Chandigarh, August 8- Haryana Cooperation, Jails, Elections, Heritage, and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma, said that every public representative aspires for the development of their region.

The Cooperation Minister on Friday chaired a meeting with officers and public representatives at the Gohana Municipal Council. He directed officers concerned  to collect development demands from all councilors for their respective wards, prioritising three works each, and prepare estimates accordingly. These lists, he said, should be sent to him and Urban Local Bodies Minister, Sh. Vipul Goel so that necessary financial provisions can be arranged.

He further directed that officers should work in close coordination with public representatives to expedite development works, ensuring that the public benefits from them at the earliest.

Dr. Sharma stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the state government will ensure there is no shortage of funds for Gohana’s development.

The Minister also directed that Municipal Council House meetings be convened every month and that all councillors be given due hearing. He said  that whenever public representatives approach officers for solutions to any issue, it is the duty of the officers to respond satisfactorily and resolve the concerns of the public.

Chandigarh, August 8: As part of its ongoing efforts under the 10-day cleanliness campaign, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh today carried out a cleanliness drive in the Green Belt dividing Sector 11 and 12. The initiative was held in collaboration with Onkar Charitable Foundation and Don Bosco Navjeevan Society.

During the event, nearly 50 young volunteers from the “Swachh Yuva Doot – A Brigade for Cleanliness” actively participated by cleaning the park and collecting litter scattered across the green belt. The collected waste was then handed over to the Municipal Corporation’s garbage collection vehicle. The children also took the initiative to sensitize local residents in the area, encouraging them to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings and keep the city clean and green.

Area Councillor Sh. Sachin Galav also joined the drive and praised the dedication of the young participants, calling their efforts an inspiration for the entire city. He emphasized that just like we keep our homes clean, we must also take collective responsibility for our surroundings and city.

He urged everyone to draw motivation from the children and contribute towards making the city beautiful and hygienic.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that a girl student, who asked for food from the cook of her residential school, was burned with a hot spatula, due to which she suffered burn injuries. Reportedly, the incident happened at Kasturba Gandhi Girls Residential School in the Shakurabad area of Jehanabad district, Bihar.  

The Commission has examined that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of the human rights of the victim. Therefore, it has issued notices to the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police, Jehanabad, Bihar calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. The report is expected to include the health status of the injured student.

According to the media report, carried on 5^th August, 2025, the cook was accused of a similar incident in the past and had previously been transferred to a different department due to a complaint against her.

Chandigarh, August 8:

Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C said that conduct of elections involves diverse activities carried out by an election machinery consisting of officials and staff requisitioned from various departments of the Central Government, State Governments, PSUs, Local Authorities etc. During the election period, the entire machinery, deployed on the ground, performs arduous and sensitive duties, which extend for long hours and even continue for many months, so as to ensure a conducive environment wherein electors are able to exercise their franchise and elect a government of their choice.

For ensuring that personnel on election duty are compensated suitably, the Election Commission has decided to revise the rates of remuneration/honorarium to be paid to personnel on election duty. The last such major revision of remuneration/honorarium was done between 2014 and 2016.

He said that ECI has  enhanced remuneration for Presiding Officers, Polling Officers, Counting personnel, Micro Observers and other officials. ECI also enhanced honorarium for Dy. DEOs, CAPF personnel and Sector Officers, CEO added.

Chandigarh, August 8 :

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal today launched 24 sector-wise Industrial Advisory Committees, envisioning a transformative step to establish Punjab as a hub of industry and commerce.

Addressing the gathering during the launch of this first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, National Convener of AAP termed it a historic day for Punjab. He said that the era prior to 2022 was dominated by extortion, where industrialists were coerced by political leaders to give up stakes in their businesses. As a result, Arvind Kejriwal said that industries fled the state, and Punjab was pushed into a crisis, particularly with the drug menace.

Highlighting the progress since 2022, National Convener of AAP said that the government under CM Bhagwant Mann has taken revolutionary steps to revive and grow the industrial sector. He lauded the Fast Track Punjab Portal as India’s most modern single-window clearance system, offering over 150 business services and eliminating the need for offline applications. Under the Punjab Right to Business Act, Arvind Kejriwal said that investment proposals up to ₹125 crore now receive in-principle approval within just three days.

