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Chandigarh, Punjab

Act as catalyst to further cement bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood and peace in this hour of crisis: CM to religious leaders

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Chandigarh, May 10

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday urged the religious leaders to act as a catalyst for strengthening the ethos of communal harmony, brotherhood and peace in this hour of crisis.

Addressing the gathering during Sarb Dharam meeting at the Raj Bhawan, the Chief Minister, in the presence of Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, said that Punjab has a very fertile land and anything can germinate on it except hatred and animosity. He said that Punjab is a sacred land of great Gurus, saints and seers who have shown us the path of mutual love and tolerance. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that the social bonding amongst people is already very strong adding that the religious leaders should come together for further strengthening it.

The Chief Minister said that it is imperative in the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. He said that though the meeting has been called at short notice but it is heartening that it has brought together religious leaders to emphasize unity and peace during these challenging times. Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted that Punjab is the most secular state of the country where there is no place for hatred adding that the bond of mutual cooperation, tolerance and love further needs to be strengthened for which religious leaders can play a key role.

The Chief Minister said that hate speeches on social media that fans animosity amongst religions and people  will be tackled with a heavy hand and strict action will be taken against such people. He urged the religious leaders to bring such sinister moves immediately into the notice of the Government and so that swift action can be taken on it. Bhagwant Singh Mann also urged people to show social bonding and solidarity with the families of the Army personal in this hour of crisis to further boost their morale.

The Chief Minister reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensure ‘Sarbat Da Bhalla’ (welfare of all) and expressed gratitude to the religious leaders for their solidarity and support to this noble cause. He emphasised that it is the need of the hour to protect the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Indian Army comprises brave men from all faiths and Punjab stands firmly with them, irrespective of religion, caste, or creed. 

The Chief Minister reiterated that people should not rush to the spot where any part of drone or missile is found as it can be harmful before it is defused. Soliciting fulsome support and cooperation from general public, he urged them to immediately inform the police if they see any missile or ballistic material. Bhagwant Singh Mann cautioned them against approaching or touching such hazardous objects as they can be fatal for them.

The Chief Minister said that the Armed forces of India are fully capable to give a befitting reply to such actions by Pakistan and no stone will be left unturned for it.

Reaffirming Punjab’s legacy of bravery, he stated that the state stands firmly with the Indian Army and no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is already extending all possible help to the Armed forces for safeguarding the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country.

The Chief Minister said that there is no shortage of essential commodities in the state and people should refrain from panic buying in this hour of crisis. He urged the people to not get panic about anything during these days of crisis as the state government has already made elaborate arrangements for all the essential supplies. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that there is no shortage of anything so panic situation amongst the people should be avoided adding that any person creating artificial shortage will be dealt with strictly, so that people do not face any problem.

The Chief Minister unequivocally warned against hoarding and black marketing and assured that state has  sufficient supplies in these challenging times. He urged people that while night travel should be avoided but there is no need for undue panic or restlessness. Bhagwant Singh Mann further announced that mock drills will continue for civilian preparedness adding that Civil defence training will also be intensified.

On the occasion Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav, Principal Secretary to CM Dr Ravi Bhagat and other were also present.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab First to Face Fire, Last to Get Relief: CM Mann Pushes for Tax Haven Status & Central Support for Punjab in all Party meet

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Chandigarh, May 10

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday vehemently pleaded the case of state for special package and tax heaven as it always faced the brunt of war from across the border.

Putting forth his view in the all party meeting called on by Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria, the Chief Minister said that whether it is war or any other exigency Punjab and Punjabis are always on the forefront. He said that Punjab always face the first brunt during every war and escalations adding that state needs special treatment for its enormous contribution. Bhagwant Singh Mann called upon all the parties to make concerted efforts for this noble cause so that Punjab can be a frontrunner state in the country adding that state government will raise this issue with GoI.

The Chief Minister said that besides being food bowl of the country, Punjab has always been its sword arm but its contribution has been hitherto ignored. He said that it is the high time when all the political parties should sink their differences and seek special package for the state by rising above the party lines. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is imperative to further give much needed push to the development and prosperity of the state.

The Chief Minister further said that all the political parties should unite for the cause of the state and its people so that interests of Punjab can be safeguarded. Bhagwant Singh Mann welcomed the leaders of the political parties for coming on short notice during this hour of need. He called upon them to show united stand during the hour of crisis for betterment of state and its people.

