Chandigarh, August 11:

 Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO has made a fervent appeal to employees of Powercom carrying strike to end their agitation and return to work immediately in view of the larger public interest especially amid the ongoing summer season at the time of high power demand.

          The Minister emphasized that uninterrupted power supply is crucial for households, agriculture, and industrial sectors thus the agitating employees should resume the duties. He said that the prolonged strikes could cause significant hardship to millions of consumers, which should not be suffered at any cost. He assured the employees that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has shown utmost sincerity and responsiveness in addressing their concerns.

          Giving details on recent developments, Harbhajan Singh ETO said that a crucial meeting was convened on August 10, at local Punjab Bhawan between the PSPCL administration and representatives of the Powercom employees Joint Forum and Bijli Mulazam Ekta Manch chaired jointly by him and the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. During the deliberations, the PSPCL administration gave its consent to accept almost all key demands put forth by the employees.

          The demands includes the creation of new posts and  filling of  existing vacancies, an increase in ex-gratia amount, Stoppage recovery in compassionate cases till the final decision, provision of cashless medical facilities to employees,  release of pending allowances, clearance of overdue overtime payments for grid substation staff and some cases of pension revisions, said ETO. The government has also promised special attention towards repairing and maintaining PSPCL buildings, he added.

“Given that most of the demands have been addressed thus it is now neither fair nor reasonable for employees to continue strike,” said the Minister. He stressed that the state government has committed for the well-being of its employees and always ready to resolve their issues amicably. Harbhajan Singh ETO further stated that while the bulk of the demands have been met, the doors of the state government always open for constructive dialogue on any remaining matters. He appealed to the employees to rise above the agitation  and consider the welfare of the public, reiterating that unity between the workforce and the administration is essential for ensuring Punjab’s power sector further strong, efficient, and consumer-friendly.

The Power Minister expressed confidence that the striking employees would respond positively to the government’s gesture of goodwill. He said that with the state government having given its consent to most of their legitimate demands, he hoped the employees would reciprocate by ending the agitation and resuming duties without further delay. Harbhajan Singh ETO added that such cooperation would not only ensure normalcy in power supply but also strengthen mutual trust between the workforce and the administration, paving the way for continued progress in Punjab’s power sector.

Chandigarh / Samrala (Ludhiana), August 11

Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Monday visited the family of martyr Lance Naik Pritpal Singh in Manupur village, to offer his condolences. Lance Naik Pritpal Singh was martyred during an encounter with terrorists in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

During the visit, Bains met with the martyr’s wife, Manpreet Kaur, father Harbans Singh, mother, and brothers, sharing their grief. He assured them that the Punjab Government stands firmly with the family and will provide all possible assistance. He conveyed that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has also expressed his condolences to the families of both Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and martyr Harminder Singh.

Bains expressed deep sorrow over the fact that Pritpal Singh, who was married in February, had returned to duty in April with a promise to celebrate Diwali with his family. Bains added he felt immense pride witnessing the resilience of the martyr’s family and the villagers, reflecting the unwavering spirit of Punjab’s youth in sacrificing for peace and harmony of country.

The Minister prayed to God to grant the family strength to bear this loss. He reaffirmed the Punjab Government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises by providing all possible support to the family.

CHANDIGARH, August 11:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 163rd day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 335 locations on Tuesday leading to the arrest of 104 drug smugglers after registration of 74 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 25,524 in 163 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 6.4 kg heroin, 500 grams opium, and 1092 intoxicant tablets/capsules 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 67 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 366 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 28 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Sangrur, August 11:

Squarely blaming the Badals for ruining the state politically, economically and religiously, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday dared the Akali leader Sukhbir Singh Badal to list one of the achievements of their long misrule in the state.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister, 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. He 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. Bhagwant Singh Mann dared the Akali leader to list one of the achievements of their government during this period adding that the drug menace spread its tentacles after it was patronized by the Akali regime.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is serving Punjab and its people with full missionary zeal and these leaders are now being made to pay for their sin. He said that now the leaders responsible for the heinous crimes against the state are being put behind the bars adding that one such example was the kingpin of drugs who is lodged in Nabha Jail. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that while the incumbent state government is fighting them, traditional parties were hand in glove with them and were offering them protection.

