Bringing laurel to the state of Punjab, as many as 26 cadets from the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI) in SAS Nagar (Mohali) have achieved a remarkable feat by clearing the National Defence Academy (NDA) (I) Written Examination for the NDA-155 Course. The UPSC declared the results yesterday evening. The course is set to begin in December 2025.
Out of the 34 cadets who appeared for the NDA (I) Written Examination, a remarkable 26 from MRSAFPI successfully cleared the exam. Eight of these successful cadets are already on the merit list for NDA-154 and are waiting for their call-up letters. The 26 cadets who have passed the written exam included Abhay Pratap Singh Dhillon, Vishvaroop Singh Grewal, Agammjit Singh Virk, Paramdeep Singh, Apaardeep Singh Sawhney, Khushpreet Singh, Manav Goyal, Smarth, Bhaskar Jain, Lovish, Hridyesh Arora, Arnav Sharma, Harkanwal Singh, Udhaybir Singh Nanda, Mannoorpreet Singh, Gurnoor Singh, Gurkirat Singh, Anhad Singh Khatumria, Prjveer Singh, Divanshu Sandhu, Nirbikh Singh Bharara, Ritish Arora, Ishmeet Singh, Rehaan Yadav, Husanpreet Singh, Himanshu Rishi.
Congratulating the cadets, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora said, “These cadets are the pride of Punjab. I wish them all the best for their forthcoming SSB Interview and training ahead.”
Expressing contentment over the results, MRSAFPI Director Major General Ajay H Chauhan, VSM said that the cadets would shortly be appearing for their SSB Interviews. He mentioned that 11 cadets of the Institute would be graduating from NDA in May end, while eight undertraining cadets would be commissioned at the end of May/early June 2025. Since inception, 170 alumni of AFPI have been commissioned as officers in the Defence Services.
Chandigarh, April 29 – Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission Dr Arvind Panagariya and other members on Tuesday visited Rakhigarhi, a heritage site associated with the world’s oldest Harappan civilization. During this, they learned about the 6000-year-old civilization. They visited the mounds and also saw the remains found during excavation. Along with this, they also observed the exhibition based on the remains found during the excavation. Director of Archeology and Museum Department Sh. Amit Khatri and Deputy Director of the Department Dr Banani Bhattacharya told the Commission in detail about the remains found during the excavation.
While giving information to the Commission, it was told that the remains found during the excavation are telling the lifestyle of the people of that time. At that time, there were big houses made of raw and baked bricks and people used earthen utensils. There were clay toys for children. Women used to adorn themselves with clay jewelry. The clay tools and makeup found during the excavation and the paintings on the walls are a witness to the fact that during the Harappan civilization, people were very skilled and in a way they practised skill development.
It was also informed that there used to be a very developed city here, in which roads and middle paths were built in a systematic manner. During the excavation of mound number one, it was found that at that time, beads were made from stones, which were produced prominently. During the excavation of mound number two, it was found that the security system of the houses in the city was also tight. There were guard rooms in the house as well. There was a separate market and a separate residential area in the city. There was a systematic arrangement for drainage of water as well. The excavation revealed that ivory items were also in use at that time. Information was also given about mound number 6 where plaster of clay was used on the walls.
Deputy Commissioner Sh. Anish Yadav and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
Bhagwant Mann’s Statement on Water Distribution Shocking says Haryana Chief Minister
Mann Trying to Divert Public Attention by Twisting Facts for Political Gains in Punjab – Nayab Singh Saini
Chandigarh, April 29 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has termed the statement made by Punjab Chief Minister, Sh. Bhagwant Mann regarding water distribution as shocking. He said that on April 26, he personally spoke to the Punjab Chief Minister over the phone and informed him that the Technical Committee of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) had decided to release water to Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan on April 23. However, officers from Punjab were showing reluctance in implementing this decision. On that day, Sh. Bhagwant Mann gave a clear assurance that he would immediately instruct his officers to ensure its implementation by the next morning, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
The Chief Minister further stated that when, by 2 PM the next day (April 27), Punjab government officers had done nothing and even stopped responding to calls from the Haryana Government officers, he wrote a letter to Sh. Bhagwant Mann to apprise him about the facts.
The Chief Minister said he is astonished that instead of responding to his letter even after 48 hours, the Punjab Chief Minister released a video in an attempt to mislead the public by disregarding the facts and polishing his political image in Punjab.
