Chandigarh, April 3 :

          Through the intervention of Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman S. Jasvir Singh Garhi, a college management has withdrawn its cheque bounce case against a student’s father.

          Providing details on the matter, S. Garhi said that Ramanjit Singh, son of Balwinder Kumar from Janta Nagar (Dhuri) filed a complaint with the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission on March 25, 2025. The complaint stated that Ramanjit had enrolled in B.Tech. Civil Engineering at Gurukul Vidyapeeth Institute of Engineering and Technology (Banur), attending regularly through the third semester. However, due to his father’s surgery, he was unable to take his fourth semester examinations.

          As per the complaint, the college administration never issued any formal notification regarding his absence during the fourth semester, yet continued to collect fees from Ramanjit Singh until 2018 (through the eighth semester).

          Subsequently, Ramanjit Singh visited the campus multiple times in 2022 to retrieve his academic documents but was consistently denied access. When he approached Gurukul Director Manmohan Garg to collect his records, Ramanjit Singh was subjected to verbal abuse and threats.

          The college management then initiated legal proceedings over a bounced cheque that Ramanjit’s father had provided as security. Court proceedings commenced with a verdict expected on April 2, 2025. Seeking justice, Ramanjit Singh appealed to the Commission for assistance.

          Taking prompt action, the Commission summoned college officials on April 1, 2025 and directed them to withdraw the case against Ramanjit Singh’s father. The college management complied by submitting a formal withdrawal request to the court today, thereby safeguarding the future of both the student and his Scheduled Caste family.

Chandigarh, April 3

          Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced the successful completion of the allotment process for 207 Retail Excise Groups for the financial year 2025-26. The process, which commenced on March 5, 2025, and concluded on April 2, 2025, has yielded unprecedented revenue, generating an annual license fee of Rs. 9,878 crores, surpassing the projected target of Rs. 9,017 crores. This represents a 9.5% rise over the set Reserve price, marking a historic achievement for Punjab’s Excise Department. 

          Revealing this in the press communiqué issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Excise Department has allotted 207 retail groups successfully through online Auction and the whole process saw a very spirited response from the stakeholders. The Finance Minister attributed this outstanding success to the progressive and stakeholder-centric approach embedded in the Excise Policy 2025-26, which was designed to foster a transparent and well-regulated liquor trade.

          Emphasizing that the total Excise Revenue for the year 25-26 is set to cross 11500 Crore, the Finance Minister said that the Punjab Excise Department’s consistent year-on-year success is a direct result of strategic policy formulation, which defines revenue expectations, establishes market routes, and streamlines supply chain management. He said that Punjab’s dynamic excise policy ensures the availability of high-quality liquor at competitive prices, reinforcing the state’s commitment to balancing revenue growth with consumer welfare. 

          The Finance Minister further commended the dedicated efforts of Excise officers and officials in combating the illicit liquor trade and smuggling (both intra- and inter-state). “By leveraging cutting-edge technology for monitoring and enforcement, and maintaining seamless coordination with Civil and Police Authorities, the department has successfully strengthened trust among stakeholders and ensured a transparent and supportive ecosystem for the liquor trade”, he added. 

          Reaffirming Punjab’s position as a leader in Excise Management, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Excise and Taxation Department remains steadfast in its mission to enhance revenue generation while upholding regulatory integrity and consumer welfare. He said this year’s milestone achievement sets a new benchmark, further cementing Punjab’s status as a frontrunner in excise sector modernization and transparent governance.

Chandigarh, April 3:

Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO today instructed department officials to further enhance the state’s road network.

While chairing a meeting with Public Works Department officials regarding the budget allocated by the Punjab Government for the fiscal year 2025-26, S. Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is continuously working to foster comprehensive development to set the state on a path of progress, adding that a superior road network is essential for accelerating development projects across the state.

