Chandigarh, March 12 – Haryana State Election Commissioner Sh. Dhanpat Singh said the counting of votes for Mayor/Pradhan and Ward members of various Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Municipalities of the state has been completed and election results have been declared. Certificates of election by the Returning Officer have also been issued to the winning candidates in all the concerned municipal bodies.

Election results for the post of Mayor in Municipal Corporations

 Independent candidate Dr. Indrajit Yadav won the post of Mayor in Municipal Corporation, Manesar. Here BJP candidate Sh. Sundar Lal remained in second place. Dr. Indrajit Yadav got 26,393 votes and Sh. Sundar Lal got 24,100 votes.

BJP candidate Smt. Raj Rani defeated Indian National Congress candidate Smt. Seema Pahuja by 1,79,485 votes for the post of Mayor in Municipal Corporation-Gurugram. Smt. Raj Rani got 2,70,781 votes and Smt. Seema Pahuja got 91,296 votes.

BJP candidate Smt. Praveen Joshi won the post of Mayor in Municipal Corporation-Faridabad by defeating Indian National Congress candidate Smt. Lata Rani by 3,16,852 votes. Smt. Praveen Joshi got 4,16,927 votes while Smt. Lata Rani got 1,00,075 votes.

BJP candidate Sh. Praveen Popli was the winner for the post of Mayor in Municipal Corporation-Hisar. He defeated Sh. Krishna Titu Singla of Indian National Congress by 64,456 votes. Sh. Praveen Popli got 96,329 votes and Sh. Krishna Titu Singla got 31,873 votes.

BJP candidate Sh. Ram Avtar won the Mayor post in Rohtak Municipal Corporation by defeating Indian National Congress candidate Sh. Surajmal Kiloi by 45,198 votes. Sh. Ram Avtar got 1,02,269 votes and Sh. Surajmal Kiloi got 57,071 votes.

BJP candidate Smt. Renu Bala Gupta won the Mayor post in Karnal Municipal Corporation by defeating Indian National Congress candidate Sh. Manoj Wadhwa by 25,359 votes. Smt. Renu Bala Gupta got 83,630 votes and Sh. Manoj Wadhwa got 58,271 votes.

BJP candidate Smt. Suman Bahamani won the Mayor post in Yamunanagar Municipal Corporation by defeating Indian National Congress candidate Smt. Kirana Devi by a margin of 73,319 votes. Smt. Suman Bahamani got 1,26,749 votes and Smt. Kirana Devi got 53,430 votes.

BJP candidate Smt. Komal Saini won the Mayor post in Municipal Corporation-Panipat by defeating Indian National Congress’ Smt. Savita Sanjay Garg by 1,23,170 votes. Smt. Komal Saini got 1,62,075 votes and Smt. Savita Sanjay Garg got 38,905 votes.

Result of Mayor by-election in Municipal Corporation-Sonipat and Municipal Corporation-Ambala

In the by-election for Mayor post in Municipal Corporation-Ambala, BJP candidate Smt. Shailja Sandeep Sachdeva won by defeating Indian National Congress’ candidate Smt. Amisha Chawla by 20,487 votes. Smt. Shailja Sandeep Sachdeva got 40,620 votes and Smt. Amisha Chawla got 20,133 votes.

Similarly, BJP candidate Sh. Rajiv Jain was the winner in the by-election for Mayor post in Municipal Corporation-Sonipat. He defeated Indian National Congress candidate Sh. Kamal Dewan by 34,749 votes. Sh. Rajiv Jain got 57,858 votes and Sh. Kamal Dewan got 23,109 votes.

Election results for post of Pradhan (President) in Municipal Councils

BJP candidate Smt. Swarn Kaur won the post of Pradhan (President) in Municipal Council-Ambala Sadar by a margin of 26,923 votes. While independent candidate Smt. Mandeep Kaur Babyal remained in second place. Smt. Swarn Kaur got 58,891 votes and Smt. Mandeep Kaur Babyal got 31,968 votes.