Punjab Chief Minister’s claim that Punjab or the BBMB had not maintained records of water distribution in the past is totally baseless- CM
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini strongly refuted Punjab Chief Minister’s claim that Punjab or the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) had not maintained records of water distribution in the past. He called the statement completely baseless and false.
The Chief Minister emphasized that every single drop of water is meticulously accounted for — not just by BBMB, but also by the governments of Rajasthan, Punjab, Delhi, and Haryana at all times.
He further pointed out the contradiction in Punjab Chief Minister Bhawgant Mann’s statement in which he is accusing previous Punjab governments of failing to maintain data. It seems that Bhawgant Mann conveniently ignored the fact that during the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, Haryana consistently received no less than 9000 cusecs of water at the Contact Point (HCP) during the months of April, May, and June.
Sr. No.
Year
Bhkhra Dam Level in feet (April 29)
Water received at HCP (Haryana) in cusec
1
2020-21
1525.60
8263
2
2021-22
1564.1
9726
3
2022-23
1570.54
9850
4
2023-24
1567.33
10067
5
2024-25
1555.82
—–
The Chief Minister further clarified that the water released by BBMB at the HCP includes 500 cusecs for Delhi’s drinking water, 800 cusecs for Rajasthan, and 400 cusecs for Punjab itself. Thus, the actual quantity of water received by Haryana remains only 6800 cusecs, he said.
Punjab Chief Minister seems to have forgotten that Paddy Cultivation Banned in Punjab and Haryana During April-May -CM
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the Punjab Chief Minister seems to have forgotten that in the months of April and May, paddy cultivation is not carried out in either Punjab or Haryana, as it is legally prohibited. During these two months, the water released by BBMB is solely for drinking purposes.
He further pointed out that while Sh. Bhagwant Mann mentioned low water levels in Pong and Ranjit Sagar dams, he did not address the status of Bhakra Dam — from which Haryana receives its water, not from Pong or Ranjit Sagar. The demand from states fluctuates every 15 days and is decided by a technical committee. Over the past week, Haryana has received only 4000 cusecs of water, which is roughly 60% of its total demand, said the Chief Minister.
He added that the Punjab Chief Minister is fully aware that the water released from the dam in May is meant for drinking use by Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan. Of the water that reaches the HCP point during May, 800 cusecs is allocated to Rajasthan, 400 cusecs to Punjab, and 500 cusecs to Delhi. When the Aam Aadmi Party was in power in Delhi, it raised no objections over Delhi’s water share. However, now that AAP has lost the Delhi elections, the Punjab Chief Minister is making such statements to punish the people of Delhi, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
Haryana has not yet received its full share-CM
The Chief Minister also dismissed Punjab’s claim that Haryana had exhausted its water share in March as completely baseless. In reality, Haryana has not yet received its full share. If BBMB were to provide the remaining water as per Haryana’s demand, it would amount to just 0.0001 percent of the water stored in Bhakra Dam — a figure so small it would have no impact on reserves.
The Chief Minister emphasized that it is essential to empty water reservoirs before June in order to store rainwater during the monsoon season. If the reservoir is not cleared in time, excess water will flow to Pakistan via Harike-Pattan, which is neither in the interest of Punjab nor the nation.
Rise above a narrow-minded approach and cooperate in the national interest by ensuring Haryana receives its fair share of water-CM
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini appealed to the Punjab government to rise above a narrow-minded approach and cooperate in the national interest by ensuring Haryana receives its fair share of water. This step would not only enhance inter-state harmony but also ensure proper utilization of water resources, he said.
No.IPRDH/2025
Haryana Government is working to promote and disseminate the Teachings of Sikh Gurus- Chief Minister
Chandigarh, April 29 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini affirmed that the state government is dedicated to spreading the teachings of the Sikh Gurus and preserving the rich legacy of the Sikh community. He said that inspired by the vision of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, who has worked tirelessly for the upliftment of the Sikh community, the Haryana Government is also undertaking significant steps for their welfare and cultural preservation.
He said that the state government is actively engaged in promoting and disseminating the teachings of Sikh Gurus, while also preserving the history of the Sikh community, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini while addressing the eminent citizens of the Sikh community at his residence, Sant Kabir Kutir, on Tuesday.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, the country is rapidly progressing on the path of development. Similarly, the wheels of development are moving swiftly in Haryana as well. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to further accelerate this progress.
