The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab on Sunday said the Opposition is running a deliberate campaign to mislead people on the ₹10 lakh health insurance scheme, using isolated incidents from non-empanelled hospitals to falsely project failure while ignoring the scheme’s proven impact. Citing that over 1.72 lakh patients have already received treatment worth ₹292 crore, the party asserted that the attempt to distort facts reflects either a lack of basic understanding of how such schemes function or a calculated effort to create confusion among beneficiaries and weaken a major public welfare initiative.

Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh addressed the issue directly, responding to claims made by Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa, who had shared a video of a patient from Amritsar. “The hospital shown in the video, Shoor Hospital, is not empanelled under the Chief Minister’s health scheme. More than 600 private hospitals are empanelled under the scheme, and treatment benefits are available only in these registered institutions. It is highly irresponsible for a Leader of the Opposition to share such content without verifying facts. This not only misleads the public but also creates unnecessary panic among beneficiaries,” Dr. Balbir Singh stated.

He further clarified the framework of such schemes, noting that empanelment remains voluntary. “Hospital empanelment under schemes like Ayushman Bharat Yojana is voluntary, and no hospital can be forced to join. Therefore, presenting isolated incidents from non-empanelled hospitals as failures of the scheme is factually incorrect and misleading,” Dr. Balbir Singh added.

Highlighting the scale and impact of the initiative, the Health Minister underlined the tangible benefits already delivered to the people of Punjab. “Over 1.72 lakh patients have already received treatment worth ₹292 crore, including critical procedures such as heart surgeries, brain operations, joint replacements, and emergency accident care. These figures clearly show the effectiveness and reach of the scheme. Attempts to malign it are condemnable,” Dr. Balbir Singh said.

Calling out what he described as a deliberate attempt to spread confusion, the Health Minister demanded accountability. “Partap Singh Bajwa must issue a public apology to the people of Punjab for spreading misinformation and attempting to create confusion around a pro-people initiative,” Dr. Balbir Singh asserted.

AAP Punjab Chief Spokesperson and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal also responded, questioning opposition leaders’ understanding of governance, including Sukhbir Singh Badal, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, and Raja Warring. “Leaders like Bajwa and Badal, despite holding high positions for years, have failed to understand even the basic functioning of government schemes. It is shocking that those who have been Deputy Chief Minister, Union Minister, MPs, and senior leaders still do not know that only empanelled hospitals provide treatment under such schemes. Their statements expose either their ignorance or their intent to mislead,” Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal stated.

He emphasised that only approved hospitals are authorised under the scheme and warned against the spread of misinformation. “Punjab has thousands of hospitals, but only those included in the government’s approved panel are authorized under the scheme. Instead of guiding people correctly, these leaders are confusing them and spreading false narratives. This is not just irresponsible but an attempt to undermine a scheme that is benefiting lakhs of poor families,” Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal added.

Questioning the intent behind such remarks, the AAP Punjab Chief Spokesperson said opposition leaders were prioritising political relevance over public interest. “Opposition leaders are making baseless statements merely to please their political bosses and remain relevant. Before commenting, they should at least check official government websites or verify facts. Their reckless statements have become a source of embarrassment,” Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal remarked.

He also appealed to citizens to rely only on verified information. “People of Punjab should not be misled by such propaganda and must rely only on verified information. The ₹10 lakh health insurance scheme is functioning effectively and continues to provide major relief to the common people,” Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal reiterated.

Faridkot has emerged as a leading example of the Bhagwant Mann Government’s intensified campaign against drug abuse, with the district recording a sharp 37% decline in overall crime and a 97% recovery rate in snatching cases, reflecting the impact of sustained action under the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ (war against drugs) and ‘Operation Prahar’.

The transformation in Faridkot is being driven by a combination of strict enforcement, technology-backed surveillance and deep community engagement, which together have broken the local drug networks and strengthened law and order on the ground. The Bhagwant Mann Government’s focused push to dismantle drug ecosystems is now yielding visible results at the district level.

Police officials highlighted that regular coordination meetings with Village Defence Committees (VDC), NGOs and social organisations have significantly strengthened grassroots intelligence. This has led to growing public participation, with residents actively sharing information about drug peddlers and anti-social elements, enabling quicker and more targeted police action.

Senior Superintendent of Police Pragya Jain, IPS, who is closely supervising the campaign, underlined the importance of direct citizen engagement, stating, “People have developed strong trust in the police because informers’ identities are kept completely confidential and action is taken promptly. Citizens across age groups are actively supporting the drive.” She noted that this trust has become a critical force multiplier in the district’s crackdown on drugs and crime.

Technology has played a crucial role in this transformation, with CCTV cameras installed at key locations across Faridkot, significantly enhancing surveillance and response capabilities. In Dhilwan Kalan village, a comprehensive CCTV network now covers link roads and nearby highways, with real-time access available to both village authorities and the police, ensuring constant monitoring of suspicious activity.

Local residents affirmed the impact of these measures on ground. Village sarpanch Rajwinder singh & Sukhjeet Singh Dhilwan
Coordinator Yudh Nashya vrdhu central Malwa Zone Punjab
said that CCTV monitoring has helped detect suspicious movement linked to drug trafficking, allowing timely police intervention and arrests before crimes could be committed.

Civil society representatives also acknowledged the shift, pointing to a visible rise in public confidence and a strong deterrent effect on offenders. Chairman of Sahara Service Society Praveen Kala stated that strict enforcement has dismantled a significant portion of the drug trafficking network in the district, while public cooperation with the police has increased substantially.

Officials further added that alongside enforcement, sustained outreach initiatives are being undertaken to build long-term resistance against drug abuse. These include awareness campaigns, coordination with local administration, and community-driven efforts such as environmental initiatives and sapling distribution.

With intensified policing, technology integration and strong citizen participation under the Bhagwant Mann Government’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign, Faridkot is setting a clear benchmark for district-level action, demonstrating how coordinated efforts can decisively weaken drug networks and restore public confidence in law enforcement.