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.

Chandigarh, January 18 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, describing the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) as a strong foundation for improving the living standards of hardworking labourers, said that this scheme is Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi’s guarantee to every worker in the country. It ensures the right to work with dignity, timely wages, social respect, and a secure livelihood.

The Chief Minister was addressing the labourers at the state-level conference of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G) held at the Indradhanush Auditorium in Panchkula today. On the occasion, Development and Panchayats Minister Sh Krishan Lal Panwar and Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Sh Krishna Bedi were also present.

The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister’s resolve to make India a developed nation by 2047 cannot be achieved without the development of villages and labourers. He emphasized that the path to a developed India passes through its villages. The VB G Ram G scheme is not merely an employment programme, but an initiative aimed at uplifting the lives of hardworking people, ensuring dignity of labour, and protecting their self-respect.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini further said that, keeping in view the shortcomings of MNREGA, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has presented the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 to the nation, which is being referred to as the Viksit Bharat – G Ram G Act. He clarified that this is not just a renaming of MNREGA, but a comprehensive modernization of the rural employment system.

He said that under the new law, the statutory guarantee of employment has been increased from 100 days to 125 days. In addition, the law empowers states to suspend work for up to 60 days during the sowing and harvesting seasons. This provision ensures that workers will receive employment for these 60 days separately, in addition to the 125 days guaranteed under the Viksit Bharat – G Ram G scheme. As a result, the annual income of an average rural unskilled worker across the country is expected to increase by more than Rs 7,000. In Haryana, each worker will receive an additional benefit of at least Rs 10,000. With Haryana offering the highest minimum wage in the country at Rs 400 per day, the annual income of every worker can increase to a minimum of Rs 50,000.

The Chief Minister said that under the VB-G RAM G scheme, wages will now be paid on a weekly basis instead of the earlier 15-day cycle, ensuring timely payments to workers. These provisions will eliminate fake workers, fake work, and fake payments. He further stated that the nature and scope of work under the new law have been expanded, with many additional categories of work being included. This will create more employment opportunities for labourers and accelerate development activities in villages. Earlier, MNREGA offered limited avenues of employment, whereas the new scheme adopts a more comprehensive and development-oriented approach.

 Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the circumstances were very different when MNREGA was first launched, but over time several shortcomings crept into the scheme, directly impacting workers. He said that workers are well aware that in some places machines replaced manual labour, in others payments were made in fake names, and on many occasions, wages were delayed for months. He further stated that in several parts of the country, corruption, fake job cards, the dominance of contractors, and the violation of workers’ rights took place under the guise of MNREGA. From CAG reports to social audits, it has repeatedly been revealed that while genuine workers continued to toil, others misappropriated the benefits meant for them.

Comparing the payments made under MNREGA during the tenure of the current BJP government in Haryana with those made during the ten-year tenure of the Congress government, the Chief Minister said that he is proud that more than Rs 5,000 crore has been paid to workers between October 2014 and October 2025. In contrast, less than Rs 2,000 crore was dispersed during the decade-long Congress regime. He said this clearly demonstrates that the present government has provided employment to a larger number of workers, ensured greater transparency in fund disbursement, and placed the dignity of labour at the forefront of its governance agenda. The Chief Minister added that under the VB-G RAM G scheme, the rights of workers have become stronger than ever before.

Launching a scathing attack on the opposition Congress party and its allies, the Chief Minister said that the Congress has become devoid of real issues and is resorting to misleading tactics to create confusion about the G RAM G scheme. He alleged that  Congress leaders had turned the MNREGA scheme into a means of livelihood for themselves rather than for labourers. He said that during their tenure, the name of the scheme was changed repeatedly, but corruption continued unabated.

The Chief Minister said that it was due to the flawed policies of the Congress that the people of the country and the state have rejected the party. He urged citizens not to be misled by Congress propaganda, stating that the party has consistently played with the interests of the poor and backward classes.

In contrast, he said, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi is continuously working to improve the living standards of labourers, the poor, and the weaker sections of society through transparent and worker-centric policies

Sh Nayab Singh Saini also criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, alleging that it is opposing the G RAM G scheme solely for political considerations. He said that despite proven instances of corruption in wage payments to labourers under MNREGA in Punjab, the state government has failed to take action against those responsible. He further stated that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has implemented the VB-G RAM G scheme to uphold the dignity of labourers and ensure that no one can misappropriate their hard-earned wages.

