Chandigarh, August 18:

          Punjab’s Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, today announced that the Punjab Government will commemorate the unparalleled martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji with grand events across the state. He said that the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the Ninth Guru, revered as Hind Di Chadar, will be observed through large-scale commemorative programmes.

          Sond informed that in this regard, review meetings with district administrations and key stakeholders have already been completed at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Sri Amritsar Sahib, Baba Bakala, and Patiala. He added that the state government has designated the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs as the nodal department for all planning and arrangements. He, along with the department’s advisor, Deepak Bali, held consultations with MLAs, officials, councillors, trade representatives, and prominent citizens of the concerned districts.

          The Minister announced that the commemorative programmes will be held between November 19 and November 25, 2025 at the state level. He said Punjab is blessed with 135 historical sites associated with Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, out of which 35 are located in Patiala district alone. “The sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji is unparalleled in the history of humanity, and under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is committed to spreading the Guru’s eternal message of courage and faith to every corner of the world with the support of the Sikh sangat,” Sond stated.

          Highlighting the developmental aspect, the Minister said that besides organising state-level commemorative events at all sacred sites related to Guru Sahib, the government will also undertake large-scale development projects in these towns and villages. He shared that four religious processions (yatras) will commence from different locations and culminate at Sri Anandpur Sahib, passing through almost all major districts and cities of Punjab.

          Unveiling further details, Sond said that at Virasat-e-Khalsa in Sri Anandpur Sahib, Sri Akhand Path Sahib will commence on November 23, 2025, with participation from eminent personalities and religious leaders from across India and abroad. For the convenience of pilgrims, a Tent City will be set up for accommodation, and e-rickshaws will be arranged to facilitate travel to various holy sites. Additionally, the four major cities- Sri Anandpur Sahib, Sri Amritsar Sahib, Baba Bakala, and Patiala- will be illuminated with grand decorative lighting.

Chandigarh, August 18:

Punjab’s Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, informed that the Punjab Government has enforced The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 to safeguard the welfare and property of senior citizens in the state. If any person misbehaves or assaults the elderly, or if children attempt to usurp the property of their parents, strict legal action and punishment will be ensured under this Act to protect their dignity and security.

Highlighting a recent case, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Department took immediate cognizance of a complaint filed by senior citizen Avinash Chander Khanna, a resident of Khanna, against his son and daughter-in-law. Taking the matter seriously, she directed the departmental officials to act without delay. Acting on her instructions, the Ludhiana District Administration and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Khanna, jointly resolved the issue.

The Minister said that the District Social Security Officer, Ludhiana, along with the police, visited the complainant’s residence and heard both parties. The son and daughter-in-law were made aware of the legal provisions of the Senior Citizen Act, 2007. They admitted their mistake, tendered an apology, and assured respectful behavior towards their parents in the future.

Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is fully committed to the protection of senior citizens. “Our elders are our pride. Anyone who misbehaves with them will not be spared under any circumstances,” she said.

She added that this prompt, sensitive, and law-based resolution marks a significant step towards safeguarding the rights of senior citizens. The Minister further clarified that if any individual attempts to harass or grab the property of senior citizens, the Punjab Government will ensure strict action under The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.

Chandigarh, August 18:

Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman S. Jasvir Singh Garhi has taken suo motu notice of a case involving the abuse of a Scheduled Caste person from village Sarangara, Ramtirth Road, under the Rajasansi constituency of Amritsar, and has sought a report from the SSP Amritsar.

Giving details in this regard, S. Jasvir Singh Garhi said that the matter came to his notice through social media, where a person was seen hurling caste-based abuses at a Scheduled Caste family. Taking cognizance of this, the Commission has initiated legal action.

He further stated that the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission is committed to safeguarding the rights and welfare of Scheduled Caste communities in the state and that strict action will be taken against those spreading casteism in violation of constitutional provisions.

Chandigarh, August 18:

Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO met representatives of various PSPCL/PSTCL unions here today.

During the meeting, the union leaders apprised the Power Minister of their demands and expressed gratitude to the state government for the recent 10 percent salary hike announced by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann -led Punjab government.

Speaking on the occasion, Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to the welfare of state employees and assured that all their demands would be addressed soon.

PSPCL CMD Ajoy Kumar Sinha was also present at the meeting.

