Chandigarh/Ludhiana, April 27

Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora, accompanied by Ludhiana residents, municipal councillors, and industrialists, visited Halwara Airport on Sunday to review the ongoing progress of work. During his visit, he toured the airport premises and expressed complete satisfaction with the work completed so far.

MP Arora noted that the project had been stalled for nearly thirty years and lamented that representatives of previous state governments had failed to complete it. He added that after becoming a Rajya Sabha MP, he immediately prioritized the project. With the support of AAP’s National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the project is now 100% complete at a cost of approximately Rs. 60 crores.

Calling it a dream project of Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Arora explained that, as per the initial design, a barbed wire fence had been erected around the airport. However, during an AAI inspection in March this year, it was decided to replace the barbed wire with a concrete boundary wall. He mentioned that the AAI team also made a few other suggestions, which are currently being implemented and are likely to be completed soon.

He informed that the next AAI inspection visit is scheduled for April 30. Once the airport is handed over to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) by the Public Works Department, the process of deputing staff will begin.

Initially, the AAI plans to operate two flights—one each in the morning and afternoon. These flights will connect Ludhiana via Delhi with Europe, as well as countries like the US, Canada, and Australia. Arora emphasized that this connectivity would provide a significant boost to the economy of the entire Punjab region, especially the Malwa belt and Ludhiana. He expressed hope that flight operations would commence within the next two to three months.

He also shared that the airport has been allotted the code “HWR.” Regarding the naming of the airport, he clarified that the state government can only recommend a name, while final approval rests with the Centre.

In response to questions, Arora stated that the airport is equipped with a CAT-II system, which enhances its operational efficiency under low-visibility conditions. He further mentioned that the taxiway has the capacity to park two aircraft at a time and that the existing infrastructure can comfortably accommodate around 12 flights per day. However, he assured that there is ample provision for future expansion.

The industrialists and municipal councillors who accompanied MP Arora to Halwara Airport were highly appreciative of him. They gave full credit for the completion of the project to Arora.

Kamal Oswal of Oswal Group said that the project was completed due to the relentless efforts of MP Arora, who worked day and night to make it a success. He emphasized that the airport would give a major push to the economy not only of Ludhiana but of the entire Punjab. He added that since Ludhiana is well-known for its import and export businesses, every business sector would benefit significantly once the flights become operational. He stressed that air connectivity is the need of the hour.

Gagan Khanna (Arisudana Industries Ltd) said it was an eye-opener for him after visiting the airport. He expressed hope that the establishment of the airport would provide a substantial boost to the entire area, which had been neglected for decades due to the lack of air connectivity. He pointed out that the project is finally taking off after more than 40 years, thanks to Arora’s efforts.

Rajesh Aggarwal, an exporter, said that exports from Ludhiana would increase manifold once the airport becomes operational. He also credited Arora for this major achievement.

Municipal Councillors Tanvir Singh Dhaliwal, Bhupinder Singh Kainth, Gurpreet Babbal, and Satnam Sunny Master also praised Arora, acknowledging that the airport was completed solely due to his dedicated efforts. They mentioned that for the past 30-40 years, they had only heard about the airport project, which remained confined to paper. They said the airport has finally materialized on the ground because of Arora’s hard work and sincerity. They hoped that the airport would prove to be a boon for the economy of Ludhiana and other parts of Punjab. They added that the people of Punjab should be grateful to Arora for setting yet another milestone in the state’s history.

Chandigarh/Sangrur, April 27

Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, today announced a significant breakthrough in the state’s ongoing ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ (War Against Drugs) campaign, with the seizure of 2,240 litres of illegally pilfered Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA), averting a potential major hooch tragedy. In addition, the Minister highlighted the campaign’s success in registering 4,745 NDPS cases, arresting 7,536 individuals, and demolishing illegal properties of 71 smugglers.

Addressing a press conference at Sangrur, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, who also chairs the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ Cabinet Sub-Committee, revaled the details of the operation. “Acting on credible intelligence, a joint team of the Excise Department and Sangrur Police intercepted a vehicle on the Sangrur-Dirba Highway carrying approximately 200 litres of illicit Ethanol. The driver, identified as Shaan Mohd., was apprehended,” said Cheema.

“Further investigation led to the discovery of a clandestine storage facility, resulting in the recovery of 34 drums, each containing 60 litres, totaling 2,040 litres of ENA. Another accused, Armaan Mohd., was also taken into custody during the raid,” he added.

