CHANDIGARH, May 22:

          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 82nd day, Punjab Police on Thursday arrested 101 drug smugglers and recovered 15.9 kg heroin, 102 kg poppy husk and Rs 25.52 lakhs drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 12,650 in just 82 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 1300 police personnel, under the supervision of 87 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 460 locations across the state leading to the registration of 79 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 497 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 109 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, May 22:

The long-awaited work of four-laning of Patiala-Sirhind road is progressing at a fast pace with the efforts of the Punjab government led by Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Providing more details, Punjab Public Works Department Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO disclosed that this project was announced by the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann during the Vyapar Milni at Patiala last year and includes a steel bridge over the Bhakra Main Line near village Sidhuwal and the widening of the existing road to a four-lane configuration.

The Cabinet Minister informed that so far, 25% of the total work has been accomplished, with Rs.32 crore already spent. The steel bridge near village Sidhuwal has been constructed and is now operational for traffic. The construction is progressing expeditiously and is scheduled for completion by March 31, 2026.

He said that the four-laning of this road will also eliminate 12 identified accident-prone zones, thereby substantially enhancing road safety and potentially preventing numerous fatalities.

He said that the completion of this Rs.119.6-crore project, including the newly constructed steel bridge over the Bhakra canal, represents a pivotal milestone toward alleviating traffic congestion, improving safety standards, facilitating trade and commerce and strengthening regional connectivity.

He informed that administrative approval for the project was issued by the previous government on December 9, 2021 at an estimated cost of Rs.119.6 crore and the work was allocated precipitately during the previous government due to the then-impending Assembly elections, without securing statutory clearances from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and with pending utility relocation. Consequently, the work could not commence and the contractor began raising contractual disputes. The public was thus deprived of a secure, four-lane transportation facility. As a result, the contract awarded in January 2022 had to be terminated.

The Cabinet Minister categorically said, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the requisite clearances were expedited and the project was re-allotted only after obtaining all mandatory approvals to ensure seamless execution. A total of 22.59 hectares of forest land along the Right of Way (ROW) was acquired and in compensation, the Forest Department, Punjab, is developing 45.18 hectares of forest land elsewhere in the state.

In lieu of 7392 trees, 1733 under-girth poles and 5730 plants that required removal for the project, the Forest Department is undertaking the plantation of 60106 saplings under compensatory and additional compensatory afforestation initiatives, he added.

The Minister said that departmental officers have been instructed to rigorously adhere to project timelines, maintain exemplary quality standards and ensure prompt execution.

Chandigarh/Kiratpur Sahib, May 22:

With a focus on providing top-notch facilities to the students, the Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains inaugurated infrastructure development projects worth over Rs. 1.49 crore in government schools of Sri Anandpur Sahib Constituency under the Sikhya Kranti initiative. He asserted that these comprehensive development projects showcase the tangible transformation of Punjab’s government schools, reflecting the state’s commitment to educational excellence.

Addressing the gathering, the Education Minister stated that development projects worth crores are currently underway in government schools and will be completed shortly, while adding that supplementary grants amounting to crores will also be allocated to rural area schools, ensuring they all are equipped with modern facilities.

He inaugurated development works worth Rs.17 lakh at PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, Massewal, while the Government Primary School, Jeowal received Rs.40 lakh under the Holistic Development Plan; Government Primary School, Massewal underwent repairs costing Rs.7.51 lakh; Government Primary School, Cheekna received repair work worth Rs.7.64 lakh; Government Primary School, Baruwal was allocated Rs.7.51 lakh for repairs; Government Primary School, Daboora (Lower) received Rs.18 lakh for boundary wall construction and Rs.2.55 lakh for repairs; Government Primary School, Majher was allocated Rs.60,000 for boundary wall and Rs.2.55 lakh for repairs; Government Primary School, Daboora (Upper) received Rs.2 lakh for boundary wall and Rs.2.55 lakh for repairs and Government Primary School, Moda was allocated Rs.13.4 lakh for boundary wall construction.

