Chandigarh, May 8 – Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar Sharma, a valiant soldier from village Nagla Mohammadpur in Palwal district, who attained martyrdom in a cross-border attack in Poonch, was cremated with full state honours today. The air of his native village echoed with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” “Vande Mataram,” and “Dinesh Kumar Sharma Amar Rahe” as people gathered to pay their last respects.

          With tearful eyes, the martyr’s parents, brothers, wife, and children bid an emotional farewell to the brave son of the soil.

          A large number of dignitaries, including Union Minister of State Sh Krishan Pal Gurjar, Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister Sh Vipul Goyal, Minister of State for Food and Supplies Sh Rajesh Nagar, Minister of State for Sports Sh Gaurav Gautam, and Hodal MLA Sh Harinder Singh, were present during the cremation. They joined the family in laying floral tributes and saluting the supreme sacrifice made by Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar Sharma.

          Soldiers of the Indian Army and Haryana Police performed the ceremonial last salute. His mortal remains were consigned to flames by his father, Sh Daya Chand, who expressed immense pride in his son’s service to the nation. The martyr’s mother, Smt. Meera Devi, overcome with grief, raised the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” and said she was proud of her son’s martyrdom.

          Earlier in the day, as personnel of the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps brought the martyr’s mortal remains to his village, villagers gathered for a final glimpse of their brave and beloved son, paying tribute with folded hands and heavy hearts.

          Born on January 30, 1993, Dinesh Kumar Sharma joined the Indian Army on September 15, 2014. He was posted as Lance Naik on the Poonch border, where he laid down his life in the line of duty.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, May 6:

          In a major blow to Pakistan’s ISI-backed cross-border terror networks amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police’s State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Amritsar, in joint operation with a central agency, recovered a large cache of terrorist hardware during an intelligence-led operation carried out at a secluded forested area near Tibba Nangal-Kular Road in SBS Nagar, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.

          The recovered terrorist hardware includes two Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), five P-86 Hand Grenades and one Wireless Communication Set with Accessories.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the recovered consignment was deliberately concealed by hostile operatives as part of a premeditated plan to disrupt public order in the state. Probe has also indicated a coordinated effort by Pakistan’s ISI and allied terror outfits, to revive dormant sleeper cells in the state, he said.

          The DGP said that these recoveries are part of Punjab Police’s sustained crackdown on terror modules sponsored by Pakistan’s ISI. Punjab Police remains firmly committed to neutralising these threats and safeguarding the state’s peace and security, he added.

          The development came close on the heels of SSOC Amritsar has recovered a consignment comprising IEDs, hand grenades, sophisticated weapons, and ammunition from an area near the Indo-Pak border in the Ajnala Sector. Similarly, three weeks back, Counter Intelligence Jalandhar had also busted a terror module with the arrest of four individuals after recovering one RPG, two IEDs, 2kg RDX, one remote control, two hand grenades with detonators, three pistols along with six magazines and 34 cartridges.

          Sharing more details, AIG SSOC Amritsar Sukhminder Singh Mann said that an FIR under relevant provisions of law has been registered at Police Station State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Amritsar. Further investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for concealing the recovered explosive material, he said.

          A case FIR No. 28 dated 05.05.2025 has been registered under sections 25 of the Arms Act, Sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act and sections 111 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC, Amritsar.

Chandigarh, May 6:

In a significant push to boost cotton cultivation in the state, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian ordered the Chief Agriculture Officers (CAOs) of eight districts of Malwa region to train and guide farmers on modern cotton farming techniques, besides ensuring strict compliance on pest control measures and enhance monitoring.

S. khudian, along with Dr. Basant Garg,  Administrative Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, reviewed the block-wise progress of cotton crop cultivation across eight districts of the Malwa region including Fazilka, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda, Mansa, Barnala, Sangrur, Moga and Faridkot.

The state has set an ambitious target of bringing 1.25 lakh hectares under cotton cultivation this season, the Agriculture Minister said while reaffirming the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to strengthening Punjab’s position as a leading producer of the “White Gold.”

S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the CM Mann led Punjab Government has announced a 33% subsidy on BT cotton hybrid seeds recommended by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana to reduce input cost on cotton growers, while simultaneously discouraging the cultivation of non-recommended hybrid seeds to enable farmers to adopt high-yielding and pest-resistant BT cotton hybrid seeds. Notably, the PAU has recommended 87 high-yielding, pest-resistant hybrid cotton seed varieties tailored for optimal growth in the state’s agro-climatic conditions. 

To address the persistent issue of pink bollworm infestation, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian reviewed the status of managing and cleaning cotton stalks and leftover residues from the previous season, which serve as breeding grounds for the pink bollworm. He further informed that weed eradication campaign has also been initiated in the cotton belt for management of whitefly.

The campaign is carried out with the support of district administration, other departments and MGNREGA to destroy weeds standing alongside roads, canals and in abandoned sites etc.

S. Khudian asked the CAOs to ensure monitoring of pink bollworm in ginning factories and fumigation of cotton stock to control pink bollworm larvae in the ginneries.

