Chandigarh

Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Haryana Governor, released two books authored by P. Lal, a former IPS officer of Punjab,  who had retired as Director-General of Police in 2006.  Lal has so far authored  9 books, including these two. Besides, he has contributed around 125 articles to various newspapers to date. The two books released are titled “HAPPINESS,  POSITIVITY AND SUCCESS” and “Condensed Version of Valmiki Ramayana in English Prose”. The former is a veritable account of how to achieve happiness, cultivate positivity and increase chances of achieving success. In the second book, the author has condensed the original text in around 258 pages. He has used simple language which, however, conveys the message effectively. 

Chandigarh/Dhuri, October 15

The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has fulfilled its promise to provide compensation/relief to flood victims before Diwali (within 30 days) by releasing the first installment of ₹209 crore for the state. Out of this, ₹3.50 crore will be distributed to flood victims in Sangrur district. Today, Punjab’s Finance and Planning Minister Harpal Singh Cheema initiated the compensation distribution by handing over sanction letters to eight flood-affected families in the Dhuri constituency.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that today, 13 Cabinet Ministers across Punjab are visiting flood-affected areas to distribute relief under Mission Rehabilitation. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had launched Mission Rehabilitation in Ajnala by distributing ₹5.70 crore in cheques to 631 farmers. He noted that, for the first time in the country, farmers have been given ₹20,000 per acre as compensation. The Punjab Government stands with its people in every moment of joy and sorrow.

He stated that heavy rains and floods caused widespread crop damage across the state. Many people’s homes and other buildings collapsed. Relief will be provided to every affected family after assessing their losses. For the first time, each damaged house will receive ₹40,000, compared to the earlier amount of ₹4,000. Farmers will receive ₹20,000 per acre for crop damage.

He said that Punjab and Punjabis have always stood by victims of natural calamities. However, the Central Government discriminates against Punjab and Punjabis in every field. He demanded that the Central Government release the ₹1600 crore announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Punjab visit at the earliest. He clarified that the ₹240 crore released by the Centre is part of the annual installment.

Cheema claimed that the Punjab Government, with the cooperation of the people, tackled the floods with full strength. Had timely rescue and relief operations not been initiated, the damage would have been far greater. Commending the Sangrur district administration, he said that a breach in the Ghaggar River would typically occur at 747 feet of water, but this time, the situation was managed even with 755 feet of water.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Rahul Chaba provided details of the efforts made to combat the floods in Sangrur district and thanked the Punjab Government for releasing the compensation amount. He said that, following the Punjab Government’s instructions, advance arrangements were made to deal with the emergency. Despite heavy rainfall, no breach occurred in the 41-kilometer stretch of the Ghaggar River passing through Sangrur district.

Present on the occasion were Punjab State Food Commission member Jasvir Singh Sekhon, Additional Deputy Commissioner Amit Bamby, SDM Rishabh Bansal, Dhuri Market Committee Chairman Rajwant Singh Ghuli, Anwar Bhasaur, Soni Mander, and a large number of people.

Chandigarh, October 15:

Three nomination papers were filed today, the third day of the nomination process, for the bye-election to the 21-Tarn Taran Assembly Constituency.

Disclosing this, A spokesperson of the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, said that Karambir Singh, the candidate from the Indian National Congress, filed his nomination papers today. In addition, Sukhwinder Kaur, the candidate from the Shiromani Akali Dal, and Kanchanpreet Kaur (covering candidate) also filed their nominations.

