Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, September 13 :

Punjab State Legal Services Authority has successfully organized the 3rd National Lok Adalat on 13.09.2025 throughout the State of Punjab under the visionary leadership of  Mr. Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra, Judge, Punjab & Haryana High Court and Executive Chairman of Punjab State Legal Services Authority.

Disclosing this here today Member Secretary Ms Navjot Kaur said that this mega event was organized under the aegis of National Legal Services Authority, with an aim to deliver speedy and amicable resolution of disputes to ensure access to justice for all, in line with article 39-A of constitution of India.

In line with its objective of delivering accessible justice to all, the Lok Adalat saw active participation from both litigants and legal professionals. Various types of cases, including civil, matrimonial, property, motor vehicle accidents, and other related matters, were resolved through conciliation and settlements, reducing the burden on the judiciary and providing relief to the parties involved.

In this Lok Adalat, total 447 Lok Adalat benches were constituted in all the Districts and Sub-divisions in which total 5.18 lac cases were taken up. Out of which, total 4.50 lac cases have been settled.

In this Lok Adalat, thousands of litigants across the State of Punjab got resolved their disputes. Several long pending mattes were amicably settled leading to decongestion of court dockets. The Courts witnessed an overwhelming response from Banking Institutions, Insurance Companies, Government Departments and the General Public. In this National Lok Adalat, the DLSA, Fazilka has settled 12 years old case of cheating and fraud involving payment of Rs.15,50,000/-. Special efforts were put in the Lok Adalat for interest of both the parties and ultimately, amicable settlement has been reached between the parties through this Lok Adalat.

In one of 8-year-old case, District Legal Services Authority, SAS Nagar has decided matter which was preferred by a decree holder namely Sheela claiming the award amount which was passed on 13.01.2017. The matter has been compromised between the parties and amount has been released in favour of the decree holder. Finally, a long pending litigation has come to an end. Apart from this, other districts have also decided the long pending matters in this National Lok Adalat.

On this occasion, Mr. Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra, Executive Chairman, Punjab State Legal Services Authority praised that despite the recent floods in the State, the Judicial Officers, District Legal Services Authorities and the volunteers across the State of Punjab have put stupendous efforts to make this mega event successful. 

Punjab State Legal Services Authority also expressed its deep gratitude to the Hon’ble High Court of Punjab and Haryana, all District Legal Services Authorities, the judiciary of the State, Bar Members, Police Authorities and Civil Administration for their support and cooperation.

Chandigarh, September 13:

Punjab Education and Information & Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, today urged the Union Government for immediate and substantial support to mitigate the recurring flood devastation in the state, specifically calling for the channelization of the Sarsa and Swan rivers.

In a video message, S. Harjot Singh Bains warmly welcomed Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Information & Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan, who came to visit the flood-ravaged areas of the Rupnagar district today, while demanding a permanent solution of the recurring flood problem by the channelising of the Sarsa and Swan rivers, a critical project to prevent future catastrophes. He sought the Union Minister’s proactive support in securing the necessary approvals and funding from the Central Government for this vital infrastructure.

Mr. Bains urged Punjab’s BJP leaders to ensure the Union Minister witnesses the true scale of destruction firsthand. “I appeal to them to take Dr. Murugan not just to the main sites, but to villages Khera Kalmot, Bellas, and other severely affected areas, where the poor have lost their meagre belongings. Let him see the reality beyond the formal briefings,” he stated in a video message.

S. Bains also criticized the relief measures, declaring the Rs 1600 crore relief package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “grossly inadequate” against damages amounting to thousands of crores. He highlighted that the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms render the compensation a “mockery of the suffering.”

“The compensation of Rs 6,500 for a partially damaged pucca house and Rs 2,500 for destroyed household essentials is an insult. Can a home be rebuilt with this sum? Is this what our nation offers to those who feed it?” S. Bains questioned. He further challenged the Union Minister to accompany him to the fields of Hariwal and Chandpur Bella to ask farmers if the Rs 6,800 per acre compensation even covers the diesel cost required to clear their ruined crops.

Invoking Punjab’s historic contribution to the nation, S. Harjot Singh Bains said, “Punjab has always been at the forefront of safeguarding and feeding the country. We do not seek charity; we seek our rightful due. I request the Union Minister to see the true picture and report the genuine plight of our people with urgency to the Prime Minister.”

Chandigarh, September 13:

With the Special Girdawari across the state for assessing losses caused by the recent floods commencing today, Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian, on Saturday, directed all concerned officials to carry out the exercise in a transparent, time-bound and result-oriented manner so that no affected family is left out from receiving rightful compensation.

S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said this crucial drive has been launched in line with the directions of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, who has assured that every flood victim in Punjab will receive compensation within 45 days. He stressed that the entire exercise must be executed with utmost integrity and accountability, adding that compensation is not a favour but the right of the affected people.

