SAS Nagar, August 17:
In view of the overwhelming response from urban residents towards clearing their property tax dues, the Department of Local Government, Punjab, has further extended the One Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme till August 31, 2025.

Sharing details, Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal said that under this scheme, residents can clear their pending property tax dues without any fine or interest. She informed that the Local Bodies in SAS Nagar district have made remarkable progress, collecting Rs 24.82 crore between July 1 and August 15, 2025.

Breaking down the collection figures, the DC said that Municipal Council Zirakpur contributed the highest with Rs 15.47 crore, followed by Kharar with Rs 4.26 crore and Derabassi with Rs 2.39 crore. Other councils also registered significant collections — Lalru Rs 1.03 crore, Kurali Rs 62 lakh, Naya Gaon Rs 60 lakh, and Banur Rs 44 lakh.

Appealing to residents, DC Komal Mittal urged them to take advantage of this opportunity and deposit their property tax dues before August 31, 2025, at their respective Municipal Councils, to avoid additional penalties in the future.

She further informed that lists of property owners who have not paid property tax in the past years have already been prepared, and the Urban Local Bodies are contacting them individually to encourage timely payment under this scheme. She cautioned that those who fail to clear their dues within the OTS period will face action as per rules.

Chandigarh, August 17:

In light of rising water levels in Punjab’s dams due to persistent rainfall over several days in the mountainous regions of neighboring Himachal Pradesh, Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today reviewed the prevailing situation in several districts through detailed telephonic conversations with the concerned Deputy Commissioners. The Minister issued strict instructions to ensure swift mitigation measures and safeguard lives and property.

Divulging further details while addressing the media persons here at Punjab Bhawan, the Cabinet Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal informed that flood-like conditions have emerged within the land between embankments of rivers passing through Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Fazilka and Ferozepur districts due to rising water levels in rivers and breaches in temporary embankments constructed by farmers within the flood plains.

He said that that around 14,200 acres across Kapurthala, Ferozepur and Fazilka districts have been affected by floodwaters. He specified that among the affected areas, Kapurthala district’s impacted land comprises residential settlements, while the affected areas in Fazilka and Ferozepur are primarily agricultural land under cultivation. He said that both the state government and district administration are fully committed to providing all possible assistance to the affected population.

Discussing the departmental surveillance management system, the Cabinet Minister informed that field operations involve continuous 24-hour monitoring by four Superintending Engineers (SEs), 10 Executive Engineers (XENs), 20 Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) and 200 field staff members (including Junior Engineers). He explained that the entire vulnerable region has been systematically divided into sectors to facilitate immediate response and intervention measures.

Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal directed Deputy Commissioners to immediately set up relief camps in the affected regions to provide shelter, food and medical facilities to the displaced population. He stated that the embankments built by the department are safe and no water has overflowed from these embankments. Strict vigilance is being maintained 24×7 over these embankments by strong roster-based teams.

The Cabinet Minister further instructed Deputy Commissioners to make special arrangements for the safety and well-being of livestock, including setting up separate shelters, ensuring fodder and drinking water supplies and deploying veterinary teams in affected areas. He stressed that vulnerable groups such as children, elderly persons and pregnant women must receive priority medical assistance. He directed that arrangements for clean drinking water, mobile health units and uninterrupted supply of essential medicines must be ensured to prevent any outbreak of waterborne diseases.

The Cabinet Minister also instructed the Deputy Commissioners of Tarn Taran and Ferozepur to personally monitor the Harike headworks round-the-clock in view of increased water inflow from the Sutlej and Beas rivers due to heavy rains in upper areas.

Reiterating the commitment of the Punjab Government, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal assured that every possible measure is being taken to protect the people of Punjab and that continuous monitoring of the situation is underway.

The Cabinet Minister was accompanied by Chief Engineer (Drainage) S. Hardeep Singh Mendiratta and Chief Engineer (Canals) S. Sher Singh.

Chandigarh, August 17:

An official spokesperson of the Directorate Defence Services Welfare, Punjab, informed that the written entrance examination for admission to the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun for the July 2026 Term will be conducted on 7th December 2025 (Sunday) at Lala Lajpat Rai Bhawan, Sector-15, Chandigarh.

