Chandigarh, August 1:

Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian handed over appointment letters to 11 youth as Agriculture Development Officers (ADOs) in the Agriculture department, at his office here on Friday.

Extending heartiest congratulations to the newly appointed ADOs, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian exhorted them to dedicate themselves to their roles, working tirelessly to empower the state’s farmers and drive agricultural growth. He emphasised the importance of their responsibilities, while encouraging them to go above and beyond in providing guidance and support to farmers to making Punjab a thriving agrarian state.

Highlighting the Agriculture department’s recruitment drive, S. Khudian informed that earlier, on May 20, 2025, 184 Agriculture Development Officers had received their appointment letters. With the inclusion of the 11 newly appointed ADOs, the total count of recruited ADOs in the department has now reached 195. Notably, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has given over 55000 government jobs to the youth in the state since came to power.

The Agriculture Minister said that this substantial recruitment is set to enhance the department’s capacity, empowering it to provide more effective and efficient services to the state’s farmers.

Dr. Basant Garg, Administrative Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, congratulated the newly appointed Agriculture Development Officers, while imploring them to discharge their duties with utmost integrity and dedication.

Director Agriculture Jaswant Singh and other senior officials of the department were also present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, August 1

Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced on Friday that the Punjab government is making significant progress in processing pending Goods and Services Tax (GST) refund applications by sanctioning 1,408 applications in July, amounting to a total refund of Rs 241.17 crore.

Addressing a press conference here, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that as of July 31, 2025, the state has cleared a substantial portion of the backlog, demonstrating a concerted effort to streamline the refund process for businesses. He said that as of June 30, 2025, there were 3,452 pending refund applications, totaling Rs 832.93 crore. He revealed that in July, refunds totaling Rs 241.17 crore were sanctioned, comprising Rs 57 crore for the State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) component, refunded directly from the State Treasury, and Rs 184.17 crore for the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) and Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) components, which will be reimbursed by the Central Government.

Highlighting the direct impact of these refunds on the state’s finances, Finance Minister Cheema said that SGST refunds are deducted from gross tax collections to determine the state’s net revenue. He also stated that an additional 663 applications, totaling Rs 52 crore, are currently being processed. Once these applications are approved, the state expects the overall disposal ratio to reach 60% in terms of the number of applications and 35% in terms of the total refund amount.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reiterated the AAP led state government’s commitment to ensuring a transparent and efficient tax administration system. He added that the state will continue to prioritize the swift resolution of pending refunds to support local businesses and improve the ease of doing business in Punjab.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, August 1:

In a major crackdown amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has busted two separate cross-border illegal arms smuggling modules with the arrest of four operatives, including a juvenile, and recovered seven sophisticated pistols from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

Those arrested have been identified as Sikanderjeet Singh (19) of village Bhagwanpura, Tarn Taran; Pradeep Singh alias Babbal (43) of Antarjami Colony, Amritsar; Jarnail Singh (34) of New Shaheed Udham Singh Nagar, Amritsar; and one 17-years-old juvenile from Tarn Taran.

The recovered weapons include two Glock pistols, four .30 bore Star pistols and one .32 bore pistol along with six live cartridges. Apart from recovering weapons, police teams have also recovered their motorcycle, which they were using to deliver consignment.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused were in touch with Pakistan-based smugglers and retrieved weapon consignments near the international border. The weapons were meant to fuel gang rivalries and disrupt peace in the region, he said.

 The DGP said that further investigation is underway to trace forward and backward linkages to unearth the entire smuggling network.

Sharing details of the operation, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that preliminary investigations revealed accused Sikander along with a juvenile was in touch with Pak based Smugglers. They have their home close to vicinity of the international border and retrieved the drone dropped consignments from the locations provided by them, he said.

In other module, the CP said that accused Pardeep and Jarnail are associates of deceased Ravneet Singh alias Sonu Mota, who was in rivalry with Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang. These weapons are sophisticated pistols received from pak smugglers and were handed over to them by slain Sonu mota prior to his death, he said, while adding that recovery of these weapons averted major criminal activity in the area.

He said that further investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are likely in the coming days.

In this regard, two seperate cases— FIR No. 187 dated 26.07.2025 under sections 25(7) and 27 of the Arms Act at Police Station Gate Hakima, Amritsar and FIR No. 160 dated 29.07.2025 under section 25 of the Arms Act, Police Station B-Division, Amritsar— have been registered.

Chandigarh, August 1

Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi has taken suo moto notice of two issues included non-possession of the Shamlat land (Common land) of village Bathoi Kalan in Patiala district to the people of Scheduled Castes despite depositing the due fee and the protest held after the case of truck driver suicide in village Niyal.

