Chandigarh, August 8 :

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal today launched 24 sector-wise Industrial Advisory Committees, envisioning a transformative step to establish Punjab as a hub of industry and commerce.

Addressing the gathering during the launch of this first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, National Convener of AAP termed it a historic day for Punjab. He said that the era prior to 2022 was dominated by extortion, where industrialists were coerced by political leaders to give up stakes in their businesses. As a result, Arvind Kejriwal said that industries fled the state, and Punjab was pushed into a crisis, particularly with the drug menace.

Highlighting the progress since 2022, National Convener of AAP said that the government under CM Bhagwant Mann has taken revolutionary steps to revive and grow the industrial sector. He lauded the Fast Track Punjab Portal as India’s most modern single-window clearance system, offering over 150 business services and eliminating the need for offline applications. Under the Punjab Right to Business Act, Arvind Kejriwal said that investment proposals up to ₹125 crore now receive in-principle approval within just three days.

The National Convener of AAP further shared that the state government has introduced several critical reforms, including color-coding of stamp papers, a 45-day timeline for granting approvals, and a Deemed Approval system if timelines are not met. He emphasized that the government has proactively involved industrialists to shape policies through initiatives like Sarkar-Sannatkar Milnis (Government-Industry Meetings). Arvind Kejriwal announced that moving forward, the Punjab Government will act upon the decisions taken by these committees.

The National Convener of AAP said that This is a reverse trend – now, the government won’t dictate terms, but will implement the decisions taken by industrialists through these sectoral committees. He stated that these committees will also study best practices from other states and replicate them in Punjab to boost industrial growth. Arvind Kejriwal said that 99% of the decisions made by these committees will be implemented.

In his address, the Chief Minister said that Punjab is already taking the lead nationally in various sectors and is quickly emerging as a role model. Recalling the government-industry interaction in September 2023, he said the idea of these 24 sector-specific committees was born out of those consultations. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these committees will be responsible for drafting detailed strategies tailored to each industrial domain.

The Chief Minister noted that many industrialists present at the event are also committee members and expressed confidence that these groups will draft the roadmap for Punjab’s industrial future. He asserted that while preparing the New Industrial Policy, these committees will ensure equal partnership from industry stakeholders. Bhagwant Singh Mann  urged all industrialists to actively contribute ideas and share their valuable suggestions in formulating industry-friendly policies.

The Chief Minister called on them to ensure that their recommendations reflect Punjab’s industrial strengths, realistic challenges, and financial context. He elaborated that each committee would consist of a Chairperson, a Member Secretary, and officials from the Punjab Bureau of Industrial Investment and District Industries Centres. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has ensured representation from large units, MSMEs, sub-sectors, and all regions to ensure inclusive decision-making.

The Chief Minister said that There are immense opportunities for growth in Punjab and we are standing at a decisive turning point. He said that With the support of these committees, the state can create a forward-looking, globally competitive industrial ecosystem. Bhagwant Singh Mann invited industrialists to move forward as equal partners in making Punjab the most preferred industrial and export hub of India.

Expressing optimism, the Chief Minister said that the state government will soon realize the dream of making Punjab vibrant and prosperous once again. Welcoming the captains of industry, he highlighted that Punjab is already leading in key sectors like food processing, textiles, auto components, hand tools, bicycle manufacturing, IT, and tourism. Bhagwant Singh Mann proudly shared that since March 2022, Punjab has received investment proposals worth ₹1.14 lakh crore, leading to the creation of over 4.5 lakh job opportunities.

The Chief Minister emphasized that Punjab has become a preferred destination for global investors, with countries such as Japan, the USA, Germany, the UK, Dubai, South Korea, Singapore, and Spain showing keen interest in the state. He added that such progress has been possible due to industry-friendly policies, corruption-free governance, and a conducive investment environment. Bhagwant Singh Mann ighlighted other progressive steps like real-time investor support via WhatsApp, Chatbot AI, and call centers, and simplification of processes like Fire NOC extensions and Leasehold-to-Freehold conversions.