BJP candidate Smt. Praveen Thakaria defeated Indian National Congress candidate Smt. Rajrani Sudhir Chaudhary by 1,891 votes for the post of Pradhan (President) in Municipal Council Pataudi-Jatauli Mandi. Smt. Praveen Thakaria got 12,356 votes and Smt. Rajrani Sudhir Chaudhary got 10,465 votes.

BJP candidate Smt. Maafi Devi won the Pradhan (President) post in Thanesar Municipal Council by defeating Indian National Congress candidate Smt. Sunita Kumari by 32,577 votes. Smt. Maafi Devi got 47,828 votes and Smt. Sunita Kumari got 15,251 votes.

BJP candidate Sh. Shanti Swaroop won the Pradhan (President) post in Sirsa Municipal Council by defeating Indian National Congress candidate Smt. Jaswinder Kaur by a margin of 12,379 votes. Sh. Shanti Swaroop got 41,061 votes and Sh. Jaswinder Kaur got 28,682 votes.

BJP candidate Smt. Preeti was the winner in the by-election for the post of Pradhan (President) in Sohna Municipal Council. She defeated Indian National Congress candidate Smt. Lalita by 4,504 votes. Smt. Preeti got 11,191 votes and Smt. Lalita got 6,687 votes.

Election results for the post of Pradhan (President) in municipalities

In Nagar Palika Barara (Ambala), Independent candidate Sh. Rajat defeated Sh. Harjinder Singh of BJP by 1,993 votes for the post of Pradhan (President). Sh. Rajat got 6,307 votes and Sh. Harjinder Singh got 4,314 votes.

In Nagar Palika Bawani Khera (Bhiwani), BJP candidate Sh. Sundar Sharma won the post of Pradhan (President) by a margin of 1,385 votes. Sh. Sundar Sharma got 5,202 votes and Independent candidate Sh. Pankaj got 3,817 votes.

In Nagar Palika Siwani (Bhiwani), Independent candidate Smt. Vandana Kedia defeated Independent candidate Smt. Anu Lohiya by a margin of 1,251 votes for the post of Pradhan (President). Smt. Vandana Kedia secured 5,277 votes and Smt. Anu Lohiya secured 4,026 votes.

Independent candidate Sh. Pradeep Kumar won the Pradhan (President) post in Nagar Palika Loharu (Bhiwani) by a margin of 43 votes. Sh. Pradeep Kumar got 1,459 votes and his nearest rival independent candidate Sh. Rambhagat got 1,416 votes.

Independent candidate Sh. Vikas Kumar won the Pradhan (President) post in Nagar Palika Jakhal Mandi (Fatehabad). BJP candidate Sh. Surendra Mittal came second. Sh. Vikas Kumar got 4,571 votes and Sh. Surendra Mittal got 3,252 votes.

Independent candidate Sh. Birbal Saini won the Pradhan (President) post in Nagar Palika Farrukhnagar (Gurugram) by securing 3,364 votes. He defeated independent candidate Sh. Dharmendra Kumar (2,207 votes) by 1,157 votes.

Independent candidate Sh. Shamsher Singh alias Kukkan was the winner for the post of Pradhan (President) in Nagar Palika Narnaund (Hisar) while independent candidate Sh. Kuldeep Gautam came second. Sh. Shamsher Singh got 4,639 votes and Sh. Kuldeep Gautam got 4,161 votes.

Independent candidate Sh. Devendra Singh defeated independent candidate Sh. Ajit Kadian by a margin of 1,342 votes for the post of Pradhan (President) in Nagar Palika Beri (Jhajjar). Sh. Devendra Singh got 4,505 votes and Sh. Ajit Kadian got 3,163 votes.

In Nagar Palika Julana (Jind), BJP candidate Sh. Sanjay Kumar defeated independent candidate Sh. Joginder by a margin of 671 votes for the post of Pradhan (President). Sh.Sanjay Kumar got 3,771 and Sh. Joginder got 3,100 votes.

Independent candidate Smt. Hemlata won the Pradhan (President) post in Nagar Palika Siwan (Kaithal) while BJP candidate Smt. Shaili Munjal came in second place. Smt. Hemlata got 3,594 and Smt. Shaili Munjal got 3,331 votes.