The nomination process for the bye-election commenced on October 13, 2025. However, no nominations were filed on October 13 and 14. The last date for filing nomination papers is October 21, 2025, while scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on October 22, 2025. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 24, 2025.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, October 15:

          In a major intelligence-based operation amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has busted a cross-border organised arms and narcotics smuggling module with links to Pakistan with the arrest of its three operatives and recovered 10 sophisticated pistols along with 500 grams opium from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Rajan alias Sagar (28), a resident of Faizpura in Amritsar, Surinder Singh alias Pali (24), a resident of village Tali Wala in Fazilka and Jagjit Singh (25), a resident of Cheema Kalan in Tarn Taran. The recovered weapons include four 9MM Glock pistols and six .30 bore pistols.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused were running inter-district gang of smuggling and were connected to a Pakistan-based handler. The recovered arms were meant to be supplied to gangsters and criminals to fuel unlawful activities in Punjab, he said.

          The DGP said that further investigations are underway to establish forward and backward linkages in this case to expose and dismantle the entire network.

          Sharing operational details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that accused Rajan was initially arrested with one .30 bore pistol and a quantity of opium, and his interrogation led to the unearthing of the entire network.

          During the course of investigation, Surinder was subsequently arrested, leading to the recovery of three .30 bore pistols and one 9mm pistol from his possession, he said, while adding that further investigation has resulted in the arrest of the third accused Jagjit, from whom five pistols, including three Glock 9mm and two .30 bore, were recovered.

          The CP said that accused Jagjit Singh had returned from Dubai four months ago. Surinder’s village is located close to the international border in Jalalabad, District Fazilka, while Jagjit’s native village lies near the border in District Tarn Taran. The accused were retrieving drone-delivered consignments from Amritsar to Fazilka and Tarn Taran sectors, and were further supplying these consignments directly and through location-based delivery systems, he added.

          In this regard, a case FIR No 196 dated 08-10-2025 has been registered under sections 18-B and 29 of the NDPS Act and section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Sadar Amritsar Commissionerate.

Chandigarh, October 15:

Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, on Wednesday, handed over appointment letters to 28 newly recruited youth including 25 Veterinary Inspectors, three clerks and promoted one class IV employee. To date, as many as 326 veterinary officers, 545 veterinary inspectors and 63 class C employees including clerks, enumerator/ puncher/ computer, steno, junior scale stenographer, laboratory assistant, laboratory technician, milk recorder, legal clerk, machine operator have been recruited in the department since Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government came into power.

While congratulating the newly inducted officials, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian encouraged them to perform their duties with full dedication. He stressed that honesty and integrity are essential in public service. Recognising the department’s vital role in assisting farmers and stimulating the rural economy, he pointed out that these recruitment would improve operational efficiency and service delivery of the department, besides helping to improve animal healthcare services in Punjab.

Highlighting the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government’s efforts to boost youth employment, S. Khudian informed that the state government has created a historic precedent in public service recruitment by providing over 55,000 government jobs to the deserving youth of Punjab, all executed with complete transparency and fairness. He said that the process to recruite 405 new veterinary officers is also underway in the animal husbandry department.

Chandigarh, 15 October 2025:

Invest Punjab successfully hosted a two-day engagement titled ‘Invest Punjab’s Interaction with Business Leaders’ in Bengaluru, the team headed by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and  Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, received an overwhelmingly positive response from prominent industry leaders.

Cabinet Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora conducted focused one-on-one and group discussions with leading industrialists to understand their investment priorities and present Punjab’s robust infrastructure, progressive policies, and attractive incentives. Key interactions included Intel, Arjas Steel, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Idea Forge, Sonata Software, Royal Orchid Hotels, India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers – Engaged with CXOs from IEDA, TISSOLVE, Arvind Consultancy, UHP, IESA, SEMI, Infineon Technologies, SCL, and others to align with Punjab’s vision for industrial growth.

Cabinet Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora extended a formal invitation to these industry leaders to invest in Punjab, emphasizing the Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to industrial acceleration, employment generation, and a business-friendly environment. He highlighted the State Govt streamlined facilitation mechanisms and infrastructure upgrades aimed at expediting project execution.

