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Haryana DGP chairs state-level crime review meeting

IEP Chandigarh, June 5

The Director General of Police (DGP) Haryana, Sh. P.K. Agrawal chaired a meeting of senior officers to review the crime and law and order situation across the state. The meeting took place at the Police Complex, 2nd IRB Tundlaka in Nuh district.

The meeting was attended by all Police Range ADGPs, CPs, district SPs, and senior officers from police headquarters.

During the meeting, the DGP commended the officers for their effective crackdown on cybercriminals in Nuh, which effectively disrupted their illicit activities across the country. Recognizing the borderless nature of cybercrime, he emphasized the importance of much more coordinated efforts to dismantle their networks nationwide.

The DGP conducted a comprehensive review of the crime scenario and stressed the need to tackle gangsters and hardcore criminals engaged in organized crime and extortion. He directed the Special Task Force (STF) and all field units to take strict action against such criminals. The police were instructed to enhance intelligence collection and initiate property attachment and demolition activities against these offenders.

He further instructed them to prevent the smuggling of illicit weapons, arrest drug suppliers and other absconders, and expedite the resolution of pending cases.

While reviewing the crimes against women and other vulnerable sections of society, the officers emphasized the need to address and combat them effectively.

The implementation status of the Gram Prahri scheme, which aims to monitor the increasing involvement of youth in sensational crimes, was reviewed.

The meeting also focused on monitoring the conviction rate in criminal cases, with a report on the subject presented. The DGP directed the officers to enhance the conviction rate through coordinated efforts and effective court proceedings.

Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to making Haryana a drug-free state, the DGP praised the field units for their collaboration with the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau in dismantling drug trafficking networks. He emphasized the need to maximize property attachment procedures under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act for such offenders.

The meeting concluded with discussions on issues related to the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS), Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS), and other IT initiatives.

ADGP CID Alok Mittal, ADGP Crime Om Prakash Singh, ADGP Hisar Range Shrikant Jadhav, ADGP Law and Order Smt Mamta Singh, ADGP South Range M Ravi Kiran, CP Gurugram Kala Ramachandran, CP Faridabad Vikas Arora, IG Ambala Range Shivas Kaviraj, IG Modernization and HSNCB Amitabh Singh Dhillon, IG Law and Order and CP Panchkula Sanjay Kumar, IG Security Saurabh Singh, IG Rohtak Range Rakesh Kumar Arya, IG Karnal Range Satendra Gupta, IG R&C Moginand Kulwinder Singh, IG Traffic and Highway Hardeep Singh Doon and all district Superintendents were present in the meeting.

Anti ATM Fraud Cell of Haryana cracks down on ATM fraud; solves 110 untraced cases, arrests 81 fraudsters and recovers Rs 17 lakhs in last 10 months

IEP Chandigarh, June 5

The Anti ATM Fraud Cell, a specialized unit dedicated to combating ATM fraud in State Crime Branch, Haryana has achieved a significant milestone in its relentless pursuit of financial frauds. Through tireless efforts and the expertise of its dedicated officers, the Anti ATM Fraud Cell has successfully solved 110 cases of ATM fraud earlier closed by district police as untraced and has thus delivered a major blow to those involved in these illicit activities.

Over the last few months, the Anti ATM Fraud Cell has been actively engaged in identifying, investigating, and bringing to justice those responsible for fraudulent activities targeting ATMs. Leveraging their vast experience and cutting-edge techniques, the Anti ATM Fraud Cell’s team of seasoned investigators collaborated closely with various financial institutions, visited ATM booths, analysed CCTV footage and mobile tower dumps to identify perpetrators and build strong cases against them

As a result of these diligent efforts, the Anti ATM Fraud Cell has made significant progress, leading to the arrest of 81 individuals directly involved in various forms of ATM fraud. These criminals employed tactics such as card cloning, skimming, and phishing scams to defraud unsuspecting ATM users. The apprehension of these fraudsters will serve as a strong deterrent to others contemplating engaging in similar illicit activities.

The Anti ATM Fraud Cell’s success extends beyond the arrests. In the course of their investigations, they have also managed to recover a substantial amount of Rs 17 lakhs, which has been returned to the rightful owners. This recovery not only provides relief to the victims who fell victim to these fraudulent schemes but also sends a clear message that the Anti ATM Fraud Cell is committed to safeguarding the financial interests of the public.