Emphasizing the gravity of the seizure, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that this operation has successfully prevented a potential hooch tragedy, as this ENA could have been used to produce nearly 10,000 bottles of illicit liquor. He said that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the racket, and stringent legal action will be taken against them.

Providing details of the progress under the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, Finance Minister Cheema said that so far, 4,745 NDPS cases have been registered, 7,536 individuals have been arrested, and the illegal properties of 71 smugglers have been demolished. Additionally, significant quantities of drugs have been seized, including 301 kg of heroin, 9,969 kg of poppy husk, 154 kg of opium, 96 kg of ganja, and 21,84,276 tablets or capsules of banned drugs.

The Finance Minister highlighted the success of the coordinated efforts between the state Excise and Police departments in curbing the smuggling of illicit liquor in the state. “Recently, four FIRs have been registered against individuals smuggling liquor into the state, and another FIR was registered at Police Station Chhajli”, he added.

Attributing the success of the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign to the support of the people, Finance Minister Cheema expressed gratitude to the citizens of Punjab for their cooperation and assistance in the war against drugs and illicit liquor trade. He assured that the Excise and Police departments will continue to work tirelessly to ensure a safer and healthier environment for the people of Punjab.

Prominent amongst others SSP Sangrur Sartaj Singh Chahal, ETO Sarupinder Singh Sandhu and DSP Rupinder Kaur Bajwa were also present on this occasion.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, April 27:

          Amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per direction of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has dismantled a Pak-backed illegal weapon smuggling module with the arrest of one operative, who was supplying weapons to anti-social elements on the instructions of his Australia-based handler identified as Jassa.

          Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav has identified the arrested accused as Abhishek Kumar, a resident of Village Meerankot Kalan in Amritsar. Police teams have also recovered seven pistols— including five .30 bore and two sophisticated 9MM Glock— along with four cartridges and Rs 1.5 lakh from his possession, besides, impounding his Mahindra Thar vehicle being used for weapon smuggling, he said.

          The DGP revealed that CI Amritsar received credible intelligence indicating that Australia-based Jassa, in collusion with Pakistan-based smugglers, was orchestrating the smuggling of illegal arms/ammunition through the Indo-Pak border with the help of his local associates Abhishek Kumar, and his accomplice identified as Jodhbir Singh alias Jodha. The input further revealed that the latter were actively involved in receiving and distributing these weapon consignments to anti-social elements across the state, he added.

          Acting swiftly on the tip-off about accused Abhishek and Jodhbir alias Jodha have recently retrieved a huge consignment of arms and ammunition, teams from CI Amritsar conducted a raid near Morh Village Fatehgarh Shukarchak on Amritsar-Pathankot Bypass GT Road and arrested accused Abhishek, when he was going to deliver the illegal weapon consignment to another party in his Thar vehicle.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that further investigation is pointing that both Abhishek Kumar and Jodhbir Singh are actively involved in Hawala transactions, indicating their possible connection to a broader network engaged in criminal activities. Further investigations are on to establish backward and forward linkages in this case, he said, while adding that police teams are on manhunt to nab accused Jodhbir alias Jodha.

          A case FIR No. 23 dated 26.04.2025 has been registered under sections 25, 25(1)(A) and 25(1)(B) of the Arms Act and section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC, Amritsar.

Chandigarh, April 27:

In a landmark decision benefiting retired teaching faculty across the State, Punjab Government has approved the revision of pension and family pension for teachers and other teaching faculty retired before January 1, 2016 in government colleges/universities in accordance with the 7th UGC Pay Scales. The revision will be effective from January 1, 2016. A notification has been issued in this regard.

Disclosing the details, Punjab Higher Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains stated that the revised pension will benefit approximately 500 retired teaching professionals, including 400 pensioners and 100 family pensioners which shall amount to ₹38.99 crores, he added.

S. Harjot Singh Bains emphasised that the revised pension will be paid to the pensioners who retired before January 1, 2016. While, the arrears of the revised pension from October 1, 2022, to January 2025 will be disbursed in four equal quarterly instalments, he said, while adding that the payment will be made in accordance with the guidelines issued in the Finance Department’s letter issued on April 7, 2025.

He said that under this scheme, the pension will be calculated as 50% of the notional pay fixed as on January 1, 2016, and the family pension will be 30% of the same notional pay.

          “Recognising their invaluable contribution to society, we are committed to the welfare of our teaching community and are determined to ensure they receive their rightful benefits,” said the Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, while adding that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is dedicated to the welfare of all employees and pensioners.

