Chandigarh, October 17: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini announced that the 350th Martyrdom Day of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji will be observed with great devotion and reverence across the state. Various programmes will be organized from November 1 to November 25 to mark the occasion. A state-level commemorative event will be held in Kurukshetra on November 25.

The Chief Minister was presiding over a review meeting today at his official residence, Sant Kabir Kutir, to discuss the preparations for these observance events.

The meeting was attended by Chief Principal Secretary to CM, Sh. Rajesh Khullar; Principal Secretary to CM, Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta; Additional Chief Secretary, Sh. Anurag Agarwal; Commissioner, Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal; Additional Chief Secretary to CM, Dr. Saket Kumar; Director General of the Department, Sh. K.M. Pandurang; Deputy Principal Secretary, Sh. Yash Pal; Additional Director (Administration), Smt. Varsha Khangwal; OSDs Sh. Prabhleen Singh and Sh. Virender Singh Badkhalsa, along with other senior officials.

The Chief Minister directed the officials to ensure maximum participation of school students and senior citizens in all the programmes being organized to mark the 350th Martyrdom Day of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, so that people can draw inspiration from his life, sacrifice, and teachings.

The Chief Minister was informed that a blood donation camp will be organized in Ambala on November 1 in the memory of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, which will be inaugurated by the Chief Minister himself. On November 3, an essay competition for school students on the life and teachings of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji will be organised in Hindi, English, Punjabi, and Sanskrit. On November 5, appointment letters for government jobs will be distributed to families affected by the 1984 riots.

The Chief Minister was further apprised that on November 8, a special prayer and a commemorative journey dedicated to Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji will be flagged off from Rori (Sirsa). On the same day, a national-level seminar on the lives of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Dayala Ji, and Bhai Jaita Ji will be held at Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa, which will be inaugurated by the Chief Minister. A coffee table book in Hindi and Punjabi will also be released on the occasion.

On November 9, Union Minister Sh. Manohar Lal will flag off a marathon titled “Hind Di Chadar” in Karnal. On November 11, the Chief Minister will flag off another commemorative journey from Marranwala in Pinjore. The journey will begin in Faridabad on November 14, followed by a programme in village Badkhal (Sonipat) dedicated to the life of Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya.

On November 18, the Chief Minister will lay the foundation stone of the “Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Forest and Wildlife Conservation Centre” at Kalesar in Yamunanagar district. On the same day, the Chief Minister will also flag off another journey from Kapal Mochan dedicated to Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Additionally, an event in remembrance of renowned personalities from the Banjara and Lubana communities will be held in Pehowa, where the Chief Minister will be the chief guest.

As part of the ongoing series of commemorative events, an All Faith Conference will be held in Kurukshetra on November 24, with the Chief Minister as the chief guest. On November 25, a grand state-level ceremony will take place in Kurukshetra to mark the culmination of the observance of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s 350th Martyrdom Day. The event will feature 350 girls performing traditional kirtan, along with sand art musical performances and a light and sound show dedicated to the life and sacrifice of the revered Guru.

Chandigarh, October 17 – As per Advertisement No. 2/2024 issued by the Haryana Vidhan Sabha for recruitment to various posts, the advertisement related to the posts mentioned at serial numbers 1 and 2 has been withdrawn due to administrative reasons.

A Haryana Vidhan Sabha spokesperson shared this information today.

It is noteworthy that under Advertisement No. 2/2024, applications were invited for one post each of Deputy Secretary, Public Relations Officer, Law Officer, Telephone Attendant, Bills Messenger, and Frash.

However, due to administrative reasons, a decision has been taken to withdraw the advertisement for the posts mentioned at serial numbers 1 and 2, i.e., the Deputy Secretary and Public Relations Officer.

In addition, the advertisement issued under Advertisement No. 3/2024 for one post of Assistant Engineer has also been withdrawn due to administrative reasons.

Chandigarh, October 17:

Punjab Mining and Geology Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, on Thursday, said that the amendments made in the State’s Mining Policy have started delivering visible results, strengthening legal mining activity, improving supply of sand and gravel and enhancing state revenue through transparent operations.

The Cabinet Minister said that the introduction of Landowner Mining Sites (LMS) and Crusher Mining Sites (CRMS) has transformed the mining sector by empowering landowners and crusher operators while reducing dependence on raw material from other states. The initiative has also helped curb illegal mining by bringing more stakeholders into the legal framework.

