Chandigarh, 7 August:

In a significant step towards strengthening the functioning of jails and ensuring the holistic development of prisoners, Punjab Jails and Transport, Minister Sh. Laljit Singh Bhullar on Thursday handed over appointment letters here to three newly recruited officials of Prisons Department.

The new appointments include 02 Warder rank and 01 Group D employee, recruited on compassionate grounds. This shall contribute towards better functioning of the department.

These recruitments are part of the ongoing initiative by the Prisons Department to address manpower requirements and improve administrative efficiency across various jails in the state.

The Minister of Jails, while interacting with the appointees, highlighted the Punjab Government’s commitment to modernizing jail infrastructure and improving services for prisoners, including educational, vocational and welfare programs.

On this ocassion, IG Prisons Roop Kumar Arora congratulated the new appointees. He emphasised the critical role that each official plays in maintaining discipline, reforming inmates and supporting the overall functioning of the department.

Chandigarh, August 7-

In a significant career milestone for educators, the Punjab School Education department has elevated 814 Master Cadre teachers to the position of Lecturers, recognising their dedication and years of experience in shaping young minds.

Sharing this information today, Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains said that these promotions encompass a wide range of subjects, including 360 Punjabi, 271 Political Science, 135 English, 40 Commerce, two Sanskrit, one Fine Arts, three Home Science and two Sociology lecturers.

Extending his heartiest congratulations to all the promoted faculty, S. Harjot Singh Bains expressed confidence that their expertise and passion will continue to inspire and educate the next generation of leaders and thinkers. It will also motivate the educators to deliver better services by demonstrating exceptional pedagogical skills and a deep commitment to nurturing the intellectual and personal growth of their students.

The Punjab School Education Department remains committed to fostering an educational environment that is conducive to both student success and professional growth for its educators. These promotions are part of the department’s ongoing efforts to build a robust and dynamic educational framework as mandated by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government.

Chandiharh/Khanna, August 7

Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond on Thursday organized a mega public interaction under the “Mera Halka Mera Parivar” initiative in village Bhattian (Khanna) where he listened to the grievances of the people.

Senior officials from various departments, including Rural Development and Panchayats, PSPCL, Mandi Board, Police, and other departments, were also present at the event.

Addressing the people, Cabinet Minister Sond stated that the Aam Aadmi Party government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to providing basic facilities to the people of Punjab. He assured that issues related to electricity, water, sewerage, roads, and streetlights would be addressed promptly. He further emphasized the government is dedicated to ensuring transparent administration in government offices. He noted that several complaints related to various departments were received during the public interaction, many of which were resolved on the spot.

The people lauded the initiative and stated that such programs must be continued regularly in the constituency.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Market Committee Khanna Chairman Jagtar Singh Gill Ratanheri, along with officials from various departments, sarpanches, panchayat members, and others were present.

Chandigarh, August 7:

Taking a compassionate initiative, the Punjab Government has granted early release to 108 prisoners serving life sentences who demonstrated exemplary conduct during their incarceration over the past year. This measure has been undertaken with the objective of providing rehabilitation opportunities to inmates with good conduct, informed S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, Minister of Jails, Punjab.

Divulging further, the Cabinet Minister said, “Over the past year, 108 these prisoners serving life sentences in various Punjab jails have been released.” He stressed that this decision shows the state government’s efforts to provide a second chance to individuals who have exhibited good behaviour and met the requisite criteria for early release.

S. Bhullar said that this initiative will provide these individuals with an opportunity for rehabilitation and reintegration into mainstream society. He said that this step is part of the Punjab Government’s comprehensive strategy to ensure that the justice system not only punishes but also facilitates the reestablishment and reintegration of individuals into society.

The Cabinet Minister elaborated that by releasing prisoners who have shown a desire for reform, the government aims to promote a more humane and effective approach to justice.

“The release of these prisoners is evidence of our government’s commitment to rehabilitation and providing individuals with opportunities to reconnect with society,” he remarked, stating that “We believe in second chances and are dedicated to creating a more compassionate and just society.”