Earlier, the Chief Minister interacted with beneficiaries of the scheme from various districts and heard firsthand about their experiences with the VB-G RAM G scheme. The labourers expressed their gratitude to Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini for implementing the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin). They said that the scheme will now provide 125 days of employment instead of the earlier 100 days, leading to increased income and improved living standards. The beneficiaries also expressed happiness over the provision of wage payments within seven days. They added that the introduction of biometric authentication and geo-tagging will ensure greater ease, transparency, and accountability in the implementation of the scheme.

Addressing the gathering, Development and Panchayats Minister Sh Krishan Lal Panwar said that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has emphasized that India can become a developed nation by 2047 only when the youth, farmers, women, and the poor are empowered. He stated that the vision of a developed India cannot be realized without strengthening rural areas.

He said that labourers are hardworking partners in nation-building, who plough the fields, construct roads and buildings, and power industries. Development, he asserted, is impossible without their contribution. Every drop of sweat shed by labourers narrates the story of India’s development, a contribution that had been overlooked for a long time.

Sh Panwar further alleged that the opposition is attempting to mislead workers regarding the G RAM G scheme. He assured them that the interests of workers are fully protected under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini.

The Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and Commissioner and Secretary of the Development and Panchayats Department, Dr. Saket Kumar, welcomed the Chief Guest and other dignitaries, stating that the G RAM G scheme will not only generate employment for workers but also ensure transparency at every level of its implementation.

 Rajya Sabha MPs Sh  Kartikeya Sharma and Smt Rekha Sharma, former Speaker of the Haryana Legislative Assembly Sh Gian Chand Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Sh. Satpal Sharma, Additional Deputy Commissioner cum Chief Executive Officer of DRDA Panchkula Smt Nisha Yadav, BJP State Vice President Smt Banto Kataria, District President Sh. Ajay Mittal, President of Haryana MNREGA Mate Workers Union Sh. Naveen Kumar, and other dignitaries were also  present on this occasion.

Chandigarh, January 18 – Haryana Energy Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that the upcoming budget will meet the expectations of the people as a very strong budget is being prepared. He said the budget is currently under formulation and inputs are being taken from all stakeholders. The Chief Minister himself is holding meetings with all departments to ensure that a robust and people-oriented budget is presented.

Sh. Anil Vij said this while interacting with the media at Delhi today.

Improving power system is our priority

The Energy Minister said that a discussion was held today with Union Power Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal regarding development in the energy sector so that the benefits of power-related schemes reach the people of the state. He said that improving the power system is the government’s top priority to ensure uninterrupted and quality electricity supply to consumers.

Large-scale upgradation of transformers and conductors underway

Sh. Vij said that electricity supply was ensured even during the summer season, and therefore there is currently no problem during winter. There is no issue regarding demand and supply at present. Transformers and conductors across the state are being upgraded as per requirement, and such upgradation work is being carried out on a large scale in Gurugram and Faridabad.

Centre allocates coal linkage for Hisar’s Khedar unit

The Energy Minister said that whenever a new thermal plant or unit is established, a coal block is essential. He said that 800 MW units are to be set up at Panipat and Khedar in Hisar. Recently, the Central Government has allocated coal linkage for the new unit at Khedar in Hisar, which will accelerate the progress of the project. Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has also laid the foundation stone of a new 800 MW unit at Yamunanagar, and work on the project is currently in progress, he added.

Chandigarh, January 18 — Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the Haryana Government always stands firmly with a free press. In a democracy, the media is the fourth pillar. If anyone thinks they can intimidate a media institution through pressure, it is a grave mistake, because the voice of truth can never be suppressed.

The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest at the “Ramleela Samiti Samman Samaroh” organized in Jalandhar today. On this occasion, he also honoured office-bearers, artists, and other social workers from various Ramleela committees of Haryana, Punjab, and Chandigarh.

Paying obeisance at the feet of Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Ramleela is not merely a stage performance; it is the essence of our culture. Ramleela teaches future generations that no matter how powerful the evil forces may appear, ultimately righteousness and truth always prevail. He said that even in this era of modernity, the artists and organizers of Ramleela have continued to nurture and preserve the roots of our culture. He appreciated the “Shri Ram Navami Utsav Samiti” for organizing such events.

