CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, June 6:

          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 two of its operatives, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Friday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Sukhchain Singh, a resident of Daoke in Amritsar and Jugraj Singh, a resident of village Bhakna Kalan in Amritsar. Police teams have also recovered eight sophisticated pistols— three 9MM Glock, four Px5, and one .30 bore pistol— from their possession, besides, impounding their black Splendor motorcycle (PB02DC1197) being used for transporting the consignments.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that the accused were acting under the directions of Pakistan-based smuggler identified as Noor, a resident of Manihala in Pakistan, who has been using drones to drop weapon consignments from across the border. The arrested accused were further distributing the arms to gangsters across Punjab with intention to fuel criminal activities in the state, he said.

          Sharing operation details, the DGP said that CI Amritsar has received specific intelligence about retrieval of weapon consignment from near village Bhaini Rajputtan in the jurisdiction of Gharinda in Amritsar.

          Acting swiftly, police teams have intercepted duo on Amritsar-Attari GT Road near Khasa in Amritsar, when they were going to deliver the consignment on their motorcycle, and recovered weapons from their possession, he said, while adding that further investigations are underway to uncover the network’s backward and forward linkages.

          A case FIR No. 34 dated 05.06.2025 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 SSOC, Amritsar.

CHANDIGARH, June 6:

          With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state entered 97th day, Punjab Police on Thursday arrested 134 drug smugglers and recovered 1.08 kg heroin and Rs 4.97 lakhs drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 16,079 in just 97 days.

          The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

          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.

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 200 Police teams, comprising over 1500 police personnel, under the supervision of 94 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 537 locations across the state leading to the registration of 96 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 572 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added.

          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 110 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, June 6:

Punjab Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO’s relentless efforts have borne fruit as the Union Power Minister has approved the setting up of three additional 800 MW power generation units in the state. During a conference of North Indian Power Ministers organized by the Government of India’s Power Department today, S. Harbhajan Singh ETO raised this matter, while representing the state of Punjab.

The conference was chaired by Union Power Minister Mr. Manohar Lal Khattar, with participation from Power Ministers and officials from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Delhi.

S. Harbhajan Singh ETO demanded an increase in the existing power generation capacity of Ropar Thermal Plant, stating that while Punjab has its own coal mines, the Union Government’s condition of not transporting coal beyond 1000 kilometers is creating difficulties in expanding the capacity of these thermal plants. Accepting the demand, the Union Power Minister instructed officials to extend the coal transportation limit to more than 1500 kilometers and approved the establishment of two additional 800 MW power generation plants in Ropar. Besides this, approval was also granted for setting up a new 800 MW unit in Punjab. With this approval from the Union Power Minister, the path has been cleared for setting up 2400 MW thermal plants in Punjab.

Regarding the Union Government’s target of 7000 MW solar power generation in the state, the Cabinet Minister said that due to high land costs in Punjab, achieving targets in this direction faces challenges. However, the Punjab Government is making efforts to establish these solar projects in neighbouring states from where power supply to Punjab would be convenient.

While strongly advocating Punjab’s position on power-related matters, Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO demanded prompt fulfillment of the 1000 MW power requested by the Punjab Government from the Union Government in view of the paddy season. He stressed that Punjab has always contributed significantly to securing the nation’s food reserves; therefore, keeping the paddy season in mind, Punjab’s demand should be fulfilled at the earliest so that farmers can receive timely power supply and irrigate their paddy crops. Currently, Punjab state is receiving 275 MW power from the central pool.

S. Harbhajan Singh ETO informed that all necessary approvals have been obtained for upgrading the capacity of two existing 100 MVA transformers at BBMB Jalandhar to 160 MVA and the expenditure for this work is to be borne by the Punjab Government. However, this matter is still not progressing, causing difficulties. Thus, the pending action should be expedited so that the BBMB Jalandhar unit can be operated properly.