The Cabinet Minister further said that around 800 calling systems have been installed in jails to facilitate communication between prisoners and their families and lawyers, thereby preventing them from attempting to use illegal mobile phones. Indigent prisoners are also provided with free calling services, allowing them 10 minutes of calls every 15 days to communicate with their families and lawyers, he added.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, August 7:

          In a swift intelligence-led operation amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police apprehended four persons involved in cross-border arms smuggling and recovered seven sophisticated Pistols from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Akashdeep Singh alias Akash (20) of village Daoke in Amritsar, Ramanpreet Singh (23) of village Bagha Kalan in Amritsar, Pratap Singh (25) of village Sur Singh in Ferozepur and Sarbjit Singh alias Babbal (25) of Debi Wala Bazar in Amritsar. The recovered pistols include two 9MM PX5, two 9MM Glock and three .30 bore pistols.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the arrested accused were in contact with Pakistan-based smugglers and have been receiving illegal weapon consignments near the Indo-Pak border. The arrested accused persons were operating from border villages and further supplying arms to gangsters in the state, he said.

          The DGP said that further investigation is underway to establish forward and backward linkages in this case to further uncover the entire network and its linkages.

          Sharing operation details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that in view of enhanced security measures ahead of Independence Day, police teams, acting on specific intelligence inputs, have arrested Akash and Raman from the area under Police Station Chheharta and recovered four pistols— two PX5 9mm and two .30 bore. Subsequently, their two accomplices Pratap Singh and Sarbjeet Singh alias Babbal were also arrested from the same area, and three additional pistols were recovered from their possession.

          He said that arrested accused Akash resides close to the International border and he along with Raman used to receive consignments of arms from across the border, while, their associates Sarbjeet and Pratap were coordinating and handling the weapon supply operations. With the arrest of these accused persons, a major criminal activity has been averted in the area, he said.

          The CP said that the probe is going on and more arrests and recoveries are likely in the coming days.

          A case FIR no. 147 dated 02-08-2025 has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Chheharta in Amritsar.

Chandigarh, August 7: 

          In a landmark achievement, the State of Punjab has been recognised as an ‘Emerging State in Organ Donation and Transplantation,’ with the prestigious award during the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day (IODD) held in New Delhi.

          The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), organised the prestigious award ceremony, which was graced by the Union Health & Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda.

          The award was proudly received by Director of Medical Education & Research (DRME) Punjab Dr Avnish Kumar, along with steering committee member Dr Akash Deep Aggarwal and Nodal Officer of State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO) Punjab Dr Gagneen Kaur Sandhu.

          Punjab Medical Education and Research Minister Dr Balbir Singh extended his heartiest congratulations to the department and SOTTO team for this notable achievement. The recognition highlights Punjab’s outstanding work in promoting awareness, developing infrastructure and reaching significant milestones in deceased organ donations.

          Dr Balbir Singh reiterated the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to further advancing these efforts, with a continued focus on promoting awareness, enhancing infrastructure and fostering a culture of organ donation that would benefit countless lives across Punjab.

CHANDIGARH, August 7:

          In a major blow to Pakistan’s ISI-backed cross-border terror networks amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab successfully foiled a major terror plot orchestrated by Pak-based Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist Harwinder Rinda and terrorist Lakhbir Landa.

          Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav said that teams of the AGTF had received credible human intelligence about the consignment containing Improvised Explosive Device (IED) pushed from Pakistan. Acting swiftly, AGTF, in close coordination with Tarn Taran Police, launched a combing operation in the district and recovered an IED from the area of Naushera Pannuan in Tarn Taran, before it could reach Rinda and Landa’s local associates for potential use in subversive activities, he said.

          The DGP further stated that the IED was immediately secured and safely transported to a designated location, where it was successfully neutralised in a controlled detonation by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team. The prompt and coordinated action of Punjab Police personnel averted a major tragedy and ensured public safety, he added.

          Sharing more details, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) AGTF Promod Ban said that the preliminary investigations have revealed that the recovered IED was pushed into Punjab by the Pakistani agencies backed terrorist modules with intentions to disrupt public peace and target innocent lives in the border state.

          Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) AGTF Gurmeet Singh Chauhan said that a case FIR no 106 has been registered under sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act and section 111 of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita at Police Station Sirhali in Tarn Taran. Further investigation is ongoing to uncover and apprehend the associates of Rinda and Landa, he said.

Chandigarh, 7 August 2025:

Political Counsellor of British High Commission Daniel Sherry  has a special courtesy call visit today with Cabinet Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora at Udyog Bhawan, Chandigarh pertaining to “Visa Fraud Ton Bacho” Campaign.

The meeting was held keeping in mind the interests and future of the youth of Punjab, in which the emerging challenges in the form of frauds in the name of foreign travel, illegal agents and fake documents were discussed.

During discussion, they have expressed their desire to make awareness campaigns more intensified being run by the Government of Punjab to provide correct information to the people as well as work jointly to prevent such frauds.

