Chandigarh, October 7:

In a significant move to ensure the seamless procurement and management of the ongoing paddy procurement season, the Punjab Mandi Board has set up a control room. It will help to provide immediate support and address issues of farmers, arthiyas (commission agents) and labourers in real-time across all grain markets (mandis) in the state, informed S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Punjab.

To ensure robust and responsive operations, the Agriculture Minister said that the control room has been manned by four dedicated officials, divided into two teams working in shifts from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily to provide continuous coverage and real-time assistance to farmers and other stakeholders by ensuring that no query or concern goes unaddressed during critical operational hours.

Elaborating on the initiative, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that farmers and other stakeholders can contact the control room at 0172-5101649 & 0172-5101704. This initiative will ensure smooth operations in mandis across Punjab, by providing timely procurement updates and facilitating inter-agency coordination to enhancing efficiency, minimising delays and upholding the state’s reputation for farmer-friendly agricultural marketing.

Reaffirming Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to its “Annadaata”, S. Khudian stated, “The success of every procurement season is the success of Punjab. CM Mann led state government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that our farmers, arthiyas and labourers experience the most streamlined and transparent procurement process. This control room is our proactive command centre, a direct line for our stakeholders to resolve any issue—be it related to logistics, payments or facilities in the mandis—swiftly and effectively”.

Chandigarh, October 7:

Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Punjab, said that the Punjab Government is fully committed to safeguarding the dignity and rights of Scheduled Caste communities and ensuring justice for victims of atrocities.

She informed that under the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, an amount of ₹1.34 crore has been released to victims and beneficiaries during the financial year 2025–26.

The Minister added that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state government is determined to build a Punjab free from discrimination and injustice. “Our government stands firmly with the victims and their families and is ensuring that they receive timely financial assistance, protection, and rehabilitation,” she said.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further stated that continuous awareness campaigns, strict enforcement measures, and swift response mechanisms are being strengthened to ensure the effective implementation of the Atrocities Act across the state. She reaffirmed that promoting equality, human dignity, and social harmony remains one of the top priorities of the Punjab Government.

Chandigarh, October 7:

The paddy procurement during the current season is gathering pace with each passing day as is clear from the fact that till late evening yesterday a total of 824732.78 Metric Tonne (MT) produce has arrived in the mandis of the State.

Out of this, 772965.23 MT of paddy stands procured which amounts to 93 percent. The Government agencies have procured 770241.58 MT paddy and the PUNGRAIN (Punjab State Grains Procurement Corporation Limited) has taken the lead amongst the government agencies in terms of procurement with 323992.64 MT till now.

Furthermore, 66679 farmers so far stand benefitted from the Minimum Support Price (MSP) in the ongoing Kharif Marketing Season. Also, Rs. 1646.47 Crore have been credited into the accounts of the farmers.

The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is fully committed to procure every single grain produced so laboriously by the farmers despite adverse weather conditions, reiterated the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak adding that the State Government has secured Cash Credit Limit (CCL) of Rs. 27000 crore for the month of October and Rs. 15000 Crore for September. Directions have been given to the officials to ensure adequate arrangements with regard to bardana, medical facilities and sanitation in the mandis so that no farmer encounters any implication in selling his produce.

CHANDIGARH, October 7:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 220th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 343 locations on Tuesday leading to the arrest of 80 drug smugglers after registration of 53 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 32,196 in 220 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 505 grams heroin, 50 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 8840 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Over 120 Police teams, comprising over 1000 police personnel, under the supervision of 67 gazetted officers have conducted 343 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 358 suspicious persons during the day-long operation.

          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 29 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, 7 October 2025:

The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), in collaboration with Invest Punjab, organized a Renewable Power Providers Meet in Chandigarh with the objective of promoting large-scale participation from leading renewable energy developers in PSPCL’s upcoming solar and renewable energy tenders.

The event was graced by Sh. Sanjeev Arora,  Minister for Power, Industries & Commerce, and Investment Promotion, Government of Punjab, as the Chief Guest. The meet witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 30 prominent developers and companies representing the forefront of India’s renewable energy sector.