Independent candidate Smt. Babli Goswami won the Pradhan (President) post in Nagar Palika Pundri (Kaithal) by defeating independent candidate Smt. Guddi Devi by a margin of 1,329 votes. Smt. Babli Goswami got 4,827 and Smt. Guddi Devi got 3,498 votes.

Independent candidate Sh. Ankit Jaildar won the Pradhan (President) post in Nagar Palika Kalayat (Kaithal). BJP candidate Sh. Mainpal came in second place. Sh. Ankit Jaildar got 5,824 and Sh. Mainpal got 2,862 votes.

BJP candidate Smt. Sanmeet Kaur won the Pradhan (President) post in Nagar Palika Nilokheri (Karnal) by defeating independent candidate Sh. Prem Kumar by a margin of 1,412 votes. Smt. Sanmeet Kaur got 4,983 votes and Sh. Prem Kumar got 3,571 votes.

Independent candidate Sh. Rakesh Kumar won the Pradhan (President) post in Nagar Palika Indri (Karnal) by getting 4,863 votes and BJP candidate Sh. Jaspal came second by getting 3,911 votes.

Independent candidate Sh. Sanjay Kumar won the Pradhan (President) post in Nagar Palika Ateli Mandi (Mahendragarh). He defeated independent Sh. Bhupesh Kumar by a margin of 456 votes. Sh. Sanjay Kumar got 2,351 votes and Sh. Bhupesh Kumar got 1,895 votes.

Independent candidate Rimpi Kumari won the Pradhan (President) post in Nagar Palika Kanina (Mahendragarh) by getting 3,138 votes while independent candidate Smt. Suman Chaudhary came second with 2,572 votes.

Independent candidate Smt. Sunita Soni won the Pradhan (President) post in Nagar Palika Tauru (Gurugram) by a margin of 117 votes. Independent candidate Smt. Payal Soni came second. Smt. Sunita Soni got 3,257 and Smt. Payal Soni got 3,140 votes.

In Nagar Palika Hathin (Palwal), BJP candidate Smt. Renu Lata defeated independent candidate Smt. Abha by a margin of 1,263 votes for the Pradhan (President) post. Smt. Renu Lata got 4,108 votes and Smt. Abha got 2,845 votes.

Independent candidate Smt. Nirmala Devi won the Pradhan (President) post in Nagar Palika Kalanaur (Rohtak) by defeating independent candidate Smt. Sonia by a margin of 5,945 votes. Smt. Nirmala Devi got 9,339 votes and Smt. Sonia got 3,394 votes.

BJP candidate Sh. Heera Lal won the Pradhan (President) post in Nagar Palika Kharkhoda (Sonipat) by defeating independent candidate Sh. Maxine by a margin of 4,425 votes. Sh. Heera Lal got 7,935 votes and Sh. Maxine got 3,510 votes.

BJP candidate Sh. Rajneesh Mehta won the Pradhan (President) post in Nagar Palika Radaur (Yamunanagar). He defeated independent candidate Sh. Dalip Kumar alias Rinku by 546 votes. Sh. Rajneesh Mehta got 3,659 votes and Sh. Dalip Kumar alias Rinku got 3,113 votes.

Similarly, in the by-election for the post of Pradhan (President) in Nagar Palika Assandh (Karnal), BJP candidate Smt. Sunita Rani won by defeating independent candidate Advocate Sonia Bohat by a margin of 3,221 votes. Smt. Sunita Rani got 4,651 votes and Advocate Sonia Bohat got 1,430 votes.

In the by-election for the post of Pradhan (President) in Nagar Palika Ismailabad (Kurukshetra), BJP candidate Smt. Megha Bansal won by defeating independent candidate Smt. Deepshikha by 311 votes. Smt. Megha Bansal got 2,766 votes and Smt. Deepshikha got 2,455 votes.

Chandigarh, March 12

Haryana Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda said strict action will be taken against travel agents who send Haryana youth abroad illegally. He informed that the state government has prepared the Haryana Travel Agents Registration and Regulation Bill, 2025 and many agents working illegally have also been arrested after registration of cases.

