Chandigarh/SAS Nagar (Mohali), June 24:

Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh today asserted that every issue concerning Non-Resident Punjabis will be addressed in a transparent, fair and time-bound manner. He said the Punjab Government is making sustained efforts to ensure the prompt and effective resolution of grievances faced by Punjabis living abroad.

Addressing Non-Resident Punjabis during the ‘NRI Milni-2026’ organised at Amity University, Mohali, Dr. Ravjot Singh said the objective of this special programme was to hear the grievances of NRIs and ensure immediate and on the spot action by the concerned authorities for their resolution.

A large number of Non-Resident Punjabis belonging to the districts of SAS Nagar (Mohali), Rupnagar, Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib participated in the event. Prominent amongst those present were Secretary NRI Affairs, Mohammad Tayyab, ADGP, NRI Wing, Punjab, R.K. Jaiswal, Commissioner, Patiala Division-cum-Chairman, NRI Sabha Jalandhar, Viney Bublani, Special Secretary, NRI Affairs, Amandeep Kaur, Deputy Commissioner, SAS Nagar Komal Mittal, SSP Rupnagar Maninder Singh and other senior officers of the concerned departments.

Interacting with the media, Dr. Ravjot Singh said that Punjabis settled abroad continue to maintain a deep bond with their roots, culture and heritage and have earned global recognition for both Punjab and India. He said that under the directions of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, every NRI-related matter is being heard and resolved in a fair, transparent and time-bound manner.

The NRI Affairs Minister informed that the department received a total of 26,828 complaints between January 2022 and May 2026, of which 25,870 have already been resolved. During the same period, 1,187 FIRs were registered and 1,451 accused were arrested. He said these figures highlight the Punjab Government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of Non-Resident Punjabis and ensuring timely justice.

He said that the majority of complaints received from NRIs relate to property disputes, illegal occupation of land, documentary irregularities and matrimonial issues. Every year, nearly 5,000 to 6,000 complaints are received, with a substantial number being resolved either through mutual settlement or the due legal process.

Dr. Ravjot Singh said that he is personally monitoring cases that have remained pending for a long time or where proceedings have been delayed. He said such matters are being reviewed regularly with the concerned officers to ensure their early disposal.

Replying to a query regarding cases in Canada involving contract marriages and the procurement of work permits or permanent residency (PR) through forged documents, Dr. Ravjot Singh described the issue as serious and of national importance. He said that while the legal framework governing such matters falls within the jurisdiction of Parliament, the Punjab Government is actively addressing the growing number of such cases in the state and will strongly present Punjab’s case before the Union Government to secure a permanent and effective solution.

At a press conference held on Wednesday at the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee headquarters in Chandigarh, MLA and Deputy Leader of Opposition Aftab Ahmed, MLA and former Speaker of the Haryana Legislative Assembly Ashok Arora, and State Media In-charge Sanjeev Bhardwaj were present. During the interaction, Congress leaders raised sharp questions regarding the state government’s policies, farmers’ welfare, employment, law and order, and the IDFC Bank scam.

Addressing the press conference, former Speaker and MLA Ashok Arora criticized the government over the IDFC Bank scam and said that the arrest of the main accused, Pankaj Aggarwal, appears to be merely a formality. He stated that the arrest of only one individual in such a massive financial scam raises serious questions, particularly when there have been discussions about the involvement of several influential people in the matter.

Ashok Arora said that if the investigation is genuinely fair and transparent, then why have no FIRs been registered against other individuals allegedly involved in the scam, and why has no departmental action been initiated against them? He alleged that the government is attempting to protect influential people while making one person a scapegoat and limiting the scope of the entire case.

He demanded a fair and impartial investigation into the role of all individuals involved in the IDFC Bank scam and called for strict legal and departmental action against any officials or employees found guilty. He said that in matters of corruption, the government should take concrete and decisive action rather than resorting to symbolic measures.

Congress leaders stated that the people of Haryana have fully understood the government’s priorities and will democratically respond to the continued neglect of the interests of youth, farmers, and ordinary citizens.

Meanwhile, Deputy Leader of Opposition Aftab Ahmed said that the BJP government has consistently ignored Haryana’s interests. He alleged that after sidelining the state’s youth in government recruitment, the government is now prioritizing other states at the cost of Haryana’s farmers. He claimed that the decision to provide water to Rajasthan has further increased the concerns of Haryana’s farming community.

He said Haryana is an agrarian state where millions of families depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Therefore, ensuring adequate irrigation facilities and water resources for farmers is the government’s primary responsibility. However, farmers in the state are already struggling with shortages of fertilizers, electricity, and irrigation facilities, while the government appears more focused on political priorities than addressing their concerns.