Similarly, Rs.17 lakh was spent on the comprehensive renovation of Government Senior Secondary School, Massewal, while Rs.9 lakh was incurred on the boundary wall construction at Government Middle School, Daboora (Lower).

S. Bains highlighted that government schools are now equipped with comprehensive facilities, including security guards, campus management systems, transportation services, Wi-Fi connectivity, state-of-the-art science labs, well-stocked libraries, modern furniture, dedicated staff rooms, spacious classrooms, administrative offices, accessibility ramps, and more. These amenities, previously limited to private or model schools, are now accessible to students in government institutions, bridging the gap between public and private education.

S. Harjot Singh Bains reviewed ongoing projects in the school premises. He also highlighted a positive trend of increasing girl student enrolment, citing Massewal School’s statistics of 321 girl students compared to 312 boy students, showcasing improved gender parity. Bains mentioned the establishment of a ‘School of Happiness’ in Lakher, providing quality education to children from the Changer region without lengthy commutes. Additionally, he noted that a ‘School of Eminence’ is being constructed in Kiratpur Sahib at a cost of Rs. 12 crore.

A significant contribution to the residents of Changer area is the construction of an 18-foot-wide road connecting Tarapur to Massewal, facilitating smooth transportation. He said that road construction from Tarapur to Samlah is progressing rapidly on a priority basis.

The Education Minister assured that renovation and widening of multiple roads within the constituency will begin soon as all requisite administrative processes have been completed. He said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is steadfastly committed to the state’s holistic development. Under CM Mann’s leadership, the battle of saving state’s water has been won and this preserved water will now reach agricultural fields and the Changer region, contributing to enhanced regional prosperity.

The Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains was felicitated by the local people for inaugurating development projects in government schools, reflecting their appreciation for his efforts to enhance educational infrastructure.

FEROZEPUR/CHANDIGARH, May 22:

          In a major crackdown on narco-hawala nexus amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, Ferozepur Police has busted a drug smuggling module with the arrest of three persons and recovered 12.07 Kg heroin and ₹25.12 Lakhs in drug and hawala money, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Karan Kumar alias Ghanni (22), Rohit Bhatti (24), and Aakashdeep alias Aakash (24) — all residents of Bukkan Khan Wala in Ferozepur. Accused Karan Kumar and Akashdeep have criminal backward with cases under NDPS act and Arms Act registered against them. 

          Apart from recovering heroin and drug money, Police teams have also impounded their Maruti Ertiga car, bearing registration number PB-01-F-1618, which they were using to deliver drug consignments.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that an FIR under the NDPS Act is registered at Police Station Ghall Khurd. Further investigation is underway to trace forward and backward linkages, he added.

          Sharing operation details, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Ferozepur Range Harmanbir Singh Gill, while addressing a press conference said that following rigorous surveillance and intelligence-led operation, Police teams have arrested trio accused persons from near Jodhia Nehra Pull and recovered 2.07 kg heroin and Rs 25.12 lakhs drug money from their car.

          He said that following the revelations of accused Karan, Police teams have recovered another chunk of 10 kg heroin concealed behind the Toilet seat at his rented accommodation located at Rikhi Colony in Ferozepur.

          Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ferozepur Bhupinder Singh said that preliminary investigations suggest their involvement in cross-border narcotics trafficking, with suspected links to Pakistan-based operatives using drones for deliveries. “The seized consignment was intended for distribution across Punjab. Further investigations are underway to uncover the whole network,” he added. 

          A case FIR No. 59 dated 21-05-2025 has been registered under section 21 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Ghall Khurd.

Chandigarh, May 22 – Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar has ordered to issue a displeasure note to a senior officer of Revenue Department for negligence in resolving complaints received on Jan Samvad, CM Window and Social Media Grievances Tracker (SMGT). Apart from this, the Nodal Officer of SMGT of Revenue Department has been asked to submit an explanation for negligence in resolving pending complaints.

