The Bhagwant Mann Government on Saturday scripted a new chapter in Punjab’s healthcare sector by dedicating 100 more Aam Aadmi Clinics to the people, taking the total number of operational clinics across the state to 1,090. Marking another milestone in the government’s ongoing ‘Sehat Kranti’ (health revolution), the expansion further strengthens Punjab’s free and quality primary healthcare network, with the clinics having already recorded over 5.90 crore OPD consultations and 3.43 crore free diagnostic tests. The initiative, coupled with the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna and major investments in advanced healthcare infrastructure, has transformed access to affordable and quality healthcare across Punjab.

Addressing a gathering in Moga, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Today we have dedicated another 100 Aam Aadmi Clinics to the people of Punjab, taking the total number of operational clinics to 1,090. These clinics provide diagnostic tests and quality treatment free of cost, and more than five crore OPD consultations have already been recorded.”

The Chief Minister stated, “The Aam Aadmi Clinics have also enabled the government to build a comprehensive health database of the people, ensuring better planning and treatment according to the healthcare needs of different regions. Our sole objective is to provide quality healthcare to every citizen in every nook and corner of Punjab. People receive free consultations, medicines and diagnostic services at these clinics, where highly qualified doctors and healthcare staff are serving them with dedication.”

Over 5 Crore OPD Consultations at Aam Aadmi Clinics

• Aam Aadmi Clinics have recorded over 5.90 crore OPD consultations since their launch, including 1.86 crore unique patients and 4.04 crore repeat visits, reflecting people’s growing trust in the state’s primary healthcare system.
• Each Aam Aadmi Clinic caters to an average of 84 patients daily, with the network collectively serving more than 83,000 patients every day across Punjab.
• More than 3.43 crore diagnostic tests have been conducted free of cost at Aam Aadmi Clinics.
• Every month, over 42,000 pregnant women receive antenatal care through these clinics.
• More than 1.25 lakh patients suffering from diabetes and hypertension receive regular treatment and follow-up every month through the Aam Aadmi Clinic network.
• Every Aam Aadmi Clinic provides 107 essential medicines and 47 diagnostic tests free of cost.
• The clinics are fully IT-enabled through the eSushrut platform, ensuring paperless patient registration, prescriptions and medicine dispensing.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab on Saturday welcomed the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, describing it as a historic victory for lakhs of students and youth who had been fighting relentlessly against paper leaks, examination irregularities and the anti-student policies of the BJP-led Central Government.

Earlier in the day, AAP organised statewide ‘Thali Bajao, Tanashah Bhagao’ protest demonstrations across Punjab against the Centre’s anti-student policies. AAP ministers, MPs, MLAs, office-bearers and thousands of party workers took to the streets in every district, expressing solidarity with students and demanding accountability from the Central Government over repeated examination paper leaks and the collapse of the country’s recruitment and education system.

On Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, senior AAP leader and Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “Resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan is a powerful indictment of youth power. PM Modi must accept it ASAP. Finally, @BJP4India

has bowed to the will of the youngsters. Hope this leads to real reforms — revamping the education system, fixing exam leaks, and sweeping changes for students. Inquilab Zindabad.”

Meanwhile, AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang described the resignation as a landmark victory for crores of students, youth and every citizen who believes in democracy and the right to raise their voice against injustice.

The AAP MP congratulated the students and youth who led the movement despite facing police action and intimidation. “The BJP government had tried every possible means to suppress the democratic movement, but the courage and unity of students ultimately forced the Centre to retreat. The protesting students were lathi-charged, many were hospitalized, and even attempts were made to disrupt food arrangements for demonstrators. Despite these hardships, students remained united and continued their peaceful struggle until the government was compelled to act,” he said.

He asserted that the resignation alone would not be sufficient and demanded a complete overhaul of the country’s examination and recruitment system to ensure transparency, accountability and an end to paper leaks that have shattered the careers and aspirations of lakhs of young people.

Malvinder Singh Kang also cautioned the BJP-led Central Government against adopting an authoritarian approach. “If the Centre continues to ignore the voices of students, farmers, employees and other sections of society, people will once again come out on the streets to defend democracy and protect their constitutional rights,” he said.

