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Chandigarh, Haryana

Arrogance of power and nepotism: the biggest threats to democracy – Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini

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Chandigarh, 25 June – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini stated that “Samvidhan Hatya Diwas” serves as a solemn reminder that the arrogance of power and nepotism are among the biggest threats to democracy. He emphasized that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and it is our paramount duty to uphold and protect it. Any action that undermines or violates its core principles cannot and should not be ignored.

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini was addressing a press conference held in Karnal today to mark Samvidhan Hatya Diwas. He paid tribute to the brave heroes who stood up against dictatorship during the Emergency, noting that they endured imprisonment and torture but never surrendered their principles. “Today, I salute all those heroes who raised their voices for democracy,” he added.

People were jailed and tortured during the Emergency

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the country is observing ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ to mark 50 years since the Emergency was imposed. On June 25, 1975, the soul of the Constitution was attacked when the Emergency was declared, putting our democratic values in danger. Although it was claimed that there was an internal crisis, the real reason was a personal desire to stay in power.

For the next 21 months, the country was under dictatorship. Many people who believed in democracy were put in jail and tortured. Sh Saini said that the purpose of observing Samvidhan Hatya Diwas is to remind people especially the younger generation about the importance of democracy, and to keep everyone aware and alert about protecting our democratic system.

Haryana’s people played a key role in the struggle

He said the Emergency was not only a constitutional crisis but also an assault on the process of democracy which guarantees freedom of expression, equality and justice. It was also an attack on the ideas of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, who gave the slogan “One Nation – One Constitution” and sacrificed his life for this cause. The Chief Minister said that the people of Haryana also stood strong in this struggle. Many people had sacrificed everything to protect democracy.

Hypocrisy of saving the constitution without true respect

The Chief Minister said that some people are going around holding the Constitution’s book, but this is just hypocrisy when it comes to truly protecting it. These same people claim that the Constitution, written by Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, is under threat. Yet, there was a time when their own party openly destroyed the Constitution under the cover of darkness. He added that those whose political predecessors imposed dictatorship on the country, suppressed the press, jailed leaders, and carried out forced sterilization cannot honestly claim to be defenders of the Constitution and democracy today. Before giving speeches about democracy, they should admit their mistakes, accept responsibility for harming democracy, and apologize to the nation.

Their ‘Save Constitution’ slogan is just political opportunism and a hunger for power

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that their slogan of ‘Save Constitution’ is merely a symbol of political opportunism and a hunger for power. In contrast, the present government, under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, is truly following the democratic spirit of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’, with the Constitution held as supreme. Every action taken by the government aims to strengthen the Constitution. Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has also emphasized that democratic values and the Constitution remain our highest priority.

 Congress misused Section 356 over 90 times to dismiss State Governments

He said that the party which crushed democracy during the Emergency is again trying to spread confusion in the society by invoking the Constitution. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi claimed that if the BJP returned to power, it would abolish the Constitution. However, the people of the country rejected these baseless claims and gave a strong mandate to the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi for the third consecutive time.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini pointed out that the history of the Congress party shows it upheld divisive policies like Article 370, misused Article 356 over 90 times to dismiss state governments, and amended the Constitution more than 75 times to serve its political interests. For them, the Constitution has never been an ideal but just a political tool. Whenever their power was threatened, they sacrificed the core values of the Constitution.

Prime Minister took historic steps to strengthen national unity and integrity

The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Sh Amit Shah have set historic examples for the people from strengthening the unity and integrity of the country to protecting it from external threats. Whether it is fulfilling Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee’s dream of ‘One Nation – One Constitution’ stretching from Jammu and Kashmir to Kanyakumari, or successfully eliminating terrorism and terrorists on Pakistani soil through ‘Operation Sindoor’, the whole world recognizes its strength and determination.

After the year 2014, the state government took several important decisions in honour of the Loktantra Senanis

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that as soon as the government came to power in 2014, it began taking care of Loktantra Senanis in Haryana. The first ‘Loktantra Senani Samman Samaroh’ was organized in Rohtak on 26 June 2015. At that time, the government made many important announcements to honor the Loktantra Senanis. Following through on these promises, the government arranged medical facilities for Loktantra Senanis and their spouses, similar to those given to government employees. They also provided free travel in Haryana Roadways’ ordinary buses and a 75 percent fare waiver in Volvo buses.