Dr. Basant Garg apprised the Agriculture Minister that a massive outreach campaign will be launched, with 961 farmer awareness camps will be organised in the month of May to educate and motivate farmers to shift to cotton from water guzzling paddy crop. He also directed the Agriculture department officials to ensure the availability of quality seeds and fertilisers and conduct regular checking at seed and fertilisers stores. This proactive approach aims to protect farmers from potentially harmful or substandard agricultural inputs.

Director Agriculture Jaswant Singh said that the department will also establish large-scale demonstration in 1,875 hectares to showcase the best practices in cotton farming to helping farmers adopt modern techniques. A Joint Director-level officer has been designated as Nodal Officer for Cotton Crop to ensure seamless coordination and execution of policies.

Chandigarh, 6 May 2025:

          Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan held a meeting today with senior officials of Punjabi University, Patiala and the Language Department, Punjab at Punjab Vidhan Sabha Secretariat pertaining to making  corrections in the Mahan Kosh compiled by Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha.  He held an in-depth discussion regarding mistakes found in Mahan Kosh with the Dean of Punjabi University and directed him to correct the mistakes as soon as possible. During deliberations, he asked concerned officials to reprint Mahan Kosh after making corrections.

          Speaker Sandhwan directed the Dean of Punjabi University, Patiala to hold a meeting with the Expert Committee formed by the Punjabi University, Patiala within 15 days and send their suggestions to the Punjab Government so that Government can take appropriate action. 

          This meeting was attended by Girish Dayalan D.G.S.E Punjab, Dr. Narinder Kaur Multani Dean Punjabi University, Dr. Parminderjit Kaur from Punjabi University, Kuljit Singh, Advocate Jaswinder Singh, Paramjit Singh, Hashpal Singh, Dr. Khushal Singh, Rajinder Singh Khalsa, Amarinder Singh, Pyare Lal Garg and Ashok Chawla.

Chandigarh, May 6, 2025:

          Aiming at eradicating corruption in the state under zero tolerance policy of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), arrested an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Harbinder Singh (No 115/Moga), posted at Police Station Samalpur in Moga district, red handed while he was demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000.

          An official spokesperson of the VB disclosed that during the ongoing drive against corruption the said accused was arrested based on a complaint filed by a resident of Kotkapura town in Faridkot district. 

          He further added that the complainant has approached the VB and informed that he had got registered an FIR related to his abduction at the said police station and the aforementioned police personnel was the investigation officer (IO) in this case. The complainant further alleged that the said IO had demanded a bribe from him to proceed with the action against the accused persons.

          The spokesperson further stated that after verifying the complaint the VB team has laid a trap during which said police official was apprehended red handed while he was taking Rs 10000 bribe from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case has been registered against the accused at VB police station Ferozepur range. The accused would be produced before the competent court tomorrow and further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.

Chandigarh, May 5 – The Haryana Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini here today, approved the repeal of the existing British-Era Municipal Account Code, 1930 and the notification of the Haryana Municipal Account Code, 2025 (Part-I and II) for implementation across all municipalities in the state which aims at bringing transparency in the accounting system of municipal bodies in Haryana. The age-old Municipal Account Code, 1930 is unable to cope with the challenges that the metamorphic changes have posed. Moreover, technological advancements have also made the municipal account code provisions obsolete and redundant. 

The Municipal Account Code, 1930, which has been in effect for nearly a century, has several limitations and drawbacks in maintaining accurate and transparent municipal accounts. In contrast, the newly approved Haryana Municipal Account Code, 2025 introduces an Accrual-Based Double Entry Accounting System, aimed at modernizing and standardizing financial management practices in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

The Haryana Municipal Account Code, 2025 is compatible with the present day accounting system followed by every government organization across the nation.  The new code will not only establish a uniform and modern accounting system for all ULBs in Haryana but will also provide a comprehensive framework for managing municipal finances, including accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting. This is a historic step in transforming the accounting system in municipalities leading to better transparency and accountability. It will also help municipalities in raising funds from market for infrastructure development. 

The Haryana Municipal Account Code, 2025 (Part-I and II) will be applicable to all municipalities in the state.

Chandigarh, May 5, 2025 – In a major crackdown under the zero-tolerance policy against corruption spearheaded by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Monday nabbed Balkar Singh, posted as Superintendent, in Block Development and Panchayats Office, Amloh, in Fatehgarh Sahib district, red handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 60,000.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the State VB said the accused was apprehended following a complaint lodged by a Sarpanch of Fatehgarh Sahib district.

The complainant has informed the VB that he had done mining on village Shamlat land during his tenure as Sarpanch and his case was pending with ADC Fatehgarh Sahib. He alleged that the above said accused has demanded the bribe to help him in resolving his case.

The spokesperson further added that following a verification of the complaint, the VB flying squad team laid a trap and apprehended the accused red-handed while he was receiving the bribe of Rs 60,000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused at the VB Police Station Flying Squad-1, Punjab at Mohali. He would be produced before the competent court tomorrow and further investigations into this case was under progress, he said.