Reiterating its commitment to students and youth, AAP said it would continue raising their concerns from the streets to Parliament until the country’s education system is made transparent, fair and accountable.

The Bhagwant Mann Government’s decision to transfer financial assistance directly into the bank accounts of women under the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana has received an overwhelming response from beneficiaries across the state. Women have praised the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, saying it has ensured transparency, convenience and financial empowerment by placing the money directly in their hands.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Government has so far disbursed ₹1,149 crore to about 33 lakh women through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system under the scheme. Eligible beneficiaries belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category have received ₹4,500 each in three monthly instalments of ₹1,500, while beneficiaries from other categories have received ₹3,000 each in three monthly instalments of ₹1,000. With more than 70 lakh women enrolled under the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, the scheme has emerged as one of the largest women-centric social security initiatives in Punjab.

Women across Punjab have welcomed the initiative, saying the money has reached the intended beneficiaries without middlemen or delays and can be withdrawn whenever needed.

Sarabjit Kaur (32) from Gurdaspur said the DBT system has ensured that the financial assistance serves its intended purpose. “I am very happy that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has transferred the money directly into our bank accounts. Had the assistance been distributed in cash, it might not have been used for the intended purpose. Cash dende taan aadmi log peg sheg te kharch kar dende hain, par khate vich ta sada paisa safe hai (Had it been distributed in cash, the men at home might have spent it on alcohol. But in our bank accounts, the money remains safe). Now the money is in our own account and we can withdraw it whenever we need it. This ensures that it is spent only on household needs and other essential expenses,” she said.

Gagandeep Kaur (35) from village Harchowal described the scheme as one of the most transparent welfare initiatives she has experienced. “I have not withdrawn the money yet because I will use it whenever the need arises. This is the best way to provide financial assistance. If the government had distributed cash, people would have had to stand in long queues to receive the money. The money was credited to my account within five to six days of submitting my application. The entire process is quick, transparent and hassle-free,” she added.

Suman Kumari (49) from Sri Hargobindpur said the financial assistance has helped her family meet important household and educational expenses. “The best thing about this scheme is that the money comes directly into the accounts of women. I have used the money for meaningful purposes. My two daughters, who are pursuing higher education, have also received the benefit. Along with this, our family is receiving free ration, free electricity and free bus travel, which has provided significant relief,” she stated.

Harpal Kaur from Mandi Ahmedgarh said the financial assistance has enabled women to manage their own priorities. “I have spent my money on household needs. My two daughters have also received the money, but they are using it for their own needs. Daughters have their own needs, and it is good that the government is supporting them at this stage. The best part is that the money has been transferred directly into our bank accounts through DBT, allowing us to withdraw it whenever required. Sarkar ne eh paisa changi niyat naal ditta hai, tan eh changi jagah hi kharch karna chahida hai (The government has given this money with good intentions, so it should be spent for good purposes),” she noted.

The enthusiastic response from beneficiaries suggests that the DBT model has not only made welfare delivery more efficient and transparent but has also strengthened women’s financial independence by giving them direct control over government financial assistance.

Meanwhile, Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, said, “The Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana has been launched to provide financial security and dignity to women. We are committed to ensuring that every eligible beneficiary receives assistance in a transparent and timely manner. No eligible woman will be left out.”

The smooth rollout of the DBT system has also been made possible through the support of the scheme’s nodal banking partner, Axis Bank, which has facilitated large-scale benefit transfers across Punjab.

“Axis Bank is proud to partner with the Government of Punjab in delivering the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, an initiative that will positively impact millions of women across the State. We remain committed to supporting the seamless and timely disbursement of benefits, helping ensure that financial assistance reaches beneficiaries efficiently, transparently and at scale. When delivered effectively and at scale, such programmes have the ability to strengthen financial security, foster inclusion and transform lives,” said Reynold D’Souza, Group Head – Branch Banking, North & TASC Business, Axis Bank.