The Revenue Minister made it clear that any negligence or deliberate delay on the part of officials will invite strict disciplinary action. He assured that the entire process will be personally monitored on a daily basis by the state government to ensure fairness and efficiency.

The Cabinet Minister further directed that revenue officials from non-affected areas be deployed in flood-hit villages to ensure timely completion of the assessment.

S. Mundian informed that total 2167 Patwaris have been deputed across the flood-affected areas of the state for conducting the Special Girdawari. The district-wise deployment includes Amritsar (196), Barnala (115), Bathinda (21), Faridkot (15), Fazilka (110), Ferozepur (113), Gurdaspur (343), Hoshiarpur (291), Jalandhar (84), Kapurthala (149), Ludhiana (60), Malerkotla (7), Mansa (95), Moga (29), Pathankot (88), Patiala (141), Rupnagar (92), Sangrur (107), SAS Nagar (15), Sri Muktsar Sahib (25) and Tarn Taran (71).

Teams will move village to village, conduct field inspections and prepare reports on crop damage, house losses and livestock deaths, he added.

“Farmers and residents will also be given an opportunity to raise objections, if any, within a week, so that corrections can be incorporated without delay,” said the Cabinet Minister, while reiterating the Chief Minister’s announcement that Punjab government has finalised the highest-ever compensation in the state’s history. Farmers will receive Rs.20,000 per acre for crop loss, families whose houses have collapsed will be given Rs.1,20,000 and those with partially damaged houses will get Rs.40,000. Likewise, livestock losses will also be compensated as per approved norms, including Rs.37,500 for cows or buffaloes and Rs.4,000 for goats.

He said that as per the latest flood report, the total crop area affected across Punjab is around 1,98,525 hectares, with major losses reported in Gurdaspur (40,169 hectares), Patiala (17,690 hectares), Tarn Taran (12,828 hectares), Fazilka (25,182 hectares), Ferozepur (17,257 hectares), Kapurthala (17,574 hectares), Sangrur (6,560 hectares), Hoshiarpur (8,322 hectares), Amritsar (27,154 hectares), Jalandhar (4,800 hectares), Rupnagar (1,135 hectares), Ludhiana (189 hectares), Bathinda (586.79 hectares), SAS Nagar (2,000 hectares), SBS Nagar (188 hectares), Pathankot (2442 hectares), Mansa (12207.38 hectares) and Moga (2240 hectares).

He said that as per the latest flood report, with one more death reported in district Moga within last 24 hours, the total death toll reached 56 human lives across the state till date.

He further said that the Mann government is committed to deliver cheques in hand to the affected people within 45 days. In villages where the entire crop has been destroyed, the process will be completed in just one month to provide immediate relief. Compensation for houses and livestock loss will start from September 15 and will also be completed within the stipulated timeline.

CHANDIGARH, September 13:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 196th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 383 locations on Saturday leading to the arrest of 99 drug smugglers after registration of 77 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 29,387 in 196 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 2.5 kg heroin, 1.2 kg opium, 5 kg ganja, 65 kg poppy husk, 1108 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 6770 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Over 150 Police teams, comprising over 1200 police personnel, under the supervision of 76 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 418 suspicious persons during the day-long operation.

          The state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 51 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh/ Nangal, September 13

Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema and Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains conducted a special tour of flood-affected areas in the Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency on Saturday late evening, vowing to provide full compensation to all affected residents.

The ministers condemned the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) for politicizing the tragedy and called on the Union Government to release outstanding dues to the state.

During the visit, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema met with local residents and assured them that the Punjab Government would compensate for all damages to homes, livestock, and crops. “We will ensure that every loss is compensated,” said Cheema while adding, “The Punjab Chief Minister is serious about this issue, and the state government is fully committed to providing relief.”

Finance Minister Cheema also criticized the BJP, accusing them of doing politics on dead bodies during a difficult time. He challenged the Union Government to make its figures public regarding the 12000 crore of SDRF, while adding that the Punjab government has already released its own data.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, who has been actively involved in relief efforts for several weeks, detailed the ongoing work. He highlighted the damage to roads, bridges, and temporary embankments, explaining that the government is focused on temporary repairs while planning for long-term reconstruction.

“We are committed to providing all possible help for the repair and construction of bridges, roads, and embankments,” said Bains while adding that the Punjab Government is also providing essential relief materials, including furniture and medical services, to affected families.

The ministers inspected several severely damaged areas, including Singhpur Plasi, Shiv Singh Bela, Harsa Bela, Bibhor Sahib, Pinghwari-Khingri, and the Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Nangal. They traveled by tractor-trolley to reach some of the most remote villages, where they met with local residents and offered their full support.

