CHANDIGARH, February 14:

Punjab Education and Information & Public Relations Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Friday announced a comprehensive flood protection plan worth ₹52 crore for villages situated along the banks of the Sutlej and Swan rivers in Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency, stating that the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has fast-tracked permanent solutions for areas historically affected during the monsoon season.

Sharing details of the ambitious plan, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, “In a major relief for residents living along the banks of the Sutlej and Swan rivers in Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency, the Punjab Government has announced a comprehensive flood protection plan worth ₹52 crore to permanently secure several vulnerable villages that have historically faced the brunt of floods during monsoon season.”

The Punjab Minister further stated, “The Bhagwant Mann government has expedited major flood protection infrastructure projects in the region. Works worth ₹52 crore have already been tendered and commenced, with physical construction set to gather pace within a fortnight. Additionally, the projects estimated at ₹30 crore are in the pipeline.”

Emphasising the urgency of the initiative, he said, “The safety of our people is non-negotiable. Last year’s floods taught us a hard lesson. We are building robust, long-term protections.”

Detailing the village-wise projects, Minister Harjot Singh Bains stated, “Dasgrain and Mahain villages will get a ₹1 crore revetment. Harsa Bela village, which saw successful ₹4.5 crore flood protection work last year, will receive ₹9 crore for construction of a 2,200-foot-long revetment with upgraded design specifications.”

He added, “Mehndli Kalan village will get a new 1,800-foot-long revetment costing over ₹8.75 crore at the site where I personally served during last year’s rescue operations. Agampur village will see a massive 3,200-foot-long revetment worth ₹12 crore to safeguard the village and the bridge approaches.”

Continuing with further details, he said, “A 700-foot-long revetment will be constructed with ₹7 crore at Burj village. Similarly, a 700-foot-long revetment with ₹3.5 crore will be constructed at Ajauli village, while Lodhipur village will be protected with a 2,000-foot-long revetment worth ₹9 crore.”

He also informed, “In addition to these major sites, flood protection works are also underway or approved for Bhalan, Triveni Mandir, Nangran and other villages.”

Highlighting the scale of the initiative, Minister Harjot Singh Bains noted, “The projects entail construction of revetments spanning over 11,000-foot. We have already completed significant groundwork and are committed to expanding this further based on local demands.”

Reassuring residents ahead of the monsoon season, Minister Harjot Singh Bains stated, “I am personally monitoring the progress of these projects and I am determined to ensure foolproof flood protection works before the commencement of this monsoon.”

CHANDIGARH, February 14:

          As the decisive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign launched under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann enters its 25th day, Punjab Police on Saturday conducted 702 raids at the at identified and mapped locations linked to associates of gangsters across the state.

          As per the information, the “Gangstran Te Vaar”— a decisive war to make Punjab a gangster-free state was launched by the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on January 20, 2026. Police teams from all the districts in coordination with Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab has been conducting special operations across the state.

          On Day 25, Police teams arrested 232 individuals and recovered three weapons from their possession, taking the total arrests to 9244 since the launch of the campaign.

 Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 89 persons, whereas, 165 persons were verified and released after questioning. Police teams have also arrested seven proclaimed offenders (POs) during the operation.

          People can anonymously report information related to wanted criminals and gangsters, and also share tips on crime and criminal activity, through the Anti Gangster Helpline number 93946-93946.

          Meanwhile, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” for 350th day with 96 drug smugglers arrested on Saturday and recovered 3.1 kg heroin, 7 kg poppy husk, 640 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 58,050 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 49,602 in just 350 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced 41 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh:

AAP National Media In-Charge Anurag Dhanda launched a sharp attack on the BJP government in Haryana and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, stating that the notification of a “complete ban” on Chinese manjha is merely a paper announcement. He said that in February 2026, the government beat the drum of a ban through the Environment, Forest and Wildlife Department, but the ground reality is that this “string of death” is still being sold openly and continues to claim innocent lives on Haryana’s roads. In the last few months, more than 20 people have been injured and several deaths have occurred, and these are only the cases that have been officially recorded.

