Chandigarh/ Hoshiarpur, May 2

Punjab Education and Information & Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, on Friday, exhorted Punjabis to become warriors in the state government’s ongoing “Yudh Nashian Virudh” drive launched to eradicate drugs menace completely from the state.

Addressing the district level function of Village Defence Committees (Pinda De Pehredars) at Hoshiarpur, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that it was call of the day to wipe out the drugs scourges from Punjab thus channelizing the unbounded energy of our youngsters in positive directions. He emphasised the need that Public participation is must to overcome this social menace. The Punjab government’s next goal is to take the message of ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign to each and every household across the state to far disseminate the adverse effects of drugs, said the Minister while adding that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government was fully committed to get rid of the menace. He said that the Chief Minister had given free hands to the police to take strict action against drug peddlers.

S. Bains accused the central government on the issue of Punjab’s waters saying that the BBMB’s decision was totally unfair and systematic loot of the state’s water resources. He said that the Punjab is an agrarian state, the base of which is water. He said it was shocked that the Punjab farmers were facing different challenges while the invalid decision of BBMB put the state in the new crisis. He said under the able guidance of the Chief Minister, the availability of the water was ensured across the Punjab. He said that the Punjab government was making all-out efforts to complete the facelift of the government’s schools.

Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Dr Ravjot Singh said that the Punjab government was waging a decisive war against drugs which would be taken to the logical end. He also urged the people to contribute in the war against drugs in larger public interest.

The Deputy Speaker S. Jai Krishan Singh Rouri said that the Punjab government is fully committed for the holistic development of the state as well as making Punjab a drug free state.

Member Parliament Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal said that the Punjab government had launched the concrete and comprehensive campaign against drugs which was getting impressive results and that day is not far when the Punjab would be free from drugs. Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain and SSP Sandeep Kumar Malik also briefed about the steps being taken under the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included MLAs Bram Shanker Jimpa, Jasvir Singh Raja Gill from Tanda, Karambir Singh Ghumman of Dasuya, Dr Ishank Kumar from Chabbewal and others.

Chandigarh, May 2-

On the initiative of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann all the political parties of the state on Friday displayed rare show of unity to condemn the draconian move of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to snatch waters of the state and pledged to take every step to save the waters of the state.

During a meeting called at Punjab Bhawan here today political leaders including former Speaker Rana KP Singh and former Minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa from Congress, Akali stalwart Balwinder Singh Bhunder and former Minister Daljeet Singh Cheema from Shiromani Akali Dal, state BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar and former Minister Manoranjan Kalia from BJP, former MP and state BSP Chief Avtar Singh Karimpuri, Secretary CPM Sukhwinder Singh Sekhon and Secretary CPI Bant Singh Brar unequivocally hailed the Chief Minister for convening the meeting. They unanimously said that Bhagwant Singh Mann has taken a visionary decision to bring all the political parties on a single platform to save the waters of the state. They said that it is high time that the state government should explore all the legal, political and administrative measures to safeguard the interests of the state on the issue of river waters.

All the political parties urged the Chief Minister to make every effort for protecting the rights of the state and its people over this issue of river waters adding they assured fulsome support and cooperation to him for this noble cause. They also lauded the Chief Minister for giving 4000 cusec of water to Haryana daily to meet their drinking water needs on humanitarian grounds. They said that it is a noble initiative but the manner in which the Haryana government and BBMB has adopted a hostile, authoritarian and anti-Punjab stance to snatch our waters is highly condemnable.

The political parties also condemned the high handedness of the centre government to weaken Punjab by removing Member (Power) in BBMB which was appointed from the officers of the state government. They said that Punjab has 60% share in BBMB for which it should be given Veto power so that the other stakeholders are not able to conspire against it by joining hands. They vowed that all the political parties, rising above their affiliations, will fight for safeguarding the rights of the state and no stone will be left unturned for it.

Meanwhile, profusely thanking all the political parties for extending support to the state government, the Chief Minister said that solidarity by all the political parties have given a big moral boost to him. He said that the state government will convene a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Monday to condemn the high handedness of the Union government and BBMB. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this crisis has been imposed upon the state by the centre but we are legally correct and morally strong to fight against it.