The spokesperson of the Commission said that in order to get information about the action taken so far by the district administration in both cases, Deputy Commissioner Patiala Dr. Preeti Yadav has been personally summoned on August 5, 2025.

In the case of truck driver suicide, the deceased Harpreet Singh belongs to the Scheduled Castes and in this case, the family of the deceased has been staging a protest by keeping the body on the road for the last 6 days.

CHANDIGARH, August 1:

          With the ongoing decisive war against drugs ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has completed five months, Punjab Police has registered 15242 first information reports (FIRs) and arrested 24,089 drug smugglers leading to the recovery of 1000 kg heroin since March 1, 2025.

          Since the launch of this anti-drug drive, Punjab Police, under the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav, has been conducting operations daily simultaneously in all the 28 Police districts of the state. Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann had 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.

          Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who has been personally overseeing the operations, revealed that apart from the 1000 kg haul of heroin, police have also seized 344 kg opium, 204 quintals poppy husk, 14 kg charas, 367 kg ganja, 6 kg ICE, 31.27 lakh intoxicant pills/tablets, and ₹12.12 crore drug money.

          Sharing details of outcome of Day 153, the Special DGP said that Punjab Police has arrested 92 drug smugglers and recovered 1.7 kg heroin, 2 kg ganja, 404 kg poppy husk, 4865 intoxicant pills and Rs 2490 drug money from their possession.

          Over 180 Police teams, comprising over 1100 police personnel, under the supervision of 76 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 378 locations across the state leading to the registration of 65 first information reports (FIRs) across the state, he said, while adding that police teams have also checked as many as 407 suspicious persons during the day long operation.

          Meanwhile, 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 59 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.

Arniwala (Fazilka), August 1:

In a path breaking initiative Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convener of AAP Arvind Kejriwal on Friday unveiled the anti-drug curriculum to be introduced in Schools under “War Against Drugs” with an aim to make 8 lakh students aware against the menace of drugs.

Addressing the gathering, the National Convener of AAP said that this marks the beginning of a new chapter in Punjab’s battle against drugs from the border district of Punjab. He said that Punjab’s war against drugs has now reached a crucial stage and as part of the third phase of the state government’s campaign “Yudh Nashean De Virudh” (War Against Drugs), a special syllabus is being introduced in all government schools for students from classes 9 to 12. Arvind Kejriwal said that through this syllabus, 8 lakh students from these classes will be made aware of the dangers of drug abuse and encouraged to stay away from narcotic substances.

The National Convener of AAP said that this anti-drug program will involve 3,658 schools and renowned scientists will also take part in raising awareness among students. Arvind Kejriwal said that the curriculum will include 35-minute sessions, to be conducted fortnightly over 27 weeks and will include documentaries, quizzes, posters, and interactive activities. He said that these sessions will focus on major themes such as busting myths about drugs, strategies to say no to drugs, and resisting peer pressure.

The National Convener of AAP said that the state government has already launched the “War Against Drugs” campaign and under this initiative, more than 15,000 drug traffickers have been sent to jail, properties have been seized, and over 1,000 kilograms of heroin have been recovered. Arvind Kejriwal said that properties acquired by drug smugglers through the illegal drug trade are being demolished. He said that the most notorious and feared drug lord has been put behind the bars by an honest government in the state.

The National Convener of AAP said that ironically all the political parties have come in the support of this drug lord which has exposed their ugly face. He said that these political parties have remained mum on the plight of the state due to drugs but are supporting the kingpin of drugs. Arvind Kejriwal said that Nasha Virodhi Yatra has reached more than 10,000 villages and wards of the state adding that the desired results are coming.

The National Convener of AAP said that it is the responsibility of every youth to support this unique and noble initiative of the state government. He said that the youth should resist the peer pressure of tasting the drugs for the first time as it can be fatal for them. Arvind Kejriwal said that it is the high time that everyone should come forward and join the crusade against drugs adding that efforts are also being made for the rehabilitation of individuals who have quit drug use, so they can stand on their feet again and lead lives of dignity and respect.

 The National Convener of AAP said that it is unfortunate that no state or country has remained untouched by the menace of drugs. He envisioned that this path breaking initiative will be replicated in other states too for wiping out the menace of drugs. Arvind Kejriwal said that Punjab’s misfortune lies in its geographical location along an international border, which made it a drug route for smugglers.

The National Convener of AAP exhorted the people of Punjab to unite and pledge to make our society drug-free. He also said that the state government has strictly implemented a zero-tolerance policy against drug traffickers. Arvind Kejriwal said that the smugglers, who celebrate with luxuries at home while poisoning society, are the real enemies of our people and the state government will not spare them at any cost.

