Chandigarh, August 17, 2025

The law and order situation in Haryana has completely collapsed. On Sunday, Aam Aadmi Party’s senior leader and National Media Incharge Anurag Dhanda issued a sharp statement attacking the BJP government in Haryana, saying that the common man today feels unsafe across the state, criminals are operating with impunity, and the government is nowhere to be seen. One after another, incidents of murder, ransom calls, shootings, kidnappings, and gang wars are surfacing. The brutal murder of innocent Manisha from Bhiwani has shaken the conscience of the state, but those in power seem completely apathetic. No strong action is being taken, nor is anyone being held accountable.

Anurag Dhanda pointed out that recent police data reveals that over 4,100 people went missing in the first half of 2025 alone, which means an average of 45 disappearances per day. Kidnapping cases have crossed the thousand mark. The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo moto cognizance and demanded a response from the state DGP. Meanwhile, reports of ransom calls, daylight shootings, and gang violence continue to pour in from across Haryana. Criminals are so emboldened that they are openly flaunting weapons on social media platforms.

He further stated that what’s more disturbing is the fact that CM Nayab Singh Saini has become nothing more than a symbolic figure, while the actual power remains in the hands of former CM and now Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Every major administrative decision bears the imprint of this “Super CM”, reducing the current Chief Minister to a mere rubber stamp. The people of Haryana are asking—if Nayab Saini is indeed the Chief Minister, why hasn’t he spoken out on the deteriorating law and order? Is he silent just to protect his chair?

Dhanda highlighted the prevailing fear across the state, where people are now afraid to step out of their homes. In Jind alone, over 17 murders were reported within a month. Heinous crimes such as mutilation of women’s bodies have been reported from Hisar and Rohtak. These are not ordinary crime stats; they are living proof of the government’s administrative failure.

He further said that Haryana is fed up with the BJP’s flawed policies. In order to hide its failures, the current government is manipulating figures and spinning a web of false data. The reality is that crime in Haryana has become more organized, more terrifying, and completely out of control.

The Aam Aadmi Party demands immediate arrest of the culprits in the Manisha murder case, the release of a public report on the kidnapping and missing persons cases, and clear accountability on the state’s deteriorating law and order, especially women’s safety. Furthermore, CM Nayab Singh Saini must clarify whether he is an independent Chief Minister or merely a puppet of Union Minister Khattar, misleading the people of Haryana.

Anurag Dhanda concluded by saying that the people of Haryana will not tolerate this farce any longer. The Aam Aadmi Party will take the truth of the state to every village, every street, every stage, and expose the harsh reality that without accountability and honest political intent, Haryana cannot be made safe.

Mohali: As many as 130 ENT experts from tricity and Punjab took part in a CME on redefining hearing with cochlear implants here today. The CME, which was organized by Max Hospital Mohali in association with Ambedkar Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) , Mohali shed light on the latest advancements in cochlear implants.

Among others, Dr. Naresh Kumar Panda director ENT at Max and Dr. Manish Gupta professor and head ENT at AIMS Mohali and Col. Harinder Singh Chehal, senior director- COO Max Healthcare were present.

During CME, Dr. Panda emphasized the importance of learning, innovation, and collaboration in healthcare.

SAS Nagar, August 17:
In a major initiative to promote and preserve the Rich Punjabi mother tongue, the Punjab School Education Board, under the guidance of Education Minister Mr. Harjot Singh Bains, has announced the launch of the International Punjabi Olympiad 2025.

Board Chairman Dr. Amarpal Singh informed that the registration process for the Olympiad will be open online from August 18 to October 31, 2025. The dedicated registration portal https://olympiad.pseb.ac.in/ will go live on August 18.

Divulging the Categories & Registration Fees, Dr Amarpal Singh said that for Primary Group (8–12 years), Registration fee reduced from Rs 100 to 50 while for Middle Group (12–14 years), and for Secondary Group (14–17 years) it would be Rs 100. Students desirous to participate across the globe will have to pay a fee of Rs 800, he added.

