Chandigarh, Aug 24 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the opposition had misled the public by holding the Constitution on their heads and claiming that if Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister for the third time, he would abolish the Constitution. The Constitution has not ended, but the people have certainly ended Congress from the country. He added that the opposition today has no issues left, and in such a situation, the Congress is spreading lies. The people of the country have completely rejected the Congress.

He further said that after losing the elections, Congress first put the blame on EVMs, whereas the electronic voting system is fully transparent and votes go only to the candidate chosen by the voter.

The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering during a programme in village Patak Mazra, Kurukshetra today. He assured the villagers that all their demands would be forwarded to the concerned departments for resolution. He also announced a grant of Rs 21 lakh for Panchayat development works in the village.

He said that some opposition members are deliberately trying to create controversies in the Assembly, but the government is ready to discuss every issue in detail. He said that in the last 11 years, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has taken the country forward through rapid and inclusive development, which has earned India recognition and respect across the world. Just last week, the Prime Minister dedicated two projects worth Rs 2,000 crore for Haryana, which will accelerate the pace of development and provide people with better connectivity facilities, he added.

Highlighting the Sankalps made during the elections, the Chief Minister said that the government had announced 217 commitments in its Sankalp Patra. Out of these, 41 Sankalps have already been fulfilled, and by the end of this year, 90 more will be completed.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini pointed out that when the government was working to provide jobs to the youth without any recommendation or expenditure, opposition members approached the Election Commission and the courts to stall the recruitment results. Despite these hurdles, before assuming office as Chief Minister, the very first promise I fulfilled was to ensure that the selected youth received their appointments. He said that to ensure no citizen has to bear the financial burden of kidney dialysis, the state government has made dialysis facilities completely free in all government hospitals, medical colleges, and medical universities.

Shri Nayab Singh Saini said that for years, families living in houses built on Panchayat land had to live under the constant fear of court cases. The state government has now given ownership rights to such families by registering their houses at the collector rate of 2004. He said that the government had promised to purchase farmers’ crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP). Fulfilling this commitment, a notification has been issued and Haryana has become the first state in the country where all crops are being procured at MSP. Similarly, vegetable growers are also being supported under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana.

The Chief Minister informed that recently, 5,000 landless families have been allotted 100-square-yard plots each, and applications are being invited for the second phase. Members of the Prajapati community, who were unable to pursue business for a long time, have been provided land in villages along with eligiblity certificates. Highlighting the state government’s achievements, he  said that while villages used to get only four hours of power supply with frequent cuts during the Congress regime, today the government is working to ensure 24-hour electricity in villages.

He also said that recruitment for constable posts in the state police will be conducted soon. The process is being planned, and all recruitments will be carried out in a completely transparent manner. He encouraged the youth to work hard to take advantage of these opportunities. Villagers extended a warm welcome to the Chief Minister on his arrival.

Chandigarh:

On the occasion of the 40th National Eye donation fortnight being observed at the PGIMER, Chandigarh from 25.8.2022 to 8.9.20222, we are pleased to organize a Media Conference to disseminate awareness to the general public and to bridge the gap between the demand and supply of cornea.

At present, more than 1.3 million people are corneal blind in India and the current annual transplant number in the country varies from 25000- 30000. In PGIMER, around 2000 patients are waiting for their corneal transplantation but the hospital gets only around 500 corneas every year.

 Prof. Surinder S. Pandav, Head, Deptt. of Ophthalmolog*y and senior faculty from Deptt. of Ophthalmology will engage with the  media.

Following the media interaction, the fortnight will be officially inaugurated at 5:00 PM in the Director’s Office.

With this backdrop, you are very cordially invited to join us for the Media Interaction as per the following details and disseminate the relevant information for public good through your esteemed publications/channels.

Bathinda: A road safety awareness campaign was organized at Arya Model Senior Secondary School, AP International School and Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Bathinda today by Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India. Over 2100 school students & school staff participants led by trained road safety instructors took part in the campaign.

Designed to be as dynamic as the youth it engaged, the campaign featured interactive learning through games, quizzes, sessions on two-wheeler safety, traffic rules and responsible road behaviour. From trying on helmets and the right way to understanding blind spots, all the participants got a hands-on taste of what it means to ride safe and stay alert. The message was simple and clear-Safety begins with a mindset change.

Chandigarh: Over 2100 school students & staff participated in Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India road safety awareness campaign at Bathinda three schools. The campaign featured interactive learning through games, quizzes, sessions on two-wheeler safety, traffic rules and responsible road behaviour. From trying on helmets and the right way to understanding blind spots, all the participants got a hands-on taste of what it means to ride safe and stay alert. 

Chandigarh, August 24

In a determined push to reinforce fiscal discipline and maximize revenue realization, Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced today that the Punjab Excise Commissionerate has intensified efforts to recover long-pending excise arrears inherited from previous SAD-BJP and Congress governments. The department has already recovered Rs. 1.85 crores in the current financial year 2025–26, and permission has been granted to sell 27 properties with a combined base value of Rs. 20.31 crores (at Collector Rate), marking a significant step toward financial accountability.

