Chandigarh, January 23

          The dedicated efforts of Punjab towards women’s empowerment and gender equality have been acknowledged at the national level. Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, has appreciated Punjab’s initiatives under the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme. This was expressed by the Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur. 

          Providing further details, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the national gender ratio at birth has improved from 918 in 2014-15 to 930 in 2023-24. She highlighted that the birth ratio of girls in Punjab has increased from 75.51% to 78%, which has been achieved due to the efforts of the state government. Additionally, institutional deliveries have risen from 61% to 97.3%. 

          Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government is making every possible effort to balance the gender ratio and promote the birth of girls through special initiatives. 

          The Minister further informed that the Union Minister has specifically praised the unique initiative of district Faridkot, where the ‘Dhi Anmulli Daat’ campaign has challenged patriarchal norms by organizing the traditional “Shreenh Rasam” for girls. Traditionally reserved for boys, this initiative celebrates the birth of girls by tying neem or shreenh tree leaves at the main entrance of homes and preserving the baby’s footprints as cherished memories. 

          She added that to mark the birth of newborn girls, celebrations such as distributing sweets, performing Giddha (a traditional dance), and singing songs were organized in villages. Baby blankets and grooming kits were provided to the girls, while the laminated imprints of their daughters’ footprints were given to the parents. 

          Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the national recognition of Punjab’s efforts is a testament to the government’s commitment to empowering girls and transforming societal perceptions. The Punjab Government is dedicated to ensuring that every girl in the state is valued and provided with equal opportunities to grow and prosper. 

          The Minister further mentioned that Punjab has undertaken significant steps for the welfare of women and children. Initiatives such as free driving classes for 120 girls in Hoshiarpur aim to enhance their self-confidence and self-reliance. These efforts are breaking gender stereotypes and promoting economic independence among women. She urged society to actively participate in such initiatives to achieve gender balance. 

          The Social Security Minister reiterated that under the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme, the state government is making continuous efforts to change societal attitudes and behavior towards girls, with the goal of eliminating discrimination against them.

Chandigarh, January 23 

          The Punjab Backward Classes Land Development and Finance Corporation (BACKFINCO) is organizing awareness camps across various districts to ensure that the people belonging to backward classes, economically weaker sections and minority communities can avail maximum benefits from the welfare schemes being run for them. 

          Sandeep Saini, Chairman of Punjab Backward Classes Land Development and Finance Corporation (BACKFINCO), stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and the guidance of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, every possible effort is being made for the welfare of the backward classes and minority communities in Punjab. 

          Chairman Sandeep Saini further explained that BACKFINCO is providing loans at low-interest rates under self-employment schemes to uplift the economic status of  backward classes, economically weaker sections and minority communities. Financial assistance is being provided through schemes such as the Direct Loan Scheme, NBC Scheme and NMD Scheme, which are being implemented with the support of national corporations such as NBCFDC and NMDFC. Under these schemes, loans are directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts upon approval. 

          He informed that awareness camps have already been conducted in districts Sri Muktsar Sahib, Hoshiarpur, Ropar, Amritsar and SAS Nagar. Additionally, camps will be organized in Ludhiana on January 24, Patiala on January 29, Ferozepur on January 30, Sangrur on January 31, and Bathinda on February 7.  

          Chairman Saini urged people from backward classes and minority communities to participate in these camps and take full advantage of the welfare schemes being implemented by the Punjab government.

Chandigarh, January 23

          The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing campaign against corruption, has arrested Head Constable (HC) Nachattar Singh, posted in the 5th Commando Battalion, Bathinda, while he was accepting a bribe of Rs. 50,000. The accused was taking bribe on behalf of Commando Drill Officer (CDO) HC Tarsem Singh, who managed to escape and evade arrest.

          Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson for the VB said the arrest was made following a complaint lodged by HC Parminder Singh, also from the 5th Commando Battalion. The complainant alleged in his complaint that CDO Tarsem Singh had demanded Rs. 50,000 to help him in a departmental inquiry related to a two-year permanent forfeiture of his job due to a police case against him.

