Punjab Politics & Governance

Milkfed Punjab raises milk procurement rates from 1 April

1 April 2026

Milkfed Punjab, which markets products under the Verka brand, raised milk procurement prices by ₹10–₹15 per kilogram of fat, effective 1 April 2026. The state government said the increase was intended to improve remuneration for dairy farmers and strengthen the cooperative dairy sector.

About 2.5 lakh farmers associated with Milkfed were expected to benefit directly, according to the official statement. The government projected wider benefits for dairy producers if other buyers raised their rates; that broader effect was not confirmed as an outcome.

Key Facts

• Milkfed Punjab is a leading North Indian cooperative with significant market share in packaged milk and dairy products.

Punjab announces caste-based socio-economic survey

1 April 2026

Punjab announced a caste-based socio-economic survey to assess living conditions across communities and inform welfare-policy planning. The government said the exercise was scheduled to begin on 1 April and that participants’ identities would be kept confidential.

Key Facts

• The survey is intended to assess living standards across castes and sub-castes to inform welfare policymaking.
• The announced exercise has ₹250 crore allocated and is to deploy 28,000 enumerators.

Halwara Airport schedules two daily Delhi flights from 15 May

2 April 2026

Halwara Airport was preparing to begin Delhi services, with two daily flights scheduled from 15 May and online bookings reported open. The planned journey time was about one hour and 10 minutes.

The flights were scheduled to begin in May; the April report describes preparations and does not establish that services had started.

Key Facts

• Halwara Airport is a civil enclave developed at the existing Halwara Air Force Station.

30-bed community health centre inaugurated in Cheema

2 April 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann inaugurated the Sant Baba Attar Singh Ji Maharaj Community Health Centre in Cheema, Sangrur district. The 30-bed centre is intended to provide emergency care, surgery, maternal and child health services, diagnostic tests and specialist consultations.

Key Facts

• Cheema’s health centre has grown from a 10-bed facility opened in 1975 into a modern 30-bed centre.

Jogindra Group announces proposed ₹1,100-crore investment in Punjab

2 April 2026

Jogindra Group announced a proposed ₹1,100-crore investment in Punjab, with about ₹700 crore earmarked for steel and ₹400 crore for renewable-energy projects. Industries and Commerce Minister Sanjeev Arora said the group plans to raise its renewable-energy capacity from 37 MW to 120 MW.

Key Facts

• Established in 1992, Jogindra Group is described as one of northern India’s leading steel industrial groups.

Punjab Police issues safeguards for investigations involving young people

3 April 2026

Punjab Police issued a circular setting out 17 safeguards for investigations involving young people, including limits on disclosing the identities of those aged 18–20. It also requires investigators to record why an arrest is necessary and calls for corroborating evidence beyond a co-accused’s statement.

Key Facts

• Investigators must limit seizure of personal phones and laptops to necessary data collection and return devices promptly.
• Police-station attendance times should avoid disrupting young people’s classes, examinations or employment.

Punjab approves prosecution of DIG Inderbir Singh in corruption and NDPS cases

6 April 2026

The Punjab government approved prosecution of DIG Inderbir Singh in corruption and NDPS Act cases registered in Tarn Taran in 2022. The cases include allegations of assisting a drug trafficker and seeking a bribe.

Key Facts

• The NDPS Act prohibits activities including production, possession, sale, transport and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Punjab transfers 11 Kotshamir police personnel after drug-related complaint

6 April 2026

After a village sarpanch complained of alleged police inaction over drug-related concerns, 11 personnel from the Kotshamir police post in Bathinda district were transferred to Mansa. The group included the post in-charge, three assistant sub-inspectors, four senior constables, one constable and three Home Guards; a departmental inquiry against the Bathinda Sadar station house officer was also ordered.

Punjab flags off 250 new PRTC buses in Patiala

6 April 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann flagged off 250 new buses for the Punjab Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC) in Patiala. The addition was presented as a step to strengthen public transport and improve connectivity between villages and cities.

Key Facts

• The separate Panbus fleet expansion plan ...