*Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2026*
*India smashes South Korea 8-0 to win last league encounter & top Round Robin pool*
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Dutch Hockey legend Floris Jan Bovelander meet both teams*
Jalandhar, November 2:
Buoyed by the presence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann accompanied by the legendary drag flicker from Netherlands Floris Jan Bovelander, the Indian Hockey team has stamped its class in the ongoing Hero Asian Champions Trophy Hockey tournament at Olympian Surjit Hockey stadium here by smashing South Korea 8-0.
The Indian team has finished the Round Robin league Phase with top position.
The two dignitaries were introduced to the Indian and South Korean squads before the start of the last League match.
Japan finished at second position with 10 points, Malaysia at third with 9 points while South Korea finished fourth with 6 points.
Dilpreet Singh scored two goals while Captain Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sanjay and Angad Bir Singh scored one each goal.
Earlier, the minnows Bangladesh held China to a 1-1 draw. Chinese side drew the first blood in the 2nd minute when Benhai Chen scored through the penalty corner. For Bangladesh, the equalizer came from the stick of Captain Ashraful Islam who converted a penalty stroke to level the scores in the 38th minute.
In another hard fought encounter between Japan and Malaysia, the former managed to prevail but only just. Malaysia opened the scoreline in the 10th minute when Abu Kamal Azrai scored through a field goal to give his team the lead but the gritty Japanese didn't give up so easily and netted two field goals which came from the stick of Kentaro Fukuda in the 24th & 54th minute respectively.
Now, India is slated to meet South Korea and Japan is up against Malaysia in the Semifinal line up as the four teams have already qualified for the last four stage which would be played on November 4 at Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium at Mohali while the Finals would also be held at Mohali on November 5.
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*Congress, Akali Dal And BJP Are Deeply Corrupt; People Of Punjab Must Remain Vigilant: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*BJP, Congress & Akali Dal Have Joined Hands To Derail Punjab’s Development; It's ‘One Vs All’: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Traditional Parties Are Uncomfortable Because Ordinary Family’s Son Is Working Honestly For Every Section Of Society: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*They’ve Different Flags & Election Symbols, But Their Intentions Are Same; They Want To Loot Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*My Turban Gets Filled With Flowers When I Visit Villages; People’s Love & Blessings Are My Greatest Strength: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*As Long As People Of Punjab Stand With Me, I Don't Care About Opposition: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Just Like In 2022, People Will Send Big Opposition Leaders Back Home In 2027 Too: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Previous Govts Left No Stone Unturned In Looting People Of Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Addresses Public Gathering In Ghanaur Constituency, Patiala*
PATIALA, 2nd November 2026:
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, Akali Dal and BJP, calling them deeply corrupt parties that had joined hands to derail Punjab’s development and protect their shared political interests. Describing the forthcoming political battle as ‘One Vs All’, he said that despite having different flags and election symbols, these parties shared the same intention of looting Punjab and exploiting its people. During a public gathering in Ghanaur Halqa of Patiala, the Chief Minister said the traditional parties are uncomfortable because an ordinary family’s son was honestly working for the welfare of every section of society. He asserted that the love and blessings of Punjabis were his greatest strength and warned the opposition that, just as in 2022, the people would send its big leaders back home in 2027 as well.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Addressed a massive gathering today at village Mandoli in Ghanaur constituency of Patiala on the occasion of inaugurating a new water project. Unlike the opposition, we are not fighting battles for political chairs. Our fight is to ensure clean drinking water, better healthcare and quality education for the people of Punjab. Providing merit-based government jobs to children from ordinary families is one of our biggest achievements. Your love and support give us the strength to build a ‘Rangla Punjab’.”
Addressing the gathering after dedicating canal water supply projects for two districts, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann described the political situation as “One vs All”, asserting that while traditional political parties were united against his government, he stood with the love and blessings of the people of Punjab. “On one side are the BJP, Akali Dal and Congress, while on the other side I stand with the love and blessings of the people of Punjab. These parties ruled Punjab for decades and are now uncomfortable because an ordinary family’s son is working honestly for the welfare of every section of society,” he added.
The Chief Minister pointed out, “They have different flags and election symbols, but their intentions are the same. They cannot tolerate the fact that Punjab’s resources are now being utilised for the welfare of Punjabis rather than a handful of political families.”
