Chandigarh, July 15:

Punjab Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond today launched a scathing attack on previous governments during a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, accusing them of promoting drug abuse and protecting drug traffickers in the state.

Participating in a discussion on the issue of drugs, Sond alleged that both the Akali-BJP alliance and the Congress governments had actively supported drug peddlers, resulting in widespread addiction among the state’s youth. He read out excerpts from media reports highlighting the busting of an illicit liquor factory in Khanna and the arrest of a notorious drug dealer, Gurdeep Rano, from the Payal constituency, presenting them as concrete evidence of past governments’ complicity.

“Before 2007, synthetic drugs were unheard of in Punjab. But thereafter, substances like ‘chitta’ infiltrated and devastated an entire generation,” Sond remarked. “One former Chief Minister even took a false oath to eliminate drugs but did absolutely nothing to act on it,” he added.

Sond said that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, the government has launched a full-scale ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’ which is yielding positive results. “We have dismantled the networks of drug traffickers, many of whom are now fleeing the state,” he asserted.

He informed the House that under this campaign, anti-drug camps have been organized in nearly 7,000 villages, where thousands have taken pledges to quit drugs. Over 4,500 villages have already declared themselves drug-free, and the campaign will now expand into urban wards with awareness camps to reach every corner of the state.

To safeguard the future of the youth and keep them engaged in healthy activities, Sond announced that the government will dedicate over 3,000 new sports grounds to the public within the next six months. “Each of Punjab’s 117 assembly constituencies will have a model sports complex to ensure boys and girls have access to safe recreational spaces,” he said. “These grounds will also be open for citizens for morning and evening walks.”

Sond concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to transforming the state into a ‘Rangla Punjab’, stating that all MLAs, ministers, and volunteers of the Mann government and AAP are working tirelessly, and the day is not far when Punjab will be completely drugs free.

CHANDIGARH/BATALA, July 15:

          In a significant breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police has successfully foiled a targeted killing plot with the arrest of five operatives linked to the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang, being operated USA-based Husandeep Singh, and recovered two weapons— PX5 pistol and .32 bore pistol— from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.

          The intelligence-led operation was jointly conducted by Counter Intelligence Punjab and district police of Amritsar Rural and Batala.

          Those arrested have been identified as Lovepreet Singh, Sikandar Kumar alias Gola and Onkarpreet alias Jashan, trio resident of village Shahabad in Batala; Gagandeep alias Giani, a resident of Gandhi Camp in Batala and Mehakpreet Singh, a resident of Amritsar.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav stated that preliminary investigations revealed incarcerated gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria— currently lodged in Silchar Jail (Assam)— had hatched a conspiracy to carry out a target killing of an alleged rival gang member to avenge the recent murder of his mother, an incident that has further intensified the turf war between rival criminal factions.

          The DGP said that Jaggu Bhagwanpuria had been conspiring to execute this target killing through his USA-based associate Husandeep Singh, who collaborated with ground handlers including Lovepreet Singh to mobilize shooters and execute the plan. Further investigations are underway to establish forward and backward linkages in this case, he added.

          The first breakthrough came when Amritsar Rural Police led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amritsar Rural Maninder Singh apprehended an individual identified as Mehakpreet Singh. On being interrogated, the latter disclosed that one Sikandar Kumar alias Gola, son of Sutresh Kumar, resident of Village Shahabad, PS Rangar Nangal, Batala, had crucial information about the shooters and the execution plan.

          Sharing operational details, SSP Batala Suhail Qasim Mir said that acting swiftly on this information, Batala Police traced Sikandar Kumar and apprehended him along with his aide, Onkarpreet alias Jashan. Further interrogation led to the arrest of another associate, Gagandeep alias Giani, he said.

          He said that during sustained questioning, accused Sikandar Kumar revealed that he was being handled by one Lovepreet Singh— a key coordinator in this plot—, who was eventually apprehended by Batala Police in a separate operation.

          The SSP said that accused Lovepreet disclosed that the entire plan was being orchestrated by Jaggu’s close associate Husandeep Singh remotely from USA. The objective of the plot was to eliminate an alleged rival gang member, he added.

