*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann launches the Distribution of 1.26 Crore Mukh Mantri Sehat Cards, Providing Security Cover To 54 Lakh Families*
*Under Scheme, ₹1,310 Crore Spent On Treatment Of more than 7 Lakh Patients So Far: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Punjab’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna Is World’s Only Unconditional & Completely Free Healthcare Scheme: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*People Of Punjab Are Benefiting Most From Aam Aadmi Clinics: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Previous Govts Imposed Conditions That Prevented People From Availing Themselves Of Benefits Of Such Schemes: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
SAS NAGAR (MOHALI); 20th September 2026:
A serious illness can push an ordinary family into financial uncertainty, but in Punjab, a ₹10 lakh healthcare safety net is now reaching millions of households. At the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna Card Distribution Ceremony in Mohali, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted how 1.26 crore health cards have provided security cover to 54 lakh families, with ₹1,310 crore already spent on the treatment of more than 7 lakh patients under the scheme.
Calling it the world’s only unconditional and completely free healthcare scheme, the Chief Minister said the initiative ensures that families can access treatment without worrying about the cost, while Aam Aadmi Clinics are further strengthening affordable healthcare across the state. He said the government’s larger objective is to ensure every citizen remains healthy and build a ‘Rangla Punjab’.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Today, at the ‘Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna Card Distribution Ceremony’ in Mohali, I shared my thoughts with the people. Providing quality healthcare facilities to the people of Punjab is the top priority of our government. Today, health cards were distributed to beneficiaries, giving every family access to free treatment worth up to ₹10 lakh. The people attending the event also wholeheartedly appreciated this initiative of the government. Our goal is to keep every citizen healthy and create a ‘Rangla Punjab’. Inquilab Zindabad.”
Addressing the gathering during the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna card distribution function here, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the scheme provides cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh without charging beneficiaries a single penny. “While people in many foreign countries have to purchase health insurance and pay a premium before accessing medical facilities, Punjab is providing cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh without putting any financial burden on the beneficiaries,” he said.
The Chief Minister affirmed, “Our objective is not merely to provide treatment but to ensure that no family is forced into debt or financial distress because of illness. Healthcare should not become a luxury available only to those who can afford it.”
He said, “In foreign countries, people generally have to purchase health insurance by paying a premium. In Punjab, our government is providing this health facility without putting any such financial burden on the people. We have ensured that people can access treatment without worrying about whether they have money in their pockets. No family should have to postpone or abandon treatment because of financial constraints.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Expensive treatment can push a poor family into a situation where it has to choose between an unaffordable medical bill and life. We have changed this situation. Today, people can get treatment from a government or private hospital of their choice. This scheme provides cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh and is a major step towards providing both health and financial security to the people of Punjab. There are no conditions for availing its benefits.”
The Chief Minister said, “Our government’s healthcare initiative represents our broader philosophy of putting the common man at the centre of governance. We understand the difficulties faced by ordinary people because our policies are designed around their everyday needs.”
Taking a dig at his political opponents, he said, “If the treatment is right, there is no need to change the doctor. Similarly, if the government is people-oriented, there is no need to change it.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The transformation is not restricted to healthcare. The colours of ‘Rangla Punjab’ have started becoming visible across different sectors. Punjab is a blessed land with immense potential and we are working to realise the dreams of Shaheed Bhagat Singh by creating opportunities for our people within the state.”
The Chief Minister said, “We want to carve a happy, prosperous and vibrant Punjab. We do not want a California. We want Punjab to become strong on its own soil so that our young people can build their future here.”
Highlighting the financial relief being provided through various government initiatives, he said, “Schemes such as the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, free bus travel scheme, regulation of private school fees, Meri Rasoi Scheme, Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna and others are collectively providing substantial savings and benefits to families. According to our assessment, every family is benefiting by around ₹1.82 lakh annually, while for some families the total benefit is as high as ₹2.72 lakh. These initiatives are aimed at putting money back into the hands of the common man by reducing expenditure on essential services.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our healthcare infrastructure has also been strengthened through a network of 1,100 Aam Aadmi Clinics. These clinics have recorded around 5.5 crore OPD visits, which reflects how primary healthcare services have been brought closer to residential areas. People should not have to travel long distances for basic healthcare. Aam Aadmi Clinics have taken healthcare facilities closer to their homes and made them accessible to ordinary families,” he said.