He added that a monthly pension was also started for Loktantra Senanis, which has now been increased to Rs 20,000 per month. Currently, 501 Loktantra Senani and their widows in the state receive this pension, including 53 Loktantra Senani from Karnal district.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister appealed that everyone should take a pledge to always stay vigilant in protecting the Constitution and ensure that democracy is never threatened again. 

On this occasion, MLA Shri Yogendra Rana, Shri Bhagwan Das Kabirpanthi, Karnal Mayor Smt. Renu Bala Gupta, Chief Minister’s Media Secretary Shri Praveen Attre and other dignitaries were present.

Chandigarh, Punjab

FOOLPROOF SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS IN PLACE TO ENSURE SMOOTH CONDUCT OF SHRI AMARNATH YATRA: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA

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CHANDIGARH/PATHANKOT, June 25:

          In order to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra 2025, Punjab Police has implemented a comprehensive, multi-layered, and inter-agency security and coordination plan, deploying advanced surveillance, strategic force deployment, and round-the-clock coordination for the safety of pilgrims, said Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla here on Wednesday.

          The sacred Shri Amarnath Yatra 2025 is scheduled to commence on July 3, 2025 and will continue till August 9, 2025. This annual pilgrimage draws lakhs of devotees from all across India, many of whom travel through Punjab, particularly Pathankot district, on their way to the holy cave shrine in Jammu & Kashmir.

          The Special DGP was chairing a high-level comprehensive security and coordination meeting of Police, Army, Civil Administration, and other security agencies to review and strengthen the security arrangements for the annual pilgrimage.

          The meeting, which was held in Pathankot, focused on strategic preparations for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, encompassing diverse aspects such as police deployment, security measures, traffic management, and disaster management.

          Special DGP Arpit Shukla emphasised the need for heightened vigilance given Pathankot’s strategic location, which shares 26.385 km of international border with Pakistan and houses critical defence installations. He said that level of security has been further escalated with Commandant level officer has been made incharge of all the roads leading to Jammu & Kashmir.

          He informed that the Yatra route has been divided into well-defined security sectors under the charge of Commandant-rank officers, ensuring 24×7 ground-level supervision and rapid response capabilities in case of any exigency. A 24×7 Command and Control Centre has been established at Nakka Madhopur, supervised by a Gazetted Officer, to monitor all vehicle and pilgrim movements using advanced surveillance systems, he added.

          The Special DGP said that daily anti-sabotage and security checks are being carried out at sensitive locations including railway stations, bus stands, langar (community kitchen) sites, religious places, and across the full Yatra route, to detect and deter any potential threats. The security arrangements are being implemented under the direct supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pathankot Daljinder Singh Dhillon.

          He directed the concerned officers to ensure seamless coordination among all stakeholders, including the Indian Army, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), Jammu & Kashmir Police, Himachal Pradesh Police, and other central agencies.

          He further highlighted the additional technical support including mobile surveillance units, high-resolution CCTV monitoring, drone-based aerial surveillance, GPS-enabled patrolling, and real-time reporting mechanisms are also being actively used to keep vigil around suspicious people.

          Meanwhile, the police have briefed and trained the owners and staff of petrol pumps, dhabas, hotels, guest houses, and other roadside establishments along the route to report any unusual activity, suspicious objects, or unidentified persons to the nearest police station without delay.

Prominent officers including DIG Border Range Satinder Singh, AIG Sukhminder Singh Mann, Deputy Commissioner Pathankot Aditya Uppal, Deputy Commissioner Hoshiarpur Ashika Jain, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Dr Rakesh Minhas, SSP Pathankot Daljinder Singh Dhillon, SSP Hoshiarpur Sandeep Kumar Malik and senior officers from Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Central agencies, and police and civil officials from adjoining states of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, Punjab

INVESTIGATIONS BY S.I.T. AND VIGILANCE BUREAU REVEAL MASSIVE LAUNDERING OF DRUG MONEY FACILITATED BY BIKRAM SINGH MAJITHIA

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Chandigarh June 25, 2025 –

Investigations by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the FIR no. 02 of 2021 registered in Police Station Punjab State Crime and the Vigilance Bureau reveal massive laundering of drug money facilitated by Bikram Singh Majithia. Preliminary investigations reveal that more than Rs. 540 crores of drug money has been laundered through several ways, including

(i)      Huge unaccounted cash worth Rs. 161 crores deposited in bank accounts of companies controlled by Bikram Singh Majithia,

(ii)      Channelization of Rs. 141 crores through suspected foreign entities,

(iii)     Excess deposition of Rs. 236 crores without disclosure/explanation in company financial statements, and

(iv)     Acquisition of movable/immovable assets by Bikram Singh Majithia without any legitimate source of income.