The spokesperson further added that the prospectus-cum-application form can be obtained through online payment at www.rimc.gov.in or by sending a written request with Demand Draft in favour of The Commandant RIMC Fund. Completed applications must reach the Directorate Defence Services Welfare, Punjab, Sainik Bhawan, Sector 21-D, Chandigarh on or before 15th October 2025. Applications received after this date will not be entertained.

He said that for further information and application details, candidates may visit the official websites:

 www.rimc.gov.in

 www.dsw.punjab.gov.in

Chandigarh, August 17:

The Punjab Government has extended the One Time Settlement Scheme (OTS) for property tax defaulters till August 31, 2025. Under this scheme, the government has given an opportunity to pay the outstanding tax with limited penalty.

Disclosing this, Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh informed that the state government has extended the One Time Settlement Scheme (OTS) till August 31, 2025, which was earlier applicable till August 15. He said that property owners will now be exempted from interest penalty on depositing outstanding property tax till August 31.

The Cabinet Minister said that this scheme is applicable on total pending tax or partially paid. He said that property owners can pay their outstanding taxes with a waiver of interest and penalty based on the payment deadline.

The Local Government Minister said that the OTS scheme was initially available from May 15 to August 15, 2025, which has been extended till August 31, 2025. He said that after August 31, a 50 percent penalty will be applicable on outstanding amount.

The Cabinet Minister further said that property owners can settle their outstanding taxes without paying the full penalty and interest. He said that the aim of this scheme is to encourage property owners to pay their dues and avoid other penalties.

Giving information about the payment process of this scheme, Dr. Ravjot Singh said that property owners can pay their taxes online through the MSeva portal (mseva.lgpunjab.gov.in) or visit the Municipal Corporation office of their city. He said that it is mandatory for all property owners to file their property tax return.

CHANDIGARH, August 17:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 169th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 286 locations on Sunday leading to the arrest of 57 drug smugglers after registration of 42 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 26,023 in 169 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 461 grams heroin, 415 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 31,550 from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

          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.

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 120 Police teams, comprising over 1000 police personnel, under the supervision of 59 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 335 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added.

          The Special DGP said that with 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 45 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, August 17:

In a proactive and swift response to the flood-like conditions affecting several districts, the Government of Punjab under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Mann has mobilized a comprehensive health and emergency response network.Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh announced that 438 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs), 323 Mobile Medical Teams, and 172 ambulances have been mobilized to ensure timely medical aid in affected regions. 

Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan on Sunday, Dr Balbir Singh emphasising the government’s commitment said, “Our priority is to reach every person in need and ensure no one is left without medical help during these critical times. Punjab is fully prepared to meet any health emergency arising due to floods,” he said. 

Highlighting swift intervention in Gurdaspur, the Minister shared that when seven villages were cut off due to rising waters, the Health Department introduced the innovative concept of boat ambulances. “This quick response helped us rescue eight pregnant women, one of whom safely delivered her child under medical supervision. Similar measures have been implemented in the flood-hit island of Kalu in Firozpur,” he added. 

He informed that Medical preparedness has been further strengthened through health camps set up in Kapurthala and Hoshiarpur, where 241 patients have already received treatment. These cases included diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, fever, skin allergies, and eye infections. With over 2,000 hospital beds kept ready across districts, the state has created a strong buffer to tackle any possible epidemic. 

Reassuring citizens regarding water-borne diseases, Dr Balbir Singh said, “So far, we have seen only sporadic cases. However, people must remain vigilant. Health staff, ASHAs, and peripheral centers are well-equipped with chlorine tablets, ORS, and essential medicines. In case the number of cases rises in any particular pocket, we have seamless linkages to secondary and tertiary care hospitals for immediate treatment,” he said. 

He also urged people to rely on the government’s 104 Toll free Helpline Number to report health issues and seek assistance. “Every household should consume only boiled or chlorinated water, request health teams for water quality testing, and avoid stale food to check the spread of diseases,” he emphasized. 

The Punjab Health Department has been closely coordinating with SDRF, NDRF, the Military, IMA, Red Cross and NGOs to ensure medical and rescue facilities in high-risk areas including Firozpur, Fazilka, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, and Kapurthala.

Dr Balbir Singh also highlighted the encouraging results of Punjab’s ongoing ‘Har Shukarvaar, Dengue Te Vaar’ campaign launched last year. “Every Friday, we actively eliminate mosquito breeding sites with the help of panchayats and local bodies. This year till August 17, Punjab has reported zero dengue deaths, compared to 35-40 deaths annually in previous years. Dengue cases are under control, and we are continuing fumigation, larvae surveillance, and testing at a threefold increased rate,” said the Minister. 