Anurag Dhanda said that the National Green Tribunal had imposed a nationwide ban on Chinese manjha in 2017, but the Haryana government has completely failed to implement it. The product is being sold freely in markets, the supply chain remains active, and the business continues under the nose of the police. Yet the government has neither conducted strict raids nor taken action against senior officials for failing to act, nor fixed accountability.

Taking a swipe at the government, he said that Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s government is active only in issuing press releases, not in taking action on the ground. Families of those who lost their lives in these accidents have not received any concrete compensation so far. The government has not taken responsibility for the treatment of the injured. No major supplier or network has been booked under serious charges such as culpable homicide. The question is—who is being protected?

Anurag Dhanda said strict action under culpable homicide provisions should be taken in such incidents. Does the BJP government place no value on the lives of Haryana’s people? How many more deaths is the government waiting for?

He stated that the negligence of the BJP government has now been fully exposed before the public. This is not just cutting lives; it is exposing the government’s intent and failure. The people of Haryana are demanding answers. The Aam Aadmi Party will not remain silent on this issue and will continue its struggle until concrete action is taken against those responsible.

Chandigarh, February 14

A grand musical evening, ‘Rafi Nite’, dedicated to the legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi, enthralled music lovers at Tagore Theatre, Sector 18, Chandigarh, on Friday evening. Organised jointly by the Rafi Memorial Cultural Society and GB Realty, the event witnessed a packed auditorium filled with admirers of Rafi Sahab’s timeless melodies. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Harpal Singh Cheema, Minister for Finance, Excise, Taxation and Planning, Government of Punjab. Gurinder Bhatti, Founder & Chairman, GB Realty, graced the event as Guest of Honour.

Welcoming the dignitaries and audience, President of the Rafi Memorial Cultural Society, G.S. Grewal said that Rafi Sahab’s music transcends time and boundaries. He noted that the overwhelming response to ‘Rafi Nite’ reflects the deep emotional connection people continue to share with his songs and reaffirmed the Society’s dedication to preserving and promoting his musical heritage.

Gurinder Bhatti stated that cultural initiatives like ‘Rafi Nite’ strengthen the social fabric by bringing communities together through shared artistic experiences. He added that GB Realty remains committed to supporting meaningful platforms that celebrate India’s rich musical traditions.

The highlight of the evening was the soul-stirring performances by internationally acclaimed singer Dr. Saurav Kishan, popularly known as ‘Chhota Rafi, ’ and renowned Mumbai-based singer Sampada Goswami. Dr. Kishan captivated the audience with renditions that beautifully recreated the magic and emotional depth of Rafi Sahab’s classic singles.  Sampada Goswami sang duets of Mohammad Rafi songs with Dr Saurav. Both the singers charmed listeners with their melodious duet performances, earning repeated applause. 

Some of soulful solos by Mohammed Rafi that were sung included ‘Yeh Reshmi Zulfein, Yeh Sharbati Aankhein’; ‘Tu Kahan Yeh Bata Is Nasheeli Raat Mein’; ‘Aaj Mausam Bada Beimaan Hai’; ‘Baar Baar Dekho, Hazaar Baar Dekho’; ‘Gulabi Aankhen Jo Teri Dekhi’; and ‘Ae Gulbadan, Ae Gulbadan’ among others. Some of Rafi’s evergreen duets included ‘Tumne Pukara Aur Hum Chale Aaye’; ‘Sau Saal Pehle Mujhe Tumse Pyaar Tha’;’Bahut Shukriya, Badi Meherbani’; ‘Udein Jab Jab Zulfein Teri’.

The musical tribute continued for nearly three hours, and included as many as 24 songs of Rafi. The programme celebrated the unmatched legacy of the legendary singer, whose voice continues to inspire generations of music lovers.

General Secretary of the Society, Bal Mukand Sharma, shared that since its formation in 2019, the Rafi Memorial Cultural Society has consistently worked to honour the legend through thematic programmes in Patiala and Chandigarh. He expressed gratitude to the artists, guests and audience for making the evening a memorable success.