Sh. Mahipal Dhanda was responding to a calling attention motion brought by some members of the House during the budget session of the Haryana Legislative Assembly today regarding the fraud being committed in the name of sending people abroad illegally.

He said migration has been an integral part of human history, driven by the universal aspiration for a better life. For centuries, people have moved across borders in search of economic opportunities, security and improved living standards. Today, migration has become a defining global trend, with millions of people moving to different countries every year.

He said with globalization and technological advancement, migration routes have expanded. However, stringent immigration laws and limited legal options often force migrants to take alternate and at times illegal routes. This transforms migration from a pursuit of legal opportunity to a highly risky and illegal endeavour.

He said it is a fact that in Haryana, there has been an increase in the incidents of migration to other countries in recent years. Along with legal migration, incidents of illegal migration through the ‘Donkey Route’, are also coming to light. This is not only a problem of Haryana but is also prevalent in other states of the country like Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and southern states where agents send individuals through several countries and then try to get them illegally entered in US and Canada. People who are unaware of immigration laws or are eager to go out of their homes are more likely to be exploited.

Investigations in various cases and interrogation of recently deported persons have revealed that these people desirous of going abroad first go to countries like Dubai, Spain, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore, Thailand etc. from India on legal basis like work visa, tourist visa, study visa or visa on arrival. From there, these people use the donkey route to enter western countries like US and Canada illegally.

He said in view of this problem, the Haryana Government has taken several concrete steps to take strict action against illegal agents, strengthen law enforcement and make people, especially the youth, aware about the serious dangers of illegal migration. The state government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in May 2020 under the chairmanship of Inspector General of Police, Karnal Range to dismantle the network of illegal agents. Thereafter, a new Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted by the state government in April 2023 under the chairmanship of Inspector General of Police, Ambala Range, which also included Superintendents of Police, Ambala and Kaithal. Through this, strict action is being taken against the criminals by thoroughly investigating all the cases of fraud and cheating related to illegal migration (Kabootarbaazi). He informed that the SIT has issued helpline number 80530-03400 for complaints related to illegal immigration. Under this, raids were conducted and the offices of fraudulent agents were sealed. The statements of the victims have proved helpful in understanding the modus operandi of these networks, leading to significant progress in the research.

He informed that police officers are tracing financial transactions, travel records and digital communications to take action against illegal migration networks. DSP level officers in each district have been appointed as nodal officers to monitor and supervise illegal immigration fraud cases.

He informed that during the last five years, a total of 2,008 illegal migration cases were registered by the SIT, in which 1,917 people were arrested and an amount of more than Rs 26.08 crore was recovered.

He said the state government has prepared the Haryana Travel Agents Registration and Regulation Bill, 2025, which aims to ensure transparency, accountability and integrity of travel agents. This bill will curb illegal and fraudulent activities and protect the interests of the residents of Haryana. He informed that registration of all travel agents/agencies operating in Haryana is mandatory. If any travel agent / agency is found involved in any illegal activity, its registration will be canceled. Operating as a travel agent/agency without a registration certificate will be a punishable offence.

Provision of punishment and fine, if found guilty, in cases of human trafficking or preparing fake documents is also there. The court will have the right to confiscate the property of the culprits and award appropriate compensation to the victim, which will be paid by the travel agent.

He informed that 332 deported Indians were repatriated by the US in February 2025 through three flights. Of the 104 Indians in the first flight on February 5, 33 were from Haryana. In the second flight on February 15, 116 Indians returned, of which 34 were from Haryana. The third flight on February 16 brought 112 Indians, of which 44 were from Haryana. Thus, of the total 332 deported citizens, the highest 126 (38%) were from Punjab, and 111 (33%) from Haryana. Arrangements were made to safely transport all 111 state residents to their native places.

The minister informed that the deportation of Indian citizens from the US is not a new development. A total of 15,896 Indians have been deported from 2009 to February 2025.

35 FIRs have been registered in respect of 111 persons deported recently in Haryana and 12 agents have been arrested from whom Rs 35.31 lakh has been recovered. Beyond law enforcement, the Haryana Government is also giving priority to the welfare and rehabilitation of the deported citizens. The returned citizens are being provided medical check-ups, psychological counselling and temporary support to help them re-adjust into society.

