*Honesty Is My Only Wealth: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*I’m Fighting for Punjab’s Rights, Which Is Why BJP Has Sent ED & CBI After Me: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Opposition Parties Want to Capture Power to Loot Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*My Stake Is Not in Buses, Sand, Contracts or Street Vending Stalls, But in Joys & Sorrows of 3 Crore Punjabis: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Trust Me, Public Service Is My Politics: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*For First Time, Govt Jobs in Punjab Are Being Given Without Bribes or Recommendations: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Addresses Lok Milni Programme in Ballaran, Sangrur*
BALLARAN; 10th October 2026:
Reaffirming that his politics is driven by honesty and public service rather than personal interests, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said he was facing the BJP’s ED (Enforcement Directorate) - CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) action for fighting for Punjab’s rights, while traditional opposition parties were eyeing power to loot the state. During a Lok Milni programme in Ballaran, Sangrur, he said his government was breaking from the politics of vendetta by providing over 70,680 government jobs without bribes or recommendations, initiating the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna payments and releasing ₹60 lakh for development works in Ballaran and neighbouring Lehal Khurd. “My stake is not in buses, sand or contracts, but in the joys and sorrows of three crore Punjabis,” he said, asserting that the people’s trust remained his greatest strength.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “The immense love shown by the devotees, mothers and sisters at the ‘Lok Milni’ programme in Ballaran village (Lehragaga) reflects that the sun of truth never sets. My association with the people of Ballaran dates back to 2012, and they have always showered me with more love than I could ever expect. Unlike traditional parties, we do not believe in the politics of vendetta. Our goal is to educate your sons and daughters and help them rise to senior positions. We have provided more than 70,680 government jobs without any recommendations or bribes, and the crediting of the Samman Rashi into the bank accounts of mothers and sisters has also begun. Development works in villages will not be allowed to stall. Accordingly, grants worth ₹35 lakh for Ballaran and ₹25 lakh for neighbouring Lehal Khurd, totalling ₹60 lakh, were handed over today. Your love and blessings are my true strength, and no one can defeat that strength. Inquilab Zindabad.”
Addressing the Lok Milni programme in Ballaran village of Sangrur district, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “My honesty is my greatest wealth, and the love and trust of three crore Punjabis are my real strength. My stake is not in buses, sand, contracts or roadside vending stalls. My stake lies in the joys and sorrows of the people of Punjab. Their hopes are my responsibility, and their struggles are my own. I entered politics to serve the people, and public service will always remain the guiding principle of my government.”
Taking on the BJP over the use of central investigative agencies, the Chief Minister stated, “I am fighting for the rights of Punjab, and that is why the BJP has sent the ED and CBI after me. Those who raise their voice for Punjab and refuse to compromise on its interests are being subjected to political pressure. But I will never surrender the rights of Punjab or the dignity of its people for personal comfort.”
He said, “The opposition parties want to capture power not to serve Punjab, but to regain control over the state’s resources and exploit them for their own interests. Punjab has suffered enough under politics driven by vested interests. The people want honest leadership, opportunities for their children and a government that stands beside them in difficult times. Our government is committed to fulfilling these aspirations rather than serving a privileged few.”
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to transparent recruitment, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “For the first time in Punjab, young people are getting government jobs without bribes or political recommendations. We have provided more than 70,680 government jobs purely on merit. For generations, young people were made to believe that securing a government job required money, influence or political connections. We are determined to change that mindset. No deserving young person should have to approach a politician or pay a bribe to secure employment.”
He said his government’s objective was to ensure that merit, rather than money or political influence, determined the future of young people. “I seek the people’s trust because I want to serve them. My strength comes from the people of Punjab, not from positions of power. As long as they continue to support me, I will keep fighting for their rights, dignity and a better future for the next generation,” he added.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every rupee collected from taxpayers was being utilised judiciously for the welfare of the people. “The people’s money belongs to the people, and it is being returned to them through development, better schools, hospitals, roads and public infrastructure. More than 90% of households in Punjab are receiving free electricity, while farmers are getting electricity during the daytime, providing them greater convenience in agricultural operations.”
The Chief Minister said his government had taken several steps to ease the financial burden on households and improve public services. These included free electricity, employment for more than 70,000 young people, road improvements, better education and healthcare, and the closure of toll plazas that were saving commuters approximately ₹70 lakh daily. “Public money must serve public interests. Our government is working to ensure that the benefits of development reach ordinary families rather than being confined to a privileged few,” he said.