Chandigarh, August 18:

In a big relief for higher education in the state, the Supreme Court of India has allowed 1,158 Assistant Professors and Librarians to continue their services in government colleges until fresh recruitment takes place. This decision would ensure uninterrupted education for students in government colleges across Punjab.

Welcoming the Apex Court’s decision to allow 1,158 Assistant Professors and Librarians to continue serving in government colleges,  Punjab Higher Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains said that this is a big relief for higher education in Punjab, as it will enable students to pursue their academic goals without interruption. Notably, the Supreme Court’s decision on July 14, 2025, had quashed the appointments of 1,158 Assistant Professors and Librarians. However, the Punjab government had promptly filed a petition, highlighting the potential disruption to education in government colleges if these professors were removed.

The Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is committed to saving the 1,158 recruitment and is actively working on filing a review petition in the Apex Court, S. Harjot Singh Bains added while stating, “We will put the strongest case forward to ensure that the rights of these dedicated educators & librarians are protected.”

Chandigarh/Gurdaspur, August 18:

Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian on Monday inaugurated new water supply schemes constructed at a cost of Rs.1.11 crore in villages Naharpur and Narowali of Dera Baba Nanak Assembly constituency. He was accompanied by Dera Baba Nanak MLA S. Gurdeep Singh Randhawa and AAP District President and Chairman District Planning Committee Gurdaspur Sh. Joban Randhawa. The Cabinet Minister also planted saplings at both water scheme sites.

After dedicating both the water supply schemes to the public, Cabinet Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government is providing potable drinking water to 100% of the state’s population. He informed that in village Naharpur, Rs.62.36 lakh has been spent to provide potable water facilities to 153 households. He said these facilities included a deep bore well, a 25,000-liter tank, pipeline, solar panels, chlorinator and new water connections. Besides this, 48 toilets have been constructed in the village at a cost of Rs.7.20 lakh under the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Similarly, a water supply scheme has been dedicated to the public at a cost of Rs.48.68 lakh in village Narowali. He said that with the commencement of this scheme, 58 households in the village will receive potable water facilities. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, 27 toilets have been constructed in the village by incurring Rs.4.05 lakh.

While addressing the gathering, S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that the Mann Government is committed to public welfare. He said that with the facility of 300 units of free electricity per month, over 90 percent of consumers of the state are receiving zero bills. He said that the state government has provided more than 55,000 government jobs in three and a half years. Significant reforms have been made under the “Sikhya Kranti” and “Sehat Kranti” initiatives. He said that from October 2025, the Mann Government will launch the Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana for the people, under which health insurance worth up to Rs.10 lakh will be provided to every family.

Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Water Supply and Sanitation Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian, MLA S. Gurdeep Singh Randhawa said that both water supply schemes have been completed in record time, adding that since the AAP government came to power in the state, 13 water supply schemes have been implemented in Dera Baba Nanak Assembly constituency at a cost of Rs.6.82 crore. Besides this, 54 Community Sanitary Complexes have been constructed in the constituency with Rs.1.62 crore. During this period, 1,480 toilets are being constructed in the constituency at a cost of Rs.13.4 crore, of which 898 have been completed while work on the remaining 582 will be completed soon.

Prominent among others who were present on this occasion included SDM Jyotsna Singh, Chief Engineer Rajesh Dubey, SE Narinder Singh, XEN Vijay Kumar, XEN Dhaliwal, SDO Kanwarjeet Singh Rattra, SDO Rahul, Tehsildar Rajinder Singh, Chairman Balwinder Singh Haruwal, Sarpanch Narowali Hansa Singh, Sarpanch Naharpur Kashmir Singh, Sarpanch Khaddar Rajwinder Kaur and others.

Chandigarh, 18 August 2025:

The Government of Punjab has announced a special series of events titled “Rising Punjab – Suggestions to Solution” under the Udyog Kranti vision of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. The initiative is being spearheaded by Industries & Commerce–cum–Investment Promotion Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora. The events are designed to spread awareness about the state’s new industry-friendly policies and provide a direct platform for dialogue between the government and industry leaders.  In this context, first event titled “Rising Punjab – Suggestions to Solution” under the Udyog Kranti will be held at Amritsar on 19 August, 2025.

Focus Areas

Cabinet Minister Shri Sanjeev Arora informed that the events will highlight key reforms of the Department of Industries & Commerce, PSIEC, and the Department of Investment Promotion. Stakeholders will be guided on how to benefit from Clubbing / De-clubbing Policy, Plot Fragmentation Policy, Policy for Restoration of Cancelled Plots (via Appellate Authority), Leasehold to Freehold Policy and One Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme for pending dues.

