Chandigarh, October 30 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the State Government is giving top priority to public welfare and development works. While reviewing works related to flood management, waterlogging, irrigation, roads, sewerage, drinking water, and other infrastructure in Fatehabad district, he directed officers to ensure that every project is completed with quality and within the stipulated time. The Chief Minister was presiding over a district-level review meeting of officers at the Rest House in Fatehabad on Thursday.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini instructed that the width of the Hisar-Ghaggar Drain be increased so that water can be drained out effectively from the flood-prone areas. He also directed that an alternative route for water discharge be proposed to reduce the load on the Ottu Lake. The Irrigation Department was asked to explore possibilities of making the drain concrete-lined (cemented) in villages through which it passes, to prevent soil erosion and blockages.

The Chief Minister said that waterlogging in any area should be cleared immediately so that farmers can sow their crops on time. He instructed that low-lying areas be identified and a long-term plan be prepared to ensure that waterlogging does not occur during future monsoon seasons.

Referring to crop damage, the Chief Minister said that verification of crop losses caused by recent rains should be completed swiftly. Physical verification of data uploaded by farmers on the compensation portal must be done to ensure that the actual affected farmers receive compensation. He emphasized that the government will provide fair compensation to every farmer, but the reports must be accurate and transparent.

While reviewing the procurement of paddy in mandis, the Chief Minister directed that purchase of crops from all farmers in the district be ensured. Verification of all farmers registered on the compensation portal must be completed under all circumstances.

*Review of Chilli Lake Project*

The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of the Chilli Lake Project and directed the Deputy Commissioner to send him progress reports from all concerned departments. He said that the quality of work must be inspected, and strict action should be taken against any department found executing substandard work. To resolve land-related issues in lake construction, he directed that the process of land purchase be carried out through the e-Bhoomi portal. If a landowner wishes to sell the entire 4-kanal plot, it should be purchased through e-Bhoomi.

*Review of Drinking Water, Roads, and Sewerage Works*

The Chief Minister reviewed the construction of waterworks under the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) in Fatehabad sectors and directed that it be completed soon so that residents get clean drinking water.

He also reviewed road and sewerage works in the district and said that the Public Works Department (PWD) has been designated as the nodal agency. The department must ensure that all road repairs in the district are completed before winter. He directed that the widening of 40 roads in the district be expedited, and where new roads are being built, sewerage and drinking water lines must be laid first to avoid digging after road construction.

The Chief Minister warned officials that there would be no compromise on the quality of development works. He directed the Deputy Commissioner to review development projects every month, and if any deficiency in quality is found, strict action should be taken against the concerned officer and contractor, and a report should be sent to him.

*Instructions on Urban Bodies and Hospital Construction*

The Chief Minister instructed officers of the Urban Local Bodies Department to complete development works in regularized colonies so that residents of urban areas can avail better civic amenities. He said that public awareness on cleanliness should be increased by organizing urban cleanliness competitions, which would encourage greater citizen participation.

He directed that the under-construction 200-bed hospital in Fatehabad be completed within the current financial year to ensure better healthcare facilities for the district’s residents.

*Review of Water Drainage Proposal in Bhuna*

The Chief Minister reviewed the water drainage proposal in the Bhuna area and said that the feasibility of the proposal prepared by the municipal body for water discharge from Agrasen Chowk to the drain should be examined and acted upon promptly.

He said that the previously approved project worth Rs 10.47 crore for laying a pipeline should be completed at the earliest to resolve the issue of rainwater accumulation.

Former Minister Devender Singh Babli, former MLA Dudaram, SC Commission Chairman Ravindra Baliyal, BJP District President Praveen Joda, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Vivek Bharti, SP Sidhant Jain, ADC Anurag Dhalia, SDM Akash Sharma, GM Roadways Major Gayatri Ahlawat, SDM Rajesh Kumar, Surender Singh, CEO Suresh Kumar, CTM Gaurav Gupta, and other district officers were present in the meeting.

Chandigarh/ Gandhinagar, October 30:

In a significant gesture underscoring national unity and shared cultural heritage, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development & Training Minister and State President of the Aam Aadmi Party Mr. Aman Arora, along with Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond, formally invited Gujarat Chief Minister Sh. Bhupendra Patel to join the state-wide commemorations of the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

Mr. Aman Arora, leading a high-level delegation, called on the Gujarat Chief Minister in Gandhinagar, sharing a warm exchange rooted in their deep respect for the Ninth Guru Sahib’s enduring legacy.

