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Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla launches ‘Women for Trees’ campaign under AMRUT Mitra

Chandigarh, May 21: City Mayor Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla launched The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh the “Women for Trees” campaign—a flagship initiative under the AMRUT Mitra programme initiated by MoHUA. This campaign has been officially launched from the Community Centre, Sarangpur in the presence of Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, Commissioner, Sh. Sumit Sihag, Joint Commissioner, Sh. Sanjay Arora, Chief Engineer, Sh. Ram Chander Yadav, area councilor, other senior officers of MCC and office bearers of city level Self Help Groups.

Inspired by the Government of India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, this gender-inclusive programme aims to strengthen urban green spaces and build climate resilience by actively engaging Self-Help Groups (SHGs), particularly women, in tree plantation and environmental stewardship. The implementation of the campaign is being led by teams from AMRUT and DAY-NULM under the MC Chandigarh.

The Mayor and Commissioner distributed campaign kits to 100 volunteers of city level Self Help Groups to be used during the three days programme. Students from Govt. Sr. Secondary school, Sector 37 presented welcome song besides songs & poems to save trees and value of planting and growing trees in surroundings.

Addressing the office bearers and members of city level Self Help Groups, the Mayor said that tree planting initiatives can provide women with diverse economic opportunities. For instance, women can be involved in nursery establishment, planting, and maintenance activities, generating income, and creating employment opportunities. She said that when women have access to these opportunities, it leads to a ripple effect that positively impacts entire communities and economies.

The Mayor further said that tree planting can also empower women socially. Women can gain valuable skills and knowledge by participating in community-based initiatives, such as agroforestry techniques, nursery management, and business development. These skills can enhance their self-confidence and enable them to take on community leadership roles.

She further said that tree planting can also foster social cohesion and strengthen community bonds. Women can work together to establish and manage tree nurseries, plant trees, and monitor their growth. This collaborative effort can empower women to address challenges and advocate for their rights collectively.

While sharing about the campaign, Sh. Amit Kumar, MC Commissioner said that the initiative will roll out in three distinct phases: Phase I (21st – 23rd May 2025): SHGs, along with AMRUT and DAY-NULM officials, will conduct site visits, carry out assessments, and develop plans for plantation.

Phase II (5th June – 31st August 2025): Tree planting activities will take place across designated areas such as parks, water bodies, and other public spaces. Phase III (2025–2026): A digital platform will be used to geotag and monitor the growth and maintenance of the planted trees.

He further said that in Chandigarh, the selected locations include big parks, green belts, neighborhood parks, water treatment plants and compounds in community centres throughout city. By integrating environmental sustainability with women’s empowerment, the “Women for Trees” initiative aims to foster a sense of community ownership over urban green infrastructure. He added.

Haryana Government simplifies land partition to tackle joint ownership disputes: Dr Sumita Misra

Chandigarh, May 21 – Haryana Government has taken significant steps in order to resolve long-standing land disputes and expedite property partition by enacting the Haryana Land Revenue (Amendment) Act, 2025. The amendment in the Act specifically counters the complexities arising from joint land holdings, particularly among family members.

Financial Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Smt. Sumita Misra explained that the new law, called the Haryana Land Revenue (Amendment) Act, 2025, caters a big issue when many family members own a piece of land together. Earlier, if brothers, sisters, or other blood relatives owned land jointly, it was very difficult for the government to step in and help divide it unless there was a common consensus.

Dr. Misra informed that the Haryana Land Revenue (Amendment) Act, 2025, now broadens the applicability of Section 111-A to include virtually all landowners, with the specific and only exception of husband and wife. This means that disputes over jointly owned land among blood relations, which constitute a large number of pending cases, can now be addressed more efficiently.

To further accelerate the resolution of these disputes, Revenue Officers are empowered to issue proactive “suo motu” (on their own motion) notices to co-sharers in joint land holdings. These notices will encourage co-sharers to partition the land by mutual consent within six months, aiming to regularize land records and establish clear ownership for individual landowners, thereby preventing future conflicts or court intervention, Dr. Misra added.

She further informed that another key change is the omission of Section 114, which previously required Revenue Officers to ascertain if other co-sharers also desired partition and to add them as applicants. Now, any single co-owner can ask for their share to be divided without needing approval from others. This means the process will be much faster, and landowners can get their own specific piece of land to use as they wish, reducing court cases.

Dr. Sumita Misra asserted that these amendments are a direct response to the need for faster, simpler, and more citizen-centric land governance. The objective is to significantly reduce delays and legal disputes in partition matters, empower individual landowners to claim and utilize their share effectively, and overall simplify revenue procedures.