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 these leaders didn’t even spare the religion and plundered the money for their vested interests. He also quipped that Sukhbir is neither having knowledge of Punjab’s culture, topography, religion nor even about the basic Punjabi language. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the son of former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal is desperate to grab power in the state adding that he had already predicted that Akali Dal was formed in 1920 and will be eliminated in 2019.

The Chief Minister said that the rich legacy of the Akali Dal which was full of sacrifices has been now relegated to the party of drug smugglers. Likewise, he said that the Congress is a divided house with every leader desperate to occupy the chair of the Chief Minister in the state in coming times. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders have no vision for the state as they are only bothered about satiating their greed for power and vesting it by hook or crook.

The Chief Minister said that he might not be having experience of plundering the wealth of people but he has an expertise to share the sorrows of the general public and resolve their issues. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he is dedicatedly working for the well being of the state and prosperity of its people. He said that some of the political leaders are not able to digest these things due to which they are repeatedly spitting baseless venom against him.

The Chief Minister said that such cheap tactics won’t deter him from serving the people of state and he will continue this noble task for the overall development of the state. He said that his predecessors had never bothered about the state or its people adding that these haughty leaders always gave pretence to their family and vested interests rather than working for the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this attitude of these leaders proved detrimental both for Punjab and its people.

The Chief Minister said that the traditional parties are envious of him because he hails from a common family. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders who believed that they have divine right to rule the state due to which they are not able to digest that a common man is running the state efficiently. He said that these leaders have befooled the people since long time but now people are not getting swayed by their misleading propaganda.

Earlier, the Chief Minister dedicated freedom fighter Jathedar Kartar Singh Darvesh Senior Secondary School, Sangrur which has been upgraded as a School of Eminence at a cost of Rs. 3.40 crore. He said that the students and teachers of this school have been provided with all the necessary equipment and facilities and various works have been carried out for the overall transformation of the school, including the construction and renovation of an auditorium hall, entrance gate, stage, park, shed, mid-day meal kitchen, workshops, laboratories, drinking water facilities, and classrooms. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this school is renowned across the world and the students who have studied here have made their mark in various fields at the global level.

The Chief Minister also dedicated the Government Nursing Training School, Sangrur to the people, which has been constructed at a cost of Rs. 7.81 crore. He said that this ultra-modern building offers a three-year GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) course and the institute is equipped with a hostel, modern laboratories, a mess with high-quality food, smart classrooms, a modern library, school bus service, and various other facilities. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisioned that this institution will prove to be a blessing for students from rural areas, as earlier, they had to travel to Bathinda, Patiala, or other distant places to pursue nursing education.

The Chief Minister also flagged off 12 mobile cancer screening buses from World Cancer Care which will go door-to-door, conducting camps in various villages and towns to screen people and raise awareness about cancer. He lauded the Chairman of organization, Dr. Kulwant Singh Dhaliwal for organizing 350 free cancer screening and awareness camps across Punjab to commemorate the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that during these camps, World Cancer Care will offer free tests including Mammography for breast cancer screening in women, Pap smear for cervical cancer, PSA test for prostate cancer in men, Oral screening for mouth and throat cancer, Bone density tests, Blood tests, and other necessary diagnostics.

The Chief Minister said that it is a historic day as a crusade against cancer has been launched in a new way by offering door to door cancer diagnostic and treatment facilities to the common man. He said that this menace had posed serious danger to the residents of the state especially those from the Malwa region adding that even a train from Bathinda to Bikaner was known as Cancer express. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is committed for the well being of every section of the society.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR/JALANDHAR/LUDHIANA, August 11:

          In order to ensure peaceful celebrations of forthcoming Independence Day-2025 as mandated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Monday briefed the police force regarding the current security scenario and reviewed counter-terror strategies, besides, issuing operational directives on inter-district coordination, high-visibility nakas, and round-the-clock surveillance to prevent any law and order breach in the border state.

          The DGP Punjab was on a whirlwind tour to chair Law and Order Review Meetings and outreach sessions with the officers of Commissionerates— Amritsar, Jalandhar and Ludhiana, and Police Ranges— Border, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Ropar. He also reviewed the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ and action against gangsters and organised crime.