CHANDIGARH, August 7:

          In order to ensure peaceful celebrations of forthcoming Independence Day as desired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police on Thursday launched a crackdown against the anti-social elements and conducted simultaneous raids at premises of people involved in over three cases under Arms Act in last three years.

          The raids were carried out 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 DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that the day-long operation was conducted across the state in a synchronised manner and all the CPs/SSPs were asked to depute sufficient number of police teams under the supervision of gazetted rank officer to check the whereabouts of these persons.

          He said that as many as 120 Police parties, involving over 1000 police personnel, have conducted raids at premises of at least 205 persons, who have been facing more than three cases under the Arms Act in last three years.

          The Special DGP said that the purpose to carry out this operation was to know the whereabouts of such persons, besides, ensuring that they have returned to the mainstream lifestyle.

          He informed that over 400 strong nakas have been installed across the state to keep vigil around anti-social elements.

          Apart from this, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs on 159th day, and conducted raids at 388 locations on Thursday leading to the arrest of 128 drug smugglers after registration of 82 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 25,063 within 159 days.

          The Special DGP said that the raids have resulted in recovery of 1.4 kg heroin, 3.7 kg opium, and 12,655 intoxicant pills from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          He informed that over 120 Police teams, comprising over 1100 police personnel, under the supervision of 76 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 418 suspicious persons during the day long operation.

          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 62 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Ballan (Jalandhar), August 7:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday laid the foundation stone for a Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) and Main Pumping Station at Dera Sachkhand Ballan, a project to be completed at a cost of ₹3.4 crore.

The Chief Minister paid obeisance at Dera Sachkhand Ballan and sought blessings from Sant Niranjan Dass Ji, head of the Dera.

Expressing his reverence, the Chief Minister said that he feels blessed to have received the opportunity to visit this sacred place, which holds the footprints of great religious leaders. He noted that this land has always promoted the values of universal peace, brotherhood, and communal harmony. Bhagwant Singh Mann added that, following the path shown by Baba Sahib Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Punjab Government has prioritized the education sector, along with health, employment, and other key areas.

The Chief Minister stated that his government has already undertaken several path-breaking initiatives in these sectors. He said Punjab has ushered in a new era of reforms in education and healthcare, and today leads the country in educational outcomes. Bhagwant Singh Mann proudly mentioned that students from weaker and underprivileged backgrounds are now excelling in prestigious exams like NEET and JEE, thanks to the state’s committed efforts.

Highlighting another landmark initiative, the Chief Minister spoke about the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna—the first-of-its-kind scheme in the country—providing cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per family to every resident of Punjab. He emphasized that this will significantly reduce the financial burden on families while ensuring access to quality healthcare. Calling the event a historic occasion, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the foundation stone for a Sewerage Treatment Plant and Main Pumping Station at Dera Sachkhand Ballan has now been laid.

The Chief Minister said that STP will have a capacity of 0.5 MLD (Million Litres per Day) and is expected to be completed within 12 months at a cost of ₹3.4 crore.

He said the project will provide a clean and healthy environment for the lakhs of devotees who visit Dera Sachkhand Ballan regularly to pay their respects. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the initiative will also lead to major improvements in sanitation infrastructure.

The Chief Minister said that the treated water from the plant will be recycled and reused, supporting the irrigation of approximately 13 hectares of land. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the project represents a significant step towards clean water, improved healthcare facilities, environmental protection, and reducing dependence on groundwater. He added that the Punjab Government considers itself fortunate to contribute to this noble cause.

The Chief Minister acknowledged that Dera Sachkhand Ballan has consistently played a leading role in social welfare, and that he has had the privilege of visiting the holy place multiple times since assuming office. He praised the Dera for being a source of inspiration to millions of followers of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji, who preached the ideals of an egalitarian society. Bhagwant Singh Mann also commended the Dera’s contributions in uplifting the social and economic well-being of the masses, including its efforts to provide quality education and healthcare services to underprivileged communities. He also lauded the philanthropic work carried out by the Dera for the welfare of society at large.

On the occasion, several dignitaries including Cabinet Ministers Harbhajan Singh ETO, Lal Chand Kataruchak, Dr. Ravjot Singh, and Mohinder Bhagat, Lok Sabha MP Dr. Rajkumar Chabbewal, MLAs Balkar Singh, Inderjit Kaur Mann and Jasvir Singh Gill, Chairman of the Punjab Safai Karamchari Commission Chandan Grewal, Chairman of the Punjab State Cooperative Bank Pawan Teenu, Chairman of Punjab Agro Mangal Singh Bassi and others were also present.