Highlighting the state government’s healthcare initiative, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna provides cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per family every year. The scheme aims to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent any family in Punjab from accessing necessary medical treatment.”
The Chief Minister said the initiative was intended to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on families and expand access to quality medical services. The government’s objective, he added, was to make comprehensive healthcare accessible to residents across the state.
He said the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna reflected the government’s commitment to the dignity and financial empowerment of women. He said eligible women aged 18 years and above would receive monthly assistance of ₹1,000 for general-category beneficiaries and ₹1,500 for Scheduled Caste women, with the money transferred directly into their bank accounts from July 1.
He added that women already receiving social security pensions would also be eligible for the scheme. “Nearly 97% of women in Punjab are expected to benefit from this initiative, for which the state government has allocated ₹9,300 crore in the budget. The assistance is intended to strengthen women’s financial independence and provide them with greater support in meeting their needs,” he said.
Emphasising education as the foundation of social and economic transformation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Freebies and concession cards alone cannot eliminate poverty or other social problems. Education is the key that can help people break out of the cycle of poverty, improve their standard of living and secure a better future for their children.”
He said the state government had prioritised improvements in government schools through teacher training, Schools of Eminence and other initiatives aimed at raising educational standards.
Highlighting the performance of government school students in competitive examinations, he said, “In 2021, only 80 students from government schools cleared the NEET examination. In 2026, this number has risen to 882, an increase of more than eleven times. This progress reflects the sustained efforts being made to improve the quality of education and expand opportunities for students from ordinary families.”
He said the government remained committed to ensuring that children from economically weaker backgrounds received quality education and had the opportunity to pursue their ambitions.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the his government had undertaken extensive work to expand canal irrigation and improve rural infrastructure. “For the first time in the history of Punjab, canal water has reached the fields of 1,587 villages that had never previously received canal water. Our government has spent ₹7,200 crore to expand canal irrigation and ensure that water reaches agricultural fields,” he said.
He added that the area receiving canal irrigation had increased from 26% to more than 80% since his government assumed office. In 2022, approximately 20.89 lakh acres received canal water, compared with 60.30 lakh acres at present, according to the figures cited by the Chief Minister.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that approximately 45,000 kilometres of roads were being renovated and upgraded to improve connectivity and facilitate residents across the state.
Highlighting the importance of sports in steering young people away from drugs, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the government was working to develop 3,100 sports stadiums across Punjab. He said the initiative would provide young people with better sporting facilities, encourage participation in physical activities and help nurture sporting talent in villages.
He added that rural development remained a priority and that grants were being provided to ensure that essential development works continued without interruption.
Recalling his longstanding association with the people of Ballaran, the Chief Minister said, “My relationship with the people of Ballaran dates back to 2012, and they have always given me more love and affection than I could have ever expected. The immense love and blessings of the people, especially the mothers and sisters who attended the Lok Milni, reinforce my resolve to continue serving them with sincerity.”
He said the state government would not allow development works in villages to stall and announced development grants of ₹35 lakh for Ballaran and ₹25 lakh for neighbouring Lehal Khurd, taking the total allocation to ₹60 lakh. “Our government does not believe in the politics of vendetta practised by traditional parties. Our objective is to educate the sons and daughters of Punjab, help them become capable professionals and officers, and create opportunities for every family to progress. Your love and blessings are my true strength, and I will continue to work for the welfare and prosperity of Punjab,” he said.
The Chief Minister reiterated that his government would continue to prioritise transparent governance, employment, education, healthcare, irrigation and rural development, adding that the welfare of the people would remain at the centre of every decision.
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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
*57 MRSAFPI CADETS CRACK NDA (II) WRITTEN EXAM, INSTITUTE LOGS ALL-TIME HIGH 87.7% SUCCESS RATE*
*•Aman Arora hails cadets as ‘Pride of Punjab’; Says result reflects Mann Govt's commitment to steer youth towards Armed Forces*
Chandigarh, October 10:
In a historic first, Punjab's Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI), Mohali has scripted history with a record-shattering 87.7% success rate in the NDA (II) Written Examination, with 57 of its 65 cadets qualifying for the prestigious NDA-158 Course commencing in June 2027.
In addition to the regular cadets, 7 out of 30 aspirants who underwent a two-month intensive crash course at the Institute also cleared the prestigious examination. The qualified cadets will now advance to the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview - the decisive final hurdle for entry into the Indian Armed Forces.