The Cabinet Minister stressed that special attention must be paid to the quality of all roads being constructed in the state to ensure they don’t require repairs for an extended period. The Public Works Department Minister categorically directed to complete necessary processes regarding the Amritsar-Tarn Taran route, construction of a bridge on the Mubarakpur-Dhakoli road in Dera Bassi, the Garhshankar-Sri Anandpur Sahib route and expedite completion of the village Meerthal route. He directed that process pertaining to construction work of Chittiwind Bridge be completed within two months so that work on this bridge can commence at the earliest.

The Cabinet Minister also instructed department officials to conduct a high-level meeting with Forest Department officials at the earliest to resolve obstacles related to obtaining approvals for road projects from the Forest Department. He directed officials to swiftly complete work related to the state’s planned roads.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Secretary PWD Dr. Ravi Bhagat and various other officials.

Chandigarh, April 3:

Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday paved way for checking illegal mining in the state and further reducing the price of sand and gravel for public.

A decision to this effect was taken by the Council of Ministers in a meeting held here under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister at his official residence.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Cabinet also has approved significant amendments in the Punjab Minor Mineral Policy which aims to enhance the supply of raw materials in the market, reduce illegal mining and corruption, reduce consumer prices for the public, increase state revenues, and eliminate any potential monopoly in the mining sector. The amendment stipulates Crusher Mining Sites (CRMS) thereby enabling crusher owners who possess land with gravel can now obtain a mining lease. This move is expected to curb the illegal transportation of material from other states and increase the availability of crushed sand and bajri in the market, which are essential for development activities in the state. Similarly, Landowner Mining Sites (LMS) will facilitate the Landowners with land containing sand deposits to apply for a mining lease and sell the material in the open market at the government’s notified rates.

Previously, many mining sites remained non-operational due to the lack of consent from landowners, as they were unwilling to allow unknown individuals to mine their land. The introduction of LMS will increase the number of operational mining sites, which will, in turn, boost market supply and state revenue. This move will also prevent monopolies in the mining sector.

Additionally, Deputy Commissioners have been granted the authority to issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for government and Panchayat lands, as they are the custodians of these lands. This change will streamline the process and expedite the operationalization of mining sites on government lands. The royalty on sand has been increased to Rs 1.75/cft with a corresponding pit-head price of Rs 7/cft.

The royalty on gravel/RBM has been increased to Rs 3.15/cft with a corresponding pit-head price of Rs 9/cft. The Cabinet reiterated the commitment of state government to ensuring transparency, fairness, and economic growth. These amendments will not only address the needs of mining stakeholders but also create an enabling framework for the legal and transparent conduct of mining activities across the state. The policy aims to boost the state’s economy while upholding environmental and regulatory standards.

Green signal to provisions of Mukhya Mantri Teerth Yatra Scheme

Similarly the Cabinet also gave approval for provisions of Mukhya Mantri Teerth Yatra Scheme under which senior citizens will be taken on a pilgrimage at the government’s expense. The government will bear the entire cost of the journey, including air-conditioned travel, comfortable accommodation, and meals. To make the pilgrimage memorable, the government will also present a special gift/ souvenirs to the travellers.

All citizens aged 50 years and above can avail from this scheme and it will be open to people of all castes, religions, income groups, and regions. Residents from both cities and villages of Punjab can benefit from this initiative. The objective of this journey is to showcase the state’s rich spiritual, religious, and cultural heritage by covering major religious sites.

Throughout the journey, spiritual discourses and devotional singing (satsang and kirtan) will be organized. At the end of the pilgrimage, prasad will be distributed to all travelers. A budget of ₹100 crore has been allocated for this scheme, and if necessary, it will be further increased. The registration for Yatra will start from last week of April and yatra will begin from month of May.

*Approves School Mentorship program *

The Cabinet also gave nod to implement School mentorship program in the state thereby stipulating that the IAS/IPS officers adopt rural schools across the state and mentor the students for excelling in life. This Pilot project will be introduced in 80 schools of eminence of the state and every officer will be allotted the school for a period of five years irrespective of their place of positing. This move will further strengthen the atmosphere of education through conversation with students and teachers along with it the officers will prepare the students for competitive exams and ensure training to teachers for upgrading their skills. These officers will act a catalyst for mustering resources and resource person for development of these schools adding that these officers will work as mentors and not as bosses and this work will be voluntary service and interested  officers will have to perform it along with their already allocated duties.

