AJNALA (AMRITSAR), 19th January 2026:

Laying the foundation stone of a ₹15 crore Government Degree College in Ajnala, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said that the Congress, Akali Dal and BJP had collectively looted Punjab for decades, hollowing out its institutions and forcing generations of youth to look abroad for opportunities. The Chief Minister said that the new college, which will be named after the revered scholar Baba Ghamchuk Ji, represents the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s resolve to rebuild Rangla Punjab through education, opportunity and public participation.

The Chief Minister said that while the state government will provide every possible facility and institutional support, it is equally important for every Punjabi to contribute according to their capacity so that Punjab can be transformed into a Rangla Punjab where children are not compelled to leave the country in search of a future.

Addressing a gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that infighting is at its peak among these parties as they lack any concrete agenda for the welfare of the people. “The opposition has no vision for Punjab. They are only waiting for their turn to loot the people and the state’s resources. Their dreams will never be fulfilled because the people of Punjab are wise and brave, and they understand the dubious character of such leaders,” he said, adding that Punjabis will never allow these forces to succeed in their nefarious designs.

Urging people to remain cautious of opportunistic and power-hungry politicians, the Chief Minister stated that the sole aim of traditional parties is to exploit Punjab and its people. “The need of the hour is to completely reject these parties so that the efforts of the state government to build Rangla Punjab can yield results,” he said, noting that his government is working tirelessly to accelerate development by opening new Aam Aadmi Clinics, schools, colleges and implementing other people-centric initiatives.

Referring to the project inaugurated on the occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the foundation stone of a co-educational college has been laid in Bikraur, a village located along the international border. “This college will ensure that youth from the border area can pursue higher education close to their homes. An amount of ₹15 crore will be spent on constructing this institution over 15 acres of land,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Bikraur village panchayat and residents for donating land for the project.

The Chief Minister said that youth from around 50 nearby villages will benefit from the college, with over 2,000 students expected to enroll in the coming years. “The institution will offer courses in Arts, Science, Commerce, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Skills, ensuring modern and quality education for students in the border belt,” he said, expressing confidence that the college would play a transformative role in shaping the future of youth, especially girls, from the region.

Stating that young people in the area have aspirations and dreams, the Chief Minister said that the state government is committed to giving wings to these dreams through sustained support. “Our focus is on the welfare of present and future generations so that Punjab moves on the path of progress and prosperity. The well-being of every section of society remains our foremost objective,” he said.

The Chief Minister announced that students belonging to the village that donated land for the college will be provided free education in the upcoming institution. He said that the college will be named after Baba Ghamchuk ji Maharaj as a tribute to the revered religious leader. “Parents must ensure quality education for their children so that they are not compelled to move abroad in search of opportunities,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

Highlighting the issue of migration, the Chief Minister said that negativity among the youth must be addressed so that reverse migration gains momentum. “Previous governments ignored this challenge and ruined the system, forcing young people to look outside the country. It is a matter of pride that our government has provided regular jobs to more than 63,000 youth purely on the basis of merit,” he said.

Speaking on the concerns of border residents, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the Punjab government is making every effort for their welfare, acknowledging them as true patriots of the nation. He said that in a major relief for farmers in Punjab’s border belt, the Central Government has given in-principle approval to shift the border fence closer to the international boundary. “This will allow unhindered cultivation of thousands of acres of farmland that currently lies beyond the fencing. Farmers were earlier forced to cross the fence under BSF escort to access their own fields along the 532 km India–Pakistan border. After persistent efforts, this long-pending issue has finally seen progress,” he said.

Addressing the gathering, Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains highlighted the strides made by the Punjab government in the education sector, saying that the state has emerged as a frontrunner at the national level. “This upcoming project will transform the destiny of youth in this border district. It is a historic day made possible by the far-sighted vision of the Chief Minister and the state government,” he said.

Meanwhile, senior AAP leader and Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia described the initiative as a path-breaking step towards empowering youth in border areas. “It is unfortunate that there was no college within a 70 km radius in Ajnala. Today, a long-pending demand of the people has been fulfilled. We believe in delivering on every promise, and this college reflects that commitment,” he said.

The event was attended by Cabinet Ministers Harjot Singh Bains and Harbhajan Singh ETO, senior AAP leader and Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia, MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, and other party leaders and local representatives.

