Another Pak-Backed Terror Plot Foiled in Amritsar; One Held With IED and Pistol: DGP Gaurav Yadav

Chandigarh/Amritsar, Feb 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

In an intelligence-led operation amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) Amritsar has busted yet another Pakistan-backed terror module and foiled major terror plot with the arrest of one accused person and recovered one Improvised Explosive Device (IED) packed in metallic case with remote control and a foreign made Pistol along with ammunition from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here Wednesday.

The arrested accused has been identified as Shubham Kumar alias Shubham Srivastav, a resident of village Sarosa in Sitapur, Uttar Pardesh.

The development came a day after Punjab Police has busted Pakistan’s ISI-backed terror module with the arrest of its operative, identified as Rahul Kumar alias Gaju of Amritsar, and recovered one RDX-based Improvised Explosive Device (IED) from his possession.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary probe has indicated that the arrested accused was in contact with a Pak-based handler through encrypted platforms. The terror consignment has been pushed from across the border and retrieved from a designated location on the city outskirts, he said.

“The IED was intended for targeted attacks in multiple states including Punjab and Delhi,” said the DGP, while adding that further investigation is underway to dismantle the entire terror network.

Sharing operational details, AIG SSOC Amritsar Sukhminder Singh Mann said that police teams had received a specific information that a consignment comprising IED and weapons had pushed from Pakistan through Drone by Pak operatives, which has been retrieved by their Indian associates to carry out blasts and terrorist activities in Punjab, Delhi and various parts of the country.

Acting swiftly, an operation was launched and special police teams were constituted leading to the arrest of suspect Shubham Kumar alias Shubham Srivastav, and recovery of an IED and one Pistol from the abandoned area near by Dargarh situated on Amritsar Jalandhar GT Road.

The AIG said that probe has revealed that the arrested accused is highly radicalised and came from Uttar Pradesh to Amritsar after his handler promised lucrative amount. Accused retrieved the consignment comprising IED and weapon from a designated location on the outskirts of the city on the instructions of his handler, he said, while adding that further investigation is ongoing.

In this regard, a case FIR No. 09 dated 10.02.2026 has been registered under section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), sections 18 and 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act and section 25(1)(d) of Indian Arms Act at PS SSOC Amritsar.

Union Budget Didn’t Provide Anything to Accelerate Punjab’s Economy: Harsimrat Badal

Chandigarh, February 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal today called out the systematic exclusion of Punjab in the last ten union budgets, even as she asserted Budget 2026-27 did not provide any measure to accelerate the State’s economy or address any of its challenges be agriculture and farmer distress or funds for flood relief, youth employment and industry rejuvenation.

Speaking on the budget in parliament, the Bathinda MP said even though Punjab had contributed water, land, labour and youth to India yet it faced economic decline, farmer distress, flood devastation and youth and drug crisis.

She demanded release of flood compensation to farmers, making MSP a legal guarantee, encouraging the industrial sector by establishing an industrial corridor with special focus on leather, sports and textile industry, giving the State a package to revive its economy, creation of a drug rehabilitation fund and creating a tourism circuit.

Asserting that the slogan “Sabka Vikas” remained an empty slogan as far as Punjab was concerned, Mrs Harsimrat Badal said even though Punjab’s growth was declining rapidly and its share in the national GSDP and even its debt to GDP ratio had declined drastically, no targeted support was given to the State.

Speaking about the agriculture sector in Punjab, Mrs Badal said the sector was facing an unprecedented crisis due to debt and suicides. She said the promise of making MSP a legal guarantee had not been implemented even as the fertilizer subsidy had been reduced and the trade deal with the United States was also expected to affect farmers adversely.

She also highlighted how farmers were suffering due to the central government’s statement that it had given Rs 12,500 crore to the State which should be used to compensate farmers even as the Aam Aadmi Party government asserted it had no such money in its account. “Central ministers engaged in flood tourism with repetitive tours to Punjab in 2025 but released nothing to the farmers”.

Asserting that the purported Reforms Express of the central government had not reached Punjab, Mrs Badal said the State was contributing Rs 2000 crore to the central pool but getting virtually nothing in return. She said the Attari border with Pakistan had been closed crippling trade even as the Gujarat sea routes were open.