The National Convener of AAP further shared that the state government has introduced several critical reforms, including color-coding of stamp papers, a 45-day timeline for granting approvals, and a Deemed Approval system if timelines are not met. He emphasized that the government has proactively involved industrialists to shape policies through initiatives like Sarkar-Sannatkar Milnis (Government-Industry Meetings). Arvind Kejriwal announced that moving forward, the Punjab Government will act upon the decisions taken by these committees.

The National Convener of AAP said that This is a reverse trend – now, the government won’t dictate terms, but will implement the decisions taken by industrialists through these sectoral committees. He stated that these committees will also study best practices from other states and replicate them in Punjab to boost industrial growth. Arvind Kejriwal said that 99% of the decisions made by these committees will be implemented.

In his address, the Chief Minister said that Punjab is already taking the lead nationally in various sectors and is quickly emerging as a role model. Recalling the government-industry interaction in September 2023, he said the idea of these 24 sector-specific committees was born out of those consultations. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these committees will be responsible for drafting detailed strategies tailored to each industrial domain.

The Chief Minister noted that many industrialists present at the event are also committee members and expressed confidence that these groups will draft the roadmap for Punjab’s industrial future. He asserted that while preparing the New Industrial Policy, these committees will ensure equal partnership from industry stakeholders. Bhagwant Singh Mann  urged all industrialists to actively contribute ideas and share their valuable suggestions in formulating industry-friendly policies.

The Chief Minister called on them to ensure that their recommendations reflect Punjab’s industrial strengths, realistic challenges, and financial context. He elaborated that each committee would consist of a Chairperson, a Member Secretary, and officials from the Punjab Bureau of Industrial Investment and District Industries Centres. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has ensured representation from large units, MSMEs, sub-sectors, and all regions to ensure inclusive decision-making.

The Chief Minister said that There are immense opportunities for growth in Punjab and we are standing at a decisive turning point. He said that With the support of these committees, the state can create a forward-looking, globally competitive industrial ecosystem. Bhagwant Singh Mann invited industrialists to move forward as equal partners in making Punjab the most preferred industrial and export hub of India.

Expressing optimism, the Chief Minister said that the state government will soon realize the dream of making Punjab vibrant and prosperous once again. Welcoming the captains of industry, he highlighted that Punjab is already leading in key sectors like food processing, textiles, auto components, hand tools, bicycle manufacturing, IT, and tourism. Bhagwant Singh Mann proudly shared that since March 2022, Punjab has received investment proposals worth ₹1.14 lakh crore, leading to the creation of over 4.5 lakh job opportunities.

The Chief Minister emphasized that Punjab has become a preferred destination for global investors, with countries such as Japan, the USA, Germany, the UK, Dubai, South Korea, Singapore, and Spain showing keen interest in the state. He added that such progress has been possible due to industry-friendly policies, corruption-free governance, and a conducive investment environment. Bhagwant Singh Mann ighlighted other progressive steps like real-time investor support via WhatsApp, Chatbot AI, and call centers, and simplification of processes like Fire NOC extensions and Leasehold-to-Freehold conversions.

The Chief Minister asserted that the government believes in walking shoulder-to-shoulder with industry and hence has brought investors and key stakeholders into the policy-making fold. Reflecting on the dark past, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that under previous regimes, entrepreneurs were pressured and exploited. “Those leaders looted the people and their hands were stained with the blood of Punjab,” he said.

But today, the Chief Minister said that state has a government of the common people, providing equal opportunities for all. He reiterated that the current administration is not harassing industrialists but is actively promoting and facilitating industry. “These committees will now act as a catalyst in our efforts,” he said, asserting that Punjab is fast emerging as a frontrunner in industrial development.

The Chief Minister also addressed social issues, stating that corruption and drugs were the biggest stains on Punjab’s identity. However, he said that the state government is vigorously working to eliminate both. Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that the anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh’ has already started showing positive results, and Punjab is on its way to becoming drug-free. He concluded by stating that Punjab will continue to lead in every sector and that Punjabis will shine globally.

Earlier, Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora welcomed the dignitaries, and Secretary Industries KK Yadav delivered the vote of thanks.

