More people in Punjab are now able to access treatment for mental health conditions through cashless healthcare coverage under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY), which aims to reduce financial barriers and encourage timely care, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said on Wednesday.

The Health Minister said the scheme includes coverage for a wide range of mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, stress-related conditions and substance-use disorders. “Advanced treatment options such as Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), along with diagnostic investigations, are also part of the approved package under government hospitals,” he added.

Mental health continues to be a significant public health concern in India. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Mental Health Survey of India (NIMHANS, 2016), an estimated 15 to 20 crore people in the country are affected by mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders and related illnesses. However, a large treatment gap persists due to stigma, lack of awareness and shortage of mental health professionals, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.

Minister Dr Balbir Singh said, “Mental health deserves the same priority as physical health. Conditions like depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders are treatable, and people should not delay seeking professional help. Increased awareness, wider availability of services and cashless treatment support under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana are helping more patients seek help at an early stage, reducing delays in diagnosis and intervention.”

The Health Minister urged people experiencing symptoms of mental illness to seek timely treatment at government health facilities, stating that early care can help prevent long-term complications. “Out of the 2300 procedures, covered under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, the Mental health packages are among the 81 reserved procedures available at government hospitals across the state,” he noted.

Dr Singh, also shared, “Stress, depression, and anxiety are often rooted in everyday routines. Through CM Di Yogshala, we are promoting yoga as a powerful tool for mental well-being, emotional balance and healthier living. A calm mind leads to a healthy heart, and together we are building a healthier Punjab”

According to data from the State Health Agency (SHA), Punjab, 457 beneficiaries have already availed treatment under the mental health packages at government hospitals. The total claim amount under these services, till now, amounts to ₹55 lakh.

Dr Gagandeep Sekhon, Consultant Psychiatrist at Civil Hospital, Barnala, said awareness around mental health is slowly improving. “People are now beginning to understand that mental health conditions are like any other medical illness and require proper treatment. Earlier, many avoided seeking help due to social stigma and financial concerns,” he said.

Dr Gagandeep Sekhon stressed that, academic pressure, job insecurity, financial strain, social media overuse, and lack of social support are among the major factors impacting mental health. “People in the 18–45 age group are particularly vulnerable as they face multiple transitions in life, including higher education pressures, career instability, workplace stress, relationship challenges and increasing economic responsibilities, often with limited emotional support systems,” he added.

He added that several factors such as fast-paced lifestyles, reduced family interaction, constant digital exposure, and work-related stress are contributing to rising mental health issues. “Young adults in their productive years are more affected because they are navigating education, jobs, relationships and financial pressures simultaneously, often without adequate coping mechanisms,” he said.

Dr Gagandeep Sekhon further noted that cashless treatment under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana has encouraged more people to approach hospitals for consultation and care. “Early intervention is crucial in improving outcomes and preventing complications,” he said.

With the objective of expanding career opportunities for youth belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Minority Communities, the Punjab Government has announced free coaching for the Probationary Officer (Bank) and Assistant Administrative Officer (LIC/GIC) Examinations-2026. This initiative will enable eligible candidates to prepare for these prestigious competitive examinations without the burden of expensive coaching fees.

Sharing this information, Punjab’s Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, said that the initiative aims to provide deserving youth with quality coaching, expert guidance and equal opportunities to help them build successful careers in the banking and insurance sectors.

The Cabinet Minister stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is committed to ensuring that no talented youth is deprived of opportunities due to financial constraints and that every deserving candidate receives the necessary support to realise their potential.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “Talent should never be held back by economic hardship. Our Government is committed to providing deserving youth with the guidance, resources and opportunities they need to succeed in competitive examinations and turn their aspirations into reality.”

She informed that the coaching programme will be conducted at Ambedkar Institute of Careers and Courses, Phase-3B2, SAS Nagar (Mohali). Graduate candidates who are permanent residents of Punjab and belong to SC, OBC or Minority communities are eligible to apply. The total annual family income of the applicant from all sources should not exceed Rs. 3 lakh.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further informed that candidates will be selected on the basis of an objective-type test comprising General English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning and Current Events. The test will be held on July 3, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at Ambedkar Institute of Careers and Courses, Phase-3B2, Mohali.

Interested candidates may submit their applications along with self-attested copies of all required documents to the office of the Principal, Ambedkar Institute of Careers and Courses, Mohali, by June 30, 2026. Applications may also be sent via e-mail at ambedkarinstitute013@gmail.com.

Appealing to eligible youth to make maximum use of this opportunity, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that this initiative reflects the Punjab Government’s commitment to providing better avenues for education, skill development and employment to the youth of the State.