The Chief Minister also announced that a three-month instalment under the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna will be released on October 1. “We are committed to supporting our beneficiaries and ensuring that the benefits of our schemes reach people at the grassroots level,” he said.
Taking a dig at opposition parties, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Those who failed to provide meaningful relief to ordinary people are now questioning schemes that are directly benefiting families. People can themselves see the difference between governments that merely made announcements and a government that is delivering benefits at the grassroots level.”
The Chief Minister also hit out at the Centre, saying, “The Centre has withheld funds due to Punjab, but we have not stopped providing facilities to the people. Despite this, we have continued our welfare initiatives and development works.”
He said, “We have plugged leakages and ensured that public money is used for public welfare. We have never said that the treasury is empty. Instead, we have ensured optimum utilisation of government resources.”
“We are also honouring our commitments towards employees and ensuring payment of their legitimate dues,” he said.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further announced that government employees will also receive a Diwali gift.
“Under previous governments, powerful people benefited from government schemes. Our government is working to ensure that the benefits reach ordinary citizens,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s work in the education sector, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab was earlier ranked 27th in education. Today, Punjab has reached the first position, even moving ahead of Kerala. Our education reforms are aimed at giving students better infrastructure, quality teaching and improved learning opportunities. Punjab’s achievements are not confined to the education sector. The sacrifices made by Punjabis for the country, our contribution to India’s food security and our achievements in sports are unmatched.”
“Punjabis have always remained at the forefront and have proved their mettle in every field,” he said.
The Chief Minister said, “Punjab’s sporting culture is once again being strengthened through initiatives such as ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’, in which lakhs of players are participating. The fact that four national teams have Punjabi captains is a reflection of Punjab’s deep-rooted sporting talent and contribution to Indian sports.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our vision is to create a Punjab where young people have opportunities in education, employment and sports, while families have access to healthcare and essential services without facing crippling financial pressure. Our ultimate objective is to create a Punjab where people can live with dignity, families can secure their future and the younger generation can see a promising future within the state itself. We want to build a Punjab where people are healthy, educated, prosperous and confident about their future,” he said.
The Chief Minister said, “We want to create a Punjab where every family feels secure and every young person gets an opportunity to move forward. We are moving forward in this direction and leaving no stone unturned for this noble cause.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our government is committed to the welfare of every section of society and every step is being taken for their progress. Today, over 1.26 crore health insurance cards distribution have been launched, providing a safety net to 54 lakh families. So far, ₹1,310 crore has been spent on the treatment of more than 7 lakh patients under the scheme.”
“This scheme is providing treatment without conditions and without cost. It is the only such scheme in the world,” he said.
During this, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh stated that timely treatment can prevent complications, improve recovery and reduce the long-term cost of illness for families. “MMSY is supporting access to essential services, including dialysis, cardiac treatment, cancer treatment, knee replacement, cataract surgery, C-section deliveries, transplant services and emergency care,” he added.
The Health Minister further informed that the first kidney transplant at Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, was performed entirely under MMSY and further highlighted the successful heart procedure performed on 37-year-old women under MMSY. “This demonstrates the Government of Punjab’s efforts to upgrade its institutions so that advanced super-speciality services are available to the people of the state,” he added.
On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Dr Balbir Singh, Lok Sabha MP Malwinder Singh Kang and others were also present.
*Beneficiaries Share Experiences Of Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna*
Sharing his experience, an elderly beneficiary said he had been suffering from a knee problem and was grateful to the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for providing free treatment under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna. He said such a facility, under which people can get treatment without worrying about the cost, had not been available to them under previous governments, and expressed his gratitude to the government for introducing the scheme.