The Chief Minister categorically said that the great Sikh gurus have taught us to fight against tyranny, injustice and oppression adding that any such attempt by the Union government will not be tolerated. He said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that this move has united the entire Punjab and every Punjabi is vehemently opposing this stance of the Union government. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Haryana has exhausted its share of water allotted by BBMB in the month of March only after which the state had even sent around six reminders to them.

The Chief Minister said that subsequently the Haryana government had urged Punjab that they don’t even have water to cater to the drinking needs of people. He said that as a humanitarian gesture the Punjab government generously allotted 4000  cusec of water daily to Haryana from April 6. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that though the population of Haryana is three crore and as per estimates 1700 cusec of water was enough to meet the needs of people of state.

However, the Chief Minister said that the Haryana government has sought 2.5 times more water from Punjab than its actual need. Despite this, he said that Punjab has been giving this water from the month of April adding that a few days back Haryana had pleaded that this water is not sufficient for it and they need 8500 cusec additional water daily. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is evident that this water is needed for irrigation purposes and this problem has arisen as Haryana has not utilized its share of water properly.

The Chief Minister reiterated that Punjab is already grappling with shortage of water for agricultural purposes as the groundwater is receding across the state. He said that the level of water in the dams has been recorded all time low and water level at Pong Dam, Bhakra Dam and Ranjit Sagar Dam is 32 feet, 12 feet and 14 feet lower respectively as compared to last year. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every single drop of water is precious for the state and there is no question of sharing the water with any other state.

The Chief Minister said that the government of Haryana and center is trying to suppress the state and it is unfortunate that BBMB is passing new resolutions everyday to rob share of Punjab’s water. He said that as per law one week notice is required for calling a meeting of BBMB but in the haste to allow water to Haryana the meeting was convened in three hours after which water was released to Haryana. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that the state government is committed to safeguard the interests of the state and no one will be allowed to plunder our waters from us.

Chandigarh 2 May 2025:

The Sixteenth Punjab Legislative Assembly has been summoned by the Governor of Punjab to meet for its 9th Special Session on Monday, the 05th May, 2025 at 11.00 A.M. in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Hall, Vidhan Bhavan, Chandigarh.

Chandigarh May 2, 2025 – The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has registered a case against son and daughter-in-law of ex-MLA from Tarntaran including Executive Officer (EO) and Clerk of Nagar Council Tarntaran and a firm owner for committing embezzlement in the funds of Council. In this case, the above said accused EO, Clerk and a firm owner have been arrested.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said in this regard a case was registered based on a Vigilance Enquiry resulting from the checking conducted by Local Government department and later the case was entrusted to the VB for further probe. Afterwards, based on the investigation an FIR No. 22, Dated 02.05.2025 under section 13(2) read with 13(1) of prevention of corruption act and under section 409, 420, 465, 467, 468, 471, 120-B of IPC was registered against the accused at VB Police Station Vigilance Bureau, Range Amritsar.

He informed that the accused involved in this case included Sharanjeet Kaur, Executive Officer, (Now suspended) and Narinder Kumar, Clerk, of Nagar Council Tarn Taran, Ex-MLA Dharamvir Agnihotri’ son Sandeep Kumar Agnihotri and his daughter-in-law Jyoti Sachdeva, owner of M/s MK Padam Petroleum and Rajiv Gupta, a resident of New Pawan Nagar, Amritsar, a shareholder in M/s Sharp Focus vision Pvt. Ltd and M/s SR Enterprises Ltd.

in this case Sharanjeet Kaur, EO and Narinder Kumar, Clerk, both posted in Nagar Council, Tarntaran and aforementioned Rajiv Gupta, shareholder in M/s Sharp Focus vision Pvt. Ltd and M/s SR Enterprises Ltd have been arrested.

The spokesperson revealed that during the probe it has came to light that fraudulent transactions were done by the said EO during the years from 2017-2022. She had made wrong payments through cheques to M/s Sidhu Construction company, M/s Brother Construction company and M/s Friends Association from different heads. In addition to this, by colluding with Sandeep Kumar Agnihotri son of ex-MLA Dharamvir Agnihotri, the accused EO had issued bogus payments to his companies M/s Sharp Focus vision Pvt. Ltd and M/s SR Enterprises.