          Reaffirming the zero-tolerance stance against the drug menace, DGP Gaurav Yadav has directed district police chiefs to ensure strict, transparent, and uncompromising enforcement of the NDPS Act. While appreciating the progress of Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, he directed the district officers to further intensify the anti-drug campaign to wipe out the drugs from the state.

 He also asked officers to conduct financial investigations vis section 68-F of the NDPS Act, and against Hawala operators to dismantle the entire ecosystem of drug trafficking.

          While taking stock of security arrangements ahead of forthcoming Independence Day, DGP Gaurav Yadav has also given instructions to all the CPs/SSPs to maintain peace and harmony by ensuring police presence at all important places, intensify domination operations and other preventive and detective measures.

          The DGP said that as part of the heightened security, police personnel will conduct regular patrols and checks, particularly at night, to prevent any potential threats or disruptions. He           also directed CPs/SSPs to increase the Police checkpoints in their respective jurisdictions, besides, ensuring visible domination in high footfall areas, snatching hotspots and other sensitive points.

          Meanwhile, as part of the outreach, the DGP Punjab also engaged directly with officers across all ranks including station house officers (SHOs), encouraging an open discussion and exchange of valuable field insights to strengthen inter-district coordination and dismantle drug supply chains.

          Commissioner of Police (CP) Jalandhar Range Dhanpreet Kaur, CP Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, CP Ludhiana Swapan Sharma, DIG Jalandhar Range Naveen Singla, DIG Ropar Range Harcharan Singh Bhullar, DIG Border Range Nanak Singh, SSP Amritsar Rural Maninder Singh, SSP Gurdaspur Aditiya, SSP Batala Suhail Qasim Mir, SSP Jalandhar Rural Harvinder Singh Virk, SSP Kapurthala Gaurav Toora, SSP Hoshiarpur Sandeep Malik, SSP Pathankot Diljinder Singh Dhillon, SSP SBS Nagar Mehtab Singh, SSP Khanna Dr Jyoti Yadav, SSP Jagraon Ankur Gupta, SSP Rupnagar Gulneet Singh Khurana, SSP SAS Nagar Harmandeep Hans and SSP Fatehgarh Sahib Shubham Aggarwal were among other officers/officials who attended the meetings.

Chandigarh, August 11-

Punjab Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian on Monday said that Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government has always been a government of the farmers—placing their interests at the forefront from day one.

The Cabinet Minister said that Whether it was waiving off farm loans, fighting for better prices for crops, improving irrigation facilities, or providing relief in electricity bills—every step has been taken with the welfare of farmers in mind. He said that in line with this vision, the Land Pooling Policy 2025 was also introduced. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that the objective was to make farmers active stakeholders in development, significantly increase the value of their land, and connect them with modern infrastructure and facilities.

However, the Cabinet Minister said that Punjab government believes that real development is only achieved when farmers are happy and satisfied. He said that if there is disagreement among farmers regarding any policy, imposing it forcefully goes against public interest and democratic principles. Therefore, Hardeep Singh Mundian said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the government has taken a major and historic decision to withdraw the Land Pooling Policy, giving the highest importance to farmers’ voices.

Cabinet Minister said that this move proves that for the Punjab government, farmers are not just voters—they are family. He said that when a family member is unhappy, listening to them and changing course is the true mark of service and sensitive leadership. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that government has shown that it doesn’t believe in stubbornness, but in trust and participatory governance.

The Cabinet Minister said that behind this decision lies a clear message that every farmer in Punjab can rest assured that their land, their rights, and the fruits of their hard work are completely protected. He said that policy will not be implemented without farmers’ consent and involvement adding that this is not merely the withdrawal of a policy—it is a renewed commitment to strengthen the bond of trust, respect, and partnership with the farmers. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that once again, the Bhagwant Mann government has proven that the true identity of Punjab lies in its soil, its labor, and its pride adding that the prosperity of the farmers is the prosperity of Punjab—and that is the government’s highest goal.

