₹2 Lakh Crore Investment Proposals, 6.63 Lakh Job Opportunities; Japanese Firm Toppan to Invest ₹244 Crore in Expansion

A major boost to Punjab’s industrial growth as Japanese company expands its Rail Majra facility, adding 19,700 tonnes of annual production capacity and 127 jobs.

CHANDIGARH, November 12: Punjab is witnessing growing interest from domestic and international investors, with investment proposals worth nearly ₹2 lakh crore received since March 2022, carrying the potential to generate over 6.63 lakh employment opportunities. Adding to this momentum, Japanese packaging major Toppan Speciality Films Private Limited (TSF) has announced an investment of ₹244 crore to expand its manufacturing facility at Rail Majra village in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district.

Industries and Commerce Minister Aman Arora announced the expansion at a press conference held at Punjab Bhawan. He was accompanied by Amit Jain, Chief Financial Officer and Whole-Time Director of Toppan Speciality Films, along with senior officials of the Industries Department and Invest Punjab.

Arora said that the proposed expansion reflects the growing confidence of international companies in Punjab's industrial and business environment. Since March 2022, the state has received 10,673 Common Application Forms (CAFs) involving proposed investments of approximately ₹2 lakh crore and offering the potential to create more than 6.63 lakh jobs.

He added that between April and October 2026 alone, Punjab received 1,846 investment proposals through Common Application Forms, involving an estimated investment of ₹35,966 crore.

Toppan Expansion to Strengthen Punjab's Manufacturing Sector

The ₹244-crore expansion project at Rail Majra will include the installation of a new thermal lamination line, a coating line and two additional metallisers. These facilities are expected to increase the plant's annual production capacity by 19,700 tonnes.

The project will also create 127 direct employment opportunities, including 22 positions for women, providing a fresh boost to skilled employment in the region.

Highlighting the environmental benefits of the expansion, Arora said the company would install two biomass-fired heaters that will use approximately 900 tonnes of paddy straw every month as an alternative to furnace oil.

The ash generated through this process will be supplied to local farmers for use as a soil conditioner. The initiative is expected to support cleaner industrial operations while providing an alternative use for agricultural residue.

CM Bhagwant Mann's Japan Visit Helped Strengthen Investment Ties

Arora recalled Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's visit to Japan in December 2025, during which the Punjab delegation held discussions with the senior leadership of TOPPAN Holdings Inc.

During those meetings, the company had expressed its intention to expand its operations in Punjab. An MoU was also signed with Invest Punjab for establishing a Skilling Excellence Centre to provide industry-oriented training and apprenticeship opportunities.

The Industries Minister said the ongoing expansion demonstrates the company's commitment to its earlier assurance and will further strengthen Punjab's position as a destination for advanced manufacturing and foreign investment.

Inviting international investors to explore opportunities in the state, Arora highlighted the Industrial and Business Development Policy 2026 and the Invest Punjab single-window clearance system.

He said more than 300 government clearances across 20 departments are now available online, making the approval process faster, more transparent and convenient for businesses.

Toppan Focuses on Skill Development and Youth Employment

Amit Jain thanked the Punjab Government for its support and briefed the media about the company's manufacturing operations and expansion plans.

He also highlighted Toppan's initiatives to develop technical skills among Punjab's youth. In May 2026, the company inaugurated a Skill Development Training Centre at the Polytechnic in Ropar.

The centre provides training in plastics processing, Tally ERP and electrician trades in collaboration with IIT Ropar and CIPET Baddi. Jain said the first batch of trainees had achieved nearly 100 per cent placement.

The company has also signed an MoU with Invest Punjab to establish a Skilling Excellence Centre. This initiative will complement the HUNAR Punjab Portal, which connects industries with approximately 1,750 educational and training institutions across the state.

Sri Anandpur Sahib Emerges as Punjab's Cleanest City in Swachh Survekshan 2025-26

Harjot Singh Bains announces plans to replicate the city's sanitation model across Punjab's major religious and urban centres

CHANDIGARH, November 12: The holy city of Sri Anandpur Sahib has earned national recognition for its cleanliness, emerging as Punjab's Best Swachh City in the Swachh Survekshan 2025-26.

The achievement is being seen as an important step towards improving sanitation standards in Punjab's religious and urban centres. The state government has announced plans to replicate the Anandpur Sahib cleanliness model in Sri Amritsar Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Sri Talwandi Sabo, with the objective of developing these cities as examples of effective urban sanitation.

Addressing a press conference, Local Government Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the recognition reflected the collective efforts of municipal authorities, sanitation workers and local residents.

He particularly referred to the arrangements made during the 350th Shaheedi Diwas commemorations of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji and his companions Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji and Bhai Dayala Ji. During the religious gatherings, attended by lakhs of devotees, the city maintained clean streets, efficient sanitation and organised civic arrangements.