He further informed that during the checking conducted by Local Government department Punjab, the recovery was made of the above said bogus payments but an amount of Rs 27,88,000 are still pending. During the enquiry, it was found that Sandeep Kumar Agnihotri also got bogus payments of Rs 4,41,03,086 issued in the name of M/s MK Padam Petroleum owned by his wife Jyoti Sachdeva. Afterwards, Sandeep Agnihotri had deposited part of this bogus payment back to the accounts of Nagar Council Tarntaran, but Rs 35,45,404 are still pending. After adjustment of pending bills, a total outstanding amount of Rs 1,05,30,628 was found pending towards M/s MK Padam Petroleum. Apart from this, according to the department inspection report provided by the Principal Secretary, Local Government, Punjab, EO Sharanjit Kaur had issued payments to Clerk Rajeev Kumar, (now deceased), posted at her office and above said Clerk Narinder Kumar without any bills or work orders.

It was evident from the facts that EO Sharanjit Kaur, in connivance with said Sandeep Kumar Agnihotri, had misused her position and had made illegal payments to his fictitious firms M/s. Sharp Fox Vision Pvt. Ltd. and M/s S.R. Enterprises. Besides this, it was also found that payments amounting to Rs 14,61,980, Rs 3,25,000 and Rs 2,09,400 were made to diffident firms without any tenders or quotations.

The spokesperson added that the case is under investigation and role of private persons, who received bogus payments, would be verified during the inquiry. The accused would be produced before the competent court tomorrow.

Chandigarh, May 2:

Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is consistently working towards the welfare and upliftment of every section of society. Giving details in this regard, Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that during the year 2024-25, the State Government has disbursed loans amounting to ₹7 crore to empower the youth belonging to backward classes, minority communities, and economically weaker sections, enabling them to become self-reliant.

Providing further information, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that through various schemes of the Punjab Backward Classes Land Development and Finance Corporation (Backfinco), loans have been provided to 248 beneficiaries so far, allowing them to start their own businesses or self-employment ventures, thereby improving their family income and standard of living.

The Minister added that the Punjab Government is making continuous efforts to uplift the backward and minority communities in economic, social, and educational spheres, ensuring their active participation in the mainstream of society.

She further informed that any individual between the age of 18 to 55 years, with an annual income of up to ₹3 lakh, can avail of loans for self-employment, higher education, or other needs under these schemes.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that several new initiatives are being implemented by the State Government for the progress of backward and minority communities, which will contribute towards building a prosperous and vibrant Punjab.

In conclusion, the Minister appealed to eligible individuals from backward classes and minority communities to contact their nearest District Social Justice Office or Backfinco office to avail of the benefits of these schemes. For more information, people can also visit the department’s official website at www.backfinco.punjab.gov.in.

Chandigarh, May 2:

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Punjab, Sibin C stated today that 22,520 Booth Level Awareness Groups (BAGs) have been activated across the State of Punjab to enhance voter awareness and participation in the electoral process. These groups will play a pivotal role in spreading electoral literacy at the grassroots level.

He said that Booth Level Awareness Groups (BAGs) are constituted at each polling booth level by the Booth Level Officer (BLO) and comprise of heads/representatives of School/Colleges in the Booth area, local volunteers, educators, students, and NGO/self-help group members. Their primary objective is to educate voters about the importance of voting, how to register as a voter and verify their details on the electoral roll, and ensure voter facilitation during elections.

Speaking about the initiative, CEO Punjab,  said, “BAGs are the backbone of our voter awareness program at the booth level. With over 22,000 BAGs getting activated across Punjab, we are ensuring that every eligible voter is informed, empowered, and encouraged to participate in the electoral process. These groups will bridge the gap between the Election Commission and the electorate, fostering a more inclusive and participative democracy.”

The CEO also emphasized that the activation of huge number of Booth Awareness Groups (BAGs) under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program will help in carrying out extensive activities during the elections, including door-to-door awareness campaigns, street plays, poster exhibitions, and community meetings to boost voter turnout.

The Election Commission of India remains committed to ensuring “No Voter is Left Behind”, and the Booth Level Awareness Groups are a crucial part of making this vision a reality in Punjab.

Chandigarh May 2, 2025 –

          The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), in line with the zero tolerance policy adopted by the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has apprehended an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Sanjay Kumar, posted at Police Station Division No. 8, Police Commissionerate Jalandhar, red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 15,000.

          Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the arrest was made based on a complaint made by a resident of village Reru, in Jalandhar district.

          He further informed that the complainant approached the VB alleging that the said police personnel had demanded a bribe of Rs. 50,000 by threatening to re-nominate him under section 249 of the BNS in a case for allegedly harbouring his son, against whom a police case had been registered at the said police station.

