Chandigarh, June 1 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative launched by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 140th birth anniversary on October 31, 2015, will further strengthen India’s unity and integrity.

The Chief Minister was talking to eminent personalities of various states residing in Haryana who had come to meet him at his official residence ‘Sant Kabir Kutir’ here today.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister said the hardworking people of various states living in Haryana have an important contribution in the development of the state. With the brotherhood and cooperative spirit of all, Haryana is constantly moving on the path of progress.

The Chief Minister requested the people to cooperate in fulfilling the Prime Minister’s dream of creating a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by the year 2047. He said the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ camapign, which started in the year 2015, has grown from an idea to a national movement, connecting the soul of India today. He said it is inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’. He further said that through this innovative campaign of the Prime Minister, the knowledge of culture, traditions and practices of different states and union territories will create better understanding and connection between the states, which will strengthen the unity of the country.

The Chief Minister said although different states of the country vary in geography, the relationship among all of them is of shared heritage of history, culture, sacrifice and struggle. When people from every corner of India come together, the foundation of ‘Shrestha Bharat’ becomes stronger.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision is that no citizen of the country should face any problem in doing his work. Recalling the Coronavirus period, he said when people’s businesses had come to a standstill, the Prime Minister had fed every poor person by giving them free foodgrains.

On this occasion, Haryana’s Public Works Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa, Chief Minister’s OSD Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, BJP National General Secretary Sh. Tarun Chugh, General Secretary Dr. Archana Gupta, former Mayor Madan Chauhan, and Sanjay Thekedar were also present.

Chandigarh, June 1 – The Entrance Examination for the term commencing in January 2026 at Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun was conducted by the Haryana Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare Department at Government P.G. College for Women, Sector-14, Panchkula today.

 The exam was conducted in a fair, smooth and transparent manner. Around 257 students of Haryana appeared in the examination. 

The Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehradun was established in 1922 with the primary aim of providing all round quality education to Indian boys and Girls so that RIMC could provide more Officers for the Armed Forces. The college provides Public School Education to young boys in the age group of 11 to 18 years, specially selected through an All India competitive Examination.

Chandigarh, June 1 – The Haryana Excise and Taxation Department today conducted the 3rd round of auction for excise retail liquor vends. In the 3rd round, auctions of retail vends of 6 districts, namely Gurugram (East), Karnal, Palwal, Rewari, Jind and Yamunanagar, were conducted. The bids were opened by the committee chaired by Deputy Commissioners of the concerned districts.

Excise Commissioner Sh. Vinay Pratap Singh stated that the Department has received good response in the 3rd round of excise auctions as compared to the earlier round of auctions with 184 zones getting allotted out of 270 zones. He said wide participation in the auction process of the 184 zones shows a better response to the State’s Excise Policy. The state has been able to secure the licence fee of approx Rs 2707 crore from the auctioned zones of 5 districts, exhibiting a high increase from the license fee received in the same round in last excise policy year. To realise appropriate revenue, the department has decided to cancel the auction of 3 zones against which bids were received today and auction all zones afresh in Yamunanagar. The remaining 142 zones of these 6 districts will again be put for auction in the 1st week of June.

The Excise & Taxation Department has scheduled the next round of auctions for all districts on 3rd, 4th & 5th June.

Chandigarh/Dirba, June 1:

The Dirba constituency today witnessed a wave of development as Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema laid the foundation stones of Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar Community Hall in Dirba, which will be constructed at a cost of around Rs.2 crores and a 17-kilometer canal water pipeline project worth around Rs.2.20 crore in Village Janal of Dirba constituency. 

After laying the foundation stone of the community hall, the Cabinet Minister announced that the construction of community hall, having seating capacity of 500 people, will be completed within 6 months.

He said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is committed to the comprehensive development of the state and as part of this initiative, development works are being carried out at a rapid pace across constituencies, ensuring that all challenges faced by the people are systematically addressed.

The Cabinet Minister said that a long-standing demand of the scheduled castes and economically disadvantaged families of Dirba for construction of the hall has been fulfilled.

The Cabinet Minister stressed, this hall will benefit a large number of people, particularly enabling poor and middle-class families to conduct their joyous and solemn occasions with great convenience, noting that when poor and middle-class families are compelled to organize their events at expensive venues by taking loans, they become burdened under debt for several years, with their financial difficulties remaining unresolved. However, this community hall will prove to be extremely beneficial for the people and will also protect them from falling into debt, he added. S. Cheema also informed that grants have been released for the three gates of the Gurdwara Sahib in Dirba.