State Government approves establishment of 12 new Labour Courts across 12 districts to ensure speedy resolution of industrial disputes: Labour Minister Anil Vij

Chandigarh, May 21- Haryana Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij said that with a view to ensure speedy resolution of industrial disputes, the State Government has approved the establishment of 12 new Labour Courts across 12 districts. With this addition, the total number of labour courts in the State will increase to 26.  

It is noteworthy that, in the interest of labours, the Labour Minister had sent a proposal to the Chief Minister recommending the establishment of Labour Courts in 12 additional districts, namely Panchkula, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Kaithal, Jind, Sirsa, Mahendragarh, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Fatehabad, and Mewat (Nuh), which has now been approved by the Chief Minister.

Sh. Vij informed that about Rs. 12 crores will be spent on infrastructure, furniture, vehicles, fuel, etc., for the establishment of these 12 Labour Courts.

 At present, nine Labour Courts are operational across six districts—one each in Ambala, Panipat, Hisar, and Rohtak; two in Gurugram; and three in Faridabad. One Labour Court is currently under construction in Bawal, Rewari district. Additionally, as per the 2025–26 budget speech, approval has already been granted for the establishment of one Labour Court each in Sonipat, Jhajjar, Palwal, and Rewari. This brings the total to 14 Labour Courts either operational, under construction, or approved across 10 districts.

Now, as a result of Sh. Anil Vij’s efforts, the process for establishing 12 new Labour Courts in the remaining districts of the state has been finalized. With this, Haryana will have a total of 26 Labour Courts.

Sh. Anil Vij stated that his aim is to ensure the swift resolution of industrial disputes related to the Labour Department, so that workers receive timely justice. To achieve this goal, Labour Courts are being established in every district, he added.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi, congratulates him on Operation Sindoor and thanks the Army

Chandigarh, May 21:  Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi on Wednesday to congratulate him on the success of Operation Sindoor and express his gratitude to the Army. Later, while addressing the media persons at Haryana Bhawan in New Delhi, Sh Saini praised the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, stating that under his guidance, the brave soldiers of the country had successfully destroyed terrorist hideouts on their own land. “Only the Prime Minister could have taken such a historic decision,” he remarked.

The Chief Minister condemned the cowardly attack by terrorists in Pahalgam, in which innocent civilians were killed. He said the incident deeply hurt and angered the people of the country, who demanded strong action against terrorism. Responding to the nation’s sentiments, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi took decisive steps and launched Operation Sindoor, through which our brave soldiers eliminated the terrorists on their own land.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini stated that before 2014, terrorists used to infiltrate the country and carried out attacks, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity across the nation. However, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi took decisive and stringent measures against terrorism. The Prime Minister made it clear that the time had come to eliminate the remaining ground of terrorism. Our brave soldiers struck at the very land in Pakistan where terrorism was nurtured and protected, and successfully crushed the terrorists at their source.

He said that the country is secure under the leadership of the Prime Minister. By taking such decisive action, the Prime Minister has strengthened the nation, ensuring its safety and empowerment. Today, there is a sense of satisfaction among the citizens, while fear has gripped the minds of terrorists.

In response to a question, the Chief Minister said that Operation Sindoor has exposed the true face of Pakistan to the entire world. While Pakistan was attempting to defame India, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi unmasked its role in promoting terrorism on the global stage. He added that the Prime Minister has sent a strong message that “blood and water cannot flow together.”

The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister has also been briefed on the ongoing development works and schemes in Haryana. He said that several development projects were launched by the Prime Minister on the occasion of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Jayanti. The Chief Minister added that whenever the Prime Minister visits Haryana, it brings a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm among the people.

In response to another question, the Chief Minister said that the police are thoroughly investigating the cases of spying in Haryana. He added that clear instructions have been issued to conduct a comprehensive probe into the individuals involved.

Education Minister praises Principals of Government Schools with best exam results, Offers guidance to underperforming schools

Chandigarh, May 21 –Haryana Education Minister, Sh Mahipal Dhanda said that Haryana is the first state in the country to implement the National Education Policy 2020. The goal of this policy is to provide students in government schools with better facilities and an improved learning environment. It is also the responsibility of teachers to work diligently and focus on the progress of weaker students. The Minister expressed happiness over the 85% result in the 12th examination of the Haryana Board of School Education. The results included a remarkable 96% pass rate in English, 99% in Hindi, and 98% in Mathematics.

Sh Dhanda congratulated the principals of schools that achieved outstanding results and advised schools with lower performance to put in extra effort to improve their teaching methods, ensuring better results in the coming year. He assured that there would be no shortage of teachers in government schools and added that during the summer vacation, teachers would visit villages and cities for 10 days each to encourage more children to attend government schools.