Sh. Mahipal Dhanda said the government is aware of the problem and multi-pronged steps are being taken to deal with it. While strict legal action is being taken against the agents and brokers involved in this heinous crime, a new law is being introduced in this session of the House to prevent such crimes in future. Also, efforts are being made at various levels to create awareness among the citizens to adopt legal path to pursue opportunities abroad.

He said that he assures the members of the Vidhan Sabha that the government is committed to protect the interests of the citizens and no culprit involved in illegal immigration cases will be spared.

Chandigarh, March 11:

          Industries and Investment Promotion Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond has thanked Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for introducing the One-Time Settlement Scheme (OTS) to resolve old pending cases, to provide long-awaited relief to industrialists of Punjab.

          Sond said that OTS scheme will facilitate the industrialists to settle industrial disputes related to enhanced land costs and delayed principal payments thereby ensuring that long-standing grievances of industrialists are resolved in a fair and transparent manner. He said that, as per the scheme, the government will provide a significant financial relief measure by allowing defaulters to clear dues with a nominal simple interest rate of 8%, along with a 100% waiver of penal interest. “The last date to avail of this scheme is December 31, 2025, providing ample time for defaulters to come forward and clear their outstanding dues”, he added.

          Industry minister informed that the scheme will apply to defaulter plot holders whose original allotment was issued on or before January 1, 2020, ensuring that long-pending cases are addressed effectively. He said that approximately 1145 industrialists across Punjab will benefit from this scheme, allowing them to clear their dues and reinvest in their businesses. Notices will be issued to all concerned industrialists by April 30, 2025, so that they can deposit the money by December 31.

          He further informed that Industrial plots, sheds, commercial plots, and residential plots in Industrial Focal Points developed by Punjab State Industries Export Corporation (PSIEC) across Punjab will be covered under this scheme. He said that the plot holders whose allotments were cancelled but whose possession was not yet taken by PSIEC (and not allotted further), will get an opportunity to restart and grow their business by paying their dues. Sond said that the scheme will enable industries to free themselves from large financial burdens and legal complexities, unlocking their potential for expansion and modernization.

          Industry minister further said that the revenue collected through this scheme will be reinvested into industrial infrastructure, including improving focal points and developing new industrial parks, boosting Punjab’s industrial landscape. He said that a special help desks will be set up by PSIEC to assist industry promoters in availing of the scheme, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process for applicants.

Chandigarh

Under the guidance of Hon’ble Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab’s Mining Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, chaired a crucial meeting with key stakeholders from the mining and crusher industries. The objective was to gather valuable insights for developing a progressive mining policy focused on transparency, sustainability, and economic efficiency.

The meeting included representatives from the Crusher Industry Associations and Mining Contractors, who shared their experiences, challenges, and recommendations. Discussions centered on streamlining mining operations, curbing illegal mining activities, ensuring ease of doing business, and adopting environmentally responsible practices.

Hon’ble Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal assured all participants that their suggestions would be carefully reviewed and incorporated into the upcoming policy. He emphasized that the Punjab Government is committed to a transparent and people-centric mining policy that ensures fair pricing of sand and aggregates while preventing revenue losses.

“This policy will be truly of the people, by the people, and for the people of Punjab. It will fulfill the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to make sand and mining resources more accessible and affordable for the common people,” the Minister stated.

The Department of Mining remains dedicated to engaging with industry stakeholders to create a robust and inclusive framework that benefits the public, industry, and environment alike.

Sh. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Secretary Mining, Dr. Harinderpal Singh Bedi, Chief Engineer, Drainage-cum-Mining, and other senior officials from the department were also present.

Chandigarh/SBS Nagar/Sunam Udham Singh Wala/Sangrur, March 11:

The ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’ campaign launched by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government to completely eradicate drug smugglers from the state is yielding positive results and the people have felt great relief from this initiative.