Since the rollout of the amended policy, the department has received over 240 CRMS applications and 95 LMS applications. Out of these, 23 CRMS and 4 LMS Letters of Intent have already been issued and the remaining applications are being processed for inclusion in the District Survey Reports. These sites are expected to become operational between December 2025 and March 2026 after completion of environmental clearances.

Sh. Goyal said that the implementation of LMS and CRMS has led to an increased availability of raw materials in the market, ensuring a steady supply for construction and development projects. The move has also provided local employment opportunities and is contributing to higher royalty income for the State.

The Mining and Geology Minister also highlighted that the Punjab Government has launched fresh online auctions for 29 Commercial Mining Sites containing 11.58 crore cubic feet of raw material, marking the first auction exercise in the last three years. The process has been made fully transparent through competitive online bidding, eliminating discretionary allotments and ensuring equal opportunity for all genuine participants.

He said that the introduction of price-based bidding, advance royalty payments and extended lease periods has modernised the auction process and improved operational efficiency. Responsibility for obtaining environmental clearances now rests with bidders, enabling faster project implementation and accountability, he added.

The Cabinet Minister informed that nearly 100 additional sites will be brought under auction in a phased manner to further increase the legal supply of raw material and strengthen the mining ecosystem. He said these policy reforms are aimed at making Punjab’s mining operations transparent, accountable and citizen-friendly.

Sh. Goyal reaffirmed that the Punjab Government under Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann is committed to ensuring fair and sustainable resource management. “Our efforts are focused on creating a transparent system that encourages legal mining, enhances revenue and safeguards the interests of the people of Punjab,” the Cabinet Minister categorically added.

Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that earlier, gravel mining in Punjab was confined to Commercial Mining Sites (CMS) allotted by the Department, mainly through a draw of lots. Crusher owners relied heavily on these limited CMS sites or imported raw materials from other states, leading to an acute shortage and inflated costs. Many crusher owners, despite possessing gravel-rich land, were unable to utilize it as permissions were restricted. Their long-pending demand to extract gravel from their own property remained unresolved, leaving a significant portion of Punjab’s gravel reserves untapped.

Now, with the Punjab Government’s approval of key amendments introducing Crusher Mining Sites (CRMS), the landscape of gravel mining is changing. Crusher owners with gravel-bearing land can now apply for a mining lease, reducing dependence on other states and curbing illegal transportation. This move is set to boost business opportunities and employment within Punjab while ensuring better availability of crushed sand and bajri for developmental projects. The expanded supply chain will likely stabilize market prices and enhance the state’s revenue streams, he added.

He informed that similarly, sand mining operations were limited to Commercial Mining Sites (CMS) and Public Mining Sites (PMS). This restrictive model caused a persistent gap between demand and supply as many landowners were hesitant to grant consent for mining on their land by external parties. The government frequently received requests from these landowners seeking the right to mine their own lands, creating a strong case for policy revision.

Through the introduction of Landowner Mining Sites (LMS), the Punjab Government has unlocked new potential in sand mining. Landowners can now legally mine their property or authorize someone to do so by paying only the prescribed royalty to the state. This reform will expand the number of operational sites, enhance the availability of sand, generate employment and ensure competitive market prices. The inclusion of LMS will also deter monopolistic control, promoting fair participation as every eligible landowner can now access mining rights.

Chandigarh/Chennai, October 17:

Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO and Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today called on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Sh. M.K. Stalin at Chennai and extended a formal invitation to join the state-level commemorations being organised to mark the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

Conveying greetings from Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, both the Cabinet Ministers apprised Sh. M.K. Stalin of the elaborate plans being undertaken by the Punjab Government to observe this historic occasion with reverence and grandeur. They shared that the month-long commemorative events will highlight the supreme sacrifice made by Guru Sahib to uphold the principles of religious freedom and human dignity.

During the meeting, the Ministers informed that the celebrations will commence on October 25 with Ardaas at Gurdwara Sri Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi, followed by devotional congregations and cultural programmes across Punjab. They added that a series of Light and Sound shows depicting Guru Sahib’s life and teachings will be held in all 23 districts, while 130 sacred sites associated with Guru Sahib’s travels will host Kirtan Darbars and spiritual gatherings.

