Chandigarh, October 17:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday sought the support of the United Kingdom’s legal fraternity to assist the state government in procuring rare video footages of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh.

Interacting with a delegation of the Bar Council of England and Wales at his residence, the Chief Minister said that no video record of the legendary martyr is available in India. However, he noted that it has been learnt that Scotland Yard may possess rare footage of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, particularly from the time of his arrest and trial. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that such footage holds immense significance for all Indians, especially Punjabis, who deeply revere the iconic freedom fighter.

The Chief Minister stated that the state government is already making earnest efforts to acquire this footage so that it can serve as an inspiration for future generations. He urged the Bar Council of England and Wales to support the state government in this noble endeavour, ensuring that the glorious legacy of the martyr continues to inspire the youth. Bhagwant Singh Mann affirmed that the state government will leave no stone unturned in pursuing this matter of great national importance.

Dwelling on another agenda, the Chief Minister also sought strong support and cooperation from the Bar Council to attract investments in Punjab from British investors. He highlighted that the state offers immense potential in sectors such as information technology, food processing, and automobiles, which can yield substantial benefits for investors. Bhagwant Singh Mann invited British investors to participate in the “Invest Punjab Summit” scheduled to be held in March next year.

Meanwhile, Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales Barbara Mills KC, Adviser to the Chair of the Bar Piran Dhillon-Starkings, Consultant Melisha Charles, Barrister at 4PB Baljinder Bath, and others assured their full support and cooperation to the Chief Minister. They also lauded several transformative initiatives undertaken by Bhagwant Singh Mann aimed at accelerating the state’s economic growth and ensuring the welfare of its people.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, October 17:

          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, Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab, in a joint operation with Amritsar Rural Police, arrested gangster Jasvir Singh alias Lalla — a key associate of foreign-based gangster Harpreet Singh alias Happy Jatt and Bambiha Gang, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

          The Police teams have also recovered one foreign-made .30 caliber pistol along with eight live cartridges from the possession of arrested accused person.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary interrogation has revealed that accused Jasvir Singh alias Lalla was being directed by his foreign-based handlers to target rival gang members.

          ADGP AGTF Promod Ban said that the arrested gangster was wanted in murder of Parminderdeep Singh alias Prince that took place in July 2024, besides his involvement in attack on Police Party in February 2025, in which one ASI of Punjab Police was injured.

          Sharing operational details, AIG AGTF Sandeep Goel said that acting on specific intelligence, police teams under the supervision of DSP AGTF Bikramjit Brar and DSP D Amritsar Rural Gurinder Pal Singh Nagra intercepted the suspect Jasvir alias Lalla at village Wadala Bhitewind, where resorted to indiscriminate firing on police party in order to escape but was overpowered after a brief exchange of fire. The police teams were led by Inspector Vikram, SI Chandar and SI Komal, he said.

          The AIG said that the arrested gangster is a key shooter of wanted gangster Happy Jatt, who has fled abroad. The latter is wanted in several cases of murder and attempt to murder, he said.

          Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amritsar Rural Maninder Singh said that the arrested accused has a criminal history with number of criminal cases including murder, attempt to murder, Arms Act, etc registered against him. Further investigations are ongoing and more arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days, he added.

          In this regard, a case FIR no. 199 dated 17/10/2025 has been registered under sections 109, 111, 221 and 132 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 25 (8) of the Arms Act  at Police Station Kamboo in Amritsar Rural.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, October 17:

          In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing special checking and special operations to ensure safe and peaceful festive season as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Amritsar, in coordination with a central agency, arrested five members of a smuggling network linked to foreign handlers and recovered four 9MM calibre Glock pistols along with ammunition and 2 kg of heroin from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Shivam Arora of New Jaspal Nagar, Sultanwind road, Amritsar; Gurpreet Singh of New Kapoor Nagar, Amritsar; Anmoldeep Singh of Sultanwind Road, Amritsar; Abhishekh Singh of village Dhand in Tarn Taran and Kulmit Singh of Colony Ganga Nagar village Dhand Tarn Taran.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that the accused were acting under a Dubai-based smuggler in touch with Pakistani associates. The seized consignment originates from Pakistan, he said.