Senior officials from PSPCL, Invest Punjab, and the Government of Punjab attended the meet and held detailed interactions with the participants. They apprised the developers of Punjab’s progressive renewable energy policies, investment facilitation mechanisms, and PSPCL’s plans for the procurement of renewable power through transparent competitive bidding.

During the session, PSPCL presented its future bidding roadmap, outlining upcoming opportunities for private developers to invest in solar and other renewable energy projects. The initiatives are aimed at helping the State achieve its Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) targets, enhance energy security, and promote sustainable development through clean and green power.

The meet also featured an Interactive session where developers shared their views and provided constructive suggestions to further streamline the processes and enhance ease of doing business in Punjab’s renewable energy sector.

Amongst other issues, developers raised the main issue of imposition of Ceiling tariff in the tenders and long time taken by PSPCL/PSTCL in the survey for laying of transmission lines which delays the overall commissioning of the projects. Honble Minister ensured the Developers that no ceiling tariff shall be imposed in the tenders and provision of survey of lines by Developers itself shall be made available for smooth implementation of the projects.

Addressing the gathering, Sh. Sanjeev Arora, Power Minister, highlighted the State Government’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment and providing comprehensive support to developers for establishing renewable energy projects. He emphasized that Punjab is fully geared towards increasing the share of clean, green, and low-tariff renewable energy, while ensuring that consumers continue to receive reliable, affordable, and high-quality power.

Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Ajoy Kumar Sinha, IAS, Principal Secretary (Power) and Chairman-cum-Managing Director, PSPCL, reiterated PSPCL’s commitment to offering a transparent, efficient, and competitive platform for renewable power procurement. He also reaffirmed that PSPCL will work hand-in-hand with investors and developers to accelerate the State’s transition towards sustainable energy.

The event was also attended by Er. Harjeet Singh, Director (Generation), PSPCL,Er.Sanjeev Sood Director Technical PSTCL and Er. Inderjeet Singh, Chief Engineer (NRSE & Thermal Design), PSPCL, along with other senior officials.

The Government of Punjab and PSPCL reaffirmed their joint vision of building a robust renewable energy ecosystem, fostering investment, innovation, and employment while contributing to a cleaner and greener future for the State.

PSPCL currently manages approximately 6,929 MW of installed renewable capacity, including around 2,760 MW of solar. A further 2,506 MW of renewable capacity, of which 2,147 MW is solar, has already been contracted or is in the process of commissioning. PSPCLplans to add 10,000 MW of solar capacity by 2030, beginning with immediate tenders for 2,000 MW of solar and 1,000 MW of distributed renewable energy (DRE) projects in FY 2025–26.

Chandigarh/Dhuri, October 7– The first phase of comprehensive development and beautification of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s assembly constituency, Dhuri, has begun. Today, Chief Minister’s OSD Sukhvir Singh and Chairman of Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation, Dalvir Singh Dhillon, initiated development projects worth ₹3,35,95,000. The event was attended by Market Committee Dhuri Chairman Rajwant Singh Ghulli, prominent city residents, and a large number of local people.

Providing details, Sukhvir Singh and Dalvir Singh Dhillon stated that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann aims to make Dhuri the most developed city in the state. To achieve this goal, work is being carried out in a planned manner. As part of the first phase, the development and beautification of the historic Kranti Chowk have been initiated, with an estimated cost of ₹1,41,39,000. Similarly, MC Park will be transformed at a cost of ₹1,09,48,000, and a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar will be installed near the vegetable market.

They further mentioned that the city’s Indoor Sports Hall will also be upgraded, for which the Punjab Government has allocated ₹27,63,000. Additionally, the existing Patwar Khana building will be repaired and upgraded at a cost of ₹57,45,000 to serve as a service center. This service center will include an office for the SDE (Water Supply and Sewerage Board), a room for the park’s watchman, and an extension of the MC office.