          According to the complaint, Tarsem Singh instructed the complainant to hand over the bribe to HC Nachattar Singh, as he was unavailable to collect it himself.

          The spokesperson informed that acting on this information, the VB conducted a preliminary investigation and a VB team from Bathinda unit laid a trap during which HC Nachattar Singh was caught red-handed while accepting the bribe from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.

          In this regard a case has been registered against both accused at the VB Police Station, Bathinda Range. Efforts are underway to apprehend HC Tarsem Singh, who is currently absconding and further investigation into the case is ongoing, he added.

Ludhiana/ chandigarh January 23

          Punjab State Commission For Women Chairperson Raj Lali Gill and Punjab Child Rights Commission Chairman Kanwardeep Singh on Thursday visited the local Ekjot Nagar over the incident of involving one woman and three girls.

          Accompanied by ADC (G) Rohit Gupta, Gill and Singh expressed shock over the incident and assured fulsome support to the family. They ordered the strictest action against the persons guilty for the incident and asked the police not to spare anyone. They added that the Commissions will not tolerate such kind of incident and exemplary punishment will be ensured to the guilty. They also met the Police Commissioner Kuldeep Singh Chahal and took details of the arrests made so far.

          Later speaking to the media, they stated that the main accused will also be arrested soon as various police teams are already behind him. Three arrests have already been made in this case.

          They also informed that directions have also been issued to the Labour department and others to curb the child labour malpractice.

CHANDIGARH/FEROZEPUR/BATHINDA/PATIALA, January 23

          In a major development, Punjab Police has received a significant boost to its infrastructure with the Punjab Government agreeing to provide the grant of Rs 426 crores in next three years for the upgradation and modernisation of police buildings, especially police stations and police lines, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

          “The Rs 426 crore fund will be utilised to upgrade and modernise police buildings, especially police stations and police lines, and other police infrastructure across the state,” he said, while adding that this will enhance the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the police force.

          The DGP was on a whirlwind tour to hold meetings of Police Ranges— Ferozepur, Bathinda and Patiala— to review law and order situation and take stock of security arrangements ahead of Republic Day.

          During his visit, DGP Gaurav Yadav also inaugurated a slew of development projects including a renovated conference hall in Bathinda and dedicating 20 motorcycles of the Police Control Room (PCR) in Patiala, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to modernize police infrastructure. The 20 new motorcycles are added to the fleet of PCR Patiala through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding.

          The DGP said that Punjab Police is all prepared to ensure secure and peaceful celebrations of the forthcoming Republic Day-2025 and security has been enhanced across the state. All the CPs/SSPs have been instructed to heighten security measures, increase patrols, and intensify night domination operations, he said.

          While chairing the law and order review meetings with officers of different ranges, the DGP shared various security alerts and inputs with them to ensure the foolproof security arrangements in the state as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

          He also issued directions to CPs/SSPs to bolster police presence at public venues and intensify surveillance and patrolling across critical areas in their respective jurisdictions. CPs/SSPs have also been directed to increase the number of police checkpoints in their respective jurisdictions, he added.

          In recognition to the contribution to sports, DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav has promoted six coaches who have been instrumental in training young athletes in District Sangrur, as part of the Youth Connect Program. This initiative aims to promote sports among children and youth, keeping them away from drug abuse and fostering a healthy lifestyle. This program has  helped at least 78 children from modest families to secure jobs based on their achievements in sports.

          He also felicitated Punjab Police officials from the Patiala Range with DGP commendation discs for performing their duties with utmost zeal, devotion and dedication. A total of 46 DGP discs were awarded on this occasion.

