*Asian Champions Trophy 2026 - Day 2*
*India, Japan & Malaysia register wins*
*India hammers China 5-2, Japan defeat Bangladesh 1-0, Malaysia beats South Korea 3-1*
*Cabinet Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian credits consistent efforts of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for Punjab hosting prestigious tournament*
Chandigarh /Jalandhar, October 29:
Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey stadium today became witness to 3 intense and high powered encounters in which Hosts India, Japan and Malaysia registered victories.
The Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Punjab, Gurmeet Singh Khuddian also witnessed the India - China encounter and was introduced to the players of both teams.
The Minister on the occasion said the persistent efforts of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led to the prestigious Asian Champions Trophy being awarded to Punjab. Terming Punjab as the Hockey powerhouse of the country, Mr. Khuddian said that the State Government is leaving no stone unturned to make the tournament a grand success.
In the most thrilling and high octane clash between India and China, the Indian team hammered China by 5-2.
For India, Skipper Harmanpreet Singh's magical drag flick found the net twice as he scored through penalty corners in 27th and 31st Minute. Sukhjeet Singh scored 2 field goals respectively in 12th & 34th minute. Jugraj Singh found the opposing team's net through a penalty corner in the 47th minute.
For China, Peng Yang scored through penalty corner in the 26th and Chongkong Chen scored also through penalty corner in 36th minute.
In another match, Japan just managed to scrape through against a spirited Bangladesh by 1-0. For Japan, Raiki Fujishima scored through a penalty corner in the 40th Minute.
Earlier in the first match of the day, Malaysia beat South Korea 3-1. For Malaysia, Azimuddin Kamaruddin opened the account in 10th Minute through a Field goal. Getting their act together, South Korea equalized through a Field goal by Song Hae - Song in the 31st Minute.
The Malaysian team in a breathtaking display of Hockey then pumped in 2 more goals. Mohammad Akhimullah Anuar Esook converted a Penalty Corner in the 36th minute making the scoreline 2-1. Then in the 50th Minute Faisal Bin Saari sounded the board for Malaysia with the scoreboard reading 3-1 which remained the final score.
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*Jobs Now Available in Punjab, Migration of Youth Abroad Has Stopped: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Demand For Passports Has Declined As Young People Are Building Their Future In Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Earlier, Young People Were Forced To Go Abroad Due To Lack Of Employment Opportunities In Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*We’ve Provided 70,000 Govt Jobs, And No One Has Ever Accused Us Of Taking Money For Recruitment: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Today, Crores Of Rupees Are Being Spent On Development Of Every Village In Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Transformation Of Govt Schools Helps 882 Students Clear NEET This Year: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Congress & Akali Leaders Fighting Among Themselves For Power Cannot Work For Punjab’s Welfare: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Those Who Defamed Punjab In Name Of Drugs Must Be Held Accountable; 40,000-Page Chargesheet Filed Against Main Kingpin: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Chargesheet Filed Against Majithia, It'll Now Be Difficult For Him To Escape Accountability: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Interacts With People During ‘Lok Milni’ Programme At Kamalpura Village In Ludhiana’s Jagraon Constituency*
JAGRAON; 29th October 2026:
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday asserted that his government is creating employment opportunities within Punjab, enabling young people to build their future at home rather than being forced to migrate abroad, while citing 70,000 government jobs, the transformation of government schools that helped 882 students clear NEET (National Eligibility Entrance Test) this year, and crores of rupees being invested in village development as evidence of Punjab’s changing fortunes.
During a ‘Lok Milni’ programme at Kamalpura village in Ludhiana’s Jagraon constituency, the Chief Minister handed over a cheque of ₹51 lakh to the village Sarpanch for comprehensive development works, reiterated his government’s commitment to farmers and women, and hit out at Congress and Akali leaders for fighting over power instead of working for Punjab’s progress. He also referred to the filing of a chargesheet against Akali Dal (Badal) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, asserting that it would become difficult for him to escape accountability.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Today, during the ‘Lok Milni’ programme at Kamalpur village in the Jagraon Assembly constituency of Ludhiana, I interacted with a large gathering of people and handed over a cheque of ₹51 lakh to the Sarpanch for the comprehensive development of the village. Coming from an ordinary farming family myself, I understand the challenges faced by farmers. That is why we have started providing electricity to agricultural tubewells during the day instead of at night, to save farmers from unnecessary hardship. Mothers and sisters should also keep their bank accounts and ATMs ready, as the Sanman Rashi will soon be credited to their accounts. While the opposition is busy fighting among itself for positions and power, our only goal is the progress and prosperity of Punjab.”
