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Chandigarh, Haryana

Haryana Chief Minister  advises Punjab Leaders not to indulge in petty politics over water

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Chandigarh, May 2 – While strongly condemning the Punjab Leaders for politicizing the water issue, Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini advised Punjab’s leaders not to indulge in petty politics. Punjab is the land of the Gurus, and we bow to them. Work for the welfare of Punjab’s people. Haryana was once a part of Punjab and emerged from there. Such low-level politics is not good for anyone, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. 

The Chief Minister said this while interacting with the media persons in Panchkula after attending the Quality Assurance Conclave organized by the Quality Assurance Authority.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said, as the head of Haryana, I assure that if the people of Punjab ever need drinking water, we will install tubewells, extract water from our groundwater, and provide it to them. I guarantee that no person in Punjab will remain thirsty.

The Chief Minister said that if we look at past records, Haryana is only asking for the water it has always received. Water is a natural resource. If politics continues like this, the water will go waste and flow into Pakistan, which has been shedding the blood of our unarmed citizens, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

The Chief Minister  reiterated that Haryana is only asking for the share of water it used to receive earlier, not more than that. “We are also seeking the same SYL water as per the agreement. The Supreme Court has ruled that this is our right, he said.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Chief Minister Inaugurates Standard Operating Methods and Procedures (SOMPs) Prepared by the Quality Assurance Authority

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Chandigarh, May 2 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Friday inaugurated the Standard Operating Methods and Procedures (SOMPs) prepared by the Quality Assurance Authority to ensure robust, sustainable,  reliable infrastructure in the state. The Chief Minister said that this is not just a document but a vision, a foundation upon which a grand structure of quality, long-lasting infrastructure, services, and good governance will be built. This event is a testament to the government’s commitment to prioritizing quality in Haryana’s development journey, said Sh. Nayab Singh  Saini.

While addressing the gathering after the inauguration of SOMPs during the  Quality Assurance Conclave  held in Panchkula, the Chief Minister congratulated the Haryana Quality Assurance Authority on completing two years of its establishment. He praised the Authority for its exemplary work in a short span of time. The Chief Minister also launched the website of Quality Assurance Authority.

The Chief Minister said that this ‘Quality Assurance Authority’ is the first state-level institution in India that is entirely focused on infrastructure quality. Its model is being studied by other states and central institutions. He expressed hope that this model will soon evolve into a ‘national network for quality assurance’ across the country.

He emphasized that incomplete or poorly executed construction is more harmful than no construction at all. Embracing this philosophy, the government has decided to prioritize quality. These SOMPs are the standards for ensuring quality for government departments, engineers, contractors, and policymakers.

The Chief Minister said that SOMPs are not just administrative tools, they are instruments of safety, reliability, and efficiency. For instance, in commercial aviation, SOPs have helped reduce accidents significantly. Similarly, in healthcare, SOPs save lives and help ensure product quality in the global construction industry through standards like ‘Six Sigma’, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. 

He said this Quality Assurance Conclave is not just about procedures and protocols, but part of a holistic approach that will lead us toward building a strong, secure, and smart Haryana.

Our Goal is to ensure that Every Construction, Service, and Policy in Haryana Reflects International Standards– Chief Minister

The Chief Minister said the government aims that every construction project, service, and policy in Haryana must adhere to international standards. The theme of this conclave, “Strong, Sustainable, and Reliable Infrastructure,” reflects the government’s focus not only on the speed of development but also on its quality, he said.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that ensuring sustainable completion of any work requires a clear, scientific, and systematic process. The SOMPs offer a comprehensive approach from planning to maintenance. It  also specifies how planning should be done, what the design should look like, and the quality of materials to be used. Additionally, SOMPs outline inspection checkpoints during construction, safety standards, and environmental considerations, said the Chief Minister. 