Similarly, diarrhoea outbreaks have also been significantly contained, with only three minor episodes reported this season. 

Dr Balbir Singh reaffirmed that there is absolutely no shortage of medicines in any government health facility across Punjab. “Our teams are working 24/7 to protect citizens, and we are confident the state is well-prepared to handle any medical emergency caused by floods.”

Chandigarh, 17 August 2025:

Following the immortal principles of our revered Gurus and the sacred path shown by them, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan informed that he approached and motivated Raj Malhotra of IAS Study Group with an aim to provide free education and coaching to aspirants of PCS exam. In this context, Raj Malhotra of IAS Study Group Chandigarh has accepted the proposal of Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker and offered  him that he will provide free coaching to all the aspiring candidates of Punjab for the preparation of PCS (Executive) Preliminary Examination-2025(General Studies and CSAT). The duration of this course will be 45 days and this institution is renowned for its result-oriented.

Speaker said that interested candidates can directly contact Raj Malhotra IAS Study Group, Chandigarh for free coaching. For registration, students can send a WhatsApp message to 9814711661 with this slogan- Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal. Come, join this great initiative and change your destiny.

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan stressed that this is not just an opportunity, but the beginning of an invincible journey to realize your dreams. Under this initiative, the hard work of Punjab’s  youth will get a new direction and will set new records of success.

Speaker disclosed that this step will go down in history as a revolutionary initiative for the progress of Punjab, Punjabiyat and Punjabis. With the aim to provide free education and coaching to maximum students, there is no limit on the number of students who can register in this initiative.

He advised the students to take advantage of this golden opportunity and realize your unlimited potential. Sandhwan said that success is waiting for you, just take a step forward and brighten your future.

Chandigarh, 17 August 2025:

The Government of Punjab has announced a special series of events titled “Rising Punjab – Suggestions to Solution” under the Udyog Kranti vision of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. The initiative is being spearheaded by Industries & Commerce–cum–Investment Promotion Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora.The events are designed to spread awareness about the state’s new industry-friendly policies and provide a direct platform for dialogue between the government and industry leaders.

Focus Areas

Cabinet Minister Sh, Sanjeev Arora informed that the events will highlight key reforms of the Department of Industries & Commerce, PSIEC, and the Department of Investment Promotion. Stakeholders will be guided on how to benefit from Clubbing / De-clubbing Policy, Plot Fragmentation Policy, Policy for Restoration of Cancelled Plots (via Appellate Authority), Leasehold to Freehold Policy and One Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme for pending dues.

Speaking about the initiative, Industries Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora said that “Rising Punjab is not just about policies—it is about giving our industries a voice, listening to their needs, and finding real solutions together. Our aim is to make Punjab a hub of opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs, we are bringing Udyog Kranti in Punjab.”

Empowering Punjab’s Growth

The “Rising Punjab” events mark another step in revolutionizing the industrial ecosystem of Punjab, empowering businesses to expand, innovate, and create jobs. With this, the Government of Punjab reaffirms its pledge to build a progressive, investment-friendly, and growth-driven economy, he added.

Cabinet Minister Shri.  Sanjeev  Arora said that the schedule of the events are follows

Event Schedule

– Amritsar – 19th August

– Jalandhar – 20th August

– Ludhiana – 21st August

– SAS Nagar – 25th August

– Bathinda – 27th August

Chandigarh, August 17 — Haryana Government has introduced the Community Service Guidelines, 2025, a policy designed to replace jail terms for certain first-time offenders with structured, socially useful work. This landmark reform, anchored in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, reflects a deliberate shift from retribution to rehabilitation a philosophy increasingly embraced by progressive legal systems around the world.

Additional Chief Secretary, Home & Administration of Justice, Dr. Sumita Misra, who was instrumental in drafting the guidelines described them as “a framework where justice restores as much as it corrects.” She underscored that the intent was not to diminish the seriousness of offences, but to harness them as moments of transformation. “Every offence leaves a scar on society, but also an opportunity the opportunity to turn a wrong into a public good,” she said.

