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Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab’s Crackdown on Spurious Liquor Scores Major Success: Patiala Police and Excise Department Seize 600 Litres of Methano

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Chandigarh/Tepla (Shambhu, Rajpura, Patiala), May 13:

In a significant breakthrough in Punjab’s ongoing war against spurious and illicit liquor, a joint team of Patiala District Police and the Excise Department today seized a large consignment of 600 litres of methanol, a chemical commonly used in the manufacture of illicit liquor. The seizure is suspected to have direct links to the recent Majitha spurious liquor tragedy in Amritsar.

Addressing a press conference near the site of the seizure at Tepla police post on the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Shambhu-Banur road, SSP Patiala Varun Sharma stated that this action was carried out under the directions of DGP Gaurav Yadav, as part of the Punjab Government’s aggressive campaign against drugs and illegal liquor, being spearheaded by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.

SSP Vrun Sharma informed that following the tragic incident in Majitha earlier today, DIG Border Range shared intelligence about a suspected consignment of methanol en route from Transport Nagar, Delhi, to Punjab. Acting swiftly on this input and under the direct orders of the DGP, Patiala Police, in collaboration with the Excise Department, intercepted the vehicle near Tepla and recovered three drums containing 600 litres of methanol, concealed among other goods in truck number PB 10 H 1577.

The truck driver has been arrested, and a detailed investigation is underway.

SSP Varun Sharma further added that initial investigations suggest that the consignment was intended for use in the production of spurious liquor. “Had this consignment reached its destination, it could have led to the loss of hundreds of innocent lives,” he said.

The successful operation was carried out by a team under the supervision of SP(D) Gurbans Singh Bains, DSP Harmanjit Singh Cheema, and Assistant Commissioner, Excise Department Rajesh Aerry, and included Excise ETO Rupinderjit Singh, SHO Shambhu Inspector Harpreet Singh, Excise Inspectors Harjinder Singh, Gopal Sharma, Rajnish Kumar, and Tepla Chowki In-charge Jajwinder Singh, along with personnel from the Excise Police and Patiala Police.

SSP said that this action marks a major success in the State’s fight against the manufacture and distribution of poisonous liquor and highlights the commitment of Punjab Police and the Excise Department to safeguarding public health and safety.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Minister Dr. Ravjot on the Move: Dr. Ravjot Singh’s Early Morning Inspection Spurs Immediate Action

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Chandigarh / Phagwara, May 13:

Punjab’s Minister for Local Government, Dr. Ravjot Singh on Tuesday announced a comprehensive plan to enhance Phagwara’s civic infrastructure, focusing on cleanliness, waste management, sewerage systems, and street lighting.

During an early-morning whirlwind tour of the city, the Minister interacted directly with residents to identify their concerns and develop effective solutions, underscoring his commitment to transforming Phagwara into a cleaner and more liveable urban center.

Dr. Singh emphasized that achieving 100% sewerage coverage, ensuring proper waste disposal, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness are top priorities. He assured residents that a permanent solution for waste collection and disposal will be implemented soon.

To this end, he directed officials from the Municipal Corporation, Sewerage Board, and Water Supply Department to work urgently to address these challenges. During his visit to key areas such as the Bus Stand, J.J. School, Guru Nanak Nagar, Urban Estate, and Basant Nagar, the Minister reviewed existing cleanliness arrangements and issued clear instructions to improve sanitation services.

The Minister specifically instructed municipal officials to initiate door-to-door waste collection to ensure waste is disposed of only at designated sites, thereby streamlining waste management processes. He also visited a dump site near J.J. School and ordered officials to identify an alternative location to relocate it, minimizing its impact on the school environment.

Additionally, Dr. Singh addressed the issue of stagnant water in Guru Nanak Nagar caused by inadequate sewerage infrastructure, directing Municipal Commissioner Dr. Akshita Gupta to collaborate with Sewerage Board officials and submit a detailed resolution plan within a week.

On the issue of non-functional streetlights, Dr. Singh announced that 4000 new LED streetlights will be installed across Phagwara to improve night-time visibility, with the tendering process already completed.

He stressed that municipal officials’ responsibilities for maintaining sanitation and civic services will be clearly defined to ensure accountability and efficiency. The Minister’s proactive approach and direct engagement with the public reflect his commitment to addressing Phagwara’s infrastructure challenges comprehensively.

Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal, District Planning Board Chairman Lalit Saklani, Mayor Rampal Uppal, Aam Aadmi Party Spokesperson Harnoor Singh Harji Mann, Improvement Trust Chairman Jarnail Nangal, SDM Jashanjeet Singh, and other dignitaries were also present.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Majitha Hooch Tragedy: Swift Government Action — All 10 Accused Arrested Within 6 Hours

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Majitha (Amritsar), May 13:

          Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said that the state government will not spare anyone, however affluent he may be, involved in the heinous crime of sale of spurious liquor which led to hooch tragedy in Amritsar district.   

Interacting with the media persons after sharing condolences with the families of hooch tragedy, the Chief Minister said that these deaths are not merely accidents but they are murders, which have been caused due to greed of certain individuals, who are involved in this crime. He said that this is a clear murder and the state government will not allow the culprits to escape the severest of severe punishment. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 17 precious lives have been lost due to the spurious liquor and the people responsible for it deserve no mercy as they did this crime deliberately.

The Chief Minister categorically said that this crime cannot be carried out without political patronage by the powerful politicians adding that this angle is being probed by the Police. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 10 persons including the kingpin have been arrested adding that the Police has also identified the forward and backward linkages of the nexus involved in this barbaric crime. “Let me tell one thing very clearly, my government is firmly committed to ensure justice to the hapless families by ensuring exemplary punishment to the accused”, added Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister said that the connections of this nexus have been traced upto Delhi and every person involved in this crime will be put behind the bars by the state government. He said that it has come into light that 600 litres of online methanol was ordered by the perpetrators of this grave tragedy which was probably used for making spurious liquor. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Police is looking into all the aspects of this tragedy to nail down the culprits and ensure exemplary punishment to them.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has already suspended four officers including one DSP, Station House Officer and two officers of Excise department for their complacency in checking the sale and supply of spurious liquor. He said that though this deep rooted nexus is very strong and has flexed its muscles due to open patronization by the previous regimes, this liquor mafia will be eliminated from the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that no one, whether a politician or a government servant, will be spared if they are found complicit in the hooch deaths.

The Chief Minister said that he has already directed the Punjab Police to crack down on this mafia as a part of the ongoing Yudh Nasheyan Virudh. He said that these mischievous forces took advantage of the Police focus on maintaining law and order amidst tension at India-Pakistan borders to satiate their greed at the cost of the lives of Punjabis. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these people will have to pay the price for their sins and they will be taught a befitting lesson by the state government.

The Chief Minister said that it is unfortunate that the hooch tragedy has snatched the lone bread winners of the hapless families and around 17 persons have lost their lives. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the pattern of deaths was the same as was in the hooch tragedy that took place in the year 2020 at Tarn Taran. He said that the state government stands firmly with the families of the deceased in their hour of grief and it will leave no stone unturned to ensure justice for them.

The Chief Minister announced compensation worth Rs 10 lakh for the family of every deceased and said that the state government will bear the entire expense of education of the children of the victim. Likewise, he said that every possible help in terms of jobs and others will also be extended to these families in this hour of grief. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is fully committed for the security and well being of these families adding that no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause.

Chandigarh

4 CABINET MINISTERS AND AAP MLAS JOIN DAY-AND-NIGHT VIGIL AT NANGAL TO PROTECT STATE’S WATER RESOURCES

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Chandigarh, May 13

In a show of solidarity, Punjab Cabinet Ministers Barinder Kumar Goyal, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Lal Chand Kataruchak, and Laljit Singh Bhullar, along with AAP MLAs and leaders from various corners, today join the day-and-night vigil at Nangal Dam to express their strong protest against the BJP-ruled Central and State governments and the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) over the issue of Punjab’s water being given to other states.

Addressing the impressive gathering, Water Resources and Land and Water Conservation Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said that Haryana would not receive any additional water before May 21. He said that Punjab is already providing 4000 cusecs of water to Haryana beyond its allocated quota as a humanitarian gesture. Despite repeated warnings to use this extra water judiciously, Haryana has not taken heed. “Promptly accepting the demand for water for security forces deployed in Rajasthan, the Punjab government has demonstrated the generosity and values inherent in Punjabi culture and Punjabiyat”, said Goyal

Power and Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO highlighted the Punjab government’s comprehensive plan to provide canal water to farmers’ fields, worth Rs 4500 crore, which will free farmers from relying on tubewells and reduce the state’s electricity costs. ETO said that the state’s farmers are forced to extract groundwater through over 15 lakh tubewells whereas Punjab’s water resources being utilized by other states, resulting in most blocks going into the dark zone and deteriorating land health.

Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said that the protests at Nangal Dam and Lohand Khad gates of Kiratpur Sahib will continue, following the footsteps of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. He said that Punjab has already given more than its due share of water to Haryana and would not to give up its share under any circumstances.

Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar highlighted Punjab’s contribution to the country’s food basket, despite bearing the cost of groundwater extraction. He praised the state’s farmers for adopting crop diversification and moving towards horticulture and vegetable cultivation, while stressing on the importance of canal water in increasing the production of these crops and strengthening the agricultural economy.

The ministers praised the volunteers for their dedication to protecting Punjab’s interests and rights. They vow that the day-and-night vigil will continue, emphasizing that safeguarding Punjab’s water resources is crucial for the state’s economy and future.

Chandigarh

DAY 73 OF ‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: 156 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD WITH 1.5KG HEROIN, 16KG OPIUM, ₹5.38L DRUG MONEY

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CHANDIGARH, May 13:

          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 73rd day, Punjab Police on Tuesday arrested 156 drug smugglers and recovered 1.5 kg heroin, 16 kg opium and Rs 5.38 lakh drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 10802 in just 73 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 1500 police personnel, under the supervision of 97 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 601 locations across the state leading to the registration of 109 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 613 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 115 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, Punjab

CM condoles death of drone attack victim Sukhwinder Kaur

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Chandigarh, May 13:

Expressing solidarity with family of Sukhwinder Kaur, who died due to attack by Pakistani drone a few days back at Ferozepur, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday announced a financial assistance worth Rs 10 lakh for the family of deceased.

In a statement issued here today, the Chief Minister said that out of these Rs 10 lakh, Rs 5 lakh will be given from Chief Minister’s Relief Fund whereas Rs 5 lakh will be given by Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora. Sharing condolences with the members of the bereaved family, Bhagwant Singh Mann prayed to the Almighty to give enormous strength to them to bear this huge and irreparable loss in this hour of grief and grant eternal peace to the departed souls.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Entrepreneurs are key drivers of economic growth & development: CM Saini

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PNS Chandigarh

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday said that entrepreneurs are key drivers of economic growth and development. Keeping in view, the state government is aimed to ensure a strong presence of Haryana entrepreneurs not just within India, but also on the global stage. Saini said this after meeting with a delegation of agricultural machinery manufacturers, progressive farmers and entrepreneurs from the food processing sector in Haryana at his residence ‘Sant Kabir Kutir’ in Chandigarh.

During the meeting, delegation members discussed with the Chief Minister about investment and business opportunities in Tanzania. They also expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister for the guidance being provided by the Haryana Government and the global business opportunities it has facilitated.

Saini said that now is the time to move beyond limiting business to just the state or country. There is a need to go global, seize international opportunities and expand businesses so that Haryana’s industrialists can establish a strong presence in foreign markets as well. He further pointed out that East Africa, particularly Tanzania, is emerging as a key market, and the Haryana Government is committed to supporting the industry in this direction.

The officials from the Department of Foreign Cooperation informed that on the initiative of the Haryana Government, a business cooperation visit to Tanzania has been confirmed. Due to the Haryana Government’s persistent efforts, business relations between Tanzania and Haryana have been strengthening, with positive results already visible.

It is worth mentioning that a business delegation of Haryana entrepreneurs from various sectors will visit Tanzania in the month of July. Earlier, with the assistance of the Haryana Government, two business delegations have already visited Tanzania, with several businesses successfully started operations there. For instance, plywood manufacturers in Haryana are sourcing raw materials from Tanzania, resulting in cost reductions for traders.

In the meeting, representatives of the delegation expressed their appreciation, stating that this is the first time since Haryana’s formation that a state government has taken such proactive steps to support traders in entering the global market. They expressed great enthusiasm and confidence in the efforts being made by the state government under the leadership of CM Saini, adding that the Chief Minister is fully supporting Haryana’s traders and entrepreneurs on every front.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Government should regularize HKRN employees instead of removing them:-Kumari Selja

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Chandigarh / 13thMay.

