CHANDIGARH, January 20:

 With the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government waging ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ to make Punjab a gangster free state, Punjab Police teams on Tuesday conducted raids at identified and mapped locations of foreign based gangsters on Day 1 of ‘Operation Prahaar’.

 Declaring a decisive war against gangsters, Punjab Director General Punjab (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said, “A 72 hour long massive crackdown under ‘Operation Prahaar’ is already underway across the state.”

 Explaining the scale of the operation, the DGP said, “As part of Operation Prahaar, more than 2,000 police teams comprising around 12,000 personnel have conducted raids at identified and mapped locations linked to associates of 60 foreign based gangsters across Punjab.”

 Sharing the outcomes of Day 1 of the operation, Special Director General of Police Law and Order Arpit Shukla said, “As many as 1,314 associates and abettors of foreign based gangsters have been rounded up across the state. Thorough investigations are currently ongoing.”

 Urging citizens to actively support the campaign against organised crime, Punjab Police said that people can anonymously report information related to wanted criminals and gangsters, and also share tips on crime and criminal activity, through the Anti Gangster Helpline number 93946-93946.

Chandigarh, January 19:

The Punjab Government has declared a public holiday in Gurdaspur district on January 20 (Tuesday) on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Shri Bawa Lal Ji.

According to orders issued by the Personnel Department (Personnel–III Branch) in this regard, all government offices, boards/corporations and government educational institutions falling under the jurisdiction of Gurdaspur district will remain closed on that day.

AJNALA (AMRITSAR), 19th January 2026:

Laying the foundation stone of a ₹15 crore Government Degree College in Ajnala, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said that the Congress, Akali Dal and BJP had collectively looted Punjab for decades, hollowing out its institutions and forcing generations of youth to look abroad for opportunities. The Chief Minister said that the new college, which will be named after the revered scholar Baba Ghamchuk Ji, represents the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s resolve to rebuild Rangla Punjab through education, opportunity and public participation.

The Chief Minister said that while the state government will provide every possible facility and institutional support, it is equally important for every Punjabi to contribute according to their capacity so that Punjab can be transformed into a Rangla Punjab where children are not compelled to leave the country in search of a future.

Addressing a gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that infighting is at its peak among these parties as they lack any concrete agenda for the welfare of the people. “The opposition has no vision for Punjab. They are only waiting for their turn to loot the people and the state’s resources. Their dreams will never be fulfilled because the people of Punjab are wise and brave, and they understand the dubious character of such leaders,” he said, adding that Punjabis will never allow these forces to succeed in their nefarious designs.

Urging people to remain cautious of opportunistic and power-hungry politicians, the Chief Minister stated that the sole aim of traditional parties is to exploit Punjab and its people. “The need of the hour is to completely reject these parties so that the efforts of the state government to build Rangla Punjab can yield results,” he said, noting that his government is working tirelessly to accelerate development by opening new Aam Aadmi Clinics, schools, colleges and implementing other people-centric initiatives.

Referring to the project inaugurated on the occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the foundation stone of a co-educational college has been laid in Bikraur, a village located along the international border. “This college will ensure that youth from the border area can pursue higher education close to their homes. An amount of ₹15 crore will be spent on constructing this institution over 15 acres of land,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Bikraur village panchayat and residents for donating land for the project.

The Chief Minister said that youth from around 50 nearby villages will benefit from the college, with over 2,000 students expected to enroll in the coming years. “The institution will offer courses in Arts, Science, Commerce, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Skills, ensuring modern and quality education for students in the border belt,” he said, expressing confidence that the college would play a transformative role in shaping the future of youth, especially girls, from the region.

Stating that young people in the area have aspirations and dreams, the Chief Minister said that the state government is committed to giving wings to these dreams through sustained support. “Our focus is on the welfare of present and future generations so that Punjab moves on the path of progress and prosperity. The well-being of every section of society remains our foremost objective,” he said.

The Chief Minister announced that students belonging to the village that donated land for the college will be provided free education in the upcoming institution. He said that the college will be named after Baba Ghamchuk ji Maharaj as a tribute to the revered religious leader. “Parents must ensure quality education for their children so that they are not compelled to move abroad in search of opportunities,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

Highlighting the issue of migration, the Chief Minister said that negativity among the youth must be addressed so that reverse migration gains momentum. “Previous governments ignored this challenge and ruined the system, forcing young people to look outside the country. It is a matter of pride that our government has provided regular jobs to more than 63,000 youth purely on the basis of merit,” he said.