For eligibility criteria, admission procedure and other details, candidates may visit the Punjab Welfare Department’s website at www.welfare.punjab.gov.in.

Under the “Bhagwant Mann Sarkar, Tuhade Dwaar” initiative, Punjab’s 1076 helpline and doorstep delivery are reshaping the way citizens access government services, reducing delays, limiting dependence on middlemen and making governance more transparent and citizen-centric.

The technology-enabled system has delivered over 3.10 lakh services to citizens. Pendency across departments has fallen to 0.33 per cent.

Citizens can now access 437 government services through the integrated platform by simply calling the 1076 helpline or booking appointments through WhatsApp, the online portal or Sewa Kendras. Once an appointment is booked, trained doorstep delivery operators visit citizens at their homes, collect documents, assist in completing applications and facilitate online submission, eliminating the need for repeated visits to government offices.

The impact has been particularly significant for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, farmers residing in remote areas, women and working professionals, who earlier had to spend considerable time and money travelling to government offices and often relied on intermediaries for availing services.

Since the launch of the initiative, more than 4.18 lakh appointments have been booked under the doorstep delivery system. Citizens are now able to receive certificates and approvals through SMS, WhatsApp and physical delivery at their homes, making government services more accessible and convenient.

The initiative has also transformed the verification process. Online verification by Patwaris, Nambardars, Sarpanches, Municipal Councillors and departmental officials has reduced paperwork and minimised the need for physical visits, while ensuring greater transparency and accountability.

Another major reform has been the introduction of formless services, under which citizens are no longer required to fill lengthy application forms. Instead, doorstep delivery operators capture information digitally and the system automatically generates the application, simplifying the process and reducing errors.

Real-time application tracking, department-wise dashboards, beat-wise monitoring and feedback calls to beneficiaries have further strengthened accountability and enabled timely service delivery.

Punjab Good Governance and Information Technology Minister Aman Arora said technology is being used to make governance more transparent and responsive “Technology does not replace governance; it strengthens transparency and accountability. By enabling real-time tracking of applications, digital systems reduce delays, minimise uncertainty and make service delivery more responsive to citizens,” he said.

He said the government’s objective is to ensure that citizens do not have to make repeated visits to government offices for routine services.

“The recent initiative to facilitate online verification of certificates through Sarpanchs, Nambardars and Municipal Councillors is another step towards reducing paperwork, limiting unnecessary physical visits and making government services more accessible,” he added.

Every stage of an application leaving a digital trail, the scope for delays and intermediaries is shrinking, making governance increasingly efficient, transparent and citizen-centric.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday tore into the traditional political parties for misusing religion and running a sustained propaganda campaign to defame him because they could not digest either the enactment of the historic Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act-2026 or the fact that a son of a common man was governing Punjab effectively. During a packed Lok Milni gathering at village Bihala in the Chabbewal Assembly segment, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude for the overwhelming love, affection and blessings showered by people, stating that the massive public response reflected their unwavering faith in the policies and intentions of the state government.

Overwhelming Public Response Marks Lok Milni At Bihala

The Lok Milni witnessed an overwhelming response from people, with thousands gathering not only at the venue but also on rooftops, balconies and terraces of surrounding houses to listen to CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. Residents greeted the Chief Minister with loud cheers and warm applause throughout the event. On the occasion, villagers also honoured CM Bhagwant Singh Mann by presenting him with a ceremonial sword as a mark of respect and appreciation for the pro-people initiatives being undertaken by his Government. Thanking the people for their affection and support, the Chief Minister said that such overwhelming love from the masses further strengthened his resolve to work tirelessly for the welfare, progress and prosperity of Punjab and its people.

Addressing a packed gathering during a Lok Milni, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “I am grateful to the Almighty for bestowing upon me the opportunity to enact the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act-2026. Whenever incidents of beadbi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji took place, the psyche of crores of people was deeply hurt. There was always hope that the culprits would be caught. Several times they were arrested too, but loopholes in the law allowed them to escape punishment by declaring them mentally unstable. The Almighty has blessed me with the wisdom and strength to bring this Bill after detailed consultation with legal experts.”

The Chief Minister said, “The state government has drafted this Bill carefully so that no future amendments or loopholes can weaken it. It will act as a deterrent for anti-social elements and prevent such incidents in future.”

Lashing out at the Akalis, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “They were never sincere about enacting such a law when they were in power. The truth is that their intentions were flawed. The Akalis allowed beadbi incidents to take place for their political gains. They even admitted their mistakes before Akal Takht Sahib but later denied them publicly. Those who can lie before the Takht can never be loyal to anyone. People must remain cautious of such leaders who are loyal to none and seek political power only to plunder the state.”

