Bhagwant Mann

Japanese firm Toppan Speciality Films to invest Rs 400 cr in Punjab

Japanese company Toppan Speciality Films on Wednesday signed an agreement with the Punjab government to invest Rs 400 crore in the state as part of its expansion plan, according to an official statement. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who is on a 10-day visit to Japan and South Korea, said Toppan Speciality Films Private Limited (TSF) and Invest Punjab have also agreed to support and collaborate to launch a skilling excellence centre in Punjab. This will be pivotal for strengthening industry-relevant skills and enhancing employability opportunities in Punjab, the statement quoted Mann as saying. The chief minister said it will give a thrust to imparting training aligned with current and emerging industry needs. Likewise, he said, it will also focus on high-end and technical skills not widely available and impart training certifications to meet industry and global standards. TSF will also provide financial assistance, technical inputs, training support, and curriculum design based o

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann announces ₹16,209 cr road projects across state

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday said the Punjab government will construct 44,920 km of road stretches in the state with an outlay of Rs 16,209 crore. Addressing mediapersons here, Mann claimed this would be the biggest ever road project undertaken by the state, adding that tenders will be issued in this regard. The project includes construction of 2,829-km Public Works Department (PWD) roads and 18,545 km of rural link roads, at a total cost of Rs 7,727 crore. Additionally, 22,291-km road stretches under the Punjab Mandi Board, and 1,255 km of urban roads under various civic bodies will be constructed at a cost of Rs 7,697 crore and Rs 785 crore, respectively, he said. A total sum of Rs 16,209 crore will be spent on constructing quality roads across the state, Mann said, adding that he has directed contractors not to compromise on the quality of materials and work. He further said villages will pass resolutions stating they are satisfied with the materials used for the ro

Centre's bid to name an independent Chandigarh administrator irks Punjab

The Centre has proposed to include the Union territory of Chandigarh under the ambit of Article 240 of the Constitution, which empowers the president to make regulations for the UT and legislate directly. The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2025 will be introduced in the upcoming Winter session of Parliament, beginning December 1, 2025, as per a bulletin of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The Bill seeks to include the Union territory of Chandigarh in Article 240, in alignment with other UTs without legislatures such as Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Puducherry (when its Legislative Assembly is dissolved or suspended). This opens the door to an independent administrator in the UT of Chandigarh, like when it had an independent chief secretary in the past. The move to bring this Bill has evoked sharp reactions from Congress, Akali Dal and the AAP. According to the bulletin, the government has also proposed a provisional ...

CM Mann claims Congress, SAD 'looted'; says AAP working to restore dignity

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday launched a scathing attack on opposition parties Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Congress, accusing them of "looting" the state for decades. He claimed that while these parties mismanaged Punjab's resources, the AAP is working "tirelessly" to restore the state's dignity and prosperity. Mann was canvassing for AAP candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu in Panjwad, Thathi Sohal, and Jhabal Kalan ahead of the November 11 bypoll in the Tarn Taran assembly seat, which was vacated following the death of AAP MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal in June. Targeting both Congress and the Akali Dal, Mann said, "They sold Punjab's assets, but we are reclaiming its pride." He further criticised SAD leaders Sukhbir Badal and Bikram Majithia, as well as Congress leaders Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Partap Singh Bajwa, saying they had no moral authority to speak about Punjab's welfare. Highlighting his government's achievements, Mann emphasised that AAP has provided .

Pak's ISI-backed drones sent for smuggling sense jamming, scoot back

A Punjab police officer said that after sensing a disruption in the signal between the drone and its base station, the drones are programmed to return to the point where they took off

Awareness and crop residue management key to curb stubble burning: CM Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday said his government is holding awareness camps for farmers and also giving them crop resident management (CRM) machinery to check stubble burning incidents in the state. Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is often blamed for the rise in air pollution in Delhi after harvesting of the paddy crop in October and November. As the window for the Rabi crop -- wheat -- is very short after paddy harvest, some farmers set their fields on fire to quickly clear off the crop residue for sowing of the next crop. Replying to a question on stubble burning, Mann said his government will make efforts to check farm fires in the state. Invoking teachings of Guru Nanak Dev, whose timeless verse 'Pawan Guru, Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat', Mann said the government is making farmers aware against the crop residue burning incidents. Motivational camps are being held and CRM machinery will be given to them, he said while speaking to reporters here. Replying

