CHANDIGARH/MALERKOTLA, March 14:

          In a major action by the Malerkotla Police amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Harpreet Singh, one of the accused arrested for the kidnapping of a 7-year-old boy, sustained bullet injuries while attempting to escape police custody during a follow-up operation to recover illegal weapons near village Salar, said Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Malerkotla Gagan Ajit Singh here on Friday.

          The development came a day after Punjab Police successfully rescued 7-year-old Bhawkirat Singh from Seehan Daud (Khanna) within 24 hours of his abduction with the arrest of two accused persons identified as Harpreet Singh (24) of village Bathan of Amargarh and Ravi Bhinder (21) of village Jagowal in Amargarh. While, their accomplice identified as Jaspreet Singh of village Seehan Daud was neutralized in retaliatory action after he attempted to flee in a Fortuner SUV and opened fire on the police at village Mandour on Nabha Road.

          In recognition of the swift action, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav had announced ₹10 lakh cash reward and promotions for the police personnel involved in the operation. Pertinently, the operation was conducted jointly by the police teams of three districts including Khanna, Malerkotla and Patiala under the overall supervision of DIG Patiala Range Mandeep Singh Sidhu.

          SSP Gagan Ajit, while addressing a press conference, said that to establish the backward and forward linkages, special teams were formed under the supervision of SP investigation Malerkotla Vaibhav Sehgal led by Incharge CIA Harjinder Singh and SHO Cyber Crime Manjot Singh.

During follow-up investigations, information was received by SHO Amargarh that the accused Harpreet Singh and Ravi Bhinder are suspected to be in possession of illegal weapons, he said, while adding that thus, police teams took the accused Harpreet Singh for the recovery of these weapons near village Salar.

          Upon reaching the location, accused Harpreet attempted to flee by opening fire at the police party using the pistol retrieved from the spot, said the SSP, while adding that, the police retaliated in self-defence resulting in injuring Harpreet on his leg. The latter was taken to the Civil Hospital Malerkotla for treatment.

          SSP Gagan Ajit Singh said that Police teams have recovered a .32 caliber pistol along with two cartridges from the spot. Further investigations are on, he added.

Sri Anandpur Sahib, March 14:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday paid obeisance at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and extended his warm greetings to the people on the festival of Hola Mohalla.

The Chief Minister said that this historic day reminds all of us of the rich legacy behind this sacred ‘Hola Mohalla’ festival, which symbolized the tenth Sikh Master Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s great ideology and endeavor to infuse the undying spirit of well being (Chardi Kala). He said that the state government was deriving a sense of responsibility and spirit of service towards mankind by following the footsteps of great Sikh Gurus. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a matter of immense pride and honor that Punjab was the only state in the country which was a perfect blend of ‘socialism and secularism’ on one hand and an epitome of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood on the other.

The Chief Minister, who prayed to the almighty for peace, progress and prosperity in the state, also wished that the ethos of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood are strengthened in the state with every passing day. He expressed hope that with the blessings of waheguru, Punjab will continue to lead the country in every sphere. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a divine experience for him to participate in this festival which is a symbol of the martial spirit of the Punjabis in general and the Sikh community in particular.

The Chief Minister said that he was blessed to bow here at this holy city of Sri Anandpur Sahib, which has the privilege of having been founded by the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji in 1665, who sacrificed his life to uphold human dignity and human rights. He further said that this revered place was also the birthplace of Khalsa as in the year 1699 the tenth master of Sikhs Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji laid the foundation of Khalsa Panth at this sacred land on the historic day of Baisakhi. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this sacred land has always inspired the Punjabis to fight against tyranny, oppression and injustice besides cementing the ethos of communal harmony and brotherhood.

The Chief Minister said that huge participation of the people from different walks of life is witnessed on the holy land of Sri Anandpur Sahib during the festival. He said that with all its humility and enthusiasm the state government has made elaborate arrangements to ensure world class and flawless arrangements for the devotees visiting the holy city during Hola Mohalla. Bhagwant Singh Mann called upon the people to celebrate this mega event collectively with great enthusiasm thereby rising above the parochial considerations of caste, color, creed and religion in order to demonstrate the ethos of secularism and religious tolerance.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that his government is duty bound to make all out efforts for boosting infrastructural development in this holy city. He said that necessary steps will be taken for sprucing up infrastructure in terms of state of the art multi specialty hospital, stadium and others in the coming days. Bhagwant Singh Mann also announced to develop the area around Sri Anandpur Sahib as a favourite tourism destination.