The Anti ATM Fraud Cell acknowledges and appreciates the invaluable cooperation and support from the public in reporting suspicious activities related to ATM fraud. The timely reporting and vigilance of individuals have played a crucial role in the success of these investigations. The Anti ATM Fraud Cell encourages the public to remain cautious while using ATMs and urges them to immediately report any suspicious transactions or activities to the local law enforcement authorities or the cybercrime helpline number 1930.

“The Cell will continue its diligent efforts to detect, prevent, and investigate any instances of ATM fraud entrusted to it and ensure a safe and secure banking experience for all citizens.” said OP Singh, Additional DGP, Crime, Haryana.

 “This accomplishment serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of Haryana Police in protecting the interests of the public and maintaining the integrity of the financial system.”, said PK Agrawal, DGP Haryana.

Haryana State Election Commission announces revised list of election symbols for Municipal elections

IEP Chandigarh, June 5

The Haryana State Election Commission has released a notification regarding the allocation of election symbols for the upcoming municipal elections in the state. The revised list includes symbols to be allotted to candidates from national and state-level parties participating in the election of Mayor and members of the Municipal Corporation. Furthermore, a list of free symbols has been issued for candidates of registered unrecognized political parties for general and bye-elections to municipalities in the state.

        According to the notification, the symbols have been reserved for national parties namely broom for Aam Aadmi Party, elephant for BSP, lotus for BJP, daati, hammer, and star for the Communist Party of India (Marxist), hand for Indian National Congress, and book for the National People’s Party. State-level parties have also been allocated symbols, with spectacles reserved for the Indian National Lok Dal and the key for the Jannayak Janata Party.

        In addition, a comprehensive list of 51 free symbols has been issued for the Mayor and members of the Municipal Corporation. These symbols includes objects to represent diverse aspects of society, such as air conditioner, cupboard, apple, axe, balloon, bell, blackboard, brick, bridge, brush, bunch of grapes, bus, camera, carrom board, chair, coconut tree with fruits, cot, wall clock, crane, dholak, door, corn, scythe earrings, electric switch, flower and grass, gas stove, hand mill, damru, mango, necktie, embroidery, pen and dawat, peepal leaf, lantern, jug, matka, pressure cooker, rickshaw, road roller, rolling pin, scissor, ship, shirt, spade, sword, tap, gulli danda, torch, karni, sarangi, whistle, and hand watch.

For Municipal Corporation members, the list of free symbols comprises various items such as aeroplane, auto rickshaw, bat, cycle, boat, arrow and bow, bucket, candles, car, bullock cart, ceiling fan, comb, conch shell, farmer raining grains, cup and plate, drum, electric bulb, frock, gas cylinder, glass tumbler, hand pump, harmonium, hat, hockey and ball, jeep, jug, kettle, kite, ladder, lady purse, letter box, lock and key, plough, radio, locomotive, ring, rising sun, scooter, weighing balance, sewing machine, slate, shovel and spade, stool, table fan, table lamp, telephone, television, two leaves, two swords and a shield, umbrella, and wall clock.

        In cases where there is a shortage of free election symbols for mayor candidates, the allocation process will be temporarily halted until symbols have been assigned to all candidates for the municipal corporation wards. Similarly, if a shortage of symbols occurs for municipal corporation members, the remaining free symbols for the position of Mayor can be allocated to the member candidates.

        Furthermore, the State Election Commission has outlined guidelines for unrecognized political parties registered with the Election Commission of India. Such parties can apply to contest general or bye-elections of the Municipal Corporation using any of the free symbols offered by the State Election Commission. The application must be submitted within three days of the election notification issued by the Commission. Upon review of the applications, the State Election Commission may assign the desired free symbol to the party, granting them permission to participate in the elections using that symbol.

Job interview session specifically for persons with disabilities- Divyangjan in Haryana

IEP Chandigarh, June 5

Amazon has announced an upcoming job interview session specifically for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) in Haryana. The interview will take place on June 6 at IMT Manesar, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

        Haryana Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangs), Sh. Rajkumar Makkar, shared the necessary details for interested candidates. Those interested in participating in the interview should bring their Aadhaar card, disability certificate, bio-data, and educational certificates. The interview will be conducted at Amarpali Building, Sixth Floor, Office no. 638, Sector-2, I.M.T. Manesar, which is located opposite HUDA Company Main Road.