The Education Minister was chairing a review meeting with senior officials of the Education Department, DEOs, BEOs, and school principals here to discuss the results of the 10th and 12th board examinations of government schools. During the meeting, he congratulated the principals of the top 10 performing schools and learned from their successful experiences. At the same time, he addressed the principals of the 10 schools with lower results, guiding them on the necessary steps for improvement.

He emphasized that schools with lower results would be paired with schools that performed well in order to foster collaboration and enhance their performance for next year’s exams.

To further improve the examination results of government schools, the Education Minister said that board examination papers from the last 10 years would be made available online and offline for student practice. Additionally, supplementary classes and doubt-solving sessions will be organized after school hours to strengthen academic support and exam preparation. State and district-level exhibitions will also be held to encourage scientific thinking and creativity among students.

Principal Secretary School Education Department, Pankaj Aggarwal, Director Secondary Education, Jitendra Dahiya, along with DEOs, BEOs, and school principals, were present at the meeting.

Agency delaying work should be blacklisted: Cabinet Minister Vipul Goyal

Chandigarh, May 21 – Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister, Mr. Vipul Goyal said that there should be no delays in the development projects under the department. He said that if any agency fails to complete a project within the stipulated time, appropriate action should be taken, including blacklisting the agency.

Mr. Vipul Goyal was chairing a meeting with department officials to review various aspects of ongoing projects.

During the meeting, Mr. Vipul Goyal emphasized the need to closely monitor contractors and agencies handling development tenders, particularly those working on projects taking a 10 percent minus tenders. He stressed that the quality of their work should be regularly checked.

The Cabinet Minister pointed out that some agencies take on tenders but repeatedly extend the project deadlines instead of completing the work on time, which is unacceptable. He said that measures would be taken to ensure the public does not face any inconvenience, and directed concerned officers to take strict action, including blacklisting any firm that fails to meet the project deadlines. In addition, he instructed officials to closely monitor tender estimates to avoid any negligence. He also directed the department to take concrete actions to address the growing issue of stray dogs.

The meeting also covered discussions on the state’s cleanliness system and its ranking. Urban Local Bodies Minister, Mr. Vipul Goyal, addressed various aspects of the cleanliness framework in Haryana. He directed officials to enhance the capacity of cleaning machines across the state, especially replacing outdated machines with newer, technology-driven models in areas where the current machines have become ineffective.

In addition, Mr. Goyal spoke about the cleanliness ranking and urged officials to take concrete steps to improve the state’s position. He said that with proper effort, the state’s cleanliness can improve, thereby boosting its ranking.

Rating should reflect Officer’s Ability

Mr. Goyal also focused on the importance of assessing the performance of officers within the department. He instructed the concerned officials to compile comprehensive ratings for officers across all areas of the Urban Local Bodies Department. The ratings should consider factors such as the officer’s working style, qualifications and their achievements. He stated that by evaluating officers this way, the department could better understand the capabilities of each employee. This approach will help place employees in roles that align with their skills and qualifications, leading to improved performance and ensuring that capable officers are given priority in their respective roles.

The meeting was attended Vikas Gupta, Commissioner and Secretary of the Urban Local Bodies Department, Pankaj, Director General of the Department, and other officers.

1,300 posts of jail warders will be filled shortly: Chief Minister

Chandigarh, May 21 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini today announced a major recruitment drive in the Prison Department, declaring that around 1,300 posts of jail warders will be filled shortly to further strengthen the state’s judicial and correctional system. Also, medical and paramedical vacancies in the Prison Department, as well as essential staff positions for the newly built Jail Training Academy in Karnal, will also be filled soon.

The Chief Minister made these announcements after inaugurating the Jail Training Academy in Karnal, which aims to provide comprehensive training to prison personnel with a focus on reform, rehabilitation, and modernization. The academy, spread over 6.5 acres and constructed at a cost of Rs 30.29 crore, incorporates energy-efficient and temperature-optimized techniques.

He also announced that new jails will be constructed in Panchkula, Dadri, and Fatehabad, with an investment of approximately Rs 300 crore. Furthermore, a Gaushala will also be started in the premises of the District Jail, Karnal.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the new jail training academy marks the beginning of a transformative approach in the correctional system. “This is not just the inauguration of a building, it is a change of perspective, the beginning of a new vision. Our prisons must become centers of change, revival, and reconstruction, not just punishment,” he said.