Minister Sanjeev Arora shared that during Invest Punjab’s roadshows, the team engaged with top corporates including Hero Group, Amber Enterprises, ITC, Jaipurias of Varun Beverages, Intel, HAL, Arjas Steel, Medanta Hospital, Royal Orchid, Sonata Software, OLA, Ideaforge, IHCL for Taj Hotels, Ralson, Genpact, Minda Group, GMR, New Holland, AIPL, Dawat Rice group, ACKME Solar, Info Edge, for their future investments

He also emphasized about the Brands/Corporates which are already flourishing and expanding in Punjab such as Nestle, Freudenberg, Danone, Tata Steels, Sanathan Textiles, ITC, Hindustan Levers, Pepsico, Verbio, Infosys, Mahindra, CDIL for semiconductors. The home-grown Punjabi Brands such as Hero, Monte Carlo, Cremica, Trident, Sonalika Tractors, Nivea Sports needs no introduction and have contributed steadily in Nation building.

Mohali has emerged as a prime destination for high-tech investments in IT, semiconductors, and data centers, driven by its excellent connectivity, modern infrastructure, and availability of skilled talent at competitive costs. With Infosys expanding its presence, the region is attracting major players seeking efficient growth opportunities. Punjab’s strong academic ecosystem—including IIT Ropar, ISB, IISER, Thapar, CDIL, and others—is fueling innovation and reinforcing the state’s position as a future-ready hub for advanced industries, he added.

Further Arora added under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Hon’ble Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Government continues to champion the vision of a New Punjab—a state empowered by dynamic industrial growth and expanded economic opportunities. Invest Punjab will persist in its outreach efforts to translate investor interest into tangible partnerships and investments.

The event witnessed the presence of key dignitaries including PDC Vice Chairperson Seema Bansal, Secretary Industries & Commerce K.K. Yadav; PSIEC Managing Director Saurabhi Malik;  Invest Punjab CEO Amit Dhaka; Gaurav from KPMG; senior officials from Invest Punjab; and other esteemed guests.

Chandigarh, October 15:

Ahead of Diwali, the Punjab government, led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, brought relief to flood victims by distributing ₹6.3 crore in compensation. 12 cabinet ministers on Wednesday handed over sanction letters to affected families across state, fulfilling the government’s promise under “Mission Rehabilitation”.

However, On October 13, the Chief Minister had launched the state-wide compensation drive from Ajnala by disbursing Rs.5.70 crore among 631 families. The Mann government has provided Rs. 20,000 per acre for crop loss, up to Rs.1.20 lakh for damaged houses and financial aid for livestock within just 45 days. The amount was transferred directly into beneficiaries’ accounts through DBT to ensure transparency. The special girdawari teams covered almost every affected household and it was also being ensured that damaged roads will soon be re-carpeted.

Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema initiated the compensation distribution process in Sangrur by handing over sanction letters to eight flood-affected families in the Dhuri constituency. ₹3.50 crore will be distributed to flood victims in Sangrur district.

Cabinet Minister and AAP State President,  Aman Arora today initiated the disbursement of compensation to flood-affected families from village Rampur Kalan in Banur Sub-Tehsil and village Sarsini in Derabassi Tehsil of district SAS Nagar. The Minister distributed compensation approval letters worth 66 lakh to around 80 affected families.

Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur distributed relief worth Rs.1.05 crore among flood-affected families in Fazilka district for losses to crops and houses. The Minister informed that Rs.10.19 lakh was given to 43 beneficiaries and Rs.14.22 lakh for 29 damaged houses in Kahnewala village, Rs.9.47 lakh in Bahik Hasta Uttar village and Rs.71.22 lakh in Dharampura village.

Later, Dr. Baljit Kaur distributed Rs.16.88 lakh as compensation to flood affected residents of Lakkarwala, Thehri and Shergarh villages in Malout constituency. She said that although floods did not hit Malout, certain areas suffered crop and property damage.

Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Dr. Balbir Singh accompanied by MLA Gurlal Ghanaur also handed over sanction letters of ₹88 lakh as compensation to 232 farmers from the flood-hit villages of Saunta, Sheikhpur Dakheli Lohsimbli, and Samaspur in Patiala district.

