Chandigarh, October 31:

          In a significant move to conserve and promote the state’s aquatic biodiversity, Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian declared Rohu (Labeo Rohita) as the State Fish of Punjab, today here at his office.

          Highlighting the state’s rich aquatic resources, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian informed that Punjab’s aquatic sector is thriving, with 43,683 acres dedicated to fish farming, yielding 200,000 metric tonnes of fish annually. Rohu is a significant contributor, accounting for 42,353 metric tonnes (21.18% of total production) and fetching Rs 160-200 per kg. This prized fish can grow up to 45 kg in natural habitats, distinguished by its fusiform body and large cycloid scales.

          He further highlighted that Rohu fish is a nutritional marvel, rich in proteins, vitamins A, B & D, and Omega-3 fatty acids, making it a sought-after delicacy not only in Punjab but also across other states.

          S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian congratulated the Fisheries Department and stakeholders on declaring Rohu as the State Fish, acknowledging their role in the sector’s growth, while highlighting the importance of Indian Major Carps (IMCs)- Rohu, Catla and Mrigal.

          Principal Secretary Mr. Rahul Bhandari said that designating Rohu as the State Fish will enable targeted policy formulation to augment its population in water bodies and scale up aquaculture production, thereby bolstering the state’s economy. He further informed that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has provided self-employment opportunities to 637 beneficiaries in fish farming, with a subsidy of Rs 30.63 crores,  promoting large-scale fish farming under PMMSY scheme. This initiative aims to supplement agriculture and boost the state’s economy. Director Fisheries Mr. Gurpreet Singh and other senior officials of the department were also present in the occasion.

Chandigarh, October 31

Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, who also serves as the Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to resolve employee issues, today held extensive meetings with 15 different employee organizations, including seven from the Education Department, as well as unions from the Water Supply and Health Departments, and joint organizations representing the common interests of employees, including the Theka Mulazam Sangharsh Morcha and the Purani Pension Bahal Sangharsh Committee.

The deliberations, which lasted for nearly five hours, were conducted to thoroughly discuss their demands and issues to find appropriate solutions.The concerns of unions related to the Education Department mainly revolved around anomalies in pay and seniority, the regularization of services, and the timely conduct of the Punjab State Teachers Eligibility Test (PSTET).

Finance Minister Cheema directed the Education Department to refer issues concerning pay and seniority anomalies to the dedicated Anomaly Committee. Furthermore, he instructed them to coordinate with the Advocate General’s office, the Department of Personnel, and the Finance Department to resolve matters related to the regularization of services and other service-related issues as soon as possible. He also issued clear instructions to conduct the PSTET at the earliest.

During the meetings with organizations such as the Theka Mulazam Sangharsh Morcha, Gram Panchayat Jal Supply Pump Operators Association, Contract Multipurpose Health Worker Female Union, United Nurses Association of Punjab, and the the Purani Pension Bahal Sangharsh Committee, the Finance Minister listened to the issues raised in detail. He immediately directed the senior officials of the concerned departments to resolve the issues that could be addressed at the departmental level. Regarding matters with financial implications, the Finance Minister assured the union leaders that many of their demands are already being considered sympathetically by the government.

Union representatives Balihar Singh, Hakam Singh, Jaspreet Singh from Theka Mulazam Union; Jasvir Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Vikramjeet Singh from Purani Pension Bahal Sangharsh Committee; Kuldeep Singh, Parveen Kumar and Jagmohan Singh from Sarv Samagra Sikhya Abhian (Mid Day Meal) Daftri Karamchari Union; Rahul Kamboj, Jaswinder Singh and Harjeet Kaur from PSTET Union, Ranjit Singh, Rajesh Kumar and Onkar Singh from ETT Adhiyapak Union; Gurpreet Singh, Surinder Pal Singh, Parampal Singh from Punjab Sikhya Vibhag Manisterial Staff Association; Samarjeet Singh, Sukhdeep Singh, Harmal Singh from TET Pass Kachhe Adhiyapak Union; Tajinder Kaur, Tajinder Kaur, Rajwinder Kaur, Kirandeep Kaur from AIE Kachhe Adhiyapak Union; Beant Singh, Bohar Singh, Mehar Singh from Gram Panchayat Jal Supply Pump Operators Association; Sarabjit Kaur, Amrik Singh from Contract Multipurpose Health Worker Female Union; Arati Bali, Harwinder Singh, Baljeet Singh from United Nurses Association of Punjab and their colleagues presented their demands and issues during the meetings.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, October 31:

