Chandigarh, March 11:

The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is fully committed to create ample storage space for the upcoming Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2025 – 26. Hence, it is important that the DFSCs must speed up the rice milling process connected with the previous Kharif season so as to ensure no hassles on the storage front during the 2025-26 Rabi season. Besides, foolproof alternate plans must be made for the proper storage of Wheat.

This was disclosed by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak here today at the Anaj Bhawan while taking stock of the arrangements in connection with the RMS 2025 – 26.

The e-KYC process with regard to the beneficiaries of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 should be completed in all respects before March 31st this year so as to enable every genuine benefciary to derive benefits of subsidized foodgrains said the Minister adding that this initiative should be made a widespread movement, said the Minister. He also directed that the distribution of the Wheat of ongoing NFSA/PMGKAY cycle also should in all respects be completed by March 31st as per the directives of the Government of India (GoI).

The Minister was apprised that target has been received for procuring of 124 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of wheat but robust arrangements regarding the procurement of 132 LMT have been done. Further, 1864 regular purchase centres have been opened and produce would be procured on the MSP of Rs. 2425 per quintal. The Gunny Bags upto the extent of 75 percent of the required quantity have been received and directions have been given for wooden crates to be readied by April 10th.

Divulging more, the Minister added that payments in timely manner should be prioritized for the farmers and adequate labour as well as the transportation arrangements should be done and care must be taken to ensure transparency in every transaction so as to make sure a successful and uninterrupted wheat procurement season for the 2025 – 26 period.

Among others present on the occasion included the Principal Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rahul Tiwari, Secretary cum Director Varinder Kumar Sharma, Additional Secretary Kamal Kumar Garg, AMD Pungrain Rakesh Popli and Additional Director Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar.

Chandigarh, March 11:

Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat has directed officials to take concrete steps to strengthen the Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation (PESCO) for better service to ex-servicemen and their families.

Chairing a review meeting at the Punjab Civil Secretariat today, the minister assessed PESCO’s operational framework, financial health and employee welfare measures.

During the discussion, Managing Director, PESCO, Major General Harmandeep Singh (Retd), and General Manager (Admin & Security), Head Office, Col.Nawab Singh Ghuman (Retd), apprised the minister of the corporation’s initiatives. They informed him that skill training institutes in Mohali and Bathinda are equipping the families of ex-servicemen and non-ex-servicemen youth with vocational skills to improve their employability. Certification given by PESCO is well appreciated.

The officials also highlighted that all employees deputed by PESCO are insured at Rs 10 lacs,  ensuring financial security. The Annual Administrative Report was presented to the minister, along with an assessment of PESCO’s financial status over the past three years. Discussions also covered the salaries of security guards, efforts for enhancement in salaries as special category and the appointment process for ex-servicemen in various roles.

Minister Mohinder Bhagat reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening PESCO’s role in supporting ex-servicemen and their families. He assured that the department would take the necessary steps to address financial, increase in service age for exservicemen and administrative challenges.

To further assess PESCO’s functioning, Minister Bhagat expressed his intent to visit PESCO’s facilities soon. He reiterated that the Punjab government remains dedicated to ensuring the welfare of ex-servicemen and enhancing the corporation’s effectiveness.

Chandigarh, March 11:

The Election Commission of India has invited suggestions from all National and State political parties by April 30, 2025 for any unresolved issues at the level of ERO, DEO or the CEO, as the case may be. In an individual letter issued to political parties today, the Commission also envisaged an interaction with the Party Presidents and senior members of the party, at a mutually convenient time, to further strengthen electoral processes in accordance with the established law.

Earlier, during an ECI conference last week, Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar had instructed CEOs, DEOs and EROS of all States/UTs to hold regular interactions with political parties, resolve any suggestions received in such meetings strictly within the legal framework already in place and submit an action taken report to the Commission by March 31, 2025. The Commission also urged political parties to proactively use this mechanism of decentralised engagement.

Political parties are one of the key stakeholders amongst 28 stakeholders identified by the Commission as per the Constitution and statutory framework covering all aspects of electoral processes. The Commission in its letter to political parties also noted that Representation of the People Act 1950 & 1951; Registration of Electors Rules, 1960; Conduct of Election Rules, 1961; orders of Hon’ble Supreme Court and Instructions, Manuals and Handbooks issued by Election Commission of India from time to time (available on ECI website) have established a decentralised, robust and transparent legal framework for holding free and fair elections.

Chandigarh, March 11:

In a significant step towards enhancing road safety, enforcement, urban mobility and public awareness, Punjab Police signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Raahgiri Foundation and The Urban Lab Foundation at Punjab Police Headquarter here.

 These MoUs were signed by Shelly Kulshreshtra and Abhijeet Lokre through a hybrid mode, connecting both online and offline in the presence of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Traffic and Road Safety AS Rai and Sarika Panda Bhatt.

  Appreciating ADGP AS Rai and team for their dedication towards safer roads, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav said that Punjab Police is taking a data-driven approach to traffic management and sustainable mobility through MoUs with Raahgiri Foundation and The Urban Lab Foundation. The collaboration will further enhance road safety, enforcement and public awareness in the state, he added.