On the occasion Cabinet Ministers Harjot Singh Bains, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal and Hardeep Singh Mundian along with others were also present.

Chandigarh, March 14:

To provide long awaited relief to industrialists of Punjab, the state government under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has issued notification regarding One Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme for recovery of pending dues of enhanced land cost and principal cost from defaulter plot holders of Punjab Small Industries & Export Corporation (PSIEC).

Industry and Commerce Minister, Punjab Tarunpreet Singh Sond has thanked Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for introducing the OTS scheme to resolve more than four decades old pending cases to provide long awaited relief to industrialists. He said that the Council of Ministers in its meeting held on 3rd March, 2025 has considered to implement a One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme and within 10 days, the notification has been issued. He said that this move is expected to spur industrial growth, strengthen Punjab’s economy and reaffirm the government’s commitment to supporting business.

A spokesperson said that as per the notification, OTS Scheme shall be applicable only on Principal Cost of Plot and Enhanced Land Cost of plot. Under this scheme, recovery of pending dues of enhanced land cost and principal cost of the plot shall be recovered after waiver of 100% Component of penal interest and by charging only 8% per annum simple interest on the default amount. The Principal amount shall not be waived off in any manner. Similarly, this scheme shall be applicable to Scheme Interest (as chargeable) and Penal Interest only and the Original Enhanced Land Cost (Amount paid by PSIEC to land owners including interest as imposed by Hon’ble Court) shall not be waived off in any manner.

He said that all concerned defaulter plot holders/allottees shall be required to clear their dues on or before 31st December 2025. Plot holders/allottees whose allotment already stands cancelled shall also be eligible to make payment of their dues and obtain restoration of cancelled allotment of plot (except cancelled/resumed plots which are lying vacant or which have been re-allotted). For obtaining restoration, other applicable dues covering enhanced land cost, extension fee. damages, if any awarded by Court etc. shall also have to be paid. However, restoration of cancelled plots shall be allowed only if appeal in this regard by the allottee is approved by the Scrutiny Committee and upon payment of outstanding dues as per this OTS scheme and within the time period prescribed under this OTS scheme.

In case, defaulter plot holders/allottees fail to make payment of their dues as per this OTS scheme, dues shall thereafter be charged & recovered as per terms & conditions of their respective allotment(s). He said that this scheme shall apply to the defaulter plot holders/allottees whose original allotment was issued on or before 01.01.2020.

This scheme shall be applicable to all industrial plots/sheds and residential plots in Industrial Focal Points developed by PSIEC throughout the State.

Chandigarh/Sangrur, March 14:

Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department Punjab Mr. Kumar Rahul visited Civil Hospital Sangrur and took stock of the health of female patients admitted in the Gynaecology ward. He spoke to the family members of the patients and the doctors present on the spot and while addressing the media, he said that he has interacted with 14 patients and all of them are healthy. He said that due to the administration of normal saline (NS), 3 patients initially had some health problems but the doctors present on the spot treated them well and no patient needed to be referred.

The Principal Secretary said that the use of normal saline related to this batch has been banned in all hospitals in Punjab. He said that the Drug Inspector is taking its samples and sending them to the laboratory for testing, the results of which are likely to come in the next two to three days. He also said that if the samples are found to be unfit, appropriate action will be taken against the concerned supplier/firm.

Principal Secretary Kumar Rahul said that the Punjab government will provide all facilities in Civil Hospital Sangrur.

On this occasion, he was accompanied by ADC Vikas Hira, SDM Sangrur Charanjot Singh Walia, Civil Surgeon Dr. Sanjay Kamra, Deputy Medical Commissioner Dr. Vikas Dhir and Senior Medical Officer Dr. Baljit Singh.

Chandigarh/Gurdaspur, March 14 –

 Under the ‘War on Drugs’ (Yudh Nasheyan Viruddh) being run by the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Gurdaspur Police and BSF have achieved great success during a joint operation. Police and BSF personnel have recovered a large consignment of drugs and arms sent from across the border through drone and recovered 2 kg heroin, 2 pistols, 4 magazines and 66 live rounds.