In his address, Chief Minister said that due to strenuous efforts of the state government complete facelift of government schools has taken place. He said that students are leaving the private schools and joining government schools, which shows people’s trust in them. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that such events should not have taken place but it is unfortunate that such conditions have emerged in Punjab due to which these events have been necessitated.

The Chief Minister said that the blot of drugs have been put on the face of the state by the previous governments. He said that after assuming charge of the state it took us time to formulate a strategy adding that the state government started de-addiction centers to ensure treatment for those giving up drugs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is also working to skill them and enable them to live life with dignity and pride.

The Chief Minister said that crusade against drugs has been ongoing for the past 150 days and hundreds of panchayats have passed resolutions pledging that they will never support drug traffickers.  He said that this war against drugs has now transformed into a mass movement adding that as a part of it the state government has introduced anti-drug education into the school syllabus. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that students will be made aware of the symptoms and dangers of drug addiction as the first use of drugs marks the beginning of a ruined life.

The Chief Minister said that the state government doesn’t do vote-bank politics adding that School children don’t even vote but still, we want to make them aware against this curse. On the contrary, he said that the previous regimes ruined the youth by selling and patronizing the drug trade adding that these leaders used to party and buy lands in the hills. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the kids of these leaders went to school escorted by armed guards adding that the state government has taken decisive action against these leaders.

The Chief Minister said that when Majithia was caught, Congress, Akali Dal, and BJP all came out in his support adding that some of these leaders used to say they would drag Majithia by his collar, but now they’re backing him. He said that Punjab was looted and ruined by these leaders for their lust of minting the money illegally as drug packets were supplied in official cars of Ministers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that drug traffickers were considered close friends of the rulers due to which drugs spread their tentacles in the state.

The Chief Minister said that the state government will strongly continue the legal fight against Majithia till he gets exemplary punishment for his sins. He said that Sukhbir Badal only knows his relatives’ names and he is not aware of the basic topography of Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that people elected Badals umpteen times but these people never cared about the masses or the state.

The Chief Minister said that to keep the youth of the state away from the temptation of drugs, the Punjab government is constructing playgrounds and gyms in every village. He also said that a WhatsApp number – 9779100200 has been issued for people to report information about drug trafficking adding that the identity of the informants is kept strictly confidential. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that efforts are also being made for the rehabilitation of individuals who have quit drug use, so they can stand on their feet again and lead lives of dignity and respect.

In his address senior AAP leader, Manish Sisodia said that Punjab has always been a leader in every field and now school children from state will lead the nation in saying no to drugs. He said that after government schools, the syllabus will also be introduced in the private schools adding that basic infrastructure of Punjab’s schools has been strengthened and state now holds the top position in the country in the field of education. Manish Sisodia warned the drug traffickers to stop the heinous crime immediately or be ready to face strict consequences.

 Addressing the gathering, Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that the Education sector is witnessing revolutionary changes during the current regime. He said that the scourge of drugs spread its tentacles in the state during the Akali-BJP regime. Harjot Singh Bains said that the AAP government led by Chief Minister has launched a massive crackdown against the menace of drugs and the introduction of syllabus against drug menace will help in complete elimination of drugs from state.

On the occasion Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains, senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, Secretary Education Anindita Mitra and others were also present.

Abohar, August 1 :

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal visited the residence of renowned city-based businessman, the late Sanjay Verma, on Friday to express their condolences to the bereaved family.

Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal met Sanjay Verma’s brother, Jagat Verma, and offered their sympathies. They stated that while this is an irreparable loss for the family, it is also a significant loss for society, which has lost a determined and enterprising individual. Both leaders prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family to bear this profound loss.

Both the leaders noted that the Verma family had carved a niche  for itself through hard work, dedication, and commitment thereby further bringing global recognition to Abohar town. They assured the family that the Punjab government stands firmly with them during this hour of grief and crisis. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal reiterated the state government’s zero-tolerance policy towards heinous crimes and affirmed that exemplary punishment would be ensured for those responsible for such brutal acts.

They further stated that the Punjab Police had already neutralized two gangsters involved in the murder through a police encounter. The Chief Minister assured the family that full justice would be delivered and that not a single perpetrator of this heinous act would be spared.

He also emphasized that ensuring the safety of all the Punjabis in general and this family in particular is the top priority of the state government, and every possible effort is being made in this regard.

Meanwhile, Sanjay Verma’s brother, Jagat Verma, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for the swift and decisive action taken by the Punjab Police in the case. He also thanked both the leaders for standing with the family in this hour of crisis and ensuring justice to them by stern action against the criminals.

On the occasion senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia and others were present.