Speaking about the initiative, Industries Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora said that “Rising Punjab is not just about policies—it is about giving our industries a voice, listening to their needs, and finding real solutions together. Our aim is to make Punjab a hub of opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs, we are bringing Udyog Kranti in Punjab.”

Empowering Punjab’s Growth

The “Rising Punjab” events mark another step in revolutionizing the industrial ecosystem of Punjab, empowering businesses to expand, innovate, and create jobs. With this, the Government of Punjab reaffirms its pledge to build a progressive, investment-friendly, and growth-driven economy, he added.

CHANDIGARH, August 18:

          Striking a decisive blow to International drug nexus amidst the ongoing anti-drug campaign Yudh Nashian Virudh launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, a Blue Corner Notice of Infamous Canada-based drug smuggler Satpreet Singh Thiara alias Satta has been published following the meticulous efforts of the Special Investigation Team.

          Following his involvement in drug trade, Satpreet Singh alias Satta, a native of village Banga in Nawanshahr, was nominated as co-accused in the NDPS Act case registered against Bikram Singh Majithia in 2021. Notably, a case FIR No. 02 dated 20/12/21 had been registered under sections 25, 27A and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Punjab State Crime, SAS Nagar.

          The investigations had found that accused Satpreet Satta had regularly visited India between the years 2007 to 2013, when international Infamous Bhola drug racket was active in the state of Punjab. The accused was linked with Rs 6000 Crores International drug racket and linked to various political persons of that time.

          Official Spokesperson of the Punjab Police said that following the request from the Special Investigation Team, the competent authority has issued a Blue Corner Notice against Satpreet Satta.

WHAT IS BLUE CORNER NOTICE?

          A Blue Corner notice, issued by Interpol, is used to gather additional information about a person’s identity, location, or activities during the course of a criminal investigation.

CHANDIGARH, August 18:

          In a relentless pursuit to eradicate the drug menace from Punjab as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police on Monday conducted a statewide Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) at identified drug Hotspots— the points of sale of drugs and psychotropic substances— across the state as part of the Yudh Nashian Virudh, marking the 170th day of the intensified anti-drug campaign.

          The CASO was conducted simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav.

          During the daylong operation, police teams have conducted raids at 272 drug hotspots across the state leading to arrest of 196 persons after registration of 164  first information reports (FIRs). Police teams have also recovered 2.4 kg heroin, 2 kg opium, 30 kg Ganja, 13,451 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 15,020 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.

          Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who was personally overseeing the operation, said that the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign launched on March 1, 2025, has resulted in arrest of 26085 drug smugglers after registration of 16705 first information reports (FIRs) across the state and led to recovery of 1076 kg heroin, 372 kg opium, 217 quintals poppy husk, 415 kg ganja, 32.53 lakh intoxicant tablets/capsules, 6 kg ICE and Rs 12.38 crores drug money from the possession of drug smugglers.

          He informed that the ‘Safe Punjab’ Anti-Drug WhatsApp Chatbot— 97791-00200— launched by the Punjab Police has received an overwhelming response with over 5000 first information reports (FIRs) registered following the tips from general public.

          The Special DGP exhorted more people to make maximum use of Safe Punjab helpline, which allows to citizens to report drug related activities anonymously.

Chamkaur Sahib (Rupnagar), August 18:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday dared the Akali leader Sukhbir Singh Badal to stop boasting about fake achievements of their government and explain that who will take the responsibility of the barbaric incident like Bargadi and lakhs of deaths of youth due to drugs which took place during their rule.

Addressing the gathering after giving a bonanza of several developmental projects to Chamkaur Sahib Assembly segment, the Chief Minister said that Sukhbir is very fond of boasting that a lot of development had taken place during their rule whereas he is mum over the incident of Bargadi where bullets were fired on innocent people or the drug menace which resulted in genocide of young generations is reflective of the long misrule of Akalis. He, while taking a jibe at Akali leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, said that Badals had only worked for expanding their business without bothering about the state and its people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the period from 2007-2017 was the darkest period of the state when Transport, cable, sand, drug and other mafias flexed their muscles in the state.