Speaking on the concerns of border residents, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the Punjab government is making every effort for their welfare, acknowledging them as true patriots of the nation. He said that in a major relief for farmers in Punjab’s border belt, the Central Government has given in-principle approval to shift the border fence closer to the international boundary. “This will allow unhindered cultivation of thousands of acres of farmland that currently lies beyond the fencing. Farmers were earlier forced to cross the fence under BSF escort to access their own fields along the 532 km India–Pakistan border. After persistent efforts, this long-pending issue has finally seen progress,” he said.

Addressing the gathering, Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains highlighted the strides made by the Punjab government in the education sector, saying that the state has emerged as a frontrunner at the national level. “This upcoming project will transform the destiny of youth in this border district. It is a historic day made possible by the far-sighted vision of the Chief Minister and the state government,” he said.

Meanwhile, senior AAP leader and Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia described the initiative as a path-breaking step towards empowering youth in border areas. “It is unfortunate that there was no college within a 70 km radius in Ajnala. Today, a long-pending demand of the people has been fulfilled. We believe in delivering on every promise, and this college reflects that commitment,” he said.

The event was attended by Cabinet Ministers Harjot Singh Bains and Harbhajan Singh ETO, senior AAP leader and Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia, MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, and other party leaders and local representatives.

*Bhagwant Mann Govt’s Transformational Step for Border Youth*

The establishment of the Government Degree and Vocational Training College at Bikraur stands as a decisive and far-sighted intervention by the Bhagwant Singh Mann government to correct decades of neglect in the Ajnala border belt, where students were forced to travel nearly 40 kilometres to Amritsar for higher education, often at the cost of dropping out, especially girls and first-generation learners.

By fulfilling a long-standing public commitment and translating it into concrete action on the ground, the state government has ensured that more than 50 surrounding villages will gain direct access to quality higher education and skill-based learning on a 15-acre campus, integrating degree programmes with employment-oriented courses such as Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Skills.

Designed as a modern, inclusive and student-centric institution with universal accessibility, vocational facilities and sports infrastructure, the college is poised to become a catalyst for social inclusion, gender equity and youth empowerment in Punjab’s sensitive border region, firmly underscoring the Mann government’s governance model of equity, access and opportunity for all.

Chandigarh, January 19

The Central Information Commissioner, Vinod Kumar Tiwari, IFS (Retd.), today visited the Punjab State Information Commission Headquarters in Chandigarh.

During his visit, he held a detailed and productive meeting with Chief Information Commissioner, Punjab, Sh. Inderpal Singh Dhanna, and State Information Commissioners of Punjab – Dr. Bhupinder Singh Batth, Harpreet Sandhu along with Additional Chief Secretary Mr. D.K. Tiwari.

The meeting focused on the effective implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, with special emphasis on institutional reforms, transparency, accountability, and strengthening mechanisms for efficient information delivery.

Mr. V.K. Tiwari appreciated the work of the Punjab State Information Commission and said that Punjab has made commendable progress in implementing the RTI Act

During the meeting, Chief Information Commissioner of Punjab, Sh. Inderpal Singh Dhanna, highlighted the state commission’s commitment to ensuring efficient and timely delivery of information to citizens. He said that Punjab State Information Commission is committed to time-bound and effective delivery of information.

During the meeting, Mr. V.K. Tiwari also shared insights from his experience as a Central Information Commissioner, highlighting best practices, current challenges, and practical ways to improve case disposal and strengthen the overall RTI framework

The interaction served as an enriching platform for exchanging ideas on boosting the efficiency of the Punjab State Information Commission. Chief Information Commissioner Sh. Dhanna, along with State Information Commissioners and Additional Chief Secretary Sh. D.K. Tiwari presented a token of appreciation to Mr. VK Tiwari, acknowledging his valuable perspectives and describing the discussion as highly constructive and beneficial.

Mr Harpreet Sandhu, expressed gratitude to the Central Information Commissioner of India, Vinod Kumar Tiwari, for his meaningful insights on RTI transparency during his visit to the Punjab State Information Commission.

Chandigarh, January 19:

Anindita Mitra today assumed charge as the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Punjab. Prior to this appointment, she was serving as the Administrative Secretary, Department of School Education, Higher Education and Languages, Government of Punjab. A 2007-batch Indian Administrative Service officer, Mitra brings with her wide administrative experience and institutional knowledge of public governance.

