Punjab

Authorities have detained Amritpal Singh, also known as Amrit Dalam, a fugitive gangster allegedly linked to the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria criminal network, near the Moldova border after an Interpol Red Corner Notice triggered international action. The arrest followed coordinated efforts by Punjab Police, India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and central investigative agencies. Officials confirmed that the operation was part of a broader initiative to track down overseas fugitives connected to organized crime in Punjab.

Aam Aadmi Party Member of Parliament Malwinder Singh Kang has sparked a public debate after urging authorities to adopt a more sensitive approach when dealing with farmer protests in Punjab. His remarks followed recent confrontations between farmers and police during attempted protest marches toward Bathinda. The clashes reportedly involved the use of tear gas, leaving at least two farmers injured and intensifying tensions between agricultural unions and law enforcement.

The Punjab government has unveiled an ambitious direct cash transfer initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to adult women across the state. Announced during the presentation of the upcoming fiscal budget, the scheme promises monthly payments of Rs. 1,000 to eligible women, with enhanced support of Rs. 1,500 for women from Scheduled Caste communities. The initiative, titled the “Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhian Satikar Yojana,” carries an estimated annual outlay of Rs. 9,300 crore and is expected to cover nearly 97% of adult women in Punjab.

The Punjab government has announced a major welfare initiative in its 2026–27 state budget aimed at providing direct financial support to women. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema unveiled the “Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhian Satikar Yojana,” a program designed to transfer Rs. 1,000 per month directly to the bank accounts of eligible adult women across the state. Women belonging to Scheduled Caste communities will receive an enhanced benefit of Rs. 1,500 per month.

The Punjab government is set to present its Budget Estimates for the 2026–27 fiscal year on March 8, aligning the announcement with International Women’s Day in a symbolic and politically significant move. The state administration is widely expected to introduce its long-promised Rs 1,100 monthly allowance for women, a flagship welfare commitment with substantial fiscal implications. The Cabinet has approved the Vidhan Sabha’s budget session schedule from March 6 to March 16.

Ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the rollout of the ‘Meri Rasoi Yojna,’ a large-scale welfare initiative aimed at strengthening food and nutrition security across the state. Beginning in April, approximately 40 lakh families covered under the National Food Security Act will receive free quarterly food kits in addition to their regular wheat entitlement.

The Punjab government is set to present its Budget Estimates for the 2026–27 fiscal year on March 8, aligning the announcement with International Women’s Day in a symbolic and politically significant move. The state administration is widely expected to introduce its long-promised Rs 1,100 monthly allowance for women, a flagship welfare commitment with substantial fiscal implications. The Cabinet has approved the Vidhan Sabha’s budget session schedule from March 6 to March 16.

The Prime Minister Internship Scheme, launched by the Government of India to enhance employability among young graduates, has recorded a muted response in Punjab. Despite the state’s persistent challenge of educated unemployment, participation levels and candidate retention have remained below expectations. The programme offers structured industry exposure and a monthly stipend of Rs 5,000 to selected interns placed across leading companies.

The Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board has released its Clerk Recruitment 2026 notification under Advertisement No. 02 of 2026, inviting applications for clerical positions across multiple state departments. The online registration portal went live on February 14, 2026, and will remain open until March 6, 2026. The recruitment process will be conducted through direct selection procedures as outlined in the official notification. Candidates are advised to review eligibility criteria, selection stages and procedural requirements carefully.

In a significant development within Punjab’s political landscape, senior leader Arvind Khanna has transitioned from the Bharatiya Janata Party to the Shiromani Akali Dal. The move was formalized in Sangrur in the presence of Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal. Khanna, who previously served as vice president of the BJP’s Punjab unit and as a legislator, brings organizational experience and regional influence to his new political home.