The Chief Minister said that the package should be given on lines of one given to Jammu-Kashmir and others. He said that the state government will also Raise the demand of Border area allowance for Doctors, Teachers, Anganwadi and other workers posted in Border Districts with the Government of India. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is the need of hour for giving major fillip to development and progress of state.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister announced that starting from Sunday he will be visiting the border areas of the state to assess the ground level situation. He said that Punjab, especially the border regions, has suffered a lot due to the mounting tension between both the countries. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that those brave hearts who had suffered huge losses during the bombardment and others will be duly compensated by the state government.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that being a border state Punjab will continue to prepare for meeting any sort of such untoward incidents. He said that the Punjab Police is already acting as second line of defence to safeguard the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Police will be further upgraded with modren equipments to enable it to tackle any sort of situation.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Haryana

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Leadership, Armed Forces gave a Befitting Reply to the Enemy:  Chief Minister

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Chandigarh, May 10

Haryana Chief Minister,  Sh. Nayab Singh Saini expressed pride and satisfaction over the success of ‘Operation Sindoor,’ stating that under the visionary and decisive leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, the country’s armed forces delivered a strong and fitting response to the enemy. The success of ‘Operation Sindoor’  is a symbol of our national resolve and unity.

         The Chief Minister extended heartfelt congratulations to the Prime Minister and the Indian Armed Forces for this successful military operation, commending their indomitable courage and strategic excellence in dealing a powerful blow to the nation’s enemies.

         Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that under the leadership of Prime Minister,  Sh. Narendra Modi, India has emerged as a powerful, self-reliant, and decisive nation on the global stage. Today, India is not only capable of securing its borders but also plays a decisive role globally in promoting peace, development, and stability, said the Chief Minister.

         He also expressed special gratitude to the citizens who actively participated in mock drills and preparedness exercises, working closely with the central and state governments as well as the local administration. Public participation is our greatest strength. The alertness and cooperation of citizens in times of crisis are truly commendable, he asserted.

         The Chief Minister also appreciated the administrative officers and officials who carried out their responsibilities with dedication and alertness. He  said that the coordination between the administrative machinery and security agencies was commendable.

         Although the situation is under control, the Chief Minister urged everyone to remain vigilant and aware. He appealed to the public not to pay attention to any rumours and to rely only on official information.

         Sh. Nayab Singh Saini reaffirmed that the present state  Government is committed to the unity, security, and integrity of the nation and will continue to work shoulder to shoulder with the central government and the armed forces in every such endeavour.

Chandigarh, Punjab

In Response to Rajasthan’s Call, Punjab Releases Extra Water for Military Needs in National Interest

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Chandigarh, May 10:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday ordered release of additional water to Rajasthan for catering needs of military in the state.

In a statement issued here today, the Chief Minister said that Rajasthan government had sought more water from the quota of Punjab as the Military deployed at the Rajasthan border needed additional water.  He categorically said that whenever the national interests are concerned Punjab never takes a backseat. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the water has been released to secure the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country.

The Chief Minister said that not only water but Punjab can shed its blood for the sake of national interests. He said that it is a fact of matter that Punjab can never drag its feet back when the issue of country is involved. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that keeping in view the needs of soldiers of the country he has immediately ordered to release the additional water to Rajasthan.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Mann Government Strikes Hard at Pakistan led Terror Funding: Cabinet approves Anti-Drone Systems installation

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Chandigarh, May 9:

The Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday gave nod for purchasing anti-drone system to check the smuggling of weapons and drugs through drone on the borders.

A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of the council of Ministers held here at the official residence of the Chief Minister.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that nine anti drone systems will be installed along with 532 kilometers of border with Pakistan. He said that these systems will help in checking the smuggling  of drugs and weapons along with the border through the drones. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Rs 51.41 crore will be spent by the state government for this Nobel initiative aimed at strengthening security along with border.

Punjab shares a long International Border with Pakistan and lies in proximity of Afghanistan (major Heroin-producer). Pakistan continues to make concerted efforts to destabilize India’s Internal Security by smuggling from across the border. The fencing along the international border has been breached with use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or Drones.

Requirement for Anti Drone System (ADS) to enhance capability to detect and neutralize hostile drones, thereby preventing the influx of arms, explosives and narcotics which are smuggled from across the border using the drones is must. Further it is imperative for the purpose of security during movement of VIP/VIP/Highly threatened persons in the state. Thus, the need for deploying Anti Drone Systems (ADS) has been recognized by the state Government in the border districts of Punjab on priority and on an urgent basis.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Mann Government Eases Land Acquisition for Urban Estates: Big Boost to Affordable Housing in Punjab

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Chandigarh, May 9:

In a major decision aimed at ensuring affordable housing to people, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday gave its consent to simplify the Land Acquisition process through direct purchase

to expedite the process of establishing urban estates and timely completion of other development works in the State of Punjab.

A decision to this effect was taken by the Council of Ministers in its meeting held here under the chairmanship of Chief Minister at his official residence today.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that the Cabinet also gave its consent for land pooling scheme of the Housing department to set up more urban estates in the state. The policy will be helpful in providing affordable housing facility to the people of the state. The scheme will be helpful in land acquisition for setting up of the urban estates across the state.