They emphasized that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is committed to ensuring that the people of his constituency, Dhuri, receive all basic amenities. The Chief Minister personally oversees every project in the constituency. The Punjab Government is a people’s government, elected by the people, and it undertakes every task keeping the public’s interests in mind. They added that the people are also extending full support to the Chief Minister and the Punjab Government, for which they are deeply grateful.

Chandigarh, October 6:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said that the state government will take up the matter of commemorating martyrdom day of ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji as Human Rights day with the Government of India.

The Chief Minister, while interacting with the Sant Samaj here today, batted for observing martyrdom day of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib at national level as Human Rights Day. He categorically said that it will help in promoting the ethos of secularism, communal harmony and brotherhood in the country adding that the ninth guru was an epitome of socialism and secularism as he sacrificed his life for the sake of preserving human rights in the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that observation of the martyrdom day of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib as Human Rights Day will be a humble tribute to this great Sikh Guru on one hand and will further cement the ties between people on the other as the life and philosophy of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur is a lighthouse for entire humanity.

The Chief Minister also said that the state government will also explore the feasibility of constructing Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Marg on the path adopted by Guru sahib while going to Delhi, where Guru Ji was martyred. He said that the PWD and Punjab Mandi Board will chalk out the blueprint in this regard to construct the marg as a humble tribute to Guru sahib. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that even Punjab government will take up the matter to further extend this Marg upto Gurudwara Seesh Ganj sahib in Delhi with the centre government.

Dwelling on another issue, the Chief Minister also said that the path on which legendary Sikh warrior Baba Jeevan Singh (Bhai Jaita Ji) brought the severed Seesh of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji will also be spruced up and named as Baba Jeevan Singh Marg. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Baba Jeevan Singh combated lots of hardships and travelled through Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Haryana to bring Seesh at Sri Anandpur Sahib. So, he said that the respective state governments and the Government of India will also be requested for construction of Marg as a befitting tribute to the heroic Sikh warrior.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also announced to constitute a committee for including the life and philosophy of Guru sahib in the school curriculum. He also said that any sort of objectionable content that is not in consonance with Sikh sentiments will also be immediately removed from Virasat E Khalsa museum. Bhagwant Singh Mann also reiterated the firm commitment of the state government to enact strong anti-sacrilege law so that exemplary punishment is ensured to the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister apprised the Sant Samaj that the state government is organizing a series of commemorative events to observe the 350th  martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji. He said that these functions will start from Gurudwara Seesh Ganj Sahib in Delhi on October 25 and from November 1 Kirtan Darbars will be organized across the state. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that seminars on life, philosophy and sacrifice of Guru sahib will be organized in every educational institute of the state from November 15.

The Chief Minister said that on November 18 Kirtan Darbar will be held at Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) and on the next day a nagar Kirtan will start from there with Kashmiri Pandits as its part. He said that this nagar kirtan will reach Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22 after entering Punjab through Pathankot and then passing through Hoshiarpur. Similarly Bhagwant Singh Mann said that nagar kirtan from Takht Sri Damdama Sahib will start on November 19 and that from Faridkot and Gurdaspur will start on November 20 adding that all the four nagar kirtans will culminate at Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22.

The Chief Minister said that the state government will hold mega events in Sri Anandpur Sahib from November 23-25 to commemorate this historic event. He said that a Tent city to cater 12,000 people will be set up in Sri Anandpur Sahib and named as Chak Nanki adding that a Sarb dharam sammelan will also be organized in the holy city. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that an exhibition and drone show depicting life and philosophy of Guru sahib will also be held at the holy city.

The Chief Minister also said that the state government will also organize a special session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha in the city of bliss where historic resolutions will be passed. Bhagwant Singh Mann also said that Sarbat Di Bhalai Iktarta will be held on November 25 along with blood donation camps and massive plantation drive by the forest department.  He also said that a massive multi storey parking to cater 500 vehicles will also be constructed at holy city adding that in order to decongest the city a bye pass will also be constructed at Sri Anandpur Sahib.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister sought the blessings and suggestions from the Sant Samaj for commemorating 350th martyrdom day in a befitting manner across the globe. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it was a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for him that these celebrations were being held during his tenure. He said that his government will ensure that the celebrations are held in the most befitting manner adding he urged the representatives of Sant Samaj to give their suggestions and inputs for crystallizing the concept and programs for the celebrations. He said that the major thrust of these events will be to perpetuate Guruji’s life, his ideology, and his supreme sacrifice, which till date continue to inspire millions across the globe.