The Chief Minister said that it is on record that the drug menace spread its tentacles after it was patronized during the Akali regime. He said that the state government will adopt no leniency towards the ‘Jarnails’ who were the perpetrators behind the genocide of youth through the curse of drugs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders not only used to patronize drug trade across the state but ironically they even sold/ supplied the drugs in their official government vehicles.

The Chief Minister said that known for their opulence- acquired through illegal means, these leaders are now demanding facilities in the jail. He categorically said that those responsible for laying the pyres of youth in Punjab don’t deserve any sort of comfort in jail as they have to pay for their misdeeds.  Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a thorough enquiry has reflected that these leaders have amassed huge wealth through the drug trade adding that strictest punishment will be ensured to them for this crime.

Targeting leaders of traditional parties who supported a former Akali minister currently in Nabha jail on drug charges, the Chief Minister said that it is shocking that Congress leaders Charanjit Singh Channi, Partap Singh Bajwa, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, BJP leader Captain Amarinder Singh, and Ravneet Singh Bittu are openly speaking in his favour. He said that this exposes the collusion between traditional political parties adding that when in power, they’ve covered up each other’s wrongdoings. Bhagwant Singh Mann once again challenged them to make it clear to the people of Punjab that whether they are with the drug traffickers or against them.

The Chief Minister said that the traditional parties had mercilessly plundered the state and its people due to which they were ousted by the Punjabis. He said that all the big guns of these parties like former Chief Ministers Parkash Singh Badal and Charanjit Singh Channi, Akali leaders Sukhbir Singh Badal, Bikram Majithia and others were shown the door. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now these leaders are squabbling for power and are vying to outdo their rivals for the sake of power.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that a foolproof mechanism has been adopted by the state government for the entire recruitment process due to which not even a single appointment out of these more than 55,000 jobs have been challenged so far in any court. He said that it is a proud moment for the government of Punjab that these youth have been given government jobs completely on the basis of merit. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that transparent recruitment has increased the faith of youth in working for the state government due to which they have shunned the idea of moving abroad and are preparing for government jobs here.

The Chief Minister said that 90% of households in Punjab are receiving zero electricity bills, which has provided huge economic relief to the public. He said that the farmers of the state have been getting uninterrupted power for the paddy cultivation due to which they are not facing any problem. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has taken care of the interest of every section of the society due to which Punjab is marching forward.

Talking about Sadak Surakhya Force, the Chief Minister said that hundreds of lives have been saved since its inception adding that during his tenure as a Member of Parliament, data indicated that over 5,000 lives were lost annually in road accidents in Punjab. He said the formation of the SSF has led to a 48% reduction in such deaths, setting an example for other states as well adding that the force consists of specially recruited and trained personnel, including women, and is equipped with 144 modern vehicles. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the force is working very effectively and that even several states and the Government of India have appreciated this initiative.

The Chief Minister said that to provide quality education, government schools are being upgraded to Schools of Eminence and it is a proud moment that Punjab has ranked first in the National Achievement Survey conducted by the Government of India, surpassing even Kerala. He said that 848 government school students have qualified for the NEET exam, 265 students cleared JEE Mains, and 45 cleared JEE Advanced exam. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that no freebee or concession cards can eliminate poverty or other social maladies in the state but education is the key that can pull people out of this vicious circle by raising their standard of living.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has increased the number of beds in the Chamkaur Sahib hospital from 30 to 50 and upgraded its status from a Community Health Center to a Sub-Divisional Hospital. Additionally, he said that the number of specialist doctors in this hospital has been increased from five to ten so that people can receive services from modern doctors. Previously, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that there used to be only two Medical Officers (General) in this hospital, but now there will be four Medical Officers (General).

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that, earlier, there was only one operation theatre in the hospital, but now another operation theatre has been constructed. He said that five Aam Aadmi Clinics and 20 Ayushman Arogya Centers have been connected with the Chamkaur Sahib hospital. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that, today, a STEM mobile bus was also flagged off which will go to schools and help clear students’ concepts in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

The Chief Minister said that equipped with modern facilities, this bus will increase children’s interest in learning and showcase interactive activities in Science and Mathematics for students from 6th to 12th grade. He said that through this, students will also be able to perform experiments, which will spark curiosity in them. Bhagwant Singh Mann also inaugurated new Sub Divisional Hospital, Sports Kits to the budding players at the stadium.

On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Dr Balbir Singh and others were also present.