1. Sri Anandpur Sahib Wins Punjab’s Top Cleanliness Award; President Droupadi Murmu Honours Harjot Singh Bains

• Recognition follows cleanliness initiatives undertaken during the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji: Harjot Singh Bains

• Minister dedicates award to residents, sanitation workers, municipal officials and volunteers

Chandigarh/New Delhi, November 11:

In a proud achievement for Punjab, Sri Anandpur Sahib, the sacred birthplace of the Khalsa, has been recognised as the state's leading clean city under the Swachh Bharat Mission. Local Government Minister Harjot Singh Bains received the prestigious national award from President Droupadi Murmu during a ceremony in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Expressing gratitude to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, who founded Sri Anandpur Sahib, Bains said the recognition reflected the collective efforts made during the 350th martyrdom anniversary celebrations of the ninth Sikh Guru. He added that the award had further strengthened his commitment to the development and preservation of the historic religious town.

The minister attended the ceremony alongside State Mission Director of Swachh Bharat Mission and CEO PMIDC Deepti Uppal and Municipal Council President Harjit Singh Jita.

According to Bains, more than 4,751 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) participated in the 10th edition of Swachh Survekshan 2025-26, with 63 urban bodies receiving recognition for their performance in cleanliness and sanitation. Sri Anandpur Sahib secured the distinction of Best Swachh City of Punjab.

He dedicated the honour to the people of the holy city, particularly sanitation workers, municipal councillors, officials and volunteers who contributed to maintaining cleanliness.

Given the town's religious and historical importance, thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit Sri Anandpur Sahib throughout the year. The cleanliness campaign focused on roads, public spaces and surrounding areas, along with encouraging residents to adopt better sanitation practices.

Bains appreciated the dedication of municipal employees and sanitation workers, saying their continuous efforts had played a significant role in achieving the distinction.

He said the recognition would motivate the administration to further improve sanitation infrastructure, protect the environment and preserve the beauty of the historic city.

The minister also appealed to residents to make cleanliness an everyday responsibility rather than treating it as an occasional campaign.

2. Punjab Police Intensifies War Against Gangsters and Drugs; 176 Arrested in 528 Raids

• Police conduct statewide operations against gangster associates on Day 295 of Gangstran Te Vaar

• Seven weapons recovered; 141 individuals face preventive action

• Anti-Gangster Helpline 93946-93946 available for confidential information

Chandigarh, November 11:

Punjab Police has stepped up its campaign against organised crime, carrying out 528 raids at identified locations associated with gangster networks across the state. The operation, conducted on the 295th day of the 'Gangstran Te Vaar' campaign, resulted in the arrest of 176 individuals and the recovery of seven weapons.

According to police officials, the statewide drive was launched by Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav on January 20, 2026, with the objective of dismantling gangster networks and making Punjab free from organised criminal activities.

Special police teams from all districts are conducting coordinated operations in collaboration with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF).

During Wednesday's operation, police also initiated preventive action against 141 individuals and arrested one proclaimed offender. With the latest arrests, the total number of people apprehended under the campaign has reached 83,705.

Punjab Police has urged citizens to cooperate in the fight against organised crime by sharing information about wanted criminals, gangsters and suspicious activities.

For this purpose, an Anti-Gangster Helpline, 93946-93946, has been established, allowing people to provide information anonymously.

124 Drug Smugglers Arrested on Day 620 of Anti-Drug Campaign

Meanwhile, the police continued their parallel campaign, 'Yudh Nashian Virudh', against drug trafficking and substance abuse.

On its 620th day, the operation led to the arrest of 124 alleged drug smugglers. Police recovered 683 grams of heroin, 500 intoxicant pills and Rs 3,300 in suspected drug proceeds.

With these arrests, the total number of drug smugglers apprehended during the campaign has risen to 92,170.

Alongside enforcement measures, Punjab Police is also encouraging people struggling with substance abuse to seek professional assistance. On Wednesday, 16 individuals were persuaded to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.

The twin campaigns reflect the state's ongoing efforts to tackle organised crime, drug trafficking and substance abuse through enforcement and rehabilitation measures.