During a review of the Revenue Department, it was found that a large number of complaints are pending at the headquarters and district level, and neither effective monitoring nor regular review was being done at the district level. In view of the seriousness of the issue, Dr. Saket Kumar directed that a separate review meeting of the Revenue Department will be held soon, in which a detailed review of the pending cases will be done.

Clarification has been sought at the level of Chief Engineer (CEBWS) of Irrigation and Water Resources Department regarding 745 cases pending on the Jan Samvad portal. At the same time, the officers of Ambala and Yamunanagar Circle of Irrigation Department have been strictly warned for timely resolution of complaints received from the districts. During the meeting, various topics related to construction/repair works, water supply and flood control were also discussed in detail, which included construction/repair of canals, drains, minors, bridges, waterways, roads, beautification scheme of ponds, water supply for ponds and water works of villages, and regulation related issues. 

Dr. Saket Kumar was chairing a review meeting on CM Window, Jan Samvad and SMGT late last evening. Officer on Special Duty to Chief Minister, Sh. Vivek Kalia and Rakesh Sandhu were also present in the meeting. The Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister also directed the nodal officers of the departments to coordinate and resolve the problems faced by all the departments immediately so that the problems of the citizens can be resolved on time.

Last week, a review meeting of CRID and Urban Local Bodies Department was held under the chairmanship of Dr. Saket Kumar, in which clear guidelines were given to ensure quick resolution of pending complaints and accountability of the officers. During the review, action was taken against a superintending engineer for negligence, an FIR was registered in one case and orders for vigilance inquiry were given in another case.

Continuing this process, the works of Irrigation and Water Resources Department and Revenue Department were reviewed in yesterday’s meeting. Dr. Saket Kumar directed the Revenue and Irrigation and Water Resources Department to settle the complaints related to the general public immediately with complete honesty. He said the aim of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini is that the people should get all the facilities within the stipulated time and no laxity should be shown at any level.

Officer on Special Duty to Chief Minister, Sh. Vivek Kalia said during the meeting, the pending Jan Samvad/CM Window/SMGT cases of all the officers of the concerned departments were thoroughly reviewed and details were taken on the progress of each case. He said during the meeting, many officers were personally contacted over the phone and information was also taken about the status of pending cases.

Chandigarh, May 22 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, urged the Pal Gadaria community to prioritize their children’s education, emphasizing that knowledge is the most powerful weapon to break all barriers.

The Chief Minister was addressing members of the Pal Gadaria community on late Wednesday evening in Chandigarh while launching a public awareness campaign marking the 300th birth anniversary of Mateshwari Ahilyabai.

Paying floral tribute to the portrait of Ahilyabai, the Chief Minister said that the awareness campaign will continue until May 31, culminating in a grand celebration in Kurukshetra on the same day.

He said that the Pal Gadaria community is a living representation of India’s great traditions, culture, and hardworking spirit. This community has been the backbone of India’s rural economy for generations. Their heritage is proud and glorious. The community traces its lineage to the Holkar dynasty, which ruled Indore in Madhya Pradesh for a long time. The community has produced valiant figures such as warrior Malhar Rao Holkar and the revered Mateshwari Ahilyabai, said  Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. 

The Chief Minister further said that when we speak of a ‘Atamnirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India), the role of hardworking communities like the Pal Gadaria becomes extremely significant. Even in adverse circumstances, they have demonstrated with their inner strength, and dedication that if India resides in every village, it certainly carries the fragrance of their hard work. He said that, unfortunately, many communities were deliberately neglected for decades after independence, with no policies or direction made for them.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, today’s India is a new India, guided by the mantra ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas’. The government not only makes policies but also ensures their benefits reach the last person standing in line.

The Chief Minister said that just as Mateshwari Ahilyabai built temples and fought for the poor, Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has also renovated many temples and initiated several schemes for the social and economic empowerment of Scheduled Castes. The Haryana Government recognized that some Scheduled Caste groups still did not benefit from reservation. To bring them into the mainstream, the government has implemented sub-categorization within the Scheduled Caste reservation, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

 The Chief Minister further said that within the 20 percent  reservation quota for Scheduled Castes in direct recruitment in government services, half (10 percent) has now been reserved specifically for the Deprived Scheduled Castes. Additionally, the state government had previously provided 20 percent reservation to Scheduled Castes in Class I and II posts.