          The DGP said that efforts are underway to nab the remaining members and dismantle the entire network.

          Sharing operational details, AIG SSOC Amritsar Sukhminder Singh Mann said that following reliable inputs about the involvement of these suspects in smuggling activities, police teams in joint operation with central agency teams had launched an intelligence led operation and arrested five accused persons and recovered consignment of narcotics and sophisticated weapons, which was supposed to be delivered further to criminals.

          The AIG said that further investigations are being conducted to establish forward and backward linkages in this case to unearth this entire network. Accused will be produced in the court in due course, he said.

           In this regard, a case FIR No. 61 dated 16.10.2025 has been registered under sections 21 and 29 of the NDPS Act, section 25 of the Arms Act and section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC Amritsar.

Chandigarh, October 17:

The Group of Ministers of the Punjab Government overseeing the events to commemorate the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji on Friday finalized detailed arrangements for this mega event.

GoM held a meeting at the Tourism office, sector 38, presided over by Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Education & IPR Minister Harjot Singh Bains and Advisor (Tourism & Cultural Affairs) Deepak Bali. Representatives from all concerned departments attended it.

The GoM briefed the officers about their respective roles and responsibilities to ensure that the events are organized in a seamless and spiritually uplifting manner across Punjab and at key historical locations.

Harjot Singh Bains emphasized that the entire month of November will be observed on a grand scale to pay homage to the supreme sacrifice of the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and his devoted disciples who stood as eternal symbols of courage, righteousness, and faith. He said that all departments have been instructed to work in close coordination to make the commemorations memorable for the devotees arriving from across India and abroad. “This historic occasion is not just a tribute, but a spiritual responsibility for us to ensure that the sanctity and devotion associated with the 350th Martyrdom Day are reflected in every arrangement,” he added.

The Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond further shared that the city of Sri Anandpur Sahib will be painted white, symbolizing purity and peace, in time for the main events scheduled from November 23 to 25. He said the state government is committed to providing every possible facility for the Sangat from road carpeting and tent city arrangements to clean drinking water, washrooms, medical aid, and efficient traffic management. As many as 29 parking slots have been identified and will be operational during the event, supported by a dedicated shuttle bus service to ferry devotees to and from the holy site. “The Punjab Government, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the commemorations are organized in complete alignment with religious beliefs and cultural traditions,” he asserted.

Both Ministers elaborated that every department is working with deep commitment and coordination to uphold the spiritual significance of this commemoration. They said that the review meeting was held to assess preparedness and to ensure that all facilities and infrastructural requirements are completed well in time. “The martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, and Bhai Dayala Ji represents the highest ideals of sacrifice for faith and humanity. Our collective effort is to make sure that devotees from every corner of the world experience the sanctity and smooth organization of this historic event,” they remarked.

Speaking on the occasion, Advisor (Tourism & Cultural Affairs) Deepak Bali further revealed that Chief Ministers from 28 states across India have been invited to participate in the commemorations, which are envisioned as a reflection of India’s spiritual unity and diversity. He said that Punjab, being the land of the Ninth Guru, holds the honor of leading these historic observances, which will include Kirtan Darbars, Nagar Kirtans, Light and Sound Shows, and interfaith conferences. “We are confident that with the blessings of the Guru and the collective spirit of service, this sacred occasion will be remembered for generations as a symbol of peace, devotion, and oneness,” he concluded.

Chandigarh:

‘Hind Di Chadar’, the ninth Sikh Guru A press conference was held today at the Press Club, Chandigarh, regarding the organization of a Nagar Kirtan dedicated to the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Addressing the press conference, Jathedar Baba Kulwinder Singh (96 Crodi) of Chamkaur Sahib Wale said that this year, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom day will be celebrated in collaboration with Hindu organizations. He said that Parminder Bhatti and Advocate Ketan Sharma of the Hindu organization met with him and discussed organizing a Nagar Kirtan to Gurdwara Sheeshganj Sahib in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, on the occasion of the martyrdom day. Following this, he met with Jathedar Kuldeep Singh of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and began preparations for the celebration.

