Chandigarh, May 29:

Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh announced the upgrade of Municipal Council Zirakpur to Corporation status soon during his early morning visit to Zirakpur on Thursday.

Highlighting the need for stronger governance due to rapid urban expansion, Dr. Ravjot Singh stressed that a larger and more empowered local body is essential to effectively manage civic amenities such as drinking water supply, sewage treatment and cleanliness. He urged MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa to submit a formal proposal through the Municipal Council to the Department of Local Government so the process can begin promptly. The Minister confirmed that the transition will be implemented from the upcoming Municipal Corporation elections in Zirakpur.

The Cabinet Minister, who was there in the early hours to inspect cleanliness and other civic amenities, expressed dissatisfaction over the uncleanliness and ordered to set the house in order by enhancing the number of sanitary workers.

Expressing concern over the choked Sukhna Choe, which also carries liquid waste from the Chandigarh side, Dr. Ravjot Singh directed the Municipal Council to take immediate measures to clean it with the help of the Drainage Department before the rains. He also urged the residents not to dump waste in the choe that will cause floods by blocking the flow. He also inspected the Furniture Market area of Baltana.

The Cabinet Minister announced that a high-level bridge on Sukhna Choe at Baltana at a cost of Rs.5.96 crore is upcoming soon to ease out the locals from overflow during monsoon seasons when the choe swells.

The Minister inspected, Old Kalka Road, Dhakauli and reviewed the cleanliness operations, instructing local body officials to hire extra manpower for complete cleaning of the city. He said that the unsightly appearance of the roads and streets is not a good and healthy sign for the community.

Responding to another query on upcoming Sewage Treatment Plants, the Cabinet Minister said that two STPs, one of 47 MLD and another of 37 MLD (Million Litres per day) are being installed soon. The site for 47 MLD has been identified at Sanauli and handed over to the Water Supply and Sewerage Board, while for the other 37 MLD plant, site selection is underway and will be finalized shortly.

When the issue of storm sewer coming from Panchkula causing trouble in the Peer Muchhalla Area was raised by MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa, Dr. Ravjot Singh directed the state heads of the local government department to take up the matter with the concerned authorities of the neighbouring state to resolve it at the earliest.

Interacting with media persons, Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, while reaffirming his commitment to provide required civic amenities to the urban population of Punjab, said that as per the directions of Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the State Government is keen to address the problems being faced by residents and the responsibility of local officers would be fixed in case of any laxity. He said that officers are duty-bound towards the locals and they must spend a few hours from their daily duty to take stock of ground realities. The Minister also assured to introduce reforms to reduce traffic congestion in the town.

He was accompanied by Additional Chief Secretary Tejvir Singh and Director Gurpreet Singh Khaira of the Local Government Department besides Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development) Anmol Singh Dhaliwal, Executive Officer Jagjeet Singh Judge and officers from the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board.

Chandigarh, May 29:

Punjab’s Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today informed that the Punjab Government has released ₹37.50 crore under the Ashirwad Scheme during the current financial year 2025-26 to benefit 7352 Scheduled Caste applicants.

Sharing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that applications under the Ashirwad Scheme were received through the Ashirwad Portal this year from 19 districts, including Barnala, Bathinda, Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Mansa, Moga, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Patiala, Pathankot, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar, Sangrur, Malerkotla, and Tarn Taran. Financial assistance amounting to ₹37.50 crore has been sanctioned to cover 7352 beneficiaries from these districts.

The Minister informed that the disbursed amount covers 313 beneficiaries in Barnala, 826 in Bathinda, 166 in Faridkot, 178 in Fatehgarh Sahib, 360 in Fazilka, 104 in Gurdaspur, 731 in Hoshiarpur, 837 in Jalandhar, 69 in Kapurthala, 310 in Mansa, 360 in Moga, 502 in Sri Muktsar Sahib, 630 in Patiala, 112 in Pathankot, 158 in Rupnagar, 159 in SAS Nagar, 797 in Sangrur, 80 in Malerkotla, and 660 in Tarn Taran.

