Category Archives: News

A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart.

Punjab Government’s Decisive War Against Drug Trafficking will Eradicate Drug Menace from state: Harbhajan Singh ETO

Chandigarh, March 1

Punjab Power and Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Saturday said that the decisive war against drug trafficking, initiated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government, will yield positive results and eradicate the drug menace from the state.

In a press communique issued here, Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the state government has given a clear and stern warning to those involved in drug trafficking, that they must either leave the state or put a complete stop to their illicit activities. He said that this warning comes as part of the Punjab government’s intensified efforts to combat the drug menace to ensure a safe and healthy environment for its citizens.

The Minister further added that the Punjab government’s zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking has been aimed at its commitment to protecting the youth and future generations from the devastating effects of drug abuse. He said that with the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government at the helm, Punjabis would soon witness a drug-free Rangla Punjab.

AMAN ARORA CALLS FOR UNITED FRONT TO COMBAT DRUG MENACE IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, March 1:

Punjab Cabinet Minister and the state president of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Mr. Aman Arora, on Saturday, gave a clarion call to all the political parties, social and religious organisations and NGOs to come forward to join hands with the Punjab Government to form a united front and make Punjab a drug-free state.

He was addressing the media here after the high-level meeting of the 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee formed to combat the drug menace.

“It is a collective responsibility of 3 crore citizens of Punjab. We must stand united and fight this menace with all our might,” Mr. Aman Arora said, while adding that the state government and police alone cannot extricate Punjab from the deep swamp created by previous governments.

Mr. Aman Arora expressed confidence that by working together, Punjab can overcome this challenge and create a healthier and vibrant Punjab, as envisioned by AAP Supremo Sh. Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Mr. Aman Arora stated that the Punjab Government has made a comprehensive 360-degree action plan to completely eradicate the drug menace from the state. This plan also  includes prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation measures to help victims return to mainstream life. Where Police authorities are dealing drug traffickers with iron hands, they have been directed to treat drug users with empathy and compassion, viewing them as patients in need of help, he added.

He highlighted the devastating impact of drug abuse on individuals, families, and society as a whole, saying, “This is a battle we must win together. We need the collective strength and commitment of every stakeholder to effectively address this complex issue.”

“I assure you that we will not rest until we completely wipe out this menace from the state. It’s a matter of the existence of Punjab, the land of saints, sages, and warriors. It was deliberately pushed into this swamp by the previous regimes for their personal gains,” Mr. Aman Arora said. He also gave a clear and loud message to drug smugglers, warning them to leave the smuggling or leave Punjab or ready to face the consequences.

While reiterating the commitment of Punjab Government to deal with the drug smugglers with iron hands, he also appealed to parents and family members of drug users to take them to government drug de-addiction centres or OOAT clinics for treatment. He informed that the state government has made adequate arrangements for proper care of drug victims. He assured them that if they face any difficulties, they can contact local authorities for immediate resolution, and the state government is standing by them to help them out from this situation.

GANGSTER INJURED IN RETALIATORY FIRE WHILE TRYING TO FLEE POLICE CUSTODY IN DERA BASSI; PISTOL RECOVERED

CHANDIGARH/SAS NAGAR, March 1:

          In a major action by the SAS Nagar Police and Punjab Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) amidst the ongoing fight against organised crime launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Gangster Malkiat alias Maxi sustained bullet injury on his left leg while unsuccessfully attempting to escape from the police custody near Ghagar bridge on Zirakpur-Ambala Highway in Dera Bassi, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          Gangster Maxi, a native of village Rodala in Rajasansi Amritsar, is an operative of foreign-based terrorist Goldy Brar and Gangster Goldy Dhillon and was operating an extortion racket on their behalf. Recently, Maxi and his accomplice identified as Sandeep alias Deep were arrested by the Patiala Police in Arms Act case, subsequently, both were brought on production warrant from Patiala Jail by SAS Nagar Police on Friday, in an extortion case wherein accused persons had targeted Mohali-based property dealer and demanded Rs 50 lakh extortion money in January 2025.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that following the disclosures of Maxi, a Police team led by DSP Dera Bassi Bikramjit Singh Brar was taking him for recovery of weapon, a .32 Calibre Pistol, that he confessed to have concealed at an isolated place at Zirakpur-Ambala Highway, intending to harm the victim property dealer.