Informing about welfare schemes for poor families, the Chief Minister said that free food grains are being provided to 52 lakh BPL (Below Poverty Line) families in the state. Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, around 15 lakh women from poor families have received free LPG gas connections. More than 15 lakh BPL and Antyodaya families in the state are being provided LPG cylinders at the subsidized rate of Rs. 500. Besides this, poor families are entitled to 1,000 kilometers of free travel annually through the Happy Card scheme, he said.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, homes are being built to provide shelter to every poor family. For home repairs, an amount of Rs. 80,000 is given under the Ambedkar Awas Navinikaran Yojana. The Ayushman Bharat-Chirayu scheme offers free medical treatment of up to Rs. 5 lakh per year for poor families. Under the Shagun scheme, an amount of up to Rs. 71,000 is given for the marriage of daughters from poor families. The DAYALU Yojana provides financial assistance of up to Rs.5 lakh to families with an annual income of up to Rs.1.80 lakh in case of death or disability of a member, he informed. 

Expressing happiness at the progress of the Pal Gadaria community, the Chief Minister said that the community is now advancing in education, politics, sports, and entrepreneurship. Youth from this community are shining bright in every field like medicine, engineering, and administrative services, and daughters are also emerging as leaders through education. This, he said, is the true transformation and the essence of the new India.

He called for unity among the people and assured that the government will leave no stone unturned for the welfare, progress, and dignity of the Pal Gadaria community. Work hard, move forward — the government stands shoulder to shoulder with you, assured the Chief Minister. 

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi, also paid tribute to Mateshwari Ahilyabai, stating that she was a torchbearer of Sanatan Dharma. He added that the present government has upheld this flag high. He emphasized that the state government is working with the spirit of Antyodaya, ensuring that every poor person benefits.

Public Health Engineering Minister, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa, also offered floral tributes to Mateshwari Ahilyabai on this occasion.

OSDs to Chief Minister Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti and Sh. Vivek Kalia, BJP State President, Sh. Mohan Lal Kaushik, former Uttar Pradesh Minister Sh. Satish Pal, and several other dignitaries also remained present on the occasion. 

Chandigarh, May 22- Haryana State Election Commissioner, Sh. Dhanpat Singh has issued a notification for the general elections of Panch and Sarpanch in five gram panchayats. These include Hansawas Khurd and Badhra, Block Badhra, district Charkhi Dadri, and Badli, M.P Majra, and Faizabad, Block Badli, district Jhajjar.

According to the notification issued by the Haryana State Election Commissioner to this effect, nomination papers can be submitted from May 24 to May 30, 2025 under Rule 24 (2) (1) of the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act 1994, except Sundays and gazetted holidays. Scrutiny of the nomination papers will be held on May 31 from 10:00 am onwards. Candidates can withdraw their nominations until 3:00 PM on June 2.

According to the notification, the election (voting) will take place on Sunday, June 15, 2025, between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. Counting of votes will be done at the polling stations immediately after voting ends, and the results will be announced the same day. In case of re-polling at any booth, it will be held on June 17, and the result will be declared after counting is completed that day. As per the rules, the minimum educational qualification for candidates contesting for unreserved and backward class seats is 10th pass. For women and Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates, it is 8th pass, while for SC women, it is 5th pass for Panch and 8th pass for Sarpanch. The election expenditure limit has been set at Rs. 2,00,000 for Sarpanch candidates and Rs. 50,000 for Panch candidates.

As per the Haryana Panchayati Raj Election Expenditure (Maintenance and Submission of Accounts) Order 2024, the Deputy Commissioners-cum-District Election Officers (Panchayat) for Charkhi Dadri and Jhajjar, have been instructed to ensure that all contesting candidates file their election expenditure statement within 30 days from the declaration of election result.