3. Punjab Gears Up for Chhath Puja at 104 Locations; CM Mann Orders Strict Safety Measures

• Clean water, properly developed ghats, lighting and sanitation to be ensured across the state

• Lifeguards, police personnel and NDRF-SDRF teams to be deployed wherever necessary

Chandigarh, November 11, 2026:

With preparations underway for Chhath Puja, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has directed the civil and police administration to ensure comprehensive arrangements at all 104 identified locations across the state.

Chairing a high-level meeting with senior officials on Wednesday, the Chief Minister emphasised that the safety, security and convenience of devotees must remain the administration's highest priority.

He instructed all concerned departments to complete preparations well before the festival so that people could perform their religious rituals peacefully and without inconvenience.

Mann said Chhath Puja holds immense religious, cultural and emotional significance for devotees. He stressed that special attention must be given to women and elderly people who participate in the rituals with deep faith.

The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure the availability of fresh water at designated water bodies wherever required. He also ordered the construction and improvement of proper ghats in major cities to facilitate devotees.

Apart from these arrangements, special cleanliness drives, adequate sanitation facilities, proper lighting and systematic management of all designated venues have been made priorities.

Mann asked senior officers to assign responsibilities to officials and staff well in advance, ensuring accountability and coordination among different departments.

Special Focus on Safety Near Water Bodies

Expressing concern over the risks involved in performing religious rituals near water bodies, the Chief Minister directed authorities to deploy sufficient lifeguards wherever necessary.

He also called for proper barricading, rope arrangements, public address systems and adequate police deployment to manage crowds and prevent accidents.

The administration has further been instructed to coordinate with specialised teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) wherever their assistance is required.

Mann said emergency response arrangements must be strengthened to ensure immediate action in case of any untoward incident.

He also directed senior officials to personally supervise preparations and maintain coordination among all departments.

Reiterating the government's commitment to respecting the religious sentiments of every community, the Chief Minister said festivals should be celebrated in an atmosphere of peace, harmony, brotherhood and mutual respect.

Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora and Hardeep Singh Mundian, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Ravi Bhagat, Special DGP PK Sinha and other senior officials attended the meeting.

4. Punjab 2027 Elections: Bhagwant Mann Seeks Another Term, Highlights Jobs, Free Power and Welfare Schemes

• CM claims more than 71,000 government jobs provided and six lakh employment opportunities generated through investments

• Over 90% households receiving free electricity, says Mann

• Announces vision of making Punjab pole-free by shifting electricity wires underground

Fatehgarh Sahib, November 11, 2026:

With the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections approaching, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has made a strong pitch for another term for the Aam Aadmi Party government, highlighting its achievements in employment, healthcare, education, agriculture, electricity and rural infrastructure.

Addressing a large public gathering in Fatehgarh Sahib on Wednesday, Mann said his government wanted to continue Punjab's development journey with the support of the people.

Describing Punjab as one big family, the Chief Minister maintained that government welfare schemes were being implemented without discrimination. He highlighted free electricity, healthcare coverage and monthly financial assistance for women as key initiatives of his administration.

Mann also outlined his vision of making Punjab a pole-free state by shifting electricity wires underground.

Taking aim at the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP, he alleged that successive governments led by these parties had failed to address the problems of ordinary Punjabis despite remaining in power for several decades.

He also criticised political leaders who frequently change parties, describing them as opportunists whose primary objective was to secure political power.

More Than 71,000 Government Jobs, Six Lakh Employment Opportunities

Highlighting employment generation, Mann claimed that his government had provided more than 71,000 government jobs through a transparent recruitment process.

He further stated that investments attracted into Punjab had generated over six lakh employment opportunities. The government, he said, wanted to create more avenues for young people within the state so they would not have to migrate elsewhere in search of employment.

The Chief Minister maintained that education, healthcare, sports, rural development and infrastructure would continue to receive priority.

Referring to the welfare of devotees visiting Fatehgarh Sahib for the forthcoming Shaheedi Sabha, he assured that elaborate arrangements would be made for the large number of visitors paying homage to Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji, Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji and Mata Gujri Ji. He said he would personally monitor the arrangements.

Free Electricity and Healthcare Support

On the power front, Mann claimed that more than 90 per cent of households in Punjab were receiving free electricity. He also highlighted the provision of daytime electricity to farmers and the closure of toll plazas, which, according to him, was saving commuters approximately Rs 70 lakh every day.

Discussing the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, he said the scheme provided cashless medical treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh per family annually.

He described the initiative as an important step towards reducing the financial burden of medical treatment on ordinary families.