Punjab Government’s drive ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’ has intensified with coordinated demolition actions against illegal structures owned by drug-smugglers in multiple districts. In significant operations conducted today, unauthorized constructions belonging to drug-peddlers were demolished in Nawanshahr and Sunam Udham Singh Wala under the supervision of district police officials.

In Nawanshahr’s Kalaran Mohalla, the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar Police, in coordination with the local civil administration, demolished illegal constructions belonging to three families involved in drug-trafficking. SSP Dr. Mehtab Singh informed that the action was taken against women named Biro, Shindo and Santosh, who collectively face numerous cases, with one family alone having 14 cases registered against them. He said that the demolition was carried out at the request of the Municipal Council, which needed police assistance to remove these illegal structures. The local residents were greatly troubled by these drug-traffickers and are now welcoming this action of the Punjab Government. People have expressed their support for these efforts being made by the Punjab Government to eliminate drugs from the state, he added.

Simultaneously, in Sunam Udham Singh Wala, under the supervision of SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal, a joint team of the district administration and police department demolished an illegal structure near the main gate of Anaj Mandi belonging to drug-peddler Budh Singh alias Budhu. This individual had illegally occupied space belonging to Market Committee Sunam and was operating a house and shop reportedly to drug activities. Multiple cases under the NDPS Act and Excise Act have been registered against him, he added.

Both the SSPs have issued stern warnings to drug-smugglers across their regions, adding that either smugglers should leave drug-peddling voluntarily or be prepared to face serious consequences. They also urged public to provide information about illegal drug activities, assuring swift and strict action against offenders.

Local residents have expressed strong support for the Punjab Government’s initiatives, specifically thanking Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann for these decisive actions. The public has feeling relieved by these operations and expressed hope that drug-smuggling will soon be completely eradicated from Punjab.

“Similar operations against drug-trafficking networks and illegal encroachments will continue as part of the government’s commitment to making Punjab drug-free”, reiterated both the police officers.

Chandigarh, March 11:

The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is fully committed to create ample storage space for the upcoming Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2025 – 26. Hence, it is important that the DFSCs must speed up the rice milling process connected with the previous Kharif season so as to ensure no hassles on the storage front during the 2025-26 Rabi season. Besides, foolproof alternate plans must be made for the proper storage of Wheat.

This was disclosed by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak here today at the Anaj Bhawan while taking stock of the arrangements in connection with the RMS 2025 – 26.

The e-KYC process with regard to the beneficiaries of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 should be completed in all respects before March 31st this year so as to enable every genuine benefciary to derive benefits of subsidized foodgrains said the Minister adding that this initiative should be made a widespread movement, said the Minister. He also directed that the distribution of the Wheat of ongoing NFSA/PMGKAY cycle also should in all respects be completed by March 31st as per the directives of the Government of India (GoI).

The Minister was apprised that target has been received for procuring of 124 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of wheat but robust arrangements regarding the procurement of 132 LMT have been done. Further, 1864 regular purchase centres have been opened and produce would be procured on the MSP of Rs. 2425 per quintal. The Gunny Bags upto the extent of 75 percent of the required quantity have been received and directions have been given for wooden crates to be readied by April 10th.

Divulging more, the Minister added that payments in timely manner should be prioritized for the farmers and adequate labour as well as the transportation arrangements should be done and care must be taken to ensure transparency in every transaction so as to make sure a successful and uninterrupted wheat procurement season for the 2025 – 26 period.

Among others present on the occasion included the Principal Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rahul Tiwari, Secretary cum Director Varinder Kumar Sharma, Additional Secretary Kamal Kumar Garg, AMD Pungrain Rakesh Popli and Additional Director Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar.

Chandigarh, March 11:

Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat has directed officials to take concrete steps to strengthen the Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation (PESCO) for better service to ex-servicemen and their families.

Chairing a review meeting at the Punjab Civil Secretariat today, the minister assessed PESCO’s operational framework, financial health and employee welfare measures.

During the discussion, Managing Director, PESCO, Major General Harmandeep Singh (Retd), and General Manager (Admin & Security), Head Office, Col.Nawab Singh Ghuman (Retd), apprised the minister of the corporation’s initiatives. They informed him that skill training institutes in Mohali and Bathinda are equipping the families of ex-servicemen and non-ex-servicemen youth with vocational skills to improve their employability. Certification given by PESCO is well appreciated.