Chandigarh, August 8:

Punjab Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today announced that, for the first time in Punjab, two modern hostels will be constructed for students belonging to Backward Classes. The first instalment of ₹1.12 crore has been approved for these hostels, which will soon be transferred to the accounts of Punjabi University, Patiala, enabling construction to commence immediately. These hostels — one for boys and one for girls — will have a capacity of 100 students each and will be built at a total cost of ₹6.99 crore.

Sharing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that each hostel will cost ₹3.49 crore. Both hostels will be equipped with modern facilities, comfortable rooms, a conducive study environment, and other essential amenities to help students focus entirely on their education.

She added that this initiative is part of the Punjab Government’s continuous efforts towards the construction of hostels for students from Backward Classes. This step will remove obstacles faced by students coming from remote areas by providing them with proper residential facilities to pursue higher education.

Reiterating her government’s commitment, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the Punjab Government is dedicated to student-centric development, self-reliance, and capacity building. She pointed out that due to the shortage of hostels, many students from Backward Classes were earlier deprived of educational opportunities, which is why the government is prioritizing new hostel projects.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further informed that the Punjab Government has invited proposals for constructing new hostels in other higher educational institutions across the state, so that students from all regions can access quality residential facilities.

She emphasized that this project is not merely about infrastructure development but is also a significant step towards empowering the youth from Backward Classes socially and making them active contributors to the state’s progress. She expressed hope that such initiatives will pave the way for more student-friendly schemes in the future.

Chandigarh/Gurdaspur,August 8

The Bhog and Antim Ardas of the Akhand Path held in memory of Indian Army soldier Shaheed ALD Daljeet Singh, who sacrificed his life for the nation during a recent accident in Ladakh, was solemnly observed today at Gurdwara Sri Tahli Sahib, Galhri.  Defence Services Welfare, Freedom Fighters and Horticulture minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat attended the ceremony to pay homage. He was accompanied by Punjab Health Systems Corporation Chairman Mr. Raman Behl, senior Aam Aadmi Party leader from Dinanagar Mr. Shamsher Singh, District President Joban Randhawa and a large number of local residents. After the Bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib, the Raagi Singhs performed soulful kirtan at Gurdwara Sri Tahli Sahib, Galhri.

On behalf of the Punjab Government, Cabinet Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat offered floral tributes to Shaheed ALD Daljeet Singh, stating that the entire nation is proud of its brave son. He said Daljeet Singh rendered exemplary service in the challenging terrain of Ladakh and attained martyrdom while defending the country. Mr. Bhagat conveyed that he had come on the directions of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to share the grief of the bereaved family and assured them that the Punjab Government stands firmly with them in this difficult time.

The Cabinet Minister announced that the family would be given an ex-gratia grant of ₹1 crore, of which a cheque of ₹6 lakh was handed over today, with the remaining ₹94 lakh to be released soon after completion of formalities. He further announced that Shaheed Daljeet Singh’s brother would be given a government job, the village government school would be renamed in the martyr’s honour, and a memorial gate would be constructed at the village entrance. He affirmed the Punjab Government’s commitment to the welfare of martyr families, calling them invaluable assets of the nation and the community. On the occasion, Mr. Bhagat also honoured Shaheed Daljeet Singh’s father, S. Gulzar Singh. Chairman Punjab Health Systems Corporation Mr. Raman Behl, senior leader Mr. Shamsher Singh, and various religious and political figures also paid heartfelt tributes to the martyr.

The event was attended by S. Gulzar Singh (father of the martyr), SDM Dinanagar Mr. Jaspinder Singh Bhullar, District Defence Services Welfare Officer Commandant Baljinder Virk (Retd), constituency in-charge Baljit Singh Khalsa, Kunwar Ricky, Sarpanch Ranjit Singh Jeevan Chak, Sarpanch Joga Singh Muglani Chak, Sarpanch Palwinder Singh Maan Colony, Block President Jasbir Singh, Sansar Singh Jhabkara, Palwinder Singh Jogar, Sarpanch Amarjit Singh Tanda Basti, Education Coordinator Sukhdev Raj, Arjan Singh Block President, Anoop Thakur, Mannu Galhri, Rajesh Kumar Raipur, Jathedar Narinder Singh Bara, Sukhwinder Singh Chauhan, along with members of other martyr families and a large number of villagers.