The Chief Minister asserted that the government believes in walking shoulder-to-shoulder with industry and hence has brought investors and key stakeholders into the policy-making fold. Reflecting on the dark past, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that under previous regimes, entrepreneurs were pressured and exploited. “Those leaders looted the people and their hands were stained with the blood of Punjab,” he said.

But today, the Chief Minister said that state has a government of the common people, providing equal opportunities for all. He reiterated that the current administration is not harassing industrialists but is actively promoting and facilitating industry. “These committees will now act as a catalyst in our efforts,” he said, asserting that Punjab is fast emerging as a frontrunner in industrial development.

The Chief Minister also addressed social issues, stating that corruption and drugs were the biggest stains on Punjab’s identity. However, he said that the state government is vigorously working to eliminate both. Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that the anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh’ has already started showing positive results, and Punjab is on its way to becoming drug-free. He concluded by stating that Punjab will continue to lead in every sector and that Punjabis will shine globally.

Earlier, Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora welcomed the dignitaries, and Secretary Industries KK Yadav delivered the vote of thanks.

Chandigarh, August 8:

Punjab Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today announced that, for the first time in Punjab, two modern hostels will be constructed for students belonging to Backward Classes. The first instalment of ₹1.12 crore has been approved for these hostels, which will soon be transferred to the accounts of Punjabi University, Patiala, enabling construction to commence immediately. These hostels — one for boys and one for girls — will have a capacity of 100 students each and will be built at a total cost of ₹6.99 crore.

Sharing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that each hostel will cost ₹3.49 crore. Both hostels will be equipped with modern facilities, comfortable rooms, a conducive study environment, and other essential amenities to help students focus entirely on their education.

She added that this initiative is part of the Punjab Government’s continuous efforts towards the construction of hostels for students from Backward Classes. This step will remove obstacles faced by students coming from remote areas by providing them with proper residential facilities to pursue higher education.

Reiterating her government’s commitment, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the Punjab Government is dedicated to student-centric development, self-reliance, and capacity building. She pointed out that due to the shortage of hostels, many students from Backward Classes were earlier deprived of educational opportunities, which is why the government is prioritizing new hostel projects.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further informed that the Punjab Government has invited proposals for constructing new hostels in other higher educational institutions across the state, so that students from all regions can access quality residential facilities.

She emphasized that this project is not merely about infrastructure development but is also a significant step towards empowering the youth from Backward Classes socially and making them active contributors to the state’s progress. She expressed hope that such initiatives will pave the way for more student-friendly schemes in the future.

Chandigarh/Gurdaspur,August 8

The Bhog and Antim Ardas of the Akhand Path held in memory of Indian Army soldier Shaheed ALD Daljeet Singh, who sacrificed his life for the nation during a recent accident in Ladakh, was solemnly observed today at Gurdwara Sri Tahli Sahib, Galhri.  Defence Services Welfare, Freedom Fighters and Horticulture minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat attended the ceremony to pay homage. He was accompanied by Punjab Health Systems Corporation Chairman Mr. Raman Behl, senior Aam Aadmi Party leader from Dinanagar Mr. Shamsher Singh, District President Joban Randhawa and a large number of local residents. After the Bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib, the Raagi Singhs performed soulful kirtan at Gurdwara Sri Tahli Sahib, Galhri.

On behalf of the Punjab Government, Cabinet Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat offered floral tributes to Shaheed ALD Daljeet Singh, stating that the entire nation is proud of its brave son. He said Daljeet Singh rendered exemplary service in the challenging terrain of Ladakh and attained martyrdom while defending the country. Mr. Bhagat conveyed that he had come on the directions of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to share the grief of the bereaved family and assured them that the Punjab Government stands firmly with them in this difficult time.

