Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said that the Punjab Government’s Schools of Eminence (SoE) are emerging as powerful catalysts that are transforming the destiny of students and giving wings to the dreams of Punjab’s youth. Interacting with students at the School of Eminence in Adampur, the Chief Minister described education as the only real instrument capable of eliminating poverty and deep-rooted social inequalities, asserting that the Punjab Government is building world-class institutions to ensure that talent from every corner of Punjab gets the opportunity to rise and succeed.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the Punjab Government has established Schools of Eminence to usher in a revolution in education across Punjab. “These hi-tech schools are equipped with ultra-modern facilities to ensure that our youth excel in every field of life,” he noted. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added that these state-of-the-art institutions are playing a pivotal role in providing quality education to students and transforming their future.

Highlighting the Punjab Government’s focus on education, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that his government has prioritized the sector and taken path-breaking initiatives to transform the lives of people. “No freebie or concession card can eliminate poverty or social maladies. Education is the only key that can pull people out of this vicious circle by raising their standard of living,” he asserted. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added that the Punjab Government is making tireless efforts to improve the standard of education so that the common man is empowered.

The Chief Minister urged students to work hard and excel in every sphere of life with dedication. “Students must remain relevant with every passing hour and constantly strive for excellence,” he affirmed. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added that the Punjab Government is encouraging out-of-the-box ideas for the welfare and progress of Punjab and its people.

Encouraging students to rise through perseverance, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asked them to become grass-rooters instead of parachuters. “Grass-rooters are those who rise from the ground and conquer the world through hard work. For such dedicated individuals, the sky is the limit,” he stated. “On the other hand, parachuters descend from the sky and eventually fall back to the ground sooner or later,” added CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

TheChief Minister also urged students to remain humble despite their achievements. “Do not feel proud of your success. Stay humble and continue working hard for greater achievements,” he advised. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann exhorted students to remain grounded even after attaining positions in life and emphasized that hard work is the sole key to success. He added that students must use the platform provided to them not only to achieve success but also to become fine human beings.

He reminded students that there is no shortcut to success. “The only key to triumph is hard work,” he noted. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann urged students to keep striving and continue their efforts until they achieve their goals, adding that the Punjab Government will leave no stone unturned in facilitating them in this noble mission.

Citing examples from around the world, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that many individuals from humble backgrounds have achieved extraordinary success through dedication and perseverance. “Students must draw inspiration from such examples and prove their mettle across the globe,” he stated, adding that the Punjab Government will support them in every possible way. Drawing an analogy with a garden, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that just like a bouquet contains a variety of flowers that captivate everyone, diversity and collective effort make society stronger.

The Chief Minister also highlighted Punjab’s historic legacy and identity. He added that besides being the nation’s food bowl, Punjab also has the distinction of being the sword arm of the country. “The people of Punjab are known across the world for their courage, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit,” he stated. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added that every inch of this sacred land bears the footprints of great Gurus, saints, seers and martyrs who showed the path of standing against tyranny, injustice and oppression.

Extending his best wishes to the students for a bright and prosperous future, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that they would carve a niche for themselves in the coming years. “Believe in hard work because it is the only key to success. This land offers immense opportunities for progress and prosperity,” he stated. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann urged students to create their own identity and strive to leave a meaningful mark on society, reminding them that the sky is the limit.

The Chief Minister also compared the role of the government to that of an airport runway, which enables airplanes to take off smoothly. “In the same way, the Punjab Government is working to help our youth realize their dreams,” he asserted. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added that every possible effort is being made to give wings to the aspirations of young minds and ensure that they have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday cautioned that the proposed India–US (United States) trade agreement could inflict damage on Indian agriculture far greater than the three black farm laws that had triggered a historic farmers’ movement. Speaking in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha while winding up a debate on a resolution moved by Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, the Chief Minister warned that opening India’s agricultural markets to heavily subsidised American produce would leave farmers in Punjab and across the country struggling to compete.