He said that the newly built academy will offer induction training for new recruits and refresher courses for existing staff, ensuring that prisons department officers and officials are trained in modern technologies, human rights, and psychological aspects of inmate reform. With changing times, it is essential to equip our jail employees with not just the tools of discipline, but also the spirit of empathy, justice, and social rehabilitation, he added.

India is Transforming under the Leadership of Prime Minister

The Chief Minister said that India is undergoing a profound transformation under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi. He said that the nation is moving steadily towards becoming a developed and technologically empowered India. A recent example of this was witnessed during Operation Sindoor, where the world recognized India’s technical expertise, operational efficiency, and strategic skill.

He said that technology is playing a pivotal role in enhancing transparency and accountability in governance and public administration. In line with the goals of Digital India, Haryana is also moving towards establishing Smart Jails, where modern tools and systems will improve prison management. As India progresses into Amritkaal, he expressed confidence that this academy will emerge as a pillar of reform and innovation in the justice and correctional system.

Earlier, the Chief Minister also visited an exhibition displaying various products created by jail inmates.

Prison reforms prioritized under CM’s Leadership: Dr. Arvind Sharma

Speaking on the occasion, Cooperation and Jail Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma praised the progressive initiatives being undertaken by the Prison Department under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini. He said that Haryana’s jails are being modernized and equipped with the latest technology to improve overall management and ensure better rehabilitation outcomes.

Highlighting the evolving role of prisons, Dr. Sharma said that today, jails are not just centers of confinement, they are spaces for transformation where inmates leave as reformed and better individuals. He said that inmates are actively contributing to jail revenue through various skill-based programs initiated within the prison system.

Dr. Sharma also urged the Chief Minister to consider starting weekly Gita Shloka sessions and to ensure that regular yoga classes are held across all jails in the state.

State Government investing in advanced technologies to modernize prison department – Dr Sumita Misra

Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Jails Department, Dr. Sumita Misra expressed pride in the establishment of the Jail Training Academy, calling it a prestigious project brought to life through the vision and support of Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini. She highlighted that such a modern and specialized jail training facility is not available in neighbouring states, and may well be the first of its kind in North India.

Dr. Misra said that the State Government is actively investing in advanced technologies to modernize prison department. She shared that over 1,100 CCTV cameras have been installed across various jails in the state, significantly enhancing surveillance and security. She further informed that comprehensive mapping of jails with respective courts has been done, enabling undertrial prisoners to appear in court virtually from within jail premises. This initiative not only reduces logistical costs and saves time, but also strengthens security and ensures smoother judicial processes.

Director General, Prisons, Mohd. Akil also spoke on this occasion and provided an overview of the facilities available at the newly established Jail Training Academy.

MLAs Jagmohan Anand, Yogendra Rana, Bhagwan Dass Kabirpanti, Sunil Sangwan, Karnal Mayor Renu Bala Gupta and other dignitaries were also present on this occasion.

Punjab Gets a New Water Warrior: Bhagwant Mann Says – “If We Can Protect a 532 KM Border, We Can Protect Our Waters Too”

Nangal (Rupnagar), May 21:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday said that the state government will flag the issue of  reconstitution of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) in the meeting of NIti Aayog slated to be held on Saturday.

Addressing the victory rally here today, the Chief Minister said that he will take up this issue in the meeting to be chaired by the Prime Minister. He said that as the level of water is changing frequently so every water agreement should be reviewed after every 25 years. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab is a landlocked border state which has already over explored its only available natural resources in terms of water and fertile soil to feed the country.

However, the Chief Minister bemoaned that the manner in which BBMB became a party to snatch the legitimate share of waters of the state is unfortunate and highly condemnable. He said that Haryana had exhausted its share of water in the March of this year but the BBMB acted as a puppet in the hand of the centre government and Haryana government to snatch the waters of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in an unprecedented manner, the Chairman of BBMB himself came to Nangal to steal the waters of the state, a move which was thwarted by the people of the state.

The Chief Minister said that this is the same BBMB which had taken Rs 32 crore from Punjab for its very existential projects adding that this money was never returned to the state. He said that Punjab owes nearly Rs 150 crore (Rs 142 crore to be precise) from BBMB adding that the state government will soon stake claim for recovery of this money. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 3000 posts of Punjab’s quota have not been deliberately filled by BBMB so as to weaken the state’s claim over the waters.

However, the Chief Minister said that momentum will be made for filling these posts at earliest so that interests of the state can be safeguarded. He said that even the townships like Nangal that were aesthetically designed have been ruined due to the neglect of the BBMB which is really deplorable. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the BBMB played in the hands of the centre to snatch the waters of the state but the brave, hard working and resilient farmers of the state foiled their nefarious attempts.