After assuming charge as CEO, Punjab, Anindita Mitra said that she is honoured to have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the constitutional and democratic institution in the State of Punjab. She noted that over the past seventy years, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has consistently strengthened the framework for conducting free, fair, and transparent elections, while continuously improving the accuracy and inclusiveness of electoral rolls.

She further stated that the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, will work with firm commitment to uphold democratic values and ensure voter-centric ease across all stages of the electoral process; from voter registration to polling day. Mitra emphasised that the office will continue to prioritise accessibility and transparency while ensuring strict adherence to the highest standards and guidelines prescribed by the Election Commission of India.

She also highlighted that technology will continue to be a key enabler in enhancing transparency, improving voter services, and ensuring efficient election management and operations across the State.

Panipat, January 19

Hon’ble Justice Lalit Batra, Chairman of the Haryana Human Rights Commission, inspected the District Jail, Panipat, on Monday and issued necessary directions concerning the human rights, health, education, and rehabilitation of inmates.

Upon his arrival at the jail परिसर, inmates welcomed the Chairman with flower garlands, while a police contingent accorded him a guard of honour. Earlier, on reaching the PWD Rest House, Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr. Pankaj and SDM Mandeep welcomed him by presenting bouquets.

ADC Dr. Pankaj informed that, as per his directions, the Constitution has been displayed in night shelters, and SDM Mandeep Kumar had recently inspected several night shelters where blankets were also distributed.

After the inspection, the Hon’ble Chairman held a review meeting with officers of the concerned departments and stated that prisons should not merely be places of punishment but centres of reform and rehabilitation. “Prisoners are also a part of our society. If they are provided with education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, they can return to the mainstream with dignity,” he said.

He directed the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Ms. Varsha Sharma, to ensure regular monitoring of all shelter homes and old-age homes. He also instructed the concerned departments to ensure the availability of basic facilities in all night shelters.

The Chairman observed that inmates could be engaged in making dual desks for school-going children, which would provide them an opportunity to become self-reliant. He further directed the Director General of Health Services to ensure the regular posting of doctors in the jail for at least one year.

Justice Batra also inspected the women’s ward, interacted with women inmates, enquired about their well-being, and listened to their problems. On the request of one woman inmate, he facilitated a resolution through video conferencing with officials of Pehowa Jail. During the inspection, he reviewed the women’s ward, classrooms, jail kitchen, crèche, carpet section, and other departments.

On this occasion, apart from Hon’ble Justice Lalit Batra, Chairman, Haryana Human Rights Commission, the Commission Members Mr. Kuldeep Jain and Mr. Deep Bhatia were present, along with Mr. Sanjay Kumar Khanduja, Registrar; Dr. Puneet Arora, Assistant Registrar; Dr. Vijay Malik; Dr. Sandeep Kumar, Civil Surgeon; the Jail Superintendent; Advocates Rajesh and Deepali; and other administrative and departmental officers.

Facilities at District Jail, Panipat:

District Jail, Panipat is located on National Highway-44A in Village Siwah and has a total area of 47 acres and 6 marlas. The jail is equipped with a bakery unit, women’s ward with crèche facility, jail radio, modern interview system (intercom-based), Phoenix software, prisoner calling system, video conferencing facility, modern jail kitchen, a 30-bed jail hospital, jail school (through the National Institute of Open Schooling), jail factory, sports and cultural activities, CCTV surveillance, RO drinking water plant, and modern security equipment.

On this occasion, NGO Empower People State Coordinator Mr. Rajendra Prasad discussed special schemes, awareness initiatives, and related issues concerning the welfare of women/girls brought to Haryana as brides after marriages in other states. Para-Olympian Ms. Deepa Malik also met the Commission Chairman, invited him to a programme, and shared various insights with him.

Chandigarh, January 18 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that India is a country of youth and young people are the biggest strength for the progress of both the nation and the state. Under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi and the guidance of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the Haryana Government is continuously working to make youth self-reliant, educated, and empowered.

The Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister was addressing the Yuva Mahasammelan organised today at Sadhaura,Yamunanagar. Former MLA, Sh. Balwant Singh was also present on the occasion.

Sh. Rana said that youth should have complete information about the Government of India’s Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Yojana. Its objective is to strengthen the rural economy. The Haryana Government is committed to realising the vision of a developed Haryana by actively involving the suggestions, ideas, and energy of the youth, he added.

The Agriculture Minister said that Haryana is the first state in the country to purchase 24 crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP). He further said that several farmer-friendly schemes such as Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana, Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme are being implemented in the interests of farmers.