Addressing a large gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Those who have defamed Punjab, a state renowned as the land of generals and sportspersons, by associating it with drugs will have to pay for their sins. A 40,000-page chargesheet has been filed against the main kingpin, who had allowed drugs to be smuggled in his official cars during his heyday. These people, who plundered the state’s wealth and ruined the lives of its youth, are hand in glove with each other and must be held accountable for their actions.”
Taking a dig at political leaders who, he said, are united in protecting their own interests, the Chief Minister pointed out that while these leaders came together socially, they continued to make divisive statements and create discord among people for political gains.
Targeting the Shiromani Akali Dal leadership, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann questioned its understanding of Punjab’s geography and language, taking a swipe at the Badal family’s political heir over his command of Punjabi. “Leaders who remain disconnected from the state’s language and ground realities can not effectively represent its people,” he affirmed.
Launching a sharp attack on the Congress, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the party is struggling because its leaders are more interested in becoming Chief Minister than serving the public. Leaders of the Congress, Akali Dal and BJP shared a common objective of removing him from office because his government had prioritised public welfare,” he said.
“Congress, Akali and BJP leaders never miss an opportunity to target me and even my family, but they rarely speak against one another. Their common agenda is to dislodge me because we are working for the people of Punjab. My greatest strength is the support of the people, and with that strength, we will continue to defeat those who work against Punjab’s interests,” he said.
Recalling the tenure of former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the people had rejected a government that remained disconnected from their everyday problems. He asserted that political power must be used to serve the public rather than protect privilege or accumulate wealth.
Highlighting his government’s employment record, the Chief Minister said more than 70,000 government jobs had been provided to young people solely on merit, without any payment or political recommendation. “Earlier, young people were forced to look for opportunities abroad because they could not find employment in Punjab, and government jobs were often associated with money and influence. Today, merit is the only route to securing a government job in Punjab. Our youth are getting opportunities through a transparent recruitment process, without paying a single penny or seeking recommendations,” he said.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the government is working to create an environment in which young people could build their future in Punjab instead of being compelled to migrate in search of employment. “Punjab’s development strategy focuses on expanding opportunities, strengthening public services and ensuring that government resources reach ordinary families,” he added.
Describing education as the most effective means of breaking the cycle of poverty, the Chief Minister said 882 students from Punjab government schools had cleared the NEET examination in the latest results, compared with just 80 in 2021. “More than 30 lakh students appear for NEET across the country every year. The fact that 882 students from our government schools have cleared the examination reflects the progress being made in improving the quality of public education. We want children from ordinary families to have the same opportunities to become doctors and professionals as those studying in the most expensive private institutions,” he said.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that free facilities or welfare cards alone could not permanently lift families out of poverty, stressing that quality education was essential to creating lasting opportunities and social mobility. He said the state government is investing public money in strengthening schools and improving access to education.
The Chief Minister said more than 90% of households in Punjab are receiving free electricity and that farmers are now being provided electricity during the daytime, reducing the hardships associated with irrigating fields at night.
“Our government has also improved roads, closed toll plazas that were costing commuters money, strengthened healthcare facilities and invested in village infrastructure. The closure of toll plazas, he added, was saving commuters approximately ₹70 lakh every day. Every rupee collected through taxes belongs to the people. Our responsibility is to use that money honestly and judiciously for their welfare. The people’s money must return to them through better schools, hospitals, roads, electricity and development works,” he said.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added that grants are being provided for village development and that the government is working to ensure that rural communities received the infrastructure and facilities they needed.
Emphasising the role of sports in combating drug abuse, the Chief Minister said 3,100 sports stadiums were being constructed across Punjab to encourage young people to participate in sports and pursue healthier futures.