          “Upon reaching the location, the accused opened fire at the police team in an attempt to flee from the custody, in self-defence and retaliatory fire by the police team, Maxi sustained a bullet injury in his left leg fire and has been shifted to Civil Hospital, Mohali for medical treatment,” he said.

          The DGP said that the weapon along with three cartridges and two used/empty casings has been recovered from his possession.

          Sharing more details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) SAS Nagar Deepak Pareek said that the arrested accused has a criminal history with cases pertaining to extortion and arms act registered against him. Further investigations are on, he added.

          A fresh case FIR no. 46 dated 01/03/2025 has been registered under sections 109, 132, 221 and 262 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Dera Bassi in SAS Nagar. 

PUNJAB POLICE BUSTS ILLEGAL WEAPON SMUGGLING MODULE; MEMBER OF JAGGU BHAGWANPURIA GANG HELD WITH SIX PISTOLS

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, March 1:

          Amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busted an illegal weapon smuggling module with the arrest of on associate of Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Gang and recovered six .32 bore pistols along with 10 cartridges from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          The arrested accused has been identified as Gurbaaz Singh, a resident of village Warring Suba Singh in Tarn Taran. The latter has been facing at least eight criminal cases pertaining to attempt to murder, snatching, NDPS act, and violations of the Arms Act.

          Sharing operation details, DGP Gaurav Yadav said that a team of CI Amritsar received a reliable input that accused Gurbaaz Singh and his accomplice are active members of Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Gang and they are in possession of illegal weapons, which will be used by them for committing criminal acts in the border state.

          Information further revealed that Gurbaaz Singh is expected to deliver weapons to someone near Church in the area of Indian Institute of Management Amritsar at Amritsar-Tarn Taran Bypass Highway, he said, while adding that acting swiftly police teams conducted raid in the aforesaid area and successfully arrested the accused after recovering arms and ammunition from his possession.

          The DGP said that preliminary investigations have revealed the recovered firearms were smuggled from Madhya Pradesh for use in carrying out criminal activities in Punjab.

          He said that Police teams have also identified the key member of this module, who is in direct contact with gangtser Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, and raids are being conducted to nab him. Further investigations are in progress to trace the supply-chain and other persons involved in the illegal arms trade, he added.

          A case FIR No. 10 dated 28-02-25 has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act and 61(2) and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar.

HOLLA MOHALLA 2025: FOOLPROOF ARRANGEMENTS IN PLACE TO WELCOME SEA OF DEVOTEES, SAYS HARJOT BAINS

Chandigarh/ Sri Anandpur Sahib, March 1:

Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains today said that the globally-acclaimed festival of Hola Mohalla, a symbol of Sikh glory and Punjab’s illustrious history, is being celebrated at Sri Anandpur Sahib, the birthplace of the Khalsa. For this festival, which will be observed in Kiratpur Sahib from March 10 to 12 and in Sri Anandpur Sahib from March 13 to 15, the Rupnagar district administration has made a comprehensive arrangements for the convenience of devotees arriving from across the globe.

After reviewing the ongoing arrangements for Hola Mohalla here, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the district administration led by Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain and SSP Gulneet Singh Khurana is giving final touches to the Hola Mohalla arrangements. All departments have been instructed to complete foolproof arrangements in time for the convenience of pilgrims.

S. Bains informed that this year the festival area has been declared a “No Dark Zone” with all areas being illuminated. All welcome gates in the holy city are being decorated and the city has been brightened with LED lights.