The Chief Minister praised the impartial journalism carried out during the period of terrorism in Punjab and said that the Punjab Kesari group has, for decades, devoted itself entirely to upholding truth, fearlessness, and ethical values in society. He said that we must remember the time when Punjab was passing through the dark phase of militancy, when fear was so pervasive that people hesitated to even step out of their homes. Yet history bears witness that even then, this group did not stop its pen. Great martyrs Lala Jagat Narayan Ji and Sh. Romesh Chandra Chopra Ji sacrificed their lives for the unity of the nation, but never bowed before violence.

He also appreciated the social service initiatives undertaken by the Punjab Kesari newspaper group and said that for the past 26 years, the group has been sending relief material to border areas, and so far, 910 trucks carrying relief supplies have been dispatched. Even today, on the occasion of this programme, trucks loaded with relief material were flagged off.

The Chief Minister urged all the Ramleela committees honoured at the ceremony to continue spreading the ideals of Lord Shri Ram in society. Just as Ravana’s arrogance was ultimately shattered, so too will the forces that trouble truth will be defeated. Encouraging the morale of Punjab Kesari Group’s Editor-in-Chief Sh. Vijay Kumar Chopra, he said that in this fight against those who seek to suppress the voice of the media, you are not alone. Keep writing, remain steadfast, because your pen is the strongest shield of democracy.

Chandigarh, January 18,

 The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has summoned the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar SP(D) to appear before the Commission for not taking action in a case.

Giving information in this regard, the Chairman of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission, S. Jasvir Singh Garhi said that the Commission had received a complaint from Mr. Dharam Chand, son of Karta Ram, village Jhungian, tehsil Balachaur, district Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar.  Regarding which the District Police Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar was asked to conduct an investigation and submit a report to the Commission on 14-01-2026, but no representative of the Police Department appeared on this specific date, therefore the Commission has asked that the report of facts and information regarding this complaint has been summoned by Mr. Iqbal Singh (S.P. (D)) on the specific date 20-01-2026 to appear personally at the Commission office as there has been no legal action in this matter from the year 2024 to the year 2026.

Chandigarh 18 January 2026:

The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Hon’ble Local Government Minister Sanjeev Arora, has issued a comprehensive directive for the systematic removal and relocation of all scrapped, abandoned, unclaimed, and confiscated vehicles presently lying in police station premises and other government lands within city limits to designated yards outside urban areas.

This decisive step is part of the Government’s broader urban governance reforms aimed at improving public safety, sanitation, traffic management, and optimal utilization of public infrastructure.

*Vehicles to Be Shifted Within 30 Days*

The Minister informed that all such vehicles parked in police stations, traffic police yards, municipal properties, and along city roads for prolonged periods shall be shifted to identified vehicle yards located outside city limits within 30 days.

Joint teams of the Police Department, Municipal Corporations, Traffic Police, and District Administration have been directed to conduct an immediate survey, prepare a detailed inventory, and ensure time-bound execution of this order.

*Reasons Behind the Decision*

Shri Sanjeev Arora stated that the presence of large numbers of scrapped and confiscated vehicles within city limits has created multiple civic and administrative challenges.Old vehicles pose serious fire hazards due to fuel residues, electrical faults, and flammable materials, especially in densely populated urban areas. Abandoned vehicles accumulate stagnant water, becoming breeding grounds for mosquitoes and rodents, thereby increasing the risk of dengue, malaria, and other diseases.

Misuse of Critical Government Space:

Police station premises are meant for operational requirements, emergency vehicles, and public service delivery—not long-term vehicle dumping.

Traffic Obstruction & Urban Aesthetics:

Vehicles lying on roadsides and public land obstruct traffic flow and negatively impact the city’s cleanliness and appearance. Deteriorating vehicles leak oil, chemicals, and heavy metals, causing soil and groundwater contamination.

*Legal & Regulatory Framework*

The Minister clarified that this action is fully aligned with existing legal provisions: Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 – Removal of abandoned and unclaimed vehicles. Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 – De-registration and disposal of end-of-life vehicles. Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 – Safe handling and disposal of non-biodegradable waste including vehicles.