Monthly Financial Assistance for Women

The Chief Minister also highlighted the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, under which eligible women above 18 years of age are entitled to monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000, while eligible Scheduled Caste women receive Rs 1,500.

According to Mann, the money is transferred directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts. Women already receiving social security pensions are also eligible, subject to the scheme's conditions.

He said the initiative was intended to strengthen women's financial independence and dignity.

Education and Healthcare at the Centre of Development

Emphasising the importance of education, Mann said long-term social and economic progress was impossible without quality education.

He claimed that the number of students from Punjab government schools clearing NEET had increased from 80 in 2021 to 882 in 2026.

He described the improvement as evidence of the government's efforts to strengthen public education.

Major Push for Canal Irrigation and Roads

The Chief Minister also highlighted improvements in irrigation infrastructure, claiming that canal water had reached 1,587 villages that had never previously received canal irrigation.

He said the government had spent Rs 7,200 crore on strengthening the canal network.

According to him, canal irrigation coverage had increased from 26 per cent of agricultural land when his government took office to more than 80 per cent. The area receiving canal water had expanded from 20.89 lakh acres in 2022 to 60.30 lakh acres.

Mann further stated that approximately 45,000 kilometres of roads were being renovated and upgraded across Punjab.

Sports Infrastructure to Keep Youth Away from Drugs

Highlighting the government's efforts to promote sports, the Chief Minister said 1,000 playgrounds had been dedicated to young people, while 3,100 sports stadiums were being developed across the state.

He said improved sports facilities would provide rural youth with opportunities to develop their talent and remain away from drugs.

Concluding his address, Mann said the government wanted to build a prosperous, equitable and corruption-free Punjab. He appealed to people to support the continuation of the development initiatives.

Cabinet Ministers Tarunpreet Singh Sond and Hardeep Singh Mundian, along with other dignitaries, were present.

5. Punjab Opens 1,000 New Village Sports Grounds; Mann Targets Drug Menace Through Sports Revolution

• Total 1,764 out of 3,100 planned Pendu Khed Maidan now inaugurated

• Every village sports ground to receive football, hockey, volleyball and cricket equipment

• Government aims to transform rural Punjab into a breeding ground for international sporting talent

Chandigarh, November 11, 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday inaugurated 1,000 additional village sports grounds under the government's ambitious 'Pendu Khed Maidan' initiative, taking the total number of inaugurated grounds to 1,764 against the target of 3,100.

The latest inauguration ceremony was held at Shahpur village in the Amloh Assembly constituency of Fatehgarh Sahib district.

The initiative aims to strengthen grassroots sports infrastructure, provide rural youngsters with modern playing facilities and encourage them to choose sports over drugs.

Addressing the gathering, Mann said Punjab had enormous sporting talent and that providing proper infrastructure at the village level would help young players achieve success at national and international levels.

He said the government was committed to creating opportunities for youngsters to develop their abilities and bring recognition to Punjab.

The Chief Minister maintained that promoting sports was an important part of the government's campaign against drug abuse, 'Yudh Nashian Virudh'.

He added that the development of village playgrounds would help create a sporting culture and encourage young people to adopt fitness, discipline and healthy lifestyles.

3,100 Modern Sports Grounds Across Punjab

According to the government, 3,100 model village sports grounds are being developed across Punjab under the initiative.

The first phase saw the inauguration of 255 grounds on May 4, followed by another 509 on August 24. With the latest addition of 1,000 grounds, the project has entered its third phase. These include 93 sports grounds in Fatehgarh Sahib district.

The government has committed Rs 1,500 crore towards developing these facilities.

Each sports ground is being equipped with modern infrastructure, including six-foot-high chain-link fencing, plantation along boundaries, six-foot-wide walking tracks and footlights.

Separate toilets for men and women, equipment storage rooms, submersible pumps and hydrants are also part of the facilities.

Children will have dedicated play areas with swings, slides and ladder bars, while high-mast lighting will enable sporting activities after sunset.

Selected grounds will also feature green turfs and six-lane, 400-metre running tracks to encourage athletics.

Free Sports Equipment and Coaching for Youngsters

To ensure that financial limitations do not prevent children from participating in sports, the government is providing equipment according to the popularity of different games in individual villages.

The proposed facilities include football and hockey goalposts, volleyball poles, nets, balls and cricket kits.