Ensuring Quality along with Development for Viksit Bharat- Viksit Haryana

The Chief Minister said that, aligned with the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision, Haryana is moving swiftly toward the goal of  Viksit Bharat- Viksit Haryana. It has become essential that development projects are not only fast-paced but also sustainable and reliable. Speed alone is not enough, compromising quality in the name of speed leads to accidents, increased costs, and a loss of public trust, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

Research and Development Center to be established to promote best practices in Indian Construction Contexts

The Chief Minister said that the Quality Assurance Authority was established to guarantee quality construction across all departments. This Authority is a multi-dimensional body ensuring quality in key sectors like roads, bridges, buildings, irrigation, water, sewage, and energy, he said.

The Chief Minister  said that the focus is not only on quality but also on capacity-building through training engineers, regional workshops, and digital manuals. Besides this,  a Research and Development center will be set up to promote best practices tailored to Indian construction needs, he said.

Plan to extend Quality Assurance Authority’s scope to Private Infrastructure Projects in Future

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the government plans to extend the Quality Assurance Authority’s scope to include private infrastructure projects, especially those linked to the government licensing process. This will cover public-private partnership projects, private buildings, townships, and industrial parks. This step will broaden quality assurance beyond public works, increase public confidence, and boost investor trust, he said.

We must collectively embrace the vision that quality is not just a task, but a habit. By laying this foundation today, we can pass on a legacy of trust and safety to future generations. We have the resources, the skills, and most importantly, the determination. Now is the time to turn this determination into action that will be remembered for decades, said the Chief Minister.

Our endeavour is to make Haryana a state and the Nayab government a model where supplementary budgets are minimal – Krishan Lal Panwar

Development and Panchayat Minister, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar said that the SOMPs launched today by the Quality Assurance Authority will help improve the quality of development projects. He said that many projects remain pending, and when work is not completed on time and re-tendering is required, additional funds are sought from the government. This often leads to the necessity of supplementary demands. Our effort should be to make Haryana a state and the ‘Nayab Sarkar’  a model where the need for supplementary budgets is minimal. This will only be possible if all projects in the state are completed on time, said the Minister.

Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar urged the engineering wing to resolve that a message should go out from today’s event: under the leadership of Chief Minister. Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, every project initiated by the state government will be completed within the stipulated time frame.

Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar emphasized that the engineers of the state should earn such a reputation that projects are completed on time and Haryana’s name is held high. He said that whenever a new project begins, a DPR is prepared and work is initiated. The Quality Control Authority or the quality wings within departments inspect the project. If we monitor projects from the beginning, there will definitely be a quality improvement, said Krishan Lal Panwar.

He said that the Quality Assurance Authority should also contribute to the Panchayats department’s projects. Our government has ensured that facilities like drinking water and sewerage, on par with urban areas, will be provided in Mahagram. These efforts involve projects worth crores of rupees. Currently, work is underway in 22 Mahagram. If the Quality Assurance Authority monitors these projects, the Panchayat department will certainly benefit.

He said  that the Panchayat Department maintains approximately 70,000 rural roads. In addition, under the Pond Authority, out of around 19,000 ponds in the state, about 6,000 polluted ponds are being rejuvenated.

Viksit Haryana will have its own identity on Viksit Bharat’s map – Public Works Minister Ranbir Gangwa

Public Works Minister, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa stated that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has presented a vision to make India a developed nation by 2047. In support of this vision, we will work towards making Haryana a developed state. When the map of a developed India is drawn, Haryana will have its distinct identity. For this, we must focus on strengthening our infrastructure. It is crucial to ensure that there is no compromise in the quality of developmental projects, as it not only results in financial loss but also causes difficulties for the public, said Sh. Ranbir Gangwa.

He said that the government is taking significant steps to reduce delays and cost overruns in infrastructure projects by adhering to defined standards. These measures aim not only to complete projects on time but also to enhance the durability and safety of the nation’s infrastructure, said Sh. Ranbir Gangwa.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, India is entering an era where governance is moving forward with a focus on quality. Our government has worked to transform governance into good governance. People have full trust in the government, which is why the Bharatiya Janata Party has been elected for a third consecutive term at both the central and Haryana, said Sh. Ranbir Gangwa.

He emphasized that to meet the aspirations of the people, the government has a responsibility to prioritize not just good governance but also high-quality infrastructural development. When we talk about infrastructure projects, we are not just referring to bricks and mortar, but to the trust that people place in us. To uphold that trust, the government has created many plans, and today marks an important milestone in improving the quality of infrastructural development, said Sh. Ranbir Gangwa.