 Emphasizing the importance of a multi-dimensional approach to road safety, ADGP AS Rai stated, “Enforcement agencies require collaborative efforts from all stakeholders to address road safety comprehensively. Both Raahgiri Foundation and The Urban Lab Foundation are pioneers in their respective domains, and this collaboration will significantly strengthen enforcement capabilities in Punjab.”

 He said that these collaborations will focus on research, policy advocacy, capacity-building programs, and practical implementation of road safety measures, reinforcing Punjab’s commitment to creating safer roads.

 Sarika Panda Bhatt, representing Raahgiri Foundation, lauded the initiative, said that Punjab is setting an example by establishing a dedicated research wing within the Traffic Police itself. This path-breaking move will enable a more scientific, data-driven approach to road safety.

 Abhijeet Lokre from The Urban Lab Foundation remarked, “We look forward to exchanging knowledge and learning from Punjab Police’s efforts in road safety. This partnership will foster impactful interventions aimed at improving traffic management and public safety.”

 Director Punjab Road Safety and Traffic Research Centre and Traffic Advisor to the Government of Punjab Dr. Navdeep Asija was also present on the occasion.

Chandigarh/Sri Muktsar Sahib, March 11:

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has launched a vigorous campaign to create a drug-free Punjab. In line with this mission, Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar visited Sri Muktsar Sahib district today to assess the implementation of the anti-drug campaign at the grassroots level. He presided over meeting with officials of various departments and directed them to take strict action against those involved in drug trafficking. MLA S. Jagdeep Singh Kaka Brar and S. Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon were also present during the meeting.

Cabinet Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said that while the government is actively working to dismantle the drug supply chain, it is equally focused on channeling the energy of the youth into positive directions through sports. He announced that the initiative to make Sri Muktsar Sahib drug-free will begin with the launch of a sports campaign, adding that the state government is committed to promoting sports culture by organizing events and rewarding athletes who excel at the national and international levels with cash incentives.

The Minister highlighted that properties of drug traffickers are being attached and illegally acquired assets are being demolished. He criticized the previous governments for their lenient approach toward drug-related issues, which allowed the problem to escalate and assured that under the strict stance adopted by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government, Punjab will be made drug-free soon.

S. Bhullar also urged village panchayats to pass resolutions stating that no resident would help such people to get bail who involved in drug trafficking. He stressed that collective action and commitment from all sections of society will help in achieving the goal of making state as Rangla Punjab and drug-free.

While speaking to the media, the Minister mentioned that police have been instructed to maintain a strict vigil, particularly near sports grounds and parks, as these locations are often targeted by drug peddlers to lure young people.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Abhijeet Kaplish and SSP Akhil Chaudhary briefed the Minister about the various measures taken under the anti-drug campaign in the district.

Sports for Drug-Free Sri Muktsar Sahib

Cabinet Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar announced that the district administration of Sri Muktsar Sahib will soon launch a sports campaign aimed at engaging youth in constructive activities and steering them away from drugs. He informed that a detailed assessment of the available sports infrastructure and human resources in the district is being carried out to ensure the success of this campaign.

100 drug-peddlers arrested in 10 Days

S. Bhullar informed that under the anti-drug campaign initiated by the government, 64 FIRs have been registered and 100 drug peddlers have been arrested in Sri Muktsar Sahib district in the last 10 days. Special surveillance is being maintained in identified hotspot areas to curb drug-related activities.

Community and parental vigilance encouraged

The Minister stressed the importance of community involvement in the fight against drugs. He stated that parents need to play an active role in guiding and monitoring their children. He revealed that 244 seminars have been organized in the district this year to raise awareness and encourage community participation in the anti-drug campaign. S. Laljit Singh Bhullar expressed confidence that just as Punjab overcame terrorism through collective efforts, the drug menace can also be eradicated with the support of the people.

The event was attended by Amit Singh Khudian, Chairman Jagdeep Singh Sandhu, Additional Deputy Commissioner General Gurpreet Singh Thind, Additional Deputy Commissioner Development Surinder Singh Dhillon, SP Kanwalpreet Singh Chahal, SDM Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, SDM Baljit Kaur, Block President Paramjit Singh Pamma, Sukhjinder Singh Brar, Gurpreet Singh Lande Rode, Jagdeep Singh Dhillon and officials from various departments.

Chandigarh, March 11:

On the onset of cotton sowing season, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare department has intensified efforts to expand the acreage of the crop, often referred to as ‘white gold’, while ensuring the availability of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)-certified cotton seeds to the farmers across the state.

Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, along with Additional Chief Secretary Mr. Anurag Verma and VC of PAU Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, held a meeting to review the preparations made by the department for upcoming sowing of the Kharif crops in the state.

During the meeting, the Agriculture Minister highlighted that PAU has recommended 87 varieties of hybrid cotton seeds for cultivation in the state during the upcoming Kharif season. He urged farmers to use only these recommended certified seeds to maximise their yield.