The officials also highlighted that all employees deputed by PESCO are insured at Rs 10 lacs,  ensuring financial security. The Annual Administrative Report was presented to the minister, along with an assessment of PESCO’s financial status over the past three years. Discussions also covered the salaries of security guards, efforts for enhancement in salaries as special category and the appointment process for ex-servicemen in various roles.

Minister Mohinder Bhagat reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening PESCO’s role in supporting ex-servicemen and their families. He assured that the department would take the necessary steps to address financial, increase in service age for exservicemen and administrative challenges.

To further assess PESCO’s functioning, Minister Bhagat expressed his intent to visit PESCO’s facilities soon. He reiterated that the Punjab government remains dedicated to ensuring the welfare of ex-servicemen and enhancing the corporation’s effectiveness.

Chandigarh, March 11:

The Election Commission of India has invited suggestions from all National and State political parties by April 30, 2025 for any unresolved issues at the level of ERO, DEO or the CEO, as the case may be. In an individual letter issued to political parties today, the Commission also envisaged an interaction with the Party Presidents and senior members of the party, at a mutually convenient time, to further strengthen electoral processes in accordance with the established law.

Earlier, during an ECI conference last week, Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar had instructed CEOs, DEOs and EROS of all States/UTs to hold regular interactions with political parties, resolve any suggestions received in such meetings strictly within the legal framework already in place and submit an action taken report to the Commission by March 31, 2025. The Commission also urged political parties to proactively use this mechanism of decentralised engagement.

Political parties are one of the key stakeholders amongst 28 stakeholders identified by the Commission as per the Constitution and statutory framework covering all aspects of electoral processes. The Commission in its letter to political parties also noted that Representation of the People Act 1950 & 1951; Registration of Electors Rules, 1960; Conduct of Election Rules, 1961; orders of Hon’ble Supreme Court and Instructions, Manuals and Handbooks issued by Election Commission of India from time to time (available on ECI website) have established a decentralised, robust and transparent legal framework for holding free and fair elections.

Chandigarh, March 11:

In a significant step towards enhancing road safety, enforcement, urban mobility and public awareness, Punjab Police signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Raahgiri Foundation and The Urban Lab Foundation at Punjab Police Headquarter here.

 These MoUs were signed by Shelly Kulshreshtra and Abhijeet Lokre through a hybrid mode, connecting both online and offline in the presence of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Traffic and Road Safety AS Rai and Sarika Panda Bhatt.

  Appreciating ADGP AS Rai and team for their dedication towards safer roads, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav said that Punjab Police is taking a data-driven approach to traffic management and sustainable mobility through MoUs with Raahgiri Foundation and The Urban Lab Foundation. The collaboration will further enhance road safety, enforcement and public awareness in the state, he added.

 Emphasizing the importance of a multi-dimensional approach to road safety, ADGP AS Rai stated, “Enforcement agencies require collaborative efforts from all stakeholders to address road safety comprehensively. Both Raahgiri Foundation and The Urban Lab Foundation are pioneers in their respective domains, and this collaboration will significantly strengthen enforcement capabilities in Punjab.”

 He said that these collaborations will focus on research, policy advocacy, capacity-building programs, and practical implementation of road safety measures, reinforcing Punjab’s commitment to creating safer roads.

 Sarika Panda Bhatt, representing Raahgiri Foundation, lauded the initiative, said that Punjab is setting an example by establishing a dedicated research wing within the Traffic Police itself. This path-breaking move will enable a more scientific, data-driven approach to road safety.

 Abhijeet Lokre from The Urban Lab Foundation remarked, “We look forward to exchanging knowledge and learning from Punjab Police’s efforts in road safety. This partnership will foster impactful interventions aimed at improving traffic management and public safety.”

 Director Punjab Road Safety and Traffic Research Centre and Traffic Advisor to the Government of Punjab Dr. Navdeep Asija was also present on the occasion.