Punjab has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first state in India to fully roll out the revised BharatNet scheme, a project that promises to redefine its digital landscape. Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha received the award for this accomplishment from BSNL CGM Ajay Kumar Karara and called it a historic moment for the state’s 30 million residents. With high-speed internet already operational across 43 blocks, officials confirmed that by the end of November, every village in Punjab will be connected to the national Digital India network.

The success of this project represents far more than just an infrastructure upgrade. It is a symbol of effective governance and commitment. While many government schemes across India struggle to move beyond planning stages, Punjab has delivered tangible results. More than a thousand kilometers of fiber-optic cables have been laid so far, a distance that far exceeds the stretch between Delhi and Ludhiana. The government’s campaign to ensure every household and panchayat has access to the internet reflects the state’s vision of inclusive and sustainable growth.

The digital revolution is expected to bring sweeping changes to Punjab’s agricultural sector, which supports nearly 60 percent of its population. Farmers will now be able to check real-time market prices, receive weather forecasts, and apply for welfare programs such as MSP and PM-KISAN without leaving their homes. Direct access to buyers will cut out middlemen, helping farmers secure better earnings and make informed decisions about their crops.

For the younger generation, the project opens a world of opportunity. Many online professions ranging from digital marketing and content creation to design and data management have long been out of reach for rural youth due to poor internet connectivity. Now, students and professionals from districts like Amritsar, Muktsar, Jalandhar, and Fazilka can compete on equal footing with their urban counterparts. The need to migrate abroad in search of work may gradually decline as new career possibilities emerge right at home.

In education, this initiative could transform government schools across the state. More than three million children will gain access to online classes, lectures from top institutions like the IITs, and free educational resources available on digital platforms. This will help narrow the gap between rural and urban education standards and empower students from low-income families with quality learning tools.

Healthcare in Punjab’s rural areas is also set to improve dramatically. Telemedicine facilities will allow patients in distant villages to consult doctors from major hospitals such as PGI Chandigarh and Amritsar’s leading institutions via video calls. This means that medical expertise will no longer be confined to cities, and timely access to treatment could save countless lives.

The initiative also carries significant social implications for women. With the internet now at their fingertips, women will be able to start online businesses, enroll in virtual training programs, access government benefits, and handle digital banking independently. Such empowerment will promote economic independence and enhance their role in community development.

Chief Secretary Sinha described the achievement as a collective victory for the people of Punjab rather than a government milestone. He said that the project was not merely about connecting wires and signals but about connecting dreams and aspirations. He pointed to the newly installed Wi-Fi in Ramkalwan, a border village in Pathankot, as a powerful symbol of how deeply committed the state is to inclusivity. Calling the recognition a tribute to the spirit of every Punjabi, he concluded that this was the beginning of a new chapter where technology would help build a more progressive, connected, and empowered Punjab.

Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced on Tuesday that a special three-day event titled Pensioner Sewa Mela will be held across all District Treasury Offices in the state from November 13 to November 15, 2025. The objective of this initiative is to help government pensioners complete their mandatory e-KYC process and register on the newly introduced Pensioner Sewa Portal.

Cheema explained that the Punjab government launched this digital platform on November 3, 2025, as a comprehensive one-stop solution for pension-related services. He invited all pensioners to visit their nearest District Treasury Office during the event to complete their registration and experience the benefits of digital governance firsthand. “This is part of our effort to ensure that pensioners can access their benefits and services in a simple, transparent, and efficient way,” he said.

The Pensioner Sewa Portal, available at https://pensionersewa.punjab.gov.in, offers six key online services to users. These include submitting digital life certificates via the Jeevan Pramaan mobile app, applying for conversion of pension into family pension, availing Leave Travel Concession (LTC), submitting grievances, and updating personal details. The Jeevan Pramaan app can be downloaded from both Android and iOS stores, making it easily accessible to all pensioners.

According to the Finance Minister, the registration process on the portal has been designed to be simple and user-friendly. Pensioners can authenticate their Aadhaar details online through the e-KYC feature on the portal and access services using their login credentials. These services can also be availed through multiple channels such as Sewa Kendras, Pension Disbursing Banks, District Treasury Offices, or even through home delivery options for those unable to travel.

To ensure smooth implementation and quick grievance resolution, the government has also set up a dedicated War Room at the Directorate of Treasuries & Accounts, Pension, and New Pension Scheme. The War Room will monitor issues faced by pensioners and coordinate solutions in real-time. Additionally, three helpline numbers — 18001802148, 01722996385, and 01722996386 — have been activated and will operate on all working days from 9 AM to 5 PM to address pension-related queries and technical difficulties.

Cheema emphasized that the initiative reflects the Punjab government’s commitment to transparency, digital empowerment, and senior citizen welfare. By bringing services online, the government hopes to eliminate unnecessary paperwork, reduce delays, and make pension management more efficient and accessible for every retired employee in the state.