The Chief Minister categorically said that Punjabis have proved that if the state can protect the borders of the country they can aptly save the waters of state too. He said that Punjab has a glorious history of making supreme sacrifices to protect the 532 kilometres long border with Pakistan. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this time also Punjabis were at the forefront giving a befitting reply to the Pakistani Army and on the other hand they saved the share of their water too.

The Chief Minister said that for around 20 days the hard working and vigilant people of the state didn’t allow Haryana and centre to steal even a single drop of water from Punjab. He said that for years, Punjab’s water has been diverted to other states through the BBMB adding that hands of Congress, Akalis and BJP were drenched with blood of Punjabis as these parties have backstabbed them by ignoring the water rights of the state for vested interests. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the earlier leaders of Punjab had backstabbed the people on several issues by giving importance to their own interests over that of state.

He said that a former Chief Minister got a plot in Gurgaon, where they have a hotel today, for planning the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) river and issuing its survey order. Bhagwant Singh Mann also said that self proclaimed savior of Punjab waters and former Chief Minister had presented silver spade to the then Prime Minister for the ground breaking ceremony of SYL at Kapoori. The Chief Minister said that BBMB was originally established to manage the waters of the Sutlej and Beas rivers but over years, Punjab’s water has been diverted to other states through the BBMB adding that the BJP government has started using this board for its political interests.

Describing BBMB as a white elephant, the Chief Minister said that it is totally useless and unacceptable in the present form adding that Punjab will never accept it now. He said that it is ironic that employees of other states are being paid from the exchequer of state and they harm the interests of Punjab only. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that even the BBMB uses the money of the state to fight legal battles against Punjab, which is highly deplorable.

Batting for Yamuna Satluj Link (YSL) instead of Satluj Yamuna Link canal, the Chief Minister said that Satluj river has already dried up and there is no question of sharing even a single drop of water from it. Rather, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that water from Ganga and Yamuna should be supplied to Punjab through Satluj river. He said that this is the only viable alternative which can be considered in wake of the alarming situation of water scarcity in the state.

The Chief Minister said that despite being smaller in area, Haryana is getting more water than Punjab and ironically it is demanding more water at the cost of Punjab. In wake of this fact, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that how can we give water to Haryana if our own fields are starving for it. He said that today, nearly 60% of the state’s farmlands are irrigated through canals, which makes every drop of Punjab’s water extremely valuable.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab no longer has any surplus water to give to any other state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that on April 6, Haryana requested water from Punjab for drinking purposes. He said that showing generosity, Punjab gave 4,000 cusecs of water from its share to Haryana, as our Gurus have taught us that giving water to the thirsty is a great act of virtue.

On the occasion Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries. Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Barinder Goyal thanked all the dignitaries and people who had attended the rally.

TWO ASSOCIATES OF GANGSTER ARSH DALLA HELD IN FARIDKOT; TWO PISTOLS RECOVERED

CHANDIGARH/FARIDKOT, May 21:

          In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab in a joint operation with Faridkot Police has arrested two associates of foreign-based Gangster Arsh Dala, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Vishal Singh, a resident of Sri Muktsar Sahib and Onkar Singh, a resident of village Gamewala in Ferozepur. Police teams have also recovered two .30 bore pistols along with six live cartridges from their possession.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation revealed that the accused Vishal Singh, who came out on bail recently, was actively planning to eliminate his rival gang member. The accused was continuously in touch with his foreign based handlers and waiting for the directions to execute sensational crime in Punjab, he said.

          The DGP said that further investigation is underway to identify other associates and establish backward and forward linkages in this case.

          Sharing operation details, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) AGTF Promod Ban said that the teams of the AGTF led by DSP Rajan Parminder based human and intel-inputs located the accused persons in the jurisdiction of Faridkot, and in a joint operation with Faridkot Police has arrested both the accused from near Dana Mandi chownk in Sadiq and recovered weapons from their possession.

          Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr Pragya Jain said that both the arrested persons have a criminal background with cases pertaining to attempt to murder, cheating, under Arms Act, etc. have been registered against them.

          A case FIR no. 52 dated 21/5/2025 has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Sadiq in Faridkot.

DAY 81 OF ‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: 150 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD WITH 7.2KG HEROIN, ₹2.41L DRUG MONEY

CHANDIGARH, May 21:

          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 81st day, Punjab Police on Wednesday arrested 150 drug smugglers and recovered 7.2 kg heroin, 297 kg poppy husk and Rs 2.41 lakhs drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 12,496 in just 81 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 89 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 471 locations across the state leading to the registration of 104 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 504 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 90 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.