Highlighting the objectives of the scheme, Dr. Baljit Kaur said the Punjab Government, under the Ashirwad Scheme, provides financial assistance of ₹51,000 for the marriage of girls belonging to low-income families in the state.

She added that to avail of the benefit under this scheme, the applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab, belong to a Scheduled Caste, Backward Class, or Economically Weaker Section family, and have an annual family income not exceeding ₹32,790. Eligible families can avail of this financial assistance for the marriage of up to two daughters.

The Cabinet Minister further mentioned that the disbursement of financial assistance is made directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to ensure transparency and timely support.

Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is firmly committed to the welfare of all sections of society, with dedicated initiatives for the Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and economically weaker sections to uplift their standard of living and empower them economically.

Chandigarh, May 29:

Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Sibin C, held a video conferencing meeting on Thursday with the Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer and the Police Commissioner of Ludhiana to review preparations for the bye-election to the 64-Ludhiana West Assembly Constituency.

During the meeting, the CEO instructed officials to conduct the election process in a peaceful and transparent manner in accordance with the Act, Rules and Guidelines of the Election Commission of India. He directed the District Election Officer to ensure proper arrangements at polling stations, counting halls, and strong rooms. He also emphasized that 100% live webcasting from polling stations must be ensured for real-time monitoring.

To facilitate voters, Sibin C directed that Assured Minimum facilities (AMF) such as drinking water, waiting areas, toilets, and heat protection measures etc at polling stations be ensured. He also called for strict adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols.

Regarding strong room security, he instructed that robust surveillance systems must be implemented. He further emphasized prompt action on any violations of the Model Code of Conduct and swift redressal of related complaints. He instructed officials to maintain close watch on paid news and to ensure adequate food and accommodation arrangements for polling staff. To boost voter participation, he directed to intensify SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) activities.

The CEO instructed the Ludhiana Police Commissioner to enhance vigilance during the last 72, 48 and 24 hours prior to polling and until the conclusion of the election process. Orders were issued to increase security at checkpoints and to monitor the movement of outsiders in the constituency. He called for 24/7 CCTV surveillance to curb illegal transportation of drugs, liquor, cash, and other inducements.

The CEO stressed that any complaints of inducements such as cash or other materials to mislead voters must be dealt with immediately. He also directed the Police Commissioner to ensure robust deployment of security measures at critical polling stations, strong rooms, and counting centers.

The Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer and the Police Commissioner assured the Chief Electoral Officer that all necessary arrangements for the bye-election have been completed and that the election process will be conducted strictly in line with the Election Commission’s directions.

The meeting was also attended by ADGP-cum-State Police Nodal Officer M.F. Farooqui, Additional CEO Harish Nayar, Joint CEO Sakatar Singh Bal, Election Officer Anju Bala, and other officials from the CEO’s office.

Constituency Voter & Polling Booth Data

Sibin C informed that the Ludhiana West constituency has a total of 1,74,437 voters, including 89,602 male voters, 84,825 female voters, and 10 voters identifying as third gender.

A total of 192 polling booths will be set up for the bye-election. These include 10 model polling booths, one all-women managed booth, one green/environment-friendly booth, and one booth managed by PWD staff. Additionally, 13 polling booths have been identified as critical, where additional security measures will be deployed.

Polling will be held on June 19, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the counting of votes will take place on June 23 starting from 8.00am.

Chandigarh, May 29:

A total of four nomination papers were filed today, on the fourth day of the nomination process for the 64-Ludhiana West Assembly constituency bye-election.

Disclosing this, Punjab’s Chief Electoral Officer, Sibin C, stated that Sh Bharat Bhushan Ashu, the official candidate of the Indian National Congress, and Smt Mamta Ashu (covering candidate) submitted their nomination papers today. Additionally, Advocate Parupkar Singh Ghumman, the Shiromani Akali Dal candidate, along with Smt Arvinder Kaur Ghumman (covering candidate), also filed their nominations.

Earlier, on May 28, one independent candidate had submitted a nomination paper.

It is noteworthy that the last date for filing nominations is June 2, 2025. Scrutiny of nomination papers will be conducted on June 3, 2025, while the last date for withdrawal of nominations is June 5, 2025. Nomination papers can also be filed on May 30 and 31.

