Farmers' Leaders Demand Restart of Cooperative Sugar Mills to Control Prices Farmers' leaders have urged the government to restart cooperative sugar mills to curb rising prices of essential commodities, highlighting the growing financial strain on ordinary citizens. The demand was made during the 92nd day of the "Sheron Sugar Mill Front" campaign, organized by the United Farmers' Front. The leaders, including Manjeet Singh Baghu, Nuchhatr Singh Pannu, Indarjit Singh Marhawan, Gurpreet Singh Gandiwinda, Harjinder Singh Tanda, and Ajay Singh Dinpur, stated that prices of daily necessities such as sugar, edible oil, pulses, and wheat have been steadily increasing, adversely affecting household budgets. They warned that the festive season is approaching, which is likely to further boost demand for sugar, exacerbating price hikes. The farmers' leaders accused the central government, led by the BJP, of providing excessive tax breaks to corporate entities while failing to support the common people. They criticized the Punjab government for not taking adequate measures to ensure essential goods are made available at fair prices. The leaders argued that if cooperative sugar mills were operational, the government would have sufficient sugar stock to prevent such price surges. The farmers' union called for the immediate revival of all cooperative sugar mills in Punjab, including the Sheron Sugar Mill, to stabilize prices and benefit farmers. They also demanded that the government distribute essential items like agricultural inputs and medicines through public depots at affordable rates. The leaders issued a warning that if the government ignores the plight of the people, farmers, laborers, and other workers may resort to widespread protests.#central_government #punjab_government #farmers_leaders #united_farmers_front #sheronsugar_mill_front

Punjab Government Issues New Orders on DA Arrears Payment The Punjab government has issued new directives to address the outstanding Dearness Allowance (DA) payments for government employees, following court orders. These measures aim to resolve long-standing financial disputes between the state administration and its workforce. The orders, announced by the Department of Finance, mandate strict compliance with judicial rulings and require all administrative departments, boards, and corporations to settle pending cases related to DA arrears. The initiative was prompted by a recent decision from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which directed the government to clear outstanding DA payments. The court’s ruling emphasized the urgency of resolving these financial grievances, which have been a source of tension between employees and authorities. Under the new guidelines, all departments must now adhere to the court’s directives, ensuring that arrears are settled in accordance with legal mandates. A critical aspect of the orders is the requirement for prior approval from the Department of Finance before any action is taken. The government clarified that no payments or resolutions can proceed without the finance ministry’s endorsement. This step is intended to ensure fiscal responsibility and prevent unauthorized expenditures. If previous directives on DA arrears were not issued, each case will now require explicit approval from the finance department, adding a layer of oversight to the process. The government has also emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in implementing these measures. Officials stated that the new framework aims to streamline the resolution of financial disputes while maintaining adherence to legal and financial protocols.#punjab_government #punjab_and_haryana_high_court #government_employees #department_of_finance #da_arrears

Nabha Jail Orders Punjab Police to Locate Former DSP in Khaira Murder Case Nabha Open Agriculture Jail authorities have directed the Hoshiarpur police to trace the whereabouts of former Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Jaspal Singh, who is currently on bail in the Khaira murder case. The directive comes amid renewed scrutiny of the case, which involves the 1995 killing of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khaldara. The jail administration has emphasized the urgency of locating the accused, who was granted bail in May 2023 under a private bond of ₹1 lakh. Jaspal Singh, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in the Khaira case, was released on bail in May 2023 after the Punjab government submitted a mercy petition to the state governor. The petition, which was pending for over three months, was processed under a High Court ruling (COCP No. 2020/2022) that allows temporary release if the governor fails to respond within three months. The jail authorities have now instructed the Hoshiarpur police to track him down, citing concerns over his potential flight risk. The Khaira murder case, which remains a sensitive chapter in Punjab’s history, saw Jaswant Singh Khaldara, a prominent human rights advocate, killed in 1995. The case was initially tried by the CBI court in Patiala, which sentenced Jaspal Singh and three other police officers to life imprisonment in 2005. However, the High Court later reduced the sentences of four officers to seven years but upheld the life imprisonment for Jaspal Singh. Despite the conviction, the former DSP was repeatedly granted temporary release, including during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. The current legal battle over his bail stems from a government petition submitted in September 2022, which sought the governor’s approval for mercy.#punjab_government #nabha_open_agriculture_jail #hoshiarpur_police #jaspal_singh #jaswant_singh_khaldara