Aftab Ahmed said that many regions of Haryana are facing water scarcity. At such a time, the government should have safeguarded Haryana’s water rights, but instead, the state’s interests are being ignored. He stated that providing employment opportunities to youth and ensuring adequate water supply for farmers are fundamental responsibilities of the government, yet it has failed on both fronts.

He further said that the Congress Party will continue to raise its voice for the rights of Haryana’s youth and farmers and will not allow any compromise on the state’s interests. He urged the government to immediately ensure adequate irrigation facilities for farmers and take concrete measures to protect Haryana’s water rights.

Commenting on the law and order situation in Haryana, Aftab Ahmed said that an atmosphere of fear and insecurity prevails across the state. Criminals are openly carrying out incidents of gang wars, extortion, and organized crime. He said that today not only ordinary citizens but even elected representatives feel unsafe. Crimes against women are continuously increasing, which, according to him, reflects the government’s failure.

He further alleged that the Chief Minister of Haryana appears more interested in Punjab’s politics than in addressing Haryana’s pressing issues. He questioned whether all of Haryana’s problems have already been resolved. On one hand, people are suffering under the burden of rising prices, while on the other, the deteriorating law and order situation has made life increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens.

Aftab Ahmed said that the people of Haryana now understand the reality of the government’s functioning and will no longer be misled by what he described as false promises and misleading claims. He asserted that the Congress Party is fighting for the issues concerning the people and will continue to do so. He said that Haryana needs change, and that change will certainly come.

Chandigarh, June 24

The first phase of the house-to-house enumeration exercise under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls will commence across Punjab from tomorrow i.e. June 25, 2026 and all the necessary preparations for the statewide enumeration drive have been completed. This was stated here today by Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mrs. Anindita Mitra.

During the press conference at Punjab Bhawan, the CEO informed that during the first phase, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit every household to distribute pre-printed enumeration forms. Besides assisting voters in filling up these forms, the BLOs will also revisit households to collect the duly completed forms.

Mrs. Mitra said that the house-to-house enumeration exercise will continue till July 24, 2026. She further informed that if a form is not received from any household, the concerned BLO will make up to three visits to collect it and will affix a sticker at the residence, recording details of the visit.

She informed that 24,453 BLOs will undertake the enumeration of 2,14,61,043 electors across the state. At present, 1,84,61,581 electors have already been mapped, accounting for 86.02 per cent of the total electorate in Punjab.

The Chief Electoral Officer said that as per the schedule notified by the Election Commission of India for the SIR exercise, the house-to-house enumeration will be carried out from June 25 to July 24, 2026, while the rationalisation of polling stations will be completed on July 24, 2026. The draft electoral rolls will be published on August 3, 2026, she added.

She further informed that claims and objections regarding the electoral rolls may be submitted from August 3 to September 2, 2026, while the disposal of claims and objections will be undertaken between August 3 and September 28, 2026. The final electoral rolls will be published on October 1, 2026, said the CEO.

Mrs. Mitra said that the training of the entire election staff and Booth Level Agents (BLAs) across Punjab for the SIR exercise has been successfully completed.

Replying to media queries, the Chief Electoral Officer clarified, “if the mapping of any eligible voter is not completed during the house-to-house enumeration, the concerned person will be issued a notice during the claims and objections period. Such individuals will be given an opportunity to submit the required documents before the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) to have their names included in the electoral roll.”

She categorically stated, “no eligible voter’s name will be deleted during this process.” She further clarified, that any person found enrolled as a voter at more than one place is a punishable offence and may face imprisonment for up to one year under the relevant legal provisions.

Mrs. Anindita Mitra said that all recognised political parties in Punjab have been duly briefed about the entire SIR process through a series of meetings and several suggestions received from them have also been incorporated. She added that these meetings were held at the state, district, tehsil and Booth Level Officer levels.

Responding to another query, she said that all Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) in Punjab have been instructed to hold video conferencing meetings with the BLOs under their respective jurisdictions. Besides obtaining regular feedback, the EROs will also review technical issues, difficulties in locating households or voters and any instances of misbehaviour faced by BLOs during the enumeration exercise.

Chandigarh, June 22:

Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to the welfare, care and dignity of senior citizens, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, a total financial assistance of Rs. 15.70 crore has been released over the last three years to support 18 old age homes being run by government and non-government organizations across the state.

Sharing details, Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that grants amounting to Rs. 4.93 crore during 2023-24, Rs. 6.67 crore during 2024-25, and Rs. 4.10 crore during 2025-26 have been provided for the effective functioning of these institutions. At present, 641 senior citizens residing in these old age homes are benefiting from quality services, including safe accommodation, nutritious meals, healthcare support and other essential facilities.

