*NRI Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh to Interact with Punjabis Living Abroad on May 13*
*Punjab Government Organises Special “Online Milni” for Prompt Redressal of Issues Faced by NRIs*
Chandigarh, May 10:In order to listen to the grievances and concerns of Punjabis residing abroad and to ensure their timely resolution, the Punjab Government is organising a special “Online Milni” on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM (IST).
Sharing details in this regard, Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh stated that during this online interaction, he will directly engage with Punjabis living overseas and listen to their issues, complaints and suggestions. He said that necessary directions would be issued to the concerned departments and officials to ensure prompt and effective resolution of the grievances received during the session.
Dr. Ravjot Singh informed that concerned individuals may send their complaints via email at minister.pa@punjab.gov.in. Besides this, registration for participation in the Online Milni can be done through the link: https://forms.gle/KKUutEpVTeccLSta6
He further stated that participants can join the Online Milni on the scheduled date and time through the following link: https://new.bharatvc.nic.in/join/8833894922. The joining ID will be 8833894922 and the password will be 742627.
The NRI Affairs Minister appealed to Punjabis residing across the world to actively participate in this special “Online Milni” so that their grievances can be addressed effectively and in a time-bound manner.
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*Bhagwant Mann Govt's Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana Brings Relief to Patiala Woman Battling Kidney Stones and Diabetes*
CHANDIGARH/PATIALA, May 10:By the time the sun rose over Patiala, 46-year-old Sunita Rani had already been awake for hours. Sleep had become difficult. A dull ache gripped her lower back and travelled sharply through her side whenever she tried to stand straight. Her feet looked puffier each morning, and even walking to the kitchen felt exhausting. She would pause midway, pressing one hand against the wall and the other against her stomach, waiting for the stabbing discomfort to settle.
In spite of the pain, Sunita continued managing her everyday responsibilities, hoping the problem would improve on its own. However, when the pain and the swelling worsened, her family urged her to seek medical help. She had heard about the benefits available under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana and decided to register herself and her family under it.
Sunita immediately registered under the scheme and received a Sehat Card for her family. She was admitted for treatment at Mata Kaushalya Hospital, where doctors conducted detailed examinations and diagnosed her with kidney stones lodged in the ureter. Doctors also found that her diabetes and severe swelling needed urgent attention before surgery could be safely performed.
Sharing her experience, Sunita Rani said, “When the pain became unbearable, I registered under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna and got a Sehat Card made for my family. The doctors examined me and diagnosed kidney stones. Because my sugar levels were very high and there was a lot of swelling, they first started treatment to control both conditions.”
She added, “I am regularly visiting the hospital for check-ups, and the doctors are continuously monitoring my condition. The swelling has reduced now, and my medicines for sugar control have been changed.” Sunita Rani is happy that she Is getting a cashless treatment. “I have been given another 10-day course of treatment, after which the doctors will decide the date for the operation. From my initial treatment to the surgery in coming days, I will not have to pay anything, and it is such a comfort and relief,” she says.
Doctors explain that kidney stone cases are rising rapidly, especially among patients dealing with diabetes, dehydration, and unhealthy eating habits. According to medical experts, delayed treatment can lead to severe infections and complications. Early diagnosis and timely medical support are therefore extremely important.
For Sunita and her family, the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana became a major source of relief during a difficult period. The scheme ensured quick registration, regular medical monitoring, affordable treatment, and access to specialists without financial stress. Most importantly, it gave the family confidence that quality healthcare was within their reach.
Today, Sunita’s condition is improving at a good pace. “The swelling has now reduced, and soon my sugar levels too will be under control. While my treatment is still ongoing, I now face recovery with hope instead of fear, thanks to the Sehat Card.”
She further adds, “I believe that government healthcare schemes like the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana are helping families receive timely medical care without worrying about expenses.” Her story stands as an example of how accessible healthcare and early treatment can transform lives, restore confidence, and support families during medical emergencies.
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*Punjab surpasses Kerala in school education, emerges as India’s top-performing state in NITI Aayog report: Harjot Singh Bains*
*• Bhagwant Mann Govt’s education reforms script historic turnaround, Punjab Govt schools outperform Kerala in foundational learning: Harjot Singh Bains*
*• From Schools of Eminence to global teacher training, Punjab’s ‘Shikhya Kranti’ delivers national recognition: Harjot Singh Bains*
*• Govt school students from Punjab are leading country today, NITI Aayog report validates transformation on ground: Harjot Singh Bains*
*• NITI Aayog praises Punjab for bridging urban-rural divide in education*
CHANDIGARH, May 10:Marking a historic turnaround for government schools in the state, Punjab has been recognised as one of India’s best-performing states in school education, with the NITI Aayog Education Quality Report 2026 placing it ahead of Kerala, long considered India’s gold standard in school education, on key foundational learning metrics.
Hailing the achievement as the beginning of ‘Punjab’s Era’ driven by systemic reforms and grassroots dedication, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains stated, “This honour belongs to every parent, student and teacher who refused to give up on government schools. This is not a one day miracle. When policy, intent and execution walk together, results follow.”
Sharing details of the report, he said, “Punjab recorded 82% proficiency in language and 78% in mathematics in Class 3, surpassing Kerala’s 75% and 70% respectively. In Class 9 mathematics, Punjab scored 52%, significantly higher than Kerala’s 45%.”
Highlighting the impact of the Punjab Government’s reforms, the minister continued, “Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s post COVID pandemic recovery push through Mission Samarth and the Schools of Eminence programme has yielded tangible results.”
Citing findings from the NITI Aayog report, he added, “99.9% of government schools now have electricity, 99% have functional computers and over 80% are equipped with smart classrooms. Additionally, over 90% of Class 10 students now transition smoothly to Class 11, indicating a sharp decline in dropout rates. The student teacher ratio has also been improved to an ideal 22:1.”
Referring to the report’s observations, Harjot Singh Bains said, “The NITI Aayog report specifically praised Punjab for bridging the urban rural divide in education and ensuring equal opportunities for village students and girls. Punjab’s adoption of global best practices has led to a sharp rise in competitive exam success among government school students. As many as 786 government school students have cleared JEE Main and 1,284 students have qualified for NEET so far.”
Sharing details of teacher training and infrastructure expansion, the Punjab Education Minister stated, “Teacher training programmes in Finland and Singapore, rolled out under the state’s education reforms, have translated into results on the ground. This shows our classrooms can compete with the best. Punjab has recruited 13,000 teachers and staff and rolled out the English Edge Programme for nearly 3 lakh students, besides establishing 118 Schools of Eminence.”
“With the right policy, intent and performance, quality education is inevitable. Our teachers have proved it,” Harjot Singh Bains added, while noting that, “NITI Aayog has now validated what the state has been seeing on the ground. Government school children are not just catching up, they are leading."