Another beneficiary shared her experience of taking her child for treatment, saying that a private hospital had demanded a substantial amount of money for the treatment but under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, the treatment was taken care of properly without putting the family under financial pressure in government hospital. She thanked the Punjab Government for introducing a scheme that has made quality treatment accessible to families without the burden of unaffordable medical expenses.
*MMSY Cards To Reach Every Eligible Family Through Camps, Door-To-Door Distribution*
Under the next phase of Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, Sehat Cards will be taken directly to eligible families across Punjab, with camp-based distribution being carried out in more than 1,800 villages. The remaining areas will be covered through door-to-door delivery by designated Sehat Mitras and ASHA Workers. Field teams will visit beneficiaries at their homes, hand over the complete card kit and inform them about the benefits of the scheme, while those unable to receive their e-Cards at camps will be covered through follow-up visits. The Chief Minister has directed district administrations, health officials, Sehat Mitras, ASHA Workers and other field functionaries to ensure that no eligible family is left out because it lives in a remote village, is unable to attend a camp or is unaware of the enrolment and distribution process.
*MMSY Covers Life-Saving And High-Cost Treatments*
Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna currently covers 2,356 treatment packages through more than 900 empanelled hospitals across Punjab and Chandigarh, including government and private hospitals. The scheme provides access to specialised treatment involving repeated treatment, long-term care, surgery and advanced medical intervention, with special attention to high-cost and life-saving procedures such as dialysis, cancer care, cardiac procedures, kidney transplantation and liver transplantation. The Health Department has also highlighted services including knee replacement, cataract surgery, C-section deliveries, transplant services and emergency care under the scheme.
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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
*Sea of people pays tribute to former minister Chuni Lal Bhagat*
*Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Harpal Cheema, Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Hardeep Singh Mundian, Dr. Ravjot Singh, AAP Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia and Dr. Gurpreet Kaur Mann describe late Chuni Lal Bhagat as a towering personality in Punjab’s politics*
Chandigarh/ Jalandhar, September 20:
A sea of people gathered at MS Farm, Basti Peerdaad, Jalandhar on Sunday to pay their last respects to veteran leader and former Punjab Cabinet Minister Chuni Lal Bhagat during a Shradhanjali Sabha held in his memory.
Aam Aadmi Party Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia, Dr. Gurpreet Kaur Mann, wife of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Cabinet Minister and Punjab Aam Aadmi Party president Aman Arora, Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, Dr. Ravjot Singh, Advisor, Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department, Deepak Bali, Working President, AAP, Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi, MLA Balkar Singh, MLA Brahm Shankar Jimpa, Mayor Vineet Dhir, Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Walia, Commissioner of Police Satinder Singh, SSP Harvinder Singh Virk, along with other dignitaries, leaders and people from different sections of society, paid tributes to the departed leader.
Remembering Chuni Lal Bhagat, Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Harpal Cheema, Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Hardeep Singh Mundian, Punjab AAP Prabhari Manish Sisodia and Dr. Gurpreet Kaur Mann described him as a “towering personality in Punjab’s politics” who “earned a distinguished name through hard work and honesty”. They said the Bhagat family had suffered an irreparable loss with the demise of its head and prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family.
Recalling his journey, they said Chuni Lal Bhagat came to Jalandhar after Partition, where the family established a sports goods export business and earned a name in the field. He later entered active politics and served as Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha before becoming a Cabinet Minister and holding important portfolios, they added. The vast sea of humanity gathered at the Shradhanjali Sabha was described as the true wealth earned by the Bhagat family—a powerful testament to Chuni Lal Bhagat’s deep, personal bond with the people, they mentioned.
Notably, Chuni Lal Bhagat, who passed away at the age of 93 after a prolonged illness, was remembered for his long public life, accessibility and commitment to the people of Jalandhar and the Doaba region. He served as a multi-term MLA from Jalandhar West and held key portfolios, including Local Bodies, Medical Education and Forest and Wildlife Preservation. He was also recalled for his emphasis on integrity, transparency and public service.