During the meeting, the Punjab Ministers presented a detailed overview of the month-long state-wide commemorative programs being organised by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government to pay homage to the supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. They emphasised that the Guru’s martyrdom is not just a pivotal event in Sikh history, but a cornerstone of India’s secular fabric and the universal principle of defending religious freedom for all.

While extending the formal invitation, Mr. Aman Arora stated, “Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s sacrifice epitomises the protection of human rights and freedom of belief, serving as a beacon for humanity. We are honoured to invite leaders across the party lines to join us in commemorating the historic 350th Martyrdom Anniversary. Their presence would symbolise our shared national spirit and values.”

Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond highlighted the cultural and spiritual significance of the event. He further shared, “This historic occasion is a moment for the entire nation to reflect on the ideals of justice, sacrifice and righteousness embodied by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. We are curating a series of events that will include religious ceremonies, Kirtan Darbars and academic seminars to illuminate the Ninth Guru’s timeless message for a new generation. We believe it is an event of national importance.”

Mr. Aman Arora further stated that the Punjab Government is being commemorated the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji with great devotion, besides organising events that would educate and inspire citizens about the Guru’s unparalleled sacrifice.

Chandigarh, October 30:

Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is committed to the welfare and social justice of every section of society. In this direction, special efforts are being made to provide economic support and dignity to widows and destitute women. As part of these efforts, a substantial amount has been released under the Social Security Financial Assistance Scheme for their welfare.

Giving this information, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that during the current financial year, the Punjab Government has so far released ₹693.04 crore as financial assistance to beneficiaries under this scheme.

She further informed that 6,65,994 widows and destitute women are receiving financial benefits under this scheme across the state. Dr. Kaur said that the initiative not only provides financial security to women but also helps in empowering them to become active participants in the mainstream of society.

Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the Mann Government’s goal is not limited to providing assistance, but to create opportunities for women’s empowerment. The government aims to ensure that every woman becomes self-reliant and leads a dignified life. This is why the state government continues to strengthen and expand social security schemes for the welfare of women.

Dr. Kaur further added that the Punjab Government has already made a budgetary provision of ₹1170 crore for the welfare of widows and destitute women. She directed the departmental officials to ensure transparent and effective implementation of the scheme so that every eligible beneficiary receives its benefits in time.

Chandigarh, October 30:

Punjab Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO today reviewed in detail the ongoing special repair works of link roads across rural areas of the state. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has embarked on a large-scale initiative to upgrade and strengthen 10,778 kilometres of roads under a special repair programme.

During the meeting, officials apprised the Minister that the ongoing works pertain to link roads scheduled for special repair during 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26. The programme covers link roads of the Public Works Department falling under 81 Market Committees. The necessary administrative approvals have been obtained from the Punjab Mandi Board, following which the works have been allotted through a transparent tendering process.

Directing officials to further accelerate the pace of allotment, the Cabinet Minister also sought a detailed progress report on the implementation of the works.

Harbhajan Singh ETO stressed the need to ensure strict monitoring of all works being executed under the Punjab Government’s initiatives. He also lauded the officials of the departmental Vigilance Committee, who recently inspected about 2.5 km of road under the Nabha Market Committee and ensured on-the-spot rectification of minor deficiencies found during the inspection. The Minister appreciated the proactive approach and instructed that such field inspections must continue in the future as well. He made it clear that no compromise in the quality of work will be tolerated.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Principal Secretary PWD Mr. Vikas Pratap, Special Secretary Mrs. Hargunjeet Kaur, Engineer-in-Chief Mr. Gagandeep Singh, Chief Engineers Mr. Vijay Chopra, Mr. Anil Gupta, Mr. Ramtesh Bains, Mr. Arshdeep Singh and other senior officers.

Chandigarh, October 30

Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission’s Full Commission Meeting will be held on 31st October at Punjab Bhawan Chandigarh.

Giving information in this regard, Chairman Mr. Jasvir Singh Garhi said that the 27th meeting of Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission is going to be held.

He said that in this meeting, a report will be taken from senior officers of Police, Local Government, Social Justice and other departments regarding the status of cases registered under SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act 1989.

Chandigarh, October 30

Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said that the state’s education system is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the comprehensive infrastructure upgrades under the Sikhya Kranti program of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led government, and bolstered by initiatives to enhance teacher strength and address long-standing concerns.