Dr. S.K. Batish, Senior Vice President of the Society, remarked that Rafi Sahab’s voice symbolised purity, versatility and emotion. He said the Society’s mission is not only to celebrate his songs but also to inspire younger generations to appreciate the golden era of Indian music.

CHANDIGARH, 13th February 2026:

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday directed the Finance and Education Departments to convene an urgent joint meeting to address the concerns of the 180 Elementary Teacher Training (ETT) Adhyapak Association, reiterating that the Bhagwant Mann Government is committed to resolving the legitimate demands of its employees without delay. The directive came after a detailed consultative meeting held at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, where representatives of the association presented their case comprehensively.

Providing a patient and exhaustive hearing to the delegation, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The concerns raised by the 180 ETT Adhyapak Association deserve serious and time-bound consideration. I have directed the Finance and Education Departments to hold an urgent joint meeting so that all legitimate demands are settled without any further delay.”

The Punjab Finance Minister stated, “During today’s meeting, the teachers were given full opportunity to outline the specific administrative and professional hurdles they are facing. We have ensured that every aspect of their demands is examined carefully, including the legal and financial implications, so that the final decision is both legally sound and fiscally viable.”

The meeting witnessed detailed deliberations by key government functionaries, including Special Secretary Finance Showkat Ahmed Parray, Additional Advocate General Ramandeep Singh Pandher, Special Secretary Personnel Upkar Singh and Joint Secretary Education Harpreet Singh. The Finance Minister underlined, “By integrating the expertise of the Advocate General’s office and senior finance officers, we are ensuring that the path towards resolution is structured, transparent and sustainable.”

To expedite the process, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema specifically instructed the Education Department to immediately share all relevant case details with the Finance Department. He said, “This inter-departmental coordination is the critical final step required to reach an amicable and lawful decision. There must be no administrative bottlenecks in resolving the issues of our teachers.”

Reaffirming the government’s stance, he added, “The Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann remains fully dedicated to the welfare of its employees. Constructive dialogue and lawful resolution will always be our approach.”

The 180 ETT Adhyapak Association was represented by its President Kamal Thakur, along with Sohan Singh, Gurmukh Singh and Gaurav Kant during the meeting.

Chandigarh/Sri Anandpur Sahib, February 13:

With an aim to facilitate millions of sangat expected to converge at Sri Anandpur Sahib on the pious occasion of Holla Mohalla, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains directed the Rupnagar district authorities to put in place extensive arrangements including tent city, trolley city, dedicated parking zones and shuttle bus & autorickshaw service, to facilitate and ensure spiritually enriching experience for all devotees. 

While chairing a meeting with Rupnagar district administration to review the preparedness for the grand celebrations of Sikh traditions, S. Harjot Singh Bains emphasised on Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to facilitating the millions of devotees expected to converge at the holy city.  He conducted a detailed review of the infrastructure and large gathering management strategies. The review focused on ensuring that the spirit of the three-day event remains rooted in the core values of the Sikh faith.

S. Bains informed that the district administration has been directed to set up an eight-acre Tent City, a dedicated Trolley City, 60 shuttle buses, 100 e-rickshaws and 25 parking zones with pedestrian walkways.”

S. Harjot Singh Bains issued clear directives to senior officials concerned to ensure smooth traffic flow, maintaining spotless surroundings and zero inconvenience to the Sangat coming to pay obeisance at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib.

“Our collective effort is to create an atmosphere where devotion is the only focus. We have left no stone unturned in our planning. From the eight-acre Tent City to the fleet of shuttle buses, every logistical element is designed to serve the devotees. Clear instructions have been issued to the administration to ensure smooth traffic, clean surroundings and cause zero inconvenience to the Sangat,” S. Bains stated while adding that the district administration has been put on high alert to ensure that all systems function optimally throughout the duration of the Holla Mohalla.

CHANDIGARH, February 13:

          As the decisive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign launched under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann enters its 24th day, Punjab Police on Friday conducted 888 raids at the at identified and mapped locations linked to associates of gangsters across the state.

