Chandigarh, October 31 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said the State Government will use Decomposer Wettable Powder for the management of crop residue and other agricultural waste. This initiative will not only eliminate the need for burning residue but also help enhance soil fertility. Today, in a meeting of the High-Powered Purchase Committee, approval was granted for the purchase of 75,000 packets of Pusa Decomposer Wettable Powder.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Sh. Pankaj Agarwal, and other senior officials. Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda joined the meeting through video conferencing.

After the meeting, Sh. Rana informed that approval has been given to purchase 75,000 packets of Pusa Decomposer Wettable Powder. These packets will be provided to farmers free of cost. Based on one packet per acre, the first phase will help manage crop residue in 75,000 acres of paddy fields across the state.

Sh. Rana said that this initiative will significantly reduce stubble-burning incidents and enhance soil fertility, thereby increasing farmers’ income. He stated that the technology is currently being used for demonstration purposes, and its wider implementation will be decided based on the assessment of the results next year.

He explained that Decomposer Wettable Powder decomposes stubble, vegetable residues, and other agricultural waste within a few days, converting them into high-quality compost. It improves soil fertility and increases the organic carbon content in the soil.

The Agriculture Minister further said this powder also acts as a plant protection agent that helps control fungal diseases and pests present in the soil. It reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, thereby lowering the cost of cultivation.

Chandigarh, October 31:

          Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Friday said that the CM Flying Squad, constituted by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to ensure the best quality of roads being repaired & upgraded by Punjab Mandi Board & PWD, has been rigorously monitoring the ongoing upgradation and repair work of rural link roads across the state.

          This monitoring is part of the state government’s massive project to upgrade and repair 19,491 kilometres of link roads at a cost of Rs 4150 crore.

          Affirming that the finest quality of material is being used to lay, upgrade & repair the roads, the Agriculture Minister issued a stern warning that strict action will be taken against any contractor found compromising with the quality of material.

          S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian informed that the CM Flying Squad teams are actively on the ground and have already covered seven districts, including Faridkot, SBS Nagar, Tarn Taran, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Jalandhar, Patiala and Gurdaspur.

          S. Khudian said that there are total 30,237 Link Roads in Punjab with a total length of 64,878 kilometres adding that 33492 kilometres are under Punjab Mandi Board and 31, 386 kilometres are under the Public Works Department (PWD). He said that the Punjab Government is now starting a project to repair and upgrade 7,373 link roads with a total length of 19,491.56 kilometers.

          He said that the project will cost Rs 4,150.42 crore, which includes five years of maintenance adding that Rs 3,424.67 crore will be spent for repair and upgradation whereas Rs 725.75 crore will be spent for five year maintenance. An Artificial Intelligence (AI) survey conducted for these roads resulted in savings of Rs 383.53 crore, he added.

          The Agriculture Minister said that to ensure public safety during foggy or dark conditions, a special road safety project is being implemented on the repaired and upgraded link roads at a cost Rs 91.83 crore. A three inch wide white strip will be painted on both sides of the link roads to make travel safer during fog or darkness, he added.

CHANDIGARH/BATHINDA, October 31:

          In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence Bathinda, in a joint operation with Bathinda Police, apprehended three operatives of the banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) for writing pro-Khalistan slogans on the walls of schools in villages Bhissiana and Mananwala, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

          New York-based SFJ— backed by mastermind Gurpatwant Singh Pannun— is designated as an Unlawful association by the Indian Government.

          Those arrested have been identified as Navjot Singh alias Jota (24) and Gurpreet Singh (26), both residents of village Kaliaewala in Ferozepur; and Harjinder Singh, a resident of Mananwala in Bathinda.  The Police teams have also recovered four mobile phones, one dongle device from their possession.

          As per the information, Pro-Khalistani slogans were found written on the walls of two schools— including a School at village Mananwala on the intervening night of October 19 and 20, 2025 and PM Kendri Vidyalaya at village Bhissiana on the intervening night of October 26 and 27, 2025.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused painted inflammatory slogans aimed at inciting public unrest and promoting anti-national sentiments. Evidence indicates they were receiving foreign funding for these unlawful activities, he said.

          The police teams acted swiftly and ensured that no anti-national activity goes unchecked, said the DGP, while adding that the Counter Intelligence Bathinda and Bathinda Police jointly carried out the investigation in a professional and scientific manner to bring the culprits to justice.