        Sh. Rajkumar Makkar further specified that individuals with hearing or speech impairments, as well as those with disabilities in their legs and hands, are encouraged to attend. Candidates should have a disability percentage of less than 70% and should be able to work while standing. Additionally, they should have completed their matriculation or passed the 8th or 9th grade, along with some prior work experience. The age range for participation in the interview session is between 18 and 35 years.

        However, visually impaired candidates are advised not to come for the interview as separate arrangements will be made for them at a later time.

CM BATS FOR LAUNCHING A MASS MOVEMENT TO PRESERVE WATER AND ENVIRONMENT IN THE STATE

IEP SAS Nagar (Mohali), June 5

Underlining the need for providing a sustainable environment to the future generations, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday gave a clarion call for launching a mass movement to preserve water and environment in the state.

The Chief Minister, while chairing a state level function to mark World Environment Day, expressed deep concern over the depleting ground water table and polluting environment in the state. He said that immediate remedial steps are required to save the only precious and scarce natural resource of Punjab in terms of water along with checking the environmental pollution. Bhagwant Mann said that this cannot be done by the government alone but people’s participation is must by launching a vigorous mass awareness campaign to sensitize them about its significance especially in wake of global warming.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab is a sacred land of great Gurus and saints, who have shown us the way to preserve the environment. While quoting the Gurbani, he said that the verse ‘Pawan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat’ explains how our great Gurus have equated air (pawan) with teacher, water (paani) with father and land (dharat) with mother. Unfortunately, Bhagwant Mann said that the words of the great Gurus have not been honoured by us, as we have polluted all these three, he added. 

The Chief Minister said that now the time has come when we must imbibe the teachings of Gurbani in letter and spirit to restore the glory of the state. While slamming the opposition parties for blatantly ignoring the environmental issues, He said that as water, air and land had no votes so these leaders ignored them. Bhagwant Mann said that due to this massive pollution and degradation of these natural resources took place thereby causing an irreparable loss to the society adding that after the formation of the AAP government in the state steps have been taken to save the environment.

Showing deep concern over the gravity of the emerging situation following the fast depleting water table, the Chief Minister said almost all the blocks in the state are in the dark zone as far as the groundwater is concerned. Bhagwant Mann said that it has happened due to reckless pumping of water in fields adding that the trend needs to be checked immediately so that our future generations do-not have to strive for water.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is taking massive steps for optimum utilisation of the canal water to save the groundwater. He said that at present Punjab is using only 33%-34% of its canal water adding that this will be enhanced in the coming days. Bhagwant Mann envisioned that if Punjab can enhance the canal water utilisation to 60% in first phase then nearly four lakh tubewells out of total 14 lakh can be stopped thereby helping in saving water.

The Chief Minister also cited the example of Telangana for water conservation and said that it is a revolutionary model that is aimed at recharging the water table holistically. He said that the Telangana government has constructed small dams in the villages for conserving the ground water across the state. Bhagwant Mann said that as a result of this the ground water level has increased upto four metres in the villages.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister dedicated the newly constructed ultra-modern building having world class instrumentation to the Punjab Biotechnology Incubator (PBTI) in Knowledge City. He envisioned that the unique facility will be extensively used for testing of food, agri, water, environment and health sectors for pesticides residues, heavy metals, food additives/adulterants etc. Apart from this, Bhagwant Mann also flagged off a Mobile van for onsite testing of food and water samples, developed by PBTI under Mission Tandrust Punjab.

In addition, an amount of Rs. 50 Crore for undertaking various Eco-Restoration Works was also allotted by the Chief Minister to the Department of Local Government (Rs. 45.45 Crore), Department of Rural Development & Panchayats (Rs. 3.92 Crore) and Department of Punjab Pollution Control Board (Rs. 63 Lacs). He also virtually inaugurated the Electricity Gallery at Pushpa Gujral Science City, Kapurthala and a Paddy Straw based Palletization Unit, Patiala developed with the technical and financial support of Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST).

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also conferred first edition of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Punjab State Annual Environment Award today to four organizations namely Gram Panchayat, Village Balloh, District Bathinda in the category of “Gram Panchayat”; Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar in the category of “Institution”; ITC Ltd (Foods Division), Kapurthala in the category of “Industry” and Kheti Virasat Mission, Jaitu, District Faridkot in the category of “NGO/Social Organization”. The Award included a cash prize of Rs. 1 Lac, a certificate of appreciation and silver plate memento to each organization. Bhagwant Mann also felicitated six grass root level innovators involved in development of low cost indigenous technologies and processes with their own ingenuity and know-how and also.