Finance Minister Cheema also pointed out that the Union Government owes Punjab approximately Rs. 60,000 crore in GST and RDF arrears. He urged the Union Government to release this amount, along with an additional Rs. 20,000 crore in interim relief, adding that the meagre amount provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not be enough to heal the state’s wounds.

Both ministers emphasized the need to channelize rivers in the region to prevent future flooding.

The Ministers said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has ordered a special survey of damaged crops, and officials are already on the ground to assess the full extent of the damage. They further added that the medical and veterinary teams are also working in the affected villages to provide health services, and the government has committed to covering the treatment costs for patients with serious illnesses.

Chandigarh, September 12:

In a noteworthy gesture of compassion, Punjab Revenue Officers Association handed over a cheque of Rs.10 lakh to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for providing assistance to the flood-affected families in the state.

The contribution was presented to Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian at his office here at Punjab Civil Secretariat by the office-bearers Tehsildar Sukcharan Singh Channi, Tehsildar Harminder Singh Gholia, Naib Tehsildar Harjot Singh, Naib Tehsildar Pawan Kumar on behalf of their association.

Lauding their humanitarian initiative, the Revenue Minister said that the Association has set an inspiring example of social responsibility by extending a helping hand to those in distress. He said that such collective contributions will ensure crucial relief and rehabilitation measures for the affected people of Punjab.

Prominent amongst others who were present included Punjab State Small Scale Industries Chairman Sh. Neel Garg and S. Balwinder Singh, Private Secretary to the Revenue Minister.

Chandigarh, September 12:

Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today strongly advocated major reforms during the consultative process for the Viksit Bharat 2047 Roadmap. She said these recommendations reflect the progressive vision and strong commitment of the Punjab Government towards social justice and inclusive development.

Commending the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Dr. Baljit Kaur said the State Government is setting new benchmarks for the country in education, social justice and child welfare. She added that Punjab’s recommendations will help shape nationwide reforms for a better and more equitable future.

Expressing gratitude to Union Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment & Minorities Dr. Barinder Kumar and ministers from other states for allowing Punjab to present its views, Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the concept of ‘One Nation, One Scholarship’ must be strengthened through a pan-India online portal to ensure students do not face delays in verification while seeking admissions in other states.

She further recommended increasing awareness about Post-Matric Scholarship schemes and adopting a uniform income criterion to ensure no deserving child is deprived of education. Specifically, she urged the Centre to raise the income ceiling for SC Post-Matric Scholarships from the current ₹2.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh, enabling more students to benefit.

Highlighting the need to revamp and upgrade the Adarsh Gram Yojana, Dr. Baljit Kaur proposed increasing the allocation under the scheme from ₹20 lakh to ₹1 crore per village to ensure comprehensive and impactful development of model villages, particularly benefitting Punjab’s large Scheduled Caste population.

Raising concern over honour killings, the Minister urged the Government of India to enact a stringent national law to curb discrimination and violence against inter-caste marriages. She also demanded an increase in the financial assistance provided under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, raising compensation for cases of murder and rape from ₹8.5 lakh to a higher amount and enhancing relief under other categories as well.

Dr. Baljit Kaur called for promoting modern livelihood projects such as nursing and elderly care training instead of conventional tailoring and beauty courses, to create sustainable employment opportunities for youth.

Sharing Punjab’s remarkable achievement in eradicating child begging, Dr. Baljit Kaur said over 700 children have been rescued under various Acts and Supreme Court guidelines, with DNA tests conducted to identify exploiters, and the rescued children rehabilitated into schools. “Today, you will not find a child begging on the streets of Punjab – this model must be replicated across all states,” she asserted.

Dr. Baljit Kaur also urged that hostels for SC/BC students should not carry caste-based labels, as this could lead to discrimination. Instead, a neutral environment must be created for students’ holistic development. She further recommended that the successful Punjab model for eradicating child begging be adopted nationally.

“Through these suggestions, Punjab has once again demonstrated its resolve to lead the nation in social justice, education, and child welfare,” Dr. Baljit Kaur concluded.

Chandigarh, September 12:

In a significant development for Punjab’s agricultural sector, Mr. Baljinder Singh Dhillon today assumed the office as Chairman of Punjab Agro Foodgrains Corporation Ltd. in the presence of Mr. Aman Arora, Cabinet Minister and President of Aam Aadmi Party, Punjab.

Extending best wishes to Mr. Dhillon on taking over the office as chairman, Mr. Aman Arora expressed confidence that the Corporation under the leadership of Mr. Dhillon, will become a powerful engine for economic growth, creating new opportunities for youth and further strengthening the agriculture sector, the backbone of the Punjab. He exhorted  the Chairman to work zealously in achieving Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s vision for ‘Rangla Punjab’.