The Cabinet Minister announced that the family would be given an ex-gratia grant of ₹1 crore, of which a cheque of ₹6 lakh was handed over today, with the remaining ₹94 lakh to be released soon after completion of formalities. He further announced that Shaheed Daljeet Singh’s brother would be given a government job, the village government school would be renamed in the martyr’s honour, and a memorial gate would be constructed at the village entrance. He affirmed the Punjab Government’s commitment to the welfare of martyr families, calling them invaluable assets of the nation and the community. On the occasion, Mr. Bhagat also honoured Shaheed Daljeet Singh’s father, S. Gulzar Singh. Chairman Punjab Health Systems Corporation Mr. Raman Behl, senior leader Mr. Shamsher Singh, and various religious and political figures also paid heartfelt tributes to the martyr.

The event was attended by S. Gulzar Singh (father of the martyr), SDM Dinanagar Mr. Jaspinder Singh Bhullar, District Defence Services Welfare Officer Commandant Baljinder Virk (Retd), constituency in-charge Baljit Singh Khalsa, Kunwar Ricky, Sarpanch Ranjit Singh Jeevan Chak, Sarpanch Joga Singh Muglani Chak, Sarpanch Palwinder Singh Maan Colony, Block President Jasbir Singh, Sansar Singh Jhabkara, Palwinder Singh Jogar, Sarpanch Amarjit Singh Tanda Basti, Education Coordinator Sukhdev Raj, Arjan Singh Block President, Anoop Thakur, Mannu Galhri, Rajesh Kumar Raipur, Jathedar Narinder Singh Bara, Sukhwinder Singh Chauhan, along with members of other martyr families and a large number of villagers.

CHANDIGARH, August 8:

          Amidst the heightened security in the state to ensure peaceful celebrations of forthcoming Independence Day as desired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police on Friday conducted a cordon and search operation (CASO) at 151 Railway Stations across the state.

          The operation was carried out in all the 28 Police districts simultaneously from 11 am to 2pm on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav as part of the ongoing special operations in wake of forthcoming Independence Day.

          Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who was personally monitoring this state-level operation, said that all the CPs/SSPs were asked to ensure heavy deployment of police force under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (SP) rank officers to make this operation successful.

          He said that around people entering and exiting the Railway Stations were checked during the operation conducted at 151 railway stations in the state. At least 72 suspicious persons were also rounded up for questioning during the operation, he added.

          Apart from this, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs on Day 160 and conducted raids at 352 locations on Friday leading to the arrest of 96 drug smugglers after registration of 59 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 25,149 within 160 days.

          The Special DGP said that the raids have resulted in recovery of 1.2 kg heroin, 1.1 Kg opium, 12627 intoxicant pills and Rs 2.3 lakhs drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          He informed that over 232 Police teams under the supervision of 106 gazetted officers have checked Railway Stations and conducted raids at drug hotspots across the state and checked as many as 375 suspicious persons during the day long operation.

          The Special DGP said that the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 53 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.

CHANDIGARH, August 8:

          Amidst the heightened security in the state to ensure peaceful celebrations of forthcoming Independence Day as desired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police on Friday conducted a cordon and search operation (CASO) at 151 Railway Stations across the state.

          The operation was carried out in all the 28 Police districts simultaneously from 11 am to 2pm on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav as part of the ongoing special operations in wake of forthcoming Independence Day.

          Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who was personally monitoring this state-level operation, said that all the CPs/SSPs were asked to ensure heavy deployment of police force under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (SP) rank officers to make this operation successful.

          He said that around people entering and exiting the Railway Stations were checked during the operation conducted at 151 railway stations in the state. At least 72 suspicious persons were also rounded up for questioning during the operation, he added.

          Apart from this, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs on Day 160 and conducted raids at 352 locations on Friday leading to the arrest of 96 drug smugglers after registration of 59 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 25,149 within 160 days.