Chandigarh, May 5, 2025 — Punjab Government’s fight against corruption has gained further momentum as the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested a government official in Amritsar following a complaint lodged through the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line. The vigilance operation underscores the growing success of this public initiative, which has become a powerful tool in empowering citizens and exposing corrupt practices across government offices.

Disclosing this an official spokesperson of VB informed that the arrested accused has been identified as Satnam Singh, Superintendent at the Block Development and Panchayats Office (BDPO), Verka Block, Rani-Ka-Bagh, Amritsar, who had  demanded a bribe of Rs 60,000 from a resident of village Nabipur, district Amritsar in exchange for official action on an encroachment complaint.

He further added that the complainant had informed that he had submitted a complaint to the BDPO Verka, Lakhwinder Kaur, concerned the illegal occupation of the approach road to his residence by his neighbour Gurwinder Singh. The BDPO had marked the matter to the said Superintendent, who in turn instructed Junior Engineer Mohit Kumar and Panchayat Secretary Ashok Kumar to verify the facts.

The verification revealed that the encroachment on government land was genuine, leading to a penalty of Rs 3,284 being imposed. Despite repeated notices, the encroacher failed to comply, prompting the BDPO office to request police assistance to remove the illegal structures.

However, instead of proceeding with due legal action, Superintendent Satnam Singh had demanded Rs 50,000 to “facilitate” further steps, instructing the complainant to pay Rs 20,000 as an advance. The complainant transferred Rs 10,000 via Google Pay to Satnam Singh’s account. Subsequently, the illegal pillars were removed with police assistance.

Further retaliation by the neighbour, who blocked the village drainage, led the complainant to approach the accused again. Satnam Singh reportedly told the complainant to stay silent about the bribe or risk further inaction regarding the drainage issue.

The VB verified all facts before registering a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against Satnam Singh at the VB Police Station, Range Amritsar. He would be presented before the competent court tomorrow. The role of BDPO Lakhwinder Kaur is under scrutiny and would be investigated further, the spokesperson added.

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau reaffirmed its zero tolerance policy against corruption and urged citizens to actively report any instances of bribery or misconduct by government officials. “The Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line is a weapon in the hands of the people. We call upon all citizens to come forward without fear. Timely reporting leads to timely action,” the VB stated.

Chandigarh May 5: In line with his commitment to providing roof to every poor and needy person in the state, Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini launched the allotment process for residential plots to 1.58 lakh applicants across 537 Gram Panchayats and 24 Mahagram Panchayats, under the second phase of the Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Yojana 2.0.

          Speaking at a program held at the Haryana Civil Secretariat here today, the Chief Minister stated that the present government had committed in its Sankalp Patra to provide housing for poor families in both urban and rural areas in the State. “Our double-engine government is consistently working toward fulfilling this promise,” he said.

          He highlighted that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana to ensure every family has a pucca house. Building on this initiative, Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana is being implemented in Haryana. Under this scheme, the state government is providing plots to poor families, while also offering financial assistance for constructing houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

          The Chief Minister stated that under the Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Yojana 2.0, plots were allotted to 4,532 beneficiaries through a draw in 61 Gram Panchayats and one Mahagram Panchayat during the first phase. Today, under the second phase of the scheme, the process for allotment of plots for 1.58 lakh applicants in 537 Gram Panchayats and 24 Mahagram Panchayats has been launched. He further informed that residential plots of 100 square yards will be allotted to applicants of Gram Panchayats, while those in Mahagram Panchayats will receive plots of 50 square yards.

Chandigarh, May 5- Reiterating its commitment to farmer welfare, the Haryana Government once again took a step in the interest of farmers and released compensation amount to farmers for the loss of crops due to fire incidents that took place in the state in the past few days.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini today released about Rs 86.96 lakh for about 324 acres of area in the accounts of 151 farmers of 17 districts of the state (except Ambala, Mewat, Palwal, Faridabad and Panchkula) in a programme organized at the Haryana Civil Secretariat. This amount is being given proportionately by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department and the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department. The Chief Minister said the farmers whose crops have been burnt due to arson will be given free fertilizers and seeds by the government for sowing the next crop.

For the first time in the history of Haryana, compensation for arson in crops is also being given by the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department. This time, the farmers are getting double the compensation that they usually get.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said our government is always working for the upliftment and interest of farmers. Farmers are our food providers and they will not be allowed to face any kind of problem. He said due to a large number of fire incidents in the fields in the recent past, damage to the Rabi crop of the 2025 season was reported in the state. In view of this, the government decided to open the e-Kshatipurti portal to receive claims of loss from the concerned farmers. After this, the regional officers of the Revenue Department were also instructed to immediately verify the claims and upload their report on the portal.

The e-Kshatipurti portal is being run by the State Government through ‘Meri Fasal Mera Byora’ portal to receive and verify compensation claims related to crop loss due to natural calamities from Rabi season 2023.

On this portal, farmers themselves submit their crop loss claims and compensation is being paid through online mode after due procedure as per prescribed norms. This online process has made the entire process of compensation claim simple as well as transparent.