CM Bhagwant Mann launches 'mission Chardi Kala' to rebuild flood-hit Punjab

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday announced the launch of 'mission Chardi Kala', appealing to people across the country for assistance in restoring Punjab, which has suffered extensive damage due to devastating floods. In a video message, Mann highlighted the significant destruction caused by the recent floods, described as the worst since 1988. Sharing details to highlight the scale of devastation, Mann said, "approximately 2,300 villages were flooded, around 7 lakh people became homeless, and 20 lakh people were impacted." According to Mann, the floods resulted in damage to 3,200 schools, the loss of 56 lives, and the destruction of about 8,500 kilometres of roads and 2,500 bridges. Additionally, 1,400 clinics, government buildings, and 19 colleges were also severely damaged. The initial estimates indicate the flood caused damage amounting to Rs 13,800 crore. "After floodwaters recede and 'girdawari' (loss assessment), the loss could be more," he said. Mann emphasi

SDRF row: Punjab BJP chief accuses CM Mann of misusing disaster relief fund

Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar on Saturday accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of "misleading" people over the issue of funds meant for disaster relief and cited a CAG report, claiming that funds under the SDRF are "lying unused." Jakhar demanded that the chief minister apologise to the people of Punjab and also ensure proper utilisation of the disaster relief funds. "According to the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) report, it is clearly stated that as of March 31, 2023, Punjab had Rs 9,041.74 crore in SDRF funds, and the state government violated central government rules by not investing these funds appropriately," Jakhar said on X. "Funds from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) are lying unused with the Bhagwant Mann government," he said. The Punjab BJP chief claimed that funds for the years 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 have also been received by the state, bringing the total amount to Rs 12,000 crore. "Mann Sahib, your Chief Secretary, in your presence, subtly ...

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann hospitalised at Fortis Hospital in Mohali

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was hospitalised on Friday evening after his health condition did not improve, party sources said. Mann (51) was suffering from viral fever and some digestion-related issues for the past two days. He was taken to Fortis Hospital in Mohali after his condition did not improve by evening. A team of doctors is examining him at the hospital. Following news of his illness, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal visited Mann on Thursday to check on his health at his official residence. Kejriwal arrived in Punjab on Wednesday evening to assess the flood situation and was originally scheduled to visit the affected areas alongside the chief minister. However, in Mann's absence, Kejriwal proceeded to visit the flood-hit areas in Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala district. A year ago, too, Mann, who was diagnosed with a bacterial infection, had been admitted to Fortis Mohali for a few days. Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the meeting of the Pu

PM Modi speaks to Punjab CM Mann over heavy rains and flood crisis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann immediately after returning to Delhi from China to enquire about the flood situation in the state and assured him of every support needed. "Immediately after landing in Delhi, Prime Minister Modi called up Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to discuss the situation due to heavy rains and flooding in Punjab. He has assured him of all help and support to the state." The devastating floods in Punjab have so far claimed 29 lives, the maximum in Pathankot district, besides impacting the lives of more than 2.56 lakh people, state officials said on Monday. Twelve of the 23 districts in the state have been hit in a one-month period starting August 1, in what the state government has described as one of the worst flood disasters to hit Punjab in decades, an official bulletin said.

Centre 'conspiring' to stop free ration of 5.5 mn people in Punjab: CM Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday charged the BJP-led Centre with "hatching a conspiracy" to stop free ration to 55 lakh people in the state, and asserted that he would not let people's rights be "snatched". In a written message addressed to the people of Punjab, he alleged that the Central government has issued an order that the free ration to 55 lakh people in the state will be stopped. This is the second time within a week that Mann accused the Centre of stopping the ration of people under the National Food Security Act. However, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi has already rejected Mann's allegations, accusing the Punjab government of trying to "spread lies". On Monday, Mann alleged the BJP government at the Centre has decided to stop free ration for 55 lakh people. "Your name is also on that list. Till now, 1.53 crore people were getting ration in Punjab, but the BJP government has decided to end this facility for 55 lakh people," Mann ...