Vedanta Power Q1 Sales Surge 38% to 5,225 Million Units Amid Enhanced Generation Vedanta Power reported a substantial 38 percent increase in power sales for the June quarter, reaching 5,225 million units (MU), driven by improved generation across its core assets and a significant contribution from Meenakshi Energy. This growth marks a notable turnaround compared to the same period last year, when sales stood at 3,784 MU. The company’s performance was highlighted by a 245 percent year-on-year rise in power sales from Meenakshi Energy, which reached 1,350 MU during the quarter. This surge was attributed to the asset operating at full installed capacity of 1,000 MW, underscoring its role as a key growth driver for Vedanta Power. The Talwandi Sabo Thermal Plant also contributed to the overall sales growth, recording 2,723 MU during the quarter. While this figure remained broadly in line with the year-ago period, the plant’s Plant Availability Factor (PAF) reached 86 percent, surpassing the 80 percent normative level outlined in its power purchase agreement with the Punjab government. This performance highlights the plant’s operational efficiency and its ability to meet contractual obligations despite market fluctuations. Vedanta Power’s expansion plans extend beyond its current thermal capacity. The company has outlined a long-term strategy to scale its capacity to 20 gigawatts (GW), positioning itself as a leading private-sector player in India’s power sector. This ambition is part of a broader diversification initiative that includes exploring opportunities in hydroelectric, battery storage, and nuclear energy.#punjab_government #vedanta_power #meenakshi_energy #talwandi_sabo_thermal_plant #vedanta_resources_ltd

Punjab Government Extends Summer Holidays to June 30 Amid Extreme Heat Conditions The Punjab government has announced the extension of summer holidays for all government and private schools in the state until June 30, citing persistent extreme heat conditions. This decision comes as temperatures remain high, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of students. The School Education Department issued directives to ensure that schools remain closed through June 30, emphasizing the need to prioritize student health and safety during the sweltering weather. The extension follows warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) about a potential resurgence of heatwaves in June. Despite a slight drop in temperatures in some districts recently, the IMD cautioned that conditions could worsen, prompting the state government to take preventive measures. Officials stated that the prolonged heat poses risks to students’ health, making it impractical to resume classes before June 30. This decision contrasts with neighboring states, where schools have already begun reopening. For instance, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry plan to restart classes on June 4, while Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will resume on June 12. However, Punjab’s authorities have opted to keep schools closed longer to mitigate the impact of extreme weather. The state government has also instructed all educational institutions to strictly adhere to the extended holiday schedule, ensuring that students are not exposed to hazardous conditions. The move has been framed as a proactive step to safeguard students’ health, with officials highlighting the importance of prioritizing their safety over academic schedules.#india_meteorological_department #punjab_government #tamil_nadu #puducherry #school_education_department