          DIG Patiala Range Mandeep Singh Sidhu, DIG Bathinda Range Harjit Singh, DIG Ferozepur Range Ranjit Singh Dhillon, DIG Faridkot Range Ashwani Kapoor, Deputy Commissioner Bathinda Showkat Ahmad Parray, SSP Ferozepur Saumya Mishra, SSP Fazillka Varinder Singh Brar, SSP Shri Muktsar Sahib Tushar Gupta, SSP Moga Ajay Gandhi, SSP Faridkot Dr Pragya Jain, SSP Patiala Dr Nanak Singh, SSP Sangrur Sartaj Singh Chahal, SSP Barnala Sandeep Kumar Malik, SSP Malerkotla Gagan Ajit Singh, SSP Bathinda Amneet Kondal, SSP Mansa Bhagirath Singh Meena and AIG Avneet Kaur Sidhu were among other officers/officials who attended the meetings.

Chandigarh, January 22:

          Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said that the Health Department has come up with a novel initiative by collaborating with the NGO Narcotics Anonymous (NA) to fight the menace of drug abuse in the state.

          The minister shared this information while presiding over a meeting with the state level members of the NA and department officials. He further said that the significant step will also help to dispel myths and misconceptions, besides encouraging open and honest discussions about drug addiction to foster empathy and understanding.

          Addressing the meeting, Dr Balbir Singh said that drug abuse is a growing concern in Punjab, drug abuse not only leads to societal problems but the injectable drug users are also prone to more dangerous diseases such as HIV, HCV and other communicable diseases such as TB.

          The Minister said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led state government is at the forefront in providing free de-addiction services in Punjab as 529 OOAT clinics, 36 treatment centers and 19 Rehabilitation centres have made operational. He stressed on rehabilitation to decrease the relapse rate of the drug abuse patients and NA can play a leading role in achieving this goal. The Minister added that this collaboration will help in overcoming the problem of drug abuse in the state.

          Underlining the role of NA, Assistant Director (Mental Health) Dr Sandeep Bhola said the drug abuse patient has a tendency to share his thoughts openly with his peers than with the treating doctor. “This is where the peer educators of NA can immensely help in solving the obstacles of Drug abusers on path to drug de-addiction,” he added.

          Assistant Director Dr Manju Bansal and Medical Officer Dr Harpal Singh also participated in the meeting.

          The representatives of the NA assured the Health Minister of their cooperation in eradicating drug abuse from Punjab.

CHANDIGARH/JALANDHAR/LUDHIANA, January 22:

          Amidst the ongoing campaign to make Punjab a Safe and secure state as desired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla on Wednesday launched a campaign against the deadly Chinese Kite String, also known as ‘manjha’.

          The initiative aims to curb the sale and use of these fatal kite flying strings as per directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav.

          Special DGP Arpit Shukla accompanied by Commissioner of Police (CP) Swapan Sharma in Jalandhar and CP Kuldeep Singh Chahal in Ludhiana visited local market areas in both the cities and interacted with kite seller vendors, and encouraged them to refrain from selling Chinese plastic kite strings.

          He also urged shopkeepers to report any illegal sale or use of manjha, warning of strict action against those involved.

          The Special DGP said that the police have taken swift action against sellers trading in the Chinese Kite string. In the last 20 days, police teams have recovered 80,879 Chinese dor bundles and registered 90 First Information Reports (FIRs) against individuals involved in selling these fatal kite flying strings across the state.

          Apart from launching a campaign against the Chinese string, he also supervised the security arrangements and ongoing special operations in Jalandhar and Ludhiana in the run up to Republic Day-2025. He also conducted well-planned, and strategic raids at key locations across both the cities.

          Special DGP Arpit Shukla issued directions to bolster police presence at public venues and intensify surveillance and patrolling across critical areas in the jurisdictions of Jalandhar and Ludhiana Commissionerates.

          He also launched a series of extensive security operations, with a special focus on the heightened surveillance of crowded market areas, malls, and other public spaces.

          The Special DGP has directed all the CPs/SSPs to increase the number of police checkpoints in their respective jurisdictions. Police personnel will conduct thorough inspections of vehicles passing through these checkpoints, ensuring that a maximum number of vehicles are checked, he added.