She said similarly cricket matches had been started with Pakistan but the Kartarpur Corridor remained closed. She also highlighted how industry was migrating from Punjab as no incentive was being given to it in comparison to neighbouring States. She also mentioned that the sheller industry in Punjab was suffering due to delay in milling and transfer of food grains from Punjab and how shopkeepers were being harassed due to GST rules.

Mrs Badal also highlighted the damage narco terrorism was doing to Punjab. She said Punjab was suffering with most drug overdose deaths occurring in the country. “An average of 24 drones coming in from Pakistan with a huge quantity of drugs are seized every month but no funds have been released to Punjab under the Central Narcotics Assistance Scheme”.

The SAD leader also spoke on how nothing was given to Punjab to strengthen its health and education sectors even as the marginalized had been ignored on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Ravidas ji.

Progressive Punjab Investment Summit to Create Massive Job Opportunities for Youth Through Major Investment Push: CM Mann

Chandigarh, Feb 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the arrangements for the Progressive Punjab Investment Summit to be held from March 13-15 in Mohali, envisioning it as a decisive step towards accelerating industrial growth in the state.

Addressing the meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Progressive Punjab Investment Summit slated to be held on March 13-15 in Mohali will act as a catalyst to further give a major push to the industrial development in the state, which has already emerged as a favorite investment destination across the globe.”

He added, “This historic summit will offer a healthy platform to transform the destiny of the state by giving a major push to industrial development.”

Emphasising the need for collective deliberation, theChief Minister stated, “A consensus will be evolved to further chalk out a pro-industry action plan for the overall industrial development in the state after marathon discussions with international industrial giants.” Highly appreciating the leadership qualities and entrepreneurial skills of Punjabis, he remarked, “Punjabis can do wonders anywhere in the world with their grit and stamina.”

Highlighting the theme of the summit, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The summit will be held on the theme of ‘Punjab Means Business – Policy to Practice.’”

He informed that the state government has already organised roadshows at Gurugram, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai and in foreign countries like Japan, South Korea and others. He further stated, “The key sessions during the summit will include Inaugural, Valedictory, Country Sessions, Plenary, Sectoral Sessions and others.”

Terming the event a major opportunity for investors, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The investors’ summit will be a platform to showcase the investment opportunities in the state offering maximum incentives across the nation.”

He added, “The Punjab Government has received a huge response not only from industrial giants in India but also from across the globe to participate in this mega event.” Reiterating his commitment, he said, “The state’s mainstay agriculture has already reached a plateau and massive industrialization is the only solution for the rejuvenation of the stagnated economy.”

The Chief Minister further said, “The state government has taken path breaking initiatives to emerge Punjab as the most preferred investment destination not only in the country but across the globe,” and urged prospective entrepreneurs to invest in the state in a big way.

He added, “The state Government is committed to give a boost to the investment and industrial infrastructure in the state and with its earnest efforts, it has so far roped in investment proposals worth Rs 1.50 lakh crore which will create 5.20 lakh job opportunities for the youth.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Leading companies like Tata Steel, Sanatan Textiles and others are making a beeline to invest in the state and to attract more, the state government is organizing this Progressive Punjab Investment Summit on March 13-15 at Mohali.”

Focusing on reforms, the Chief Minister said, “The Punjab Government has introduced Green stamp paper in the registration of sale deeds to ensure faster and smooth issuance of regulatory clearances to industry projects.”

He added, “Punjab is the only state which can rightly boast of its congenial industrial climate coupled with skilled manpower fully capable of catering to the needs of local industry.” Underscoring the importance of energy security, he said, “As power is the engine of growth, the state government has made all out efforts to make Punjab surplus in power.”

He further said, “Top industrial giants from across the country and globe are expected to attend this mega event in the state to firm up their investments.” Bhagwant Singh Mann reviewed the arrangements with senior officers to ensure that the historic summit is organized successfully. He added, “Apart from exhibition, seminars and technical sessions on various aspects of industry, a special focus on emerging technologies and strategies in industry will be laid.”

Earlier, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also released the logo of the summit. Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.