Revealing this in a press communique issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the auction process for these properties is now underway. “As part of this recovery drive, 14 properties located in Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, and Mansa districts will be auctioned during the first two weeks of September”, he added.

Providing further details, Cheema stated that six properties in Mansa and Bathinda districts—comprising agricultural and commercial/residential land with a base price of Rs. 5.4 crores—will be auctioned on September 4. On September 8, four agricultural properties in Sri Muktsar Sahib with a total base price of Rs. 4.89 crores will go under the hammer. Another set of four agricultural properties in Sri Muktsar Sahib and Fazilka, valued at Rs. 1.99 crores, will be auctioned on September 11.

The Finance Minister also announced that eight additional properties will be auctioned later in September, ensuring sustained momentum in the recovery campaign. He emphasized that the government anticipates substantial revenue recovery from 67 pending arrears cases within this financial year alone. This initiative, he said, is part of a broader strategy to streamline legacy dues and unlock stalled revenue.

Highlighting the contrast with previous SAD-BJP and Congress regimes, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema asserted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, license fees are being recovered on time, leaving no room for arrears. He described the recovery of long-pending dues as a vital move toward strengthening Punjab’s fiscal health and underscored the government’s commitment to compliance and accountability. Reaffirming the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab Government’s dedication to transparent and efficient governance, Cheema said the ongoing efforts reflect a clear resolve to uphold financial integrity and public trust.

Chandigarh, August 24:

Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is working tirelessly for the overall development of children across Punjab. At the same time, special priority is being given to the care and upbringing of children from economically weaker families and orphans. This was disclosed by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.

Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that under the Sponsorship Scheme, the Punjab Government provides financial assistance of ₹4,000 per child per month to economically weaker, destitute and orphan children. This assistance is meant for wards belonging to families unable to provide proper care due to financial constraints, as well as for orphaned children living with their relatives.

She further said that this assistance is provided until the child attains the age of 18 years, and so far, a total of 5,475 beneficiaries have already received support under this scheme.

Highlighting the objective of the initiative, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the scheme is not merely about financial aid but also about providing children with a brighter future. With this support, children are able to continue their education, pursue their dreams and integrate into the mainstream of society.

Reiterating the Punjab Government’s commitment, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the ultimate aim of the government is to ensure that every child becomes educated, self-reliant and a responsible citizen contributing to the progress of society and the state. Special efforts are being made for the holistic development of those children who have been left out of the mainstream of society.

Chandigarh, August 24:

On the auspicious occasion of First Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, who represents the Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency, has announced a major project to develop a majestic Heritage Street, stretching from the main Gurudwara Sahib to Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, the holy place where 10th Sikh Guru Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa Panth.

Extending warm greetings to the Sikh Sangat living across the globe on the auspicious occasion of 1st Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the Heritage Street project aims to create a serene spiritual oasis by transforming the sacred route with exquisite marble work, meticulous landscaping and enchanting lighting to enhance the overall spiritual experience.

Further elaborating on the ambitious project, the Education Minister informed that Rs 25 crore will be spent under the first phase of the project and the route will be metamorphose into tranquil pedestrian-friendly zone, free from vehicular traffic. This will enable devotees to traverse the sacred path with serenity and reverence. Moreover, the stairs leading to Takht Sahib will be tastefully renovated with exquisite marble and intricate design, thereby augmenting the site’s grandeur and spiritual significance.

With the tender process now complete, S. Harjot Singh Bains shared that the project will be launched soon, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann slated to inaugurate it. This development will not only enrich the spiritual experience for devotees but also stimulate local tourism, besides, further enhancing  facilities for pilgrims at the sacred land of Sri Anandpur Sahib.

CHANDIGARH/SBS NAGAR, August 24:

          In a major breakthrough against organised crime amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence Jalandhar in a joint operation with SBS Nagar apprehended two shooters of Lucky Patial-Davinder Bambiha gang from Mumbai for their involvement in murder that took place in Pojewal in SBS Nagar last month, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Sunday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Karan Ganger (25), a resident of village Ror Majara in Hoshiarpur and Jaskarandeep Singh alias Kallu (23), a resident of village Ramgarh Jhungian in Garhshankar.

          As per the information, a person identified as Hardeep Singh alias Deepa Kulpuria was shot dead by some unidentified persons at his village Kulpur at Pojewal in SBS Nagar on July 2, 2025.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that arrested accused Karan Rormajara and Jaskarandeep Kalu, in connivance with USA-based Jaskaran Singh alias Kannu had recently killed a person in Pojewal, SBS Nagar due to their personal enmity. The arrested accused and Jaskaran Kannu are associates of Lucky Patial of Devinder Bambiha Gang, he said.

          The DGP said that further investigations are ongoing to establish backward and forward linkages in this case.