The Chief Minister also distributed Allotment Letters under the internship scheme of PBTI for skilling students of life sciences stream in latest high end techniques & instrumentation facilities and under PBTI’s Incubation Scheme for boosting startup ecosystem in the area of life sciences, biotechnology and allied sectors to transforms their ideas into commercially viable solutions.

On the occasion Cabinet Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, Rajya Sabha MP Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal and others were also present.

Punjab govt to make policy against exploitation of women in abroad: Dr. Baljit Kaur

IEP Chandigarh, June 5

          Send the women of Punjab to foreign countries that the exploitation of them is being taken seriously by the state Government.  In this regard, the state Government is holding a discussion with the victims under the chairmanship of Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur on June 11 in Jalandhar to draw up a state-level policy to prevent the exploitation of women.

           Giving more information, the Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to protect the rights of women of Punjab who are willing to go abroad, have settled there or have returned.  Special attention is being given by the Punjab Government.

           She said that some agents are giving fake jobs and falsely sending the women of the state to foreign countries illegally. By making statements, they are exploited in various ways.  Efforts are being made by the Punjab Government to prepare a state level policy to overcome this situation.  She said that to listen to the tragedies of women who have suffered all kinds of exploitation in this policy and to include their suggestions in the policy, a discussion is being organized on June 11 at the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Jalandhar from 11 AM to 1 PM.

           The minister explained that incidents of exploitation of women are reported especially from America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Middle Eastern countries like Kuwait, Dubai, Oman etc.  She said that such bad behavior has been taken seriously by the state Government.

           The minister said that women who have been duped by NRI persons/agents/relatives have been given an open invitation to join this discussion.  She said that various Deputy Commissioners of the state have also written letters to such women from their districts, who have been victims of exploitation abroad, to participate in this discussion.  For more information contact phone number: 0181-2253285, 70092-39158 and Sakhi One Stop Centre, Jalandhar 90231-31010.

Cabinet Minister Anmol Gagan Mann reviews the development works of different wards of Kharar city

IEP Chandigarh, June 5

          Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Labour, Investment Promotion and Hospitality Minister Anmol Gagan Mann on Monday reviewed the development works of various wards of Kharar city.  On this occasion, the residents of Kharar informed the minister about their various problems.  Taking the problems of the people seriously, the minister solved most of the problems on the spot.  Apart from this, the officials of various departments were asked to take quick action by issuing necessary guidelines to solve the remaining problems.

          Giving more information in this regard, the minister said that efforts are being made by the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to develop the Kharar constituency. Referring to the development works of Kharar city, the minister said that adequate arrangements have been made for the drainage of rainwater in Kharar city, so that water will not enter people’s houses during the rainy season.

          Speaking about the scarcity of drinking water in Kharar city, the minister said that the project of providing canal water to Kharar city is progressing rapidly and will be completed very soon. She also mentioned that water supply to Zone A of Kharar will start soon. Furthermore, the work of setting up 5 sewerage treatment plants in Kharar city is about to begin. In addition, 6 tube wells in Kharar city, which have been running on generators for the past three years, have now been connected to the electricity. Moreover, tenders have been published for the installation of 6 new tube wells and the process is expected to be completed soon.

          She informed that more than 20,000 saplings will soon be planted by the forest department to make Kharar city greener. Minister assured that the development project will not face any shortage of funds.

          The minister appealed to the people to actively participate in the development of Kharar. She emphasized the importance of people monitoring the government’s development works to ensure that they are carried out according to the prescribed standards. She also stated that any form of corruption in development works will not be tolerated and strict action will be taken against any such cases that come to light.

          On this occasion, SDM Kharar Ravinder Singh, Executive officer of Kharar Gurdeep Singh, Chairman of the Market Committee Hakam Singh, Labour Coordinator Raghbir Singh, Avtar Singh, Daljit Singh Jhungian and other dignitaries were present.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY:

Rs 166 Crore released for Solid Waste Management and Liquid Waste management in villages of Punjab: Jimpa

IEP Chandigarh, June 05

          On World Environment Day, Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has been committed to protect the environment and has so far released Rs. 166 crore for Liquid Waste Management and Solid Waste Management in the villages of the state.

