1. Punjab Government Committee to Hold Talks with Sri Akal Takht Sahib Panel on November 18
Coordination Committee Seeks Participation of Five-Member Sikh Scholars' Panel to Build Consensus on Religious Legislation
The Coordination Committee constituted by the Punjab Government to address concerns surrounding the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, will visit Sri Amritsar Sahib on November 18 to hold discussions with the five-member committee formed by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
The decision was taken during the fourth meeting of the state government's Coordination Committee, held in Chandigarh on November 13.
Members of the committee said they would reach the Circuit House in Sri Amritsar Sahib at 12 noon on November 18 to deliberate on the sensitive issue and explore an amicable solution through mutual understanding.
The Coordination Committee has also written to the coordinator of the committee of Sikh scholars constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, formally conveying the proposed meeting schedule. It has urged all five members to participate in the discussions and extend their cooperation in arriving at a meaningful resolution that respects the sentiments of the Sikh community.
During the meeting, all members unanimously reiterated their willingness to consider necessary amendments to the legislation and assured that every possible effort was being made to achieve consensus.
The five-member committee was constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib through its letter No. A/26/248 dated July 31, 2026. The letter had asked the Punjab Government to establish direct communication with the panel and work towards a mutually acceptable understanding on the Act.
Following these directions, the state government constituted a seven-member Coordination Committee.
The committee comprises former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh, head of Damdami Taksal Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa, Sant Baba Sewa Singh Rampur Khera, Justice (Retd.) Jaspal Singh, Justice (Retd.) Gurbir Singh, IPS (Retd.) Jatinder Singh Aulakh and Law Officer Preet Inder Pal Singh. PCS officer Harjit Singh Sandhu has been appointed as the nodal officer.
The November 18 meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for constructive dialogue, allowing all relevant suggestions and viewpoints to be considered before arriving at a mutually acceptable way forward.
2. Mann Government Announces ₹518 Crore Relief for 24.86 Lakh Electricity Consumers
100% Waiver on Outstanding Bill Penalties and Interest Under One-Time Settlement Scheme; Disconnected Connections Also Eligible for Restoration
In a major relief initiative for domestic electricity consumers, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has announced a One-Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme under which 100% of penalties and interest on outstanding electricity bills up to March 31, 2026, will be waived.
The initiative is expected to benefit 24.86 lakh families across the state, with the government providing relief worth approximately ₹518 crore. Consumers will only have to pay the principal amount of their outstanding electricity dues through a flexible instalment arrangement.
Announcing the decision on November 13, the Chief Minister said the scheme had been designed to help households struggling to clear accumulated electricity bills because of financial difficulties.
Under the proposed payment arrangement, consumers will have to deposit 25% of the outstanding principal amount initially, while the remaining 75% can be paid in two instalments within one year. An additional extension of six months may also be provided to consumers facing financial constraints.
Addressing a press conference, CM Mann said the government wanted to give financially stressed families an opportunity to settle their electricity dues without carrying the additional burden of accumulated penalties and interest.
According to the Chief Minister, the scheme covers approximately ₹2,516 crore in outstanding electricity dues, benefiting 24.86 lakh domestic consumers. Of this amount, ₹518 crore will be waived in the form of penalties and interest.
Importantly, the scheme will also cover consumers whose electricity connections have already been disconnected. Their connections will become eligible for restoration after payment of the outstanding principal amount under the settlement arrangement.
The scheme will cover all eligible domestic electricity liabilities up to March 31, 2026, and remain open for 45 days from the issuance of the commercial circular. The notification is scheduled to be issued on November 14, following which the scheme will come into effect.
The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) will dispatch special OTS bills and notices to eligible consumers within seven days. These documents will provide details of the total outstanding dues, the amount of penalties and interest being waived, and the actual principal amount payable.
The payment mechanism has also been simplified. Once the required payment is made online, the revised outstanding amount will automatically be updated in the system and reflected in the consumer's online account and revised electricity bill.
Appealing to eligible households to take advantage of the scheme within the stipulated period, the Chief Minister said the government remained committed to providing practical financial relief to ordinary families and ensuring that economic difficulties did not become an additional burden.
3. Mann Reviews Preparations for Fatehgarh Sahib Shaheedi Sabha; 200 Shuttle Buses and 20 Aam Aadmi Clinics Planned
AI Cameras, Drones and Six Police Help Desks to Strengthen Security; Roads to Be Repaired Before Annual Religious Congregation
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has directed the police and civil administration to put comprehensive arrangements in place for the forthcoming Shaheedi Sabha at Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, keeping in view the large number of devotees expected to visit the historic religious town.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on November 13, the Chief Minister stressed that every possible measure must be taken to ensure a peaceful, comfortable and well-organised pilgrimage for lakhs of devotees.