The speakers also recalled his accessible style of functioning, with his doors remaining open to people across political and social lines. His son, Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat, is now carrying forward the family’s public service legacy. The Cabinet Ministers also assured that the Punjab Government and the entire AAP leadership stood firmly with Mohinder Bhagat and his family during the hour of grief.
Chairman, Punjab Cooperative Agriculture Development Bank, Pawan Teenu; Vice Chairman, Punjab Gau Sewa Commission, Kimti Bhagat; Chairman, Punjab Agri Export Corporation Limited, Mangal Bassi; Chairman, Jalandhar Improvement Trust, Ramneek Singh Randhawa; Chairman, Muslim Welfare Board, Abdul Bahri Salmani; Deputy Mayor Malkeet Singh; Halqa Incharge Nitin Kohli; and representatives of Sant Samaj attended the Shradhanjali Sabha.
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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
*’GANGSTRAN TE VAAR’: 72,311 INDIVIDUALS ARRESTED IN EIGHT MONTHS*
*— IN EIGHT MONTHS, POLICE TEAMS TAKE PREVENTIVE ACTION AGAINST 37K INDIVIDUALS, ALSO ARRESTS 1,858 PROCLAIMED OFFENDERS: SPL DGP PRAVEEN SINHA*
*— PEOPLE CAN ANONYMOUSLY REPORT GANGSTER-RELATED INFORMATION VIA ANTI-GANGSTER HELPLINE NUMBER 93946-93946*
*— 96 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD WITH 57.6KG HEROIN ON DAY 568 OF YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH*
CHANDIGARH, September 20:
As the decisive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign completed eight months, Punjab Police has arrested 72,311 individuals including gangsters and criminals associated with them after conducting 1.34 lakh raids across the state since the launch of the campaign.
Pertinently, the “Gangstran Te Vaar”— a decisive war to make Punjab a gangster-free state was launched by the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on January 20, 2026. Police teams from all the districts in coordination with Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab have been conducting raids at the identified and mapped locations linked to associates of gangsters.
Special DGP Law and Order Praveen Sinha said that police teams have recovered 1224 weapons along with 3,555 live cartridges and 377 magazines, 263 sharp-edged weapons and 15 hand grenades from the possession of arrested individuals.
Apart from this, preventive action has been initiated against 37,652 persons, whereas, 18,818 persons were verified and released after questioning, he said, while adding that Police teams have also arrested 1,858 proclaimed offenders (POs) since the campaign was launched.
On Day 243, Police teams arrested 262 individuals after conducting 548 raids, while, preventive action has been taken against 164 persons and arrested four proclaimed offenders (POs).
The Special DGP said that the 'Gangstran Te Vaar' campaign will continue with same vigor.
People can anonymously report information related to wanted criminals and gangsters, and also share tips on crime and criminal activity, through the Anti Gangster Helpline number 93946-93946.
Meanwhile, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” for 568th day with 96 drug smugglers arrested on Thursday and recovered 57.6 kg heroin, 3 kg poppy husk, 5160 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 1550 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 78,462 in just 568 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced 14 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.
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Information and Public Relations Department Punjab
*PUNJAB GOVERNMENT HAS FULFILLED ALL PROMISES MADE TO THE PEOPLE, SAYS SPEAKER KULTAR SINGH SANDHWAN*
Chandigarh, 20 September 2026 :
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sardar Kultar Singh Sandhwan today stated that the Punjab government has fulfilled all the promises made to the public, underscoring that the our government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the common people and remains steadfastly committed to resolving individual grievances.
Highlighting major welfare milestones, Speaker Sandhwan lauded the introduction of the 'Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna (MMSY) ,' which provides free health coverage of up to ₹10 lakh for Punjabi citizens. He noted that the scheme has provided immense financial relief, ensuring that people no longer need to panic over medical expenses that previously cost them lakhs of rupees. The ultimate objective, he emphasized, is to ensure prosperity and happiness for all.