Earlier, laying the foundation stone of a 17-kilometer canal water pipeline project in village Janal, the Finance Minister said that this is the part of initiative focused on ensuring that every agricultural field of the the state receive canal water facilities.

S. Cheema said that upon completion of this pipeline, around 850 acres of agricultural land will receive canal water supply. He said that the Punjab Government’s objective is to ensure that every drop of canal water in Punjab reaches the farmers’ fields. This initiative will not only conserve groundwater resources but also result in significant cost savings for farmers while substantially enhancing soil fertility, he categorically added.

He informed that canal water pipeline installation work is progressing at a rapid pace across various villages in the constituency, which will provide canal water facilities to a vast area of Dirba constituency and reduce dependence on groundwater.

With groundwater conservation in mind, he urged farmers to prioritize direct seeding of paddy. The area under direct seeding in the constituency had increased last year and is expected to expand further this year. He said that if water resources are not preserved, agricultural activities in the state will become impossible. The government’s efforts to provide canal water will prove instrumental in conserving groundwater resources, said the Finance Minister.

The Cabinet Minister mentioned that special focus is being laid to the development of villages of the Dirba constituency and he is diligently overseeing the completion of various development projects under his supervision. The Dirba constituency is emerging as an exemplary model throughout the state, he added.

Prominent amongst others who were present on this occasion included OSD Tapinder Singh Sohi, President Municipal Panchayat Dirba Maninder Singh, SDM Dirba Rajesh Kumar Sharma, DSP Dirba Dr. Rupinder Kaur Bajwa, SDO Public Works Daljit Singh, JE Jivanjot Singh, Ajay Singla (former President of Truck Union), Sunil Bansal, Mangat Rai (former President of Sheller Association), Municipal Councillors, Sarpanch Harpreet Singh, Panchayat members Mandeep Singh, Gurtej Singh, Raj Singh, Navdeep Kaur, Harbias Singh, Harpreet Kaur, Harpinder Kaur, Simranjit Singh and Harbans Kaur.

CHANDIGARH:

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 92nd day, Punjab Police on Sunday arrested 113 drug smugglers and recovered 2.09 kg heroin, 530 grams opium, 32679 intoxicant pills and Rs 1.8 lakhs drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 14,944 in just 92 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 86 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 461 locations across the state leading to the registration of 83 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 382 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 92 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Meanwhile, Police teams have also conducted checking at as many as 106 pharmaceutical shops in five districts including Fazilka, Ferozepur, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Faridkot and Moga to ensure that they are not selling intoxicant tablets or any other habit-forming drugs, and are adhering to the prescribed norms and regulations regarding the sale of medicines.

Chandigarh:

Punjab’s financial position continues to strengthen impressively, with the state registering a record 25.31% growth in net GST collection for the month of May 2025, as compared to the same month last year. This marks the highest-ever GST collection for the month of May in Punjab’s history. The net GST revenue rose to ₹2,006.31 crore in May 2025, up from ₹1,601.14 crore in May 2024 — showing a remarkable increase of ₹405.17 crore. In comparison, May 2024 had seen a growth of ₹121 crore (8.17%) over ₹1,480 crore collected in May 2023. This year’s performance clearly indicates a robust and accelerating growth trend in Punjab’s fiscal health.

Announcing these figures on Sunday, Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema attributed the impressive growth to strong tax administration, enhanced compliance, and a resilient economic environment fostered under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. He emphasized that the AAP Government’s commitment to financial prudence and economic reform has led to this consistent upward trend in revenue.

Minister Cheema further noted that this surge not only represents the highest year-on-year monthly growth in recent years but also outpaced the national average GST growth, establishing Punjab among the top-performing states in tax mobilization. “We have curbed tax evasion, improved field-level enforcement, and enabled a seamless taxation framework that supports businesses while safeguarding state revenues,” he added.

This fiscal milestone is particularly commendable given the challenges Punjab faced as a border state, including heightened India-Pakistan tensions and a war-like situation during the period. Despite these constraints, the state achieved a growth rate that more than tripled the corresponding growth of 8.17% in May 2024.

The Finance Minister emphasized that Punjab’s record GST growth in May 2025 was driven by a combination of improved compliance, proactive taxpayer engagement, and robust enforcement by the Taxation Department. Key actions included the physical verification of 195 bogus firms, leading to the blocking of ₹75.79 crore in fraudulent Input Tax Credit (ITC); detection of major tax evasion in the coal sector, involving off-book transactions exceeding ₹225 crore and ₹11.65 crore in evaded tax; and the uncovering of ₹900 crore in bogus gold bullion transactions in Ludhiana, with ₹21 crore of ineligible ITC blocked.