          In a major intelligence-led operation amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has dismantled a cross-border arms smuggling module linked to Pakistan based-smugglers with the arrest of its seven operatives including a juvenile and recovered 15 sophisticated pistols from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Shamsher Singh alias Sima (30) and Amandeep Singh alias Bobby (23), both residents of Fakir Singh Colony in Amritsar; Balwinder Singh alias Kaka (26), Gurdev Singh (40), Karanpreet Singh (19) and Harman Singh (19), all residents of village Kakkar in Amritsar Rural; and one 17-years-old juvenile. The recovered weapons include nine 9MM Glock Pistols and six .30 bore Pistols.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused were in contact with a Pak-based handler through social media and were actively involved in procuring and supplying illegal weapons across Punjab.

          The DGP said that further investigation is underway to expose and dismantle the entire network, including its backward and forward linkages.

          Sharing more details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that a juvenile, who was in contact with Pakistan-based handlers and was picking up consignments due to his village’s close proximity to the international border to further deliver within Punjab, was first arrested with two pistols.

          Based on the juvenile’s interrogation, Shamsher Singh and Amandeep Singh were arrested with three pistols including one glock, he said, while adding that the duo were assisting the juvenile in delivering weapons. Following technical and forensic leads, accused Balwinder Singh was arrested with two Glock pistols and one .30 bore pistol

          The CP said that during technical analysis of the juvenile’s mobile phone, the role of Gurdev Singh also surfaced with both found to be in each other’s contacts and connected to a common Pakistan-based handler through various social media platforms. On the handler’s directions, they distributed weapons through their local associates, he said.

          He said that during the subsequent investigation, the main operative of this node, Gurdev Singh, was arrested along with Karanpreet Singh and Harman Singh and a total of six Glock pistols and one .30 bore pistol were recovered from Gurdev’s possession. More arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days as further investigation is being carried out, he said.

          In this regard, two separate cases— FIR No. 224 dated 23.10.2025 and FIR No. 228 dated 28.10.2025— have been registered under section 25(6,7,8) of the Arms Act at Police Station Cantonment in Amritsar.

Chandigarh, October 31:

The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission will start a Virtual Court from January 2026 to make its proceedings more accessible and citizen-friendly. Announcing this, Commission Chairman S. Jasvir Singh Gharhi said the initiative will ensure that people from remote parts of the state can easily attend hearings without having to travel to Chandigarh. He was presiding over the 27th Full Commission meeting of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission here today.

S. Gharhi pointed out that individuals from far-flung areas currently spend significant time and money travelling to Chandigarh for case hearings. To address this concern, the Commission is coordinating with officials to establish a Virtual Courtroom. He said that the new courtroom for the Commission is being set up on the fourth floor of the Punjab Civil Secretariat, which will be completed and become functional by November.

He further informed that following the Commission’s efforts, the Police Department has appointed SP-rank Nodal Officers in every district to handle cases registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. At the state level, DIG-rank officer Mr. Naveen Saini (DGP Crime) has been assigned to oversee these matters, while AIG Ms. Surinderjit Kaur will serve as the Commission’s Nodal Officer. Special DGP Mr. Naresh Arora will work closely with Chairman Jasvir Singh Gharhi to strengthen coordination between the Commission and the Police Department.

He said that during today’s meeting, senior officers from the Police, Local Government, Social Justice and other departments presented reports on the status of cases registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The meeting also reviewed compliance with the directions issued during the 26th Full Commission meeting, which included establishing a dedicated helpline number, deploying security guards at Bhuriwale Gurugaddi Dham (Garib Dassi tradition) at Sri Rakba Sahib (Ludhiana) and Sri Jhandian Dham (Rupnagar) to ensure safety of devotees and arranging security at Sri Khuralgarh Sahib, the sacred place associated with Sri Guru Ravidass Ji. Action taken on providing security to Commission members was also discussed.