          Sharing operational details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bathinda Amneet Kondal said that following technical leads, Police teams had managed to apprehend two accused persons— Navjot alias Jota and Gurpreet Singh—, who are main accused in writing slogan at the PM Kendri Vidyalaya at village Bhissiana.

          She said that following the further investigations, police teams of Counter Intelligence Bathinda have also arrested accused Harjinder Singh, who wrote slogans at wall of a School at village Mananwala.

          The SSP said that during questioning, arrested accused persons has revealed that they had written the slogans on the walls following the directions of foreign-based individual identified as Pawanpreet Singh alias Deep Chahal, who is close aide of Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, in lieu of money.

          Sharing more details, AIG CI Bathinda Avneet Kaur Sidhu said that arrested accused Harjinder has revealed that accused Navjot had introduced him to Pawanpreet Singh alias Deep Chahal, who directed him to write the slogan for which he was paid Rs 2000.

          In this regard, two separate cases— FIR no 197 dated 23/10/25 under section 197 (1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 3 of the Punjab Prevention of Defacement Property Ordinance Act at Police Station Rama in Bathinda and FIR no. 242 dated 27/10/25 under sections 197 (1) and 3 (5) if the BNS and section 3 of the Punjab Prevention of Defacement Property Ordinance Act at Police Station Nehian Wala in Bathinda— have been registered.

Chandigarh, October 31, 2025:

Defence Services Welfare Shri Mohinder Bhagat has directed officers to expedite the ongoing development works of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum in Ludhiana. He issued these directions while chairing a departmental review meeting at the Punjab Civil Secretariat.

The Minister instructed the concerned officers to ensure the early completion of the museum’s development projects so that this historic site can further inspire visitors with the glorious legacy of the great warrior Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

He emphasized that the museum should be aesthetically enhanced and meticulously maintained to educate future generations about the state’s rich military history.

Shri Bhagat stated that the Punjab Government is formulating special plans for the preservation and restoration of heritage sites. He assured that adequate budgetary provisions would be made to ensure timely completion of these projects.

Chandigarh, October 31:

          In a significant move to conserve and promote the state’s aquatic biodiversity, Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian declared Rohu (Labeo Rohita) as the State Fish of Punjab, today here at his office.

          Highlighting the state’s rich aquatic resources, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian informed that Punjab’s aquatic sector is thriving, with 43,683 acres dedicated to fish farming, yielding 200,000 metric tonnes of fish annually. Rohu is a significant contributor, accounting for 42,353 metric tonnes (21.18% of total production) and fetching Rs 160-200 per kg. This prized fish can grow up to 45 kg in natural habitats, distinguished by its fusiform body and large cycloid scales.

          He further highlighted that Rohu fish is a nutritional marvel, rich in proteins, vitamins A, B & D, and Omega-3 fatty acids, making it a sought-after delicacy not only in Punjab but also across other states.

          S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian congratulated the Fisheries Department and stakeholders on declaring Rohu as the State Fish, acknowledging their role in the sector’s growth, while highlighting the importance of Indian Major Carps (IMCs)- Rohu, Catla and Mrigal.

          Principal Secretary Mr. Rahul Bhandari said that designating Rohu as the State Fish will enable targeted policy formulation to augment its population in water bodies and scale up aquaculture production, thereby bolstering the state’s economy. He further informed that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has provided self-employment opportunities to 637 beneficiaries in fish farming, with a subsidy of Rs 30.63 crores,  promoting large-scale fish farming under PMMSY scheme. This initiative aims to supplement agriculture and boost the state’s economy. Director Fisheries Mr. Gurpreet Singh and other senior officials of the department were also present in the occasion.

Chandigarh, October 31

Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, who also serves as the Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to resolve employee issues, today held extensive meetings with 15 different employee organizations, including seven from the Education Department, as well as unions from the Water Supply and Health Departments, and joint organizations representing the common interests of employees, including the Theka Mulazam Sangharsh Morcha and the Purani Pension Bahal Sangharsh Committee.

The deliberations, which lasted for nearly five hours, were conducted to thoroughly discuss their demands and issues to find appropriate solutions.The concerns of unions related to the Education Department mainly revolved around anomalies in pay and seniority, the regularization of services, and the timely conduct of the Punjab State Teachers Eligibility Test (PSTET).