Punjab Municipal Corporation Act – Authority to remove encroachments and public hazards.

All relocated vehicles will be sent only to authorized vehicle scrap yards and recycling facilities, strictly following pollution control and environmental norms.

Procedure to Be Followed Before removal: All identified vehicles will be tagged and photographed.Notices will be affixed on vehicles.Where ownership is traceable, owners will be informed and given an opportunity to claim their vehicles as per law.Confiscated vehicles will be shifted after completing all mandatory legal documentation to ensure that judicial procedures remain unaffected.

Shri Sanjeev Arora appealed to citizens to cooperate in this citywide cleanliness and safety drive. Vehicle owners are urged to voluntarily resolve the status of abandoned vehicles with the concerned police stations and municipal authorities.

 “This initiative reflects our Government’s firm commitment to safer, cleaner, and better-organized cities. Urban land is a valuable public resource and must be used efficiently for public welfare,” the Minister added.

Chandigarh, January 18:

The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is fully committed to eradicating the social evil of child begging from the state. In line with this commitment, the government has intensified strict, result-oriented action against those forcing children into begging. This was stated by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur.

Sharing further details, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said that during a special statewide drive conducted over the past two days, raids were carried out at identified hotspots across all districts. As a result, 31 children found begging were rescued. After verification of documents, four children were handed over to their parents on the spot by the Child Welfare Committee, while 27 children were temporarily shifted to child care homes, where further verification and appropriate action will be undertaken as per rules.

The Cabinet Minister informed that under Project JIWANJYOT 2.0, the Punjab Government has so far rescued a total of 1,023 children from child begging. Among them, 38 children have been provided benefits under the Sponsorship Scheme, 349 children have been enrolled in schools, nine children have been linked with Anganwadi centres, and 13 children have been provided healthcare facilities under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. Children residing in child care homes are being provided education, nutrition, healthcare and other essential services to ensure a safe, dignified and secure future.

Dr Baljit Kaur said that due to these sustained efforts, a continuous decline in incidents of child begging has been observed across the state. She reiterated that the Punjab Government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against child begging and that enforcement drives will be further intensified in the coming days.

The Minister categorically warned that any individual found forcing children into begging will face strict legal action as per the law. She also appealed to the public not to encourage child begging by giving alms. If any child is seen begging on roads or public places, citizens are urged to immediately inform Child Helpline 1098, the district Child Welfare Committee, or the concerned authorities, so that timely intervention can ensure a safe and dignified future for every child.

MAJITHA (AMRITSAR), 18th January 2026:

At a public function in Majithia on Sunday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann delivered a clear message on faith, governance and the future of the constituency while laying the foundation stone for 23 rural link roads worth ₹11.32 crore. The Chief Minister said it would have given him heartfelt happiness if the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) President, Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, considered himself as a soldier of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, but expressed concern that he instead calls himself a soldier of Sukhbir Singh Badal.

In the same address, the Chief Minister announced that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Talbir Singh Gill will be the party’s candidate from Majitha for the 2027 Assembly elections, asserting that the people will not allow any attempt to push Punjab back into beadbi (sacrilege) and goondagardi, and that development, dignity and respect for Sri Akal Takht Sahib will remain paramount.

Addressing a public gathering after laying the foundation stone of 23 new rural link roads in Majitha, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Earlier, this area lived under constant fear. A self-proclaimed ‘jarnail’ of the region used false cases as a weapon against ordinary people. With deep connections in both Congress and Akali governments, he unleashed a reign of terror, and people were afraid to speak.” He said that this fear has now completely vanished, as the will of the people is prevailing and such politics has been decisively rejected.

The Chief Minister said that people have charted a new path by rejecting the politics of intimidation pursued by the Majithia and Badal families. He said, “This very Majitha area was once controlled by people who hosted General Dyer for dinner on the same day as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. Such acts of betrayal can never be forgotten. The people of Punjab will never forgive those whose hands were stained with the blood of innocent masses.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann warned that bringing the Akali Dal back to power would mean dragging Punjab back into a dark era. “It will mean the return of ‘Beadbi’ (sacrilege) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji, firing on innocent protestors and atrocities against the common man,” he said.