He said that these political parties were united in their efforts to loot Punjab, whereas he had shared the joys and sorrows of 3.25 crore Punjabis. The traditional parties were targeting him because they had realised that people were no longer willing to accept their politics of deception, corruption and family interests. “During their tenure, the Akali leadership developed interests in almost every business. These leaders forcibly took their share in every business venture, whereas I have chosen to share the happiness, struggles and hardships of ordinary people. They are uncomfortable because our government is working for the common people rather than powerful families,” he said.
Highlighting the affection he receives during his visits to villages, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that people’s love and blessings were his greatest strength and reward for serving Punjab. “Whenever I visit villages, my turban gets filled with flowers as people shower their love, blessings and affection on me. I do not have the backing of powerful families or wealthy interests, but I have the blessings of the people. As long as the people of Punjab stand with me, I do not care about the opposition,” he said.
Taking a dig at the Congress, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the party is struggling with internal differences, with its leaders unable to maintain unity even among themselves. He added that although the Congress, BJP and Akali Dal might engage in political rivalry publicly, they appeared united whenever it came to opposing the present government.
Pointing towards political defections, he said that several leaders who had earlier served in the Congress had joined the BJP. Manpreet Singh Badal, Sunil Jakhar and Ravneet Singh Bittu were among those who had changed their political affiliations. He said that such defections had become a common feature of traditional political parties, whose leaders frequently changed political colours according to their convenience.
Referring to the electoral rejection of prominent political leaders, the Chief Minister said that the people of Punjab had already demonstrated their democratic strength by defeating Captain Amarinder Singh, Charanjit Singh Channi, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Bikram Singh Majithia and others in previous elections. “No political leader, irrespective of his position or influence, is bigger than the people. In a democracy, the people are supreme and their verdict is the ultimate authority. No political family or individual can claim ownership over Punjab. The people have repeatedly shown that they will not tolerate arrogance, betrayal and exploitation. They can see the difference between those who made false promises for votes and those who are delivering results on the ground,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of the projects dedicated during the event, the Chief Minister said that providing safe drinking water was not merely an infrastructure initiative but a direct investment in the health and future of Punjab’s people. “More than five lakh people belonging to around 90,000 households will receive an uninterrupted supply of clean canal-based drinking water. These projects are particularly important because groundwater in several villages has been affected by excessive fluoride and heavy metal contamination. Our government has taken this initiative to protect people from the health risks associated with contaminated groundwater,” he said.
The Chief Minister pointed out that his government id not merely laying pipelines but safeguarding the health of future generations. Clean drinking water was a basic necessity, and every family, irrespective of its economic background, had an equal right to it. These projects would prove to be a lifeline for thousands of families, he added.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the transformation of government schools, stating that improved academic performance and growing confidence among students reflected the results of the government’s efforts. “Only 80 students from government schools qualified for NEET in 2021, whereas this year the number has risen to 882. This remarkable improvement reflects our commitment to providing quality education and equal opportunities to children from ordinary families,” he said.
He said that children from poor and middle-class families were earlier forced to believe that quality education and professional careers were beyond their reach. His government had worked to change this mindset by transforming government schools and empowering teachers and students. Today, children studying in government schools were competing successfully with students from some of the most expensive private institutions, he added.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this was the real meaning of a welfare government, which worked tirelessly to improve people’s lives. He highlighted that the government had strengthened public healthcare through Aam Aadmi Clinics and the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, under which eligible families would receive health insurance coverage of up to ₹10 lakh. “The objective is to ensure that no family is pushed into financial distress because of medical expenses and that quality healthcare remains accessible to ordinary citizens. Our government is committed to ensuring that people receive essential healthcare without having to worry about the financial burden,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s initiatives for farmers, the Chief Minister said that providing daytime electricity for agricultural operations had brought significant relief to the farming community. Farmers could now work in their fields during the day instead of remaining awake throughout the night to irrigate their crops.
He further said that the area under canal-based irrigation had also increased substantially, reducing dependence on groundwater and helping conserve the state’s precious water resources. “Farmers are the backbone of Punjab’s economy, and their convenience, dignity and prosperity remain our priorities. Providing electricity during the daytime and expanding canal irrigation are important steps towards making agriculture more sustainable and ensuring that our farmers do not have to struggle unnecessarily,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that traditional political parties were unable to digest the fact that Punjab was witnessing a new model of governance in which public money was being spent on education, healthcare, drinking water, irrigation and other essential services.