          A case FIR No. 80/2025 has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act and sections 61(2) and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station Rangar Nangal in Batala.

Chandigarh, July 15:

Punjab Industries and Commerce, Investment Promotion and NRI Affairs Minister Sanjeev Arora informed that Punjab State has been awarded Gold in State category in the prestigious National One District One Product Awards 2024, which were announced on 14 July 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi by Sh. Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India recognising Punjab’s excellence and innovation in promoting district-specific products under the “One District One Product” initiative.

Furthermore, Sanjeev Arora highlighted that this remarkable achievement reflects the relentless efforts, dedication, and teamwork of the Department of Industries and Commerce.  A presentation showcasing the Best Practices of Punjab under the ODOP initiative was delivered by Kamal Kishor Yadav, Secretary, Department of Industries & Commerce, during the ODOP Awards 2024.  The presentation highlighted Punjab’s progressive and sustainable efforts in promoting district-based products and enabling ease of doing business. This award was received by Surabhi Malik IAS, Director Industries and Commerce, Punjab.

He added that this is a proud moment for Punjab, demonstrating how well-coordinated policy support and innovation can drive inclusive industrial growth. Key initiatives and outcomes of the Punjab include:- Green Stamp Paper Initiative, Quick approvals under Right to Business Act, 2020, Crop diversification through ODOP, Export achievements, Market promotion, Skill-building & innovation, Impressive growth.

Chandigarh July 15:

The Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan released a book today titled “Sachkhand Punjab The Divine Dawn of a Drugs Free Sacred Land” written by Raj Malhotra in which Shabads have been taken from Gurbani. This book shows that we should follow the path shown by  Guru Sahib Ji. We should follow the teachings of Guru Sahib which guide us  the right path. MLA Jaswant Singh Gajjan Majra and Raj Malhotra were also present during the release of the book.

 The vision of Sachkhand Punjab- a land where the divine and human dance together in eternal harmony becomes reality through the infinite power of awakened  consciousness serving the highest good of all creation. With the sweetness of ragas, let us seat God in our hearts, instead of drugs, we need the intoxication of Name. In this way, we will be connected with our religion and abandon drugs from our lives. Following Guru Sahib Path, we will make Rangla Punjab which is the dream of the Punjab Government.

Chandigarh, July 15:

Led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday unanimously referred the Punjab Prevention of Crime against Religious Scriptures Bill, 2025 to the select committee of the assembly for seeking the views of all the stakeholders.

Taking part in the discussions of the bill on the floor of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the Chief Minister said that Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji was the living Guru, who was highly revered by one and all across the globe. Bhagwant Singh Mann categorically said that Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji was a lighthouse of peace and tranquility for the entire mankind and the Punjab government is fully alive to the deep emotional hurt caused by the incidents of sacrilege against the holy granths in the past. He said that it is unfortunate that some forces had even gone to an extent of committing the most heinous sin against mankind through desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

The Chief Minister said that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is an eternal Guru for mankind and no one could ever tolerate this dastardly act. Likewise, he said that Bhagwad Gita, Quran Sharif, Holy Bible and other granths were also respected by humanity for showing a way of life to them. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisioned that this bill will ensure that no such heinous crime takes place in the future by making provision of the sternest punishment against the culprits.

The Chief Minister said that it is a serious issue and he was firmly of the opinion that no one will ever oppose this bill. He said that every devout Sikh is deeply connected with the ‘Shabad Guru’- in the form of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji and Gurmukhi which means originating from the mouth of Guru. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the sacrilege incidents had bruised the psyche of every Punjabi in general and every Sikhs in particular.

The Chief Minister said that in the absence of harsh punishment against this unpardonable crime there was no end to these incidents due to which the bill was necessitated. He said that it is unfortunate that after these incidents the accused evaded punishment by declaring himself mentally unstable, which was also a mockery of the law. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this bill will plug all such pilferages which allowed the perpetrators to escape the punishment for these incidents.