Bathinda, May 29:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday said that the new Land Pooling scheme of the state is aimed at providing a sustainable source of income to the farmers as agriculture is no longer a profitable venture.

Interacting with the farmers here today, the Chief Minister said that the land pooling is aimed at creating a perennial source of income for the farmers and making them an active partner in growth and progress of the state. He said that no forcible acquisition of land will be done in the state and only those farmers who will agree under the policy will give their land. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as per the policy the farmers will get commercial and residential plots in the scheme apart from the compensation.

The Chief Minister said that the commercial property in the planned colonies to be carved out in this land pooling scheme will be a permanent asset for the farmers for their income. He said that the state government’s new Land Pooling Policy is aimed at giving impetus to the overall growth of the state adding that this scheme will benefit every common man by giving a major fillip to the overall development of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured everyone that no land will be forcibly taken and that all development on acquired land will proceed in a legal and transparent manner.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that Punjab has the highest number of illegal colonies in the country—an issue he blamed on previous governments. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these colonies do not have any basic civic amenities due to which people have to suffer. He said that to check this haphazard growth land pooling scheme has been introduced in which it will be totally prerogative of the land owner to adopt this or not adding that the land acquired by state with consent of people will be used for constructing Urban Estates thereby giving push to planned development. 

The Chief Minister said that contrary to earlier times when the leaders of the state used to jeopardize the interests of Punjab, the state government today is focusing on overall growth and prosperity of the state. He said that the earlier leaders were afraid of meeting the people whereas the state government today is interacting with the people and seeking their feedback. Bhagwant Singh Mann every effort will be made to safeguard the interests of the state and its people by making them an active partner in social economic development of the state.

The Chief Minister said that it is a moment of immense pride and satisfaction that more than 54000 jobs have been provided to the youth of the state. He said that all the jobs have been given completely on the basis of merit, without any corruption or nepotism. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is making the youth an active partner in socio economic development of Punjab.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has launched an ambitious project of Easy Registration of land which has been introduced in Mohali and will be introduced in the state from August 1. He said that it is a part of state government’s commitment to further streamline the functioning of government offices adding that people now have the freedom to visit any Sub Registrar Office within the district to get their property registered without hassle. As part of the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, Bhagwant Singh Mann said this initiative will play a key role in eliminating corruption in Tehsil offices.

The Chief Minister highlighted how canal water had been neglected by previous governments due to which the state has suffered adversely. He said that excessive reliance on tube wells had resulted in the alarming depletion of groundwater which proved very fatal for the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that to revive the traditional Water Courses, 700 km of pipeline has already been installed across the state to bring water back to dried-up areas even at tail end villages.

Bathinda, May 29:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday slammed the Akali leaders and Kisan Unions for misleading the people of the state by spreading canards for securing their vested interests.

Taking the farmers union to cudgels, the Chief Minister said that farmers and unions are different entities as these people have opened their shops in the name of securing the interests of farmers. He said that the office bearers of Kisan unions have acquired huge chunks of properties by minting money illegally and have even put shares in hotels and hospitals in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann dared the Kisan Unions to have live discussions with him on the various issues pertaining to agrarian crisis.

The Chief Minister also questioned the silence of the Kisan Unions over the issue of snatching of water by BBMB and Haryana adding that they have not even issued a single statement in this regard. He said that they were merely running their shops by staging road and rail blockades on frivolous issues but remained mum over this major issue concerning the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann quipped that these leaders are least bothered about the farmers or their interests as they have their own interests in everything adding that the farmer unions take fees from the agriculturalists in the name of securing their rights.

The Chief Minister said that all was not well in the Badal-Majithia family as Akali leaders Sukhbir Singh Badal and Bikram Singh Majithia were not in speaking terms with each other. He said that the dispute has probably arisen due to division of the money plundered by them during their tenure and has created rift in the family now. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that after his revelation the family members may unite now but the fact is that these leaders have harmed the interests of the state for their vested ones.