Finance Minister Cheema directed the Education Department to refer issues concerning pay and seniority anomalies to the dedicated Anomaly Committee. Furthermore, he instructed them to coordinate with the Advocate General’s office, the Department of Personnel, and the Finance Department to resolve matters related to the regularization of services and other service-related issues as soon as possible. He also issued clear instructions to conduct the PSTET at the earliest.

During the meetings with organizations such as the Theka Mulazam Sangharsh Morcha, Gram Panchayat Jal Supply Pump Operators Association, Contract Multipurpose Health Worker Female Union, United Nurses Association of Punjab, and the the Purani Pension Bahal Sangharsh Committee, the Finance Minister listened to the issues raised in detail. He immediately directed the senior officials of the concerned departments to resolve the issues that could be addressed at the departmental level. Regarding matters with financial implications, the Finance Minister assured the union leaders that many of their demands are already being considered sympathetically by the government.

Union representatives Balihar Singh, Hakam Singh, Jaspreet Singh from Theka Mulazam Union; Jasvir Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Vikramjeet Singh from Purani Pension Bahal Sangharsh Committee; Kuldeep Singh, Parveen Kumar and Jagmohan Singh from Sarv Samagra Sikhya Abhian (Mid Day Meal) Daftri Karamchari Union; Rahul Kamboj, Jaswinder Singh and Harjeet Kaur from PSTET Union, Ranjit Singh, Rajesh Kumar and Onkar Singh from ETT Adhiyapak Union; Gurpreet Singh, Surinder Pal Singh, Parampal Singh from Punjab Sikhya Vibhag Manisterial Staff Association; Samarjeet Singh, Sukhdeep Singh, Harmal Singh from TET Pass Kachhe Adhiyapak Union; Tajinder Kaur, Tajinder Kaur, Rajwinder Kaur, Kirandeep Kaur from AIE Kachhe Adhiyapak Union; Beant Singh, Bohar Singh, Mehar Singh from Gram Panchayat Jal Supply Pump Operators Association; Sarabjit Kaur, Amrik Singh from Contract Multipurpose Health Worker Female Union; Arati Bali, Harwinder Singh, Baljeet Singh from United Nurses Association of Punjab and their colleagues presented their demands and issues during the meetings.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, October 31:

          In a major intelligence-led operation amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has dismantled a cross-border arms smuggling module linked to Pakistan based-smugglers with the arrest of its seven operatives including a juvenile and recovered 15 sophisticated pistols from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Shamsher Singh alias Sima (30) and Amandeep Singh alias Bobby (23), both residents of Fakir Singh Colony in Amritsar; Balwinder Singh alias Kaka (26), Gurdev Singh (40), Karanpreet Singh (19) and Harman Singh (19), all residents of village Kakkar in Amritsar Rural; and one 17-years-old juvenile. The recovered weapons include nine 9MM Glock Pistols and six .30 bore Pistols.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused were in contact with a Pak-based handler through social media and were actively involved in procuring and supplying illegal weapons across Punjab.

          The DGP said that further investigation is underway to expose and dismantle the entire network, including its backward and forward linkages.

          Sharing more details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that a juvenile, who was in contact with Pakistan-based handlers and was picking up consignments due to his village’s close proximity to the international border to further deliver within Punjab, was first arrested with two pistols.

          Based on the juvenile’s interrogation, Shamsher Singh and Amandeep Singh were arrested with three pistols including one glock, he said, while adding that the duo were assisting the juvenile in delivering weapons. Following technical and forensic leads, accused Balwinder Singh was arrested with two Glock pistols and one .30 bore pistol

          The CP said that during technical analysis of the juvenile’s mobile phone, the role of Gurdev Singh also surfaced with both found to be in each other’s contacts and connected to a common Pakistan-based handler through various social media platforms. On the handler’s directions, they distributed weapons through their local associates, he said.

          He said that during the subsequent investigation, the main operative of this node, Gurdev Singh, was arrested along with Karanpreet Singh and Harman Singh and a total of six Glock pistols and one .30 bore pistol were recovered from Gurdev’s possession. More arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days as further investigation is being carried out, he said.

          In this regard, two separate cases— FIR No. 224 dated 23.10.2025 and FIR No. 228 dated 28.10.2025— have been registered under section 25(6,7,8) of the Arms Act at Police Station Cantonment in Amritsar.