He said that this is not just a mission, it is a movement, a foundation of development, trust, and a new India, said Sh. Ranbir Gangwa.

Quality Assurance Authority is a Comprehensive Structural Framework that Focuses on Planning, Material Quality, and Maintenance Methods – Chairman Rajeev Arora

The Chairman, Quality Assurance Authority, Sh. Rajeev Arora, shared information about the Authority’s work through a presentation. He said that the Haryana government has established a unique authority not found anywhere else in India. He explained that the vision of the then Chief Minister of Haryana was that quality assurance should not be limited to on-site sampling, but should go beyond to strengthen processes and integrate them into everyday operations.

He shared that the Authority has also worked extensively on training and capacity building. In the past month alone, 80 engineers have been trained, and another 80 are scheduled to receive training this month, said Sh. Rajeev Arora.

He emphasized that the Quality Assurance Authority is a comprehensive structural framework that offers a holistic approach. It focuses on how planning should be done, what the design should be like, and the quality of materials to be used. In addition, it monitors the types of inspections to be carried out during construction, the safety standards to be maintained, and the methods for ongoing maintenance, informed Sh. Rajeev Arora.

He further said that the SOMPs developed by the Authority incorporate project quality assurance, efficiency, proper procedural compliance, safety, risk management, and accountability.

Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar, Commissioner and Secretary,  Public Health Engineering Department Sh. Mohammed Shayin, Media Secretary Sh. Praveen Attrey and other senior officers also remained present in the conclave.

Chandigarh

Bhagwant Singh Mann is the first CM who has taken concrete steps to stop drug trafficking and save Punjab’s waters: Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema

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Chandigarh/Sangrur, May 2:

          Punjab Finance Minister and chairman of ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ Cabinet Sub-Committee committee Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, today, presided over Village Defence Committee meeting organised here at Sunrise Palace by Sangrur District Administration. Cabinet minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that Bhagwant Singh Mann is the first CM who has taken concrete steps to stop drug trafficking and save Punjab’s waters as well. He added that the state is waging war against drugs and traffickers have been given clear warning that they should stop drug peddling, else they will have to leave the state.

          Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said that apart from demolishing houses of drug peddlers constructed with drug money, their government has assured stern action against them. He said that under ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, as many as 240 cases have been registered under NDPS and 332 arrests have been made apart from the recovery of drug money of around 9.20 lakh rupees in Sangrur district. He said that along with the police action, their government has formed Village level and Ward level Defence Committees and these VDCs and WDCs will play key role to eradicate drugs from villages and cities as well. He said that VDC and WDC members will keep strict vigil in their respective areas and immediately inform police and administrative officers about any drug abuse. He added that apart from this, they will also assist the drug addict patients to get them treated from the drug de-addiction centres and motive them to shun the tag of drugs addicts and join mainstream society.

          Meanwhile, cabinet minister Barinder Goyal also motivated VDC and WDC members to actively engage in ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign of Punjab government. He said that their government has been working day in and day out to wipe out drug trafficking out of Punjab and stern action was being taken against the smugglers. He added that now no one is there to receive drugs from drones on borders in Punjab as drug peddlers have already fled to other states by putting locks on their homes. He said that around 60 houses of drug peddlers have already been razed by their government which were built by them with drug money.

          The cabinet minister Goyal said that Mann government was fighting decisive war on drugs and now, centre has imposed another war on Punjab by looting its waters. He added that the decision of BBMB to provide additional water to Haryana was totally illegal. He addd that due to the wrongdoings of previous governments, Punjab has already been under stress in the matter of groundwater table and when their government has taken initiative to provide canal water to farmers for irrigation, the BJP led centre and Harayana governments want daylight robbery of its canal waters.

          On this occasion, MP Malvinder Singh Kang said that CM Bhagwant Singh Mann & National Convener of AAP were personally leading the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign. He added that the drug menace issue has also been taken in the parliament and Punjab CM has written to union Home Minister that drones should be registered and hi-tech technology should be deployed on the border to stop drugs trafficking through these drones. He said that no previous governments taken any initiatives to stop drug trafficking but the Mann government was taking concrete steps to eradicate drugs from the state.