Chandigarh, April 27

Punjab Freedom Fighters Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat informed that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has written to the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi urging the Government of India to issue commemorative coins in honour of the brave sons of Punjab who made supreme sacrifices during India’s freedom struggle.

The Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat said that the Chief Minister’s letter highlights the immense contribution of Punjab to the country’s independence movement with legendary names such as Shaheed-E-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Sukhdev, Shaheed Rajguru, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, Shaheed Lala Lajpat Rai and Shaheed Udham Singh etched forever in the annals of Indian history.

Mr. Bhagat said that Punjab’s soil is soaked with the blood of martyrs and issuing commemorative coins in their memory will not only honour their sacrifices but also serve as a lasting educational legacy for the younger generations.

The Minister underlined that such coins would be a significant addition to India’s numismatic heritage and could be launched on national occasions like Independence Day or Republic Day, symbolizing the nation’s deep respect and gratitude.

Mr. Bhagat expressed hope that the Government of India will respond positively to this appeal, honouring the memory of Punjab’s freedom fighters with this symbolic gesture of national recognition.

Chandigarh, April 27:

The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, today highlighted the remarkable role being played by Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELCs) across the state in promoting electoral awareness among young voters. With over 3,000 ELCs actively functioning in schools, colleges, and universities, Punjab is witnessing a strong movement towards building an informed and participative electorate.

Set up with the objective of “learning while doing,” ELCs are engaging students in a wide range of innovative activities including debates, mock elections, poster competitions, pledge ceremonies, and voter awareness campaigns. These efforts are helping to inculcate the values of democratic participation and responsible citizenship among the youth.

Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, Sibin C, said, “Through Electoral Literacy Clubs, we are investing in the future of democracy. Empowering students with electoral knowledge at an early stage ensures that they grow into active, aware, and responsible citizens.”

In a bid to document and promote the best initiatives, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer had earlier launched ELC Patrika, an online newsletter featuring outstanding activities and success stories from ELCs across Punjab. ELC Patrika serves as a motivating platform, showcasing creativity, innovation, and dedication in electoral literacy efforts.

Taking a step further, the IT team at the Chief Electoral Officer’s office is developing a dedicated ELC Portal to streamline the functioning and monitoring of all ELCs in the state. The portal will enable easy uploading of photographs, videos, and reports of activities by the clubs, allowing for real-time tracking and evaluation at the head office level. This digital initiative is expected to further strengthen coordination and provide greater visibility to the vibrant activities of ELCs across Punjab.

Chandigarh/Jalandhar, April 27:

In a major action under the Punjab Government’s aggressive ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ (War Against Drugs) campaign, Commissionerate Police Jalandhar demolished illegal constructions made by drug smugglers in village Lakhanpal, a locality long notorious as a major drug hotspot.

Leading the operation, Commissioner of Police Dhanpreet Kaur said that village Lakhanpal, traditionally infamous for rampant drug sale and supply, had been under close surveillance. Acting swiftly, a joint team of the Panchayat Department and Jalandhar Commissionerate Police razed unauthorized structures built on government land by known drug peddlers. The action, focused on cutting the roots of the drug network, marks a significant step in reclaiming the area from the clutches of narcotics.

Police investigations revealed that the primary accused who encroached the Government land, Hardeep Singh alias Deepa— a history-sheeter — had 9 cases registered against him, including 7 under the NDPS Act. His father Sarbjit Singh and brother Sandeep alias Sonu also faced two criminal cases each.

Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur said the demolished encroachment was being misused by drug peddlers to cross over rooftops and escape during police raids. “By removing these illegal structures, we have curtailed their escape routes. We intend to intensify our raids further and clean the village of its bad name once and for all,” she asserted.

Earlier, during the crackdown in this drug hotspot, nine drug peddlers were arrested, while several others fled, leaving their homes locked. In addition to the arrests, the police have identified two properties for freezing under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act to further tighten the noose around drug traffickers.

Highlighting the collective resolve against drugs, the village panchayat of Lakhanpal also passed a formal resolution banning the sale and consumption of drugs within the village, extending full support to the government’s anti-drug campaign.

The CP reiterated the commitment of the Commissionerate Police to eradicate drugs from the roots and appealed to citizens to come forward with information. She urged people to share any drug-related tips on the Punjab Government’s dedicated WhatsApp number 9779-100-200, assuring that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential.

The residents of Lakhanpal welcomed the bulldozer action against the drug mafia, expressing hope for a safer and drug-free future for the village.