The Power Minister also raised the issue of the Union Government’s RDSS scheme, stating that under this scheme, the Union Government was supposed to provide a 60% share of a Rs.3600 crore project in a 60-40 ratio to strengthen Punjab’s power supply infrastructure. However, due to increased project costs and fixed central grants, the grant percentage has decreased from 60% to 40%, resulting in approximately Rs.300 crore loss to Punjab state. He demanded that the Union Government should approve this project at new rates considering this situation.

The Cabinet Minister reiterated that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is committed to providing the best power supply to the people of the state.

Chandigarh, June 6- The Haryana Government has decided to celebrate the 10th International Yoga Day on June 21, 2025 in a systematic and unique manner. A state-level function will be organized at the Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra, in which Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will participate as the chief guest. Yoga guru Baba Ramdev will also attend the function.

This year, as per the instructions of the Chief Minister, the Haryana Yog Aayog will not only conduct yoga sessions but also actively raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, encouraging people to take a pledge to stay drug-free. This reflects the healthy, aware and environmentally conscious approach of the government.

Giving information in this regard, a government spokesperson said people are very enthusiastic about International Yoga Day. So far, more than 70,000 people have registered to participate in the programme. He said in the last 10 years, the Haryana Government has opened yoga centres in villages, in which villagers are getting health benefits by doing yoga every day. He informed that the Chief Minister has announced to open 250 indoor gyms in rural areas.

This year’s event is centered on the theme ‘Yoga Yukt, Nasha Mukt’, which reinforces the dual objectives of promoting holistic health and creating an addiction-free society. The slogan also matches the government’s broader vision of promoting a healthy and environmentally conscious lifestyle.

He informed that ‘Harit Yoga Tree Plantation Campaign’ has been included in this year’s programme, which is a special initiative. The aim is to encourage tree plantation and clean the environment through this.

Registration facility has been provided to encourage citizens to actively participate and make this event a mass movement. Any citizen can register on the official website www.internationalyogadayhry.in or by giving a missed call on +91-9501131800.

Chandigarh, June 6 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini today announced a series of development projects worth crores of rupees for Palwal assembly segment, paving the way for beginning of a new era of infrastructure, sports, education and civic amenities for the region.

Addressing a massive public meeting in Palwal, the Chief Minister announced that an international-level modern sports complex will be constructed in Palwal. In addition, the local indoor stadium will be upgraded with soundproofing at a cost of Rs 55 lakh. Further, he also announced Rs 50 crore for the development of basic infrastructure such as parking facilities, rainwater drainage, sewerage systems, and water supply in Sector-21, Transport Nagar.

The Chief Minister also announced that 75 roads covering 152 km in the Palwal assembly constituency currently under warranty will be repaired by the concerned agencies. In addition, Rs 37.57 crore was sanctioned for the repair of eight roads spanning 37.5 km, and Rs 40.18 crore for the renovation of 26 roads covering a length of 54.5 km.

Among other key announcements were Rs 50 lakh for the remodeling of the Janauli distributory and Rs 13 crore for the construction of a VR bridge in five villages. He also announced a 66 KV substation in Mustafabad and a 220 KV substation in the Line Par area of Palwal subject to land availability. The Chief Minister also announced the opening of two new schools in Palwal city, in accordance with departmental norms and land availability.

He announced that a new grain market would be set up outside Palwal city, upon land availability. In Wards 1 to 10, kutcha streets in residential colonies will be paved. An allocation of Rs 5 crore was announced for the construction of community centers in villages across the Palwal assembly constituency.

To address waterlogging issues in Palwal city, the drainage system will be upgraded. A proposal will be submitted to the designated committee for granting sub-tehsil status to Badauli. Other demands will be fulfilled following feasibility assessments. In addition, road construction along the Agra Canal track will be taken up after a feasibility study. Furthermore, he also announced Rs 5 crore for development works in the rural areas of the Palwal assembly constituency.