Providing further details, Parminder Bhatti and Advocate Ketan Sharma of the Hindu organization stated that just as Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji had come to Delhi at the call of Kashmiri Pandits to sacrifice his life for the protection of the religion, a Nagar Kirtan will be taken out from Sri Darbar Sahib to Gurdwara Sri Sis Ganj Sahib, Chandni Chowk, Delhi. They stated that this Nagar Kirtan will be carried out under the aegis of Nishan Sahib, the Panj Pyare, and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. During this time, the Nagar Kirtan will be warmly welcomed at various locations.

They stated that during this time, they will also convey some of their demands to the Prime Minister’s Office, Delhi. These include naming the National Highway from Sri Amritsar Sahib to Delhi after Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, prioritizing children’s education about Sikh Gurus in textbooks instead of outsiders, and building a corridor in Chandni Chowk, Delhi.

On this occasion, Jathedar Baba Kulwinder Singh (96 Crodi) of Chamkaur Sahib appealed to devotees to participate in large numbers in this Nagar Kirtan. Baba Man Singh, Baba Maninder Singh, Baba Sher Singh, Baba Gurdev Singh Samrala, Dilpreet Singh, Pradeep Singh, and Pargat Singh (Qaumi Insaaf Morcha) were present with him.

Chandigarh, October 15 – The Haryana Finance Department has issued detailed and comprehensive guidelines regarding official and private foreign visits for all state government employees. These new instructions apply to all Group ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, and ‘D’ government employees, including members of All India Services serving in connection with the affairs of the State.

According to the guidelines issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag  Rastogi, who also holds the charge of  ACS Finance, for Official Foreign Travel (on government expenses), permission will now be considered for a maximum of only one official visit and one private visit in a financial year. Furthermore, the total combined duration of foreign stay, encompassing both official and private visits taken together, must not exceed three weeks. Private leave immediately adjacent to an official trip is strictly limited to three weeks or 50% of the official trip length, though for short official trips (less than 8 days), the attached private leave is capped at four days.

All proposals for official foreign travel must follow a mandatory approval flow: they must first be approved by the Chief Minister (on the Administrative Department’s side) and only thereafter be submitted to the Finance Department (FR Branch) for financial concurrence. Critically, online budget reports signed by the Budget Controlling Authority (BCA) are required beforehand to confirm the availability of adequate budget under the ’48-Foreign Travel Allowance’ head.

Approval of the Finance Department for foreign visits for attending Seminars and Trainings must be obtained in advance before performing actual visits in those cases which are not in accordance with the Training Policy issued by office of the Chief Secretary to Government Haryana (Training Branch) from time to time.

The Administrative Department shall also obtain all statutory, administrative / cadre clearance and political clearances of the officers from concerned Ministries in Government of India as well as from the Cadre Controlling Authorities of the State Government at its own level.

For  Private Foreign Travel (on Personal Expenses), permission will be considered for a maximum of one private visit in a financial year by the Administrative Department, and the sanction order must mention the name of the visiting country. The department reserves the right to deny permission due to office exigency. To prevent conflicts of interest, permission will be denied if the personal foreign visit is sponsored or borne by private organizations with which the concerned department has official dealings. Additionally, legal clearance is mandatory: permission will not be granted if a criminal case is pending in court or a charge-sheet for a major penalty is pending against the individual.

Strict compliance is required, as ex-post facto approval will not be granted under any circumstances, and officers leaving the country without prior permission will face strict disciplinary action. While abroad, officers/officials are prohibited from taking any job or overstaying without prior approval.

In case of ‘handing over/taking over of the charge’ system, the officer/ official shall hand over the charge to his/her substitute before going abroad. Further, the concerned officer/official shall not take any job in the foreign country.

The Finance Department will retain the power to interpret, change, amend, relax, and remove any doubts regarding these instructions. These new guidelines are effective immediately from the date of issuance.

Chandigarh,15th October,2025.In a touching pre-Diwali gesture, Punjab Governor and Administrator UT Chandigarh, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, visited several welfare institutions, including Nari Niketan, Sector 26; Ashiana & Snehalaya for Girls-15; Sr. Citizens Home, Sector 15; and Chandi Kusht Ashram, Sector 47.