Punjab forms 24 advisory panels to boost industry, attract investment

The Punjab government on Friday announced the setting up of sector-wise advisory panels which will work towards preparing a roadmap to make the state a hub of industries and commerce. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal launched 24 industrial advisory committees at an event here. Addressing a gathering, Kejriwal said that industry leaders will work with the AAP-led state government to shape sector-specific policies to drive growth, job creation and ease of doing business in Punjab. Kejriwal, former chief minister of Delhi, alleged that before AAP came to power in Punjab, the era was dominated by extortion, where industrialists were coerced by political leaders to give up stakes in their businesses. As a result, industries fled the state, and Punjab was pushed into a crisis, particularly with the drug menace, Kejriwal alleged further. Highlighting the progress made since 2022, Kejriwal said the government under Bhagwant Mann has

Land pooling policy: Punjab govt's urbanisation push faces rural resistance

The policy aims to kick-start a new wave of urbanisation in the predominantly rural state

World's oldest marathoner Fauja Singh cremated with state honours in Beas

World's oldest marathoner Fauja Singh, known by the nickname 'Turbaned Tornado', was cremated on Sunday with full state honours here in Beas, his native village. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and Minister Mohinder Bhagat attended the funeral. Fauja Singh's son Harvinder Singh lit the funeral pyre. Fauja Singh was 114 when he was hit by a SUV being driven by Canada-based Amritpal Singh Dhillon on July 14. He was crossing the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway when the incident occurred. Governor Kataria recalled how Fauja Singh walked with him during a Nasha Mukt yatra an anti-drug campaign last year. He said that after walking for 1 km, he asked him to stop but to his surprise, Fauja Singh insisted that they walk. Mourners started thronging Fauja Singh's house in Beas early in the day. His body was kept in a glass casket with his photograph beside it to allow the people to take a last look at the running legend. Later, his body was carried in a

Anti-sacrilege bill will deter future desecration of scriptures: Punjab CM

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said the Anti-sacrilege Bill will ensure that no such heinous crime takes place in the future by making provision of the sternest punishment against culprits. Mann stated this while participating in a debate on the 'Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture(s) Bill 2025' on the concluding day of the Special Session of the Punjab Assembly here. The House on Tuesday decided to refer the Bill, which was introduced on Monday, to a Select Committee of the Assembly for seeking views of all stakeholders. Mann said the Guru Granth Sahib is the living Guru, who is highly revered by one and all across the globe. He said the 'Guru Granth Sahib' is a lighthouse of peace and tranquility for the entire mankind, and the Punjab government is "fully alive" to the deep emotional hurt caused by the incidents of sacrilege against the holy 'granths' in the past. He said it is unfortunate that some forces had even gone to an extent of committing

Mann's remark on PM's visits insults constitutional dignity: Haryana CM

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has criticised his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann for his recent remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign visits. Terming them "inappropriate" and an affront to democratic values and dignity of constitutional positions, Saini asked Mann to seek an apology from the nation. The Punjab chief minister had on Thursday criticised Modi for celebrating an honour from a foreign country with just 10,000 population while neglecting the pressing issues of his own nation with 140 crore people. Mann has faced flak from several BJP leaders for the comment. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also expressed strong disapproval, calling the remarks "irresponsible". Without naming Mann, the MEA said that the Government of India "disassociates" itself from the "unwarranted" comments made by a "high state authority" that undermined India's ties with friendly countries. However, Mann raked up the issue again on Friday, this time in the state .

Punjab CM takes dig at PM Modi's foreign visits; MEA calls it 'irresponsible'

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has taken a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his foreign visits, saying he finds time to tour abroad but "fails" to address the concerns of 140 crore Indian

Punjab, Haryana agree on solution talks over Sutlej-Yamuna canal: CR Paatil

Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil on Thursday said the government is committed to assisting both Punjab and Haryana in finding a balanced solution to the Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal dispute, noting that both parties have agreed to move forward with a solution-oriented approach. The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti had convened a meeting here on Wednesday to discuss the long pending inter-state water dispute. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his Haryana counterpart Nayab Singh Saini besides senior officials from both states, and representatives from the Centre attended the meeting. Paatil, who chaired the discussions, said the Ministry is providing all possible cooperation to both states for the equitable and coordinated management of water resources. "In Delhi, a significant meeting was held regarding issues related to the Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal. The Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, is committed to assisting both states in finding a balanced solution. In the meetin

Punjab govt to introduce anti-sacrilege law in special Assembly session

Bhagwant Mann government will introduce strict anti-sacrilege law in special Assembly session on July 10-11, calling it a historic move to fulfil long-pending demand of Punjab's people

BJP slams Bhagwant Mann's 'one nation, one husband' remark on Op Sindoor

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann calls the BJP's door-to-door sindoor campaign 'one nation, one husband' scheme; BJP slams remarks as vulgar and disrespectful