Earlier, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for seven projects worth Rs 40.39 crore. This included the inauguration of three projects valued at Rs 15.68 crore and the foundation-laying for four projects worth Rs 24.71 crore.

State Government working in tandem with the Centre to advance ‘Developed India – Developed Haryana’

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, the Haryana government is working hand in hand with the central government at a rapid pace to realize the vision of a Developed India – Developed Haryana. He said that the central government, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, is completing 11 glorious years. Over this period, every Indian has witnessed the rise of a nation proud of its ancient heritage, resilient in the face of present-day challenges, and full of ambitious dreams for the future. The Prime Minister’s visionary leadership, unwavering determination, and guiding mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas have infused the country with new energy and direction. He highlighted that when Sh Narendra Modi assumed office as the Prime Minister in 2014, India ranked 11th in the world economy. Today, India has become the fourth largest economy in the world.

Criticizing the Congress, the Chief Minister said that before 2014, the pace of development in the state was sluggish, and the problems of the common people remained unaddressed. The benefits of government schemes failed to reach the masses. However, since 2014, the BJP-led government has accelerated development in Haryana, working at double the previous speed. He further said that over the past ten years, development projects worth Rs1,270 crore have been implemented in the Palwal Assembly constituency alone.

Rahul Gandhi and Congress Party should apologize to the Nation

The Chief Minister stongly criticized the Congress party and described the statement made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as reprehensible, stating that both Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party owe an apology to the country. Comparing the performance of the Congress government with that of the current administration, he highlighted that before 2014, only 17 lakh elderly citizens in Haryana received old age pension, whereas today over 36 lakh elderly people are receiving a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 under the current government.

He added that during the Congress’s 10-year tenure, farmers in the state received only Rs 1,155 crore in crop damage compensation, whereas the present government has disbursed Rs 15,145 crore in compensation over the same period. During the Congress era, the poor faced difficulties in accessing medical treatment, but today, the underprivileged benefit from the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Under this scheme, over 20 lakh people have so far received free treatment worth Rs 2,767 crore.

He also pointed out that in 10 years, the Congress government built only six medical colleges, while the current government has already established nine colleges, with nine more under construction. Previously, there were only 700 MBBS seats in Haryana; today, there are 2,185 seats. He further stated that in the coming years, Haryana will have 3,485 MBBS seats.

Union Minister of State for Cooperation, Sh Krishan Pal Gurjar, Urban Local Bodies Minister Sh Vipul Goyal, Minister of State for Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Sh Rajesh Nagar and Minister of State for Sports, Sh Gaurav Gautam also spoke on this occasion.

DELHI/ Chandigarh 

Responding to the INDIA alliance meeting on Tuesday, AAP’s National Media In-charge Anurag Dhanda said the alliance was meant only for the Lok Sabha elections, while BJP and Congress continue to mislead the nation through a secret, corrupt deal. He pointed out that it’s a conspiracy that sidelines real issues, asserting that AAP remains the only honest, independent alternative as the country prepares to reject this match-fixing and choose real change.

Senior AAP leader and National Media In-charge Anurag Dhanda made it clear that the INDIA alliance was formed specifically for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He said, “The alliance ensured that opposition parties secured 240 seats – this is a significant achievement.”

Anurag Dhanda further said, “The biggest betrayal in Indian politics today is the one being played out behind closed doors. In front of the people, BJP and Congress pretend to be rivals, but in reality, they have struck a secret pact. This alliance is neither ideological nor principled – it is a corrupt and opportunistic arrangement driven by power, corruption, and political deal-making.”

He added, “Rahul Gandhi only says what benefits PM Modi politically. Whether it’s a debate in Parliament or media headlines, every step taken by Congress ends up helping the BJP. And in return, the BJP government protects the Gandhi family and Congress’s corrupt leaders from going to jail.”