The Chief Minister said that the Akali leaders have been using the SGPC and Sri Akal Takht Sahib for their vested political interests adding that Akalis misuse religion for their parochial interests. Citing an example, he said that the orders of Sri Akal Takht Sahib are being twisted to suit their political interests and befool the people.  Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now former MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha will be re-inducted the Akali Dal and even the Faqr-e-Qaum title will be restored to former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.

Chandigarh, May 29

The Cabinet Sub Committee, led by Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema today convened a series of crucial meetings with representatives from various employees’ unions. The discussions aimed at finding swift and amicable resolutions to their legitimate issues.

The unions that participated in today’s extensive deliberations included the Powercom and Transco Contract Employees Union, Home Guard Association, Punjab Police Corona Warriors Union, Government ITI Contract Employees Union, Sarva Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (Mid-Day Meal) Office Employees Union, Murh Bahal Katche Adhiyapak Union, Vishesh Adhiyapak (I.E.R.T) Union, and the Master Cadre Union.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema engaged in in-depth discussions with the union representatives, providing them with a platform to articulate their concerns and demands comprehensively. Senior officers from the concerned departments were also present during the meetings to facilitate a thorough understanding of the issues at hand.

Following the meetings, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government to address the grievances of its employees. He said that the AAP Government has proactively engaged with numerous employees’ unions who have been struggling for over a decade, and significant progress has been made in resolving their issues. He assured the union representatives that the state government is actively working on their legitimate demands with determination to find just and equitable solutions.

President Balihar Singh from Powercom and Transco contract employees Union, President Gurdeep Singh from Home Guard Association, President Gurbaz Singh from Punjab Police Corona Warriors, President Sewa Singh from Government ITI Contract Employees Union, President Kuldeep Singh from Sarva Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (Mid-Day Meal) Office Employees Union, President Vishal Sahni from Murh Bahal Katche Adhiyapak Union, President Ramesh Kumar from Vishesh Adhiyapak (I.E.R.T) Union, and President Washington Singh from Master Cadre Union presented the case of their unions.

Chandigarh: The Chandigarh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) commemorated the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Punyashlok Devi Ahilyabai Holkar with reverence and devotion at the party office in Sector 33 on Thursday.

Former BJP National Secretary Sunil Deodhar was the keynote speaker at the event and addressed party workers on the remarkable life, legacy, and contributions of Ahilyabai Holkar. The program began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and floral tributes.

Deodhar, in his address, said, “Ahilyabai Holkar was not just a ruler but a symbol of social justice, devotion, and women empowerment. The way she led with wisdom, compassion, and spiritual strength in the 18th century remains an inspiration even today. She considered governance as service to God and saw herself as a humble trustee of the state.”

Prominent leaders present at the event included State BJP President Jitender Pal Malhotra, Former State Presidents Sanjay Tandon and Arun Sood, program convener Rambir Bhatti, and co-convener Heera Negi, along with several senior party officials and workers.

Speakers highlighted Ahilyabai’s contributions, such as the reconstruction of temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Ayodhya, Dwarka, Rameshwaram, and many others that had been desecrated. She also built dharamshalas, stepwells, tanks, and roads across the country and initiated welfare measures for the common people. Her governance model emphasized service over power.

State President Jitender Pal Malhotra called Ahilyabai’s life a beacon of selfless service and national pride, urging party workers to follow in her footsteps and serve the community with dedication.

All attendees paid floral tributes to the revered queen and resolved to draw inspiration from her life and ideals.

Chandigarh, May 28

The Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s pioneering programme— “Ek Din, DC/SSP De Sang” on Wednesday saw Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police from seven districts dedicating a day to hosting top-performing students from government schools, offering them an invaluable firsthand experience into the intricacies of public administration, leadership, and governance.

Sharing details of this unique endeavor, Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the primary objective of this initiative is to inspire and motivate young minds to aim for excellence, while simultaneously acknowledging and rewarding their academic achievements in a meaningful way.