*Bhagwant Mann Govt’s Transformational Step for Border Youth*

The establishment of the Government Degree and Vocational Training College at Bikraur stands as a decisive and far-sighted intervention by the Bhagwant Singh Mann government to correct decades of neglect in the Ajnala border belt, where students were forced to travel nearly 40 kilometres to Amritsar for higher education, often at the cost of dropping out, especially girls and first-generation learners.

By fulfilling a long-standing public commitment and translating it into concrete action on the ground, the state government has ensured that more than 50 surrounding villages will gain direct access to quality higher education and skill-based learning on a 15-acre campus, integrating degree programmes with employment-oriented courses such as Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Skills.

Designed as a modern, inclusive and student-centric institution with universal accessibility, vocational facilities and sports infrastructure, the college is poised to become a catalyst for social inclusion, gender equity and youth empowerment in Punjab’s sensitive border region, firmly underscoring the Mann government’s governance model of equity, access and opportunity for all.

Chandigarh, January 19

The Central Information Commissioner, Vinod Kumar Tiwari, IFS (Retd.), today visited the Punjab State Information Commission Headquarters in Chandigarh.

During his visit, he held a detailed and productive meeting with Chief Information Commissioner, Punjab, Sh. Inderpal Singh Dhanna, and State Information Commissioners of Punjab – Dr. Bhupinder Singh Batth, Harpreet Sandhu along with Additional Chief Secretary Mr. D.K. Tiwari.

The meeting focused on the effective implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, with special emphasis on institutional reforms, transparency, accountability, and strengthening mechanisms for efficient information delivery.

Mr. V.K. Tiwari appreciated the work of the Punjab State Information Commission and said that Punjab has made commendable progress in implementing the RTI Act

During the meeting, Chief Information Commissioner of Punjab, Sh. Inderpal Singh Dhanna, highlighted the state commission’s commitment to ensuring efficient and timely delivery of information to citizens. He said that Punjab State Information Commission is committed to time-bound and effective delivery of information.

During the meeting, Mr. V.K. Tiwari also shared insights from his experience as a Central Information Commissioner, highlighting best practices, current challenges, and practical ways to improve case disposal and strengthen the overall RTI framework

The interaction served as an enriching platform for exchanging ideas on boosting the efficiency of the Punjab State Information Commission. Chief Information Commissioner Sh. Dhanna, along with State Information Commissioners and Additional Chief Secretary Sh. D.K. Tiwari presented a token of appreciation to Mr. VK Tiwari, acknowledging his valuable perspectives and describing the discussion as highly constructive and beneficial.

Mr Harpreet Sandhu, expressed gratitude to the Central Information Commissioner of India, Vinod Kumar Tiwari, for his meaningful insights on RTI transparency during his visit to the Punjab State Information Commission.

Chandigarh, January 19:

Anindita Mitra today assumed charge as the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Punjab. Prior to this appointment, she was serving as the Administrative Secretary, Department of School Education, Higher Education and Languages, Government of Punjab. A 2007-batch Indian Administrative Service officer, Mitra brings with her wide administrative experience and institutional knowledge of public governance.

After assuming charge as CEO, Punjab, Anindita Mitra said that she is honoured to have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the constitutional and democratic institution in the State of Punjab. She noted that over the past seventy years, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has consistently strengthened the framework for conducting free, fair, and transparent elections, while continuously improving the accuracy and inclusiveness of electoral rolls.

She further stated that the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, will work with firm commitment to uphold democratic values and ensure voter-centric ease across all stages of the electoral process; from voter registration to polling day. Mitra emphasised that the office will continue to prioritise accessibility and transparency while ensuring strict adherence to the highest standards and guidelines prescribed by the Election Commission of India.

She also highlighted that technology will continue to be a key enabler in enhancing transparency, improving voter services, and ensuring efficient election management and operations across the State.

Panipat, January 19

Hon’ble Justice Lalit Batra, Chairman of the Haryana Human Rights Commission, inspected the District Jail, Panipat, on Monday and issued necessary directions concerning the human rights, health, education, and rehabilitation of inmates.

Upon his arrival at the jail परिसर, inmates welcomed the Chairman with flower garlands, while a police contingent accorded him a guard of honour. Earlier, on reaching the PWD Rest House, Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr. Pankaj and SDM Mandeep welcomed him by presenting bouquets.