A Punjab Vigilance Bureau spokesperson stated here today that the Vigilance Bureau has registered a case based on a report of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating FIR No. 02, dated 20-12-2021 registered u/s 25, 27-A and 29 NDPS Act 1985, PS Punjab State Crime, SAS Nagar wherein substantial evidence has been uncovered indicating massive laundering of drug money by Bikram Singh Majithia.

 These transactions are being investigated by the Vigilance Bureau and the investigations done by the S.I.T. clearly indicate that these funds were laundered drug money funneled into Saraya Industries facilitated by Bikram Singh Majithia.

The VB spokesperson added that so far, Rs. 540 Crores drug money has been tracked as having been generated illegally and by using the influence of Bikram Singh Majithia as a Public Servant being an MLA and holding a Cabinet post in erstwhile Punjab Government.

The VB spokesperson stated that assets, including both immovable/movable in the name of Bikram Singh Majithia and his wife Genieve Kaur have increased substantially for which no legitimate source of income has been provided.

According to the VB spokesperson, searches and seizures have been conducted by the SIT of 22 persons and by the Vigilance Bureau at 03 locations which have yielded over 30 mobile phones, 05 laptops, 03 ipads, 02 desktops, several diaries, many property documents and many documents of Saraya Industries.

The spokesperson stated that Bikram Singh Majithia has been arrested by the Vigilance Bureau in accordance with law after following due procedure.

Investigations are ongoing and more arrests, searches and seizures would take place. The investigations would be taken to their logical conclusion by submitting all collected evidence before the court of competent jurisdiction for judicial verdict.

Chandigarh, Haryana

No Change in Electricity Tariff for Agricultural Consumers: Haryana Energy Minister

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Chandigarh, June 25: – Haryana’s Energy Minister Sh. Anil Vij clarified regarding electricity tariff rates, stating that the propaganda spread by some claiming that electricity bills have increased fourfold is entirely baseless and false. He emphasized that there has been no change in the electricity tariff for agricultural consumers. Similarly, monthly bills of domestic consumers with up to 2 kW connection have decreased by 49% to 75% compared to the financial year 2014-15, and most Category-2 consumers have also seen a reduction in their bills. He added that approximately 94% of electricity consumers fall under Category-1 and Category-2, and most of their bills have decreased.

Sh. Vij said that as per the revised electricity tariff structure, Minimum Monthly Charges (MMC) have been removed for all categories of domestic consumers, as Haryana’s DISCOMs are committed to providing continuous, uninterrupted, affordable, and consumer-focused power services. He noted that electricity tariffs in Haryana are significantly lower for both LT (Low Tension) and HT (High Tension) consumers compared to neighboring states.Over the last decade, from FY 2014-15 to FY 2024-25, AT&C (Aggregate Technical and Commercial) losses have been reduced from 29% to 10%, he said.

He mentioned that agricultural consumers in Haryana continue to receive electricity at 10 paise/unit (metered) and Rs. 15/BHP/month (flat rate) as before. Similarly, for metered connections, MMC has been reduced to Rs. 180 (up to 15 BHP) and Rs. 144 (above 15 BHP).

Sh. Vij said that under the revised tariff structure, Category-I domestic consumers (connected load up to 2 kW and monthly consumption up to 100 units) have seen a 49% to 75% reduction in their bills compared to the financial year 2014-15. When compared to the previous tariff structure (with MMC), the bill amounts have dropped significantly.

Additionally, for Category-II consumers (connected load up to 5 kW), there has been an increase of 3% to 9% in bills compared to FY 2024-25. However, compared to FY 2014-15, most consumers in this category have seen a reduction, with only a few slabs seeing an increase of less than 1%. Around 94% of total domestic consumers fall under Category-I and II, Sh. Vij said.