The Chief Minister said that the Punjab Prevention of Offences against Holy Scripture(s) Bill, 2025 have been necessitated as over the years state has witnessed numerous incidents involving the sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji and other revered granths, deeply wounding public sentiment and causing unrest in society. He said that as existing law do not prescribe sufficiently stringent penalties to serve as an effective deterrent, this state-specific legislation will provide enhanced penalties—including life imprisonment—for those convicted of sacrilege against any holy granth. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the bill mandates strict punishment, extending up to life imprisonment, for the desecration of sacred granths including the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Bhagwad Gita, Holy Bible, Quran Sharif, and other revered granths.

The Chief Minister said with the enactment of this law, the state seeks to further strengthen the ethos of communal harmony, brotherhood, peace, and amity adding that it will also act as a strong deterrent against anti-social and anti-national activities by ensuring severe punishment for perpetrators of this heinous crime. He said that this bill has been introduced in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and to take the view of all the stakeholders it has been now referred to the Select Committee of the state assembly. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this select committee will solicit the views of all the social, religious and other organizations of the state to make this bill more effective.

The Chief Minister bemoaned that though the unfortunate incidents of sacrilege date back to 2016 but the perpetrators of this cowardly act have not got the punishment for their sins. He said that even those who had assumed power by publically taking the oath of Gutka Sahib diluted the case so as to benefit the culprits. Slamming the previous governments for adopting an apathetic approach towards this highly emotive issue, Bhagwant Singh said that due to this laxity the criminals who have bruised the psyche of Sikhs by committing such unpardonable crime are still roaming free.

Reiterating the firm commitment of his government to punish the perpetrators of sacrilege incidents in the state, the Chief Minister said that it is the bounden duty of his government to ensure that these dreaded criminals get punishment. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every person who has been hand in glove in this crime will be ensured exemplary punishment for this sin. However, he said that this historic bill will definitely ensure that no such unpardonable act takes place in the coming times adding that the state government is duty bound to prevent such incidents in the future.

CHANDIGARH, July 15:

          With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state completed 136 days, Punjab Police on Tuesday arrested 97 drug smugglers and recovered 8.3 kg heroin and 507 grams opium from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 22,054 in just 136 days.

          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 180 Police teams, comprising over 1300 police personnel, under the supervision of 85 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 400 locations across the state leading to the registration of 75 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 419 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 91 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, July 15

In a groundbreaking move to safeguard sacred religious scriptures, the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann Punjab Government has introduced the Punjab Prevention of Offences against Holy Scripture(s) Bill, 2025, aimed at ensuring the dignity and respect of all religions in Punjab, said Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of Education and Information & Public Relations, Punjab.

While participating in the discussion on the Bill in Punjab Vidhan Sabha, S. Harjot Bains highlighted the historic trauma inflicted upon the Sikh community, referencing the attacks on the Golden Temple and Akal Takht. He noted that even today, the scars of those wounds persist in Amritsar, and 41 years after the Sikh genocide, justice remains elusive.

He slammed those who claimed to serve the Panth and protect Sikhism were the same individuals who were drunk in power when “Angs” of Sri Guru Granth Sahib were violated in the streets. People of Punjab can forgive them for accumulating wealth and building hotels like Sukhvilas in every district,S. Harjot Singh Bains added while stating, “but showing no regard for our Guru’s scriptures and firing bullets at Sanger protesting against desecration, for their own politics, is totally unacceptable.”

S. Harjot Singh Bains alleged that previous governments had tacit agreements facilitating drug trade and desecration. He claimed a decade-long conspiracy aimed to divide Punjab, alienate it from spiritual roots, and keep it fragmented, drugged, and disconnected from its rich heritage.

He said that Punjab, a land of immense spiritual significance, proudly claims the distinction of being the birthplace of the Rigveda, the world’s first scripture. It is also the land where the epic Ramayana was composed by Bhagwan Valmiki. Furthermore, Punjab is revered as the place where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib was compiled.

S. Bains stated that countless Sikhs have laid down their lives and made extraordinary sacrifices to uphold the dignity and sanctity of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The valour and devotion displayed by Sikh soldiers during World Wars I and II stand as a testament to their unshakeable commitment to their faith and Guru, as they safeguarded the revered Sri Guru Granth Sahib amidst formidable challenges and intense battles.

In recent years, the desecration incidents hurt Sikh sentiments, with perpetrators seemingly emboldened by previous governments’ inaction. The CM Mann led Punjab Government has indeed taken a significant step towards ensuring the dignity and respect of all religions by introducing the Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scriptures Bill, 2025, he added.