          Sangrur MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj said that it was a collective responsibility of the people, administration, police and government and all 3 crore Punjabis should stand by the Mann Government for complete eradication of drugs. She said that the VDC members should pledge that they will stop drug trafficking and also rehabilitate patients suffering from drug addiction.

          During the program, ADC (g) Amit Bamby and SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal also highlights the efforts of district administration and police underway to curb the menace of drugs. They also assured every possible help to VDC members to stop drug abuse from their respective areas.

          On this occasion, Chairman Gurmail Singh Gharachon, Chairman Mahinder Singh Sidhu, Chairman Ashok Kumar Singla, Chairman Rajwant Singh Ghulli, Zone coordinator Jagdeep Jagga, ADC (d) Sukhchain Singh Papra, SP Navreet Singh Virk, SP Dilpreet Singh, SDM Charanjot Singh Walia, SDM Rishabh Garg, Jasvir Singh Jassi Sekhon among other dignitaries were also present.

Chandigarh

HARJOT BAINS EXHORTS ‘PINDA DE PEHREDARS’ TO TAKE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE TO EVERY HOUSEHOLD

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Chandigarh/ Hoshiarpur, May 2

Punjab Education and Information & Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, on Friday, exhorted Punjabis to become warriors in the state government’s ongoing “Yudh Nashian Virudh” drive launched to eradicate drugs menace completely from the state.

Addressing the district level function of Village Defence Committees (Pinda De Pehredars) at Hoshiarpur, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that it was call of the day to wipe out the drugs scourges from Punjab thus channelizing the unbounded energy of our youngsters in positive directions. He emphasised the need that Public participation is must to overcome this social menace. The Punjab government’s next goal is to take the message of ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign to each and every household across the state to far disseminate the adverse effects of drugs, said the Minister while adding that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government was fully committed to get rid of the menace. He said that the Chief Minister had given free hands to the police to take strict action against drug peddlers.

S. Bains accused the central government on the issue of Punjab’s waters saying that the BBMB’s decision was totally unfair and systematic loot of the state’s water resources. He said that the Punjab is an agrarian state, the base of which is water. He said it was shocked that the Punjab farmers were facing different challenges while the invalid decision of BBMB put the state in the new crisis. He said under the able guidance of the Chief Minister, the availability of the water was ensured across the Punjab. He said that the Punjab government was making all-out efforts to complete the facelift of the government’s schools.

Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Dr Ravjot Singh said that the Punjab government was waging a decisive war against drugs which would be taken to the logical end. He also urged the people to contribute in the war against drugs in larger public interest.

The Deputy Speaker S. Jai Krishan Singh Rouri said that the Punjab government is fully committed for the holistic development of the state as well as making Punjab a drug free state.

Member Parliament Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal said that the Punjab government had launched the concrete and comprehensive campaign against drugs which was getting impressive results and that day is not far when the Punjab would be free from drugs. Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain and SSP Sandeep Kumar Malik also briefed about the steps being taken under the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included MLAs Bram Shanker Jimpa, Jasvir Singh Raja Gill from Tanda, Karambir Singh Ghumman of Dasuya, Dr Ishank Kumar from Chabbewal and others.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Fight against drug becoming people’s movement by taking it to every village ward: Hardeep Singh Mundian

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Chandigarh, May 2

          The Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann has started the war against drugs and is emphasizing on making this campaign a people’s movement by encouraging the youth of Punjab to live a drug-free life and participate in this mission aimed at public welfare. The previous governments, in order to fulfill their own interests, turned a blind eye to nefarious activities of drug smugglers and provided political protection to them, which the people of the state know very well. It was stated by Cabinet Minister Mr. Hardeep Singh Mundian while attending the event organized at Majestic Resort Moga.

          Mr. Mundian said that a unique initiative has been undertaken in the form of village guards to eradicate drugs from the state, who will be an army of warriors in the true sense. This will prove to be a decisive battle against the scourge of drugs in Punjab. To spread awareness against drugs, the ‘Nasha Mukti Yatra’ will be taken to every village ward and made a people’s movement, so that the State is turned into Rangla Punjab again.