Giving information in this regard, SSP Gurdaspur Sri Aditya, IPS said that under the Punjab Government’s “War on Drugs” campaign and under the instructions of DGP Sri Gaurav Yadav, IPS, Gurdaspur Police is continuously taking action against drug smugglers. He said that Gurdaspur Police along with BSF, during a joint operation based on intelligence information, recovered a consignment of drugs and weapons sent from across the border through drones from Dorangla area and recovered 2 kg heroin, 2 pistols, 4 magazines and 66 live rounds. He said that a case has been registered in this regard in Dorangla police station under various sections and the backward and forword links of the drug smugglers are being traced.

SSP Gurdaspur Sri Aditya said that under the instructions of the Punjab Government, Gurdaspur Police is continuously taking action against drug smugglers and the district police will not spare any drug smuggler. He said that the Punjab Police, with the cooperation of other security agencies and the people, will win the war against drugs by all means. SSP Gurdaspur has congratulated the Punjab Police and BSF personnel for this successful operation.

Chandigarh, March 15:

The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is continuously working for the holistic development of women and children in the state. As part of this initiative, the government is constructing 1,000 Ultra Modern  Anganwadi centers across Punjab. This was Expressed by Social Security Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.

Providing further details, Social Security Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that a budget of ₹100 crore has been allocated for the construction of these 1,000 Anganwadi centers. She further informed that the cost of constructing each Anganwadi center would be ₹10 lakh.

Dr. Baljit Kaur also mentioned that apart from constructing the buildings, the allocated funds are being utilized for furnishing these centers. This includes flooring, painting, plumbing, electrification, and woodwork to ensure a fully functional and safe environment for children and women.

She added that the construction work of these Anganwadi centers is being carried out under the Rural Development Department. She further stated that while the construction of 111 Anganwadi centers has been completed, work on the remaining centers is in progress.

Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that to ensure timely completion and adherence to high-quality standards, a district-level committee has been formed for regular monitoring of these projects. This committee is actively overseeing the progress of the construction work.

The Punjab Government remains committed to strengthening the infrastructure of Anganwadi centers, which will significantly improve nutrition and early childhood care services across the state.

CHANDIGARH, March 15:

          In yet another major breakthrough in the ongoing Nanded murder case, Punjab Police’s State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), SAS Nagar has arrested three more operatives of Pakistan based Babbar Khalsa International ( BKI) terrorist Harvinder Singh alias Rinda backed by Pakistan’s ISI, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Jagjit Singh alias Jaggi and Shubham Khelbude, both residents of Nanded in Maharashtra and Gurdeep Singh alias Deepa, a resident of Raipur in Ropar. Police teams have also recovered two weapons including one 12 bore pump-action gun with 15 cartridges and one .32 bore pistol with eight cartridges.

          This development follows the earlier arrests of Jagdish Singh alias Jagga, Shubhdeep Singh alias Shubh, and Sachindeep Singh alias Sachin in connection with the Nanded murder case. With these latest arrests, the total number of individuals apprehended in the case has risen to six in this case.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said preliminary investigation has revealed that arrested accused Jagjit alias Jaggi played a critical role in facilitating logistics, safe houses, and coordination for the shooters involved in the Nanded murder case, masterminded by Rinda from across the border. Investigations have also uncovered the role of jailed gangster Dilpreet alias Baba, an old associate of Rinda, who arranged safe shelters in Punjab for the accused, he said.

          He said that the arrested operative Jagjeet alias Jaggi is wanted in cases related to murder, attempt to murder, threat and intimidating for extortion, while Shubham is wanted in threat and extortion related cases in Nanded, Maharashtra and came to Punjab evading their arrest. Accused Jaggi and Shubam were actively involved in coordinating various illegal activities, including the procurement of weapons, collection of extortion money,  logistics support, and shelter for their other operatives in Nanded all on directions of Harvinder alias Rinda, he said.

          The DGP said that the third arrested individual Gurdeep alias Deepa was arrested for providing shelter and logistical support to the fugitives Jaggi and Shubam. Accused Gurdeep Deepa also played a crucial role in enabling the escape and continued activities of the accused, he added.

          Sharing more details, AIG SSOC SAS Nagar Dr Simrat Kaur said following a reliable input, team of SSOC SAS Nagar launched an intelligence-led operation and arrested Shubham Khelbude along with Gurdeep alias Deepa from Sri Anandpur Sahib where he was taking shelter at a sand crusher owned by the latter. Further swift action on the leads obtained from the interrogation of arrested accused paved way for the arrest of third accused Jagjeet alias Jaggi from district Tarn tarn late night on the same day, she added.

