Punjab

Punjab to Crack Down on Arbitrary Private School Fee Hikes with Toughest Law in Canada-like Regulation

Punjab to Crack Down on Arbitrary Private School Fee Hikes with Toughest Law in Canada-like Regulation

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): In a landmark move aimed at ending arbitrary fee hikes by private schools and providing long-awaited relief to lakhs of families across Punjab, the Bhagwant Mann Government has announced a sweeping regulatory framework that caps annual fee increases at 5%, mandates refunds of excess fees collected from parents wherever schools breached the annual limit during the last three years, and prescribes stringent penalties that can ultimately lead to cancellation of a school’s recognition. The proposed legislation, which CM Bhagwant Singh Mann declared as the country’s toughest law against arbitrary fee hikes by private schools, will be introduced…
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Punjab Braces for Fresh Spell of Storms as Weather Department Issues Orange Alert

Punjab Braces for Fresh Spell of Storms as Weather Department Issues Orange Alert

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): A fresh round of unstable weather is expected to impact Punjab and Chandigarh over the next two days, with the India Meteorological Department warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds across several districts. An orange alert has been issued as a new western disturbance becomes active over northwestern India. Officials said wind speeds may reach up to 60 kmph in some areas, increasing the possibility of localized disruptions. Despite a slight rise in daytime temperatures, weather conditions remain relatively comfortable compared to the intense heat experienced in recent weeks. The highest temperature recorded in Punjab was around…
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Punjab Overhauls 26-Year-Old KCC Framework to Tackle Rural Debt, Boost High-Value Crops

Punjab Overhauls 26-Year-Old KCC Framework to Tackle Rural Debt, Boost High-Value Crops

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): In one of the most far-reaching agricultural reforms undertaken in Punjab in recent decades, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday unveiled a sweeping overhaul of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) system, transforming a 26-year-old framework that had long left farmers dependent on inadequate institutional credit and vulnerable to private moneylenders. The revamped policy significantly raises crop-wise credit limits in line with actual cultivation costs, lowers interest burdens, expands loan eligibility to high-value crops and allied sectors, introduces dedicated financial support for stubble management, and enables farmers to access funds through modern digital platforms such as ATMs…
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Punjab Police Intensifies Statewide Security Measures, DGP Orders Enhanced Patrolling and Vehicle Checks

Punjab Police Intensifies Statewide Security Measures, DGP Orders Enhanced Patrolling and Vehicle Checks

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): In a major push to ensure a safe and secure environment across the state as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Monday directed all field units to strengthen police presence and police patrolling through strategic nakas, mobile patrols, vehicle checking and effective area domination for enhancing public confidence and ensuring secure environment. The DGP was chairing a state-level Law and Order review meeting in virtual mode with senior Special DGPs/Additional DGPs/IGPs/DIG rank officers deputed as Supervisory Officers for Districts/Commissionerates, Range IGP/DIGs, all Commissioners of Police…
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Amritsar tragedy: 17-year-old girl dies by suicide due to alleged harassment over pending school fees

Amritsar tragedy: 17-year-old girl dies by suicide due to alleged harassment over pending school fees

Gurpreet Singh :- A 17-year-old school girl allegedly died by suicide after consuming poisonous substance at her residence in Amritsar.  The victim has been identified as Amjot Kaur Aulakh who was studying in Disciplined Disciple International School, Fatehgarh Churian. According to the family members, their daughter was constantly harassed by the school authorities including the principal, due to fee dues up to Rs 20,000, causing her extreme distress and humiliation. Sarabjeet Kaur, Amjot's maternal aunt, alleged that the student consumed a poisonous substance on the evening of May 22, the same day she was reportedly called to the school for…
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Rains Bring Temporary Relief Across Punjab, but Experts Warn of Bigger Challenges Ahead

Rains Bring Temporary Relief Across Punjab, but Experts Warn of Bigger Challenges Ahead

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Dark clouds, intermittent showers and cooler winds have transformed the weather across Punjab over the past few days, offering residents a much-needed break from the scorching temperatures that dominated May. However, while the current spell has brought relief from the heat, concerns are mounting over forecasts of a weaker monsoon and the impact it could have on farming, groundwater reserves and electricity consumption in the months ahead. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted continued weather activity across several parts of the state until the end of the week, with thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds expected to…
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Orthopaedic Treatments Under Punjab’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana Cross ₹84 Crore as Demand Rises; Among Top Services Under Scheme, Says Health Minister

Orthopaedic Treatments Under Punjab’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana Cross ₹84 Crore as Demand Rises; Among Top Services Under Scheme, Says Health Minister

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab is witnessing a steady rise in bone, joint and trauma-related health conditions, with orthopaedic treatments emerging as one of the most significant components of the state’s public healthcare delivery, according to data from the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana. Highlighting the trend, the State Health Agency (SHA) data revealed that more than ₹84 crore has been spent so far on bone, joint and trauma-related treatments so far, under the scheme, reflecting both increasing demand for surgical care and expanded access to specialised orthopaedic services across government hospitals. The data shows that knee replacements account for the highest…
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Punjab Aims to Become Top Education Hub and Halt Student Exodus to Canada, Says CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

Punjab Aims to Become Top Education Hub and Halt Student Exodus to Canada, Says CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Four years after launching a sweeping transformation of Punjab’s education system, the Bhagwant Mann Government is now setting its sights on a bigger goal: turning Punjab into the country’s leading education destination and reversing the long-held perception that quality education can only be found abroad. Pointing to Punjab’s rise past Kerala in national education rankings, the growing dominance of girls among board toppers, and the success of 359 government school students in JEE Main, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the state’s Sikhya Kranti (Education Revolution) has begun delivering tangible results on the ground. Speaking at the ‘Sitaare…
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Major Rural Infrastructure Boost as Punjab Government Unveils Road Projects Worth Over ₹18.76 Crore in Lehragaga Region

Major Rural Infrastructure Boost as Punjab Government Unveils Road Projects Worth Over ₹18.76 Crore in Lehragaga Region

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday dedicated and laid foundation stones for a series of road infrastructure and development projects worth more than ₹18.76 crore in the Lehragaga region, giving a major boost to rural connectivity and strengthening the local economy. The projects are aimed at eliminating safety hazards, improving rural infrastructure and ensuring all-weather connectivity for thousands of villagers. Highlighting the vision of the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the government is transforming rural Punjab by actively strengthening nearly 40,000 kilometres of roads across the state, thereby delivering…
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Punjab Sets October Deadline for International Hockey Return with Asian Champions Trophy, CM Mann Sees Performance

Punjab Sets October Deadline for International Hockey Return with Asian Champions Trophy, CM Mann Sees Performance

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab is gearing up to host the prestigious Hockey Asian Champions Trophy later this year, with CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday reviewing preparations for the mega international event and directing officers to ensure flawless arrangements well ahead of schedule. Chairing a high-level meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann instructed officials to complete all infrastructure and organisational works before September and emphasised that no effort should be spared in making the tournament a grand success. The Chief Minister directed that an organising committee comprising experts, players and other stakeholders be constituted to ensure the timely execution of all…
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