          The Minister said that the youth of Punjab were misled by the unholy alliance between the previous governments and smugglers and our government is cleaning the filth of the previous governments. He said that now there is no political pressure on the police, but action is being taken against drug peddlers and they are being put in jails. He said that the Chief Minister has given a clear message to the drug traffickers that either they should stop selling drugs or leave Punjab. He said that the defense committees formed at the village and ward levels need to play a leading role in eradicating drugs.

          Mr. Mundian said that the State Government is firmly guarding the interests of Punjab and Punjabis, whether it is about drugs or water. The government is ready to fight any kind of battle in this matter and has also called a special session on water issues of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on 5th May.

          During the function, Mr. Mundian administered the pledge to village Panch, Sarpanch, Defense Committees and other dignitaries to root out the scourge of drugs. A large number of people who had arrived in the pandal raised their voices against drugs by holding the flags of the drug eradication march in their hands and standing shoulder to shoulder with the Punjab government. Earlier, a street play was presented by the IPTA team to create awareness about the ill effects of drugs.

          Prominent among others who were present at the occasion included Prof Baljinder Kaur, Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora, Mr. Manjit Singh Bilaspur, Mr. Davinderjit Singh Ladi Dhos and Mr. Amritpal Singh Sukhanand (all MLAs), MC Moga Mayor Baljit Singh Chani, SSP Ajay Gandhi, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Charumita.

Chandigarh

LED BY CM ALL POLITICAL PARTIES OF STATE DISPLAY RARE SHOW OF UNITY TO SAVE WATERS OF STATE

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Chandigarh, May 2-

On the initiative of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann all the political parties of the state on Friday displayed rare show of unity to condemn the draconian move of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to snatch waters of the state and pledged to take every step to save the waters of the state.

During a meeting called at Punjab Bhawan here today political leaders including former Speaker Rana KP Singh and former Minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa from Congress, Akali stalwart Balwinder Singh Bhunder and former Minister Daljeet Singh Cheema from Shiromani Akali Dal, state BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar and former Minister Manoranjan Kalia from BJP, former MP and state BSP Chief Avtar Singh Karimpuri, Secretary CPM Sukhwinder Singh Sekhon and Secretary CPI Bant Singh Brar unequivocally hailed the Chief Minister for convening the meeting. They unanimously said that Bhagwant Singh Mann has taken a visionary decision to bring all the political parties on a single platform to save the waters of the state. They said that it is high time that the state government should explore all the legal, political and administrative measures to safeguard the interests of the state on the issue of river waters.

All the political parties urged the Chief Minister to make every effort for protecting the rights of the state and its people over this issue of river waters adding they assured fulsome support and cooperation to him for this noble cause. They also lauded the Chief Minister for giving 4000 cusec of water to Haryana daily to meet their drinking water needs on humanitarian grounds. They said that it is a noble initiative but the manner in which the Haryana government and BBMB has adopted a hostile, authoritarian and anti-Punjab stance to snatch our waters is highly condemnable.

The political parties also condemned the high handedness of the centre government to weaken Punjab by removing Member (Power) in BBMB which was appointed from the officers of the state government. They said that Punjab has 60% share in BBMB for which it should be given Veto power so that the other stakeholders are not able to conspire against it by joining hands. They vowed that all the political parties, rising above their affiliations, will fight for safeguarding the rights of the state and no stone will be left unturned for it.

Meanwhile, profusely thanking all the political parties for extending support to the state government, the Chief Minister said that solidarity by all the political parties have given a big moral boost to him. He said that the state government will convene a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Monday to condemn the high handedness of the Union government and BBMB. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this crisis has been imposed upon the state by the centre but we are legally correct and morally strong to fight against it.

The Chief Minister categorically said that the great Sikh gurus have taught us to fight against tyranny, injustice and oppression adding that any such attempt by the Union government will not be tolerated. He said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that this move has united the entire Punjab and every Punjabi is vehemently opposing this stance of the Union government. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Haryana has exhausted its share of water allotted by BBMB in the month of March only after which the state had even sent around six reminders to them.