ADC Dr. Pankaj informed that, as per his directions, the Constitution has been displayed in night shelters, and SDM Mandeep Kumar had recently inspected several night shelters where blankets were also distributed.

After the inspection, the Hon’ble Chairman held a review meeting with officers of the concerned departments and stated that prisons should not merely be places of punishment but centres of reform and rehabilitation. “Prisoners are also a part of our society. If they are provided with education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, they can return to the mainstream with dignity,” he said.

He directed the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Ms. Varsha Sharma, to ensure regular monitoring of all shelter homes and old-age homes. He also instructed the concerned departments to ensure the availability of basic facilities in all night shelters.

The Chairman observed that inmates could be engaged in making dual desks for school-going children, which would provide them an opportunity to become self-reliant. He further directed the Director General of Health Services to ensure the regular posting of doctors in the jail for at least one year.

Justice Batra also inspected the women’s ward, interacted with women inmates, enquired about their well-being, and listened to their problems. On the request of one woman inmate, he facilitated a resolution through video conferencing with officials of Pehowa Jail. During the inspection, he reviewed the women’s ward, classrooms, jail kitchen, crèche, carpet section, and other departments.

On this occasion, apart from Hon’ble Justice Lalit Batra, Chairman, Haryana Human Rights Commission, the Commission Members Mr. Kuldeep Jain and Mr. Deep Bhatia were present, along with Mr. Sanjay Kumar Khanduja, Registrar; Dr. Puneet Arora, Assistant Registrar; Dr. Vijay Malik; Dr. Sandeep Kumar, Civil Surgeon; the Jail Superintendent; Advocates Rajesh and Deepali; and other administrative and departmental officers.

Facilities at District Jail, Panipat:

District Jail, Panipat is located on National Highway-44A in Village Siwah and has a total area of 47 acres and 6 marlas. The jail is equipped with a bakery unit, women’s ward with crèche facility, jail radio, modern interview system (intercom-based), Phoenix software, prisoner calling system, video conferencing facility, modern jail kitchen, a 30-bed jail hospital, jail school (through the National Institute of Open Schooling), jail factory, sports and cultural activities, CCTV surveillance, RO drinking water plant, and modern security equipment.

On this occasion, NGO Empower People State Coordinator Mr. Rajendra Prasad discussed special schemes, awareness initiatives, and related issues concerning the welfare of women/girls brought to Haryana as brides after marriages in other states. Para-Olympian Ms. Deepa Malik also met the Commission Chairman, invited him to a programme, and shared various insights with him.

Chandigarh, January 18 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that India is a country of youth and young people are the biggest strength for the progress of both the nation and the state. Under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi and the guidance of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the Haryana Government is continuously working to make youth self-reliant, educated, and empowered.

The Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister was addressing the Yuva Mahasammelan organised today at Sadhaura,Yamunanagar. Former MLA, Sh. Balwant Singh was also present on the occasion.

Sh. Rana said that youth should have complete information about the Government of India’s Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Yojana. Its objective is to strengthen the rural economy. The Haryana Government is committed to realising the vision of a developed Haryana by actively involving the suggestions, ideas, and energy of the youth, he added.

The Agriculture Minister said that Haryana is the first state in the country to purchase 24 crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP). He further said that several farmer-friendly schemes such as Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana, Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme are being implemented in the interests of farmers.

Chandigarh, January 18 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, describing the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) as a strong foundation for improving the living standards of hardworking labourers, said that this scheme is Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi’s guarantee to every worker in the country. It ensures the right to work with dignity, timely wages, social respect, and a secure livelihood.

The Chief Minister was addressing the labourers at the state-level conference of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G) held at the Indradhanush Auditorium in Panchkula today. On the occasion, Development and Panchayats Minister Sh Krishan Lal Panwar and Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Sh Krishna Bedi were also present.

The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister’s resolve to make India a developed nation by 2047 cannot be achieved without the development of villages and labourers. He emphasized that the path to a developed India passes through its villages. The VB G Ram G scheme is not merely an employment programme, but an initiative aimed at uplifting the lives of hardworking people, ensuring dignity of labour, and protecting their self-respect.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini further said that, keeping in view the shortcomings of MNREGA, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has presented the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 to the nation, which is being referred to as the Viksit Bharat – G Ram G Act. He clarified that this is not just a renaming of MNREGA, but a comprehensive modernization of the rural employment system.