Congratulating the cadets, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora said, “These young cadets are the pride of Punjab. Their dedication and hard work have brought laurels to the state. I wish them the very best for the forthcoming SSB interview and the rigorous training ahead.”
Mr. Aman Arora said that the result further cements MRSAFPI's reputation as the country's premier feeder institution for the Indian Armed Forces and stands as a testament to the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government's unwavering commitment to channelizing the state's youth power into the defence services and providing world-class training infrastructure to realise their dreams of serving the nation.
MRSAFPI Director Major General Ajay H. Chauhan, VSM (Retd.), congratulated the cadets and urged them to maintain the same rigour for the upcoming SSB interviews. He also lauded the dedicated faculty and staff whose relentless efforts and overtime work ensured this career-defining success.
Highlighting the Institute's stellar track record, the Director informed that 15 cadets of the Institute are awaiting call letters to join the NDA, TES and Naval Academy courses commencing in December 2026.
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Information And Public Relations Department, Punjab
*DAY 263 OF GANGSTRAN TE VAAR: PUNJAB POLICE CONDUCTS 568 RAIDS; 218 HELD*
*— POLICE TEAMS ALSO TAKE PREVENTIVE ACTION AGAINST 175 INDIVIDUALS*
*— PEOPLE CAN ANONYMOUSLY REPORT GANGSTER-RELATED INFORMATION VIA ANTI-GANGSTER HELPLINE NUMBER 93946-93946*
*— 104 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD ON DAY 588 OF YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH*
CHANDIGARH, October 10:
As the decisive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign enters its 263rd day, Punjab Police today conducted 568 raids at identified and mapped locations linked to associates of gangsters across the state.
As per the information, 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 special operations across the state.
On Day 263, Police teams arrested 218 individuals held, taking the total arrests to 77,534 since the launch of the campaign.
Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 175 persons. Police teams have also arrested eight Proclaimed Offenders (POs) during the operation.
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 588th day with 104 drug smugglers arrested today and recovered 563 grams heroin, 202 kg poppy husk, 1145 intoxicant pills and Rs 7500 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 83,936 in just 588 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced 22 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.
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Information And Public Relations Department, Punjab
*M-16 RIFLE, TWO ZIGANA PISTOLS AMONG 10 SOPHISTICATED WEAPONS RECOVERED IN AMRITSAR; FOUR HELD*
*— POLICE TEAMS ALSO RECOVERED 15KG OPIUM FROM POSSESSION OF ARRESTED ACCUSED PERSONS*
*— ARRESTED ACCUSED WERE PROCURING ILLEGAL WEAPONS THROUGH FOREIGN-BASED SMUGGLERS: DGP GAURAV YADAV*
*— ONE MORE ACCUSED IDENTIFIED; POLICE TEAMS ARE ON MANHUNT TO NAB THE ABSCONDER: IGP GURPREET BHULLAR*
CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, October 10:
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, Amritsar Rural Police has dismantled two illegal arms and narcotics supply networks with the arrest of four individuals and recoverd 15 kg opium, one sophisticated M16 rifle, nine illegal pistols along with 25 live cartridges from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.
Those arrested in the first operation have been identified as Malkit Singh alias Meeta (32), a resident of Manj in Amritsar and his brother-in-law Gurjit Singh (32), a resident of Sarangra in Amritsar. The accused arrested in the second operation have been identified as Amritpal Singh (26) and Satnam Singh (29), both residents of Village Kakkar Kalan in Amritsar. Police teams have also impounded their HF-Deluxe motorcycle, which they were using from criminal activities.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused are allegedly linked to foreign-based smugglers and are involved in procuring illegal weapons. Further investigation is underway to uncover the complete backward and forward linkages and identify other persons involved, he said.
Sharing details of first operation, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Border Range Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that acting on reliable inputs, a police party of Police Station Gharinda apprehended Malkit Singh and Gurjit Singh. During search, police teams recovered 15 kg opium and one modified US-made M-16 rifle from their possession.
He said that preliminary investigation has uncovered that both Malkit and Gurjit own around 10-15 acres of agricultural land adjoining the Indo-Pak border barbed-wire fence, which they were using to receive the consignments from across the border.
In the second operation, the IGP said that a special team from Special Cell intercepted Amritpal Singh and Satnam Singh near Dana Mandi at Lopoke and recovered five foreign pistols on the spot, while, another four pistols were recovered upon subsequent questioning, taking total recovery to nine pistols along with 25 live cartridges.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amritsar Rural Kanwalpreet Singh Chahal said that the recovered nine pistols include two Zigana, six .30 bore and one .32 bore pistol. Accused Amritpal Singh is already facing a previous NDPS Act case registered at Police Station Chheharta, he said.