Chandigarh, October 31:

The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission will start a Virtual Court from January 2026 to make its proceedings more accessible and citizen-friendly. Announcing this, Commission Chairman S. Jasvir Singh Gharhi said the initiative will ensure that people from remote parts of the state can easily attend hearings without having to travel to Chandigarh. He was presiding over the 27th Full Commission meeting of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission here today.

S. Gharhi pointed out that individuals from far-flung areas currently spend significant time and money travelling to Chandigarh for case hearings. To address this concern, the Commission is coordinating with officials to establish a Virtual Courtroom. He said that the new courtroom for the Commission is being set up on the fourth floor of the Punjab Civil Secretariat, which will be completed and become functional by November.

He further informed that following the Commission’s efforts, the Police Department has appointed SP-rank Nodal Officers in every district to handle cases registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. At the state level, DIG-rank officer Mr. Naveen Saini (DGP Crime) has been assigned to oversee these matters, while AIG Ms. Surinderjit Kaur will serve as the Commission’s Nodal Officer. Special DGP Mr. Naresh Arora will work closely with Chairman Jasvir Singh Gharhi to strengthen coordination between the Commission and the Police Department.

He said that during today’s meeting, senior officers from the Police, Local Government, Social Justice and other departments presented reports on the status of cases registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The meeting also reviewed compliance with the directions issued during the 26th Full Commission meeting, which included establishing a dedicated helpline number, deploying security guards at Bhuriwale Gurugaddi Dham (Garib Dassi tradition) at Sri Rakba Sahib (Ludhiana) and Sri Jhandian Dham (Rupnagar) to ensure safety of devotees and arranging security at Sri Khuralgarh Sahib, the sacred place associated with Sri Guru Ravidass Ji. Action taken on providing security to Commission members was also discussed.

S. Gharhi said the Commission also sought progress reports from officers of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment regarding expediting the construction of Ambedkar Bhawans in Barnala, Fazilka, Malerkotla, Pathankot, and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar. Updates were also taken on the release of pending funds under the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for 2017–2019 to colleges and educational institutions as per the 40% state share and on resolving the issue of Rs.1550 crore (60% central share) for the 2017–2020 period by coordinating with the Union Government. The Commission also reviewed pending cases related to compassionate appointments for families of sanitation workers who lost their lives while on duty.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Commission Members Rupinder Singh Seetal, Gurpreet Singh Ittanwali, Gulzar Singh Bobby, Special DGP Mr. Naresh Arora, Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Director Mrs. Vimi Bhullar, officers from the Local Government Department, Commission Member Secretary Dr. Lain Jassal, DIG Mr. Naveen Saini, AIG Ms. Surinderjit Kaur and several senior officers from various departments.

Chandigarh, October 31:

Punjab Information and Public Relations Department (DIPR) officers gave a warm send  off  to the Additional Director Mr. Harjit Singh Grewal and Deputy Director (Arts) Mr. Hardeep Singh.

The event, brimming with emotion and respect, saw colleagues, OSD to CM (Media) Mr. Amanjot Singh and senior officers including Secretary Information and Public Relations Department Mr. Ramvir, Director Mr. Vimal Setia, Additional Director (Admin) Mr. Sundeep Singh Garha, Additional Director Mr. Randeep Singh Ahluwalia, Joint Directors Mr. Preet Kanwal Singh and Mr. Manvinder Singh, Deputy Directors Mr. Gurmeet Singh Khaira, Ms. Ruchi Kalra, Mr. Navdeep Singh Gill, Mr. Prabhdeep Singh Nathowal and PROs to honour & remembered the profound contributions of the both officers.

S. Harjit Singh Grewal, who superannuates after a distinguished 24-year tenure and Hardeep Singh, who dedicated 35 years of his life to the department, were lauded for their dedication, hardwork and administrative acumen.

Praising Mr. Grewal and Mr. Hardeep’s long-serving contribution to the DIPR, the Secretary Mr. Ramvir wished them the very best for their post retirement life and future endeavors.

Meanwhile, both the officers were presented with mementos and accolades by the department officials, marking a dignified conclusion to their remarkable careers.

CHANDIGARH, October 31:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 244th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 300 locations on Friday leading to the arrest of 77 drug smugglers after registration of 59 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 34,719 in 244 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 3.3 kg heroin, 5 kg opium and 674 intoxicant pills from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Over 120 Police teams, comprising over 1000 police personnel, under the supervision of 66 gazetted officers have conducted 300 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 307 suspicious persons during the day-long operation.

          The state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 32 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.