The Speaker also commended the government's crack down on corruption through the 'Easy Registry' initiative. This step has successfully curbed bribery in land records and property registrations, directly benefiting the general public who previously faced severe exploitation.
Turning the focus to youth and community development, Sandhwan praised the government's significant contributions to sports. He highlighted the ongoing success of events like 'Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan' and announced that Punjab will host the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy in the near future. He emphasized that sports foster discipline, promote a high quality of life, and serve as a powerful tool to combat social issues and drug addiction, guiding individuals toward healthier, better lives.
Reaffirming the Punjab Government long-term vision, the Speaker stated that our government has successfully resolved several decades-old issues of Punjab. He assured the public that the our government will continue to actively listen to the concerns of the common people and remain dedicated to resolving them swiftly.
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VIGILANCE BUREAU PUNJAB
*Vigilance Bureau arrests 1146 accused in 1107 corruption cases from March 2022 to August 2026*
Chandigarh, 20 September 2026 :
Adopted zero tolerance policy against corruption by Punjab Government, the Vigilance Bureau has registered total 1107 corruption cases from 16-03-2022 to 31-08-2026 in which 1146 accused were arrested. In addition to this, total 301 vigilance enquiries were also registered during above period and the competent courts have convicted 248 accused in 154 corruption cases.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of Punjab Vigilance Bureau said that 638 accused were arrested in 529 trap cases during the aforementioned period. Similarly, 492 accused were arrested in 546 criminal cases and 16 persons were arrested in 32 disproportionate assets cases during the aforesaid period.
He further informed that 118 vigilance enquiries were registered in connection with disproportionate assets cases and 183 other vigilance enquiries were also registered during the above said period.
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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
*47KG HEROIN, 3 PISTOLS RECOVERED IN FARIDKOT; FOUR OPERATIVES HELD*
*— ARRESTED ACCUSED LINKED TO CROSS-BORDER SMUGGLING NETWORK OF HEROIN AND ILLEGAL ARMS INTO STATE: DGP GAURAV YADAV*
*— GANG WAS RETRIEVING DRONE-DROPPED CONSIGNMENTS FROM BORDER AREAS OF FAZILKA AND FEROZEPUR: SSP FARIDKOT GURBANS BAINS*
CHANDIGARH/FARIDKOT, September 20:
In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Faridkot Police has busted a cross-border heroin smuggling network with the arrest of four operatives and recovered 47.3 kg heroin, three .30 bore pistols along with three magazines and 15 live cartridges from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Sunday.
Those arrested have been identified as Ankush, a resident of Ghubaya in Ferozepur; Mangal Singh, a resident of Panje Ke Utar in Ferozepur; Sachin alias Sanju, a resident of Parbhat Singh Wala in Ferozepur; and Anmol Singh, a resident of Lamochar Khurd in Ferozepur. Apart from recovering big haul of heroin, police teams have also impounded their two—a Honda City and a Hyundai Aura—used in the smuggling operations.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused are linked to a network involved in cross-border smuggling of heroin and illegal arms into the state. Further investigation is underway to uncover the wider network and establish its forward and backward linkages, he said.
Sharing operational details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gurbans Singh Bains said that during special nakabandi laid in view of the forthcoming Baba Farid Agman Purab festival, a team from CIA Faridkot intercepted a Honda City car on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. The police team apprehended the four occupants and, upon conducting a search, seized the massive consignment of 47.3 kg of heroin along with the illegal weapons and ammunition, he said.
The SSP said that probe has also revealed that the gang was receiving consignments of heroin and weapons dropped via drones from across the border in the border areas of Fazilka and Ferozepur districts for further distribution in the state. Further investigation is ongoing, he added.
In this regard, a case FIR No. 187 dated 20-09-2026 under section 21(c) of the NDPS Act and sections 25(6) and 25(7) of the Arms Act has been registered at Police Station Sadiq in Faridkot.
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