To address the persistent issue of pink bollworm infestation, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the department has deployed 264 nodal officers across seven southwestern districts-  Bathinda-70, Fazilka-41, Sri Muktsar Sahib-62, Mansa-42, Sangrur-20, Barnala-16, Faridkot-13. These officers are tasked with managing and cleaning cotton stalks and leftover residues from the previous season, which serve as breeding grounds for the pink bollworm, he said, while adding that so far, around 32 per cent of the total cotton stalk heaps have been managed/cleaned. 

Additionally, a weed eradication campaign has also been initiated in the cotton belt for management of whitefly. The campaign is launched with the support of district administration, other departments and MGNREGA to destroy weeds standing alongside roads, canals and in abandoned sites etc. Monitoring activities of pink bollworm in ginning factories are going on with the help of officials of Punjab Mandi Board and fumigation of cotton stock will be carried out to control pink bollworm larvae in the ginneries.

Reaffirming the commitment of the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government to safeguard the rights of farmers, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian urged the farmers to get proper receipts/bills for all agricultural purchases, especially seeds and fertilisers. He emphasised that these receipts are essential for ensuring product quality and providing legal protection in case of disputes or substandard goods.

S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian also directed the department officials to ensure the availability of quality seeds and fertilisers and to conduct regular checking at seed and fertilisers stores. This proactive approach aims to protect farmers from potentially harmful or ineffective agricultural inputs.

The Director of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare department apprised the Cabinet Minister that they have been working closely with the Water Resources department to ensure timely canal water availability for cotton sowing in the southwestern districts. The agriculture department has already submitted a schedule of water requirements to the Water Resources department.

Director Research PAU Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Technical Advisor PWRDA Chandigarh Rajesh Vashisht and other officials of the department were also present in the meeting.

CHANDIGARH, March 11:

          With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state entered 11th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 580 locations on Tuesday leading to the arrest of 110 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 1540 in just 11 days.

          Police teams have also recovered 2.8 kg heroin, 500 grams opium, 10904 intoxicant tablets/pills/injections and Rs 2.88 lakh drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          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 in coming three months. 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 220 Police teams, comprising over 1600 police personnel, under the supervision of 107 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 631 suspicious persons during the day long operation.

          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 one person to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, while, organised 146 awareness events across the state as part of Prevention.

          Meanwhile, Punjab Police has also carried out search operation at different jails in five districts— Fazilka, Ferozepur, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Faridkot and Moga— to check any illegal activities in the jail. “Our Police teams have thoroughly searched every nook and corner including barracks, kitchen and toilets in the jail complex,” said Special DGP Arpit Shukla.

Chandigarh 11 March 2025:

Taking another leap in the field of Digitalization, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan today launched the searchable engine for accessing Punjab Legislative Assembly debates in the presence of Aman Arora, Good Governance and Information Technology Minister, Harbhajan Singh, Power Minister, Dr. Ravjot Singh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister and MLA Gurinder Singh Garry Birring.

Speaker Sandhwan said that now it would be easier to research any topic and find any fact from the debates/proceedings of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha since 1947 to till date through this searchable engine.  In addition,   he added that this searchable engine has been developed in collaboration with Punjabi University Patiala, IIIT Hyderabad and CDAC Noida.  For implementing this project, Dr. Gurpreet Lehal, Professor and Consultant, IIIT Hyderabad and his entire team has provided special support and worked tirelessly to complete this project.

He highlighted that the Punjab Vidhan Sabha has become the first among other Vidhan Sabhas of the country with the launch of these projects.  A complete solution has been prepared for the convenience of MLAs and therefore, regular training will also be imparted to MLAs and other departments.

Sandhwan emphasized that concrete efforts have been made to modernize and to make Punjab Vidhan Sabha  high-tech after the formation of Aam Aadmi Party Government in Punjab.  He also informed that currently the sessions of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha are being run paperless through the Neva portal.

Furthermore, he said that for the first time, all sessions of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha are being broadcast live on YouTube and social media channels of the Punjab Government.  Apart from this, an automation system is also being implemented in the library of Punjab Vidhan Sabha.  Even though the committee rooms and branches of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha have been digitized.

Giving more details, he added that software being run by the Punjab Government including e-Office and HRMS has also been fully implemented in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and these efforts will continue to be made to digitalise in future also.

Meanwhile, Speaker viewed e-gallery pass and paperless internal working of House Committees, Constituency e-Management developed under MLAs e-Connect by NIC Punjab Unit and inaugurated digital Compendium of Honorable Members.

On this occasion, Vikas Pratap, Additional Chief Secretary, Vijay  Namdeorao Zade, Secretary Expenditure, Dilraj Singh, Secretary, Parliamentary Affairs, Girish Dayalan, Director, Governance Reforms, Vijay Kumar Chopra, Chief Engineer, Manoj Aggarwal, NIXI, New Delhi, Vivek Verma, State Informatics Officer, NIC and other officers of Punjab and Chandigarh Administration were also present.