By placing funds directly in the hands of beneficiaries, the DBT mechanism is not only ensuring timely assistance but also strengthening women’s financial independence and decision-making within their households.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday asserted that the people of Punjab have already made up their minds to re-elect the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in 2027, saying the overwhelming public response to the government’s pro-people initiatives reflects the trust it has earned over the past four years. During a Lok Milni programme at village Charik in Moga, the Chief Minister said transformative initiatives such as free electricity for 90% of households, the ₹10 lakh Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, financial assistance for women, record expansion of canal irrigation, transparent government recruitment on merit and strengthened public healthcare have brought visible change on the ground, leaving the opposition with little political relevance in the state.

Sharing a few snippets from the Lok Milni, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on X: “Heartfelt thanks for the immense love and overwhelming gathering at the Lok Milni programme held today in the historic village of Charik. Handed over a grant of ₹51 lakh for the development of the village. Further strengthening healthcare infrastructure, we dedicated 100 new Aam Aadmi Clinics to the people today, taking the total number of operational clinics in Punjab to 1,090.”

“Ensuring canal water reaches 88% of agricultural fields, providing zero electricity bills to 90% of households, and giving government jobs to youth purely on merit remain our top priorities. We are firmly committed to the welfare of every section of society and to building a Rangla Punjab. Inquilab Zindabad,” the post concluded.

Addressing the Lok Milni programme, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “These opposition parties are like wedding processions without a groom. Though they are squabbling for power, they do not have any one leader. The Shiromani Akali Dal has already been divided into three to four outfits, whereas the Congress leaders don’t see eye to eye with one another. These power-hungry leaders are only vying for power to plunder the wealth of the state, but the wise people of Punjab will never allow this to happen,”

Taking potshots at the Akali Dal, he said, “Sukhbir Singh Badal is a convent-educated political leader of Punjab who is not even aware of the basic topography of the state, yet wants to attain political power here. Leaving everything aside, the former Deputy Chief Minister cannot even differentiate between the state’s basic crops because he has scant knowledge of its fundamental issues.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Akalis have inflicted irreparable damage on generations of Punjab by promoting and patronising the drug trade. “These leaders not only patronised the drug trade but, according to reports, even used official vehicles to sell or distribute drugs. They have bruised the psyche of every common man by using religion for their vested interests, which is an unpardonable sin,” he said.

“They are hand in glove with forces that are inimical to the Sikh Panth and Punjab. Congress, BJP and the Akalis have joined hands against me because they are envious of the pro-people initiatives taken by my government,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

Highlighting the transformation in the irrigation sector by his government, the Chief Minister said the AAP Government has significantly increased the use of canal water across the state. “In 2022, the state was utilising only 22% of its canal water, but today that figure has crossed 80%. In some parts of Punjab, people saw canal water for the first time in 80 years. Earlier, people had to depend on borewells to get water, but those days are over. According to the Union Ministry’s report, Punjab’s groundwater table has risen by four metres due to the strenuous efforts of the state government,” he said.

“The state is now utilising less groundwater and more canal water. The day is not far when Punjab will touch the 100% mark. My government will not give Punjab’s water to Haryana or Rajasthan. Punjab was looted earlier, but now those days are over,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann affirmed every single penny of the state exchequer is being spent judiciously for the welfare of the people. “More than 90% of households in Punjab are getting free electricity. Today, even farmers are receiving power during the daytime, which is unprecedented. At a time when the Union Government is handing over the country’s assets to its blue-eyed friends at throwaway prices, the Punjab Government has created history by purchasing a private thermal power plant,” he said.

Calling out the Congress, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the party has neither any vision for Punjab nor any roadmap for its people. “The Congress party is on its deathbed and will be finished very soon because it has no vision for the people or the state. Its only aim is to plunder Punjab’s wealth by assuming power, but that dream will never be fulfilled. Congress is a divided house that will collapse because of its internal infighting. It is unfortunate that the top Congress leaders who come to unite these leaders squabbling for power are not even aware of how to pronounce their names,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that since assuming office in 2022, the AAP Government has ensured that around 90% of households in the state receive free electricity, while farmers are getting uninterrupted daytime power supply during the paddy season for the first time in the state’s history. “For the first time in the history of Punjab, more than eight hours of uninterrupted power supply has been provided to farm tube wells during the paddy season, that too in the daytime. The Punjab Government has laid 14,000 kilometres of pipelines and watercourses across the state to facilitate farmers in every nook and corner of Punjab,” he said.