He further elaborated that 22 parking areas have been prepared, from where free shuttle bus services and e-rickshaws will transport devotees to the holy shrines. The parking areas will have proper lighting, drinking water and toilet facilities. He said that Kiratpur Sahib has been divided into two sectors and Sri Anandpur Sahib into 11 sectors. In addition to the main control room, each sector will have sub-control rooms with officials on duty. For health services, dispensaries will be set up in all sectors, along with veterinary dispensaries for the horses of Nihang Singhs, hundreds of clean drinking water battery taps and temporary toilets.

An appeal has also been made to pilgrims to keep this year’s Hola Mohalla pollution-free, green and plastic-free. Besides this, shopkeepers and commercial establishments have been specifically requested not to create traffic obstacles through temporary illegal encroachments on roads. Dedicated teams have been formed to check the quality of food and beverages. Entry of beggars into the festival area has been prohibited and the sale of drugs and alcohol in the festival area has been banned, he added.

He informed, during this year’s Hola Mohalla, Virasat-e-Khalsa complex will remain open continuously throughout the day without any breaks, adding that adventure sports (hot air balloon) and boating facilities will be available at Virasat-e-Khalsa. A craft fair will be organized at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College to showcase Punjab’s progress and prosperity. He said that a special cleanliness drive has begun in the festival area, with special efforts for plastic and disposable waste collection and waste management. Similarly, baby feeding centers have been established for nursing mothers. Ambulance and fire brigade services have also been arranged.

Harjot Singh Bains categorically said that special security arrangements are also being made for the convenience of pilgrims. 4,500 police officers and personnel will be deployed during Hola Mohalla. CCTV cameras and high observation posts will monitor the entire festival area. He said that stern warnings have been issued in advance to anti-social elements, drug dealers, troublemakers and Miscreants.

He said that smooth traffic management plans have been implemented and route diversions have been arranged for vehicles coming from surrounding areas.

The Cabinet Minister said that Hola Mohalla is a prominent festival among those celebrated in our country.

“The security and comfort of pilgrims is our responsibility so helplines have been established for complaints, convenience and security”, said the Cabinet Minister, adding that Lost and found and help desks are being set up. Six LED screens in the festival area will provide pilgrims with all necessary information. Strong network connectivity will be ensured by installing mobile towers. He urged the pilgrims to visit Sri Anandpur Sahib during Hola Mohalla wholeheartedly and pay obeisance.

Four candidates to contest for Mayoral post in Panipat Municipal Corporation Polls: State Election Commissioner

Chandigarh, March 1

Haryana State Election Commissioner, Sh. Dhanpat Singh, informed that after the last date for withdrawal of nominations, 4 candidates will contest for the Mayor’s post and 103 candidates will contest for the 26 ward member posts in the Panipat Municipal Corporation. All candidates have been allotted their election symbols.

            Sh. Dhanpat Singh further shared  that a total of 365 polling booths have been set up across the 26 wards of Panipat Municipal Corporation. According to the ward-wise voter list, there are a total of 4,08,534 voters, out of which 2,17,559 are male voters, 1,90,962 are female voters, and 13 are other voters. He shared  that voting will take place on March 9, 2025 from 8 AM to 6 PM. After the completion of the entire election process, the vote counting will take place on March 12, 2025 starting at 8 AM, and the results will be announced on the same day.

ULB Polls: March 2 will be a paid holiday for employees working in factories, private business establishments, shops: SEC

Chandigarh, March 1

Haryana State Election Commissioner, Sh. Dhanpat Singh informed that on March 2 all government offices, boards, corporations, and educational institutions will remain closed due to the local urban body elections.

            He said that a notification in this regard has been issued by the Chief Secretary stating that under Section 135B of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, employees working in any trade, business, industrial establishments, or any private institutions, who are voters in these urban local bodies (Municipalities/Corporations), will be granted a paid holiday on March 2. Employers will not deduct any leave nor will there be any salary cuts for this holiday.