Finance Minister Cheema made these remarks on Thursday while engaging in an in-depth discussion with representatives from seven education department unions. The unions included the Special Cadre Adhiyapak Front, Computer Adhiyapak Union, Computer Adhiyapak Sangharsh Committee, Unemployed B. Ed. TET Pass Adhiyapak Union, ETT TET Pass Adhiyapak Union (Sunil Fazilka), and ETT TET Pass Adhiyapak Union (Jai Singh Wala). The Minister had a comprehensive review of their demands and also encouraged the union members to further dedicate themselves to boosting education standards in government schools.

Secretary Education Anindita Mitra apprised the Finance Minister that solutions for most of the unions’ demands were either in the final stage or currently being processed. She provided assurances that other legitimate demands would also be addressed shortly. In response, Finance Minister Cheema directed the Education Department to share the fiscal responsibilities associated with the legitimate demands with the Finance Department so that necessary action could be decided upon without delay.

In a separate engagement, Finance Minister Cheema also held a productive meeting with the All Punjab DST/CTF Contract Workers Union, offering his assurance that their issues would be resolved amicably. During these meetings, Special Secretary (Personnel) Upkar Singh and Special Secretary (Finance) Ajay Arora briefed the Finance Minister on their concerned departmental status of the demands put forth by the respective unions.

Union Members inclusing Veerpal Kaur Sidhana, Manpreet Singh Moga, Paramjit Kaur Pakhowal from Special Cadre Adhiyapak Front; Gurwinder Singh, Rakhi Manan, Harpreet Singh from Computer Adhiyapak Union; Jony Singla, Nardeep Sharma Sunit Sareen from  Computer Adhiyapak Sangharsh Committee, Jaswant Ghubaya, Hardeep Singh, Sandeep Singh from Berojgar B. Ed. TET Pass Adhiyapak Union; Sunil Kumar, Salwinder Singh, Ranjit Singh from ETT TET Pass Adhiyapak Union (Sunil Fazilka); Kamal Thakur, Sohan Singh and Gurmukh Singh ETT TET Pass Adhiyapak Union (Jai Singh Wala), and Sandeep Singh, Kirandeep Singh and Pardeep Singh from All Punjab DST/CTF Contract Workers Union raised their issues during the meeting.

CHANDIGARH, October 30:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 243rd day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 340 locations on Thursday leading to the arrest of 76 drug smugglers after registration of 68 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 34,599 in 243 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 2.3 kg heroin and Rs 1.51 lakhs drug money 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 67 gazetted officers have conducted 340 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 368 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 35 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, October 30:

          Amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busted a cross-border illegal arms smuggling module with the arrest of its three operatives and recovered nine sophisticated pistols along with magazines from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Davinder Singh, a resident of village Bhangwan in Amritsar Rural, Paramjit Singh alias Pamma and Harmeet Singh alias Meetu, both residents of Bhindi Aulakh in Amritsar Rural.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused were working on the directions of Pak-based smuggler. The recovered arms were meant to be supplied to Sherpreet Singh alias Gulaba, a close aide of notorious gangster Jobanjit Singh alias Billa Manga, to fuel unlawful activities in Punjab, he said.

          Sharing operational details, the DGP said that CI Amritsar had received a specific information about foreign based notorious gangster identified as Jobanjit Singh alias Billa Manga operating a gang in the state through his operatives— Paramjit Singh alias Pamma and Harmeet Singh alias Meetu. The information further revealed that the latter have retrieved a huge consignment of illegal weapons from Indo-Pak border, which was delivered from across the border with the help of drones in the area of village Bhindi Aulakh in Amritsar Rural, and are going to deliver it further to Sherpreet’s accomplice Davinder Singh, he said.

          He said that acting swiftly, police teams intercepted the above mentioned accused persons near Gurdwara Baba Mohri Ji at Chogawan in Amritsar Rural, and recovered the contrabands from their possession.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav further said that Sherpreet Singh alias Gulaba is a habitual offender and seven different criminal cases have already been registered against him regarding possession of illegal arms, involvement in theft, looting and other criminal activities. Further investigation is underway to expose the full nexus, including the backward and forward linkages of the network, he added.

          A case FIR No. 65 dated 30-10-2025 has been registered under sections 25 and 25(1-A) of the Arms Act and section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station State Special Operation Cell, Amritsar.

Chandigarh, 30 October 2025:

In exercise of the powers conferred by sub section 1 of section 7 of The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 and all other powers enabling him in this behalf, the Governor of Punjab has appointed Dr. Vandana Arora  as non-official scientist of the Expert Group in place of Prof. Rajesh Gill, for evaluating the Social Impact Assesment reports.