For Category-III consumers, there has been an increase of 5% to 7% compared to FY 2024-25. For lower consumption levels in this category, the percentage increase may appear larger, but only 6% of domestic consumers fall under this category, he added.

Sh. Vij stated that electricity bills should be compared with the same month of the previous year, as it reflects a similar consumption pattern. In Haryana, the fixed charges for the domestic category range from Rs. 0 to Rs. 75/kW, and the highest energy slab remains at Rs. 7.50/unit, whereas neighboring states charge fixed fees up to Rs. 110/kW and energy charges up to Rs. 8/unit. The rates for FY 2025-26 show only a marginal increase compared to FY 2024-25 and FY 2014-15, with a decrease for Category-I consumers, showing an overall increase of less than 9.6% compared to 2014-15.

The Energy Minister said that for HT consumers, the tariff revision from FY 2024-25 to FY 2025-26 shows a moderate increase of 7% to 10% depending on load and consumption. In the LT category, the increase among various consumers is relatively moderate, ranging from 4% to 7%.

Compared to neighboring states, Haryana charges significantly lower electricity tariffs for both LT and HT consumer categories, making it a cost-effective option. In neighboring states, fixed charges go up to Rs. 450/kW for LT and Rs. 475/kW for HT, while energy charges go up to Rs. 8.95/unit for LT and Rs. 7.75/unit for HT.

It is worth noting that according to the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission’s order dated March 28, 2025, the electricity rates have been revised for different categories from April 2025, based on the tariff petition of the Haryana DISCOMs. This is the first tariff hike since FY 2017-18, after a gap of seven years, despite rising power purchase and operational costs.

Notably, keeping tariffs unchanged for almost a decade was made possible by improved operational efficiency and strict financial discipline. 

Chandigarh, Punjab

INVESTIGATIONS BY S.I.T. AND VIGILANCE BUREAU REVEAL MASSIVE LAUNDERING OF DRUG MONEY FACILITATED BY BIKRAM SINGH MAJITHIA

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Chandigarh June 25, 2025 –

Investigations by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the FIR no. 02 of 2021 registered in Police Station Punjab State Crime and the Vigilance Bureau reveal massive laundering of drug money facilitated by Bikram Singh Majithia. Preliminary investigations reveal that more than Rs. 540 crores of drug money has been laundered through several ways, including

(i)      Huge unaccounted cash worth Rs. 161 crores deposited in bank accounts of companies controlled by Bikram Singh Majithia,

(ii)      Channelization of Rs. 141 crores through suspected foreign entities,

(iii)     Excess deposition of Rs. 236 crores without disclosure/explanation in company financial statements, and

(iv)     Acquisition of movable/immovable assets by Bikram Singh Majithia without any legitimate source of income.

A Punjab Vigilance Bureau spokesperson stated here today that the Vigilance Bureau has registered a case based on a report of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating FIR No. 02, dated 20-12-2021 registered u/s 25, 27-A and 29 NDPS Act 1985, PS Punjab State Crime, SAS Nagar wherein substantial evidence has been uncovered indicating massive laundering of drug money by Bikram Singh Majithia.

 These transactions are being investigated by the Vigilance Bureau and the investigations done by the S.I.T. clearly indicate that these funds were laundered drug money funneled into Saraya Industries facilitated by Bikram Singh Majithia.

The VB spokesperson added that so far, Rs. 540 Crores drug money has been tracked as having been generated illegally and by using the influence of Bikram Singh Majithia as a Public Servant being an MLA and holding a Cabinet post in erstwhile Punjab Government.

The VB spokesperson stated that assets, including both immovable/movable in the name of Bikram Singh Majithia and his wife Genieve Kaur have increased substantially for which no legitimate source of income has been provided.

According to the VB spokesperson, searches and seizures have been conducted by the SIT of 22 persons and by the Vigilance Bureau at 03 locations which have yielded over 30 mobile phones, 05 laptops, 03 ipads, 02 desktops, several diaries, many property documents and many documents of Saraya Industries.

The spokesperson stated that Bikram Singh Majithia has been arrested by the Vigilance Bureau in accordance with law after following due procedure.

Investigations are ongoing and more arrests, searches and seizures would take place. The investigations would be taken to their logical conclusion by submitting all collected evidence before the court of competent jurisdiction for judicial verdict.