He said that under the new law, the statutory guarantee of employment has been increased from 100 days to 125 days. In addition, the law empowers states to suspend work for up to 60 days during the sowing and harvesting seasons. This provision ensures that workers will receive employment for these 60 days separately, in addition to the 125 days guaranteed under the Viksit Bharat – G Ram G scheme. As a result, the annual income of an average rural unskilled worker across the country is expected to increase by more than Rs 7,000. In Haryana, each worker will receive an additional benefit of at least Rs 10,000. With Haryana offering the highest minimum wage in the country at Rs 400 per day, the annual income of every worker can increase to a minimum of Rs 50,000.

The Chief Minister said that under the VB-G RAM G scheme, wages will now be paid on a weekly basis instead of the earlier 15-day cycle, ensuring timely payments to workers. These provisions will eliminate fake workers, fake work, and fake payments. He further stated that the nature and scope of work under the new law have been expanded, with many additional categories of work being included. This will create more employment opportunities for labourers and accelerate development activities in villages. Earlier, MNREGA offered limited avenues of employment, whereas the new scheme adopts a more comprehensive and development-oriented approach.

 Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the circumstances were very different when MNREGA was first launched, but over time several shortcomings crept into the scheme, directly impacting workers. He said that workers are well aware that in some places machines replaced manual labour, in others payments were made in fake names, and on many occasions, wages were delayed for months. He further stated that in several parts of the country, corruption, fake job cards, the dominance of contractors, and the violation of workers’ rights took place under the guise of MNREGA. From CAG reports to social audits, it has repeatedly been revealed that while genuine workers continued to toil, others misappropriated the benefits meant for them.

Comparing the payments made under MNREGA during the tenure of the current BJP government in Haryana with those made during the ten-year tenure of the Congress government, the Chief Minister said that he is proud that more than Rs 5,000 crore has been paid to workers between October 2014 and October 2025. In contrast, less than Rs 2,000 crore was dispersed during the decade-long Congress regime. He said this clearly demonstrates that the present government has provided employment to a larger number of workers, ensured greater transparency in fund disbursement, and placed the dignity of labour at the forefront of its governance agenda. The Chief Minister added that under the VB-G RAM G scheme, the rights of workers have become stronger than ever before.

Launching a scathing attack on the opposition Congress party and its allies, the Chief Minister said that the Congress has become devoid of real issues and is resorting to misleading tactics to create confusion about the G RAM G scheme. He alleged that  Congress leaders had turned the MNREGA scheme into a means of livelihood for themselves rather than for labourers. He said that during their tenure, the name of the scheme was changed repeatedly, but corruption continued unabated.

The Chief Minister said that it was due to the flawed policies of the Congress that the people of the country and the state have rejected the party. He urged citizens not to be misled by Congress propaganda, stating that the party has consistently played with the interests of the poor and backward classes.

In contrast, he said, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi is continuously working to improve the living standards of labourers, the poor, and the weaker sections of society through transparent and worker-centric policies

Sh Nayab Singh Saini also criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, alleging that it is opposing the G RAM G scheme solely for political considerations. He said that despite proven instances of corruption in wage payments to labourers under MNREGA in Punjab, the state government has failed to take action against those responsible. He further stated that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has implemented the VB-G RAM G scheme to uphold the dignity of labourers and ensure that no one can misappropriate their hard-earned wages.

Earlier, the Chief Minister interacted with beneficiaries of the scheme from various districts and heard firsthand about their experiences with the VB-G RAM G scheme. The labourers expressed their gratitude to Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini for implementing the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin). They said that the scheme will now provide 125 days of employment instead of the earlier 100 days, leading to increased income and improved living standards. The beneficiaries also expressed happiness over the provision of wage payments within seven days. They added that the introduction of biometric authentication and geo-tagging will ensure greater ease, transparency, and accountability in the implementation of the scheme.

Addressing the gathering, Development and Panchayats Minister Sh Krishan Lal Panwar said that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has emphasized that India can become a developed nation by 2047 only when the youth, farmers, women, and the poor are empowered. He stated that the vision of a developed India cannot be realized without strengthening rural areas.