The opposition could continue its political attacks, but people would judge governments on the basis of their performance and commitment, he said. Those who ruled Punjab for decades had ample opportunities to serve the people but had failed to fulfil their responsibilities. Today, when government schools were improving, healthcare was reaching people’s doorsteps, farmers were receiving daytime electricity and villages were getting clean drinking water, the same political forces were becoming restless, he added.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to development, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every rupee of public money would continue to be utilised for the welfare of the people. He said that the forthcoming political battle was not about one individual or one political party but about protecting Punjab’s interests and ensuring a better future for coming generations. “The people of Punjab are my family, and their trust is my biggest strength. These political parties can come together, launch campaigns and level allegations, but they cannot defeat the collective aspirations of Punjabis. Punjab’s future will be decided by its people, not by a handful of political families,” he said.
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*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Gifts Clean Drinking Water To 316 Villages In Patiala*
*State-Of-Art Water Treatment Plants Built At Cost Of ₹432.65 Crore In Ghanaur Halqa Dedicated To Public*
*With These Plants Now Operational, 4.50 Lakh Residents Will Get Clean Drinking Water, Helping Address Groundwater Crisis: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Even 80 Years After Independence, We're Still Having To Provide People With Basic Facilities Like Clean Drinking Water: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*This Should Have Been Done Decades Ago; Previous Govts Completely Ignored Needs Of These Villages: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Water Will Reach 75,000 Households Through 752 Kilometres Of Pipeline Network: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Work Underway To Ensure Clean Drinking Water Supply In Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar And Patiala Cities Soon: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
PATIALA; 2nd November 2026:
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday dedicated two state-of-the-art Water Treatment Plants, built at a cost of ₹432.65 crore at village Mandoli in Ghanaour constituency of Patiala, providing a major boost to access to safe drinking water across the region. The project will supply clean canal water daily to 316 villages across five Assembly constituencies, covering 4.50 lakh residents and 70,000 households through a 752-kilometre pipeline network. Besides addressing the groundwater crisis and tackling contamination, including fluoride, the project will provide a long-term solution to drinking water challenges, reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to making clean drinking water accessible to every household.
Sharing a few snippets from this occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Today, dedicated two new Water Treatment Plants built at a cost of ₹432 crore to the people at village Mandoli in Patiala. Now, 316 villages across five Assembly constituencies and 75,000 households will receive clean canal drinking water every day. This project will provide a permanent solution to the problem of contaminated water, including fluoride contamination, and will serve as a lifeline for residents. The health of Punjabis remains our top priority.”
Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Today is a historic day for the districts of Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib as three major projects worth around ₹432 crore is being dedicated to the people. Access to clean drinking water is directly linked to public health, and these projects will prove to be a lifeline for the people. Due to the high concentration of fluoride and heavy metals in groundwater in both districts, the decision has been taken to supply canal-based drinking water.”
The Chief Minister said, “Water treatment plants have been established at Mandoli and Pabri to treat canal water, and these plants have a combined capacity to treat 69 million litres of water every day. The Mandoli plant in Patiala district has been established at a cost of ₹266.20 crore, while the Pabri plant in Patiala district has been set up at a cost of ₹166.46 crore. These projects will benefit 316 villages across six Assembly constituencies, and more than 5 lakh people living in approximately 75,000 households will receive an uninterrupted supply of potable canal water.”
He said, “Out of the 316 villages, 250 are those where groundwater quality is affected, while the remaining 158 villages fall along the transmission route. These projects are particularly significant as they will reduce dependence on groundwater and help conserve underground water resources. Water testing laboratories have been established at all three project sites, and water samples are tested daily, both before and after the treatment process.”
The Chief Minister said, “It is unfortunate that even 80 years after Independence, people in these villages were still deprived of the basic necessity of clean drinking water. This work should have been completed decades ago, but previous governments completely ignored the needs of Punjab’s people. We have taken up this long-pending responsibility and ensured access to clean drinking water for thousands of families.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Testing reports of these laboratories are sent every month to the State-Level Water Testing Laboratory. A key feature of these projects is the installation of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system at the water treatment plants and every water storage tank to ensure continuous monitoring and quality control of the water supply.”
The Chief Minister said, “A total of 752 kilometres of DI transmission pipeline has been laid to ensure the supply of water to every household. Additionally, 1,216 kilometres of pipelines have been upgraded across the 316 villages. Uninterrupted water supply is now being ensured through 322 water storage tanks under the existing water supply schemes in these villages.”
He further said, “The company that has executed these projects has also been entrusted with their operation and maintenance for a period of 10 years. Water Supply and Sanitation Committees have been constituted in all 316 villages to ensure community participation, effective operation and monitoring of the projects.”