Describing senior citizens as the roots of our families and the custodians of our rich social values, Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “Those who dedicated their lives to nurturing families and shaping society deserve dignity, respect and support in their later years. Ensuring their well-being is not only a governmental responsibility but also a collective social obligation.”

The Cabinet Minister emphasized that the Punjab Government’s vision extends beyond financial assistance. “Our objective is not merely to fund old age homes but to improve the overall quality of life of elderly residents by ensuring better healthcare services, recreational opportunities, emotional well-being and a homely environment,” she said. She added that departmental officials have been directed to conduct regular inspections to ensure high standards of care and accountability.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of senior citizens, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that any form of neglect, abuse or exploitation of the elderly will not be tolerated. She urged citizens to make use of the Elder Helpline 14567, which remains fully operational for immediate assistance, counselling and grievance redressal.

Appealing to society at large, the Minister said that while the government is extending a helping hand to destitute and vulnerable senior citizens, every family and community must work together to create an environment where elderly persons feel secure, valued and respected within their own homes.

Dr. Baljit Kaur concluded by saying, “Our senior citizens are our pride and living heritage. Their happiness, dignity and smiles are the true measure of the success of our welfare policies.”

CHANDIGARH, June 22

In a sweeping public safety directive, Punjab Local Government Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains has set a June 30, 2026 deadline for every city in the state to be “open manhole-free”, while directing all municipal Commissioners and ADCs (Urban Development) to submit a compliance report in this regard. He made it clear that laxity on “zero open manhole” drive under Mission Clean Punjab will invite strict consequences.

The directive follows a state-wide safety audit that exposed 1,451 gaps in sewerage infrastructure ahead of the monsoon season, S. Harjot Singh said that over 1000 have already been rectified. He stressed that verified closure of all remaining open manholes is non-negotiable to avert water-logging related accidents during the rainy season.

Calling open manholes “death traps” especially during rains, S. Harjot Singh Bains emphasised that citizen safety is non-negotiable and warned of zero tolerance for negligence. The drive is part of the broader ‘Mission Clean Punjab’ initiative spearheaded by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government.

To ensure accountability, the Local Government department has rolled out an AI-integrated mobile app for real-time tracking of manhole closures. Civic officials must now conduct mandatory field inspections daily from 7 AM to 8 AM, while 24×7 ‘War Rooms’ in all urban centres will monitor water-logging, sewer blockages and monsoon-related complaints, he added.

With only 8 days left to meet the deadline, Administrative Secretary Local Government Mr. Ghanshyam Thori, who is personally overseeing the drive, warned that any official found negligent in closing open manholes will face disciplinary action and the accountability will be fixed.

Chandigarh:

Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh today said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government will organize “NRI Milni” on June 24, 2026 at Amity University, Mohali.

Divulging further details, the Cabinet Minister said that this event is being organized as part of the Punjab Government’s continued commitment to strengthening its engagement with the global Punjabi diaspora and ensuring the timely resolution of issues faced by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). “NRI Milni 2026 will serve as an important platform for direct interaction between NRIs and the Government of Punjab, enabling participants to raise concerns, share suggestions and seek solutions to matters related to their respective districts and the state”, he added.

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Dr. Ravjot Singh said that the primary objectives of the event are to foster meaningful engagement with the NRI community, address grievances in an effective and transparent manner and further strengthen institutional mechanisms for grievance redressal. Through this initiative, the Department of NRI Affairs aims to deepen its outreach and reinforce the enduring bond between Punjab and Punjabis residing across the globe.

The Cabinet Minister informed that NRIs belonging to the districts of SAS Nagar (Mohali), Rupnagar, Fatehgarh Sahib and Patiala have been invited to participate in the programme. He urged all eligible NRIs from these districts to take advantage of this opportunity to interact directly with senior government officials and place their concerns before the appropriate authorities.

He said that to facilitate smooth participation and advance planning, interested participants are requested to register through the official online registration form available at https://forms.gle/PZjpvKuEA2iPRU6D9

While registering, participants are requested to provide accurate information, including their full name, address, contact number, email ID and details of any previous complaint or issue related to their district. This information will assist the Department in ensuring the efficient handling and timely resolution of matters raised during the event, said the Cabinet Minister.

Dr. Ravjot Singh reiterated that the Punjab Government is fully committed to safeguarding the interests of the NRI community and addressing their concerns through responsive, transparent and citizen-centric governance. He expressed confidence that NRI Milni 2026 would emerge as a productive forum for dialogue, collaboration and problem-solving, while further strengthening the relationship between Punjab and its vibrant global diaspora.

The Cabinet Minister urged all eligible NRIs from the concerned districts to participate actively and contribute towards making NRI Milni 2026 a meaningful and productive event for the worldwide Punjabi community.