CHANDIGARH, August 8:

          Amidst the heightened security in the state to ensure peaceful celebrations of forthcoming Independence Day as desired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police on Friday conducted a cordon and search operation (CASO) at 151 Railway Stations across the state.

          The operation was carried out in all the 28 Police districts simultaneously from 11 am to 2pm on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav as part of the ongoing special operations in wake of forthcoming Independence Day.

          Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who was personally monitoring this state-level operation, said that all the CPs/SSPs were asked to ensure heavy deployment of police force under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (SP) rank officers to make this operation successful.

          He said that around people entering and exiting the Railway Stations were checked during the operation conducted at 151 railway stations in the state. At least 72 suspicious persons were also rounded up for questioning during the operation, he added.

          Apart from this, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs on Day 160 and conducted raids at 352 locations on Friday leading to the arrest of 96 drug smugglers after registration of 59 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 25,149 within 160 days.

          The Special DGP said that the raids have resulted in recovery of 1.2 kg heroin, 1.1 Kg opium, 12627 intoxicant pills and Rs 2.3 lakhs drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          He informed that over 232 Police teams under the supervision of 106 gazetted officers have checked Railway Stations and conducted raids at drug hotspots across the state and checked as many as 375 suspicious persons during the day long operation.

          The Special DGP said that the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 53 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.

CHANDIGARH, August 8:

          Amidst the heightened security in the state to ensure peaceful celebrations of forthcoming Independence Day as desired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police on Friday conducted a cordon and search operation (CASO) at 151 Railway Stations across the state.

          The operation was carried out in all the 28 Police districts simultaneously from 11 am to 2pm on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav as part of the ongoing special operations in wake of forthcoming Independence Day.

          Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who was personally monitoring this state-level operation, said that all the CPs/SSPs were asked to ensure heavy deployment of police force under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (SP) rank officers to make this operation successful.

          He said that around people entering and exiting the Railway Stations were checked during the operation conducted at 151 railway stations in the state. At least 72 suspicious persons were also rounded up for questioning during the operation, he added.

          Apart from this, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs on Day 160 and conducted raids at 352 locations on Friday leading to the arrest of 96 drug smugglers after registration of 59 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 25,149 within 160 days.

          The Special DGP said that the raids have resulted in recovery of 1.2 kg heroin, 1.1 Kg opium, 12627 intoxicant pills and Rs 2.3 lakhs drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          He informed that over 232 Police teams under the supervision of 106 gazetted officers have checked Railway Stations and conducted raids at drug hotspots across the state and checked as many as 375 suspicious persons during the day long operation.

          The Special DGP said that the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 53 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, August 8:

          In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police cracked the Pro-Khalistan Graffiti case, with the arrest of two accused persons, including a minor, within 24 hours, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

          As per the information, Pro-Khalistan slogans were appeared at three locations in the city on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday. USA-based head of banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) Gurpatwant Singh Pannu claimed responsibility by releasing a video of the same on social media.

          Those arrested have been identified as Jashanpreet Singh (22), a resident of Dargabad village in Batala and a 17-years-old juvenile.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that both the arrested accused were in contact with foreign-based Shamsher Singh alias Shera Maan, who directed them to carry out the act on instructions from Gurpatwant Pannu. The accused executed the graffiti after receiving instructions and designs via social media mobile-app Snapchat, but the promised payment was never made, he said.

          The DGP said that further investigations are underway in this case.

          Sharing more details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar the investigative team, led by DCP Ravinderpal Singh and comprising ADCP Jagbinder Singh, ADCP Harpal Singh, ACP Harminder Singh, ACP Shivdarshan Singh and Inspector Amolak Singh (Incharge CIA), Inspector Mohit Kumar (SHO Cantonment), Inspector Gurpreet Singh (SHO Civil Lines), Inspector Amandeep Kaur (SHO A Division) worked meticulously to trace and apprehend the accused.

          The CP revealed that the accused were lured into spraying Pro-Khalistan slogans in exchange for monetary rewards, which were never delivered. Probe has revealed that accused Jashanpreet along the minor purchased spray paint from Batala and executed the graffiti, later sharing photographs of the vandalism with Shera Maan as proof, he added.

          In this regard, three separate FIRs have been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Defacement of Property Act at Police Stations— Contonment, Division-A and Civil Lines.