He said investment in sports infrastructure would help provide village youth with better facilities, encourage sporting talent and create positive alternatives for young people vulnerable to substance abuse.
The Chief Minister said the state government has launched the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna to provide cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per family, with the objective of reducing the financial burden of healthcare on residents.
He described the scheme as a major step towards ensuring wider access to quality medical treatment, adding that families should not have to face financial distress when seeking healthcare. “Healthcare should not become a burden that pushes families into debt. Through the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, we are working to ensure that people can access treatment without having to worry about the cost,” he said.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said every eligible women aged 18 years and above are receiving financial assistance under the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, with ₹1,000 per month for every woman from Punjab and ₹1,500 per month for Scheduled Caste women. “The assistance will be transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts and that women already receiving social security pensions will also be eligible,” he added.
The Chief Minister said the scheme is expected to benefit 97% of women in Punjab and that ₹9,300 crore had been allocated in the state budget for its implementation.
He urged women to keep their bank accounts active and their banking details ready so that they could receive the assistance without difficulty.
Highlighting his government’s efforts to strengthen irrigation infrastructure, the Chief Minister said canal water has reached the fields of 1,587 villages that had never previously received it. “Our government has spent ₹7,200 crore to expand canal irrigation and improve water availability for farmers. The area under canal irrigation has increased from 26% to more than 80% since his government took office. In 2022, canal water reached 20.89 lakh acres, while the figure had now risen to 60.30 lakh acres.”
He added that approximately 45,000 kilometres of roads were being renovated and upgraded to improve connectivity and facilitate movement across the state.
Concluding his address, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that his government’s focus remained on public welfare, employment, education, healthcare, agriculture and rural development. He said the people of Punjab would continue to support work that improved their lives and strengthened the state’s future.
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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
*DAY 282 OF GANGSTRAN TE VAAR: PUNJAB POLICE CONDUCTS 528 RAIDS; 188 HELD*
*— POLICE TEAMS ALSO TAKE PREVENTIVE ACTION AGAINST 153 INDIVIDUALS*
*— PEOPLE CAN ANONYMOUSLY REPORT GANGSTER-RELATED INFORMATION VIA ANTI-GANGSTER HELPLINE NUMBER 93946-93946*
*— 105 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD WITH 21.3KG HEROIN ON DAY 607 OF YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH*
CHANDIGARH, October 29:
As the decisive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign enters its 282nd day, Punjab Police today conducted 528 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 282, Police teams arrested 188 individuals held, taking the total arrests to 81,499 since the launch of the campaign.
Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 153 persons. Police teams have also arrested 12 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 607th day with 105 drug smugglers arrested today and recovered 21.3 kg heroin, 191 intoxicant pills and Rs 5650 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 89,130 in just 607 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced 18 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.
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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
Paddy procurement by Government agencies crosses 100 LMT in Punjab mandis: Lal Chand Kataruchak
Payments over Rs. 20,000 Crore credited into accounts of 4.71 lakh farmers
Chandigarh, October 29:
In a significant achievement, Government procurement of paddy has crossed 101.96 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) in the mandis of Punjab.
Not only this, payments worth Rs. 20713.24 Crore have also been credited into the accounts of over 4.71 lakh farmers.
This was disclosed by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak in a meeting held to review the paddy procurement season currently underway in the State.
The lifting stands at 70 Lakh Metric Tonnes which comes around to 86 percent from the point of view of 72hour cycle.
Also, more than 2500 mandis are operational for the smooth conduct of procurement process and the produce of the farmers is being procured at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs. 2461 Per Quintal.
Pointing out further, Mr. Kataruchak said that the State would comfortably achieve the procurement target of 180 Lakh Metric Tonnes.
The Minister further exhorted the officers of the Department to ensure that no paddy from outside the State gets sold in the mandis and strict vigil must be maintained in this regard to protect the interests of the farming sector.
The State Government is duty bound to procure every single bale of grain produced so labourously by the farmers, added the Minister.
The Principal Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rahul Tiwari, Director Varinder Kumar Sharma, Additional Director Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar and Ajayveer Singh Sarao & General Manager (Finance) Sarvesh Kumar were also present on the occasion.