The SSP said that one their associates have also been identified and police teams are on manhunt to arrest the absconder.
In this regard, two separate cases— FIR No. 424 dated 29.09.2026 under sections 18-C and 29 of the NDPS Act and section 25(8) of the Arms Act at Police Station Gharinda, and FIR No. 310 dated 29.09.2026 under section 25(8) of the Arms Act and section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station Lopoke—have been registered.
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*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Flags Off Bike Rally to Launch Decisive ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’*
*People Can Share Their Suggestions Through Suggestion Boxes Carried by Bike Rally Across All 23 Districts: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Punjab Has Emerged From Drug Quagmire, Will Not Allow Drugs to Be Sold Even Secretly: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Team of Film Thaapi Will Also Raise Awareness Among State’s Youth to Give Up Drugs: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Will Turn ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ Into People’s Movement to Completely Eradicate Drugs: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Appeal to All Youth to Quit Drugs Permanently & Embrace Education and Sports: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*BJP, Akali and Congress Govts Spread Drugs & Diminished Punjab’s Glory: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
MOHALI (SAS NAGAR); 10th October 2026:
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday launched the final phase of ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ from the historic land of Chapparchiri, flagging off a bikers’ rally across all 23 districts to turn the fight against drugs into a people’s movement. Declaring that Punjab would not allow drugs to be sold even secretly, he called upon every Punjabi to join the decisive battle to eradicate the menace, protect the future of the State’s youth and restore Punjab’s lost glory. With suggestion and complaint boxes accompanying the rally and the team of film Thaapi joining the awareness drive, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann urged young people to shun drugs permanently and embrace education and sports, while holding previous BJP, Akali and Congress governments responsible for spreading drugs and diminishing Punjab’s glory.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Flagged off the bike rallies from the historic land of Chapparchiri today, marking the launch of the final phase of the ‘Yudh Nashean Viruddh’. The fight against drugs is not just the responsibility of the government or the police. We must all come together and turn it into a people’s movement. Heartfelt thanks to actress Neeru Bajwa Ji, the team of the film Thaapi, and all those who care deeply about Punjab for joining this campaign. Punjab is the land of Gurus, saints, martyrs, sportspersons and brave military generals. Let us unite to make our Punjab drug-free and restore its glory as Rangla Punjab. Inquilab Zindabad.”
Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The launch of the final phase from the historic land of Chapparchiri carries immense significance, as it is associated with Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Ji’s historic struggle against injustice and tyranny. The same spirit of courage, sacrifice and determination will guide Punjab in its battle against drugs.”
The Chief Minister stated, “The ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ cannot be won by the government alone and requires the united strength of every Punjabi. The State Government has launched an uncompromising offensive against the drug menace, and I appeal to people from all walks of life to become active participants in this campaign. This fight is not merely against drug traffickers but also about protecting the lives, dignity and future of Punjab’s younger generation,” he said.
He said, “The bikers’ rally will travel across all 23 districts of Punjab, taking the message against drugs to villages, towns and communities. A dedicated vehicle will accompany the rally to collect public feedback and suggestions for the welfare and development of the State. This initiative will strengthen public participation and spread awareness at the grassroots level, making the anti-drug campaign a collective movement.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “A complaint box will also be available during the rally for people to report drug traffickers or share information about them. The objective is to visit villages and towns, raise awareness about drug abuse and encourage affected individuals to seek treatment. The participating bikers are ambassadors of ‘Yudh Nashean Viruddh’, serving society through this noble initiative.”
Appealing to the people, the Chief Minister said, “These bikers have set out carrying a message of courage, hope and a brighter future. I urge people to share information about drug traffickers through the designated Safe Punjab helpline.”
Reaffirming the government’s resolve to dismantle drug-smuggling networks, he said, “Anti-drone systems have been deployed along the borders to detect and intercept drones used for transporting drugs from across the border. The government is strengthening efforts to check cross-border drug smuggling and protect Punjab’s youth from this menace.”
He said, “Punjab is the sacred land of Guru Sahiban, saints and seers. We cannot allow drugs to destroy the future of our children. The government is committed to eradicating this menace through firm action and the active participation of the people.”