Chandigarh, April 3:

          The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the concerns of freedom fighters and their families. In line with this, Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat met with several family members of freedom fighters to hear their grievances and ensure swift resolution.

          During the interaction, the family members apprised the Minister of various challenges they have been facing. Minister Bhagat attentively listened to their concerns and resolved several issues on the spot. He assured the attendees that their remaining legitimate concerns would be addressed at the earliest. He also instructed the concerned officials to expedite the resolution of grievances without unnecessary delay.

          Speaking on the occasion, Mohinder Bhagat emphasized that the sacrifices of India’s great freedom fighters can never be forgotten. He stated that their families deserve utmost respect and care, reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to safeguarding their rights and welfare. He assured them that the state government stands firmly with them at all times.

          The Minister reiterated that the Punjab Government duly acknowledges and honors the sacrifices of freedom fighters and remains dedicated to providing all possible assistance to their families.

Chandigarh, April 3:

The Punjab Government has taken a step forward to introduce electric buses and promote an eco-system throughout the state. This initiative will not only help provide a pollution-free environment but also offer better environmental conditions and transportation facilities to citizens.

While chairing a meeting at the Punjab Civil Secretariat here today, Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar directed the officials of Local Government and Transport Department to jointly conduct a survey regarding the operation of EV buses and promotion of the eco-system. Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is committed to making the state pollution-free and providing citizens with a clean environment, said the Cabinet Minister, adding that the time has come to introduce EV buses in Punjab. He asked the concerned officials to take immediate action toward this objective.

The Transport Minister said that in the first phase, a proposal will be formulated to operate EV buses in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, SAS Nagar and Patiala. He said that 100 EV buses to be plied in Amritsar, 75 in Jalandhar, 100 in Ludhiana, 100 in SAS Nagar and 50 buses in Patiala.

S. Laljit Singh Bhullar also instructed PRTC and Punjab Roadways/PUNBUS officials to review the de-clubbing of bus route permits and find solutions in accordance with the law.

The Cabinet Minister informed that 450 large buses, 100 mini buses from PRTC and 312 new buses from PUNBUS will be soon added to the Punjab Transport Department’s fleet, with the necessary procedures already underway.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Additional Chief Secretary Transport Mr. D.K. Tiwari, State Transport Commissioner S. Jaspreet Singh, Director State Transport Mr. Rajiv Gupta along with senior officials from the Local Government and Transport Departments.

Phillaur (Jalandhar), April 3:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday announced that the state government is equipping the Punjab Police with best infrastructural facilities and modernizing it on scientific lines to enable it for tackling the law and order situation effectively.

Addressing the gathering after flagging off 139 New Vehicles for the Police stations across the state, the Chief Minister said with this initiative the Station House Officers (SHOs) in 454 Police stations across the state have got new vehicles. He said that this is contrary to earlier trends when the new vehicles were given to the top officers instead of those at grass root level. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that SHOs are the real face of the Punjab police as they are directly connected with people and have huge responsibility of maintaining law and order.

The Chief Minister said that being a border state a number of forces inimical to state have been chalking out nefarious designs to disturb hard earned peace of state but the Punjab Police has always foiled such attempts. He said that to further overcome major challenges faced by the state it is imperative that the Police force is updated as per advanced requirements in the field of investigation, science and technology. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that the Punjab Police will uphold the glorious legacy of serving the people with utmost professional commitment.