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*INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT*
*GOVERNMENT OF STATE OF PUNJAB*
*Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Directs Departments to Fast-Track Contractual Engagement of Eligible Outsourced Employees*
*Bhagwant Mann Govt Pushes Time-Bound Transition of Outsourced Employees Under 2026 Law: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*28 Group D Posts for Visually Impaired Candidates Under Recruitment, Backlog Vacancies to Be Cleared: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*No Administrative Delays in Transitioning Eligible Outsourced Workers to Contractual Jobs: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Finance Minister Chairs Crucial Rounds of Meetings with 10 Different Employee Unions & Fronts to Settle Key Demands*
CHANDIGARH; 29th October 2026:
Reaffirming the Bhagwant Mann government's commitment to employee welfare, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema directed all the state government departments to immediately wrap up formalities and forward eligible cases to the Personnel Department to transition outsourced employees to direct contractual engagement in a time-bound framework.
Chairing high-level discussions with the Enlistment Outsourcing Coordination Committee, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, who also heads the Cabinet Sub-Committee tasked with resolving employees' grievances, said "The directions aim to ensure seamless implementation under the Punjab State Outsourced Personnel (Transition to Contractual Engagement) Act 2026."
He engaged with ten different employee unions and united fronts. He underscored that administrative bottlenecks must not delay the legal transition of eligible workers into direct contractual roles with the state government.
During deliberations with employee representatives from the Transport Department, Finance Minister Cheema reviewed the status of their standing demands and issued directives to department officials to accelerate their settlement. In a subsequent interaction with the CPF Karamchari Union, the Finance Minister offered categorical assurances, stating, “The state administration is actively working toward a favorable and prompt resolution of their issues.”
Addressing the deputation from the National Federation of the Blind, the Finance Minister apprised the members, “The official recruitment process to fill 28 vacant Group D posts reserved for visually impaired candidates is already underway. I guarantee that existing backlog vacancies across other job groups would be cleared concurrently during upcoming recruitment drives for the respective posts.”
Engaging with 4 distinct unions representing the Education Department, the cabinet minister patiently heard each delegation and assured that the majority of their core demands are already in the pipeline for swift administrative approval.
Responding to the representations submitted by the Gram Panchayat Jal Supply Pump Operators Association regarding minimum daily wages, the Finance Minister instructed the department concerned to draft and submit a formal proposal without delay.
During the meetings, Varinder Singh Momi, Ramandeep Singh, Pawandeep Singh, Jagdeep Singh, Lashman Singh, Harjinder Pal Singh, Jaspreet Singh and Jatinder Singh Bhangu from the Enlistment Outsourcing Coordination Committee; Resham Singh Gill, Shamsher Singh, Harkesh Kumar, from Punbus/PRTC Contract Workers' Union Punjab (25/11); Harminder Singh and Lakhwinder Singh from Punjab Roadways (PUNBUS) State Transport Worker Union; Jagjeevan Kaur and Veerkaran Singh from 3704 Adhiyapak Union; Tajinder Kaur and Harman Singh from AIE Kache Adhiyapak Union; Parveen Sharma and Deepak Nagpal from Mid Day Meal Daftri Karmchari; Vikas Sahini and Lakhwinder Kaur from Murh Bahal Kache Adhiyapak Union; Balwinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Jaswant Singh, Parminder Singh and Kamaljeet Singh from National Federation of the Blind; Beant Singh, Harpreet Singh and Sahib Singh from Gram Panchayat Jal Supply Pump Operators Association; and Sukhjit Singh Dimpi, Jarnail Singh Aujla, Gurmail Singh Virk, Dharminder Singh and Ranbir Singh from CPF Karamchari Union presented their issues and concerns during the meetings.
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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
PSPCL APPOINTS TEAM LEADERS TO IMPLEMENT INNOVATIVE IDEAS SELECTED UNDER OCTOBER 2026 CONTEST
Chandigarh/Patiala, October 29:
Under the guidance of the Chief Minister of Punjab, S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Power Minister, S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has initiated the implementation process for innovative ideas selected during its Monthly Innovation Contest for October 2026 by appointing dedicated team leaders to oversee their execution.