“A total of 21,000 cusecs of water has been released through these pipelines and watercourses to cater to the irrigation needs of farmers. The water released by the Punjab Government is equivalent to the water supplied by two Bhakra canals. Farmers across the state are benefiting immensely from this initiative. Recharge points have also been created in canals and rivers to improve the groundwater table, which has risen by two to four metres,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

The Chief Minister said the taxpayers’ money is being utilised judiciously for the welfare of the people and is being returned to them in the form of development, better schools, hospitals and roads. “The AAP Government has closed toll plazas, thereby saving around ₹70 lakh every day for the people of the state. We are making strenuous efforts for the welfare of every section of society and leaving no stone unturned for this noble cause,” he said.

Highlighting the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, the Chief Minister said the scheme reflects the government’s commitment to honouring mothers and daughters across Punjab. “Under the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, every woman above 18 years of age from Punjab is receiving ₹1,000 per month, while women from the Scheduled Caste category receive ₹1,500 per month as financial assistance. For ordinary people, especially the poor, ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 is a significant amount. This financial assistance is a mark of respect for our mothers and daughters, and the smiles on their faces because of this scheme give me immense satisfaction,” he said.

Highlighting the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, the Chief Minister said the AAP Government has launched the country’s first universal healthcare scheme that provides cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh to every resident family in the state. “Punjab is the first state in India to provide such comprehensive healthcare coverage to every resident family. This has significantly reduced the financial burden on people while ensuring quality healthcare services. This historic initiative aims to provide universal healthcare to every family in Punjab, and people have already availed cashless treatment worth more than ₹650 crore under the scheme,” he said.

The Chief Minister said Punjab is witnessing rapid progress in every sector because the government has taken path-breaking initiatives in healthcare, education, power and infrastructure. “Work on the construction of more than 49,000 kilometres of rural roads is progressing at a rapid pace and will be completed soon,” he said.

The CM further said the AAP Government has shut down 19 toll plazas across the state. “The closure of these toll plazas is saving nearly ₹64 lakh every day from the pockets of the common people. Our government has fulfilled every promise made to the people of Punjab, and Punjab has become the first state in the country to do so. The sole agenda of my government is to ensure the progress of the state and the prosperity of its people,” he said.

Speaking about employment generation, the CM said the responsibility of any government is to empower the youth and create opportunities for them to build successful lives. “Every file signed by me is aimed at benefiting the common man and the state. More than 68,000 government jobs have been provided to the youth completely on merit, without corruption or recommendation. Every decision taken by the Punjab Government is aimed at ensuring the progress of the state and the prosperity of its people,” he said.

Referring to the enactment of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, the CM said he is grateful to the Almighty for blessing him with the opportunity to bring this historic legislation. “Whenever incidents of beadbi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji took place, the psyche of millions of people was deeply hurt. The Almighty blessed me with the wisdom and strength to bring this Bill after detailed consultations with legal experts,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

“The Punjab Government has drafted this Bill very carefully so that no future amendments or loopholes can weaken it. This law will act as a strong deterrent against anti-social elements indulging in such acts in future, and no one will ever dare commit this heinous crime. Earlier, people escaped punishment by claiming that their mind was disturbed or that they were mentally ill. However, if someone is truly mentally unstable, why does he target only Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji? Why does he not crash into a train engine or touch live electric wires?” he said.

The Chief Minister said they are opposing the anti-beadbi law because they know they will have to answer for the misdeeds committed in the past. “The Akalis were hand in glove with fissiparous forces that hatched conspiracies of beadbi in the past. Now these leaders have to pay for their sinister actions, which is why they and their stooges are opposing the anti-beadbi law. However, this will not deter me from working for the welfare of the people, and I will continue making every possible effort in their interest,” he said.

