The Personnel Department of the Punjab Government has issued a letter today, providing instructions and extending the deadline for general transfers/postings of government officers and employees across the state.
According to the letter, in continuation of Letter No. 07/01/2014-1PP2(3PP2)/382-385 dated 05.06.2025 issued by the Personnel Department, the time period for general transfers/postings in all departments and institutions of the Punjab Government was earlier fixed from 23.06.2025 to 01.08.2025. However, through the latest communication, this period has now been extended until 20.08.2025.
A government spokesperson stated that after 20.08.2025, a complete ban on general transfers will be enforced. Thereafter, transfers/postings may only be carried out in accordance with the provisions laid down in the transfer policy issued by the Personnel Department on 23.04.2018.
This letter has been circulated to the heads of all state departments, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, sub-divisional magistrates, and the chairpersons/managing directors of all boards and corporations in the state.
Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman Sardar Jasvir Singh Garhi has directed the Senior Superintendent of Police, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, to appear in person and submit a report during the hearing of a pending case.
Providing details in this regard, a spokesperson of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission said that Dr. Sandeep Kaur, Assistant Director, Physical/Audio Forensic Science Laboratory, Phase-4, Mohali (District SAS Nagar), had submitted a written complaint on January 20, 2025. In her complaint, she alleged that her office head, Mr. Ashwani Kalia, had made casteist remarks against her. The District Attorney has also recommended the registration of a case, but no action has been taken by the police so far.
The spokesperson further informed that the Commission has scheduled the next hearing for August 4, 2025, and has instructed SSP Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Mr. Harmandeep Singh Hans, to appear in person.
Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman Sardar Jasvir Singh Garhi has ordered the Commissioner of Police, Amritsar, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar to appear in person before the Commission and submit a report in the matter.
A spokesperson for the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission said that Mrs Parminder Kaur, wife of Mr Bhushan Kumar and resident of House No. 610, Street No. 4, Shaheed Udham Singh Colony, Shahrwar Gate, District Amritsar, filed a written complaint with the Commission on 17-03-2025. She alleged that an individual was harassing her by using caste-based slurs, uttering obscene words when she left for work, and making illegal videos.
The Commission sought a report from the Director, Bureau of Investigation, Punjab; however, no appropriate action has been taken against the accused to date.
After reviewing the matter, the Chairman has directed the Commissioner of Police, Amritsar, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar to appear in person on 04-08-2025 and submit a comprehensive report.
In furtherance of the investigations into FIR No. 22 dated 25-06-2025, registered at Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) Police Station Flying Squad, SAS Nagar, against Bikram Singh Majithia, searches were carried by the Vigilance Bureau, Punjab out on Saturday, i.e., 02-08-2025, at three premises linked to Gillco Developers.
During the searches, the Vigilance Bureau has uncovered details of suspicious financial transactions running into crores between Gillco Developers and entities linked with Bikram Singh Majithia. Further investigations are ongoing.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the State Vigilance Bureau stated that the searches were carried out in Punjab and Chandigarh. He added that after registration of FIR against Bikram Singh Majithia, certain suspicious financial links and transactions between Gillco Developers and some of the entities had come to notice. These were developed in a meticulous manner by conducting investigations. To conduct further in-depth inquiries into these transactions and to gather relevant evidence, the Vigilance Bureau has conducted these searches in accordance with procedure established by law.
Several incriminating documents, electronic devices and other evidences have been seized in the ongoing searches. The spokesperson informed that the search operations were conducted strictly in accordance with the legal procedures and the search was still underway. “Electronic devices and relevant documents were also seized during the above searches”, he added.
In order to ensure peaceful celebrations of forthcoming Independence Day-2025 as mandated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police has heightened the security across the state and a fortnight long special operation has been launched to keep vigil around the criminal and anti-social elements.
As per the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav, all the CPs/SSPs have been instructed to heighten security measures, increase patrols, and intensify night domination operations in their respective districts.
Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that in these two weeks, CPs/SSPs will conduct different operations on regular basis including anti-terrorist/gangster operations, checking of jails, deployment of nakas at strategic locations, combing operations, etc, will be conducted. The CPs/SSPs have also been instructed to keep a close watch on suspicious activities and individuals, and to take prompt action in case of any security breaches, he said.
The Special DGP has also issued directions to CPs/SSPs to bolster police presence at public venues and intensify surveillance and patrolling across critical areas in their respective jurisdictions. CPs/SSPs have also been directed to increase the number of police checkpoints in their respective jurisdictions and ensure the checking of a maximum number of vehicles at every Naka, which will help in curtailing terrorist and criminal activities, he added.