Describing the Shaheedi Sabha as a deeply significant religious occasion, CM Mann said it provides an opportunity to remember the supreme sacrifices of the younger Sahibzadas, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, along with Mata Gujri Ji.
He noted that approximately 80 lakh devotees had visited Sri Fatehgarh Sahib during the previous Shaheedi Sabha. Accordingly, all departments have been directed to work in close coordination to manage the anticipated rush.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to undertake road repairs on a priority basis so that pilgrims travelling to the historic town do not face inconvenience.
For better traffic management, designated diversion points will be established, particularly around the expressway and other major approach roads.
As many as 200 shuttle buses will operate during the congregation to facilitate devotees travelling from villages and adjoining areas. The administration will also increase the number of e-rickshaws to provide convenient last-mile connectivity, particularly for elderly pilgrims and those unable to walk long distances.
Medical and Accommodation Facilities
To strengthen healthcare arrangements, 20 Aam Aadmi Clinics will be made operational during the Shaheedi Sabha. Night shelters will also be established, while coordination with various Gurdwara management committees will help ensure adequate accommodation for visiting devotees.
For maintaining cleanliness across the town, 50 additional volunteers will be deployed alongside Municipal Council employees.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to ensure regular sanitation, proper waste disposal and maintenance of public facilities. Additional mobile towers will be arranged to strengthen network capacity and ensure uninterrupted communication during the congregation.
A dedicated control room, jointly involving the police and civil administration, will operate round the clock to address complaints and coordinate emergency responses.
Technology-Based Security Arrangements
Reviewing the security arrangements, CM Mann directed the Police Department to maintain strict vigilance while ensuring that devotees are not inconvenienced.
Motorcycle patrol teams will be deployed for quick response and effective traffic management. Watchtowers and six police help desks will also be established at strategic locations to strengthen surveillance and provide immediate assistance.
The administration has been asked to make extensive use of modern technology, including AI-enabled camera systems, to monitor crowd movement and identify potential security concerns.
Drone surveillance will also be undertaken to monitor the congregation and surrounding areas, while additional police personnel will be deployed at sensitive locations.
The Chief Minister said funds had already been allocated for road repairs and directed the concerned departments to complete the work within the prescribed timeframe.
He added that he would personally monitor the preparations to ensure their timely completion.
CM Mann said the sacrifices of the younger Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri Ji continued to inspire generations to stand against injustice, oppression and tyranny. He reiterated that ensuring a safe and comfortable visit for every devotee was the responsibility of the state government.
4. Punjab Distributes Over 2.07 Lakh Quintals of Subsidised Wheat Seed to Farmers
More Than 2.18 Lakh Farmers Registered Under ₹50-Crore Scheme; 50% Subsidy Available on Certified Wheat Seeds
Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian has announced that the state has distributed more than 2.07 lakh quintals of certified wheat seed under its ₹50-crore subsidy programme for the ongoing Rabi season.
The scheme aims to encourage farmers to adopt high-quality, certified seeds recommended by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), thereby improving crop productivity and farm incomes.
According to the minister, the distribution target under the programme is 2,42,218 quintals. Farmers are being provided a 50% subsidy on eligible certified wheat seeds, subject to a maximum assistance of ₹2,000 per hectare.
More than 2.18 lakh farmers have already registered on the department's portal, agrimachinerypb.com, to avail themselves of the subsidy benefits. The scheme is expected to cover over 2.42 lakh farmers across Punjab.
Sri Muktsar Sahib district is leading in registrations with 19,110 farmers, followed by Fazilka with 18,369, Bathinda with 16,832, Sangrur with 16,022 and Patiala with 12,982 registrations.
Khudian shared these details while chairing a video conference with Chief Agriculture Officers from across the state to review the progress of subsidised seed distribution.
He said the subsidy was intended to promote high-yielding and disease-resistant wheat varieties, helping farmers improve production and secure better returns.
The minister instructed departmental officials to ensure that the distribution process remained smooth and that no eligible farmer was deprived of the scheme's benefits.
Fertiliser Availability Reviewed
The minister also reviewed the availability of fertilisers during the ongoing Rabi sowing season.
Director of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Gurjit Brar informed him that sufficient stocks of DAP, urea and other essential fertilisers were available across the state.
Against the estimated requirement of 5.50 lakh metric tonnes of DAP, Punjab currently has 5.87 lakh metric tonnes in stock.
Khudian directed officials to maintain strict monitoring of the supply chain to prevent shortages, black marketing and forced tagging of fertilisers. He stressed that farmers must receive essential agricultural inputs without difficulty during the sowing season.
5. Three Nomination Papers Filed on First Day for Municipal Elections in Patiala and Moga Districts
No Nominations Received for Patiala Municipal Corporation and Dharamkot; Three Candidates File Papers for Bagha Purana
The Punjab State Election Commission has reported that three nomination papers were received on the first day of the nomination process for the forthcoming municipal elections in Patiala and Moga districts.