Finance Minister Cheema applauded the efforts of the Taxation Department’s officers and field staff for their dedication and impactful enforcement. He stated that this additional revenue would provide further strength to the State Government’s development initiatives and enhance public service delivery.

Looking ahead to June 2025, the department is committed to maintaining this momentum and achieving even higher growth, building on the solid foundation of policy reform, administrative efficiency, and fiscal discipline.

Chandigarh: The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is consistently striving to provide the best road infrastructure to the people of the state. This was stated by Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh E.T.O. in a press statement issued here today. He informed that foundation stones of road projects worth ₹21.53 crore were laid across the state on June 1, 2025.

Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh E.T.O. said that the construction work of the Gehri Mandi–Jabbowal–Dehriwal–Mehsampur Road, located on Mehta Road in Amritsar district, has commenced today at a cost of ₹17.65 crore.

He stated that the total length of this road is 20.80 km. The project has been allotted to the concerned contractor, with a completion deadline of six months.

The Minister added that the construction of this road will greatly ease traffic congestion for local residents.

Harbhajan Singh E.T.O. further shared that, similarly, under the Bhoa Assembly Constituency, the construction of a 6.5 km road at a cost of ₹3.58 crore was inaugurated today by Cabinet Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak. The road will be constructed with a width of 18 feet, improving road connectivity and transportation facilities for residents of villages Serpur, Panjod, Phulpiara, Sujanpur, and surrounding areas.

He also noted that the Serpur–Panjod–Phulpiara–Sujanpur road is being constructed after a gap of 25 years, and its completion will benefit nearly 20,000 people. The work is scheduled to be completed by February 2026. The maintenance of these roads will be undertaken by the contractor for the next five years.

In addition, Minister Harbhajan Singh E.T.O. highlighted that yesterday, keeping in mind the convenience of residents in the Dirba Assembly Constituency and nearby areas, the inauguration of a 15.60 km road project from Dirba to Baghrol via Samuran, Saifipur Khurd, and Saifipur Kalan, costing ₹7.85 crore, was carried out by Finance Minister S. Harpal Singh Cheema.

This road serves as a crucial link for the local population and farmers to access the Dirba grain market and city. It also connects the religious site Dera Baba Amarnath located in village Safipur, thus offering enhanced connectivity and convenience to the residents.

Chandigarh:

Hon’ble Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, today announced that the Punjab Government, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann, has taken a historic decision to observe the 350th Shaheedi Centenary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the 450th Foundation Day of Sri Amritsar Sahib with unprecedented grandeur and modern global outreach.

Speaking at a special media interaction, the Speaker emphasized that the martyrdom and spiritual legacy of Guru Sahib is not only a matter of faith for Punjab, but a universal message of sacrifice, courage, and humanity. “If we begin to speak about the greatness of our Gurus, even months would fall short. This is our legacy — glorious and unmatched — and it is our responsibility to take it to the next generations,” he stated.

Commemorate With Global Outreach

The Punjab Government has committed to observing these historic occasions using modern tools, technology, and global platforms so that the legacy of the Gurus transcends beyond Punjab and India, reaching every corner of the world.

A WhatsApp number, email ID, and official website have already been set up and published in newspapers to invite suggestions from the Sangat, religious organizations, and citizens. These commemorations will be shaped by the will of the people, not just administration.

The Speaker appealed to the media and all communities to come forward and contribute to making these events globally impactful.

Mass Outreach: Speaker to Lead from the Front

S. Sandhwan announced that starting today, he will personally meet various religious sects, organizations, and civil authorities to gather suggestions. “You will see me holding daily meetings with personalities and institutions. This is not just a government event — this is a community movement,” he said.

The government has already resolved to convene a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, where the teachings, sacrifices, and principles of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, as well as the importance of heritage preservation, will be discussed in depth.

Inclusive Suggestions, AI & Technology for Global Programs

The programs will integrate artificial intelligence and digital media for worldwide impact. The government is open to receiving suggestions from SGPC, religious bodies, civil society groups, and citizens, with a promise to act on those ideas seriously.

Call for Unity, Responsibility, and Global Message

“This is not just a commemoration; this is a call for unity, shared responsibility, and carrying forward the message of Guru Sahib. The government will first collect suggestions — and if needed, also seek active collaboration,” said the Speaker.