The Ministers also briefed that four Nagar Kirtans, starting from Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir), Gurdaspur, Faridkot and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Punjab), will converge at Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22. The concluding ceremonies from November 23 to 25 will feature Sri Akhand Path Sahib, Sarb Dharam Sammelan, a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and a grand Kirtan Darbar. A dedicated Tent City “Chakk Nanki” is also being established at Sri Anandpur Sahib to accommodate thousands of devotees visiting daily.

Chief Minister Sh. M.K. Stalin appreciated the Punjab Government’s visionary initiative to pay the respects to the legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, terming it a strong message of unity, compassion and brotherhood.

The Punjab Ministers further stated that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has envisioned these commemorations not only as a tribute to the Ninth Guru Sahib but also as a national effort to disseminate Guru Sahib’s teachings of peace, equality and righteousness. They said that Sri Anandpur Sahib will become a vibrant centre of devotion and cultural expression during the celebrations, drawing devotees and visitors from across India and abroad.

Chandigarh/Chennai, October 17:

On their visit to Tamil Nadu, Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO and Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today witnessed the proceedings of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in Chennai.

Both the Cabinet Ministers observed the functioning of the House and gained insights into its legislative procedures and practices.

On the occasion, Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Mr. M. Appavu extended a warm welcome to the visiting Cabinet Ministers on behalf of the Chief Minister, Members of the Legislative Assembly and the people of Tamil Nadu. The Speaker expressed happiness over the Ministers’ visit and appreciated the spirit of inter-state cooperation between Punjab and Tamil Nadu.

The Ministers thanked the Tamil Nadu Speaker and conveyed greetings from the Government and people of Punjab, reaffirming the commitment to strengthen mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the two states.

CHANDIGARH/ SAS NAGAR, October 17:

In a significant initiative to further enhance the road safety, the Sadak Surakhiya Force (SSF) of the Traffic and Road Safety Wing, Punjab Police on Friday launched the “Hauli Chalo” Sticker Campaign from Bhago Majra Toll Plaza on NH-5 (Mohali–Chandigarh) Highway. Notably, the campaign is being supported by Yara India and implemented by the Sadak Surakhiya Force (SSF).

After launching the drive, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Traffic & Road Safety, Punjab, AS Rai informed that around 30,000 reflector stickers will be pasted on tractor-trolleys across 144 routes of the SSF in the first phase, covering approximately 4,100 kilometres of key road stretches in Punjab.

He shared that Punjab witnessed 2,048 road accidents involving tractor-trolleys, resulting in 1,569 fatalities, mostly farmers between 2017 and 2022. These incidents accounted for 5-6% of all road accident deaths in the state took place during this period, underscoring the need for targeted safety initiatives. AS Rai stated that the safety of Punjab’s farmers, the backbone of our agrarian economy, on the roads is paramount. The ‘Hauli Chalo’ campaign would mitigate tractor-trolley accidents by improving visibility and promoting road awareness, particularly during the harvesting season.

He said that Punjab has witnessed a reduction in road accident fatalities in 2024, with a notable decline in deaths within 24 hours of accidents. This positive trend is attributed to the combined efforts of enforcement, road engineering, and awareness initiatives by the Punjab Police’s Traffic and Road Safety Wing.

He further informed that all SSF units across Punjab will launch the campaign simultaneously. Considering the ongoing harvesting season, the Punjab Police are acting proactively to safeguard farmers’ lives and raise awareness about safe movement of agricultural vehicles, especially during early morning and late evening hours.

Chandigarh, October 17:

On the fifth day of filing nominations for the bye-election to the 21-Tarn Taran Assembly Constituency, a total of six nomination papers were submitted.

A spokesperson of the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, informed that Harjit Singh Sandhu, the candidate from the BJP, filed his nomination papers today. In addition, Harmeet Singh Sandhu, the candidate of the Aam Aadmi Party, submitted two nomination papers. Rajesh Walia also filed nomination papers as  covering candidate of Aam Aadmi Party. Meanwhile, Sham Lal Gandhi, the candidate of the Sacho Sach Party, filed his nomination papers as well.

It is noteworthy that Indian National Congress candidate Karanbir Singh also submitted another nomination paper today. Earlier, he had filed his nomination papers on October 15.