Chandigarh, 11 August 2025:

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing crusade against corruption in the state, has been able to apprehend 10 officials red handed while accepting bribes in 8 different trap cases during the month of July.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the VB has put up its best efforts to eradicate corruption amongst public servants and others in every sphere during the period.

He informed that the Bureau had submitted challans pertaining to 28 vigilance cases in various competent courts in the last month. Apart from this, 6 vigilance enquiries have also been registered to thoroughly probe the corruption cases. He added that 8 criminal cases were also registered against 13 accused which include 9 government employees.

Giving more details, he added that different competent courts had decided five bribery cases filed and contested by the Bureau during the last month, in which seven persons were convicted and sentenced ranging from two years to five years imprisonment and fine from Rs. 10,000- to 1,00,000.

Chandigarh, August 10 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said the identity of any country lies in its national flag. He stated that while many countries across the world have faced war situations, India, through skilful diplomacy, has not only evacuated its own citizens from war-torn countries but has also provided a safe passage to citizens of other countries, who used the Indian Tricolour as a symbol of safety to leave those regions. He added that under the policies and firm leadership of former Prime Minister Sh. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the nation grew stronger, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, the country has progressed in every direction.

The Agriculture Minister was speaking after flagging off the Tiranga Yatra from village Uncha Chandna in the Saraswati block of Yamunanagar district with the rousing slogan of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” He said the Tiranga Yatra is organized every year to honour and remember the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence. This year’s Tiranga Yatra commenced from village Uncha Chandna and concluded at village Topra Kalan.

Chandigarh, August 10 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said protecting nature and environment is not merely a government initiative but the responsibility of every citizen. Amidst continuous development, we must not forget that the basis of life lies in nature and trees. Issues like climate change, irregular rainfall and rising temperatures can only be addressed through large-scale tree plantation and their protection, which is essential for securing our future. The Haryana Government has set ambitious targets in this regard, including planting 2.10 crore saplings across the state under various campaigns, to be achieved with collective efforts.

The Chief Minister was addressing the 76th State-Level Van Mahotsav organized at Seonsar in Kurukshetra district today. Earlier, he laid the foundation stone of the Saraswati Wetland Reservoir, Saraswati Flora & Biodiversity Conservation Park, and Saraswati Jungle Safari. He also released the ‘Triphala’ booklet. On this occasion, the Chief Minister planted saplings to give a message of environmental protection. During the ceremony, he also unveiled the Haryana Wildlife Map, Kurukshetra Wildlife Map, and five books prepared by the Forest Department.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the 76th State-Level Van Mahotsav is not just an event, but a symbol of gratitude towards nature, responsibility and a resolve to ensure a happy future for generations to come. This is the third event in the series of this year’s State-Level Van Mahotsav celebrations. Various programmes are also being held at the district level across the state, with active participation from local people and students.

He said Van Mahotsav means a festival of forests, a tribute to nature, and an expansion of greenery. It reminds us that trees are not just a source of wood but the foundation of life. He said while we are moving ahead rapidly in the race for modernity, Van Mahotsav reminds us not to exploit nature but to learn to coexist with it. Recognizing the importance of trees, the government has launched several plantation drives, which have yielded positive results. Many plans have been formulated to increase forest cover.

He said Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi had also launched a unique campaign, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, on June 5, 2024, on World Environment Day at Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi. In the first phase of this campaign, a target of planting 1.60 crore saplings in Haryana was set, but the state exceeded the target by planting 1.87 crore saplings. This year, on June 5, the second phase of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” began, with a target of 2.10 crore saplings. Since October 2014, about 18 crore saplings have been planted in the state.

The government has also started special schemes to promote urban forestry so that greenery can be increased in cities. In addition, strict measures have been taken to prevent illegal felling of trees and to protect wildlife. The Forest Department has been instructed to be more proactive in this direction. To make society more sensitive towards forests and wildlife, facilities such as jeep safaris and children’s study tours have been arranged at Kalesar. The ‘Green Aravalli Action Plan’ has also been launched in South Haryana. This joint project of the Central and State Governments will be implemented in the Aravalli hills of four states, including Haryana, covering 29 districts, five of which are in Haryana.