Declaring the trade deal a threat to the country’s agricultural sovereignty, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the agreement could place India’s farming sector at the mercy of foreign powers, even as the Punjab Vidhan Sabha unanimously passed a condemnation resolution against the proposed deal.

Addressing the House, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The India–US agreement is even more dangerous than the three controversial farm laws brought by the Modi government and can severely harm India’s agriculture. Earlier the East India Company captured and plundered India, and now the ‘West India Company’ has started infiltrating the country. This agreement can destroy Indian agriculture, and the agriculture sector must be kept completely outside it.”

The Chief Minister further pointed out that states had neither been consulted nor informed about the proposed agreement. “No state government has been consulted or even informed about the India–US agreement so far. It is unclear what compulsion the Prime Minister has in this matter. One begins to wonder whether India’s decisions are now being influenced by the White House and whether the remote of the Union government is in foreign hands,” he stated.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added that the manner in which major developments are communicated has also raised serious questions. “When the India–Pakistan ceasefire took place, the information was first shared by Donald Trump through a tweet, and India came to know about it later. This situation reflects poorly on the functioning of the government,” he noted.

Expressing concern over the agricultural implications of the agreement, the Chief Minister said cheaper imports of feed substitutes such as DDGS and soybean oil could depress the prices of maize and soybean, thereby affecting Punjab’s ongoing crop diversification efforts. He added, “Even if cotton imports are regulated through quotas, they may still exert downward pressure on prices, adversely impacting cotton farmers in Punjab’s Malwa region.”

He also warned that easing certain non-tariff barriers could increase the risk of the entry of GMO material and the spread of new pests, plant diseases and invasive weeds. “Such developments may pose a serious threat to Punjab’s agricultural ecosystem,” the Chief Minister said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further stated that the agricultural structure in the United States is vastly different from that in India. “Agriculture in the United States operates on large landholdings, higher subsidies and economies of scale, enabling producers to export at lower prices. In such a scenario, farmers in Punjab will find it extremely difficult to compete with American agricultural products.”

He pointed out that soya meal from the United States would reportedly be imported in huge quantities for cattle feed. “Punjab cultivates around 1.25 lakh hectares of maize, and both maize and soybean crops could be adversely affected by this pact. Similarly, cotton imports from the US may impact farmers in Punjab, where cotton is grown on about 2.5 lakh acres,” the Chief Minister said.

Highlighting the disparity in farm sizes and subsidies, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “In the US, the average farmer owns about 500 acres of land, and American farmers receive around 35% more subsidy than Indian farmers. In contrast, farmers in Punjab typically own only two to two-and-a-half acres of land, making competition extremely difficult.”

He also warned that intellectual property provisions could prevent farmers from saving seeds for the next crop season. “Farmers may not be allowed to save seeds for the next crop season as seeds would come under patent protection. Farmers would effectively become customers of multinational corporations, and seed dealers would be required to obtain fresh licences. This agreement opens the doors for foreign companies to dominate the agricultural sector,” the Chief Minister said.

Taking a dig at the Prime Minister’s foreign engagements, the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann remarked, “The Prime Minister often travels to countries whose names many people have not even heard of. These visits appear to be well-orchestrated shows in small countries with populations of around 10,000. Instead of wandering in such countries, he should focus on listening to the voices of India’s 1.25 billion people.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also referred to the Prime Minister’s appearance on a wildlife programme and stated that platforms such as the Discovery Channel were being used for self-promotion. Recalling historical experiences, he said that wheat imported from the United States had once brought the invasive weed “Congress grass,” which continues to cause problems in India.

The Chief Minister further expressed concern that the share of agriculture in the Union Budget had declined sharply. “Agriculture once received about 25% of the Union Budget, but it has now been reduced to around 7%. At the same time, Indian fruits and agricultural products face strict testing abroad, while products imported from the US are often cleared through laboratories approved there,” he observed.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also stated that opposition voices are frequently suppressed when they raise issues in Parliament. He remarked that instead of making India a “Vishwaguru,” Modi government risks becoming a “Vishwa Chela.”