The Chief Minister said that 70% of the drugs are smuggled from Pakistan across the border via drones and are subsequently supplied in the state. He said that the state government has joined hands with BSF by launching anti-drone technology to check the movement of drones. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to concerted efforts of the state government drug smuggling has reduced drastically as a report of BSF has indicated a decline in cross-border consignments due to strict enforcement.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has already decided to recruit 1800 Constables and 300 Sub Inspectors every year in Punjab Police to overcome the scarcity of cops. He said that as for these 2100 posts every year around 2.50 lakh candidates apply for these posts so all the aspirants will get involved in academics as well as in improving their physique for clearing the tests. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is helping in channelizing their unbounded energy in a positive direction and help them in weaning away from the menace of drugs.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has launched a major crackdown against drugs in Punjab to break the backbone of the menace. He said that the state government has already snapped the supply line of drugs and big fishes involved in this heinous crime have been put behind the bars. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that for the first time the property of the drug smugglers acquired illegally are being destroyed/ confiscated by the state government so that it acts as a deterrent for others.

The Chief Minister said that for the first time in the history of the state, any government has given a record number of around 55,000 jobs to the youth in 36 months of coming into power. He said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for him that all the jobs have been given completely on the basis of merit, san any corruption or nepotism. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that these youth will become an active partner in the socio-economic development of the state by joining these respective departments.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against corruption and none of the corrupt officers is being tolerated. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every corrupt officer will be nailed and strict action will be taken against them. He said that the state government is working zealously to bring transparency, effectiveness and responsiveness by providing citizen centric services to people at their doorsteps.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has started a unique scheme where senior IAS and IPS officers of the state government will act as the mentors of the students of government schools across the state to provide them necessary guidance for excelling in life. He said that all the IAS and IPS officers will be mentoring one government school in the state where they will further strengthen the atmosphere of education through conversation with students and teachers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this step is aimed at transforming the lives of the students by encouraging them to join the coveted services adding that this ambitious program of the state government will give wings to the dreams of the students thereby excelling in every sector of life.

          Earlier, the Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries on the occasion.

Ludhiana, April 3:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday said that after cleaning the mess of previous regimes for three years, the state government is now on path of restoring the pristine glory of Punjab.

Addressing the gathering after dedicating World Skill Campus of Excellence consisting of two premier institutions – newly renovated State of the Art Industrial Training Institute (ITI) and Multi Skill Development Centre (MSDC) here today, the Chief Minister bemoaned that the state has lagged behind in the process of development due to the regressive policies and malicious intent of the previous regimes. He said that those were the times when industry was suffering, drug mafia and gangsters were flexing muscles under open patronization of the erstwhile rulers and the development of Punjab had derailed. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that since day one of assuming charge in office his government had focused on holistic development of the state and prosperity of its people.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has fulfilled almost all the guarantees promised to people adding that even those guarantees which were not made have also been given to people. He said that on one hand the BJP led NDA government is enhancing the rates of toll everyday whereas on other hand the state government has closed 17 toll plazas in Punjab. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a flawless plan was chalked out and executed to give a major push to development of every sector. 

The Chief Minister said that unfortunately water had depleted in 117 out 153 blocks, which went into black dark zone. He said that the previous governments never bothered about making any effort to save the groundwater and the farmers at the tail ends, on this land of five rivers, never got water. Bhagwant Singh Mann said after assuming charge the AAP government has revived 15947 water courses in the state due to which water has reached at the tail ends even in remotest villages.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that his government has provided free power to households from the month of July after which 90% of them are getting free power. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that for the first time the state government has purchased a power plant from a private firm to make the state surplus in power production. He said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that the state government has named this thermal plant after Sri Guru Amar Dass ji- the third Sikh Guru.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab has complete communal harmony, peace and amity, which are mainly responsible for overall development and prosperity in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to strenuous efforts of Punjab government so far investments worth around Rs 97,000 crore have been firmed up in the state in the last three years adding that leading companies like Tata Steel, Sanatan Textiles and others are making a beeline to invest in the state. He said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that companies are making optimum use of the congenial atmosphere backed by excellent infrastructure, power, skilled human resources and best industrial and work culture in the state to spread their business.

The Chief Minister said that he wants to hand over tiffins in the hands of youth by giving them employment so that they shun the syringes and menace of other drugs. He said that as Idle hands are devil’s workshop, so the state government is trying its best to ensure that maximum youth get jobs so that they do not fall prey to the social menaces. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that unemployment is the root cause of several social problems due to which the state government is focusing on eradicating this malady and so far around 55,000 government jobs have been provided to the youth.