Members of Sant Samaj, who participated in the meeting included, Baba Balbir Singh ji 96 Karori, Baba Kashmir Singh ji Bhuri Wale, Baba Satnam Singh ji Quilla Anandgarh, Sant Baba Avtar Singh ji Tibbi Sahib Ropar, Baba Tirath Singh ji Tap Asthan Bhai Jaita ji, Bhai Gurpreet Singh ji Randhawe Wale, Baba Sukhwinder Singh Ji Ratwara Sahib wale, representative of Sant Baba Balbir Singh Ji Seechewal, SGPC Member Paramjit Singh Raipur, Sant Baba Sewa Singh ji Rampur Khedi wale, Baba Sur Singh Ji wale, Baba Budh Singh Ji Nikke Ghuman Wale, Sant Nirmal Dass ji Jaure wale, Prof. Apinder Singh ji Mahalpur Bunga Sahib, Baba Major Singh ji on behalf of Baba Narinder Singh ji Huzur Sahib Wale, Baba Avtar Singh Dhattal Amritsar, Baba Gurjit Singh ji Kulli wale Amritsar, Baba Nand Singh ji Munda Pind Wale, Sant Gurbachan Singh Pandwa Phagwara, Baba Gurdev Singh Ji Bajware Wale, Baba Balbir Singh Ji Birdh Ashram, Baba Jagjit Singh Ji Mirzapur, Baba Sukha Singh Ji, Kar Sewa Delhi, Baba Jeet Singh Ji Nirmal Kutiya Johalan and others.

On the occasion Cabinet Ministers Harjot Singh Bains, Harbhajan Singh ETO and Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, Advisor Tourism and Cultural Affairs Deepak Bali and others were also present.

Chandigarh, October 6;

Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains today informed that comprehensive arrangements are being made in full swing to commemorate the 350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. As part of the preparations, S. Bains led team of cabinet ministers, including Harbhajan Singh ETO and Tarunpreet Singh Sond, will start a thorough inspection (from November 8) of the routes of four major Nagar Kirtans’ scheduled procession across the state.

“We will thoroughly review all arrangements, including development projects, roadworks and logistical arrangements. We’ll also engage with Deputy Commissioners, local MLAs and Sant Mahapurush to ensure a smooth and successful coordination for this historic occasion”, S. Harjot Singh Bains said.

The Education Minister, along with Advisor to the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Mr. Deepak Bali, was addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan on Monday evening, following the religious panel’s meeting with Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. He said that Baba Balbir Singh ji 96 Crori Wale, Baba Kashmir Singh ji Bhuri Wale, Baba Satnam Singh ji Qila Anandgarh Sahib Wale, Baba Avtar Singh ji Tibbi Sahib Ropar Wale, Baba Tirath Singh ji Tapp Asthan Bhai Jaita ji & Baba Jiwan Singh, Baba Sukhwinder Singh ji Ratwara Sahib Wale, MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, SGPC members Bhai Gurpreet Singh Randhawe Wale, S. Paramjit Singh Rampur Wale, Sant Sewa Singh Rampur Kheri wale, Baba Gurdev Singh Shaheedi Bagh Sri Anadpur Sahib and other prominent religious figures also attended today’s meeting.

S. Bains informed that the Punjab Government will observe the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji at grand level, honouring his supreme sacrifice as the ‘Hind Di Chadar’. The events will showcase the Guru’s enduring legacy of selflessness, inclusivity and human rights advocacy.

He informed that the events will begin with Ardaas at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi on October 25, 2025, followed by a Kirtan Darbar at Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib the same evening. Subsequently,  to all the colleges and universities (including private and aided) across Punjab will organise seminars and programs to highlight the life, teachings and martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, as well as the sacrifices of devoted disciples Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, Bhai Dayala Ji and Bhai Jaita Ji.