Meanwhile, Police teams have continued its cordon and search operation (CASO) against drugs on Day 154, and conducted raids at 481 locations on Saturday leading to the arrest of 107 drug smugglers after registration of 80 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 24,325 within 154 days.
The Special DGP said that the raids have resulted in recovery of 13.9 kg heroin, 500 grams opium and Rs 34,820 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.
He informed that over 180 Police teams, comprising over 1300 police personnel, under the supervision of 87 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 511 suspicious persons during the day long operation.
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 68 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday paid obeisance at Gurudwara Sri Katalgarh Sahib and prayed for peace, progress, and prosperity in the state.
The Chief Minister also prayed that the ethos of communal harmony, peace, and brotherhood continue to be strengthened with each passing day and that Punjab leads the nation in every sphere. Bhagwant Singh Mann said he feels blessed to have the opportunity to serve the people of Punjab and usher in a new era of unprecedented development and progress. He added that his government is following in the footsteps of the great Sikh Gurus to serve the people and is committed to further accelerating the state’s development.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government draws its sense of responsibility and spirit of service towards state from the teachings of the great Sikh Gurus. He expressed hope that, with Waheguru’s blessings, Punjab will continue to lead the country across all domains. Bhagwant Singh Mann described his visit as a divine experience, especially as it was made at the sacred site where the Sahibzadas of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji attained martyrdom.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister stated that the government will ensure the holistic development of this holy land, and all necessary efforts are underway. He assured that no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause, as the government is duty-bound to develop this place of immense historical and spiritual significance. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that meticulous planning has already been completed, and implementation will begin soon.
Responding to a query, the Chief Minister highlighted that the government has already introduced a new and progressive Land Pooling Policy in the state to promote planned and sustainable development. He assured that feedback from all stakeholders, including farmers, will be further taken into account. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that this is a people’s government, and every decision is made in consultation with the public.
Addressing another question, the Chief Minister alleged that gangsters were patronized by Congress leaders in the past, which emboldened criminal elements. He noted that those very Congress leaders are now facing threats to their families from the same criminals they once supported. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders are now facing the consequences of their past misdeeds against the state and its people.
Chandigarh, August 2, 2025: To spread awareness on the most advanced medical technologies for the treatment of prostate problems and enlarged prostate, also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), the first national operative and observership conference on Rezum and RIRS, “Steam and Stone,” being organised by Fortis Hospital Mohali, commenced at Hotel Taj here today.
The two-day event has been organised following efforts by Dr. Rohit Dadhwal, Consultant – Urology, Andrology and Robotic Surgery. Nearly 100 renowned urologists from across the country, surgeons and other medical professionals are taking part in the event.
Giving information, Dr. Rohit Dadhwal, said, “The workshop aims to spread awareness on Water Vapor Therapy (Rezum) – the latest form of minimal invasive surgical treatment for Prostate – available at Fortis Hospital Mohali.”
He said, “Water vapor therapy (Rezūm) is a painless day-care procedure that is offered to patients who are at high risk or are young and to want to preserve their fertility. The long-term effects are the same as those of a traditional procedure. The procedure itself doesn’t require any cutting of the Prostate tissue, hence there is no bleeding, and there is no pain. The procedure is conducted under local anesthesia and the patient is kept under observation for one hour.”
Dr Dadhwal further, added, “Since BPH (enlarge prostrate) occurs in old age, most of the patients have cardiac and other comorbidities. In such cases like these, patients are on blood-thinning medications, which may lead to high chances of bleeding during the procedure, also multiple diseases and old age increases the peri and post-operative risk. For such patients, this procedure is a blessing.”
“Also, traditional prostate surgeries like TURP or Holep lead to sexual problems like ejaculatory and erectile dysfunction. For young symptomatic patients of BPH, who want to preserve their fertility, this is one of the few treatment options which offers such relief. Long-term data which is available now suggest that the effect of this therapy is the same as that of TURP, but it negates the need of anesthesia and admission,” he further added.
Day-1 of the conference featured a series of live operative sessions, observership demonstrations and interactive panel discussions focused on Rezum therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia and Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) for kidney stones. The attendees witnessed cutting-edge procedures, discussed clinical outcomes and gained insights into the latest technological innovations that are shaping patient-friendly urological care.
Shedding light on the event, he said, “Modalities like water vapour therapy (Rezum), and Robot-aided Surgery are the future in prostate care. With cutting-edge technology, early resumption of normal activity is possible within a week and tumour control is achieved which was a challenge in open and laparoscopic technique.”
Other key highlights of the conference are, Live Rezum therapy demonstrations showcasing the latest minimally invasive techniques for BPH, RIRS operative sessions illustrating advanced endoscopic management of kidney stones and panel discussions and Q&A sessions on patient selection, procedural nuances, and post-operative care.