He added that it was due to the misdeeds of the Akalis and the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) that the state government was compelled to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the missing 328 saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. “Our only objective is to trace the missing saroops. We have no intention of interfering in religious institutions,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said it was unfortunate that instead of focusing on his primary responsibilities, the SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Mann was busy making arrangements for political rallies. “Instead of calling himself a soldier of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, he proudly calls himself a soldier of Sukhbir Singh Badal. What good can be expected from such a person, who takes pride in serving someone who ruined Punjab with his every move,” he noted.

The Chief Minister reiterated the supremacy of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and said, “Sri Akal Takht Sahib is above all of us. That is why I did not attend the function of the President of India and chose instead to appear before the Takht.” He said that unlike his government, the Akalis have repeatedly undermined the authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. “Jathedars have been appointed and removed at their whims, dealing a severe blow to the sanctity of these institutions,” he said, while also remarking that Congress leaders have lost their political balance after facing continuous defeats.

Making a major announcement from Majitha, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann declared that AAP leader Talbir Singh Gill will be the AAP’s candidate from Majitha in the 2027 Assembly elections. “The time has come for the people of Majitha to move beyond submitting demand letters and start taking decisions themselves,” Bhagwant Singh Mann said, asserting that AAP represents a new politics where people are not petitioners before power but partners in governance. He said that Majitha will now send a representative who believes in decision-making, development and accountability, not intimidation and entitlement.

Highlighting the pro-people initiatives of his government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “After assuming office in March 2022, our first decision was to provide free electricity to 90 percent of households.” He said that farmers are now receiving uninterrupted power supply, sparing them from venturing out on freezing nights to irrigate their fields. “Punjab today is power surplus. With adequate coal supply and fully functional thermal plants, the state is emerging as a frontrunner in the country,” he said.

Taking a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Chief Minister said, “Some leaders treat staying one night in a poor person’s house as a novelty. I am myself a common man and I understand the daily struggles of ordinary people.” He added that the state government is committed to preserving Punjab’s glorious legacy, citing the recent commemoration of the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji, and said that more such initiatives will follow to familiarise students with the state’s rich heritage.

The Chief Minister said that special attention is being paid to the welfare of border residents, whom he described as true patriots. “In a major relief to farmers in the border belt, the Central Government has given in-principle approval to shift the border fence closer to the International Border,” he said, adding that this would allow unhindered cultivation of thousands of acres currently lying beyond the fencing. He said he had raised the issue with the Union Home Minister, pointing out the daily hardships faced by farmers who were forced to cross the fence under BSF escort to reach their own fields along the 532-kilometre India-Pakistan border.

The Chief Minister said that the renewal of 23 rural link roads in the Majitha constituency will be carried out at a cost of ₹11.32 crore. “Projects worth ₹11.32 crore have been initiated for the renovation of link roads in several villages of Majitha constituency. Out of this, ₹9.94 crore will be spent on road renovation and ₹1.38 crore on their maintenance over the next five years. These roads were in a deplorable condition, causing immense inconvenience to commuters and farmers transporting their produce to markets,” he said, expressing confidence that their upgradation would significantly benefit residents of Majitha and surrounding areas.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab government has launched a massive programme to repair and upgrade link roads across the state. “Punjab has nearly 43,000 kilometres of link roads. Along with repairing them, we have taken a historic decision to ensure their maintenance for the next five years,” he said. To ensure quality, he said a CM Flying Squad has been constituted, and an Artificial Intelligence-based survey was conducted before granting approvals, leading to savings of ₹226.89 crore.

“This money was earlier siphoned off by leaders of previous regimes,” the Chief Minister said. “By plugging leakages, we are now using these funds for the development of Punjab and the prosperity of its people.” He added that with initiatives such as Aam Aadmi Clinics, Schools of Eminence and free power, governance in Punjab is now firmly centred on public welfare.

Earlier, PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries. Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, MLA Sarwan Singh Dhunn, senior AAP leader Talbir Singh Gill and other leaders were present on the occasion.

CHANDIGARH, January 18:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 323rd day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 333 locations on Sunday leading to the arrest of 122 drug smugglers after registration of 97 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 45,259 in 323 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 440 grams heroin, 340 grams opium, 3 kg poppy husk, 1781 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 8106 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 333 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 361 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 35 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.