Dr. Misra informed that under the new policy, judges will have the discretion to assign community service in place of imprisonment for eligible offenders. The scope of tasks is wide-ranging: planting trees along riverbanks, assisting in rural health centres, maintaining heritage sites, cleaning public parks, and contributing to social welfare campaigns such as Swachh Bharat. Each assignment will be carefully matched to an offender’s capabilities taking into account age, physical health, and skill set to ensure that the service is productive for the community and personally meaningful for the individual. This approach, is designed to tackle one of the most pressing issues in the Indian criminal justice system: overcrowded prisons. By redirecting low-risk offenders to constructive service, the burden on correctional facilities is eased, while communities benefit from tangible improvements, she added.

The guidelines also break new ground in their use of monitoring technology. Attendance will be confirmed through biometric verification, while work will be documented with geo-tagged photographs and videos to provide an irrefutable record of compliance. Periodic progress reports will be submitted to the courts, enabling judicial officers to track each offender’s contribution in real time. Officials involved in the programme will receive detailed orientation sessions to ensure uniform application across districts.

She further stated that the policy includes tailored provisions for vulnerable populations. Juveniles in conflict with the law will participate in supervised activities such as NCC training, skill-building workshops, and environmental projects that foster discipline and a sense of purpose. Women offenders will be placed in environments where they can contribute meaningfully while maintaining safety and dignity including Nari Niketans, Anganwadi centres, maternity wards, and child care facilities.

At its heart, the Community Service Guidelines, 2025 seek to cultivate a broader culture of responsibility. By requiring offenders to contribute directly to the welfare of the communities they may have harmed, the state hopes to instil lasting lessons in empathy, accountability, and citizenship.

Chandigarh, August 17 – Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi today inaugurated and dedicated to the people two major development projects worth Rs 2,000 crore that will directly benefit Haryana. These projects include the construction of two new 4-lane connectivity roads to Sonipat and Bahadurgarh under the Urban Extension Road-2 project.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Shi Nayab Singh Saini expressed gratitude to the Central Government for its unprecedented contribution to Haryana and said that this day would be remembered as a golden chapter in the development story of Haryana, especially the NCR region. The Prime Minister inaugurated the Dwarka Expressway and UER-2 National Highway projects connecting Delhi and Haryana at a total cost of about Rs 11,000 crore, out of which projects worth Rs 2,000 crore will directly benefit Haryana.

The Chief Minister said that Haryana, being the industrial and agricultural hub of North India, would be the biggest beneficiary of these projects. He said these key projects will not only boost exports, imports and investments by ensuring direct connectivity from Kundli, Sonipat, Bahadurgarh, Gurugram and Manesar to Delhi Airport, but will also provide long-awaited relief from traffic congestion in the region.

While described these projects as another milestone towards the vision of “Developed India – Developed Haryana”, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary approach, decisive leadership and unwavering commitment to development have elevated infrastructure growth in the country to unprecedented heights.

The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, India has emerged as the world’s fourth largest economy and is rapidly moving towards becoming the third largest. He added that infrastructure development is taking place across the country in mission mode. Whether it is metro projects, freight corridors, expressways, mega bridges or the development of ports, unprecedented progress is being made in every sector.

He said that Prime Minister Modi is creating an extensive network of roadways, railways and airways connectivity  from Defense Corridors to Freight Corridors, from Bharatmala to Sagarmala. In addition, infrastructure projects across the country are being made more organized, modern and effective through the PM Gati Shakti Yojana.

Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister for gifting Haryana with major development projects, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that Sh Narendra Modi has enriched the state with several ambitious and far-reaching initiatives. These include the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, Rail Coach Repair Factory, Kundli-Manesar-Palwal and Kundli-Ghaziabad-Palwal Expressways, Gurugram-Sikanderpur and Faridabad-Ballabhgarh Metro Links, the country’s first elevated railway track in Rohtak, the Rohtak-Maham-Hansi railway line, the National Cancer Institute at AIIMS Jhajjar, and AIIMS in Rewari.

He informed that Haryana has recently received the gift of a Metro Corridor from Rithala to Kundli. The Chief Minister said that these initiatives of the Prime Minister will give a new impetus to investment, employment and industrial development in the state, further strengthening Haryana’s contribution to the national economy.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Sh Nitin Gadkari, Delhi Chief Minister, Smt. Rekha Gupta, and other dignitaries were also present on this occasion.