The two-day conference, which will conclude on August 3, has paved the way for more advanced surgical demonstrations, expert panels, and interactive discussions in the upcoming sessions of the conference.
About Fortis Healthcare
Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 27 healthcare facilities, ~4,750 operational beds (including O&M facilities), and over 400 diagnostics centers (including JVs). The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with a global major and parent company – IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs over 23,000 people (including Agilus Diagnostics Limited) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.
Taking suo moto cognizance of the tragic suicide case involving two truck drivers from village Niyal near Patran in Patiala district, Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman S. Jasvir Singh Garhi has summoned Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Patiala.
Divulging further, Commission’s spokesperson said that the two drivers from village Niyal, located near Patran town in Patiala district, had recently taken their own lives. One of the deceased, Harpreet Singh, belonged to the Scheduled Caste community. The bereaved family members have been conducting a continuous protest on the Patran-Patiala highway for the past six days, demanding justice and appropriate action.
In response to this matter, Commission Chairman S. Jasvir Singh Garhi has directed the SSP Patiala to appear personally before the Commission and submit a comprehensive report on August 5, 2025.
Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced on Friday that the state has once again broken records in tax revenue growth, with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection registering a net growth of 32.08% in July 2025 compared to the same period last year. He said that this robust performance is part of the state’s consistent trend of setting record-breaking growth in tax revenue year-on-year and month-on-month for the last three and half years
In a press communiqué issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted that the net GST revenue collected in July 2025 was Rs. 2357.78 crore, a substantial increase of Rs. 572.71 crore compared to the Rs. 1785.07 crore collected in July 2024. He said that the state’s impressive growth trajectory is also evident in the year-to-date figures. “Up to July of the current financial year, net GST revenue has reached Rs. 9188.18 crore, marking an increase of Rs. 2025.36 crore over the Rs. 7162.82 crore collected during the same period in the 2024-25 fiscal year”, he added.
Finance Minister Cheema attributed this remarkable growth to the effective policies implemented by the Aam Admi Party led Punjab Government, which have fostered a conducive business environment and encouraged tax compliance. He said that the department’s enforcement actions have also played a crucial role in curbing tax evasion, with a focus on providing assistance to honest taxpayers.
Highlighting the department’s aggressive stance against tax evasion, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema revealed that the Department of Taxation, Punjab’s State Investigation and Preventive Unit (SIPU) recovered Rs 156.40 crore in penalties during the first quarter of FY 2025-26. The breakdown includes Rs 57.43 crore from road checks and Rs 98.97 crore from inspections and verifications. Furthermore, SIPU uncovered two significant GST fraud cases, involving Rs 2,620.80 crore in fake transactions and estimated tax evasion of Rs 296.32 crore. The department’s intensified enforcement efforts are underscored by the registration of two FIRs in June 2025 for scams surpassing this amount.
The Finance Minister emphasized that the Punjab government’s proactive measures have positioned the state among the top performers in tax mobilization, despite many challenges. He said that the state’s GST collection growth rate has consistently surpassed the national average, reflecting the effectiveness of the government’s policies and initiatives.
The Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reiterated the Punjab government’s commitment to maintaining a transparent, efficient, and equitable tax system that promotes economic growth while ensuring fair contributions from all stakeholders. “With its robust fiscal management, Punjab is poised for further financial achievements, paving the way for a prosperous and progressive future”, he added.
Following reports highlighting the extremely poor and distressing conditions of children and their families begging near the Dera Bassi flyover, Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur has taken swift cognizance and issued strict directions for their immediate rescue and rehabilitation.
As per reports from the concerned area, these children and their families are living in unsafe and unhygienic open spaces. Dr. Baljit Kaur expressed serious concern that these children are vulnerable to exploitation, and ensuring their safety is a top priority for the government.
The Minister has directed officials of the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Child Protection Units, and the district administration to immediately launch a special rescue operation in the area. She emphasized that rescued children must be promptly provided with shelter, food, medical care, and access to education.
Dr. Baljit Kaur has also instructed officials across all districts of Punjab to treat such cases with utmost seriousness and to immediately initiate similar rescue and rehabilitation campaigns for children found begging in their respective regions. She stated that this campaign must be conducted in a sustained and committed manner under the “Project JEEVANJYOT – 2: Save the Childhood”, so that no child in Punjab is forced into begging.
The Minister further stated that if any individual or group is found forcing children to beg, strict legal action will be taken against them. She stressed the importance of coordinated action involving police, health, education, and municipal authorities to ensure effective rehabilitation and a safe environment under the Project JEEVANJYOT framework.
She appealed to the public to report any incident of child begging or trafficking immediately by calling the Child Helpline 1098. Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is fully committed to ensuring a safe, dignified, and bright future for every child in the state.