He said the Centre’s approach toward Punjab has reflected consistent neglect. “While Punjab did not receive adequate funds during floods, financial aid was provided to Afghanistan. The Centre has also been withholding funds related to the Rural Development Fund (RDF), GST and the National Health Mission from Punjab.”

The Chief Minister also stated that attempts to take control of Chandigarh and Panjab University would not be tolerated. He added that most decisions in the central government appear to be concentrated in the hands of only two leaders, the Prime Minister and the Home Minister.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that when he approached Union ministers regarding the lifting of food grain stocks and the supply of fertilizers, they responded that approval was required from the top leadership. He also expressed concern about India’s foreign policy, stating that even at several international events the Prime Minister was not invited, which reflected poorly on the country’s standing.

He also criticized the decision to allow 51% Foreign Direct Investment in the defence sector despite earlier opposition to FDI. “Instead of changing the names of government buildings and cities, the Centre should focus on improving the lives of people,” the Chief Minister asserted.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that criticizing the Prime Minister is a democratic right and that anyone speaking against the government should not be labelled anti-national. He also remarked that agencies such as the ED and CBI are being misused for political purposes and that the voice of democracy is being stifled.

Referring to several political leaders in Punjab, he said that figures such as Captain Amarinder Singh, Sunil Jakhar, Manpreet Singh Badal, Partap Singh Bajwa and Ravneet Singh Bittu remain silent on the injustice being done to Punjab and Punjabis.

The Chief Minister concluded by urging farmers’ unions, agricultural experts and intellectuals to unite and raise their voices against the agreement. “It is the need of the hour to protect the future of Indian agriculture. Otherwise the Union government will plunder the rights of the country and its people and mortgage them before the US. Such a dastardly act is neither acceptable nor desirable,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added.

The Punjab Vidhan Sabha unanimously passed a condemnation resolution against the proposed India–US trade agreement.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday declared that the AAP’s Punjab Government has delivered on every promise made to the people and will continue to honour every assurance in the coming years, asserting that the sole agenda of the AAP Government is to build a Rangla Punjab marked by progress and prosperity for its people. Addressing a Lok Milni in Jalandhar, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said these public interactions are emerging as a powerful mechanism to directly resolve the grievances of citizens and ensure that their concerns are addressed without delay.

Listing a series of pro-people decisions taken by the Punjab Government, the Chief Minister highlighted initiatives such as the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhian Satkar scheme providing ₹1000 to ₹1500 monthly assistance to women, the Meri Rasoi Yojna under which 40 lakh families will receive free food kits in addition to wheat under the National Food Security Act, and the transparent provision of more than 63,000 government jobs to youth as part of a systematic effort to tackle unemployment.

Interacting with residents of Hoshiarpur district during a Lok Milni, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Lok Milnis are an out-of-the-box initiative that allow the government to interact directly with people and resolve their issues effectively. The presence of senior officers from the police and civil administration ensures that problems raised by citizens are addressed immediately,” said Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister stated, “The sole aim of this exercise is to ensure that people’s grievances are addressed swiftly and that services reach them at their doorsteps. Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police must ensure that this pro-people initiative produces concrete results. I will personally review the status of complaints and the pendency list in periodic meetings.”

Listing several pro-people initiatives undertaken by the Punjab Government over the last four years, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted the launch of the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhian Satkar scheme. “This scheme is a major step by the Punjab Government to support ordinary families. For many households, especially those struggling economically, ₹1000 to ₹1500 every month is a significant amount. This assistance is a mark of respect for our mothers and daughters, and the smiles it brings to their faces give me immense satisfaction,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the launch of the Meri Rasoi Yojna aimed at strengthening food and nutrition security. “Punjab’s hardworking farmers have always ensured that the country never sleeps hungry and the state has consistently led the nation in food production. However, some families within Punjab still struggle to manage daily meals. Through Meri Rasoi Yojna, the Punjab Government will provide food kits to 40 lakh families,” he added.