Dr. Amarpal Singh further stated that unlike the previous editions (2023 & 2024), where questions were based only on prepared content, this year’s Olympiad will also draw from age-appropriate syllabi in addition to the prescribed content. This will ensure students remain connected with their curriculum while preparing for the Olympiad.

Another significant change this year is that the examination will be conducted in both online and offline modes, whereas in earlier years, it was held only online.

Announcing the incentives for participation, Borad Chairman added that winners will be honored with cash prizes. Similarly, schools and teachers who secure the highest number of registrations and positions at the district level will receive special recognition.

It may be recalled that more than 35,000 students participated in the Punjabi Olympiad held in 2023 and 2024. The Board expects even greater participation this year.

Earlier, to encourage affection for the mother tongue, a special conference on the theme “How the Punjabi Mother Tongue Can Become the Heartbeat of the Youth” was organized, which received overwhelming response. The upcoming International Punjabi Olympiad 2025 is expected to play a key role in enhancing students’ interest in Punjabi, strengthening their linguistic skills, and showcasing Punjabi on a global platform.

SAS Nagar, August 17:
In view of the overwhelming response from urban residents towards clearing their property tax dues, the Department of Local Government, Punjab, has further extended the One Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme till August 31, 2025.

Sharing details, Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal said that under this scheme, residents can clear their pending property tax dues without any fine or interest. She informed that the Local Bodies in SAS Nagar district have made remarkable progress, collecting Rs 24.82 crore between July 1 and August 15, 2025.

Breaking down the collection figures, the DC said that Municipal Council Zirakpur contributed the highest with Rs 15.47 crore, followed by Kharar with Rs 4.26 crore and Derabassi with Rs 2.39 crore. Other councils also registered significant collections — Lalru Rs 1.03 crore, Kurali Rs 62 lakh, Naya Gaon Rs 60 lakh, and Banur Rs 44 lakh.

Appealing to residents, DC Komal Mittal urged them to take advantage of this opportunity and deposit their property tax dues before August 31, 2025, at their respective Municipal Councils, to avoid additional penalties in the future.

She further informed that lists of property owners who have not paid property tax in the past years have already been prepared, and the Urban Local Bodies are contacting them individually to encourage timely payment under this scheme. She cautioned that those who fail to clear their dues within the OTS period will face action as per rules.

Chandigarh, August 17:

In light of rising water levels in Punjab’s dams due to persistent rainfall over several days in the mountainous regions of neighboring Himachal Pradesh, Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today reviewed the prevailing situation in several districts through detailed telephonic conversations with the concerned Deputy Commissioners. The Minister issued strict instructions to ensure swift mitigation measures and safeguard lives and property.

Divulging further details while addressing the media persons here at Punjab Bhawan, the Cabinet Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal informed that flood-like conditions have emerged within the land between embankments of rivers passing through Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Fazilka and Ferozepur districts due to rising water levels in rivers and breaches in temporary embankments constructed by farmers within the flood plains.

He said that that around 14,200 acres across Kapurthala, Ferozepur and Fazilka districts have been affected by floodwaters. He specified that among the affected areas, Kapurthala district’s impacted land comprises residential settlements, while the affected areas in Fazilka and Ferozepur are primarily agricultural land under cultivation. He said that both the state government and district administration are fully committed to providing all possible assistance to the affected population.

Discussing the departmental surveillance management system, the Cabinet Minister informed that field operations involve continuous 24-hour monitoring by four Superintending Engineers (SEs), 10 Executive Engineers (XENs), 20 Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) and 200 field staff members (including Junior Engineers). He explained that the entire vulnerable region has been systematically divided into sectors to facilitate immediate response and intervention measures.

Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal directed Deputy Commissioners to immediately set up relief camps in the affected regions to provide shelter, food and medical facilities to the displaced population. He stated that the embankments built by the department are safe and no water has overflowed from these embankments. Strict vigilance is being maintained 24×7 over these embankments by strong roster-based teams.