Highlighting employment generation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “We have provided 70,885 government jobs purely on merit, ensuring transparency and fairness in recruitment. Employment generation is an important pillar of our efforts to channelise the energy of young people towards constructive and productive pursuits.”
Taking a dig at previous governments, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Years of neglect deprived Punjab and its people of opportunities. Our government is working to reverse this through people-centric policies, accountable governance and development initiatives that directly benefit ordinary families.”
He highlighted initiatives including the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, free electricity, Aam Aadmi Clinics, improved school education, world-class road infrastructure, quality healthcare facilities and playgrounds in villages, saying these reflected the government’s commitment to building a modern, prosperous and progressive Punjab.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Around 15,000 Village and Ward Defence Committees have been formed to eradicate drugs from every village and town. Around 1.25 lakh members of these committees are working as anti-drug volunteers.”
He said, “More than 81,000 drug smugglers have been arrested, 3,900 kg of heroin and 983 kg of opium have been seized, and the conviction rate in drug-trafficking cases has reached 89%.”
The Chief Minister added, “A total of 51,979 citizens have provided information through the Safe Punjab helpline, leading to 25,339 arrests. Information provided by Village Defence Committees has resulted in more than 4,000 FIRs and 5,000 arrests. Under ‘Yudh Nasheyan Viruddh’, the Punjab Police has conducted more than 75,000 public meetings in 17 months.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The confidence of people affected by drug addiction in the government has increased, encouraging them to approach de-addiction centres to overcome their addiction. Admissions at government de-addiction centres have nearly tripled in one year, and treatment is provided entirely free of cost. More than 40,000 patients have been admitted to these centres.”
He added, “Skill development and sports training have been introduced at de-addiction and rehabilitation centres to help recovering youth rebuild their lives and prevent relapse. Since March 2025, skill training has been provided at de-addiction centres in 21 districts.”
Referring to the ‘Soorme’ initiative launched earlier this year, he said, “Young people who have remained drug-free for two years are being honoured through this initiative. These individuals are now serving as role models and guiding others towards a drug-free life.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Around 7.5 lakh students have been covered under the drug-prevention programme to protect the next generation from the menace of drugs. I appeal to all young people to give up drugs permanently and embrace education and sports.”
He said the sports budget had been substantially increased to encourage young people to participate in sporting activities, with ₹1,791 crore allocated for sports. He added that 3,100 rural sports grounds and 3,000 gyms were being developed.
Emphasising the role of sports in combating drug abuse, the Chief Minister said, “‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ has revolutionised the sporting culture of the State by encouraging participation across age groups, with three generations of families competing in various categories. Sports provide young people with positive direction, discipline and opportunities to excel at national and international levels.”
Highlighting Punjab’s contribution to Indian sports, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann referred to Shubman Gill’s leadership of the Indian men’s cricket team, Harmanpreet Kaur’s role as captain of the national women’s cricket team, and Harmanpreet Singh’s leadership of India’s gold medal-winning hockey team at the recently concluded Asian Games in Japan.
He said, “Nine of the 11 players in the Indian hockey team were from Punjab. We also acknowledge Preetpal Singh Brar’s leadership in basketball.”
Recalling Punjab’s sporting legacy, he paid tribute to Milkha Singh, Dara Singh, Olympian Balbir Singh and Olympian Surjit Singh.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab has the talent, determination and sporting tradition needed to produce champions and Olympians. The government is committed to nurturing this legacy and providing young people with opportunities to excel.”
Highlighting the contribution of Punjabis to cinema, the Chief Minister announced that a world-class film city equipped with modern amenities was being planned in the State.
He said, “The proposed project will strengthen the Punjabi entertainment industry and create fresh opportunities for artists and professionals.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The cleaning and rejuvenation of village ponds through the Seechewal and Thapar models are important steps towards sustainable rural development.”
Reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting religious sentiments, he said, “Legislation has been enacted to prescribe exemplary punishment, including life imprisonment without parole, for sacrilege against Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The government is committed to upholding the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, protecting the religious sentiments of the people and ensuring stringent action against such offences.”
Concluding, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The final phase of ‘Yudh Nashean Viruddh’ will be pursued with determination and public participation. We will leave no stone unturned in our mission to free Punjab from drugs and build a safe, healthy and prosperous future for its people.”
Cabinet Minister Balbir Singh and others were also present on the occasion.