The Chief Minister affirmed, “The Akalis have misused religion for their vested interests. Jathedars are appointed from the pockets of the Akalis and that is why they are indulging in politics. One Jathedar assumed office in the early hours fearing backlash and now they are conspiring against me under the garb of religion. These people have no agenda except to defame me by hook or by crook.”

Referring to development initiatives in the Kandi belt, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Canal water will soon reach every nook and corner of the Kandi region to give a major boost to agriculture. The state government is making strenuous efforts for the development of agriculture in this blessed region. Due to the apathetic attitude of previous regimes, these areas remained neglected. On one hand, we are harnessing the untapped tourism potential of the region and on the other, we are strengthening agriculture.”

The Chief Minister stated, “The state government is committed to transforming the destiny of the common people by reversing the trend of migration abroad. The youth of Punjab will not have to go to foreign shores in search of green pastures as we are opening new avenues of employment. Our aim is to make the youth active partners in the socio-economic development of the state and give impetus to the education sector.”

Training his guns at traditional political parties, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These parties looted Punjab for years while having an understanding among themselves to safeguard their interests in power. Earlier, only two parties played musical chairs in government and exploited the sentiments of the people while plundering the wealth of the state. Now people have the option of the broom, which has cleansed the political system of Punjab.”

The Chief Minister said, “Today neither Sukhbir Badal, nor Raja Warring, nor Partap Bajwa are visible among the people because the masses are standing firmly with the state government. People are repeatedly expressing their support and opposition parties have suffered badly because the wise people of Punjab have rejected them. Truth ultimately prevails and falsehood loses its strength. With the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, people have recognized honesty and good governance.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “I have been making strenuous efforts for the overall development of Punjab and that has baffled the opposition. These leaders are unable to digest the welfare of the common man and the progress of the state. Their frustration is reflected in the venom they spew against me. I may not have experience in plundering the wealth of the people, but I have expertise in sharing their sorrows and resolving their issues. I am working dedicatedly for the well-being of Punjab and its people and that is what upsets the opposition.”

The Chief Minister said, “The state government is judiciously utilizing every single penny of the state exchequer for the welfare of the people. More than 90 % households are getting free power and farmers are receiving electricity during daytime, which was unprecedented earlier. At a time when the assets of the country are being handed over by the Union Government to its blue-eyed friends at throwaway prices, Punjab has created history by purchasing a private thermal plant and naming it after Sri Guru Amar Dass Ji.”

Highlighting welfare measures, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The state government has started the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna. Women above 18 years of age from all other categories will receive ₹1,000 per month, while women from the Scheduled Caste category will receive ₹1,500 per month as financial assistance. For ordinary people, especially the poor, this is a significant amount. This assistance is a mark of respect for mothers and daughters and the smiles on the faces of women give me immense satisfaction.”

The Chief Minister said, “To provide comprehensive healthcare, the state government has launched Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, the first-of-its-kind scheme in the country that provides cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh for every resident family in Punjab. Punjab is the first state in India to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage. It has eased the financial burden on the people while ensuring quality health services. This historic initiative aims at providing universal healthcare and people have already availed free treatment worth more than ₹650 crore under the scheme.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Traditional political parties are envious because they cannot digest the fact that the son of a common man is governing the state effectively. The people of Punjab have lost faith in these parties because of their anti-people and anti-Punjab policies. Previous rulers were more concerned about their families than Punjab and Punjabis, and that is why they have been shown the door.”

The Chief Minister asserted, “The AAP government is fortunate to have received this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to organize mega events associated with great Gurus, saints and seers. No stone is being left unturned for these events. Being a secular government, we have made every effort to celebrate such occasions in a grand manner. We organized a series of functions to commemorate the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of ‘Hind Di Chadar’ Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and now elaborate arrangements are being made to celebrate the upcoming 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj in a befitting manner.”

Lok Sabha MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal and others were also present on the occasion.

Sharing a few snippets from the Lok Milni, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “I am deeply grateful for the immense love, affection and blessings showered by the people who attended the Lok Milni at village Bihala in Hoshiarpur today. Your overwhelming support reflects your unwavering faith in our policies and intentions. Punjab is now witnessing development in its true sense. After enacting a stringent anti-beadbi law providing for life imprisonment, our government is now set to launch the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna from July 1. Zero electricity bills for nearly 90 per cent households, free healthcare, curbing the exploitation by private schools and providing jobs purely on merit are proof of our government’s clean and honest intentions.”

“I also handed over a grant cheque of ₹51 lakh to the village panchayat for the holistic development of village Bihala, including the construction of a new Anganwadi Centre and a Community Hall. AAP Government stands firmly with you and remains fully committed to transforming every village of Punjab into a prosperous, vibrant and developed model of progress,” the post concluded.