The new and separately formulated Mechanism to purchase land Directly from the land owners by Simplifying the Land Acquisition process was approved. This will facilitate in expediting the process of establishing urban estates and timely completion of other development works in the State of Punjab.The land to be acquired for development of urban estates/creating infrastructure will be identified by a committee as per the Land Purchase Policy of the Department of Revenue and Rehabilitation dated 07.07.2011.

After completing necessary formalities for inviting the concerned farmers/Land owners to sell their land to the Authority by adopting the Land Pooling Policy of Housing and Urban Development Department, the Title of the Land offered by the Land owners to the Authority shall be got verified by the Development Authority from the Deputy Commissioner concerned. Thereafter, objections shall be called from general public by giving 30 days Public Notice regarding the title of the land. The objections received within the prescribed period shall be decided by the above said Committee within a period of 30 days and process to acquire land under the Land Pooling Policy shall be initiated by the Concerned Officer of the Development Authority nominated by Chief Administrator concerned.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh

Life-Saving Move by Mann Cabinet: War and Terror Victims Brought Under Farishtey Scheme Coverage

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Chandigarh:

Widening the ambit of Farishtey scheme, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann also gave nod to include war and terrorist affected victims under this scheme.

A decision to this effect was taken in the meeting of Council of Ministers held here under the chairmanship of Chief Minister at his official residence.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister office said in order to provide immediate hassle-free medical treatment to victims of War and terrorist activities in Government / empaneled private hospitals in the State, to save precious lives and to encourage the general public to bring the War victims and terrorist activities to the nearest government and empaneled private hospitals, coverage under the Farishtey Scheme 2024 has been expanded. This will provide coverage for victims of war and terrorist activities, ensuring comprehensive support and relief to affected individuals. This expansion reinforces the state government’s commitment to help those facing extraordinary hardships due to such events.

The primary objective of move  is to lower down the mortality and morbidity rates resulting from injuries sustained in war and terrorist activities.  The government aims to provide immediate, hassle-free treatment in the available Government/ empaneled Private hospitals under Farishtay scheme. Additionally, to encourage the common people to come forth and help such victims so that timely treatment may save the lives of the victims who require medical attention. This scheme shall be incentivized with cash rewards, commendation certificates describing them as

“FARISHTEY,” and providing immunity from legal complications and police inquiries.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Punjab Government on High Alert; Fire Brigade Preparedness Strengthened Amid India-Pakistan escalations

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Chandigarh, May 9:

In view of the current tensions between India and Pakistan, the Punjab Government has taken immediate steps to ensure the highest level of preparedness in the state’s Fire and Emergency Services.

Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh has issued strict directives, cancelling all leaves of Fire Brigade staff and ordering 24×7 deployment at sensitive locations across Punjab. He said that war is a major emergency and the Fire Brigade plays a crucial role in such situations. He instructed officials to conduct mock drills, ensure all equipment is fully functional and maintain constant communication with Army authorities for swift response in case of any emergency. Officials have been directed to remain on high alert with their mobile phones active at all times.

Dr. Ravjot Singh said that the State Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is fully committed to ensuring public safety and has mobilized all resources to handle any emergency effectively.

To ensure rapid response, the Cabinet Minister has asked Fire Brigade officials to coordinate closely with Deputy Commissioners to strategically position fire tenders at key locations for quick mobilization. Regular meetings must be held to review preparedness and all necessary arrangements should be expedited. 

Dr. Singh reassured the public that the situation is under control and urged citizens not to panic. He also instructed officials to study the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) manuals to ensure timely and effective relief operations. Additionally, local vehicle repair workshops will be engaged to provide emergency maintenance services, even during nighttime, if required. 

Dr. Ravjot Singh announced that Cabinet Ministers will personally inspect hospitals and Fire Brigade facilities to assess readiness.

Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Tejvir Singh stressed the department’s responsibility and called for professional commitment in delivering efficient services. He confirmed that the department is well-equipped with modern firefighting tools but urged officials to promptly report any additional requirements. A written duty roster must also be maintained for better accountability.

Fire Brigade Department Releases Emergency Contact Numbers

The Punjab Fire Brigade Department has already introduced a dedicated emergency helpline number-112 to ensure swift response during crises. Besides this, the department has issued the contact details of its district-level officers for direct assistance. Citizens can reach out to these officials in case of emergencies.

Chandigarh, Haryana

AAP Govt intensifies anti-corruption drive : Vigilance Bureau nabs 34 in bribery cases in April

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Chandigarh, May 9, 2025:

Reinforcing its relentless commitment to curb corruption at all levels, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) arrested 34 individuals including 23 government officials and 11 private persons in connection with 22 bribery cases during the month of April. All accused were apprehended red-handed while accepting illegal gratification during specially laid trap operations across the state.