Chandigarh, Punjab

PUNJAB WITNESSING HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION DRIVEN BY PROGRESSIVE POLICIES: FINANCE MINISTER HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA

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Chandigarh, June 23

Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said that the state is experiencing a historic industrial revolution, a direct result of the progressive industrial development policies championed by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government. He further emphasised that numerous new initiatives are currently in the pipeline to further accelerate industrial growth within the state.

Addressing the trade fair co-organized by HMT Industrial Park and Maya Garden Group late last evening, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted the recent implementation of a Fast-track Single Window System. “This innovative system ensures that necessary project permissions are granted within 45 days, with automatic deemed approval and accountability for responsible parties if permissions are not accorded within this timeframe”, said Cheema.

Listing out the achievements of the State Government, the Finance Minister revealed that the Punjab Government has also introduced Colour Coded Stamp Paper for the issuance of registered sale deeds, which now include in-built Change of Land Use (CLU) approval. “Pre-approvals are efficiently processed through the Single Window System within defined timelines by six key departments: Revenue, Housing & Urban Development, Local Government, Punjab Pollution Control Board, Forest & Wildlife, and Labour and Factories”, he added.

The Finance Minister also revealed that the Punjab government has brought forth a comprehensive policy for the clubbing and de-clubbing of plots. This policy directly addresses the long-standing demands of industrial stakeholders to merge or divide adjacent plots, thereby optimising land use and supporting project expansion. He also announced that the state government is actively planning to introduce a policy for the conversion of leasehold plots to freehold.

Underlining the simplification of the CLU process by the state government, Finance Minister Cheema said that the requirement for standalone industries to obtain CLU permissions in permissible zones has been removed. He said that this significant change would reduce both the time and complexity involved in establishing new industrial units across the state.

Reiterating the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to maximising industrial growth, the Finance Minister said that incentives worth Rs 180 crore have already been provided to the industrial sector during the first two months of the financial year 2025-26. He affirmed that the state government consistently endeavours not only to encourage existing industries but also to attract new enterprises to bolster the state’s industrial ecosystem.

Expressing his profound gratitude to the State Government, Mr. Meghraj Garg, CMD of HMT Group, stated that the HMT Industrial Park, situated in a “Red Zone,” allows for the establishment of every type of industry. He commended the Punjab Government for fostering a conducive environment for industrial growth and ensuring speedy and timely project approvals.

The HMT Industrial Park, a burgeoning hub for emerging industries, is strategically located at Lalru, offering excellent connectivity to NH 22, NH 72, and NH 73.

Among the other notable dignitaries present on the occasion were Director HMT Sudarshan Singla, and CMD Maya Garden Group Satish Jindal.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab Government Approves Additional ₹5.33 Crore for Construction of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhawan in Tarn Taran: Dr. Baljit Kaur

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Chandigarh, June 23:

The Punjab Government, under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains firmly committed to the welfare and socio-economic upliftment of Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and Economically Weaker Sections. Further advancing this commitment, the State Government has sanctioned an additional grant of ₹5.33 crore for the construction of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhawan in Tarn Taran district. This announcement was made by Dr. Baljit Kaur, Cabinet Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities.

Sharing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that the sanctioned amount for the current financial year will soon be transferred to the account of the Chief Engineer, Public Works Department (Buildings), ensuring swift progress of the construction work.

The Minister stated that a total project estimate of ₹5.93 crore had been approved for the construction of the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhawan in Tarn Taran. Out of this, ₹60 lakh has already been released, and the remaining ₹5.33 crore will be transferred shortly to the Public Works Department’s account. She added that the construction of the boundary wall of the Bhawan has already been completed, and the remaining work will now be expedited with high quality, transparency, and within the stipulated timeline.

Highlighting the broader vision, Dr. Baljit Kaur shared that Ambedkar Bhawans have already been constructed in 17 districts of Punjab. These centers serve as ‘single-window’ facilities where multiple government services are made available under one roof for the benefit of marginalized, backward, and economically weaker communities. In addition, the process of identifying and acquiring suitable land is underway for the construction of similar Bhawans in five other districts — SAS Nagar, Barnala, Fazilka, Pathankot, and Malerkotla.