He said that labourers are hardworking partners in nation-building, who plough the fields, construct roads and buildings, and power industries. Development, he asserted, is impossible without their contribution. Every drop of sweat shed by labourers narrates the story of India’s development, a contribution that had been overlooked for a long time.

Sh Panwar further alleged that the opposition is attempting to mislead workers regarding the G RAM G scheme. He assured them that the interests of workers are fully protected under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini.

The Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and Commissioner and Secretary of the Development and Panchayats Department, Dr. Saket Kumar, welcomed the Chief Guest and other dignitaries, stating that the G RAM G scheme will not only generate employment for workers but also ensure transparency at every level of its implementation.

 Rajya Sabha MPs Sh  Kartikeya Sharma and Smt Rekha Sharma, former Speaker of the Haryana Legislative Assembly Sh Gian Chand Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Sh. Satpal Sharma, Additional Deputy Commissioner cum Chief Executive Officer of DRDA Panchkula Smt Nisha Yadav, BJP State Vice President Smt Banto Kataria, District President Sh. Ajay Mittal, President of Haryana MNREGA Mate Workers Union Sh. Naveen Kumar, and other dignitaries were also  present on this occasion.

Chandigarh, January 18 – Haryana Energy Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that the upcoming budget will meet the expectations of the people as a very strong budget is being prepared. He said the budget is currently under formulation and inputs are being taken from all stakeholders. The Chief Minister himself is holding meetings with all departments to ensure that a robust and people-oriented budget is presented.

Sh. Anil Vij said this while interacting with the media at Delhi today.

Improving power system is our priority

The Energy Minister said that a discussion was held today with Union Power Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal regarding development in the energy sector so that the benefits of power-related schemes reach the people of the state. He said that improving the power system is the government’s top priority to ensure uninterrupted and quality electricity supply to consumers.

Large-scale upgradation of transformers and conductors underway

Sh. Vij said that electricity supply was ensured even during the summer season, and therefore there is currently no problem during winter. There is no issue regarding demand and supply at present. Transformers and conductors across the state are being upgraded as per requirement, and such upgradation work is being carried out on a large scale in Gurugram and Faridabad.

Centre allocates coal linkage for Hisar’s Khedar unit

The Energy Minister said that whenever a new thermal plant or unit is established, a coal block is essential. He said that 800 MW units are to be set up at Panipat and Khedar in Hisar. Recently, the Central Government has allocated coal linkage for the new unit at Khedar in Hisar, which will accelerate the progress of the project. Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has also laid the foundation stone of a new 800 MW unit at Yamunanagar, and work on the project is currently in progress, he added.

Chandigarh, January 18 — Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the Haryana Government always stands firmly with a free press. In a democracy, the media is the fourth pillar. If anyone thinks they can intimidate a media institution through pressure, it is a grave mistake, because the voice of truth can never be suppressed.

The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest at the “Ramleela Samiti Samman Samaroh” organized in Jalandhar today. On this occasion, he also honoured office-bearers, artists, and other social workers from various Ramleela committees of Haryana, Punjab, and Chandigarh.

Paying obeisance at the feet of Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Ramleela is not merely a stage performance; it is the essence of our culture. Ramleela teaches future generations that no matter how powerful the evil forces may appear, ultimately righteousness and truth always prevail. He said that even in this era of modernity, the artists and organizers of Ramleela have continued to nurture and preserve the roots of our culture. He appreciated the “Shri Ram Navami Utsav Samiti” for organizing such events.

The Chief Minister praised the impartial journalism carried out during the period of terrorism in Punjab and said that the Punjab Kesari group has, for decades, devoted itself entirely to upholding truth, fearlessness, and ethical values in society. He said that we must remember the time when Punjab was passing through the dark phase of militancy, when fear was so pervasive that people hesitated to even step out of their homes. Yet history bears witness that even then, this group did not stop its pen. Great martyrs Lala Jagat Narayan Ji and Sh. Romesh Chandra Chopra Ji sacrificed their lives for the unity of the nation, but never bowed before violence.

He also appreciated the social service initiatives undertaken by the Punjab Kesari newspaper group and said that for the past 26 years, the group has been sending relief material to border areas, and so far, 910 trucks carrying relief supplies have been dispatched. Even today, on the occasion of this programme, trucks loaded with relief material were flagged off.