In Bhoa constituency, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Forests and Wildlife Preservation Minister Sh. Lal Chand Kataruchak distributed relief cheques worth Rs.31 lakh among 130 flood-affected families of Pathankot district.

Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar formally started the distribution of compensation to flood-affected families from Kishan Singh Wala village in Kapurthala district by handing over sanction letters to around 25 farmers from Kishan Singh Wala, Chak Patti Balu Bahadur, and Hussainpur Bule villages in Sultanpur Lodhi sub-division.

PWD and Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO distributed compensation worth Rs.59 lakh among 138 flood-affected families in Gurdaspur district. The distribution drive covered multiple areas where 42 beneficiaries from village Khushipur in Dera Baba Nanak received cheques of Rs.23 lakh, 50 beneficiaries from village Khokhar Rajputan in Gurdaspur were given Rs.24 lakh and 46 families from village Kothe in Dera Baba Nanak were provided relief worth nearly Rs.12 lakh.

Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian has started the distribution of compensation in Zira sub-division of Ferozepur district from village Fattewala by handing over sanction letters amounting to more than Rs. 16 lakh were distributed to 57 farmers. Meanwhile, S. Khudian also distributed sanction letters of compensation amounting to Rs. 99.20 lakh to 254 farmers of village Nihala Lavera and Rs. 6.60 lakh to 37 farmers of village Kamal Wala of Ferozpur.

Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh  launched the distribution of relief funds to flood-affected families in Hoshiarpur district. At an event held at Tanda Municipal Council, the first tranche of approval letters was handed over. As many as 60 beneficiaries received approval letters totaling Rs.24.27 lakh, while beneficiaries from village Fatta received Rs.9.46 lakh, those from Abdullapur received Rs.5.50 lakh and beneficiaries from Gandhowal received Rs.9.30 lakh.

Meanwhile, Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal distributed Rs.24 lakh among 28 affected families of Ajanala constituency and Rs.18.41 lakh among 23 families of Rajasansi constituency.

Similarly, Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian disbursed Rs. 25.05 lakh as flood relief to 84 farmers from flood-hit villages under Samrala sub-division.

Similarly, Horticulture, Freedom Fighters and Defence Services Welfare Minister Sh. Mohinder Bhagat distributed Rs.10 lakh as compensation to 47 farmers from villages Mulewal Araiyan, Seechewal, Narangpur, Sohal Khalsa and Billi Warraich in Shahkot under Mission Rehabilitation. He informed that a total compensation amount of Rs.13 crore will be disbursed among flood-affected families across Jalandhar district.

CHANDIGARH, October 15:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 228th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 376 locations on Wednesday leading to the arrest of 75 drug smugglers after registration of 61 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 33,080 in 228 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 296 grams heroin, 497 grams opium, 13 kg poppy husk, 1164 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 3120 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 1100 police personnel, under the supervision of 71 gazetted officers have conducted 376 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 378 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 43 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Bengaluru/ Chandigarh, October 15:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday held meetings with the eminent Bussiness tycoons here and showcased the state as best investment destination in the world.

Interacting with the industrialists, the Chief Minister showcased Punjab as a land of opportunities and invited the companies to invest in the state. He said that entrepreneurs will be immensely benefited by investing in the state, which is rapidly emerging as the industrial hub of the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab has complete communal harmony, peace and amity, which are mainly responsible for overall development and prosperity in the state.

The Chief Minister said that knowing well that power is the engine of growth, the Punjab government is providing uninterrupted power to every sector be it residential, commercial or agriculture He urged the representative of the company to make optimum use of this congenial atmosphere backed by excellent infrastructure, power, skilled human resources and best industrial and work culture to spread their business. Extending a red carpet welcome to the industrialists, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government was always open for new ideas and innovations to boost up the industrial growth in Punjab.