“This alliance,” the AAP National Media In-Charge said, “is not just about staying in power; it is a conspiracy to fool the people of this country. These two parties never talk about the people’s basic needs – like good education, better hospitals, affordable electricity, or clean water – because their politics doesn’t run on such issues. Their politics thrives on lies, blame games, and hatred.”

He asserted, “The Aam Aadmi Party is the only national party in the country that contests elections in every state on its own – without alliances or backroom deals. Our party has a clear ideology – we practice politics based on honesty, transparency, and public interest.”

“At a time when both Congress and BJP have become each other’s shield,” Anurag Dhanda said, “this country needs a real alternative – a party that not only speaks out against corruption but also governs with integrity. Aam Aadmi Party is that alternative – and this is exactly why both parties see us as their biggest threat.”

He concluded, “To clean Indian politics, we must end this behind-the-scenes collusion. Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi may appear as opponents on stage, but the truth is, they’ve become guarantees of each other’s political survival. Congress’s weak politics empowers BJP, and BJP’s rule hides Congress’s corruption. The people of this country are watching and understanding everything now. This Congress-BJP alliance won’t last much longer. That is why people across states are now in the mood for change – to rid themselves of both BJP and Congress.”

Chandigarh, June 2:

The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, on Monday approved the introduction of a New and progressive Land Pooling Policy in the state to promote planned and sustainable development.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the Council of Ministers held at the Chief Minister’s official residence.

A spokesperson from the Chief Minister’s Office disclosed that the new policy aims to involve landowners, promoters, and companies as stakeholders in the development process and to increase interest in land pooling among landowners. The revised scheme has been rationalised to benefit small and marginal farmers significantly, offering more options to landowners, which will boost group housing and planned development, ultimately benefiting the common man. The policy is designed to ensure holistic development by integrating every stakeholder into the process.

The new policy will be a game changer for the state as it will provide Major Benefits for Farmers. There will be No More Exploitation of Farmers and Under this Policy, farmers will directly benefit by crores of rupees. No Private Developers or Land Mafia Can Exploit Farmers as the policy ensures that farmers are protected from exploitation by private players.

Complete Authority Lies with the Farmer and It will be 100% their l decision whether to give land to the government or not. Farmers can either keep their land and continue farming or choose to sell it. There will be no forced acquisition as used to happen earlier.

Nothing Will Proceed Without the Farmer’s Written Consent (NOC) and the Land Will Be Given Directly to the Government, Not to Private Developers. Government Will Fully Develop the Land and Return Plots to the Farmers and These Plots Will Include All Facilities Like Roads, electricity and water connections, sewerage pipes, street lights, and parks.

The Value of These Plots Will Be Up to four Times the Market Rate. Each Farmer Will Receive a Written Document from the Government and This letter will clearly mention the farmer’s full entitlement. Farmers can choose to receive two plots of 500 square yards each and They will have complete freedom to keep or sell them. The Benefits Are Not Limited to Just one Acre and the more land a farmer contributes, the greater will the profit.

Apart from it there will be Additional Benefits Through Partnership as If a Farmer Contributes nine acres, they Will Receive three Acres of Developed Group Housing Land. If Multiple Farmers Pool Together 50 Acres of Land for the Government, they Will Receive 30 Acres of Fully Developed Land in Return. This Policy stipulates End of Land Mafia Rule and there will be complete ban enforced on illegal colonies.

*Approval for Conditional Partial Surrender and Cancellation of Licenses Issued to Colonies*

The Cabinet also approved the Partial Surrender and Partial Cancellation of Licenses issued to colonies under the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act (PAPRA), 1995, as well as the Partial Cancellation of approvals granted to industrial park projects.

A policy in this regard was notified on March 10, 2025, concerning the surrender of licenses for developing colonies under the PAPRA Act and approvals for industrial parks. This decision allows for partial surrender of licensed areas, subject to certain conditions, and partial suspension or cancellation of licenses for such projects.