          Sharing operation details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) SBS Nagar Mehtab Singh said that following the murder, a special investigation team (SIT) headed by SP Investigation was constituted to probe the entire case.

          He said that police teams from CI Jalandhar and SBS Nagar Police, working on human and technical investigations, zeroed in on the location of the both the accused to be in Mumbai.

          Sharing more details, AIG Counter Intelligence Jalandhar Navjot Singh Mahal said that joint teams from CI Jalandhar and SBS Nagar Police were despatched immediately to Mumbai, who successfully managed to apprehend both the suspects with the help of local Mumbai Police.

          He said that the arrested accused were to be provided other targets by their foreign based handlers and such potential criminal acts have been averted because of their arrest.

          A case FIR no. 70 dated 03.07.2025 had been regitered under Sections 103, 191(3) and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 25 and 27 of Arms Act at police station Pojewal in SBS Nagar.

Chandigarh/Sangrur, August 24 –

 As part of the Punjab Government’s commitment to ensuring quality and transparency in development projects, Punjab Mandi Board Secretary, Mr. Ramvir, conducted a review of ongoing development works in Sangrur district today.

He was accompanied by Mr. Dalvir Singh Dhillon, Chairman of Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation; Mr. Rajwant Singh Ghulli, Chairman of Market Committee, Dhuri; Mr. Gurinder Singh Cheema, Chief Engineer, Punjab Mandi Board; and other officials.

During his visit, he inspected the construction of the new Sub-Divisional Hospital and Mother-Child Hospital in Dhuri, various link roads, and the ongoing work of grain market in village Satauj.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has advocated the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for need-based construction of rural roads to optimize the use of public funds. He noted that smart road surveys conducted across the state have saved ₹383 crore by leveraging technology to transform sectors such as education, policing, and agriculture.

He instructed Punjab Mandi Board officials to prioritize quality in all development projects. He stressed the urgent need to strengthen and upgrade rural roads to facilitate smoother commuting for residents. The strategy for road construction has been meticulously planned, with priority given to roads that have not been repaired or rebuilt in over six years.

Highlighting the state’s shift toward smart governance, Mr. Ramvir stated that technology, transparency, and accountability are reshaping Punjab’s administration. Previously, crores of rupees were spent on road repairs without proper scrutiny. For the first time, a comprehensive AI-based survey, combined with videography, was conducted across the state, examining 3,369 roads. Of these, 843 were found to be in good condition, saving ₹383 crore. These savings will now be redirected toward public welfare projects, eliminating unnecessary tenders and corrupt practices.

He announced that similar inspections will be conducted across the state to uphold quality and transparency. He further directed that berms (sidewalks) must be constructed alongside roads to ensure safety and accessibility.

Chairman Dalvir Singh Dhillon said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has urged contractors to maintain high standards in development and construction works. Contractors are now required to maintain roads and buildings for five years after project completion, ensuring long-term accountability.

He emphasized that the Chief Minister has approved the use of AI for the strategic development of rural roads, ensuring efficient utilization of resources while delivering high-quality infrastructure. This innovative approach is set to revolutionize road construction by significantly reducing costs. He added that the state government has decided to upgrade, reinforce, and widen rural roads to enhance connectivity across Punjab.

Mr Rajwant Singh Ghulli appealed to residents to provide honest feedback on the quality of materials used in construction projects, emphasizing that public funds belong to the people.

Chandigarh, August 24:

The Punjab Jail Department has initiated the process of purchasing ultra-modern security equipment for the jails of the state to further strengthen the security infrastructure.

Giving this information, Punjab Jail Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said that the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has always been serious about the security of the jails of the state. He said that in the current financial year, in addition to the major security equipment, full body scanners, body worn cameras, flood lights, walkie talkie sets, boom barriers, CCTV cameras, sniffer dogs, X-ray based scanners, search lights, high mast poles, non-linear junction detectors, anti-riot kits, e-carts, wire mesh in high security zones, etc. are being purchased to strengthen the security infrastructure of the jails.

S. Bhullar said that T-HCBS (Tower for Harmonious Call Blocking System) jammers have been installed in 2 jails of the state. He said that AI has been installed in eight central jails to generate alarms in case of throwing prohibited substances outside the main wall of the jail, wall scaling, rioting and use of mobiles, etc. The installation of the CCTV system has been completed and this system is also being implemented in 17 other jails of the state. He said that 19 X-ray baggage scanners have also been purchased to cover 13 sensitive jails of the state.

The Jail Minister said that 200 body worn cameras are being used to monitor the behavior of the prisoners in the jails. He said that 295 CCTV cameras are being installed to cover all the cells of the high security zones in the jails where high risk prisoners are lodged. Similarly, mobile network jamming solution is being installed at designated places in 13 sensitive jails with high security zones.

S. Bhullar further said that to save the expenses and staff incurred by the police department to produce the prisoners in the jails in the respective courts, maximum number of prisoners are being sent to VC. The department has also installed 159 VC systems in the jails and a proposal to build more than 200 VC systems and VC rooms is under consideration.