The Chief Minister said that both the Central and Haryana governments are true allies of farmers. As proof of this, all crops in Haryana are being procured at Minimum Support Price (MSP), and over the past ten and a half years, the government has provided compensation of Rs. 14,500 crore to farmers for crop losses. In contrast, under the Congress government before 2014, farmers received only Rs. 1,155 crore for crop damages, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
The Chief Minister said that the medical college being constructed in Yamunanagar will be named after Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Similarly, a museum in Lohgarh will soon be developed in honor of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Ji, and a Martial Arts School will also be built there. Additionally, the road from Nada Sahib to Paonta Sahib has been named after Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, he said.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has identified the land in Kurukshetra for the construction of a Sikh Museum. This museum will preserve the heritage related to Sikh history, providing youth with valuable insights into their rich past. He assured the members of the Sikh community that their demands would be forwarded to the concerned departments for appropriate action.
Karnal MLA, Sh. Jagmohan Anand, S. Tarlochan Singh, and several other dignitaries also remained present on this occasion.
Terming the statement made by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding water distribution as shocking, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday said that on April 26, he personally spoke to the Punjab Chief Minister over the phone and informed him that the Technical Committee of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) had decided to release water to Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan on April 23. However, officers from Punjab were showing reluctance in implementing this decision. On that day, Mann gave a clear assurance that he would immediately instruct his officers to ensure its implementation by the next morning, said Saini.
The Chief Minister further stated that when, by 2 PM the next day (April 27), Punjab Government officers had done nothing and even stopped responding to calls from the Haryana Government officers, he wrote a letter to Mann to apprise him about the facts.
The Chief Minister said he is astonished that instead of responding to his letter even after 48 hours, the Punjab Chief Minister released a video in an attempt to mislead the public by disregarding the facts and polishing his political image in Punjab.
In his statement, Saini strongly refuted Punjab Chief Minister’s claim that Punjab or the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) had not maintained records of water distribution in the past. He called the statement completely baseless and false.
The Chief Minister emphasized that every single drop of water is meticulously accounted for — not just by BBMB, but also by the governments of Rajasthan, Punjab, Delhi, and Haryana at all times.
He further pointed out the contradiction in Punjab Chief Minister Bhawgant Mann’s statement in which he is accusing previous Punjab governments of failing to maintain data. It seems that Bhawgant Mann conveniently ignored the fact that during the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, Haryana consistently received no less than 9000 cusecs of water at the Contact Point (HCP) during the months of April, May, and June.
The Chief Minister further clarified that the water released by BBMB at the HCP includes 500 cusecs for Delhi’s drinking water, 800 cusecs for Rajasthan, and 400 cusecs for Punjab itself. Thus, the actual quantity of water received by Haryana remains only 6800 cusecs, he said.
Saini said that the Punjab Chief Minister seems to have forgotten that in the months of April and May, paddy cultivation is not carried out in either Punjab or Haryana, as it is legally prohibited. During these two months, the water released by BBMB is solely for drinking purposes.
He further pointed out that while Mann mentioned low water levels in Pong and Ranjit Sagar dams, he did not address the status of Bhakra Dam — from which Haryana receives its water, not from Pong or Ranjit Sagar. The demand from states fluctuates every 15 days and is decided by a technical committee. Over the past week, Haryana has received only 4000 cusecs of water, which is roughly 60% of its total demand, said the Chief Minister.
He added that the Punjab Chief Minister is fully aware that the water released from the dam in May is meant for drinking use by Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan. Of the water that reaches the HCP point during May, 800 cusecs is allocated to Rajasthan, 400 cusecs to Punjab, and 500 cusecs to Delhi. When the Aam Aadmi Party was in power in Delhi, it raised no objections over Delhi’s water share. However, now that AAP has lost the Delhi elections, the Punjab Chief Minister is making such statements to punish the people of Delhi, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
Haryana has not yet received its full share
The Chief Minister also dismissed Punjab’s claim that Haryana had exhausted its water share in March as completely baseless. In reality, Haryana has not yet received its full share. If BBMB were to provide the remaining water as per Haryana’s demand, it would amount to just 0.0001 percent of the water stored in Bhakra Dam — a figure so small it would have no impact on reserves.
The Chief Minister emphasized that it is essential to empty water reservoirs before June in order to store rainwater during the monsoon season. If the reservoir is not cleared in time, excess water will flow to Pakistan via Harike-Pattan, which is neither in the interest of Punjab nor the nation.
Saini appealed to the Punjab government to rise above a narrow-minded approach and cooperate in the national interest by ensuring Haryana receives its fair share of water. This step would not only enhance inter-state harmony but also ensure proper utilization of water resources, he said.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.