          The Special DGP said that the raids have resulted in recovery of 1.2 kg heroin, 1.1 Kg opium, 12627 intoxicant pills and Rs 2.3 lakhs drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          He informed that over 232 Police teams under the supervision of 106 gazetted officers have checked Railway Stations and conducted raids at drug hotspots across the state and checked as many as 375 suspicious persons during the day long operation.

          The Special DGP said that the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 53 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, August 8:

          In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police cracked the Pro-Khalistan Graffiti case, with the arrest of two accused persons, including a minor, within 24 hours, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

          As per the information, Pro-Khalistan slogans were appeared at three locations in the city on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday. USA-based head of banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) Gurpatwant Singh Pannu claimed responsibility by releasing a video of the same on social media.

          Those arrested have been identified as Jashanpreet Singh (22), a resident of Dargabad village in Batala and a 17-years-old juvenile.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that both the arrested accused were in contact with foreign-based Shamsher Singh alias Shera Maan, who directed them to carry out the act on instructions from Gurpatwant Pannu. The accused executed the graffiti after receiving instructions and designs via social media mobile-app Snapchat, but the promised payment was never made, he said.

          The DGP said that further investigations are underway in this case.

          Sharing more details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar the investigative team, led by DCP Ravinderpal Singh and comprising ADCP Jagbinder Singh, ADCP Harpal Singh, ACP Harminder Singh, ACP Shivdarshan Singh and Inspector Amolak Singh (Incharge CIA), Inspector Mohit Kumar (SHO Cantonment), Inspector Gurpreet Singh (SHO Civil Lines), Inspector Amandeep Kaur (SHO A Division) worked meticulously to trace and apprehend the accused.

          The CP revealed that the accused were lured into spraying Pro-Khalistan slogans in exchange for monetary rewards, which were never delivered. Probe has revealed that accused Jashanpreet along the minor purchased spray paint from Batala and executed the graffiti, later sharing photographs of the vandalism with Shera Maan as proof, he added.

          In this regard, three separate FIRs have been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Defacement of Property Act at Police Stations— Contonment, Division-A and Civil Lines.

Chandigarh, August 8:

The strike announced by Punjab Roadways, Punbus and PRTC Contract Workers Union Punjab was called off after the assurance of Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar.

Informing this Transport Minister S. Bhullar said that government bus services will run smoothly on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan for the convenience of the people of the state. The Cabinet Minister said that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann will take all necessary steps for the welfare of the people of the state. He said that providing transport facilities to the citizens is the bounding duty of our government.

The Cabinet Minister assured the members of the contract employees’ union of early resolution of their legitimate demands and said that the state government would take care of the interests of the employees as well as the interests of the people of the state.

Chandigarh/ Pathankot, August 8 –

Punjab Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat today visited the Abrol Nagar residence of Martyr Lieutenant Colonel Bhanu Pratap Mankotia, who laid down his life in the service of the nation, to offer condolences and assure full government support to the bereaved family.

On behalf of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Minister paid floral obeisance to the martyr and interacted with family members. “Martyrs are the nation’s true wealth. Sacrificing one’s life for the country is the highest act of valour, and the nation will always remain indebted to their service,” he said.

Bhagat handed over ₹6 lakh to the family as part of the ₹1 crore financial assistance announced by the Punjab Government and said the remaining amount would be released soon. He also announced a government job for one family member.

The Minister was accompanied by AAP Punjab State Vice-President Swaran Salaria, District President Amandeep Sandhu, Pathankot Constituency Incharge Vibhuti Sharma, Sameer Sardha, Colonel Sagar Singh Salaria, Kunwar Ravinder Vicky, Secretary of Shaheed Suraksha Parishad Pathankot, and other party leaders.

Chandigarh, August 7- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved an increase in the strength of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) from existing 1,62,000 to an authorized ceiling of 2,20,000 personnel aiming towards strengthening industrial security to support the economic rise of the Nation.