The Chief Minister said that subsequently the Haryana government had urged Punjab that they don’t even have water to cater to the drinking needs of people. He said that as a humanitarian gesture the Punjab government generously allotted 4000  cusec of water daily to Haryana from April 6. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that though the population of Haryana is three crore and as per estimates 1700 cusec of water was enough to meet the needs of people of state.

However, the Chief Minister said that the Haryana government has sought 2.5 times more water from Punjab than its actual need. Despite this, he said that Punjab has been giving this water from the month of April adding that a few days back Haryana had pleaded that this water is not sufficient for it and they need 8500 cusec additional water daily. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is evident that this water is needed for irrigation purposes and this problem has arisen as Haryana has not utilized its share of water properly.

The Chief Minister reiterated that Punjab is already grappling with shortage of water for agricultural purposes as the groundwater is receding across the state. He said that the level of water in the dams has been recorded all time low and water level at Pong Dam, Bhakra Dam and Ranjit Sagar Dam is 32 feet, 12 feet and 14 feet lower respectively as compared to last year. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every single drop of water is precious for the state and there is no question of sharing the water with any other state.

The Chief Minister said that the government of Haryana and center is trying to suppress the state and it is unfortunate that BBMB is passing new resolutions everyday to rob share of Punjab’s water. He said that as per law one week notice is required for calling a meeting of BBMB but in the haste to allow water to Haryana the meeting was convened in three hours after which water was released to Haryana. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that the state government is committed to safeguard the interests of the state and no one will be allowed to plunder our waters from us.

Chandigarh

Drive against corruption : Case registered against ex-MLA’s son, daughter-in-law, EO and two others for embezzlement in funds

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Chandigarh May 2, 2025 – The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has registered a case against son and daughter-in-law of ex-MLA from Tarntaran including Executive Officer (EO) and Clerk of Nagar Council Tarntaran and a firm owner for committing embezzlement in the funds of Council. In this case, the above said accused EO, Clerk and a firm owner have been arrested.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said in this regard a case was registered based on a Vigilance Enquiry resulting from the checking conducted by Local Government department and later the case was entrusted to the VB for further probe. Afterwards, based on the investigation an FIR No. 22, Dated 02.05.2025 under section 13(2) read with 13(1) of prevention of corruption act and under section 409, 420, 465, 467, 468, 471, 120-B of IPC was registered against the accused at VB Police Station Vigilance Bureau, Range Amritsar.

He informed that the accused involved in this case included Sharanjeet Kaur, Executive Officer, (Now suspended) and Narinder Kumar, Clerk, of Nagar Council Tarn Taran, Ex-MLA Dharamvir Agnihotri’ son Sandeep Kumar Agnihotri and his daughter-in-law Jyoti Sachdeva, owner of M/s MK Padam Petroleum and Rajiv Gupta, a resident of New Pawan Nagar, Amritsar, a shareholder in M/s Sharp Focus vision Pvt. Ltd and M/s SR Enterprises Ltd.

in this case Sharanjeet Kaur, EO and Narinder Kumar, Clerk, both posted in Nagar Council, Tarntaran and aforementioned Rajiv Gupta, shareholder in M/s Sharp Focus vision Pvt. Ltd and M/s SR Enterprises Ltd have been arrested.

The spokesperson revealed that during the probe it has came to light that fraudulent transactions were done by the said EO during the years from 2017-2022. She had made wrong payments through cheques to M/s Sidhu Construction company, M/s Brother Construction company and M/s Friends Association from different heads. In addition to this, by colluding with Sandeep Kumar Agnihotri son of ex-MLA Dharamvir Agnihotri, the accused EO had issued bogus payments to his companies M/s Sharp Focus vision Pvt. Ltd and M/s SR Enterprises.