S. Gharhi said the Commission also sought progress reports from officers of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment regarding expediting the construction of Ambedkar Bhawans in Barnala, Fazilka, Malerkotla, Pathankot, and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar. Updates were also taken on the release of pending funds under the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for 2017–2019 to colleges and educational institutions as per the 40% state share and on resolving the issue of Rs.1550 crore (60% central share) for the 2017–2020 period by coordinating with the Union Government. The Commission also reviewed pending cases related to compassionate appointments for families of sanitation workers who lost their lives while on duty.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Commission Members Rupinder Singh Seetal, Gurpreet Singh Ittanwali, Gulzar Singh Bobby, Special DGP Mr. Naresh Arora, Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Director Mrs. Vimi Bhullar, officers from the Local Government Department, Commission Member Secretary Dr. Lain Jassal, DIG Mr. Naveen Saini, AIG Ms. Surinderjit Kaur and several senior officers from various departments.

Chandigarh, October 31:

Punjab Information and Public Relations Department (DIPR) officers gave a warm send  off  to the Additional Director Mr. Harjit Singh Grewal and Deputy Director (Arts) Mr. Hardeep Singh.

The event, brimming with emotion and respect, saw colleagues, OSD to CM (Media) Mr. Amanjot Singh and senior officers including Secretary Information and Public Relations Department Mr. Ramvir, Director Mr. Vimal Setia, Additional Director (Admin) Mr. Sundeep Singh Garha, Additional Director Mr. Randeep Singh Ahluwalia, Joint Directors Mr. Preet Kanwal Singh and Mr. Manvinder Singh, Deputy Directors Mr. Gurmeet Singh Khaira, Ms. Ruchi Kalra, Mr. Navdeep Singh Gill, Mr. Prabhdeep Singh Nathowal and PROs to honour & remembered the profound contributions of the both officers.

S. Harjit Singh Grewal, who superannuates after a distinguished 24-year tenure and Hardeep Singh, who dedicated 35 years of his life to the department, were lauded for their dedication, hardwork and administrative acumen.

Praising Mr. Grewal and Mr. Hardeep’s long-serving contribution to the DIPR, the Secretary Mr. Ramvir wished them the very best for their post retirement life and future endeavors.

Meanwhile, both the officers were presented with mementos and accolades by the department officials, marking a dignified conclusion to their remarkable careers.

CHANDIGARH, October 31:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 244th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 300 locations on Friday leading to the arrest of 77 drug smugglers after registration of 59 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 34,719 in 244 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 3.3 kg heroin, 5 kg opium and 674 intoxicant pills from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          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.

          Over 120 Police teams, comprising over 1000 police personnel, under the supervision of 66 gazetted officers have conducted 300 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 307 suspicious persons during the day-long operation.

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

CHANDIGARH/MANSA, October 31:

          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, Mansa Police has apprehended two accused involved in a firing incident took place in Mansa, after a brief exchange of fire, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Gursahib Singh, a resident of Guru Nanak Pura in Rupnagar, and Ramanpreet Singh, a resident of Pukhrali Rampur in Rupnagar.

          As per the information, two bike borne persons had opened fire at a pesticide shop in Mansa on October 28, 2025.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that police teams have also recovered two pistols— .32 bore and .30 bore— along with nine live cartridges and six bullet shells from their possession. Punjab Police remains steadfast in its resolve to dismantle organized crime networks and uphold peace and harmony across Punjab, he added.

          Sharing operational details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mansa Bhagirath Meena said that following the incident Mansa Police has formed different teams to nab the shooters.

          During investigation, police teams had received a reliable input that suspects are hiding in the area of Under Bridge Chakeria to Barnala road, he said, while adding that acting swiftly, police teams from Mansa City-1 have launched a search operation and managed to arrest both the accused persons.

          The SSP said that after his arrest, accused Gursahib Singh disclosed that he had concealed one more pistol near Railway Tracks at Bhikhi Drain. When Police teams reached the spot for recovery, accused Gursahib had picked up the pistol— which was loaded, and opened fire at the police party. In self-defence, police retaliated, resulting in bullet injury on accused’s leg, he said, while adding that the injured accused was immediately shifted to Civil Hospital, Mansa, where he is undergoing treatment.