*Now Clean Drinking Water Is Reaching Our Homes. We're Very Happy With This Initiative: Gurpreet Singh, Resident Of Patiala District*
Gurpreet Singh, Resident Of Patiala District, stated, “Earlier, we faced problems with the quality of groundwater, and getting clean drinking water was a major concern for our families. Now canal water is being treated and supplied directly to our homes, and our household tanks are also getting filled with clean water. This has brought great relief to us because clean drinking water is something every family needs. No previous government undertook work on such a large scale to solve this problem across so many villages. We sincerely thank CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for taking this initiative and providing relief to thousands of families.”
*Our Families No Longer Have To Worry About Getting Clean Drinking Water; This Is A Big Relief: Harpreet Kaur, Resident Of Sanaur
Harpreet Kaur, Resident Of Sanaur, said, “Earlier, we were concerned about the quality of groundwater and its impact on our families. Now clean treated canal water is reaching our homes, making our daily lives much easier. We can store this water in our household tanks and use it for our everyday needs without the same concerns we had earlier. It is heartening to see such extensive work being undertaken across hundreds of villages. Previous governments did not take up such a large-scale initiative to address this basic need. We appreciate the efforts of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and his government for bringing clean drinking water to our villages.”
*Bhagwant Mann Govt Strengthens Water Security, Safeguards Public Health And Transforms Water Infrastructure Across Punjab*
The Punjab Government has undertaken major infrastructure initiatives to ensure safe drinking water, protect public health and address the growing groundwater crisis. Under the ₹432.65 crore Bulk Surface Water Initiative, state-of-the-art Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) have been established at Pabra and Mandouli in Patiala, benefiting 316 villages. The project will provide sustainable drinking water facilities to approximately 75,000 households, serving a population of 4,50,421, and is designed to meet the region’s drinking water requirements up to 2049.
Punjab is extracting groundwater at 156.36% of its natural recharge capacity, an unsustainable situation that highlights the urgent need to conserve underground water resources. The situation in Patiala is particularly concerning, with groundwater recharge standing at 1.01 billion cubic metres (BCM) against extraction of 1.89 BCM, while the extractable limit is only 0.9 BCM. This represents an exploitation level of approximately 208%, meaning groundwater is being extracted at more than twice the rate at which nature can replenish it.
The Punjab Government identified excessive concentrations of fluoride and heavy metals, including aluminium, lead, sulphate, arsenic and uranium, beyond permissible safety limits in 316 villages across Ghanaur, Rajpura, Sanour, Patiala Rural and Shambu Kalan. The establishment of canal-based water treatment infrastructure addresses these water quality concerns and provides safer drinking water to local communities.
The two Water Treatment Plants at Pabra and Mandouli have a combined treatment capacity of 58 million litres per day (MLD). The treated water is distributed through 259 Overhead Service Reservoirs (OHSRs), benefiting approximately 75,000 households through a pipeline network spanning 752 kilometres and serving a total population of 4,50,421. These plants have been designed to meet the drinking water requirements of the region up to 2049, ensuring long-term water security.
The plants are equipped with sophisticated surveillance and monitoring infrastructure to ensure efficient operations and consistent water quality. Fully automated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, supported by centralised dashboards, enable real-time monitoring of raw and treated water flow. The reservoirs have automatic level sensors, overflow alarms and self-actuating pumps to ensure uninterrupted and efficient water supply.
Each facility also has advanced laboratory infrastructure for pH and turbidity assessment, ensuring that water quality is monitored before distribution to the public. These technological interventions strengthen operational efficiency and help maintain drinking water quality standards.
*Bhagwant Mann Govt’s Major Push For Clean Drinking Water To Benefit 78 Lakh Urban Residents*
The Bulk Surface Water Supply Projects in Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar and Patiala are aimed at providing sustainable drinking water facilities to a cumulative population of 78 lakh residents. These major infrastructure developments have a combined water treatment capacity of 1,410 MLD, supported by more than 500 kilometres of rising main and distribution pipelines.
The infrastructure includes 224 new Overhead Service Reservoirs (OHSRs), Underground Reservoirs (UGRs) and pumping stations. These projects will facilitate the transition of urban centres from overexploited groundwater reserves to sustainable surface water systems, reducing pressure on groundwater resources and strengthening long-term drinking water security.
The projects also involve comprehensive network upgrades. However, their execution continues to face certain bottlenecks, including land acquisition, NOC clearances and labour constraints.