The Chief Minister said that the drug mafia was patronized by the earlier governments but his government has launched a crusade against drugs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said meticulous planning has been done to wipe out the menace of drugs from the state and now war against drugs has begun in a full-fledged manner. He said that apart from snapping the supply lines of drugs the state government has put the big fishes involved in this crime behind the bars adding that now the property of the drug peddlers is being seized and destroyed adding that this noble cause cannot be accomplished without active public support.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has issued a Whatsapp helpline number 9779100200 for seeking the support of the people in this war. He asked the people to share any information pertaining to the drug smugglers operative in their area or city on this Whatsapp number. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the identity of the caller will be kept secret and will not be disclosed to anyone.

The Chief Minister said that youth of the state possess inherent qualities to excel in every field and their capabilities must be utilized properly. He said that the students and youth are like planes and the state government will provide them a launchpad to go ahead in life. Bhagwant Singh Mann unequivocally said that he won’t rest until the youth of Punjab don’t achieve their desired goals and excel in every field.

The Chief Minister exhorted the youth to stay grounded even after achieving huge success in life and believe in hard work as it is the sole key to success. He impressed upon the youth to work hard in the state as there was a lot of scope of progress and prosperity on this land. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is committed to giving impetus to the development of the state and prosperity of its people.

The Chief Minister said that this Campus of Excellence has a sprawling 20 acre campus which has the capacity to provide skill training and facilitate job placements for over 3,000 students. He said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Rajya Sabha Member Dr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney has adopted and mentored ITI Ludhiana and has contributed Rs. 2 Crores from his MPLAD fund and additional Rs. 70 Lakhs by his own to upgrade and modernize ITI – Ludhiana. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the campus of excellence will offer cutting-edge technology courses including Robotic Welders, 3D Printing Machines, CNC Machines and others in digital classrooms with Audio-Video setups and advanced training Labs.

The Chief Minister bemoaned that due to indifferent attitude of previous regimes, the Multi Skill Development Centre had remained vacant and un-utilized for years adding that this centre will provide total free of charge Skill Courses to the youth in disciplines like Artificial Intelligence, Aviation, Hospitality, Tourism, Agriculture Skill Development, Fashion Designing, Beauty and Wellness, Nursing, CNC Programming, Electrician, Welding, and other courses accredited by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that there was tremendous scope of skilled manpower in various sectors due to which the state government has been focusing to deliver quality skill training to the youth on modern lines for coping up with the demand of local industry. He said that Skill training center will fulfill a twin objective of coping up with the needs of industry to have skilled manpower on one hand and opening new vistas of employment for the youth on the other.

On the occasion Cabinet Ministers Harjot Singh Bains and Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, Rajya Sabha MPs Dr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney and Sanjeev Arora along with others were also present.

Chandigarh, April 3:

Punjab Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar today assured the Punjab Roadways PUNBUS/PRTC Contract and Outsourcing Workers’ Unions that swift action in accordance with the law is being taken to regularize the services of employees, standardize their salaries and implement appropriate salary increases. Following this meeting, the representatives of Punjab Roadways/ PUNBUS and PRTC Contract Workers’ Unions postponed their strike scheduled from April 7 to 9.

While presiding over the meeting with union representatives at the Punjab Civil Secretariat today, S. Bhullar said that the regularization of contractual and outsourced employees’ services will be implemented in a phased manner following legal procedures and issues regarding salary standardization and increases will be resolved in a time-bound manner. He said that next week, he will personally raise this matter with the Advocate General and the Finance Minister.

He also directed officials to promptly resolve the issue of contractors’ delays in depositing EPF and ESI contributions to the respective institutions. He also instructed to ensure that contractors do not engage in such negligence in the future that would cause difficulties for employees in receiving their salaries.

The Cabinet Minister said that other demands of the employees are also being considered expeditiously, adding that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is ensuring the welfare of every section of society.