“These milestones — 350 years of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s Shaheedi and 450 years of Amritsar Sahib — belong to all of humanity. We must commemorate them together, meaningfully, and powerfully,” the Speaker concluded.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, June 1:

Amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has successfully busted a terror and extortion module linked to Pakistan’s ISI-backed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operative Jeevan Fauji with the arrest of two of his associates, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Sunday.  

Those arrested have been identified as Karajpreet Singh alias Karaj (23) of Vairowal in Tarn Taran and Gurlal Singh alias Harman (23) of Goindwal Sahib in Tarn Taran. Police teams have also recovered one .30 bore pistol along with one live cartridge, besides impounding their motorcycle used in the crime.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that Jeevan Fauji— an active BKI member, has been running an extortion racket targeting individuals in Punjab’s border districts. 

Jeevan Fauji had provided a .30 bore pistol to Karajpreet and Gurlal, and directed them to fire at a furniture shop in the Amritsar area, he said, while adding that this firing incident was part of an extortion attempt, with Jeevan Fauji demanding ransom from a relative of the shop owner based in Canada.

The DGP said that further investigation is underway to establish backward and forward linkages in this case to completely dismantle this terror network.

Sharing operational details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that both the accused persons were arrested during an intelligence led operation from the areas of Tarn Taran and Fazilka.

He said that during a follow-up recovery operation in the area of Sultanwind, accused Gurlal Singh retrieved the concealed weapon and attempted to open fire at the police party. In self-defence, the police party retaliated, resulting in a bullet injury to Gurlal’s left leg, he said, while adding that the injured accused was immediately shifted to Civil Hospital Amritsar, where he is undergoing treatment.

The CP said that investigations revealed the accused were acting on Jeevan Fauji’s instructions to terrorise locals and extort money. Efforts are underway to dismantle the entire network and trace further linkages, he added.

A case FIR No. 88 dated 17-05-2025 has already been registered under sections 109, 324(4) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and 25 and 27 of the Arms Act at Police Station B-Division in Amritsar.

Chandigarh: In a deeply moving and emotionally charged gathering at Plaza, Sector 17, Chandigarh, the city stood united in remembrance and gratitude for the heroes of Operation Sindoor and the innocent lives lost in the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The tribute event, titled “Sindoor Ka Sandesh – Na Bhooleinge, Na Maaf Kareinge”, was organized by Kartavyanisht and brought together citizens, families of martyrs, and dignitaries in a solemn expression of national solidarity.

The Governor of Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, addressed the gathering with words that stirred hearts and ignited a sense of patriotic pride. Paying homage to the brave soldiers and the 28 innocent victims of the April 22 attack, he said:

“The soil of Pahalgam is soaked in the blood of our own—innocents who never came back. Operation Sindoor was our nation’s tearful yet determined response. It was not revenge—it was justice. A motherland can weep, but it cannot kneel. And India did not kneel.”

He saluted the courage of the armed forces who crossed all barriers to eliminate those responsible for the attack. Referring to the precision strike on May 6–7, Governor Kataria said:

“Our forces didn’t speak. They acted. Quietly, swiftly, with the might of righteousness. Every bullet they fired carried the weight of 140 crore prayers. And that is why India won—not just on the battlefield, but in every Indian heart.”

The Administrator also expressed deep concern over narco-terrorism, calling it a slow poison attacking the nation from within. He urged youth to stand guard against drugs and addiction:

“Drugs are the enemy’s new weapon. They don’t come with guns but with syringes. They don’t bomb cities, but destroy families. We must rise—not just as a defense force—but as a society that refuses to fall.”

Thousands gathered at Plaza stood in silence to honour the martyrs, many with tears in their eyes as the national flag waved proudly behind the stage. Families of slain soldiers were presented with tokens of respect, and emotional patriotic performances added to the poignant atmosphere.

Punjab Governor and Administrator UT Chandigarh Sh Gulab Chand Kataria led everyone in a mass pledge, reaffirming the nation’s collective resolve never forget the lives lost in the Pahalgam terror attack and to stand united against terrorism and drugs

Also present at the ceremony were Mayor of Chandigarh, Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla, Municipal Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, Chandigarh BJP President Sh. Jatinder Pal Malhotra, and BJP National General Secretary Sh. Tarun Chugh, who all stood in solemn solidarity.and Lieutenant General Kamal Jit Singh, PVSM, AVSM & Bar.