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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
*Punjab Government to Provide Rs. 10,000 Interest-Free Festival Advance to Group-D Employees Ahead of Diwali: Harpal Singh Cheema*
Chandigarh, 10th October 2026
Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday announced that the State Government will grant an interest-free festival advance of Rs. 10,000 to its Class-IV (Group-D) employees to assist them in celebrating the upcoming Diwali festival.
Revealing this in a press communique issued here, the Finance Minister said, "We have dedicated a budget provision of Rs. 20.00 crore for this initiative during the 2026-27 financial year to ensure that our workforce can joyfully celebrate Diwali with their families." He said that this advance is available to the state's total strength of approximately 34,604 Group-D employees.
Giving details, the Finance Minister Cheema said, "Should every eligible employee opt to take the loan, the total expected expenditure for the state will be Rs. 34.60 crore. To ensure timely access to these funds before the Diwali festival on November 8, employees are permitted to withdraw the amount from the treasury until November 6, 2026. The advance will then be recovered smoothly in five equal monthly installments, with deductions commencing from the employees' December 2026 salary."
The Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the announcement of this festival advance follows other recent financial measures implemented by the state government for its workforce during the current year. He said, "The Punjab Government remains deeply committed to the welfare of its employees, which is why we are issuing an interest-free festival advance of Rs. 10,000 for our Group-D staff."
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VIGILANCE BUREAU PUNJAB
*Vigilance Bureau nabs ASI red handed accepting bribe of Rs 80,000/-*
Chandigarh, 10 October 2026:
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has apprehended Assistant Sub Inspector Gurbaksh Singh posted at Sadar Police Station Faridkot, red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs 80,000/-.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a resident of village Ghugiana district Faridkot.
He stated that the complainant alleged that the accused ASI Gurbaksh Singh had already taken a bribe money of Rs. 40,000/- in lieu of cancelling a case registered against the complainant. In this connection , the accused ASI further demanded a bribe of Rs 80,000/- from the complainant to drop a registered case against him.
Unwilling to pay the illegal gratification, complainant approached the VB Range Ferozepur. Acting on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which accused ASI Gurbaksh Singh was arrested red handed while accepting bribe money of Rs 80,000/- from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses.
In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Ferozepur and further investigation into this case is under progress.
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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
*Punjab Strengthens Social Safety Net: Over ₹3,243 Crore Released to Benefit 36.39 Lakh People Under Social Security Schemes : Dr. Baljit Kaur*
- *CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Government committed to ensuring dignity, security and timely financial assistance for every deserving citizen*
- *₹841.76 crore released for widows, destitute women and dependent children; ₹2,401.67 crore disbursed to senior citizens and persons with disabilities*
- *Dr. Baljit Kaur directs officers to ensure no eligible beneficiary is left out of any welfare scheme*
Chandigarh, October 10:
Reinforcing its commitment to building an inclusive, compassionate and welfare-oriented Punjab, the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government continues to strengthen the social security net to ensure that timely financial assistance reaches every deserving citizen with dignity and respect. Stating this, Social Security, Women & Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the State Government is taking result-oriented initiatives to safeguard the interests of the most vulnerable sections of society and improve their quality of life.
Sharing details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that more than ₹3,243 crore has been released so far during the current financial year under various Social Security Schemes, benefiting 36.39 lakh beneficiaries across the State. She said these initiatives have emerged as a strong pillar of social protection, ensuring timely financial assistance to those who need it the most.
The Cabinet Minister said that ₹841.76 crore has been released as financial assistance to 9.45 lakh widows, destitute women and dependent children, while ₹2,401.67 crore has been disbursed among 26.94 lakh senior citizens and persons with disabilities, enabling them to lead a life of dignity, security and self-reliance.
Emphasising the Government's people-centric approach, Dr Baljit Kaur said, "No family should feel abandoned in times of vulnerability. Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, our Government stands firmly beside every widow, senior citizen, person with disability and dependent child, ensuring that eligible beneficiaries receive timely financial assistance with dignity, transparency and respect."
Highlighting the Government's long-term commitment to social welfare, Dr Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government has made a budget provision of ₹6,131.91 crore under various Social Security Schemes for the financial year 2026-27, ensuring uninterrupted and timely delivery of benefits to eligible beneficiaries.
The Cabinet Minister further directed all officers to intensify awareness campaigns, expedite the processing of applications, strengthen field-level monitoring and ensure that not a single eligible person is deprived of the benefits of any Social Security Scheme. She reiterated that every deserving citizen must receive assistance without delay and affirmed that every rupee allocated for social welfare should translate into timely relief, greater social security and an improved quality of life for the people of Punjab.
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