Highlighting specific engagements, Education Minister S. Bains informed that six meritorious students from Class 10th Muskan, Santosh & Jagriti and class 12th Priya, Harmandeep Kaur and Anudeep had the opportunity to spend a day with the Deputy Commissioner of Fazilka, Ms. Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu. During this immersive experience, the students gained insights into the workings of district administration, visited various government offices, and actively participated in anti-drug awareness events held in villages Bhagsar and Kular. Ms. Sandhu further encouraged the students by honouring them with books and tablet devices, said the Minister.

Adding further, the Minister informed that  the Deputy Commissioner Faridkot, Ms. Poonamdeep Kaur, engaged with the Class 12th district toppers Diljeet Kaur, Navpreet Kaur and Kuldeep Sharma, providing them with a comprehensive tour of the DC office. Concurrently, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Dr. Pragya Jain, spent the day with Class 10th topper students Akshnoor Kaur, Jashanpreet Kaur, and Gurleen Kaur, offering them valuable insights into the realm of law enforcement and the critical role of the police in maintaining public order.

The Deputy Commissioner of Pathankot, Sh. Aditya Uppal, interacted closely with the district’s top-performing students of Class 12th (medical and non medical stream) – Kamini Sharma (98.2%),  Heena (97.2%)- and 10th Class topper Mansi Devi (97.07%) and provided them with a detailed tour of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, familiarizing them with its various functions.

In Ludhiana district, the top three students, Amandeep Kaur, Taranveer Singh and Niharika Gujral, spent an insightful day with SSP Khanna Dr. Jyoti Yadav Bains. They gained firsthand knowledge of police operations and various initiatives, including visits to the Integrated Command Centre and the Traffic Cell. The students also learned about the Punjab Police’s Mahila Mitra initiative and Digital Map. SSP Bains also shared her inspiring journey as an IPS officer, motivating the students to pursue their aspirations with unwavering determination.

Furthermore, the SSP of Sri Muktsar Sahib, Dr. Akhil Chaudhary, engaged with the district’s top-performing students from Class 10th and 12th, including Sakshi, Ritika, Ruhani, Gurleen Kaur, Sakina Khatun, and Asnat. He offered them a glimpse into his daily routine and the multifaceted experiences of policing. The students gained practical insights into police operations during their visit to the Police Control Room and various branches of the SSP office. A subsequent brainstorming session saw Dr. Chaudhary encouraging the students to strive for academic excellence alongside active participation in co-curricular activities to foster their holistic development.

DC Fatehgarh Sahib, Dr. Sona Thind, hosted district toppers Parneet Kaur (99%), Shehnaz Khan (98.40%), Meenal (97.20%), and Lovish Kumar (96.8%) for an insightful visit to government offices. They explored the District Administrative Complex, rural library, and gained valuable knowledge on governance. Dr. Thind shared her inspiring journey, motivating the students to chase their dreams. The toppers were honored with gifts and encouraged to excel further.

Olympian and SSP Gagan Ajit Singh hosted toppers of 10th-grade from Malerkotla district. The SSP shared his inspiring journey from hockey to IPS, motivating the students to work hard and pursue their dreams. The students were also felicitated.

“This unique initiative underscores the Punjab Government’s commitment to nurturing young minds and providing them with real-world exposure to inspire future leaders”, stated Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains.

Chandigarh, May 28:

          The 2nd Civil Defence Exercise “Operation Shield” will be held on 03.06.2025 at 1930 hrs. in Punjab State. Earlier it was scheduled for May 29 but the Nodal Officers of the concerned department are undergoing Training  for Civil Defence being conducted by NDRF. Hence, the 2nd Civil Defence Exercise “Operation Shield” will be held on June 3 at 1930 in Punjab.

          A spokesperson informed that in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 19 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has decided to hold 2nd Civil Defence Exercise “Operation Shield” in all the districts of States/UTs, adjoining Western border of the country.  These drills follow the directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. The 1st Civil Defence Exercise was held on 07.05.2025.

          He said that complete blackout measures would be taken in adjoining civilian VA/VPs excluding emergency / critical services and Air Raid Sirens would be operated.  He requested to plan and organize the Civil Defence Exercise “Operation Shield” by involving all local administration and stakeholders.