The elections are being conducted for 30 wards of the Municipal Corporation, Patiala; 15 wards of the Municipal Council, Bagha Purana; and seven wards of the Municipal Council, Dharamkot.
According to the Commission, all three nomination papers received on November 13, 2026, were filed for the 15 wards of the Municipal Council, Bagha Purana in Moga district.
No nomination papers were received on the opening day for the 30 wards of the Municipal Corporation, Patiala, or the seven wards of the Municipal Council, Dharamkot.
The nomination process will continue as per the election schedule announced by the State Election Commission.
6. Punjab Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Mining; Poclain Machine and Tipper Seized in Ludhiana
Mining Department Conducts Raid in Rasulpur Village; Police Register FIR Against Those Involved
Punjab Mines and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal has reiterated that illegal mining will not be tolerated and warned that strict legal action will continue against those violating government regulations.
As part of the ongoing enforcement drive, a team of the Mining Department seized a Poclain machine and a tipper allegedly being used for illegal mining activities in Rasulpur village of Ludhiana district.
The seizure took place during a departmental patrol on the morning of November 13.
Following the operation, the department initiated legal proceedings and handed over both vehicles to the police. An FIR, numbered 200, was registered at Ladhowal Police Station under the relevant legal provisions.
The minister said the department had stepped up inspections, surveillance and regular patrolling in areas vulnerable to illegal mining.
He directed officials to maintain strict vigilance and ensure that individuals involved in unauthorised mining activities faced appropriate legal consequences.
Goyal added that the state government's campaign to protect natural resources would continue with full intensity.
7. Punjab Police Conducts 525 Raids on Day 297 of 'Gangstran Te Vaar'; 163 Arrested
174 Individuals Face Preventive Action; Anti-Gangster Helpline 93946-93946 Available for Anonymous Information
Punjab Police continued its statewide crackdown on organised crime under the 'Gangstran Te Vaar' campaign, conducting 525 raids at identified locations linked to associates of gangsters on November 13.
The operation, which entered its 297th day, resulted in the arrest of 163 individuals. Police also recovered six weapons during the raids.
With these arrests, the total number of individuals arrested since the campaign began on January 20, 2026, has reached 84,072.
The police also initiated preventive action against 174 individuals and arrested seven proclaimed offenders during the operation.
The campaign was launched by Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, with district police teams working in coordination with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab.
The police have appealed to citizens to share information about wanted criminals, gangsters and suspicious criminal activities through the Anti-Gangster Helpline 93946-93946. Informants can provide information anonymously.
Drug Crackdown Continues Under Yudh Nashian Virudh
Meanwhile, the statewide anti-drug campaign 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' entered its 622nd day.
Police arrested 55 alleged drug smugglers during the latest operation and recovered 628 grams of heroin, 139 intoxicant pills and ₹1,100 in suspected drug money.
With these arrests, the total number of drug smugglers arrested during the 622-day campaign has risen to 92,553.
As part of its rehabilitation initiative, the police also persuaded 11 individuals to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.
8. Scientific Livestock Management Can Boost Milk Production and Farmers' Income: Gurmeet Singh Khudian
Veterinary Experts Discuss Modern Dairy Farming, Animal Nutrition, Disease Prevention and Reproductive Health at State-Level Seminar
Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian has stressed the importance of scientific livestock management in improving milk production, strengthening the dairy economy and increasing farmers' incomes.
He was addressing a state-level technical seminar for Veterinary Officers organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry at Kisan Bhawan, Chandigarh.
The seminar focused on the theme 'Modern Livestock Management: Nutrition, Disease Prevention, Reproduction and Farm Hygiene'.
Addressing the participants, Khudian urged veterinary professionals to adopt a preventive approach to animal healthcare rather than relying primarily on treatment after diseases occur.
He said veterinary officers play an important role in connecting scientific research and technological advancements with practical requirements at the farm level.
The minister called upon them to guide dairy farmers on balanced animal nutrition, improved genetic potential, reproductive management, farm hygiene and comprehensive vaccination coverage.
He emphasised that timely preventive healthcare and better livestock management were essential for maintaining animal health, improving milk productivity and strengthening rural incomes.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to improving veterinary services, Khudian highlighted the need for effective field-level service delivery, proper seromonitoring under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) and practical implementation of laboratory research.
Experts Highlight Key Areas of Dairy Farm Management
During the technical sessions, veterinary experts discussed several important aspects of modern dairy farming.
Dr. Jiwan Gupta highlighted the importance of cost management and preventive healthcare in ensuring the long-term profitability of dairy farms.
He drew attention to health issues that often remain undetected, including subclinical anaemia, fluctuations in ruminal pH and mycotoxin contamination in animal feed and water.