S. Bains said that this bill defines desecration broadly, including acts like tampering, burning, tearing, destruction, defacing, and damaging sacred texts such as the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Gutka Sahib, Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Quran Sharif and Holy Bible among others. The bill prescribes stringent punishments for offenders, including minimum sentence of 10 years, extendable to life imprisonment, fine ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. Desecration is made a non-bailable and non-compoundable offence, ensuring that accused individuals cannot easily secure bail or settle the matter out of court.

“This bill is a testament to our commitment to ensuring the dignity and respect of all religious communities in Punjab. We believe that this legislation will serve as a deterrent to those who seek to harm the sentiments of people through desecration of sacred texts”, S. Bains said.

Chandigarh, July 15:

In a move to safeguard the health of young children in the state, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr Balbir Singh, on Tuesday launched the “STOP Diarrhoea Campaign 2025.” This two-month-long, aggressive initiative directly confronts childhood diarrhoea, a leading yet entirely preventable cause of mortality among children under five. The Minister also unveiled awareness posters on this occasion.

Dr Balbir Singh emphasized, “Diarrhoea is a major cause of child deaths —each one a tragic and avoidable loss. This campaign is our pledge to protect every child with awareness, prevention, and timely treatment.”

Dr Balbir Singh said that the Health Department will adopt a Prevent-Protect-Treat (PPT) strategy, targeting high-risk monsoon months. The state will deploy door-to-door ORS-Zinc kit distribution through ASHAs, besides, ORS-Zinc Corners will be established at all health institutions and Anganwadis, and health workers’ skills will be enhanced to manage cases effectively. “No child should die from a treatable condition. We are ensuring ORS, Zinc, IV fluids, and antibiotics are available at every health facility,” he added.

Underlining the need of awareness Dr Balbir Singh said that this campaign prioritizes community mobilization for handwashing, safe drinking water, exclusive breastfeeding, sanitation, and immunization. “Diarrhoea is preventable—clean hands, clean water, and timely care can save lives,” urged the Health Minister. He called for the participation of Panchayati Raj leaders, SHGs, teachers, and parents to champion the cause. 

The Minister said that Punjab has been fostering inter-departmental collaboration with Education, WCD, Water & Sanitation, and Rural Development to address diarrhoea’s root causes. “This is not just a health issue—it’s a battle for Punjab’s future. Together, we will break the chain of infection,” asserted Dr Balbir Singh. 

The Health Minister made an appeal to keep the surroundings clean, use safe water, and act fast if diarrhoea strikes—start ORS-Zinc immediately and seek medical help.” He also advocated drinking local drinks such as lemonade (shakanji) as intake of liquids is essential for hydration during the diarrhoea.

Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the National Rabies Control Programme with Peedu (Animal Welfare NGO), located in SAS Nagar, was also signed to facilitate coordinated efforts towards the preparation of the State Action Plan for Rabies Elimination by 2030. The initiative involves the engagement of various stakeholders, along with training of health staff and counseling sessions at Anti-Rabies Clinics in District Mohali, with the scope for future expansion across the State.

On this occasion, Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Hitinder Kaur, Director Family Welfare Dr Jasminder, Director NHM Dr Balwinder Kaur, Consultant JSSK Dr Meenu Lakhanpal, SPO MCH Dr Harpreet Kaur, SPO NRCP Dr Arshdeep Kaur, MO MCH Dr Harsimrat Kaur, APO MCH Dr Diksha Sharma and SA MCH Barun Gupta were also present.

Chandigarh, July 15:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said that the state government will adopt no leniency towards the ‘Jarnails’ who were the perpetrators behind the genocide of youth through the curse of drugs.

Participating in the debate over the issue of Yudh Nasheyan Virudh, the Chief Minister said that said that the Jarnails who had patronized the drug trade have already been put behind bars. He said that these leaders not only used to patronize drug trade across the state but ironically they even sold/ supplied the drugs in their official government vehicles. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in the past no one had previously dared to arrest these affluent leaders, but now his government has done so and they will have to pay the price for their sins.