‘Gall Punjab Di’ Organizes Historic Event With Collective Voice of ‘Sarbat Da Bhala’

Chandigarh, 11 February, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

With prayers for Punjab’s prosperity, communal harmony, and collective well-being under the blessings of the Guru Sahib, a special event was organized today by the “Gall Punjab Di” Manch at Gurdwara Gur Sagar Sahib, Chandigarh. The program began with the recitation of Sukhmani Sahib, followed by an Ardas seeking progress for the entire Punjab and the welfare of all.

On this occasion, Chairperson Bibi Charan Kamal Kaur welcomed the guests and said that “Gall Punjab Di” is a platform that brings together individuals who understand Punjab’s pain and are committed to resolving it. She emphasized that the aim is not merely to list problems but to initiate solution-oriented dialogue by involving every section of society. She stressed that youth must reconnect with their Punjabi identity in order to find lasting solutions to Punjab’s challenges.

Addressing the gathering, Sikh thinker S. Ajay Pal Singh Brar stated that Punjab urgently needs strong and vigilant leadership to restore its prosperity.

He noted that preserving Punjab’s identity requires rising above narrow politics. Former President of the All India Sikh Students Federation and Senior Vice President of Shiromani Akali Dal (Punarsurjit), S. Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad, described the initiative as an idea-driven people’s movement and urged the youth to step forward and take responsibility for Punjab’s future.

BSP State General Secretary S. Jagjit Singh Chharbar remarked that Punjab has taught the world the value of shared brotherhood. Vaid Anu Bhardwaj highlighted the current issues facing Punjab and said that Punjabis must come together to find their own solutions.

National President of ERDC, Chetan Sahora, shared that through “Gall Punjab Di,” every Punjabi must engage in dialogue under the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to rebuild a prosperous Punjab. The campaign will move forward in three phases:

Awareness – encouraging Punjabis to reflect on Punjab’s pain and challenges.

Dialogue – fostering meaningful discussions among leaders.

Reconstruction – identifying practical solutions and developing Punjab’s own model of growth.

Key Highlights of the Event:

Felicitation Ceremony:
Under the leadership of Chairperson Charan Kamal Kaur, distinguished individuals from various fields who have made significant contributions to society were honored.

Collective Message:
Speakers emphasized public participation and shared thinking to address youth unemployment, drug abuse, and the agrarian crisis.

In conclusion, the organizers stated that this was not just an event but the first step of a larger statewide dialogue across Punjab.

On this occasion, former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Singh Sahib Prof. Manjit Singh Ji, and Sant Baba Pritpal Singh Ji honored Sant Anoop Singh of Una Sahib.

Among those present were Parmapal Singh (Akali Dal Punarsurjit), Arjan Singh Sergill, Devinder Singh Sodhi, Jaswinder Singh (Samajik Sangharsh Party), Jaswinder Singh Sidhu (EET Union Punjab), Harmanpreet Singh (Advocate, Mansa), Ali Shah Ji Peer Seeswan Wale, Harbhajan Singh (Education Scholar, Banga; SC/BC President Punjab), Shamsher Singh (Prabh Aasre Wale), Hardeep Singh Bath, Ramandeep Singh, and Jasbir Singh of Gurdwara Gur Sagar Sahib.

Others in attendance included Gurnam Singh, Jasbir Singh, Omkar Singh, Subhash Singh, Rameshpal Singh Sangli, journalist Rameshpal (Dera Bassi), SC/BC Mahapanchayat President Punjab, Prabhdayal Singh Rampur, Gagandeep, Rakesh Jain, Harmanpreet Singh, Anil Kumar, Rakesh Kumar, Gurmehak Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Sanjay, Pankaj Bhardwaj, Dr. Anil Kumar Angrish, Prof. Vishal Sharma, and Prof. Nidhi Gautam.

Anti-Drug Campaign a Joint Effort of People of Punjab to Free Youth from Drugs: Guv Kataria

Kataria leads anti-drug foot march in Fazilka

Fazilka, February 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Emphasising that the fight against drugs is a shared responsibility, the Governor of Punjab, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, on Wednesday said that the anti-drug campaign is a collective effort of all aimed at making Punjab’s youth drug-free and restoring the state’s vibrant identity as “Rangla Punjab.”