The General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, former Union Minister, and MP from Sirsa, Kumari Selja said that the BJP government, forgetting the promises made to the public during the elections, is now threatening the public. The government, which once promised job guarantees to employees under the Haryana Skill Employment Corporation (HKRN), is now in the process of removing them. Now, ministers are claiming that these employees were hired only for one year under HKRN. The BJP government should think about regularizing these employees instead of removing them, staying true to its promises.

In a statement released to the media, Kumari Selja said that it is now clear to everyone that the BJP government is one that makes false declarations and promises. This government has nothing but slogans. It has betrayed everyone. During elections, large promises and announcements are made, but as soon as they come to power, the BJP, like a fly in milk, discards the public. The BJP’s main objective seems to be to exploit the public, and today, every section of society is troubled. Farmers have been protesting for years, employees are continuously coming out to protest, and women have also launched their own movements. Kumari Selja said that during elections, the then CM Nayab Singh Saini promised the HKRN employees that they would not be removed from their jobs, and a notification was issued, which had conditions attached, meaning the employees were deceived. Now, government ministers are stating that these employees are not being removed because they were hired only for one year, and their term has ended.

Kumari Selja said that after coming to power for the third time, the BJP government is focused on removing HKRN employees. At times, employees are being removed from one department or another. Recently, orders were issued to relieve 252 PGTs from the HKRN portal. However, all of these 252 PGTs were removed as permanent PGTs at the time of their appointment, but they were still showing up on the HKRN portal. Therefore, the government has written to all district education officers to relieve these PGTs from the HKRN portal. Kumari Selja appealed to the government, stating that the employees working under HKRN are qualified and are working diligently. Instead of removing them from their jobs, they should be regularized in their current positions.

Dehradun

Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice is Essential in a Knowledge-Driven Economy: Prof  Kuhad

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IEP Srinagar (Garhwal)

“Research is a vital pillar of higher education—it generates new knowledge and strengthens academic foundations. However, for this knowledge to have real impact, it must be practically implemented. Bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and its practical application is the pressing need of today’s knowledge-driven economy,” said Prof. Ramesh Chandra Kuhad, Distinguished Professor at M.D. University Rohtak and former Vice Chancellor of the Central University of Haryana. Prof. Kuhad made these remarks as the Chief Guest during the inaugural session of the one-month Faculty Induction (Guru Dakshata) Program, organized by the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre of Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal). The program is being conducted in hybrid mode.

Prof. Rajendra Singh Negi, Director of the Chauras Campus and faculty member in the Department of Rural Technology, presided over the session. He emphasized that research and its practical applications must be rooted in the principle of sustainability. “Sustainability should not be treated as an add-on in higher education,” he stated. “It must be an integral part of academic frameworks and included in the curriculum across all disciplines.”

Welcoming the guests and participants, Dr. Rahul Kunwar Singh, Officiating Director of the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre, underscored the importance of such training. “Faculty members in higher education must undergo induction training within one to two years of their appointment,” he said. He also provided an overview of the program and its significance in shaping effective educators. He also informed that total 78 faculty participants from 19 different states of the country are participating in this program.

The session was coordinated by Dr. Somesh Thapliyal, Assistant Director of the Centre, with support from Program Executive Dr. Kavita Bhatt and non-teaching staff members Anil Kathait and Poonam Rawat.

Chandigarh, Haryana

350 new Vita booths will be set up in Haryana this year: Dr. Arvind Sharma

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Chandigarh, May 12 – Haryana’s Cooperative Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma said quality products of HAFED and Vita will now be available to the general public under one roof. For this, the Dairy Federation and HAFED will jointly set up model parlours, through which a wide range of world-class products will be available to people. He said 350 new Vita booths will be set up across the state this year.

Dr. Arvind Sharma today inaugurated a Vita booth set up by Shyam Mahila Self Help Group in Sonipat. He said the self-help groups coming forward to operate the Vita booth shows that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the state government is providing opportunities to make more and more people self-reliant. He said Union Cooperative Minister Sh. Amit Shah is realizing the resolve to connect every family of the country with cooperatives. In this direction, the Haryana Government has increased the budget of the Cooperative Department by 58.8 percent in the current financial year.

He said this year, the Dairy Federation will move forward with the target of 15 percent more milk collection. The additional budget allocation of Rs 70 crore for milk producers under the Mukhyamantri Dudh Protsahan Yojana is an encouraging step. Apart from this, work is also being done on the plan to set up chilling plants at the district level and to establish milk collection centres in every block, he added.