed the Deputy Commissioners to conduct regular field visits to personally monitor the pace and assess the quality of the work directly at the ground level.

Emphasising the necessity of real-time tracking and strict oversight, the Additional Chief Secretary Jaspreet Talwar ordered that the status of all projects must be updated on the official portal on a daily basis.

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*Vigilance Bureau registered a case against former Manager, Punjab Gramin Bank*

Chandigarh, 4 May, 2026:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), in line with the zero tolerance policy adopted by the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government, has registered a case against former Manager Satish Kumar Meena then posted at Punjab Gramin Bank, Branch Bhoodan District Malerkotla.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the case has been registered after investigation of complaint No. 232/2025, Sangrur.

In this connection accused former Manager Satish Kumar Meena abused his position and had violated the rules of Punjab Gramin Bank. He fraudulently withdrew a total of Rs. 9,64,600/- from 19 bank accounts of deceased pensioners of his bank on different dates during the month of June/July 2023.

In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB Police Station Patiala. Further investigation into this case is underway, he added.

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*Lifeline Through Bhagwant Mann Govt's Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana; Free Knee Surgery for 65-Year-Old Mother Brings Tears of Joy to Son’s Eyes*

Chandigarh/Hoshiarpur, May 4:For 65-year-old Kewal Kaur from village Panwa (Dasuya) in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district, April 17 marked the beginning of a new life. For years, she had been battling unbearable knee pain that had reduced her world to a few painful steps. Walking without a stick had become impossible, and each day felt like a struggle against helplessness.

Today, the mother is slowly finding her way back onto her feet, without the burden of financial stress, thanks to the Bhagwant Mann government’s health initiative.

Under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, her knee replacement surgery was successfully performed at Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Jalandhar. What once seemed out of reach, an operation costing nearly ₹1.5 lakh, was completed entirely free.

Her son, Mandeep Singh, a farmer, recalls the difficult years with a heavy voice. For nearly five years, his mother lived in constant pain. They consulted multiple doctors, tried medicines, but nothing brought relief. Eventually, her condition worsened to the point where she couldn’t take a single step without support.

“When my mother became completely dependent, surgery was our only hope,” he says.

Mandeep had earlier read about the scheme in a newspaper and registered for a health card, a decision that would change their lives. After completing the hospital formalities, the surgery was performed on April 17 by Dr. Anit Sachar and his team in a procedure that lasted about two hours.

Recovery has begun, and with it, a quiet return of dignity. Though the stitches are still in place and will be removed soon, the pain that once defined Kewal Kaur’s days has begun to fade. In its place, there is relief; and a smile that had long been missing.

Fighting back tears, she says, “Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is like a third son to me. My operation was done without spending a single rupee. I am no longer a burden on anyone. Life will be easier now.”

For the family, this was not just medical treatment, it was a restoration of self-respect. Mandeep shares that while his own children live abroad and financial help was possible, the scheme gave them something deeper: independence and dignity.

He also revealed that Kewal Kaur was not alone. Around five other elderly patients from Mohali, Hoshiarpur, and nearby villages underwent similar knee surgeries under the same scheme. Apart from about ₹2,400 spent on initial tests, the entire treatment was free.

According to Mandeep, the scheme’s provision of free treatment up to ₹10 lakh is nothing short of a blessing for middle- and lower-income families.

Kewal Kaur’s story is more than just a successful surgery, it is a powerful reminder that when the right help arrives at the right time, it can restore not just health, but hope, dignity, and the will to live again.

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*Vigilance Bureau registered a case against Deed Writer for accepting a bribe of Rs. 15000/-*

Chandigarh, May 4, 2026:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), in line with the zero tolerance policy adopted by the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government, has registered a case against Naresh Kumar Deed Writer, Patiala, for accepting a bribe Rs. 15,000/-.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the case has been registered following a complaint lodged by a resident of Professor Colony Cheeka district Kaithal, Haryana on the Chief Minister’s Anti Corruption Action Line portal.

He said that the complainant's relative purchased land in district Patiala. In this regard, complainant alleged that accused Naresh Kumar Deed Writer accepted bribe of Rs 15000/- in lieu of executing the registration deed of complainant's relative land. Accused Deed Writer called the Patwari and Driver of Tehsildar while accepting bribe money. After this, Tehsildar had executed his deed. Complainant had recorded entire conversation of demanding bribe.

In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against this accused at VB Police Station Patiala. Further investigation into this case is underway, he added.

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*PUNJAB REMEMBERS COMEDY ICON: MOHALI CHOWK NAMED AFTER JASWINDER BHALLA*

*•Art, theatre & cinema key to a student’s personality development: Tarunpreet Singh Sond*

*Art & culture is top priority of Punjab Government: Minister Sond

Several prominent personalities including MLA Mohali Kulwant Singh pay tribute to late Dr. Bhalla

Chandigarh/SAS Nagar, May 4:A special event dedicated to the memory of the renowned Punjabi cinema actor, professor and comedian Dr. Jaswinder Singh Bhalla was organized today at the auditorium of Punjab School Education Board, Sector-62, Mohali. On this occasion, the foundation stone for the “Dr. Jaswinder Singh Bhalla Chowk” was laid. The inauguration was done by Mohali MLA Mr. Kulwant Singh, and the first “Dr. Bhalla Memorial Lecture” was also held in the presence of Minister of Tourism, Cultural Affairs, Rural Development, and Panchayats, Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond.

The event was attended by Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond as the chief guest. During the event, a memorial lecture was organized on the topic “Role of Art, Theatre and Cinema in the Personality Development of Students”, where various educational, cultural, and social figures shared their thoughts.

In his address, Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that Dr. Jaswinder Singh Bhalla made significant contributions to education, art, and entertainment through his multifaceted talent. He added that such initiatives by the Punjab government to commemorate personalities are inspiring for the younger generation. He also mentioned that people passing by the chowk named after Dr. Bhalla will always remember him.

Referring to a request by Dr. Bhalla’s close friend Bal Mukand Sharma, Chairman of the Punjab Food Commission, Minister Sond said that for the construction of a large auditorium in memory of Punjabi comedians such as Mehr Mittal, Jaspal Bhatti, and Dr. Jaswinder Bhalla, he will discuss the matter with GMADA officials and Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann.

MLA Kulwant Singh said that prominent personalities like Jaswinder Bhalla are an integral part of our cultural heritage, and naming a chowk after him will serve as inspiration for the younger generations. He added that such initiatives help keep the memory of the great artist alive.

The event was attended by Dr. Jaswinder Singh Bhalla’s wife Smt. Paramdeep Kaur Bhalla, son Pukharaj Bhalla, Bal Mukand Sharma (Chairman, Food Commission), Dr. Amarpal Singh (Chairman, Punjab School Education Board), officials from Punjab Agricultural University, Gurpreet Ghuggi, Karamjit Anmol, singer Sharry Mann, along with many other artists and singers from the Punjabi industry, a large number of students, teachers, art enthusiasts, and social workers.

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