          While celebrating World Environment Day here at Punjab Bhawan, Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa said that the water supply and sanitation department has been playing a pivotal role in checking solid and liquid pollutants by opting various initiatives in the villages of the state. He said Rs 13496.33 lacs has been released so far for Liquid Waste Management in the 2950 villages of the state. “To manage the solid waste Rs. 3116.89 crore has been released for Solid Waste Management in 4374 villages”, he added.

          Stressing on the significance of waste management in protecting environment, Mr. Jimpa said that the waste produced nowadays includes non-biodegradable and inorganic elements, and if this waste is disposed of in landfills, it will decompose unnaturally and will take a lot of time. “Waste management is important as it saves the environment from the toxic effects of inorganic and biodegradable element present in waste. Mismanagement of waste can cause water contamination, soil erosion and air contamination”, he added.

          Later, Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa led the team of officials and employees of the Water Supply and sanitation department in taking the pledge to bring every possible change in their routine habits for protecting the environment besides encouraging others to follow environment-friendly practices. He said that the climate change and global warming are the main challenges before the world and mankind, and it can be tackled only with the contribution of everyone in per own capacity. He said that most people were well aware of the causes of environmental pollution, thus, everyone should contribute in the protection of the environment by bringing changes in daily activities and behaviours. He appealed to the employees of the department to set an example for the people around them by saving water, ensuring the timely repair of water leaks, proper waste management, stopping single-use plastic, and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

          Prominent amongst others, Principal Secretary DWSS Mr. D K Tiwari and Special Secretary DWSS Mohd. Ishfaq were also present on this occasion.

Jimpa directs Water Supply and Sanitation Department to complete all schemes in timebound manner

IEP Chandigarh, June 5

          Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa during a meeting with the employees of the head office of Water Supply and Sanitation Department in Patiala, gave instructions to ensure the completion all the schemes of the department in a timebound manner. On this occasion, Mr. Jimpa rejected the apprehension expressed by these employees regarding shifting of the head office of the department and entire staff from Patiala to SAS Nagar.

          During this meeting held here at Punjab Bhavan on Monday, Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa asked the employees posted at the head office to boost their performance. He said that any delay in the completion of the schemes initiated by the department to provide better services to the people of the state would not be tolerated.

          Meanwhile, reiterating the commitment towards the welfare of the employees of the department, the Water Supply and Sanitation Minister said that the employees can meet him anytime to resolve any of their issues. He noted with concern that 95 cases of the jobs at the compassionate ground were pending since long at the head office along with the cases related to the promotion of employees of C and D categories. He said the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government is committed to the welfare of every section of the society and any undue delay in such cases would not be tolerated.  He directed the employees of the head office to take swift action in all such cases.

          On this occasion, rejecting the apprehension of the employees of the head office that this office and its entire staff were being shifted from Patiala to SAS Nagar, Mr. Jimpa said that there is a proposal to build Jal Bhavan at Mohali where HoD office would be shifted. “Apart from the setting up conference hall and digital presentation of the department, arrangements will be made for important meetings with the persons visiting state capital for work related to the department in this Jal Bhawan”, he added.

          Prominent amongst others, Principal Secretary DWSS Mr. D.K. Tiwari and Special Secretary DWSS Mr. Mohammad Ishfaq were also present in this meeting.

NO SHARE IN PANJAB UNIVERSITY: PUNJAB CM MAKES CLEAR TO HIS HARYANA COUNTERPART

IEP Chandigarh, June 5

Asserting that Panjab University, Chandigarh is part of the emotional, cultural, literature and rich legacy of the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday categorically said that they need no share of Haryana in the University, which is an apex educational institute of the region. 

“Neither any college of Haryana will be given affiliation from the university nor will any attempt of Haryana for back door entry in the senate of university be allowed” said the Chief Minister while interacting with the media persons here at Punjab Bhawan.

The Chief Minister bemoaned that regular attempts are being made to change the status of the university. However, he said that the Punjab government will not allow any such move in the larger interests of the students. Bhagwant Mann said that 175 colleges of the state are affiliated with this premier university due to which generations of Punjab are emotionally attached with it.

The Chief Minister said that the University caters only to the state of Punjab and its capital Chandigarh. Citing the history of the University, its constitution, its ethnic, socio-cultural and historical roots as well as its faculty and students who hail primarily from the state of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann said that it is important that the present legal and administrative status of the Panjab University should be preserved. He reminded that at the time of the reorganization of the State of Punjab in 1966, Panjab University was declared as an ‘Inter State Body Corporate’ under section 72(1) of the Punjab Reorganization Act 1966 enacted by the Parliament.