S. Harjot Singh Bains said that Light and Sound Shows will be hosted in all the 23 districts across the state from November 1 to 18, highlighting 9th Guru Sahib’s life and his devoted disciples Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji and Bhai Dayala Ji. Kirtan Darbars will be held at 130 ‘Charan Chhoeh’ holy sites closely associated with the Guru Sahib, with major events planned in key cities; Amritsar (birthplace of the Guru Sahib), Baba Bakala (where Guru ji meditated over 26 years), Sri Anandpur Sahib (city he founded) and Patiala, where the Guru Sahib spent considerable time. A special drive will be undertaken to beautify these cities, he added.

The Education Minister further informed that the four Nagar Kirtans to be commenced from different parts of the country and will converge at Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22 evening. One Nagar Kirtan will start from Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) on November 19 from Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi, passing through Jammu, Pathankot and Hoshiarpur, and it will be attended by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and Sant Mahapurush, who are part of the state’s religious panel. Another Nagar Kirtan will begin from Gurdaspur, traversing Batala, Baba Bakala, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Balachour and Nurpur Bedi. The third Nagar Kirtan will start from Faridkot in Malwa, covering Ferozepur, Moga, Ludhiana and Fatehgarh Sahib, while the fourth will commence from Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, passing through Bathinda, Sangrur, Patiala and Mohali. All four processions will culminate at Sri Anandpur Sahib on the evening of November 22, he added.

S. Bains said that the primary celebrations will shift to Sri Anandpur Sahib from November 23 to 25, expecting over 1 crore Sangat from across the globe. A Tent City “Chakk Nanki” will be set up at Sri Anandpur Sahib to accommodate over 11,000 devotees daily from November 19 to 30. The events will commence on November 23 with the Akand Path Sahib at 10am, followed by Sarb Dharam Sammelan, an exhibition at Virasat-e-Khalsa, a first ever drone show depicting Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s life and supreme sacrifice at 5pm, and a Kirtan Darbar at 6pm. The day will culminate with “Shahaadat di Lo” that will be illuminated the holy city with the lighting of torches (Mashals). On November 24, Nagar Kirtan ‘Sis Bhet’ will start from Sri Kiratpur Sahib towards Sri Anandpur Sahib. The Punjab Vidhan Sabha will hold a special session at Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial in Sri Anandpur Sahib for the first time in the history to mark the historic occasion. On November 25, the Bhog of Akhand Path Sahib will be followed by recitals of hymns of 9th Guru Sahib by renowned Kirtanyeas. The events will also feature statewide blood donation camps, a mega plantation drive of 3.50 lakh saplings by Forest Dept, and an organ donation pledge event by the Health department.

S. Harjot Singh Bains emphasised that the sacred commemorations of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s martyrdom will inspire devotees to uphold the divine values of secularism, compassion and humanism. The Guru’s supreme sacrifice for protecting the right to freedom of worship embodies the eternal message of standing steadfast in faith and respecting the sacred beliefs of all.

Chandigarh, September 26

Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema today used the floor of the Punjab Assembly to deliver a scathing critique of the BJP-led Central Government’s handling of the devastating floods that swept across the state in July and August, specifically calling out the Prime Minister for his delayed visit, paltry financial aid, and failure to meet the families of the deceased in Pathankot. The Finance Minister also accused the Congress party of engaging in opportunistic politics, stating that instead of supporting the state during this crisis, the Punjab Congress leadership is aligning itself with the BJP-led Union government.

Speaking in favour of the ‘Rehabilitation of Punjab’ resolution, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema painted a grave picture of the destruction, which started in Kapurthala district in August, and the state witnessed the worst floods by the end of August. While mentioning that the State Government mobilized all available resources for relief and rescue operations, with AAP MLAs and Ministers working tirelessly to support flood victims, Cheema questioned whether the Centre had fulfilled its responsibilities within the federal framework.