The last date for filing nominations is October 21, while the scrutiny of nomination papers will be held on October 22. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is October 24, 2025.

CHANDIGARH, October 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 230th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 326 locations on Friday leading to the arrest of 59 drug smugglers after registration of 57 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 33,280 in 230 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 2.1 kg heroin, 1598 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 3.17 lakhs 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 120 Police teams, comprising over 1000 police personnel, under the supervision of 66 gazetted officers have conducted 326 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 349 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 28 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, October 17:

The maiden meeting of the recently constituted Sector-Specific Committee for the Real Estate sector, aimed at bringing positive transformation, was held at PUDA Bhawan, SAS Nagar.

Addressing the committee members, Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government recognises the significant contribution of the real estate sector to the state’s development as its progress directly strengthens the state’s economy. He expressed confidence that the Sector-Specific Committee would extend valuable suggestions to the government to set new benchmarks for the real estate sector.

During the meeting, Punjab CREDAI President Mr. Jagjit Singh Majha appreciated the state government’s proactive step in forming this committee to streamline policy formulation for the real estate sector. Committee Chairman Mr. Deepak Garg (Director, Marbella Group) thanked the Punjab Government for this initiative and assured that the committee would fulfil its assigned responsibilities with complete diligence. It was agreed that in the coming days, meetings would be organised in Jalandhar and Ludhiana between builders and respective development authorities to outline strategies for encouraging more investments in the real estate sector in these cities.

To make the real estate sector more investment-friendly and growth-oriented, the committee members unanimously agreed on the need for immediate measures to expedite the issuance of CLU, LoI, licences and other approvals, to simplify the process for partial and final completion certificates and to make the system for plot hypothecation and de-hypothecation more efficient.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included GMADA Chief Administrator Mr. Vishesh Sarangal, Additional Chief Administrator and Member Secretary of the Sector-Specific Committee Mr. Amarinder Singh Malhi, Committee Vice Chairman Mr. Rupinder Singh Chawla (MD, CEE ENN Promoters and Developers Pvt. Ltd.) and members Mr. Sukhdev Singh (Director, AGI Group), Mr. Pradeep Kumar Bansal (Director, HLP Group), Mr. Baljeet Singh (Director, Jubilee Group), Mr. Deepak Makhija (Business Head Punjab, Emaar Group), Mr. Rupinder Singh Gill (MD, Gillsons Construction Ltd.), Mr. Rohit Sharma (Executive Director, DLF Group), Mr. Mohinder Goyal (Chairman, Affinity Group) and Mr. Varun Dham (Director, KLV Builders).

Chandigarh, October 17:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday sought the support of the United Kingdom’s legal fraternity to assist the state government in procuring rare video footages of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh.

Interacting with a delegation of the Bar Council of England and Wales at his residence, the Chief Minister said that no video record of the legendary martyr is available in India. However, he noted that it has been learnt that Scotland Yard may possess rare footage of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, particularly from the time of his arrest and trial. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that such footage holds immense significance for all Indians, especially Punjabis, who deeply revere the iconic freedom fighter.

The Chief Minister stated that the state government is already making earnest efforts to acquire this footage so that it can serve as an inspiration for future generations. He urged the Bar Council of England and Wales to support the state government in this noble endeavour, ensuring that the glorious legacy of the martyr continues to inspire the youth. Bhagwant Singh Mann affirmed that the state government will leave no stone unturned in pursuing this matter of great national importance.

Dwelling on another agenda, the Chief Minister also sought strong support and cooperation from the Bar Council to attract investments in Punjab from British investors. He highlighted that the state offers immense potential in sectors such as information technology, food processing, and automobiles, which can yield substantial benefits for investors. Bhagwant Singh Mann invited British investors to participate in the “Invest Punjab Summit” scheduled to be held in March next year.

Meanwhile, Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales Barbara Mills KC, Adviser to the Chair of the Bar Piran Dhillon-Starkings, Consultant Melisha Charles, Barrister at 4PB Baljinder Bath, and others assured their full support and cooperation to the Chief Minister. They also lauded several transformative initiatives undertaken by Bhagwant Singh Mann aimed at accelerating the state’s economic growth and ensuring the welfare of its people.