          Notably, the complainant’s name was initially included in the FIR for harbouring his son but was later removed following a police inquiry. However, the aforementioned ASI continued to threaten him to re-nominate under section 249 BNS in the same case. The complainant alleged that the accused ASI had already taken Rs 25000 in this regard and demanding the remaining amount of bribe.

          The spokesperson added that after a preliminary verification of this complaint the VB team laid a trap during which the said ASI was caught red handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 15000 as a second instalment from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case under Prevention of Corruption Act and under section 308 (2) of BNS has been registered at VB Police Station, Vigilance Bureau, Range Jalandhar. The accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow and further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.

चंडीगढ़, 2 मई- पहलगाम की त्रासदी में मारे गए निर्दाेष लोगों को श्रद्धांजलि देने के लिए शुक्रवार, सेक्टर 8 के गुरुद्वारे  में गुरबानी कीर्तन आयोजित किया गया। इस आध्यात्मिक सभा का आयोजन वर्ल्ड पंजाबी ऑर्गेनाइज़ेशन द्वारा किया गया, जिसमें राष्ट्र की एकता, शांति और मजबूती के लिए प्रार्थना की गई। श्री दरबार साहिब, अमृतसर के प्रसिद्ध हज़ूरी रागी भाई शुभदीप सिंह जी ने कीर्तन किया, जिसके बाद कौमी एकता के लिए विशेष अरदास की गई।

हरियाणा के राज्यपाल श्री बंडारू दत्तात्रेय और पंजाब के राज्यपाल श्री गुलाब चंद कटारिया ने इस मौके पर पीड़ितों और उनके परिवारों के प्रति एकजुटता दिखाते हुए प्रार्थना में भाग लिया।

हरियाणा के राज्यपाल श्री बंडारू दत्तात्रेय ने पहलगाम में हुए आतंकी हमले की निंदा करते हुए कहा कि आतंकवाद के खिलाफ भारत की हमेशा जीरो टालरेंस नीति रही है। इस बुजदिल और घिनौने कृत्य को अंजाम देने वालों पर केन्द्र सरकार द्वारा कठोर कार्यवाही की जाएगी, उन्हें बख्शा नहीं जाएगा।

श्री दत्तात्रेय ने कहा कि आतंकवाद के खिलाफ हमारी लड़ाई अडिग है। सभी धर्म, यहां तक की इस्लाम धर्म और पैगम्बर मोहम्मद भी शांति, प्रेम, करुणा और दया के साथ रहना सिखाते है। मजहब के नाम पर जो हिंसा कर रहे है, इसे हमारे देशवासियों को समझना चाहिए।

उन्होंने हरियाणा के बेटे, लेफ्टिनेंट विनय नरवाल को नमन करते हुए उन परिवारों के प्रति अपनी गहरी संवेदनाएं व्यक्त की जिन्होंने अपने प्रियजनों को खोया है। उन्होंने कहा कि पूरा राष्ट्र इस दुख के समय में उनके साथ खड़ा है।

पंजाब के राज्यपाल श्री गुलाब चंद कटारिया ने कहा कि यह हमला सिर्फ हमारे देश के बहादुर नागरिकों पर नहीं, बल्कि मानवता पर हुआ है। आतंकवाद का कोई धर्म, कोई जाति, कोई मानव मूल्य नहीं होता। यह नफरत की उपज है, जो केवल विनाश और पीड़ा लाती है।

उन्होंने कहा कि ऐसे आतंकवादी हमले सिर्फ एक जंगली सोच का परिणाम होते हैं, जो मासूम और निर्दाेष लोगों की जिंदगी को खत्म कर देते हैं। यह एक दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण घटना है, जो हम सभी के लिए एक कड़वी याद है कि आतंकवाद किस हद तक इंसानियत का विनाश करता है।

इस दौरान राज्यसभा सांसद एवं वर्ल्ड पंजाबी आर्गेनाईजेशन के अंतरराष्ट्रीय अध्यक्ष पद्मश्री डॉ. विक्रमजीत सिंह साहनी, उपाध्यक्ष करन गिलहोत्रा सहित वर्ल्ड पंजाबी आर्गेनाईजेशन के अन्य सदस्य भी कीर्तन में मौजूद रहे।