Over 1,300 Garbage Hotspots Cleared Across Punjab

Bains said the Mission Clean Punjab campaign had started delivering visible improvements in Amritsar, Ludhiana and several other urban areas.

According to the minister, more than 2,000 Garbage Vulnerable Points (GVPs) were identified across the state, of which over 1,300 have already been eliminated.

He added that modern solid waste processing plants would be established in all major cities to strengthen waste management and improve urban cleanliness.

The minister said the government's objective was to make Punjab's cities cleaner, greener and more liveable, while ensuring that religious places receive special attention because of their cultural and spiritual significance.

Better Job Security and Wages for Sanitation Workers

Highlighting measures for sanitation employees, Bains said the government had brought outsourced sanitation workers under direct contracts and regularised contractual employees who had completed five years of service.

He added that the monthly remuneration of contractual sanitation workers had been increased to ₹20,520.

The first programme to honour sanitation workers and distribute regularisation letters was organised in Nangal, he said, adding that the government was committed to ensuring dignity, stability and better working conditions for those responsible for maintaining public spaces.

GPS-Based Monitoring to Improve Waste Collection

The minister also disclosed that a modern control room had been established in Sri Amritsar Sahib to monitor sanitation activities through GPS technology.

The system maps streets and households and tracks door-to-door garbage collection in real time. It enables officials to monitor the movement of sanitation workers and verify whether waste has been collected from designated locations.

Bains said special attention was being given to Sri Amritsar Sahib, including Sri Darbar Sahib, Durgiana Temple and the Wagah border area, with the aim of developing the city as a model for cleanliness.

He thanked municipal officials, sanitation workers and residents for their contribution, particularly during the 350th Shaheedi Diwas commemorations.

Punjab Police Intensifies Anti-Gangster Drive: 204 Arrested After 537 Raids Across State

11 weapons recovered; preventive action taken against 198 people. Police also arrest 133 drug smugglers and seize 6 kg heroin

CHANDIGARH, November 12: Punjab Police continued its statewide crackdown on organised crime under the 'Gangstran Te Vaar' campaign, conducting 537 raids at identified locations linked to gangster associates on the campaign's 296th day.

The operation was carried out across the state by district police teams in coordination with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF).

According to official information, 204 people were arrested during the latest operation, and 11 weapons were recovered. With these arrests, the total number of people held since the campaign began on January 20, 2026, has reached 83,909.

Police teams also initiated preventive action against 198 individuals and arrested 11 proclaimed offenders during the operation.

The campaign was launched under the leadership of Punjab Police Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav with the objective of dismantling gangster networks and making the state free from organised criminal activities.

Anti-Gangster Helpline for Confidential Information

Punjab Police has appealed to citizens to share information about wanted criminals, gangsters and other criminal activities.

People can provide information confidentially through the Anti-Gangster Helpline at 93946-93946.

133 Drug Smugglers Arrested; Heroin and Other Contraband Seized

Meanwhile, the police continued its anti-drug campaign, 'Yudh Nashian Virudh', which entered its 621st day.

During the latest operation, 133 alleged drug smugglers were arrested. Police recovered:

• 6 kg of heroin

• 2 kg of opium

• 1,933 intoxicant pills

• ₹52,500 in suspected drug proceeds

With these arrests, the total number of drug smugglers arrested under the campaign has reached 92,354.

As part of its de-addiction initiative, police officials also persuaded 27 individuals to undergo treatment and rehabilitation.

Punjab Begins EVM-VVPAT Verification Ahead of 2027 Assembly Elections

Chief Electoral Officer Anindita Mitra takes political party representatives to state-level webcasting centre to explain monitoring arrangements

CHANDIGARH, November 12: Preparations for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections have gathered momentum, with the First Level Checking (FLC) of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines beginning at designated warehouses across the state.

To ensure transparency in the process, Chief Electoral Officer Punjab Anindita Mitra arranged a visit for representatives of all recognised political parties to the state-level Webcasting Centre located at the CEO's office.

During the visit, Mitra explained how the centre functions and how webcasting arrangements will facilitate continuous monitoring of the checking process.

She also briefed political representatives about the responsibilities of officials from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), who are involved in the technical verification of the machines.

The Chief Electoral Officer said that all Election Commission of India guidelines were being followed during the First Level Checking exercise in every district.

Senior election officials, including Additional Chief Electoral Officer Amandeep Bansal and Joint Chief Electoral Officers Navneet Kaur Bal and Sanjeev Sharma, were present.

Representatives of the Aam Aadmi Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiromani Akali Dal, Congress and CPI(M) also attended the visit.

The exercise is part of the preparations to ensure that the electoral process in Punjab remains transparent, reliable and properly monitored ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.