The Chief Minister said there is a fundamental difference between his style of governance and that of his predecessors, who remained inaccessible to the common people. “My predecessors never met ordinary people. They stepped out of their luxurious homes only after checking the temperature, whereas I am available to the people round the clock,” he said.

Launching a scathing attack on previous governments, the CM said they amassed enormous wealth by misusing public office. “These leaders illegally built huge palaces by accumulating massive wealth through the misuse of their official positions. The walls of these palatial houses were high, and their gates remained closed to the common people. They remained inaccessible to the people and were eventually shown the door by them,” he said.

Concluding his address, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated the people of Punjab have repeatedly rejected those who exploited the state for their personal interests. “The people of Punjab have shown the door to those who looted them turn by turn. These leaders fooled the people for a long time, but the wise people of the state are no longer swayed by their misleading propaganda. These arrogant politicians always took the people for granted, and ultimately the people threw them out of power. Today, these opportunist leaders are baffled because the people are no longer responding to them. Their agenda has always been confined to the welfare of their own families rather than the welfare of the people,” he said.

Reaffirming its commitment to providing free and quality healthcare services near the doorsteps of the people, the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, has launched 100 more Aam Aadmi Clinics across the state. The campaign was formally inaugurated today by Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, who dedicated the newly constructed Aam Aadmi Clinic at Vikas Nagar in Patiala Rural. With the addition of these new clinics, the total number of Aam Aadmi Clinics in Punjab has increased to 1,090.

As part of this initiative, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs and other public representatives inaugurated 71 new Aam Aadmi Clinics across the state today. The remaining 29 clinics will be dedicated to the public in different districts in a phased manner by July 31 by other public representatives.

Among the Cabinet Ministers, Dr. Baljit Kaur inaugurated 3 Aam Aadmi Clinics at Ambedkar Bhawan, Dera Sacha Sauda Road and Ward No. 11 in Malout, Sri Muktsar Sahib. Shri Lal Chand Kataruchak dedicated 1 clinic, constructed at a cost of ₹25 lakh, in Pathankot city. Shri Gurmeet Singh Khuddian inaugurated 1 clinic in Sri Muktsar Sahib. Shri Hardeep Singh Mundian dedicated 3 Aam Aadmi Clinics, built at a cost of ₹76.41 lakh, in the Sahnewal Assembly constituency. Shri Tarunpreet Singh Sond inaugurated 3 new Aam Aadmi Clinics at Narottam Nagar, Focal Point and Uttam Nagar in Khanna, constructed at a cost of ₹87 lakh. Similarly, Shri Mohinder Bhagat inaugurated 3 Aam Aadmi Clinics at Siddharth Nagar, Budha Mall Ground and the Sports and Surgical Complex in Jalandhar. In addition, MLAs and other public representatives also inaugurated new Aam Aadmi Clinics in their respective constituencies.

On the occasion, the public representatives said that Aam Aadmi Clinics have brought healthcare services closer to the people, making treatment simple, convenient and affordable. They added that the commissioning of the new clinics would enable many more citizens to avail themselves of quality primary healthcare services.

The Punjab Government has developed an effective model to strengthen primary healthcare services across the state. At present, 990 Aam Aadmi Clinics are functioning successfully in Punjab, including 414 in urban areas and 576 in rural areas. These clinics provide 107 essential medicines and 47 types of laboratory tests completely free of cost. Each clinic is staffed with a Medical Officer, a Pharmacist and trained healthcare personnel. A modern IT-enabled system is being used for patient registration, diagnosis, treatment and the dispensing of medicines.

The scope of healthcare services at the Aam Aadmi Clinics has also been expanded. The clinics now provide free antenatal care for pregnant women, treatment for dog-bite cases, family planning services, screening and treatment for hypertension, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases, along with several other essential primary healthcare services.

The Punjab Government remains committed to ensuring that every citizen has access to free, quality healthcare services close to home. With the launch of these new Aam Aadmi Clinics, the reach and accessibility of healthcare services across the state will be further strengthened.