During these visits, the Governor engaged in meaningful interactions with the residents. They shared their daily routines, joys, challenges, and aspirations, while the Governor listened attentively, offering encouragement and heartfelt advice.

In response, the Administrator expressed, “They are our family members. Their Diwali should be celebrated just like we celebrate it in our own homes. May I receive their blessings so that I can do even better work for them.”

The two-way interaction brought smiles, laughter, and warmth, as residents felt valued and heard. Sh. Kataria emphasized the importance of care, empathy, and inclusivity, highlighting that every individual in the community deserves to feel loved and celebrated during this festive season.

The residents expressed their gratitude for the Governor’s personal attention, and the warmth of the visit made Diwali feel closer to home for them. By hearing about their daily lives and acknowledging their experiences, the Governor strengthened the bond of trust and family-like connection, leaving an indelible impression on everyone present.

Principal Secretary to the Governor Sh Vivek Pratap Singh, Deputy Commissioner Chandigarh Sh.Nishant Kumar Yadav, Secretary Social Welfare Smt. Anuradha Chagti and other officers of Chandigarh Administration were also present.

Chandigarh

Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Haryana Governor, released two books authored by P. Lal, a former IPS officer of Punjab,  who had retired as Director-General of Police in 2006.  Lal has so far authored  9 books, including these two. Besides, he has contributed around 125 articles to various newspapers to date. The two books released are titled “HAPPINESS,  POSITIVITY AND SUCCESS” and “Condensed Version of Valmiki Ramayana in English Prose”. The former is a veritable account of how to achieve happiness, cultivate positivity and increase chances of achieving success. In the second book, the author has condensed the original text in around 258 pages. He has used simple language which, however, conveys the message effectively. 

Chandigarh/Dhuri, October 15

The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has fulfilled its promise to provide compensation/relief to flood victims before Diwali (within 30 days) by releasing the first installment of ₹209 crore for the state. Out of this, ₹3.50 crore will be distributed to flood victims in Sangrur district. Today, Punjab’s Finance and Planning Minister Harpal Singh Cheema initiated the compensation distribution by handing over sanction letters to eight flood-affected families in the Dhuri constituency.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that today, 13 Cabinet Ministers across Punjab are visiting flood-affected areas to distribute relief under Mission Rehabilitation. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had launched Mission Rehabilitation in Ajnala by distributing ₹5.70 crore in cheques to 631 farmers. He noted that, for the first time in the country, farmers have been given ₹20,000 per acre as compensation. The Punjab Government stands with its people in every moment of joy and sorrow.

He stated that heavy rains and floods caused widespread crop damage across the state. Many people’s homes and other buildings collapsed. Relief will be provided to every affected family after assessing their losses. For the first time, each damaged house will receive ₹40,000, compared to the earlier amount of ₹4,000. Farmers will receive ₹20,000 per acre for crop damage.

He said that Punjab and Punjabis have always stood by victims of natural calamities. However, the Central Government discriminates against Punjab and Punjabis in every field. He demanded that the Central Government release the ₹1600 crore announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Punjab visit at the earliest. He clarified that the ₹240 crore released by the Centre is part of the annual installment.

Cheema claimed that the Punjab Government, with the cooperation of the people, tackled the floods with full strength. Had timely rescue and relief operations not been initiated, the damage would have been far greater. Commending the Sangrur district administration, he said that a breach in the Ghaggar River would typically occur at 747 feet of water, but this time, the situation was managed even with 755 feet of water.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Rahul Chaba provided details of the efforts made to combat the floods in Sangrur district and thanked the Punjab Government for releasing the compensation amount. He said that, following the Punjab Government’s instructions, advance arrangements were made to deal with the emergency. Despite heavy rainfall, no breach occurred in the 41-kilometer stretch of the Ghaggar River passing through Sangrur district.

Present on the occasion were Punjab State Food Commission member Jasvir Singh Sekhon, Additional Deputy Commissioner Amit Bamby, SDM Rishabh Bansal, Dhuri Market Committee Chairman Rajwant Singh Ghuli, Anwar Bhasaur, Soni Mander, and a large number of people.