Punjab Publishes Draft Voter List for 2027: Citizens Get One Month to Check Names and File Objections

Claims and objections accepted till December 11; final electoral roll to be released on January 4, 2027

CHANDIGARH, November 12: The draft electoral roll for all 117 Assembly constituencies of Punjab was published on November 12 under the Special Summary Revision (SSR) 2027 programme announced by the Election Commission of India.

With the publication of the draft voter list, the process of inviting claims and objections has begun. Eligible citizens can check their names and personal details and submit applications for inclusion, deletion or correction within the prescribed period.

Chief Electoral Officer Punjab Anindita Mitra chaired a meeting with representatives of recognised political parties and handed over copies of the Integrated Draft Electoral Roll to them.

During the meeting, she explained the important provisions, procedures and timelines of the revision exercise.

Important Dates for Punjab Voter List 2027

Which Forms Should Voters Use?

The CEO's office also explained the forms available for different electoral services:

• Form 6: For inclusion of a name in the electoral roll.

• Form 6A: For enrolment of overseas Indian electors.

• Form 7: For requesting deletion of a name from the electoral roll.

• Form 8: For correction of details or shifting of residence.

Mitra said that citizens who will attain the age of 18 years on or before January 1, 2027, are eligible to register as voters.

How to Check Your Name in Punjab's Draft Voter List

Citizens can verify their names and other details through the following official platforms:

• CEO Punjab: www.ceopunjab.gov.in

• Election Commission Voters' Service Portal: voters.eci.gov.in

Special camps will also be organised across Punjab to help voters access electoral services. Help Desks have been established at the offices of District Election Officers (DEOs) and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs).

For assistance, citizens can call the Voter Helpline at 1950 or use the 'Book a Call Request with BLO' facility through the ECINET mobile application.

The Chief Electoral Officer urged all eligible citizens to verify their details and ensure that no eligible voter is left out of the electoral roll.

Punjab Announces November 28 Re-Polling for 52 Municipal Wards in Three Cities

Elections to be held in 30 Patiala wards, 15 Bagha Purana wards and 7 Dharamkot wards; nominations begin November 13

CHANDIGARH, November 12: The Punjab State Election Commission has announced the schedule for re-elections to 52 municipal wards across Patiala, Bagha Purana and Dharamkot.

The re-election process will cover 30 wards of the Municipal Corporation Patiala, 15 wards of Municipal Council Bagha Purana and seven wards of Municipal Council Dharamkot.

According to the Commission, polling will take place on November 28, 2026, from 8 am to 4 pm. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be used for the elections.

Complete Election Schedule

No nomination papers will be accepted on November 14, 15 and 16 due to holidays.

1.76 Lakh Voters to Participate

The Commission has established 123 polling booths across the 30 wards of Patiala Municipal Corporation, 20 booths in 15 wards of Bagha Purana Municipal Council and seven booths in seven wards of Dharamkot Municipal Council.

A total of 1,76,429 registered voters are eligible to participate in the elections. These include:

• Male voters: 91,415

• Female voters: 84,999

• Other voters: 15

Candidates contesting for Patiala Municipal Corporation wards will have an expenditure ceiling of ₹4 lakh. For candidates contesting in Class II Municipal Councils, including the specified municipal council elections, the limit has been fixed at ₹2.30 lakh.

Nomination papers must be accompanied by the prescribed affidavit. Candidates sponsored by political parties will also have to submit the relevant authorisation letter.

The candidates' KYC details will be uploaded on the respective district websites.

The Commission said that a Monitoring Committee constituted by the Punjab and Haryana High Court would oversee the entire re-election process.

With the announcement of the schedule, the Model Code of Conduct has come into force in the concerned municipal jurisdictions and will remain applicable until the completion of the election process.

The Commission has stated that necessary arrangements have been made to conduct the elections in a free, fair and peaceful manner.

Mohinder Bhagat Reviews Welfare Measures for Freedom Fighters, Directs Officials to Resolve Issues Promptly

Cabinet Minister stresses dignity, timely assistance and better delivery of government benefits to freedom fighters' families

CHANDIGARH, November 12: Punjab Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat has directed officials to ensure that freedom fighters and their families receive all possible assistance and do not face difficulties in accessing government welfare schemes.

The Minister for Defence Services Welfare, Freedom Fighters Welfare and Horticulture held a meeting with senior officials of the Department of Freedom Fighters Welfare to review matters concerning the welfare of freedom fighters and their families.

During the meeting, Special Chief Secretary of the Department of Freedom Fighters Welfare Raji P. Srivastava briefed the minister on various pending and ongoing issues related to their welfare.

Bhagat instructed the officers to give priority to the needs of freedom fighters and their families, emphasising that their dignity and well-being must remain central to the department's functioning.

He also directed officials to take time-bound action on the matters discussed during the meeting and ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive the facilities and benefits provided by the government without unnecessary delays.

The minister stressed that the department should remain responsive to the concerns of freedom fighters' families and work towards resolving their issues efficiently.