The Chief Minister said that ever since its inception, the Panjab University has been continuously and uninterruptedly functioning in the state of Punjab. Bhagwant Mann recalled that after partition it was shifted from Lahore, the then capital of Punjab, to Hoshiarpur and then to Chandigarh the present capital of Punjab. He asserted that the entire territorial jurisdiction of Panjab University lies primarily in the state of Punjab and Union territory of Chandigarh.

The Chief Minister said that as per Sub-section (4) of Section 72 of the Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966, the maintenance deficit grants to the University were to be shared and paid by the states concerned, i.e., Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and UT Administration of Chandigarh in the ratio of 20:20:20:40, respectively. However, he said that in 1970 the then Chief Minister of Haryana Bansi Lal voluntarily pulled out his state’s share from the university adding that in 1973 even the state called back its members of senate from university. Bhagwant Mann said that since then the state of Punjab and UT Administration of Chandigarh have borne the financial responsibility of paying maintenance deficit grants to the University in the ratio of 40:60 respectively.

The Chief Minister said that despite increased financial burden caused by withdrawal of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh and the creation of new universities in the state, Punjab has continued to support Panjab University to ensure that the historical and emotional attachment of the people of Punjab with the University is maintained and preserved. He said that recently also the state government has given Rs 49 crore for construction of hostels to the university, even though no demand was made for it. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government has left no stone unturned for the holistic development of the university in all possible manners.

The Chief Minister further said that every step will be taken to retain the Interstate Status of the university and no one will be allowed to make any change in it. He unequivocally said that the interests of the state are not saleable so that anyone will offer money and purchase it. Bhagwant Mann said that the Haryana government’s proposal to bear the share of grants in university is totally unacceptable and unwarranted too.

The Chief Minister, while quoting a letter written by the Additional Chief Secretary of Haryana to the Vice Chancellors of all the universities of the state, said that the Haryana government had through communiqué expressed its inability to give funds to universities. He said that in this letter the Universities were asked to manage their own resources whereas on the other hand Haryana is too eager to put a share in Panjab University which indicates some nefarious designs of the state. Bhagwant Mann said that how can any state which is not able to manage its own universities fund a university of stature of Panjab University until and unless some higher agency was not funding it in a clandestine manner.

The Chief Minister said that after assuming the charge of office he had written two letters to Union Ministers Amit Shah and Dharminder Pradhan asking them that the university is heritage of the state and any sort of change in it will not be tolerated. Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to avert any change in the nature and character of the Panjab University, he said that the Punjab government is committed to safeguard the rights of the state and its people. Bhagwant Mann said that Panjab University is a symbol of Punjab’s legacy and is synonymous with the name of the State.

The Chief Minister also said that a resolution was also passed in Punjab assembly on June 30, 2022 to retain the original status of PU to avert any sort of intrusion in the senate of university. He said that the state government is not against the people of Haryana and it is also a well known fact that 35% students in university are from Haryana. Bhagwant Mann categorically said that Haryana is free to make its university anywhere but they will not be allowed any share in the Panjab University.

Taking the Akali and Congress leaders to cudgels, the Chief Minister slammed them for backstabbing the state and its people. He said that the then Chief Minister of state late Parkash Singh Badal wrote a letter to erstwhile Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on August 26, 2008 seeking central status for Panjab University. Bhagwant Mann said that going beyond that, the Akali Dal government had issued an NOC to the Union government for converting this premier institute into a central university.

The Chief Minister said that on what grounds the Akali leaders are thumping their chest when everyone knows that they have worked overtime against the interests of the state and its people. He said that granting NOC for the central university was a treacherous move aimed at weakening the claim of state over the university. Bhagwant Mann said that Akali Dal has no moral right to say even a single word on the issue.

The Chief Minister said that these leaders and parties had always preferred their own interests by jeopardizing that of the state. Likewise, he said that Congress was also dyed in the same wool as a female Congress MLA of Haryana had in August 2022 moved a resolution in state Vidhan Sabha to affiliate colleges of state with Panjab University. Bhagwant Mann said that both these parties were hypocrites who had always ignored the interests of the state for their selfish interests.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and Harjot Bains, Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Janjua, Additional Chief Secretary to CM A Venuprasad, Special Principal Secretary to CM Ravi Bhagat, Additional Special Principal Secretary to CM Himanshu Jain and others.