Highlighting the significant delay in the Prime Minister’s visit, which occurred almost a month after the floods commenced, the Finance Minister Cheema contrasted this with the swift response in extending relief to Afghanistan, questioning the disparity in approach. “What’s even more troubling is the Prime Minister’s announcement of a paltry Rs 1600 crore relief package, of which not a single rupee has been disbursed to Punjab to date,” Cheema added, underscoring the perceived inadequacy of the central government’s response

Mentioning the profound human cost of the disaster, the Finance Minister recounted the heartbreaking incident of August 26th in which a single family was tragically struck. The flood claimed the life of 15-year-old Meenu and resulted in the disappearance of her younger siblings, 9-year-old Laddi and 6-year-old Lachhu. The Finance Minister said that their father, Bagh, suffered the compounded tragedy of losing not only his three children but also his livestock. He also acknowledged other young victims in the district, naming 7-year-old Sahil and 12-year-old Keshv Kumar.

In a scathing indictment of the Prime Minister’s tour of flood-hit areas, the Finance Minister said, “The Prime Minister failed to even console the family who lost three of its members to the floods, limiting his tour to a mere photo-op.”

The Finance Minister reminded the House that the Chief Minister of Punjab had written to the Prime Minister in late August, seeking the release of Rs 60,000 crore in outstanding funds. He highlighted a concerning disparity, noting that the Prime Minister is inaccessible to the elected Chief Minister but readily meets with appointed ones. The Finance Minister also expressed regret over the absence of BJP MLAs from the assembly, suggesting they could have provided clarity on the utilisation of the Rs 1600 crore relief package, out of which not a single penny has been transferred to the state exchequer. “Today, the BJP’s stance has been exposed nationwide,” he added.

The Finance Minister also rebuked the opposition for spreading rumours and clarified that the Rs 240 crore the state received is part of the Rs 481 crore already due to it from the Union Government under the Disaster Management budget for the financial year 2025-26. Clarifying the facts about the disaster management fund, the Finance Minister said that the funds allocated for disaster management are received annually, and If these funds remain unutilized, an interest of 8.15% is payable on them. He stated that the Disaster Management Act was enacted in 2010. Between 2017 and 2022, the Union Government allocated Rs 2,061 crore for disaster management in Punjab, of which the Congress government utilised Rs 1,678 crore. He said that during the Aam Aadmi Party’s tenure, Rs 1,582 crore was received in three years, with Rs 649 crore being spent.

The Minister said that the Congress party’s rhetoric on disaster management funds is counterproductive to Punjab’s interests. He criticized the Congress leaders, suggesting that their educational background should have equipped them with better economic understanding. Cheema also questioned the Congress party’s stance on demanding the dismissal of Sher Singh, asking if this reflected a bias against Dalits.

In a sharp critique, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema accused the Congress party of what he termed “politics of corpses.” He specifically stated that the Leader of the Opposition, representing the Congress, appealed in the Vidhan Sabha for the public to withhold aid from Punjab and to cease contributions to the state government’s ‘Rangla Punjab Chardi Kala Fund’. Cheema asserted that this action reveals the Congress party’s willingness to sacrifice flood victims’ well-being for political advantage by obstructing assistance. He drew historical parallels, mentioning the 1984 events and the 1988 floods as previous instances of the Congress using tragedy for political ends.

The Finance Minister delivered a stern warning to the BJP-led Union Government, urging them to end their “step-motherly” treatment of Punjab. He emphasised that the immediate release of relief funds is a fundamental necessity and a rightful entitlement for millions of Punjabis, given the state’s significant contributions to national food security and its unparalleled sacrifices during the 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars, as well as recent events in May. Drawing from personal experience, the Minister recalled his late father, Mehar Singh, an Indian Army soldier who fought bravely in the 1962 and 1971 wars

CHANDIGARH, September 26:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 209th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 403 locations on Friday leading to the arrest of 83 drug smugglers after registration of 56 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 31,047 in 209 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 854 grams heroin, 2600 kg poppy husk, 21 kg ganja, 1688 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 4010 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Over 120 Police teams, comprising over 1200 police personnel, under the supervision of 75 gazetted officers have conducted 403 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 444 suspicious persons during the day-long operation.

          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 38 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.