The Chief Minister said that each kit will contain two kilograms of lentils, two kilograms of sugar, one kilogram of salt, 200 grams of turmeric powder and one litre of mustard oil for monthly consumption, and will be provided in addition to wheat already distributed under the National Food Security Act. “I am grateful to the people of this region who have always showered immense love on me, first as an artist and now as a public representative,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Speaking about the government’s efforts to address unemployment and drug abuse, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Government is focused on ensuring that young people receive employment opportunities so they can build a better future. “We want to place a tiffin in the hands of our youth by giving them employment so that they stay away from syringes and the menace of drugs. Idle hands become a breeding ground for social problems, and that is why the Punjab Government is working continuously to create employment opportunities,” he said.

He added that unemployment is the root cause of many social challenges and said that the government has already provided more than 63,000 government jobs to youth in a transparent manner.

Highlighting improvements in irrigation and power supply, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that power tariffs across sectors have been reduced and the use of canal water for irrigation has increased significantly. “When the Punjab Government assumed office, only 21% of irrigation relied on canal water. Today that figure has increased to 68%, and we aim to raise it to 85% by the coming paddy season,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

He said that 18,349 watercourses covering around 6,900 kilometres have been revived across Punjab to ensure water reaches tail-end farmers. The government has spent ₹6500 crore to rejuvenate the canal system, and for the first time 1,365 villages have received canal water.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that rural infrastructure is also being strengthened, with more than 49,000 kilometres of roads being constructed across villages at a cost of ₹16,209 crore.

Speaking about education reforms, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Schools of Eminence have been established across Punjab with smart classrooms, fully equipped laboratories and modern facilities. “These schools are designed to provide high-quality education and scientific learning. Teachers and principals are being sent abroad for training so they can adopt modern teaching practices and prepare students for global competition,” said the Chief Minister.

He said that Punjab has ranked first in the National Achievement Survey conducted by the Government of India, surpassing even Kerala. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also highlighted special coaching programmes in government schools for competitive examinations including Armed Forces preparation, NEET, JEE, CLAT and NIFT. “Students from Schools of Eminence and other government schools have successfully qualified for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced and NEET examinations, which is a matter of great pride,” he said.

The Chief Minister further spoke about healthcare reforms, stating that the Punjab Government has launched the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna which provides cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh for all 65 lakh families in Punjab. “Income conditions have been removed under this scheme and government employees and pensioners have also been included. Punjab has become the first state to provide free healthcare to all citizens, and 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics are providing free treatment to people every day,” he said.

He added that since 2022 nearly 90% of households in Punjab are receiving free electricity. The Chief Minister also highlighted the improvement in electricity supply to farmers. “For the first time in the history of Punjab, farmers received more than eight hours of uninterrupted electricity for tube wells during the paddy season, and that too during the daytime. Electricity tariffs have recently been reduced by 70 paise to ₹1.50 per unit,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

He said that the Punjab Government has also purchased a private thermal plant from the GVK company and named it after Sri Guru Amar Das Ji, while the “Roshan Punjab” initiative is investing ₹5000 crore to strengthen electricity infrastructure including underground power cables.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the launch of the Sadak Surakhiya Force, a dedicated road safety initiative. “This force consists of 1,597 specially trained personnel equipped with 144 modern vehicles. Since its launch, the Sadak Surakhiya Force has helped save 25% more lives in road accidents and has returned valuables and money to accident victims. It is deployed across 4,200 kilometres of accident-prone highways and also acts as a deterrent against traffic violations,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

He noted that the initiative has also received appreciation from the Union Government. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that several public libraries have been opened across Punjab to provide students with spaces to study and excel. “Punjab is progressing rapidly in every sector as the Punjab Government is taking concrete steps for the comprehensive development of the state. Pathbreaking initiatives have been undertaken in health, education, power and many other sectors,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister also said that the Punjab Government has closed 19 toll plazas across Punjab, saving the public ₹64 lakh every day in toll charges.

“We have fulfilled every promise made to the people of Punjab and we remain committed to fulfilling every assurance in the future as well. The sole agenda of the Punjab Government is the progress of Punjab and the prosperity of its people,” asserted CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.