*Punjab Govt Expands Sewage Treatment Capacity To Approximately 2,676 MLD By December 2027*
Punjab has significantly expanded its sewage treatment infrastructure, with 152 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), having a combined treatment capacity of 2,243.7 MLD, currently operational across 23 districts. This includes completed and rehabilitated treatment plants.
The overall sewage treatment capacity is expected to increase to approximately 2,676 MLD by December 2027, with the addition of around 58 new STPs. These include two major treatment plants of 50 MLD each at Amritsar and Zirakpur. The expansion will further strengthen the state’s wastewater treatment infrastructure and sewage management capacity.
*114.24 Kilometres Of Desilting Work Reported Across Patiala District*
A total of 114.24 kilometres of desilting work has been reported across various Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Patiala district, reflecting the ongoing infrastructure work being undertaken across the district.
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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
*DAY 286 OF GANGSTRAN TE VAAR: PUNJAB POLICE CONDUCTS 473 RAIDS; 181 HELD*
*— POLICE TEAMS ALSO TAKE PREVENTIVE ACTION AGAINST 160 INDIVIDUALS*
*— PEOPLE CAN ANONYMOUSLY REPORT GANGSTER-RELATED INFORMATION VIA ANTI-GANGSTER HELPLINE NUMBER 93946-93946*
*— 210 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD WITH 1.4KG HEROIN ON DAY 611 OF YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH*
CHANDIGARH, November 2:
As the decisive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign enters its 286th day, Punjab Police today conducted 473 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 286, Police teams arrested 181 individuals held with four weapons, taking the total arrests to 82,126 since the launch of the campaign.
Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 160 persons. Police teams have also arrested 10 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 611th day with 210 drug smugglers arrested today and recovered 1.4 kg heroin, 5.6 kg opium, 10 kg poppy husk, 680 intoxicant pills and Rs 2300 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 90,408 in just 611 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced 31 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.
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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s Love For Hockey & His Invitation Brought Me To Jalandhar: Dutch Hockey Legend Floris Jan Bovelander*
*India’s Hockey Is Incomplete Without Punjab: Floris Jan Bovelander*
*India Has Rendered Yeoman’s Service In Popularising Hockey At World Level: Floris Jan Bovelander*
*Dutch Hockey Legend Floris Jan Bovelander Accepts CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s Invitation, Arrives In Jalandhar For Asian Champions Trophy*
JALANDHAR; 2nd November 2026:
Dutch hockey legend and 1996 Atlanta Olympics and 1990 World Cup Gold Medalist Floris Jan Bovelander expressed his delight at being invited by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to witness the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2026 in Punjab, recalling the Chief Minister’s visit to the Netherlands in April this year and his deep passion for hockey.
Speaking on the sidelines of the tournament currently underway at Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar, Floris Jan Bovelander said, “I was both astonished and honoured that CM Bhagwant Singh Mann remembered me and personally invited me to be part of the prestigious tournament. The invitation reflected the Chief Minister’s immense love for hockey and that I made it a point to travel to Jalandhar.”
The legendary drag flicker, who represented the Netherlands in 241 international matches and scored 215 goals during his illustrious international career from October 1985 to August 1996, described India as a powerhouse of world hockey.
Highlighting the contribution of Asian countries, particularly India and Pakistan, to the Olympic movement, Floris Jan Bovelander underscored their importance in popularising the movement across the world.
Recalling his association with Indian hockey, the Dutch legend, popularly known as Flop, Floppie and Boem Boem Bovelander, said that India had rendered yeoman’s service in taking hockey to greater heights at the international level. He added that most of his memories of Indian hockey were associated with players from Punjab, particularly Sikh players, asserting that Indian hockey could simply not be imagined without Punjab.
During his visit, Floris Jan Bovelander also participated in a joint training session with 37 coaches from Punjab and budding hockey trainees of the Surjit Hockey Academy, being run under the aegis of the Punjab Government. He was accompanied by Sports Department’s official renowned hockey star and Olympian medalist Gurjant Singh, Dronacharya Awardee Jiwanjot Singh Teja and Hockey Coach Avtar Singh.
To encourage the next generation of hockey players, Floris Jan Bovelander actively participated in a drag-flick training session with the young trainees and shared valuable technical tips, drawing upon his vast international experience.
The Sports Department, Punjab, also felicitated the legendary hockey ambassador in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the sport. Overwhelmed by the warmth and affection extended to him, Floris Jan Bovelander expressed his commitment to attending the Mohali leg of the tournament as well, scheduled for November 4 and 5 at Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium in Mohali.