The Chief Minister assured the house that exemplary punishment will be ensured for these leaders so that no one ever dares to commit this sin again. He quipped that now Nabha Jail has become the synonym of Çhitta’’as those who had introduced this drug to Punjab are now lodged in this jail. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that known for their opulence- acquired through illegal means, these leaders are now demanding facilities in the jail.

The Chief Minister categorically said that those responsible for laying the pyres of youth in Punjab don’t deserve any sort of comfort in jail as they have to pay for their misdeeds. He said that a thorough enquiry has reflected that these leaders have amassed huge wealth through the drug trade adding that strictest punishment will be ensured to them for this crime. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is committed to ensure that these leaders get exemplary punishment for their crime against humanity.

The Chief Minister said that as a fact of matter, Majithia had continued the ‘dubious legacy’ of his family to backstab Punjab and its people for their vested interests. He said that Majithia’s ancestors had backstabbed the people by holding dinner for General Dyer on the same night when he had committed the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that similarly Akali leader looted the people of state during his heydays and patronized the drug trade thereby ruining the lives of millions of youth.

The Chief Minister also said that Punjab was being defamed over the issue of drugs whereas various other states have this problem more severely than Punjab. He said that some forces inimical to the state had unleashed a malicious campaign to tarnish its image by labeling the hard working Punjabis as drug addicts. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as Punjab is fighting national war against the drugs due to which it was being defamed continuously despite immense contribution in every field.

The Chief Minister said that the state was being maligned irrespective of the fact that not even a single ounce of drug was produced in it. He said that the state security forces have recently confiscated a huge amount of drugs from the state of Gujarat and Rajasthan. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Yudh Nasheyan Virudh, embarked by the state government, has broken the backbone of the drug trade.

The Chief Minister said that the scourge of drugs was a blot on the face of the state and it took more than two years for the state government to chalk out a strategy for wiping out this curse. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that subsequently the supply line of drugs was snapped, big fishes involved in these heinous crimes were put behind the bars, rehabilitation of the drug victims was ensured and even the property of the drug smugglers was confiscated and destroyed. He said that now the state government has launched a war against drugs in the form of Yudh Nasheyan Virudh the aim of which is to clean the state from this menace.

The Chief Minister said that during investigations it has also come into light that addicts were using the drugs which were meant for giving anesthesia to the elephants. Citing that the congress leaders were working overtime to save the culprits of such heinous crime, he said that those who were involved in this will not be spared. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is duty bound for this noble cause and no stone will be left unturned for it.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is making concerted efforts for the welfare of the youth of the state. He said that the focus of his government is to ensure that youth become job givers instead of job seekers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is the need of hour to carve out a progressive and prosperous Punjab by proactive involvement of the youth.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed to build a Rangla Punjab—a vibrant, inclusive, and progressive state. He said that due to concerted efforts of the state government, Punjab is today witnessing a paradigm shift to a progressive Punjab from the regressive one during the previous regimes. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that though during the earlier regimes Punjab had got several negative tags, but his government is committed to carving out Rangla, progressive and happy Punjab.

Chandigarh, July 15- Haryana government has scheduled the written exam for Group C (CET Group C) across all districts and to support the candidates appearing for this important exam, the government has assigned the responsibility of transportation to the Transport Department. Free transport will be provided to all candidates from their nearest district-level bus stands to the exam centers and back on July 26 and 27, 2025. One of the family members will also be allowed to avail free travel facility, accompanying the female candidate.This facility will be managed by the General Managers of the respective depots.

Sharing information in this regard a spokesperson of the department said that the exam timings are, Morning session from 10:00 AM to 11:45 Am and afternoon session from 3:00 PM to 4:45 PM.  To ensure timely arrival, buses will drop candidates at the nearest exam center bus stop by 7:30 AM for the morning session and 12:30 PM for the afternoon session.

Apart from this, wherever possible, Haryana State transport will run free shuttle bus services closer to the exam centers to make the commute easier. Approximately 9,000 buses will be dedicated to this service over the two days, the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson said that Candidates can also book their travel in advance by visiting this link [https://hartrans.gov.in/advance-booking-for-cet-2025/] after entering personal details and mobile number, they can reserve seats for their exam day travel.