The Chief Minister urged all the Ramleela committees honoured at the ceremony to continue spreading the ideals of Lord Shri Ram in society. Just as Ravana’s arrogance was ultimately shattered, so too will the forces that trouble truth will be defeated. Encouraging the morale of Punjab Kesari Group’s Editor-in-Chief Sh. Vijay Kumar Chopra, he said that in this fight against those who seek to suppress the voice of the media, you are not alone. Keep writing, remain steadfast, because your pen is the strongest shield of democracy.

Chandigarh, January 18,

 The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has summoned the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar SP(D) to appear before the Commission for not taking action in a case.

Giving information in this regard, the Chairman of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission, S. Jasvir Singh Garhi said that the Commission had received a complaint from Mr. Dharam Chand, son of Karta Ram, village Jhungian, tehsil Balachaur, district Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar.  Regarding which the District Police Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar was asked to conduct an investigation and submit a report to the Commission on 14-01-2026, but no representative of the Police Department appeared on this specific date, therefore the Commission has asked that the report of facts and information regarding this complaint has been summoned by Mr. Iqbal Singh (S.P. (D)) on the specific date 20-01-2026 to appear personally at the Commission office as there has been no legal action in this matter from the year 2024 to the year 2026.

Chandigarh 18 January 2026:

The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Hon’ble Local Government Minister Sanjeev Arora, has issued a comprehensive directive for the systematic removal and relocation of all scrapped, abandoned, unclaimed, and confiscated vehicles presently lying in police station premises and other government lands within city limits to designated yards outside urban areas.

This decisive step is part of the Government’s broader urban governance reforms aimed at improving public safety, sanitation, traffic management, and optimal utilization of public infrastructure.

*Vehicles to Be Shifted Within 30 Days*

The Minister informed that all such vehicles parked in police stations, traffic police yards, municipal properties, and along city roads for prolonged periods shall be shifted to identified vehicle yards located outside city limits within 30 days.

Joint teams of the Police Department, Municipal Corporations, Traffic Police, and District Administration have been directed to conduct an immediate survey, prepare a detailed inventory, and ensure time-bound execution of this order.

*Reasons Behind the Decision*

Shri Sanjeev Arora stated that the presence of large numbers of scrapped and confiscated vehicles within city limits has created multiple civic and administrative challenges.Old vehicles pose serious fire hazards due to fuel residues, electrical faults, and flammable materials, especially in densely populated urban areas. Abandoned vehicles accumulate stagnant water, becoming breeding grounds for mosquitoes and rodents, thereby increasing the risk of dengue, malaria, and other diseases.

Misuse of Critical Government Space:

Police station premises are meant for operational requirements, emergency vehicles, and public service delivery—not long-term vehicle dumping.

Traffic Obstruction & Urban Aesthetics:

Vehicles lying on roadsides and public land obstruct traffic flow and negatively impact the city’s cleanliness and appearance. Deteriorating vehicles leak oil, chemicals, and heavy metals, causing soil and groundwater contamination.

*Legal & Regulatory Framework*

The Minister clarified that this action is fully aligned with existing legal provisions: Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 – Removal of abandoned and unclaimed vehicles. Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 – De-registration and disposal of end-of-life vehicles. Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 – Safe handling and disposal of non-biodegradable waste including vehicles.

Punjab Municipal Corporation Act – Authority to remove encroachments and public hazards.

All relocated vehicles will be sent only to authorized vehicle scrap yards and recycling facilities, strictly following pollution control and environmental norms.

Procedure to Be Followed Before removal: All identified vehicles will be tagged and photographed.Notices will be affixed on vehicles.Where ownership is traceable, owners will be informed and given an opportunity to claim their vehicles as per law.Confiscated vehicles will be shifted after completing all mandatory legal documentation to ensure that judicial procedures remain unaffected.

Shri Sanjeev Arora appealed to citizens to cooperate in this citywide cleanliness and safety drive. Vehicle owners are urged to voluntarily resolve the status of abandoned vehicles with the concerned police stations and municipal authorities.

 “This initiative reflects our Government’s firm commitment to safer, cleaner, and better-organized cities. Urban land is a valuable public resource and must be used efficiently for public welfare,” the Minister added.