          She said that during the operation the police recovered a .32-bore pistol from Shubham and a Pump Action Gun from Gurdeep, which were intended for use in furthering illegal operations in Punjab and other regions.

          The AIG said that further investigations are on and more arrests are expected in coming days.

          In this regard, a case FIR no 1 dated 21.02.2025 has already been registered under section 25(1) B of the Arms act and sections 249 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC, SAS Nagar.

Chandigarh, March 15

In a significant move aimed at revolutionizing urban development in Punjab, the Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema unveiled an ambitious project to develop world-class streets across the state’s cities. This groundbreaking initiative marks a historic first for Punjab, with its initial phase targeting three major cities—Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar. Together, these cities will witness the transformation of 42 kilometres of prominent streets into meticulously designed urban spaces by spending more than Rs 140 crore.

Revealing this while addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema expressed confidence in the project’s potential, stating that based on the outcomes and public feedback, it would be extended to all cities in Punjab. He said that the four core activities have been outlined under this project that would redefine the city’s streetscape. He said that the roads will undergo comprehensive redesigns to address traffic bottlenecks, ensure uniform road width, and enhance drainage systems to prevent recurring damage.

“The initiative also includes the construction of universally accessible, resilient, and visually appealing footpaths complemented by landscaping to curb dust pollution. Services such as streetlights, bus stands, and water-supply lines will be realigned to improve aesthetics and functionality. Uniquely, the project includes a robust maintenance plan where the contractors developing the roads will ensure their upkeep for the next ten years, promoting accountability and long-term quality”, said the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.

Disclosing further, the Finance Minister said this initiative would roll out in three distinct phases. The first phase focuses on design, engaging top urban planners and international experts to draft detailed layouts over a four-month period. The second phase involves an eight-month construction period, during which leading construction agencies will bring these designs to life in accordance with international standards. The final phase ensures a decade-long maintenance commitment from the construction agencies, coupled with regular mechanized cleaning using advanced equipment.

Roads in Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar have been carefully selected for this transformation. Amritsar will see upgradation on a total of 17.5 KMs long 7 stretches including Majitha Road (from Four S Chowk to Guru Nanak Hospital) 3km, Court Road (Rialto Chowk to Queens Road) 1km, Shubham Road outside Hall Gate (circular road that connects all gates) 7km, Amritsar cantonment road (Cantt chowk to Kachehri chowk to Rattan Singh chowk) 1.5 km, Race course road (Dasonda Singh road to Lawrence road to cooper road) 3km, Golbagh Road (from Hathi gate chowk to Bhagwan Parshuram chowk to wrestling stadium to Hall Gate) 1.5 km and GT Road (from Bhandari to Hall Gate) 0.5 km.

Ludhiana’s project will span 12.4 kilometres, including roads such as Old GT Road (Sherpur chowk to Jagraon Bridge) – 6.5 km, Chaura Bazaar – Starting from clock tower – 1.7 km, and Ghumar Mandi road (from Fountain chowk to Aarti Cinema) – 4.2 km.

Jalandhar’s streets, such as HMV Road (from Maqsudan Chowk to Jail Chowk) – 3.4km, Adarsh Nagar Road and Tanda Road (Jail Chowk to Pathankot Road via old city) – 1.4km, Pathankot Road (from old sabzi mandi chowk in the inner city to Pathankot Chowk) – 2.3km, Model Town main road (Guru Amardas chowk to Model Town T-junction chowk and Chunmunn chowk to Model Town T-junction chowk, Model Town T-junction to Shivani park exit) – 2km, and Nakodar-Jalandhar Road (from Wadala chowk to Nakodar Chowk) 3.2km, will also undergo significant upgrades over 12.3 kilometers.

Highlighting the stark contrast between the meticulously planned urban infrastructure witnessed by Punjabi visiting abroad and the current state of Punjab’s streets, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that despite having some of the best engineers and architects in the world, Punjab has lagged in providing comparable streets due to a lack of vision and intent of political interest of previous SAD-BJP and Congress led previous state governments.

The Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that this initiative of Aam Admi Party (AAP) led Punjab Government will set a precedent for urban development in India, transforming not just the physical landscapes of cities but also the way citizens experience urban life. With its focus on excellence, innovation, and sustainability, this project is poised to bring a much-needed overhaul to Punjab’s urban infrastructure, elevating it to world-class standards, he added.