Sharing information in this regard, Unit Commander, CISF Unit Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat Chandigarh, Sh. Lalit Pawar said that this will also generate new employment opportunities, particularly through upcoming recruitment drives. In 2024 alone, 13,230 personnel were recruited, and recruitment for another 24,098 is currently underway in 2025. The Force is expected to add about 14,000 personnel every year, thereby infusing young blood into the force and making it more battle-ready.These recruitment efforts are also likely to attract a greater number of women candidates, supported by the Force’s progressive policies aimed at increasing the representation of women across all ranks.

He said that in the past year, CISF has inducted seven new units under its Security Wing, including deployments at the Parliament House Complex, Ayodhya Airport, NTPC Coal Mining Project in Hazaribagh, ICMR-National Institute of Virology in Pune, Buxar Thermal Power Project, Jawahar Thermal Power Project in Etah, and the Beas Satluj Link Project in Mandi. Additionally, two new units were inducted under the Fire Wing at the Parliament House Complex and Jawahar Thermal Power Project, Etah.

He further said that as India’s economy scales new heights, this augmentation will bolster CISF’s deployment across a range of critical sectors including the rapidly expanding Aviation sector,and the Port sector, Thermal Power plants, Nuclear installations, vital installations like HydroPower plants and Jails in J&K, etc. With the decline of Left-wing Extremism in states like Chhattisgarh, new industrial hubs are anticipated to emerge, necessitating a stronger CISF presence to provide comprehensive and effective security to these units.

This expansion highlights the growing role of CISF in safeguarding key national assets, in conjunction with India’s advancing economic growth and infrastructure development. This augmentation underscores the Government’s commitment to strengthening the capabilities of CISF in line with the evolving security landscape and ensuring that it remains a robust and responsive force supporting the accelerating pace of Bharat’s development.

Chandigarh, August 7– The Haryana Right to Service Commission has recommended disciplinary action against officials of the Urban Local Bodies Department for negligence in addressing a complaint. The Commission has imposed a penalty on one official, recommended departmental proceeding against another, and issued an advisory to a third for future conduct.

Sharing more details, a spokesperson of the Commission informed that during the investigation, it was found that the concerned Junior Engineer (Urban Local Bodies Department) had wrongly stated that the work of the streetlight was beyond repair, even though it was later repaired. This clearly indicated that the repair was possible earlier and could have been completed within the stipulated timeframe. Additionally, the photograph uploaded on the portal did not match the one submitted by the complainant. For failing to deliver the service on time and negligence in duty, the Commission has imposed a token penalty of Rs. 5,000 under Section 17(1)(h) of the Act on the Junior Engineer. This amount will be deducted from the August salary and deposited in the state treasury.

The Spokesperson said that the District Municipal Commissioner, Jhajjar has also been directed to submit a compliance report to the Commission by September 10.

In the same case, the First Grievance Redressal Authority-cum-Municipal Engineer (Urban Local Bodies Department) dismissed the appeal solely on the grounds that the complainant was not present during the hearing, despite the service not being delivered. The Commission clarified that this approach was an attempt to evade responsibility to resolve the complaint. The Act requires that appeal decisions be made based on facts. Considering this a serious lapse, the Commission has recommended to the State Government appropriate departmental proceedings against the said officer under Section 17(1)(d) of the Act. The Commissioner and Secretary of the Urban Local Bodies Department must inform the Commission of the action taken within 30 days.

Furthermore, the Commission clarified that during the said period, the post of District Municipal Commissioner in Jhajjar was vacant, and the duties were being performed by a link officer. The Commission observed that the link officer, acting as the Second Grievance Redressal Authority under the Haryana Right to Service Act, did not treat the matter with the required seriousness. The investigation also found that the officer was handling other major responsibilities simultaneously. Taking this into consideration, the Commission issued an advisory for the future, directing  that even while discharging duties as a link officer, responsibilities under the Haryana Right to Service Act should be taken seriously. This advisory has been issued unilaterally, and the concerned officer is free to file a review petition before the Commission.