The Cabinet Minister further instructed Deputy Commissioners to make special arrangements for the safety and well-being of livestock, including setting up separate shelters, ensuring fodder and drinking water supplies and deploying veterinary teams in affected areas. He stressed that vulnerable groups such as children, elderly persons and pregnant women must receive priority medical assistance. He directed that arrangements for clean drinking water, mobile health units and uninterrupted supply of essential medicines must be ensured to prevent any outbreak of waterborne diseases.

The Cabinet Minister also instructed the Deputy Commissioners of Tarn Taran and Ferozepur to personally monitor the Harike headworks round-the-clock in view of increased water inflow from the Sutlej and Beas rivers due to heavy rains in upper areas.

Reiterating the commitment of the Punjab Government, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal assured that every possible measure is being taken to protect the people of Punjab and that continuous monitoring of the situation is underway.

The Cabinet Minister was accompanied by Chief Engineer (Drainage) S. Hardeep Singh Mendiratta and Chief Engineer (Canals) S. Sher Singh.

Chandigarh, August 17:

An official spokesperson of the Directorate Defence Services Welfare, Punjab, informed that the written entrance examination for admission to the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun for the July 2026 Term will be conducted on 7th December 2025 (Sunday) at Lala Lajpat Rai Bhawan, Sector-15, Chandigarh.

The spokesperson further added that the prospectus-cum-application form can be obtained through online payment at www.rimc.gov.in or by sending a written request with Demand Draft in favour of The Commandant RIMC Fund. Completed applications must reach the Directorate Defence Services Welfare, Punjab, Sainik Bhawan, Sector 21-D, Chandigarh on or before 15th October 2025. Applications received after this date will not be entertained.

He said that for further information and application details, candidates may visit the official websites:

 www.rimc.gov.in

 www.dsw.punjab.gov.in

Chandigarh, August 17:

The Punjab Government has extended the One Time Settlement Scheme (OTS) for property tax defaulters till August 31, 2025. Under this scheme, the government has given an opportunity to pay the outstanding tax with limited penalty.

Disclosing this, Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh informed that the state government has extended the One Time Settlement Scheme (OTS) till August 31, 2025, which was earlier applicable till August 15. He said that property owners will now be exempted from interest penalty on depositing outstanding property tax till August 31.

The Cabinet Minister said that this scheme is applicable on total pending tax or partially paid. He said that property owners can pay their outstanding taxes with a waiver of interest and penalty based on the payment deadline.

The Local Government Minister said that the OTS scheme was initially available from May 15 to August 15, 2025, which has been extended till August 31, 2025. He said that after August 31, a 50 percent penalty will be applicable on outstanding amount.

The Cabinet Minister further said that property owners can settle their outstanding taxes without paying the full penalty and interest. He said that the aim of this scheme is to encourage property owners to pay their dues and avoid other penalties.

Giving information about the payment process of this scheme, Dr. Ravjot Singh said that property owners can pay their taxes online through the MSeva portal (mseva.lgpunjab.gov.in) or visit the Municipal Corporation office of their city. He said that it is mandatory for all property owners to file their property tax return.

CHANDIGARH, August 17:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 169th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 286 locations on Sunday leading to the arrest of 57 drug smugglers after registration of 42 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 26,023 in 169 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 461 grams heroin, 415 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 31,550 from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

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

          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.

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 120 Police teams, comprising over 1000 police personnel, under the supervision of 59 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 335 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added.

          The Special DGP said that with 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 45 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, August 17:

In a proactive and swift response to the flood-like conditions affecting several districts, the Government of Punjab under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Mann has mobilized a comprehensive health and emergency response network.Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh announced that 438 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs), 323 Mobile Medical Teams, and 172 ambulances have been mobilized to ensure timely medical aid in affected regions. 

Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan on Sunday, Dr Balbir Singh emphasising the government’s commitment said, “Our priority is to reach every person in need and ensure no one is left without medical help during these critical times. Punjab is fully prepared to meet any health emergency arising due to floods,” he said. 

Highlighting swift intervention in Gurdaspur, the Minister shared that when seven villages were cut off due to rising waters, the Health Department introduced the innovative concept of boat ambulances. “This quick response helped us rescue eight pregnant women, one of whom safely delivered her child under medical supervision. Similar measures have been implemented in the flood-hit island of Kalu in Firozpur,” he added. 

He informed that Medical preparedness has been further strengthened through health camps set up in Kapurthala and Hoshiarpur, where 241 patients have already received treatment. These cases included diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, fever, skin allergies, and eye infections. With over 2,000 hospital beds kept ready across districts, the state has created a strong buffer to tackle any possible epidemic. 

Reassuring citizens regarding water-borne diseases, Dr Balbir Singh said, “So far, we have seen only sporadic cases. However, people must remain vigilant. Health staff, ASHAs, and peripheral centers are well-equipped with chlorine tablets, ORS, and essential medicines. In case the number of cases rises in any particular pocket, we have seamless linkages to secondary and tertiary care hospitals for immediate treatment,” he said. 

He also urged people to rely on the government’s 104 Toll free Helpline Number to report health issues and seek assistance. “Every household should consume only boiled or chlorinated water, request health teams for water quality testing, and avoid stale food to check the spread of diseases,” he emphasized. 

The Punjab Health Department has been closely coordinating with SDRF, NDRF, the Military, IMA, Red Cross and NGOs to ensure medical and rescue facilities in high-risk areas including Firozpur, Fazilka, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, and Kapurthala.

Dr Balbir Singh also highlighted the encouraging results of Punjab’s ongoing ‘Har Shukarvaar, Dengue Te Vaar’ campaign launched last year. “Every Friday, we actively eliminate mosquito breeding sites with the help of panchayats and local bodies. This year till August 17, Punjab has reported zero dengue deaths, compared to 35-40 deaths annually in previous years. Dengue cases are under control, and we are continuing fumigation, larvae surveillance, and testing at a threefold increased rate,” said the Minister. 

Similarly, diarrhoea outbreaks have also been significantly contained, with only three minor episodes reported this season. 

Dr Balbir Singh reaffirmed that there is absolutely no shortage of medicines in any government health facility across Punjab. “Our teams are working 24/7 to protect citizens, and we are confident the state is well-prepared to handle any medical emergency caused by floods.”

Chandigarh, 17 August 2025:

Following the immortal principles of our revered Gurus and the sacred path shown by them, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan informed that he approached and motivated Raj Malhotra of IAS Study Group with an aim to provide free education and coaching to aspirants of PCS exam. In this context, Raj Malhotra of IAS Study Group Chandigarh has accepted the proposal of Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker and offered  him that he will provide free coaching to all the aspiring candidates of Punjab for the preparation of PCS (Executive) Preliminary Examination-2025(General Studies and CSAT). The duration of this course will be 45 days and this institution is renowned for its result-oriented.

Speaker said that interested candidates can directly contact Raj Malhotra IAS Study Group, Chandigarh for free coaching. For registration, students can send a WhatsApp message to 9814711661 with this slogan- Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal. Come, join this great initiative and change your destiny.

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan stressed that this is not just an opportunity, but the beginning of an invincible journey to realize your dreams. Under this initiative, the hard work of Punjab’s  youth will get a new direction and will set new records of success.

Speaker disclosed that this step will go down in history as a revolutionary initiative for the progress of Punjab, Punjabiyat and Punjabis. With the aim to provide free education and coaching to maximum students, there is no limit on the number of students who can register in this initiative.

He advised the students to take advantage of this golden opportunity and realize your unlimited potential. Sandhwan said that success is waiting for you, just take a step forward and brighten your future.