The Governor was addressing a gathering after leading a massive anti-drug foot march from Sanjeev Palace to Ghantaghar in Fazilka. He once again appealef to all political, social and religious organisations to actively participate in the people’s campaign against drugs.

Highlighting the government’s efforts, the Governor said that strict action is being taken against drug traffickers as part of a sustained campaign to make Punjab drug-free. He stressed that drugs harm not only individuals but also society at large and, ultimately, the nation, making collective action essential to eradicate the menace from its roots.

The foot march saw large participation from vice-chancellors of various universities, heads of schools and colleges, representatives of NGOs, social organisations and prominent citizens, all of whom pledged to work towards a drug-free Punjab. The local KGF organisation also extended support in making the rally a success.

Addressing the gathering at Ghantaghar, the Governor underlined the need to make educational institutions drug-free at the earliest, stating that the future of the state can be secured only by guiding the youth on the right path. He informed that the Punjab Government is implementing a phase-wise campaign against drugs, which requires the united efforts of educational institutions, religious bodies, social organisations, political parties, panchayats and the general public.

The Governor also warned that a neighbouring hostile country is attempting to weaken Punjab’s youth by supplying drugs through drones. He said the government has taken several stringent measures, including the deployment of anti-drone systems, to thwart such conspiracies.

Concluding his address, the Governor said that the fight against drugs can be won only through collective efforts and expressed confidence that the campaign would achieve success with the cooperation of all Punjabis. Earlier in the day, he visited the de-addiction centre at Jattwali and interacted with the inmates.

Among those present on the occasion were the Governor’s Principal Secretary V.P. Singh, Deputy Commissioner Amritpreet Kaur Sandhu, Director Census Operations Lalit Jain, Red Cross Secretary Shiv Dular Singh Dhillon, SSP Shri Gurmeet Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Dr. Mandeep Kaur, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Shri Subhash Chandra, along with officers and employees from various departments, representatives of NGOs, religious and social organisations, and a large number of school and college students.

Jasvir Singh Garhi Orders Punjab Police Officers to Further Expedite Training Process on SC, ST Act

Chandigarh, February 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Presiding over the 28th Full Commission Meeting of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission, the Chairman of the Commission, Jasvir Singh Garhi, directed the Punjab Police to further expedite the training process on SC/ST Act aiming reduction in number of complaints. Along with this, he also ordered the Social Justice Department to provide training to the Roster Register Committees on reservation issues and roster registers.

During the meeting, he directed the General Administration Department to appoint an ADC level officer as the nodal officer on the lines of Punjab Police for the disposal of cases registered under the SC/ST Act in every district so that the disposal of complaints could be expedited.

Chairman said that in today’s meeting, a report was taken from senior officers of police, local bodies, social justice and other departments regarding the status of cases registered under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act 1989.

Apart from this, a report was also taken on the establishment of a special helpline number as per the instructions given to the police department during the 27th meeting of the Commission, on the appointment of guards for the security of the Bhuriwale Gurgaddi (Garib Dasi tradition) sect’s Dham Shri Ram Moksh Dham, Khurda Tapprian (Nawanshahr) and Gaddi Nashin Acharya Shri Chetna Nand Ji Maharaj and the action taken on the Commission’s order to provide security to the members of the Commission. Apart from this, a review was also made on the security of the revered sants of Tapasthan Shri Khuralgarh Sahib and Charan Soh Ganga Shri Khuralgarh Sahib.

S. Garhi said that apart from this, the officials of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department were ordered to expedite the construction work of Ambedkar Bhawan in Barnala, Fazilka, Malerkotla, Pathankot, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar.

He said that Ambedkar Bhawan at Tarn Taran will be completed by March 2026. Information was also sought from the Director of Local Governments regarding the early disposal of pending cases regarding compassionate employment to the families of sanitation workers who died on duty in municipal councils, which was found commendable.

He said that the Social Empowerment Department has written a letter to the government to increase the capacity of 50 students at Ambedkar Institute Mohali to 100. He directed the department to complete the action regarding 59 fake Scheduled Caste certificates pending for investigation in a timely manner.