During the contest, PSPCL awarded citations to employees in recognition of their innovative ideas aimed at improving organisational efficiency, strengthening operational effectiveness and enhancing service delivery. In addition to the citation awardees, seven other participants have also been designated as team leaders to implement their respective ideas. PSPCL has adopted a structured implementation framework to translate these innovative ideas into practical outcomes.
The designated team leaders include Er. Vikas Sharma, CE/Metering; Er. Gulshan Chutani, Dy. CE; Er. Jasvir Dhiman, Dy. CE; Er. Parupkar Singh, SE; Er. Amandeep Singh, SE; Er. Charan Kanwal Singh, SE; CMA Jaswinder Singh, CAO/HQ; CA Sumit Bansal, CFO; Er. Gurwinder Singh, ASE; Er. Harmandeep Singh, Sr. Xen; Er. Prince Kumar, AEE; Er. Piyush Garg, AEE; Er. Gaurav Gupta, AEE; and Er. Onkarpreet Singh, AEE.
These team leaders will be responsible for planning, coordinating and executing their respective projects. The Heads of Departments (HODs) concerned will provide the necessary support and cooperation, while the designated team leaders will bear primary responsibility for ensuring timely and effective implementation.
Wherever amendments to existing regulations, formulation of new regulations or issuance of necessary instructions are required to implement the selected ideas, the Director concerned will initiate appropriate action in accordance with the prescribed procedures.
As part of the implementation framework, all designated team leaders have been directed to submit a PERT (Programme Evaluation and Review Technique) chart by October 31, 2026, outlining the proposed activities, timelines, milestones and execution schedules for their respective projects.
Through this initiative, PSPCL aims to encourage employee-driven innovation, strengthen organisational efficiency and transform practical ideas into measurable improvements. The initiative reinforces PSPCL’s commitment to recognising employee creativity and promoting a structured, result-oriented approach to continuous improvement.
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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
*Ambedkar Bhawan worth around ₹5.94 crore at Tarn Taran in the final stage of construction: Dr Baljit Kaur*
*To emerge as a vibrant centre for promoting Babasaheb's ideals of social justice, equality and education*
*Three-storey facility spread over one acre to strengthen skill development, training, library services and community activities*
*Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann committed to social justice and inclusive development*
Chandigarh, October 29:
Punjab Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Affairs Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is consistently strengthening infrastructure to promote social justice, equality and the empowerment of marginalized sections of society. As part of this commitment, the Ambedkar Bhawan being constructed at an estimated cost of ₹5.94 crore in Tarn Taran district has now reached the final stage of construction.
Dr Baljit Kaur said that the three-storey building, being developed over one acre of land with a covered area of approximately 23,120 square feet, has been designed as a modern, multi-purpose facility. The ground floor comprises vocational training rooms, a teachers' room, offices of the District and Tehsil Social Justice, Empowerment Officers, and a spacious multipurpose hall. The first floor houses a conference hall, offices of the District and Tehsil Social Justice, Empowerment Officers, staff rooms, a pantry and a store room, while the second floor includes a library, record room, guest rooms and office space for the District and Tehsil Social Justice, Empowerment Officers.
The Cabinet Minister informed that around 95 per cent of the construction work has already been completed, and the remaining work will be finished shortly. Once dedicated to the public, the Ambedkar Bhawan will serve as a key hub for skill development programmes, vocational training, seminars, social awareness campaigns, library and reading facilities, and various community engagement activities, creating new opportunities for learning and social empowerment.
Dr Baljit Kaur said that the Ambedkar Bhawan is not merely a building but a symbol of the Punjab Government's commitment to social transformation. It will play a significant role in carrying forward the timeless message of Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Dr B.R. Ambedkar on social justice, equality, education and constitutional values to future generations, while fostering social harmony, public awareness and inclusive development.
She further said that the Punjab Government is giving priority to people-centric development projects that provide equal opportunities to every section of society and contribute towards building an inclusive, progressive and Rangla Punjab.
Reiterating the Government's commitment, Dr Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government remains fully dedicated to realizing the vision of Babasaheb Dr B.R. Ambedkar, strengthening social justice and accelerating welfare-oriented development works across the State.
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