While expressing gratitude towards CM Mann and AAP National Convener Sh. Arvind Kejriwal, Mr. Baljinder Singh Dhillon outlined a visionary roadmap focused on farmer prosperity, sustainable practices and establishing Punjab as a leader in food processing sector across the country. He further said that their primary focus is to serve the “Annadaata” by bridging the gap between farm and fork, ensuring better remuneration for the state farmers through crop diversification, cutting-edge technology adoption and creating robust infrastructure for food processing.

MLA Samana Mr. Chetan Singh Jauramajra, MLA Patiala Mr. Ajit Pal Singh Kohli, MLA Shutrana Mr. Kulwant Singh Bazigar, Chairman Punjab Water Supply & Sewerage Board Dr. Sunny Singh Ahluwalia, Chairman Punjab State Farmers’ and Farm Workers’ Commission Dr. Sukhpal Singh and other senior govt officials were also present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, September 12:

Exhorting the officers and employees of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department to burn midnight oil in view of the upcoming Paddy procurement season, the Minister Incharge Lal Chand Kataruchak averred that considering the flood situation in the State, attention must be paid to ensure adequate medical facilities in the mandis falling in the flood ravaged areas.

The Minister was apprised during a review meeting at Anaj Bhawan with top brass of the department and video conferencing with the DFSCs that arrangements are being made for the procurement of 190 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of Paddy while the target fixed by the Department of Food Production and Distribution, Government of India is 173.13 LMT.

The number of rice mills in the State stands at 5049 while the Minimum Support Price (MSP) has fixed at Rs. 2389 Per Quintal.

Furthermore, as part of its strenuous efforts to ensure ample storage space for storing of rice, the State Government is regularly taking up the issue with the FCI/Government of India for movement of atleast 10 LMT of wheat per month for the next 3 months. Also the Custom Milling Policy 2025 – 26 has been notified on September 8th, 2025 and the process of allotment of rice mills & linking of rice mills with mandis is underway.

It was also brought to the notice of the Minister that the Punjab Mandi Board has notified 1823 regular purchase centers for procuring of paddy in this season.

As far as the Cash Credit Limit (CCL) is concerned, the CCL to the tune of Rs. 49, 987 Crore is required. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted authorization of Rs. 15,018 crore for the month of September 2025. The balance limit would be granted in the last week of September.

Besides, the e-KYC of 1.30 Crore beneficiaries of free ration scheme has been completed. As regards the Gunny Bales, as many as 4.21 Lakh bales have been received by Punjab while 39000 are in transit from Kolkata. Apart from this, 60000 gunny bales from previous seasons are also available. Further, supply of 47500 Tarpaulins is also in the pipeline.

Among others present on the occasion included the Director Barinder Kumar Sharma, Additional Secretary PUNGRAIN Kamal Kumar Garg, Additional Director Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar & Ajayveer Singh Sarao and GM (Finance) Sarvesh Sharma.

Chandigarh, September 12:

Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is all set to procure every single grain of paddy from the mandis, stated Punjab Mandi Board Chairman Harchand Singh Barsat, while reviewing the arrangements made to ensure smooth and efficient procurement operations for the upcoming Kharif season commencing from September 16, 2025.

S. Barsat, along with Secretary Mandi Board Mr. Ramvir, held a high-level meeting with District Mandi Officers to review the preparedness of the Board.

Complying with the directions of Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, the Mandi Board Chairman directed officials to ensure all 1,822 mandis and procurement centres should be well-maintained and equipped to handle the paddy crop to ensure seamless experience for farmers, Arhtiyas, labourers and traders.

He asked the officials to ensure comprehensive arrangements including cleanliness, uninterrupted electricity supply, drinking water facilities, restroom access and shaded seating areas.

He also directed the officials to ensure adequate shaded areas and seating arrangements for laborers working in mandis, ensuring their comfort and well-being during the procurement process.

He instructed the District Mandi Officers and head office officials to personally visit mandis, conduct ground-level assessments and maintain continuous monitoring during the procurement season to address any issue and concerns immediately.

The Chairman also emphasised on creating a supportive and conducive environment for farmers to ensuring that they can sell their produce without any difficulty.

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Chairman launches jersey of Punjab Mandi Board Cricket team

Meanwhile, Punjab Mandi Board Chairman also launched the Board’s cricket team’s jersey for the second annual Employees Cricket League, organised by the Punjab Civil Secretariat Club. He also encouraged the Punjab Mandi Board cricket team, which previously stood runner-up in the All India State Agricultural Marketing Boards T-20 Cricket Tournament. The team presented the runner-up trophy to S. Barsat and Secretary Mr. Ramvir.