Issuing directions to the department officials, the Cabinet Minister emphasized that the construction of the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhawan in Tarn Taran must be completed with the highest quality standards, full transparency, and strictly within the approved timeframe so that the people of the region can avail of its benefits at the earliest.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Vigilance Bureau arrests block samiti Patwari taking Rs. 20,000 bribe

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Chandigarh, June 23 2025:

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing drive against corruption, has arrested Nishan Singh, block Samiti Patwari, posted at Block Development and Panchayats Officer (BDPO) office, Gurdsapur for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. 20000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the arrest has been made following a complaint lodged by a resident of village Babari Nangal, in Gurdaspur.

The complainant has approached the VB and stated that she is the current Panchayat member of Gram Panchayat Babri Nangal and her husband had been cultivating about 22 kanals and 11 marlas of shamlat land out of total 25 acres of land for the last 50 years and the land title (Girdawari) of this land is also registered in his name.

She further stated that on the basis of a complaint, the BDPO office had asked her to submit a clarification in this regard. She requested the current Sarpanch of her village to resolve this issue but the said Nishan Singh Samiti Patwari has demanded a bribe of Rs. 20,000 to get the issue resolved through his department.

The spokesperson informed that after a preliminary verification of this complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused Nishan Singh has been arrested red handed while he was accepting a bribe Rs 20,000 from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Amritsar range. The accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow and further investigation is underway, he said.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab Government Issues Strict Directives for Child Protection; Immediate Action Against Obscene and Vulgar Content on Social Media

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Chandigarh, June 22:

Expressing deep concern over the increasing trend of vulgar and obscene content being circulated on social media platforms, Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today said such material poses a direct threat to the psychological and social well-being of children.

Welcoming the orders issued by the Punjab State Commission for Protection of Child Rights to the ADGP (Cyber Crime) for strict action against those posting such content, Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated the Punjab Government’s firm commitment to safeguarding children and protecting their rights.

 The Minister has directed all District Social Security, Women and Child Development Officers to keep a strict watch on the circulation of such objectionable content at their level. She instructed that any complaint or information received regarding such content must be immediately shared with the police and the Child Rights Commission. Additionally, awareness campaigns must be organized at the local level to sensitize parents, teachers, and youth about the responsible use of social media.

Reaffirming the government’s resolve to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for children’s overall development, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that any elements adversely affecting the mental health of children will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The culprits will face the strictest legal action and be made examples of, to deter others from posting obscene content online.

 The Minister also instructed the Police Department to intensify surveillance of such content on social media and take immediate action against individuals involved in creating or uploading it, under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, IT Act 2000, and POCSO Act 2012.

 Dr. Baljit Kaur further appealed to parents, teachers, social organizations, and the public to promptly report any such content or individuals involved in circulating it to the police or the Child Rights Commission without delay. “Creating a safe, healthy, and positive digital environment for children is a shared responsibility of all of us,” she emphasized.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab Government’s Decision about Development Authorities Will bring more transparency: Harbhajan Singh

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Chandigarh, June 22

The Punjab government’s decision, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, regarding development authorities will significantly contribute to the overall development of the state. This was stated on Sunday by Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO in a press release. 

The Cabinet Minister said that appointing the Chief Secretary as the Chairman of all Local Development Authorities in Punjab will accelerate the approval process for development-related matters and directly benefit the common people. 

The Minister added that, following the Chief Minister’s directives, state officials studied the reforms introduced by the Gujarat government in institutions like Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority, as well as the models adopted by the Uttar Pradesh government in Noida, Meerut, Kanpur and Lucknow. After a detailed analysis of the impact of these models, the officials submitted their findings to the government. Based on these conclusions, a decision was taken to amend Section 29(3) of the Punjab Regional and Urban Planning and Development (PRTPD) Act. 

He further stated that this decision will facilitate swift action on development matters involving key institutions such as the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA), and Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA), thereby benefitting the people of the state. This change will streamline the functioning of development authorities and ensure timely decision-making. It also marks a major step toward decentralization of powers. 

The Cabinet Minister also highlighted that including departments such as Revenue, Industries, Water Supply and Sanitation and others in the decision-making process of development authorities will strengthen inter-departmental coordination. 

Mr. Harbhajan Singh ETO strongly criticized the opposition parties for making baseless and misleading statements on this issue, accusing them of attempting to confuse the public for political gain.