He further informed that during the checking conducted by Local Government department Punjab, the recovery was made of the above said bogus payments but an amount of Rs 27,88,000 are still pending. During the enquiry, it was found that Sandeep Kumar Agnihotri also got bogus payments of Rs 4,41,03,086 issued in the name of M/s MK Padam Petroleum owned by his wife Jyoti Sachdeva. Afterwards, Sandeep Agnihotri had deposited part of this bogus payment back to the accounts of Nagar Council Tarntaran, but Rs 35,45,404 are still pending. After adjustment of pending bills, a total outstanding amount of Rs 1,05,30,628 was found pending towards M/s MK Padam Petroleum. Apart from this, according to the department inspection report provided by the Principal Secretary, Local Government, Punjab, EO Sharanjit Kaur had issued payments to Clerk Rajeev Kumar, (now deceased), posted at her office and above said Clerk Narinder Kumar without any bills or work orders.

It was evident from the facts that EO Sharanjit Kaur, in connivance with said Sandeep Kumar Agnihotri, had misused her position and had made illegal payments to his fictitious firms M/s. Sharp Fox Vision Pvt. Ltd. and M/s S.R. Enterprises. Besides this, it was also found that payments amounting to Rs 14,61,980, Rs 3,25,000 and Rs 2,09,400 were made to diffident firms without any tenders or quotations.

The spokesperson added that the case is under investigation and role of private persons, who received bogus payments, would be verified during the inquiry. The accused would be produced before the competent court tomorrow.

Chandigarh

Punjab Government Disburses Loans Worth ₹7 Crore to Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections: Dr. Baljit Kaur

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Chandigarh, May 2:

Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is consistently working towards the welfare and upliftment of every section of society. Giving details in this regard, Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that during the year 2024-25, the State Government has disbursed loans amounting to ₹7 crore to empower the youth belonging to backward classes, minority communities, and economically weaker sections, enabling them to become self-reliant.

Providing further information, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that through various schemes of the Punjab Backward Classes Land Development and Finance Corporation (Backfinco), loans have been provided to 248 beneficiaries so far, allowing them to start their own businesses or self-employment ventures, thereby improving their family income and standard of living.

The Minister added that the Punjab Government is making continuous efforts to uplift the backward and minority communities in economic, social, and educational spheres, ensuring their active participation in the mainstream of society.

She further informed that any individual between the age of 18 to 55 years, with an annual income of up to ₹3 lakh, can avail of loans for self-employment, higher education, or other needs under these schemes.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that several new initiatives are being implemented by the State Government for the progress of backward and minority communities, which will contribute towards building a prosperous and vibrant Punjab.

In conclusion, the Minister appealed to eligible individuals from backward classes and minority communities to contact their nearest District Social Justice Office or Backfinco office to avail of the benefits of these schemes. For more information, people can also visit the department’s official website at www.backfinco.punjab.gov.in.

Chandigarh

Over 22000 Booth Level Awareness Groups Activated Across Punjab to Promote Electoral Literacy: Sibin C

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Chandigarh, May 2:

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Punjab, Sibin C stated today that 22,520 Booth Level Awareness Groups (BAGs) have been activated across the State of Punjab to enhance voter awareness and participation in the electoral process. These groups will play a pivotal role in spreading electoral literacy at the grassroots level.

He said that Booth Level Awareness Groups (BAGs) are constituted at each polling booth level by the Booth Level Officer (BLO) and comprise of heads/representatives of School/Colleges in the Booth area, local volunteers, educators, students, and NGO/self-help group members. Their primary objective is to educate voters about the importance of voting, how to register as a voter and verify their details on the electoral roll, and ensure voter facilitation during elections.

Speaking about the initiative, CEO Punjab,  said, “BAGs are the backbone of our voter awareness program at the booth level. With over 22,000 BAGs getting activated across Punjab, we are ensuring that every eligible voter is informed, empowered, and encouraged to participate in the electoral process. These groups will bridge the gap between the Election Commission and the electorate, fostering a more inclusive and participative democracy.”

The CEO also emphasized that the activation of huge number of Booth Awareness Groups (BAGs) under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program will help in carrying out extensive activities during the elections, including door-to-door awareness campaigns, street plays, poster exhibitions, and community meetings to boost voter turnout.

The Election Commission of India remains committed to ensuring “No Voter is Left Behind”, and the Booth Level Awareness Groups are a crucial part of making this vision a reality in Punjab.