Incentives Approved for Allottees Making Lump Sum Payments for Plots

To encourage allottees and bidders of residential, commercial, and other property plots to make lump sum payments of 75% of the total amount, the Cabinet approved a series of incentives. A 15% discount on the cost of the plot/site will be offered to allottees who make a lump sum payment. This measure is expected to ensure consolidated revenue for the state government while also reducing the number of defaulters.

Cabinet Clears Hike in EDC, CLU Charges to Boost Development

To further facilitate the state’s holistic development and boost revenue generation, the Cabinet approved an increase in External Development Charges (EDC), Change of Land Use Charges (CLU), License Fees (LF), and other charges applicable to real estate promoters.

These promoters are required to pay EDC under the PAPRA Act and for Mega Projects under the Punjab Government’s Mega Project Policy. The last revision of these charges was notified on May 6, 2016, with a provision to increase the rates by 10% annually starting April 1.

However, the government waived the annual hike for several years. The charges have been increased from April 1, 2020, and have gone up by approximately 77% since 2016. Going forward, CLU charges, EDC, and license fees will be increased by 10% annually, compounded from April 1, 2026.

Chandigarh, June 2:

On the last day of filing nominations for 64-Ludhiana West, 8 nomination papers have been submitted.

Punjab’s Chief Electoral Officer, Sibin C, informed that on Monday, nomination papers have been filed by Jiwan Gupta, the candidate from the Bharatiya Janata Party, and Sunita Rani (covering candidate). In addition, Navneet Kumar has submitted his nomination from the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar). In addition, five independent candidates Harminder Arora, Bhola Singh, Renu, Pawandeep Singh and Gurdeep Singh Kahlon have also filed their nomination papers. He further stated that the total number of candidates who have filed nominations has now reached 22.

It is noteworthy that the scrutiny of nomination papers will be conducted on June 3, while the last date for withdrawal of nominations is June 5.

Chandigarh, June 2:

In a significant push to enhance the higher education landscape in Punjab, Higher Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains today directed officials to expedite the processing of proposals from private colleges seeking university status. The move aims to streamline the upgradation process, reinforce academic excellence, and expand access to quality higher education in the state.

To ensure effective coordination and real-time monitoring, the Education Minister designated Director Higher Education, Mr. Girish Dayalan, as the Nodal Officer for overseeing the progress of all such proposals.

Chairing a high-level meeting with chairpersons and directors of leading private colleges, the Minister reiterated the Punjab Government’s commitment under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to reform and revitalize the education sector through efficient, transparent, and merit-driven processes.

“This initiative reflects our resolve to provide Punjab’s youth with increased access to quality education and better employment prospects. We are committed to removing unnecessary delays and creating a robust ecosystem for higher learning and make Punjab Education hub for India,” said S. Harjot Singh Bains.

Officials have been instructed to conduct a merit-based review of pending applications and to accelerate decision-making processes, with a focus on transparency, fairness, and efficiency. The government also aims to harness the capabilities of the private sector to complement public initiatives and catalyse academic growth across the state.

The meeting witnessed participation from representatives of 18 private institutions, including CGC Group Mohali, Rayat Bahra Hoshiarpur, Sri Sukhmani Group Dera Bassi, Babe Ke Group Daudhar (Moga), Sher-E-Punjab University Lalru, JIS Group Ludhiana, and Baba Farid Group Bathinda, among others. Stakeholder feedback and concerns were actively noted, with the Minister assuring responsive and facilitative governance in the days ahead.

CHANDIGARH, June 2:

          With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state entered 93rd day, Punjab Police on Monday arrested 98 drug smugglers and recovered 1.5 kg heroin, 2508 intoxicant pills and Rs 3900 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 15,117 in just 93 days.

          The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

          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.

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 200 Police teams, comprising over 1400 police personnel, under the supervision of 93 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 510 locations across the state leading to the registration of 77 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 523 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added.

          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 60 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.