Villages will also receive 36 pairs of football studs, while areas where cricket is particularly popular will be provided with complete cricket kits.

The Chief Minister said that providing infrastructure alone was insufficient and that proper training was equally important.

Accordingly, football and volleyball coaches will be deployed at sports grounds to provide free coaching to youngsters.

Village Committees to Maintain Sports Facilities

The government has also assigned an important role to Gram Panchayats in maintaining these facilities.

Dedicated committees comprising the Sarpanch, Youth Club President, concerned Junior Engineer and Panchayat Secretary will oversee maintenance. A woman member or sportsperson will also be nominated to the committee.

The objective is to ensure that the sports grounds remain operational and are regularly used by children and young people.

Punjab Expands Its Sports Ecosystem

The government has also highlighted its broader sports development initiatives.

According to the information released, Punjab has allocated a sports budget of Rs 1,744 crore and is developing 600 rural gyms, of which 500 have reportedly been completed and inaugurated.

Under the Sports Policy introduced in 2023, prize money worth Rs 135 crore has been distributed among 40,415 sportspersons since 2022.

Financial assistance of Rs 15 lakh for Olympic preparations and Rs 8 lakh for Asian and Commonwealth Games preparations is also being provided.

The government is further promoting sporting activities through 'Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan', the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy and the 'She-e-Punjab T20 League'.

The broader objective is to strengthen the state's sporting ecosystem and provide talented youngsters from rural areas with opportunities to compete at higher levels.

6. Census 2027: Punjab Launches Digital LED Vans; Self-Enumeration Starts November 16

• Nine LED vans deployed to spread awareness across urban and rural areas

• Citizens can complete self-enumeration online between November 16 and 30

• Population enumeration scheduled from December 1, 2026, to January 4, 2027

• Dedicated toll-free helpline 1855 launched to assist citizens

Chandigarh, November 11, 2026:

Punjab has stepped up preparations for Census 2027 with the launch of a statewide public awareness campaign through nine Digital LED Vans.

The vehicles were flagged off by Director of Census Operations, Punjab, Dr Navjot Khosa, from the Directorate of Census Operations in Chandigarh on Wednesday at 11 am.

The campaign aims to educate citizens about the upcoming second phase of Census 2027, which will cover population enumeration, and encourage maximum public participation.

Equipped with digital displays and QR codes, the LED vans will provide information and direct citizens to the official National Census Portal, where they can complete the self-enumeration process.

The vehicles will travel through major towns, urban centres, villages, marketplaces and other public locations with significant footfall across different districts.

District administrations have prepared detailed route plans to ensure effective coverage. Designated escort officials will accompany the vehicles to coordinate their movement and facilitate awareness activities.

Deputy Commissioners, who are also the Principal Census Officers, have been entrusted with coordinating the campaign and identifying suitable locations for publicity hoardings.

Self-Enumeration Facility From November 16

According to the Census Directorate, the second phase of Census 2027, covering population enumeration in Punjab, will be conducted from December 1, 2026, to January 4, 2027.

However, citizens will have the opportunity to complete self-enumeration online between November 16 and November 30.

People can access the official portal, se.census.gov.in, and respond to 40 census-related questions themselves before the enumerator visits their homes.

The self-enumeration facility will remain available until November 30, after which the portal will close for this exercise.

The reference date for the population enumeration exercise will be midnight of January 5, 2027.

Important Census 2027 Dates

• Digital LED Van campaign: November 11, 2026

• Self-enumeration: November 16–30, 2026

• Population enumeration: December 1, 2026–January 4, 2027

• Reference date: January 5, 2027

• Revision round: Three to five days after population enumeration to cover people left out during the exercise.

The first phase, covering house listing and housing census, has already been completed.

Helpline 1855 Launched for Public Assistance

To make the process easier for citizens, the Census Directorate has introduced a dedicated toll-free helpline, 1855.

People can call this number to seek clarification or assistance regarding the census questionnaire and self-enumeration process.

The department has also appealed to residents across Punjab to cooperate with enumerators and provide accurate information to ensure that the census exercise is completed successfully.

Citizens can follow the Directorate of Census Operations, Punjab, on Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube through the official handle @censusdcopunjab for updates and announcements.

The awareness campaign is intended to ensure that people understand the importance of Census 2027 and actively participate in the nationwide exercise.