CHANDIGARH, August 1:

 On the directions of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, a State-Level Review Meeting of the Department of Cooperation was convened today under the chairmanship of Shri Girish Dayalan, IAS, Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Punjab. The meeting was attended by Chief Auditor Cooperative Societies, Joint Registrars, Deputy Registrars, and senior officials from across the State. The Registrar underscored the need for time-bound, target-oriented functioning and individual accountability for field-level outcomes. It was also announced that such review meetings would henceforth be held on the 1st of every month without fail.

A major initiative introduced during the meeting was the adoption of loss-making or underperforming cooperative societies by field officers. Under this new framework, all Inspectors will be assigned a society near their place of posting to adopt and support the 800 odd societies without a Secretary. In addition, each Joint Registrar will adopt at least one society, Deputy Registrars two, and Assistant Registrars three. Officers will be expected to ensure regular engagement, handholding, and performance monitoring of their adopted societies. This move aims to bring in direct ownership and create visible improvement on the ground.

Reviewing the status of PACS computerisation, the Registrar issued clear instructions to fast-track the project through daily monitoring. Five Additional Registrars have been given district-wise supervisory charge, while Additional Registrar (Headquarters) will oversee coordination and submit weekly progress reports. The appointment of district-level nodal officers has been made mandatory, and any resistance or obstruction in the computerisation process will attract strict disciplinary consequences. The Registrar reiterated that full digital transition of cooperative societies is critical to ensuring transparency, efficiency, and financial discipline.

The meeting also focused on strengthening audit accountability. All field officers have been directed to ensure 100 percent compliance of audit observations within stipulated timelines. It was categorically stated that post-facto “Special Reports” to justify audit lapses would no longer be accepted. Officers who had previously issued clean reports where fraud was later discovered would be held liable for disciplinary action.

A comprehensive review mechanism was also put in place for quasi-judicial proceedings and court cases. It was directed that all certified copies of orders must be issued within seven days of pronouncement, and weekly review of pending matters be undertaken by Deputy Registrars. Any orders passed with mala fide intent or jurisdictional overreach would be examined at the administrative level, and appropriate disciplinary action taken.

The Registrar also highlighted the issue of staffing gaps in PACS and directed the rationalisation of secretary postings, with clear weekly schedules and proposed support for travel reimbursements. Fertilizer indents too are to be made based on real-time data on PACS membership and landholding, with defunct societies formally linked to functional ones to ensure fair allocation. All DRs have been tasked with submitting complete district-level data within a week.

As part of wider governance reforms, the Registrar reiterated the mandatory use of eOffice and official punjab.gov.in email accounts for all correspondence. Physical dispatches are to be discouraged. All field officers have also been directed to hold monthly meetings with cooperative societies under their jurisdiction and submit properly recorded proceedings to the headquarters.

In light of the International Year of Cooperatives, the Registrar underscored the need for proactive and field-based engagement by all officers to ensure that cooperative societies not only survive but thrive, contributing significantly to rural development and economic empowerment.

The next State-Level Review Meeting will be held on September 2, 2025.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, August 1:

          In a major intelligence-led operation amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busted a cross-border illegal arms smuggling module with links to Pakistan and arrested five of its operatives and recovered six sophisticated pistols from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Jagroop Singh of Dhun in Tarn Taran, Navdeep Singh of Patti Lahian Di in Tarn Taran, Arshdeep Singh of Shaliwal in Amritsar, Gurlal Singh of Rajoke in Tarn Taran and Joban Singh of Patti Mana Ki in Tarn Taran. According to information, arrested accused Jagroop Singh and Navdeep Singh are habitual criminals and have criminal background with cases pertaining to Arms Act and NDPS act registered against them.

          The recovered weapons include four 9MM Glock pistols and two .30 bore pistols along with magazines and live cartridges.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that the arrested accused persons were acting upon the directions of Pakistan-based smuggler identified as Rana, who has been sending consignments of illegal weapons from across the border. The arrested accused were further supplying the arms to criminals and gangsters in Punjab disturb peace and harmony of the border state, he said.

          The DGP said that teams of CI Amritsar received specific intelligence about retrieval of weapon consignments from Indo-Pak border areas falling under the jurisdiction of districts Tarn Taran and Amritsar. Acting swiftly, police teams have intercepted above five persons from near Bus Stop Panjwar, situated on Amritsar-Bhikhiwind Road, when they were waiting for gangsters, to whom the consignment was to be delivered further and recovered illegal weapons from their possession, he said.

          He said that further investigations are underway to uncover the network’s backward and forward linkages.

          A case FIR No. 42 dated 01-08-2025 under sections 25, 25(1)(A) and 25(1)(B) of the Arms Act and section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered at Police Station State Special Operation Cell, Amritsar.