The Chief Minister invited the industrialists to the sixth Edition of the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit adding that this summit will be held on March 13, 14 and 15, 2026 at Mohali, Punjab and will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to share ideas and collaborate on Punjab’s future industrial landscape. He said that the expertise and insights of the industrial captains are critical to shape Punjab’s future adding that the summit will be an ideal platform for showcasing and understanding Punjab’s potential, exploring collaboration opportunities, and networking. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he believe that together they can build a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive industrial ecosystem in Punjab for which their participation, trust, and commitment is solicited.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab has always been a land of resilience, enterprise, and rich heritage adding that the state is proud to be the Food Basket of India, contributing the largest share to the nation’s grain pool. However, he said that in the last three years there has been a paradigm shift in Punjab’s industrial journey which has taken a dynamic turn. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state is now an industrial powerhouse, leading in sectors such as food processing, textiles, auto components, hand tools, bicycles, IT, tourism, and others.

The Chief Minister said that industrial growth of Punjab is truly global as Investors from across the world have recognized the state’s potential. Since March 2022, he said that Punjab has received investment proposals worth Rs 1.23 lakh crores, with the potential to create over 4.7 lakh jobs, positioning Punjab as an emerging hub for industrial growth and innovation. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjab is home to several prestigious global companies, including Nestlé, Class, Freudenberg, Cargill, Verbio, Danone and others which have established operations here, contributing to the State’s economic transformation.

The Chief Minister said that these international companies recognize Punjab’s potential and the conducive environment that the state provides for businesses to thrive. He said that the state’s global reach is evident through investments from countries such as Japan, the USA, Germany, the UK, UAE, Switzerland, France, Spain, and others. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he believes that this is just the beginning as Punjab has truly become a preferred investment destination not only for Indian investors but for those worldwide.

The Chief Minister said that after assuming the charge of office he has created an investor-friendly ecosystem that promotes ease of doing business. He said that due to industrial friendly policies of the state government Punjab today ranks as a Top Achiever in Ease of Doing Business and has launched the FastTrack Punjab Portal, India’s most advanced single-window system, with single entry and exit and over 150 services. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government ensures zero offline applications and fast-track approvals adding that through the Punjab Right to Business Act, the state offers in-principle approval in just five days for eligible units up to Rs 125 Crore.

The Chief Minister further said that Punjab is the first state to introduce some major regulatory reforms which includes time-bound clearances within 45 days, deemed approvals, escalation mechanisms, and extended validity for key licenses. Likewise, he said that investor support through WhatsApp alerts, AI chatbots, and call centers ensures real-time responsiveness. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that digital CRO reports, extended validity of fire NOC, and leasehold-to-freehold conversions are simplifying operations further.

The Chief Minister said that partnership between government and industry is key to success and the state government firmly believes that industrial growth can only be achieved when we work as equal partners. He said that this principle guides our New Industrial Policy introduced in 2022, which was shaped in consultation with industry leaders and stakeholders, ensuring that it caters to their needs and aspirations. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now the state government has created 24 sectoral committees chaired by the captains of industry to formulate sector specific policies.

The Chief Minister assured the industrialists that the state government is fully committed to forge partnership of equality, transparency and mutual support with industries and businesses. He said that the entire state government present here is committed to facilitate the business journey of the entrepreneurs. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that the industrialists will support the state government in a big way and it will further propel the pace of industrialisation in the state.

The Chief Minister also invited members of the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) for focused CXO Roundtables on the evolving industrial landscape of Punjab and emerging opportunities in Electronics, Semiconductor, Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing sectors. He batted for collaborative efforts to build a semiconductor and electronics ecosystem in Punjab, leveraging Mohali’s strong academic and research base. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisioned that Punjab could play a significant role in developing passive components and design-engineering capabilities, given the availability of a strong talent pool and supporting infrastructure in the region adding he focused on enhancing Punjab’s participation in the national defence manufacturing value chain.

On the occasion Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora and others were also present.