          He said that a separate case regarding the attack on the police party has been registered at Police Station Bhikhi in Mansa. Police teams have also impounded the CD Deluxe motorcycle (UP 20AC 1563) of the accused persons, which they used to commit the crime, he said.

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 152 dated 28-10-2025 under sections 109, 125, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 25 of the Arms Act was already registered at Police Station City-1 Mansa.

Chandigarh/Ludhiana, Oct 31:

Continuing its steadfast commitment to spreading awareness about breast cancer and providing free medical check-ups, the Krishna Pran Breast Cancer Charitable Trust—headed by Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora organised Unite for Pinktober, a breast cancer annual awareness event at Guru Nanak Bhawan, here today.

The event was graced by renowned TV & Film Indian actress Hina Khan and Seema Bansal, Vice-Chairperson of the Punjab Development Commission, both breast cancer survivors, who shared their deeply personal journeys. The session was moderated by Nomita Khanna and Shweta Jindal.

During an engaging interaction, Hina Khan, who was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer in 2024, expressed gratitude to Minister Sanjeev Arora for inviting her to amplify the message of cancer awareness, particularly breast cancer. She recounted her battle with the disease and how she emerged stronger, more resilient, and empowered.

Khan urged the audience to remain vigilant and attuned to their bodies’ signals. She strongly advocated for self-detection, emphasizing the need to normalize conversations around cancer and confront it without fear. “Perform self-examinations every fortnight,” she advised. “Any unusual changes—lumps, skin dimpling, or discharge must prompt immediate medical consultation.

Khan also shared her life philosophy: “Live in the present. Don’t dwell on the past or fear the future. Face challenges with willpower and positivity.”

Seema Bansal shared that early detection is the cornerstone of successful treatment. She highlighted that simple, accessible tests like mammograms can rule out cancer at an early stage, significantly improving survival rates. “Breast cancer is highly curable when detected early,” she asserted, calling for greater public education and destigmatization of the disease.

In his emotional address, Minister Sanjeev Arora underscored the global significance of October as Pink Month—observed worldwide since 1985 to promote breast cancer awareness. He extended heartfelt thanks to Hina Khan and Seema Bansal for lending their voice to this critical cause.

“Self-examination is the most powerful tool we have to reduce breast cancer mortality,” Arora stated. “It empowers individuals, saves lives, and increases the survivor rate dramatically. Never ignore or underestimate symptoms—early action is everything.”

Overwhelmed with emotion, Arora paid tribute to his late parents, Krishna and Pran Arora—after whom the Trust was named. With tears in his eyes, he shared: “Had my mother been diagnosed earlier, their lives might have been saved. That pain drives me to ensure no family suffers the same loss due to late detection.” He proudly announced that the Krishna Pran Charitable Trust has adopted over 350 patients and conducts regular awareness drives and medical camps. “Our mission is not just treatment—it’s prevention through education and early intervention,” he said.

Arora urged collective action and urged for  united—not just in October, but every day—to make breast cancer a disease of the past through awareness, access, and attitude.

Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain  appreciated the Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora for doing a noble work for creating mass awareness against breast cancer and helping the Cancer patients financially. He said that trust is also doing a wonderful job for ensuring affordable healthcare to everyone.

Dr Gurpreet Wandar, Dr Sandhya, Dr Bishav Mohan were among those who spoke on the occasion and gave their medical advice to prevent breast cancer and other forms of cancer. They said not only women, but men also suffer from breast cancer. They said Cancer is curable these days and new therapies are coming up with every passage of time and there is no need of scare of the disease.

On this occasion, Rajya Sabha Member Rajinder Gupta, State Information Commissioner Harpreet Sandhu, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Aditya Dachalwal, Chief Administrator GLADA Sandeep Kumar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) Amarjeet Bains, Assistant Commissioners Dr. Pragati Rani, Payal Goel, SDM Jasleen Kaur Bhullar, Civil Surgeon Dr. Ramandeep Kaur, renowned industrialist Padma Smt Rajni Bector, Gagan Khanna, Amit Thapar, Reena Gupta, Rajni Gupta, Madhu Gupta, Sanjana, Ishita and others were present.