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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
*No Compromise on Children's Safety: Dr. Baljit Kaur*
*13,995 School Buses Inspected Across Punjab Till September 2026; 3,621 Challaned and 31 Impounded Under Safe School Vehicle Policy*
*CM S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-Led Government Committed to Making Every School Journey Safe and Secure*
*Minister Directs Strict Compliance with Safety Norms; Appeals to School Managements, Vehicle Operators and Parents to Make Child Safety a Shared Responsibility*
Chandigarh, November 2:
Every child has the right to travel to school safely. Reaffirming this commitment, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is giving top priority to the safety and well-being of school-going children. The Safe School Vehicle Policy is being implemented effectively across all districts of the State to ensure that every child enjoys a safe, secure and hassle-free journey to school and back home.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that District School Vehicle Checking Committees are conducting regular inspections of school buses to ensure strict compliance with all mandatory safety provisions prescribed under the Safe School Vehicle Policy. She said that the objective of this drive is to strengthen the school transportation system and prevent any negligence that may put the lives of children at risk.
Sharing the enforcement details, the Minister said that from the year 2025 till September 2026, a total of 13,995 school buses were inspected across Punjab under the Safe School Vehicle Policy. Out of these, 3,621 buses were challaned, while 31 buses were impounded for violating the prescribed safety norms. She said that these strict measures reflect the Punjab Government’s firm resolve to ensure that no compromise is made with children's safety.
Giving the year-wise details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that during 2025, District School Vehicle Checking Committees inspected 8,325 school buses. During the inspections, 2,026 buses were challaned and 24 buses were impounded for failing to comply with the mandatory safety standards under the policy.
She further informed that during the special checking drive conducted from January to September 2026, a total of 5,670 school buses were inspected, out of which 1,595 buses were challaned and 7 buses were impounded for violation of safety guidelines.
The Minister said that the Punjab Government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation that endangers the lives of school children. She directed all Deputy Commissioners, District School Vehicle Checking Committees, concerned departments, school managements and vehicle operators to ensure strict implementation of every provision of the Safe School Vehicle Policy and take immediate corrective measures wherever deficiencies are found.
Appealing to school managements, school vehicle operators and parents, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that ensuring the safety of children is a collective responsibility. She urged school managements to operate only vehicles complying with the prescribed safety standards, vehicle operators to strictly follow all guidelines, and parents to remain vigilant and report any violation to the concerned authorities.
Reiterating the commitment of the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the State Government will continue to strengthen safety measures and enforcement mechanisms so that every child in Punjab reaches school safely and returns home safely every day.
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INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB
*NEW GRAIN MARKET TO BE ESTABLISHED ON OVER 27 ACRES GOVT LAND AT KHANDEBAD VILLAGE NEAR LEHRAGAGA: BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL*
*Cabinet approves new grain market, to ease traffic congestion and facilitate farmers, traders and arhtiyas*
*Chandigarh, November 2 :*
Punjab Water Resources Minister and MLA from Lehragaga Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today announced that a new grain market will be established at village Khandebad, adjoining Lehravaga, on 217 kanal 14 marla (more than 27 acres) of government land, the proposal for which was approved by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Cabinet in its meeting held on October 31.
Addressing the press conference at Punjab Bhawan here, the Cabinet Minister said that existing grain market in Lehragaga had become inadequate to handle the increasing arrival of agricultural produce, particularly paddy and wheat, due to a substantial rise in crop production over the years.
He said that the existing grain market was originally developed around 45 years ago over approximately 12 acres of land. A cotton yard was subsequently carved out of the same premises. With the growing volume of agricultural produce, the available space had become insufficient to accommodate the increasing procurement and trading activities.
The Cabinet Minister pointed out that the existing grain market was situated in the heart of Lehragaga city, resulting in persistent traffic congestion during the procurement season. Farmers, traders and arhtiyas had been demanding a new grain market to address these difficulties and provide better facilities for agricultural operations.
Responding to this long-standing demand, the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann Punjab Government has approved the development of a new grain market on its 217 kanal 14 marla land at village Khandebad, located adjacent to Lehragaga. He further informed that access to the proposed market would be provided through the land at village Lehal Khurd.
Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that the new grain market would provide much-needed relief to farmers, traders and arhtiyas besides easing traffic congestion in Lehragaga. The facility would also cater to the growing requirements of the agricultural trading community across the region.
The Cabinet Minister expressed gratitude to Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and the entire Cabinet for approving the proposal in the Cabinet meeting held on October 31. He said the decision would address a long-pending demand of the people of the area and facilitate smoother agricultural marketing operations.
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