Raghav Chadha's Z+ Security Withdrawn By Punjab Amid Row With AAP The Punjab government has revoked the Z+ security provided to Raghav Chadha, a former deputy leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), following escalating tensions between the party and the former politician. The decision comes after Chadha was removed from his position as a deputy leader in the state assembly, a move that has intensified his public dissent against the AAP. Chadha, who was previously a senior aide to AAP leader and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, was stripped of his role in the party earlier this year. The move reportedly followed a series of disputes over policy decisions and internal power struggles within the AAP. Since then, Chadha has become a vocal critic of the party, using social media platforms to voice his grievances. His posts have gained significant traction, with many of his followers supporting his calls for greater political independence. The Punjab government’s decision to withdraw Chadha’s Z+ security—reserved for high-profile individuals facing security threats—has been interpreted as a direct response to his public clashes with the AAP. Officials have cited the need to "maintain law and order" as the rationale for the revocation, though critics argue it reflects the AAP’s attempt to marginalize Chadha after his departure from the party. Chadha’s removal from the AAP has also sparked speculation about his future political affiliations. While some reports suggest he may join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), others indicate he might form his own political party. A recent social media post by a supporter hinted at the possibility of Chadha launching a new party, arguing that aligning with existing factions could dilute his influence.#punjab_government #bharatiya_janata_party #aam_aadmi_party #raghav_chadha #bhagwant_mann
Bhagwant Mann Government Announces Recruitment of 672 Staff Nurses to Strengthen Public Healthcare System The Punjab government has announced the recruitment of 672 staff nurses to bolster the state’s public healthcare infrastructure. The online application portal for these positions will remain open from March 13 to April 2, 2026, allowing candidates to apply through the university’s official website under the Department of Health and Family Welfare. This initiative adds to the previously sanctioned 406 Staff Nurse posts, of which 275 appointment orders have already been issued. The newly appointed nurses will be deployed across Sub Divisional Hospitals and District Hospitals throughout Punjab. The recruitment effort underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services. In January 2026, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann personally handed over appointment letters to 282 newly recruited nurses, highlighting the administration’s focus on efficient governance and timely staffing in the public health sector. This action reflects a broader strategy to address staffing shortages and improve patient care in government-run medical facilities. The move is part of a larger plan to strengthen the state’s healthcare system, ensuring that hospitals and clinics have adequate medical personnel to meet the needs of the population. By expanding the nursing workforce, the government aims to reduce the burden on existing staff and improve the quality of care provided to patients. The deployment of these nurses is expected to enhance operational efficiency and support the delivery of essential health services, particularly in underserved regions.#punjab_government #sub_divisional_hospitals #district_hospitals #bhagwant_singh_mann #department_of_health_and_family_welfare
Punjab to recruit 672 nurses, applications can be submitted on Baba Farid university portal The Punjab Government has announced plans to recruit 672 additional nurses to bolster the public healthcare system and improve service delivery across government health institutions. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply through the official online portal of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot. The application process will be open from March 13 to April 2, allowing candidates to submit their applications under the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab. Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh highlighted that this recruitment is separate from the earlier sanctioned 406 posts of staff nurse. He noted that 275 appointment orders have already been issued, with the newly appointed nurses deployed at various Sub Divisional Hospitals and District Hospitals across the state. The minister emphasized that the addition of 672 nurses will strengthen the nursing workforce, particularly at primary and secondary healthcare levels, and is expected to enhance patient care while reducing the workload in government hospitals. The Punjab Government has also made significant strides in expanding its medical workforce. Over the past few years, more than 1,500 doctors have been appointed, including 600 specialists and 948 general doctors. These appointments account for nearly 35% of the total doctors currently serving in Punjab, significantly strengthening medical services across the state. In addition to expanding the healthcare workforce, the government has focused on improving secondary healthcare facilities and expanding the network of Aam Aadmi Clinics to bring quality primary healthcare services closer to communities.#punjab_government #baba_farid_university_of_health_sciences #dr_balbir_singh #sub_divisional_hospitals #district_hospitals

Punjab Police Constable Salary 2026: Check In-Hand Salary, Allowances, and Career Growth The Punjab Police Constable post offers a secure government career with a stable income and long-term benefits. The salary structure for 2026 is determined by the Punjab Government’s pay scale, which includes a fixed basic salary of Rs. 19,900 per month. Candidates also receive additional allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Uniform Allowance, and Conveyance Allowance. These components collectively form a gross monthly salary of approximately Rs. 31,000, though the in-hand salary after deductions like Provident Fund, Income Tax, and medical contributions is around Rs. 26,000. The salary package includes several government-provided benefits, such as medical facilities, leave entitlements, pension plans, and training opportunities. New recruits must complete a 3-year probation period during which their basic salary remains at Rs. 19,900. After successful completion of probation, they become eligible for regular allowances, increments, and other benefits as per government rules. The annual salary for a Punjab Police Constable is approximately Rs. 3.5 lakh, with the pay structure broken down into specific components. DA is calculated at 17% of the basic pay (Rs. 3,383), while HRA is set at 24% (Rs. 5,400). Conveyance Allowance is also part of the package. These allowances significantly enhance the overall earnings, making the role financially rewarding. A detailed salary slip provides clarity on monthly earnings, including allowances, deductions, and net salary. This document is essential for financial planning, loan applications, and official records. It outlines all income and expenses, ensuring transparency in the compensation structure.#punjab_police #punjab_government #punjab_constable #salary_structure #probation_period