The state government has also launched the Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme to express gratitude towards trees older than 75 years. Under this scheme, an annual pension of Rs 3,000 per tree is given for their maintenance. So far, Rs 1 crore has been deposited in the accounts of caretakers of 3,800 such trees.

For the conservation and promotion of medicinal plants, herbal parks have been developed in various districts. An international-level medicinal forest has been developed in the Morni area. Besides, oxy-vans have also been established in districts.

The Chief Minister appealed to gram panchayats, municipal bodies, and social organizations to turn tree plantation into a mass movement. Students in schools and colleges should be made aware of environmental issues, encouraged to plant trees, and take care of them. Children must be connected to nature from an early age so that they grow up understanding its importance.

He expressed confidence that together, we can build a society where nature and humans coexist, and where development and environmental protection go hand in hand. It is our moral responsibility to leave behind a healthy and green future for the coming generations.

Opposition earlier blamed EVMs, now running a new agenda of ‘vote theft’

The Chief Minister said under Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has progressed rapidly over the past 11 years, but the opposition always criticizes the government’s work. He said it is concerning that the opposition’s role today is only to find faults. Taking a jibe, he said the party which ruled the country for 55 years and was shown the door by the people for failing to meet their expectations, used to blame Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) earlier, but now, it has come up with a new agenda of ‘vote chori’. Someone should tell them that votes were not stolen, rather, the people rejected them because of their wrongdoings.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that through Operation Sindoor, our brave soldiers destroyed terrorist camps running in Pakistan. Unfortunately, the opposition even questioned the bravery of our soldiers, which is regrettable. He said the Prime Minister is continuously working to take India forward and has resolved to make India a developed nation by 2047.

Van Mahotsav is not just a day for plantation, but opportunity to connect culture, nature and tourism: Naveen Jindal

On the occasion, MP Sh. Naveen Jindal said today is not just a day for plantation, but an opportunity to connect our culture, nature, and tourism together. Trees are not only a symbol of greenery, but also the foundation of life. They provide pure air, conserve water sources, protect biodiversity, and help increase farmers’ income.

He said the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign launched by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has been strongly promoted in Haryana by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, with enthusiastic public participation. Continuing this initiative, the Chief Minister today laid the foundation stone of the Saraswati Wetland Reservoir, Saraswati Biodiversity Conservation Park, and Saraswati Forest Nature Education Resort at Seonsar. Upon completion, this area will become an ideal model for environmental protection and tourism.

The MP urged the Chief Minister to develop this area as a wildlife sanctuary so that people can experience wildlife and natural beauty here. He appealed to the youth to plant trees and take care of them, and also administered a pledge to all citizens to plant at least five trees every year.

Former Minister Sh. Subhash Sudha, Vice Chairman of Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board Sh. Dhooman Singh Kirmach, Chief Minister’s OSD Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, and other dignitaries were present on this occasion.

Chandigarh, August 10 – Haryana’s Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Sh. Rajesh Jogpal, IAS, has been honoured with the ‘Community and Social Impact Award’ for his outstanding contribution to innovative governance in urban sustainability. The award was presented yesterday in New Delhi during the 2nd Sustainable Agriculture Summit & Awards-2025.

The summit, organised by Sustainability Matters and IndiAgri, in partnership with Grey Matters Communications, brought together agricultural leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the country to deliberate on the future of climate-smart farming.

This year’s theme, “Agriculture 2047: Climate-Ready Farming, Future-Ready India,” reflects the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s Viksit Bharat 2047 mission, aiming to build a climate-resilient, sustainable, and future-oriented agricultural system.

The award was presented by Sh. Ram Nath Thakur, Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India; Dr. Ramdas Athawale, Minister of State, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India; and Sh. Parvesh Sahib Singh, Minister, Public Works Department, Irrigation & Flood Control, Government of Delhi.

Upon receiving the award, Sh. Rajesh Jogpal said this recognition is an acknowledgment of the collective efforts of the Haryana’s Cooperative Movement, which is advancing urban sustainability through innovation, public participation, and governance reforms. He said it inspires them to continue working towards climate-resilient and inclusive development. He also stated that the state government aims to further strengthen cooperatives to provide better opportunities for people to become self-reliant.