Chandigarh, October 31, 2025 – In its ongoing crackdown on corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) today arrested a private individual, Lalit Arora, a resident of Chheharta in Amritsar district, while he was caught red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs 5 lakh on behalf of the Station House Officer (SHO) of Chheharta police station.

A VB spokesperson said the arrest followed a complaint lodged by a local resident, who reported that the SHO and his team had visited his house, accusing him and his cousin of involvement in drug trafficking. The police allegedly warned that a criminal case would be registered against them and claimed to have seized a car belonging to the complainant, in which drugs were purportedly recovered.

According to the complaint, the complainant later approached Lalit Arora, who is known to the SHO, to help resolve the matter. Arora allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 25 lakh on behalf of the SHO in exchange for not registering a drug case. The complainant expressed his inability to pay the full amount immediately and said he could arrange only Rs 5 lakh, which Arora agreed to accept as part payment.

After verifying the allegations, a VB team from the Amritsar Range laid a trap and apprehended Arora red-handed while accepting the Rs 5 lakh bribe from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.

A case under the relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused at the VB Police Station, Amritsar Range. The accused will be produced in court on Saturday, and further investigation is underway, the spokesperson added.

Rajkot (Gujarat)/ Chandigarh, October 31:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday said that the oppression and atrocities on farmers being made by the BJP will prove to be the last nail in the coffin for the wiping up of the saffron party from the political scene of the country.

Addressing the Kisan Mahapanchayat here today, the Chief Minister, accompanied by National Convener of AAP Arvind Kejriwal, said that hard working and brave food growers of the country will teach BJP a lesson for their high handedness. He said that the power mad leaders of the saffron party had adopted an anti-farmers stance, which is not in the interest of the country. Lauding the enormous contribution of farmers in making our country not only self-reliant but surplus in food production, Bhagwant Singh Mann recalled those unfortunate days when India faced acute shortage of food grains and was seeking it from other countries.

In his address, National Convener of AAP Arvind Kejriwal said that the atrocities by BJP on the land of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel has brought disgrace to the entire country. He said that the AAP wanted to felicitate the families of 85 farmers who have been arrested by the BJP government but the state government has denied it. Arvind Kejriwal said that the AAP is solidly with the farmers of the country in this hour of crisis and will leave no stone unturned for bailing them out.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Chief Minister said that today only Punjab contributes 180 Lakh Metric Ton of paddy and 150 Lakh Metric Ton of wheat in the national food pool. Highlighting the insensitivity of the BJP towards farmers, he said that the state government in Gujarat has not given a single penny of compensation to the farmers after untimely rain, which destroyed their crops. On the other hand, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab government disbursed the cheques for compensation to its farmers within a month after the floods ravaged their crop.

The Chief Minister said that for the first time, farmers are being paid Rs 20,000 per acre as compensation to the farmers, which is the highest in the country. He said that the massive turnout in this mahapanchayat in which the farmers came on their own reflects that the downfall of the BJP has started. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the haughty leaders of BJP are targeting the farmers just to corner benefits to their friends, which cannot be tolerated.

The Chief Minister said that though the ‘Achhe din’ are still a delusion but the ‘Sachhe din’ will soon come in the country when the wise and brave people of the country will oust the saffron party from. Bhagwant Mann said that the countrymen need a government that can cherish the aspirations of all the freedom fighters whereas the BJP is just unleashing an era of tyranny and injustice on them. He said that people will soon send these leaders to political oblivion adding that the huge rush of people in this farmers mahapanchayat is a reflection of this.

The Chief Minister said that farmers are at the receiving end during the regime of the BJP as they are being booked for even seeking their legitimate rights which is totally wrong. He said that the BJP and its governments both at the centre and state have become a puppet in the hands of the affluent businessmen, who are being extended largesse. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the assets of the country are being sold at meager prices to the friends of the Union government which is very unfortunate.

Describing agriculture and farmers as the backbone of the country, the Chief Minister said that it should be given top priority whereas the arrogant BJP leaders are ignoring it. He said that the anti-farmer policies of BJP have further accentuated the woes of the farmers, whose immense contribution in making the country self-reliant in food production has been ignored hitherto. Expressing solidarity with the farmers, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the AAP is solidly with them in their fight against oppression, injustice and tyranny.