He recommended periodic haemoglobin profiling for early identification of health problems. He also discussed effective tick-control measures, including thermal disinfection through flame guns, to control tick vectors and prevent haemoprotozoan diseases.
Dr. Ravinder Grewal spoke about precision nutrition for ruminants, explaining that high-yielding animals could achieve their full genetic potential only through scientifically balanced diets suited to their different growth and production stages.
He cautioned that nutritional deficiencies during calf and heifer rearing could negatively affect future milk production.
Highlighting the importance of the six-week transition period, comprising three weeks before and three weeks after calving, he stressed proper nutritional management to reduce the risk of ketosis, fatty liver syndrome and hypocalcaemia.
Dr. Karanbir Singh Bhinder discussed reproductive efficiency and its direct impact on dairy farm profitability.
He recommended timely postpartum examinations and early diagnostic interventions to address uterine disorders, improve conception rates and reduce the interval between calving and conception.
He said efficient reproductive management was essential for achieving the target of one calf per cow annually.
Dr. Harshit Sethi discussed herd immunisation under the National Disease Control Programme (NDCP), with particular emphasis on standard operating procedures for Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination and seromonitoring.
He explained the importance of DIVA diagnostics in monitoring viral activity and called for greater vigilance against the possible introduction of exotic viral strains, including the FMD SAT-1 serotype.
He also emphasised strengthening farm-level biosecurity to minimise the risk of disease transmission.
At the conclusion of the seminar, the Animal Husbandry Department resolved to intensify the implementation of scientific livestock management practices across Punjab.
Farmers will be encouraged to maintain proper farm records, adopt phase-specific ration balancing and work towards complete vaccination coverage across dairy clusters.
Veterinary Officers were also asked to strengthen disease surveillance and ensure that scientific recommendations reach farmers at the grassroots level.
Three Employees Receive Appointment Letters
Meanwhile, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian handed over appointment letters to two clerks and one Class-IV employee in the department.
Congratulating the newly appointed employees, he said the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government was committed to providing government employment on merit without recommendations or favouritism.
He urged the recruits to discharge their responsibilities honestly and diligently and contribute towards building a prosperous 'Rangla Punjab'.
9. Punjab Assembly Speaker Pays Tribute to Maharaja Ranjit Singh on His Birth Anniversary
Kultar Singh Sandhwan Urges People to Follow the Ideals of Unity, Religious Harmony and Public Service
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan extended warm greetings to people across Punjab and Punjabis living around the world on the birth anniversary of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh on November 13, 2026.
Paying tribute to the legendary ruler, Sandhwan described Maharaja Ranjit Singh as an exceptional warrior, visionary administrator and influential leader who united the Sikh Misls and established a powerful and sovereign Sikh Kingdom.
He said the Maharaja's reign continues to be remembered as a significant period in history for its emphasis on secular values, communal harmony, justice and public welfare.
Sandhwan observed that Maharaja Ranjit Singh treated people belonging to different religions and communities with fairness and respect.
His historic achievement in bringing the Sikh Misls together, he said, created a strong sense of unity and pride among Punjabis and laid the foundation for a prosperous empire.
Calling upon the younger generation to draw inspiration from the ruler's legacy, the Speaker said his ideals of peace, brotherhood, compassion and selfless service remain relevant.
He urged citizens to follow these values and work collectively towards building a progressive, peaceful and harmonious Punjab.
10. Ashirwad Scheme: Punjab Government Disburses Over ₹1,164 Crore to 2.86 Lakh Beneficiaries
Zero Tolerance for Irregularities; Statewide Verification Ordered After 62 Alleged Cases Reported in Amritsar
Punjab Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur has reiterated that the state government will not tolerate corruption, irregularities or misuse of public funds under the Ashirwad Scheme.
She said the welfare initiative was designed to provide financial assistance to economically weaker families for the marriages of their daughters, and ensuring that benefits reach only eligible beneficiaries remains the government's priority.
According to the minister, the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government has distributed more than ₹1,164 crore to approximately 2.86 lakh beneficiaries under the scheme during its tenure.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said the government had taken serious note of 62 alleged irregularity cases reported in Amritsar district, involving approximately ₹31.62 lakh.
She said a fair and transparent investigation was conducted into these cases and departmental action had already been initiated against officials and employees found responsible after the inquiry.
To further strengthen transparency and accountability, the department has ordered verification of financial assistance released under the Ashirwad Scheme across all districts of Punjab.
The exercise is intended to ensure that financial assistance reaches the rightful beneficiaries and that every rupee of public money is utilised for its intended welfare purpose.
The minister said public funds must be protected and properly utilised, adding that strict action would be taken against anyone found involved in irregularities or misuse of government welfare schemes.
She reiterated that the government remained committed to transparent administration and ensuring that financial assistance reaches deserving families without discrimination.