In today’s meeting, Member Secretary of the Commission Dr. Nayan Jassal, Members Rupinder Singh Sital, Gurpreet Singh Ittanwali, Gulzar Singh Bobby, Additional Director General of Police of Punjab Police Mr. Kostub Sharma, Director Local Government Mr. Kulwant Singh, Director Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Ms. Vimi Bhullar, besides AIG Surinderjit Kaur, Mr. Gautam Singhal, AIG Training Police Department and officers of many departments were present.

Jakhar Should Make the Deal with America Public Instead of Holding Daily Press Conferences: Baltej Pannu

Chandigarh, 11 February, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab’s Media In-charge Baltej Pannu, directly challenging Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar, said that if the deal with America is truly in the interest of farmers, then instead of holding daily press conferences, why doesn’t he ask the BJP high command to make the full details and copies of that agreement public?

Pannu said that Mr. Jakhar has been holding press conferences almost every day, describing the deal with America as beneficial for India and especially for farmers, but so far no official copy or details of the agreement have been made public.

Pannu raised the question that if Jakhar has complete information and copies of this agreement, then why doesn’t he ask the BJP high command to make the agreement public? He also asked who signed this deal, whether it was signed by the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, or some other minister? The people have every right to know about this.

The AAP leader said that whatever information has come out so far about this agreement has only been through tweets by American President Donald Trump, and Trump’s tweets themselves state that agriculture is included in this agreement. In such a situation, when no official details have been made public by the Government of India, on what basis is Mr. Jakhar assuring farmers?

Referring to the three farm laws, Pannu reminded Jakhar that when the central government had introduced the three farm laws, the Badal family, who were allies of the BJP at that time, supported those farm laws. But when they had to face public opposition, they took a U-turn.

Taking a dig at Jakhar, the AAP leader said that now make sure you do not take a U-turn as well. If you have complete information about this deal, then make it public so that people can know the truth.

Chandigarh Deserves Better Rail Connectivity: MP Manish Tewari in Parliament

New Delhi/Chandigarh, February 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari has vociferously raised one of the most crucial and pressing concerns in the Lok Sabha – the re-development and strengthening of rail connectivity for Chandigarh, the City Beautiful.

Prior to the commencement of LS proceedings, Tewari had met Union Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnav, urging him to examine the cost and time overruns in the re development of Chandigarh Railway Station and to enhance rail services by increasing train frequency, introducing additional stoppages and adding new trains from Chandigarh.

However, with no tangible outcome from his request, Tewari formally took up the matter in the Lok Sabha through Question No. 2021.

In his query, Tewari asked the Minister whether the Government is cognizant of the multiple representations he has submitted regarding improved train connectivity, including requests for superfast train stoppages at Chandigarh and Mohali on the Katra and Amritsar routes as well as enhanced connectivity to Rajasthan and if so, what the details are.

Tewari also sought details on whether any action has been initiated on these representations, including examining the feasibility of providing stoppages for Vande Bharat, Shatabdi, Sampark Kranti, Rajdhani and other superfast trains at Chandigarh and Mohali, emphasizing that a large number of students, professionals, lawyers and devotees rely on these routes.

Underscoring the need for direct connectivity to Khatushyam, Ajmer, Pushkar, Bikaner and other destinations, Tewari further asked what steps the Government has taken to provide direct connectivity to these stations.

Questioning whether the government proposes to address the public demand for the daily operation of Train No. 22451/22452 (Chandigarh–Bandra), Tewari said, “If anything concrete has been done in this regard, the Government should provide the necessary details and if nothing has been done, the Government must explain the reasons.”

Expressing deep dismay at the Government’s reply, Tewari said that although the Government, through its concerned minister, has provided a detailed reply but its disposition is not oriented towards the progress and re-development of Chandigarh.

“It is extremely unfortunate that genuine issues which matter greatly to Chandigarh are being overlooked by the Union Government,” rued Tewari, while urging both the Union Government and Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnav to address all the representations and concerns he has raised for the welfare of the people without any further delay.

Punjab Minister Khuddian Hands Over Appointment Letters to 13 Agriculture Sub-Inspectors

Chandigarh, February 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

In a significant move to further strengthen the state’s agricultural infrastructure and grassroots extension services, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian today handed over appointment letters to 13 newly appointed Agriculture Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) at his office here.