An official spokesperson of the VB stated here today that the Bureau, acting under the zero-tolerance policy of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government, continues to adopt a proactive and uncompromising stance to root out corruption from public offices. “This campaign is not only about taking action but about setting a strong deterrent against corrupt practices,” the he asserted.

He further informed that during the same period, the VB had filed 12 charge sheets in various courts and registered 20 criminal cases involving 34 accused, including 18 government employees. Additionally, one vigilance enquiry was initiated to thoroughly probe allegations of corruption in a specific case.

Highlighting the Bureau’s legal successes, he said three bribery cases contested by the VB in different courts concluded with convictions. The courts handed down imprisonment terms ranging from four to five years, along with fines between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 35,000.

The spokesperson reiterated the Bureau’s unwavering determination to cleanse the system of all forms of corruption and urged citizens to play an active role in this mission. People are encouraged to report incidents of bribery or corruption directly through the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line by lodging complaints via WhatsApp at 95012-00200.

“This initiative empowers the public to become active stakeholders in ensuring transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance,” he added.

Chandigarh, Haryana

HARBHAJAN SINGH ETO ANNOUNCES MAJOR MILESTONES IN AMRITSAR’S POWER INFRA OVERHAUL

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Chandigarh, May 9:

Punjab Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO today announced significant advancements in the modernization of Amritsar’s power distribution network under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) for the financial year 2024-25.

He informed that with Amritsar emerging as a key religious, cultural and economic hub, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has prioritized upgrading its aging power infrastructure to curb losses, enhance efficiency and ensure seamless electricity supply to residents and businesses. 

He said that the initiative focuses on critical areas such as infrastructure reinforcement, voltage stabilization, reduction of technical and commercial losses and the adoption of smart technologies to future-proof the grid. Key interventions include the augmentation of power transformers, replacement of outdated conductors with High-Temperature Low-Sag (HTLS) cables, installation of advanced distribution transformers and underground cabling in theft-prone and heritage-sensitive zones. Besides this, the deployment of smart meters, SCADA systems and GIS-based monitoring mechanisms has been accelerated to improve operational transparency and consumer service delivery. 

Highlighting the project’s achievements, S. Harbhajan Singh ETO informed that five 12.5 MVA power transformers were upgraded to 20 MVA, while four 20 MVA units were enhanced to 31.5 MVA. Likewise, five new 100 MVA transformers were installed to bolster the grid’s capacity. Over 508 km of high-tension (HT) lines and 299 km of low-tension (LT) lines were upgraded alongside the installation of 5,200 new distribution transformers and the replacement of 4,060 overloaded units. To optimize load management, 60 feeders were bifurcated and Aerial Bunched Cables (ABC) were deployed in high-theft areas, contributing to a 2% reduction in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses. 

The Cabinet Minister said, “The integration of SCADA systems in central Amritsar and GIS-based asset mapping, covering 70% of the city’s network, has revolutionized real-time monitoring and fault detection”, adding that the installation of 2,12,900 smart meters in urban clusters has significantly improved billing accuracy and consumer satisfaction.

These measures have yielded tangible results, with voltage-related grievances dropping markedly, system availability rising from 93.73% to 97.25% and billing efficiency improving by 5%. A decline in consumer complaints and safety incidents further underscores the project’s success, he added.

The Cabinet Minister said that the total expenditure for the fiscal year 2024-25 amounted to Rs.283.05 crore, with an additional Rs.897.4 crore earmarked for upcoming projects between 2025 and 2027. The current investments are projected to break even within 2.5 years.

Looking ahead, the Power Minister disclosed that a Rs.600 crore budget has been sanctioned under RDSS for 2025-26 and 2026-27. Key allocations include Rs.69 crore for 22 new power transformers, Rs.90.05 crore for eight substations, Rs.103.63 crore for the bifurcation and revamping of 221 feeders, and Rs.73.02 crore for 2,134 additional distribution transformers. 

Acknowledging implementation challenges such as right-of-way disputes, monsoon disruptions, public resistance and manpower shortages, the Cabinet Minister reaffirmed Mann government commitment to addressing these hurdles, stressing the need for expedited underground cabling, wider smart meter adoption, rapid-response maintenance squads, community awareness campaigns and workforce upskilling. 

“A centralized digital dashboard will integrate all systems, ensuring seamless coordination and data-driven decision-making,” said S. Harbhajan Singh ETO, adding that “These sustained efforts will not only meet Amritsar’s growing energy demands but also guarantee a reliable, safe and consumer-centric power ecosystem for years to come.