          As per the information, the “Gangstran Te Vaar”— a decisive war to make Punjab a gangster-free state was launched by the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on January 20, 2026. Police teams from all the districts in coordination with Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab has been conducting special operations across the state.

          On Day 24, Police teams arrested 256 individuals and recovered two weapons from their possession, taking the total arrests to 9,012 since the launch of the campaign.

 Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 129 persons, whereas, 239 persons were verified and released after questioning. Police teams have also arrested seven proclaimed offenders (POs) during the operation.

          People can anonymously report information related to wanted criminals and gangsters, and also share tips on crime and criminal activity, through the Anti Gangster Helpline number 93946-93946.

          Meanwhile, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” for 349th day with 76 drug smugglers arrested on Friday and recovered 3.9 kg heroin, 7 kg poppy husk, 526 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 11,500 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 49,440 in just 349 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced 36 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, February 13 – The government has invited online applications from eligible students for post matric scholarship scheme. The eligible students are advised to ensure their registration for the academic session 2025–26 under the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme by February 28, 2026 in maximum numbers. Under this scheme, scholarships are provided to students belonging to Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes to enable them to pursue higher education so that they are not deprived of educational opportunities due to financial constraints.

An official spokesperson informed that efforts will be made to ensure maximum registration of eligible students on the National Scholarship Portal so that Scheduled Caste and Backward Class students, who have passed Class 10 and are pursuing higher education in government or private educational institutions, can avail the benefits of the scheme. Online applications have been invited for Post Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste and Other Backward Classes, Denotified Tribe students under Post Matric Scholarship Scheme (PM Yashasvi Component-2).

He further stated that as per government instructions, it has been made mandatory that the applications of students registering under the scheme will be verified by the Nodal Officer of the concerned institution. Thereafter, the District Nodal Officer and the City Magistrate will verify the applications, following which the State Nodal Officer of the concerned departments will transfer the scholarship amount directly into the bank accounts of the registered students.

He added that with the objective of ensuring that the full benefit reaches eligible students, greater transparency has been introduced in the implementation of the scheme, and now the entire benefit will be provided to eligible students only through the online process.

He informed that the student must belong to the Scheduled Caste category for PMS-SC and to the Other Backward Class or Denotified Tribe category for PM-YASASVI Component-2. The annual family income of the student should not exceed Rs. 2,50,000.

He further stated that the student must be a resident of Haryana, and eligible students for the academic year 2025–26 may submit fresh applications on the NSP through the portal https://scholarships.gov.in/  by February 28, 2026.

Chandigarh, February 13 – Haryana Cooperation, Heritage and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma said that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the government has created a conducive environment for sports and sportspersons. As a result, Haryana’s athletes are performing excellently not only at the national level but also at the international level. He expressed confidence that Haryana players will deliver strong performances at the Commonwealth Games to be held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat in 2030 and will repeat this success in the upcoming Olympics. He said that interest in sports is growing in every household and among the youth, making Haryana a leading sporting state in the country.

Cooperation Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma said this while attending a grand Kabaddi tournament held on the occasion of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti in village Mahra, Gohana Assembly constituency as the Chief Guest.

While addressing the gathering he said that since 2014, Haryana has made remarkable progress in several sectors. The Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has also appreciated Haryana’s sports policy and the capability of its players, and other states are now adopting similar policies.

Dr. Sharma said that out of the 126 athletes who represented the country in the Tokyo Olympics, 32 were from Haryana. Of the seven medals won by India, Haryana athletes contributed significantly by winning one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. Similarly, in the 2024 Olympics, Haryana players won five out of the six medals secured by the country. Over the last 11 years, around 16,500 players have been awarded cash prizes worth Rs.700 crore, and 231 talented sportspersons have been given government jobs. Athletes are being provided with better training facilities and an encouraging environment for international competitions so they can continue to bring pride to the state and the nation, he added.

Dr. Sharma also inaugurated several development projects worth Rs. 40 lakh in village Mahra and laid the foundation stone of a Brahmin Chaupal to be built at a cost of Rs.12 lakh. He also announced the construction of a boundary wall and shed for the village sports academy.