Congratulating the newly appointed ASIs, Gurmeet Singh Khudian exhorted them to serve farmers with sincerity and utmost honesty and called them a vital link between Govt’s progressive policies and Punjab’s fields. “Your conduct will directly impact agriculture prosperity. You are accepting a responsibility towards the ‘Annadata’ of our nation. Your conduct and dedication will directly impact the prosperity of our agriculture sector,” he stated.

Elaborating on the government’s sustained focus on building human resources in agriculture department, S. Khudian said that since the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government assumed power, the department has recruited 133 Agriculture Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) and 200 Agriculture Development Officers (ADOs). These recruitments are injecting fresh energy and enhancing our capacity to serve farmers effectively.”

He said that CM Mann led Punjab Government has provided 63,943 government jobs to youth in various government departments. This bulk recruitment filled long-standing vacancies, besides, ensuring efficient and transparent services to people of Punjab.

Secretary Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Arshdeep Thind, Director Agriculture Gurjit Singh Brar and other senior officials of the department were also present on the occasion.

Repair and Upgradation of About 40,103km Link Roads Across Punjab in Progress: Khuddian

SAS Nagar, February 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Punjab Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian said that, in line with its commitment to the people of Punjab, the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government has been upgrading and renovating about 40103 km of link roads across the state, with work progressing at a fast pace to provide better connectivity and infrastructure.

Laying the foundation stone of the Durali-Manauli and Dairri-Chaomajra link road at Durali village near Mohali, in the presence of MLA Mohali Kulwant Singh, the Minister said that out of the total 40103 km, the Punjab Mandi Board has undertaken the repair and upgradation of 22,074 km of roads across the state, which will be completed soon while rest of the roads are being done by the PWD.

He informed that the 3.66-km-long road will be upgraded at a cost of Rs 188.15 lakh and will also serve as a new link to the Sector-82 PR-7 road. The road will be widened from the existing 10 feet to 18 feet.

The Minister said that the aspirations of the people of Punjab, envisioned before the formation of the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government, are being realised through people-centric policies and development initiatives. He added that the recently launched Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana will provide cashless treatment coverage up to Rs 10 lakh in empanelled government and private hospitals across Punjab.

He further stated that free electricity up to 600 units every two months has provided major relief to residents, with about 86 percent of consumers receiving zero electricity bills. Similarly, nearly 64,000 government jobs have been provided on merit to deserving candidates in the state.

Highlighting reforms in the education and health sectors, he said these initiatives have reduced the financial burden of high school fees, treatment costs and laboratory test charges on residents. He reiterated that the state government is continuously working for the welfare and progress of Punjab and its people, and expressed confidence that Punjab will soon emerge as a leading state in the country.

The Minister also assured villagers that their local demands raised during the event would be duly considered and addressed.

MLA S. Kulwant Singh expressed gratitude to Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian for approving the repair of 60 link roads in the Mohali Assembly segment. He said the newly initiated road project would serve as an alternative route to the Mohali-Chandigarh road. He also appreciated the provision of a five-year maintenance guarantee after completion of the project.

The MLA assured residents of holistic development on the pattern of sector-level infrastructure and promised the establishment of a community centre for social gatherings, besides addressing irrigation water requirements in the area.

Apart from officials of the Punjab Mandi Board, those present included Sarpanch Malkit Singh (Durali), Surinder Singh (PA to Gurmeet Singh Khuddian), Avtar Singh Mauli, Karamjit Singh Chilla, Sarpanch Kulvir Singh (Manauli), Dalip Singh Master, Sarpanch Randhir Singh (Chao Majra), Kuldeep Singh Samana, Tarlochan Singh, Gobinder Mittal (Chairman, Market Committee), Akbinder Singh Gosal (Chairman, Trade Wing, Mohali Constituency), Harvinder Singh Rinku (Sarpanch, Raipur Khurd), Gurjant Singh (Sarpanch, Gudana), Balkar Singh (Sarpanch, Sukhgarh), Gurdes Singh (Sarpanch, Saneta), Nirmail Singh (Saneta), Dr. Kuldeep Singh, Lali (Durali) and Jaspal Singh (Matour).

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