            Sh. Dhanpat Singh further shared that under Section 52 of The Factories Act, 1948, all factories in the concerned urban bodies on March 2 will be closed. Employees working in these factories, who are voters in the urban local body elections, will be granted a paid holiday. Similarly, under Section 28 of The Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958, all shops and commercial establishments will be  also be closed a paid holiday will be granted to employees who are voters in these urban local bodies.

            The State Election Commissioner further shared that the Labor Commissioner, Haryana, has been directed to ensure strict compliance with these orders. If any complaints are received against any private business, shopkeeper, or factory owner regarding this matter, strict legal action will be taken under the relevant laws.

Eco-Friendly Farewell: Haryana Leadsthe Green Crematorium Revolution Sirsa Leads the Way in SavingThousands of Trees

Chandigarh, March 1, 2025

The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) hastaken a major step toward environmental conservation by supporting thestate-wide expansion of Green Crematoriums. The initiative, presented byretired IAS officer, Sh. Sunil K. Gulati, aims to replace traditional wood-basedcremation with eco-friendly alternatives using cow dung sticks (Gaukashth).

            The concept of Green Crematoriums has already been successfully implemented invarious villages of Sirsa district with the efforts of environmentalist Dr. RamJi Jaimal from Village Darbi, Sirsa. Studies conducted by the Forest ResearchInstitute (FRI), Dehradun, have confirmed the efficiency of this method,stating that it requires only 60 kg of cow dung sticks compared to 500-600 kgof wood used in conventional cremation. Additionally, this approach is cost-effective,smoke-free, and viable even in adverse weather conditions.

            Sh. Sunil K. Gulati  emphasized the need for financial and managerial support from theHaryana Government, as the existing Green Crematoriums are currently maintainedby villagers. To address this concern, HHRC has recommended that the stategovernment allocate funds from the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Managementand Planning Authority (CAMPA). The Commission noted that significantunutilized funds exist within CAMPA and should be directed toward theimplementation of Green Crematoriums across Haryana. During the proceedings, HHRC, chaired by Justice Lalit Batra along with membersKuldeep Jain and Deep Bhatia, acknowledged the significant environmentalbenefits of Green Crematoriums. 

*Utilization of State Funds*

            State Funds: These refer to the monies deposited by user agencies (suchas forest departments and state governments) into the State CompensatoryAfforestation Fund.

            Forest Produce Saving Devices: The rule allows the use of state funds topromote devices that reduce dependence on forest resources, such asfuel-efficient stoves and solar-powered systems.

            Forest Fringe Villages: The funds can be used specifically for villageslocated on the periphery of forests, where residents are highly dependent onforest resources.

*Objectives*

            Reducing Dependence on Forest Resources: The primary aim is to lower thereliance of local communities on forest wood, promoting conservation.

            Improving Livelihoods: Providing alternative energy sources enhances theeconomic conditions of forest-dependent communities.

            Environmental Conservation: The initiative helps preserve forest coverand encourages sustainable resource use.

*Implementation*

            National Authority: The authority established under the CompensatoryAfforestation Fund Act, 2016, oversees the execution of the rule.

            State Governments: In consultation with the National Authority, stategovernments identify suitable villages and implement forest-saving devices.

            Monitoring and Evaluation: The implementation is regularly assessed tomeasure its effectiveness in reducing forest resource dependency and enhancinglivelihoods. During the hearing, the fullcommission—comprising Chairman Justice Lalit Batra and members Shri KuldeepJain and Shri Deep Bhatia—recorded in its order the legal aspects of utilizingCAMPA funds for this initiative. As per Rule 5(2)(l) of the CompensatoryAfforestation Fund (CAF) Rules, 2018, state funds can be used for forestconservation and for promoting devices that reduce dependence on forestresources. The proposal to use these funds for Green Crematoriums was supportedby Haryana’s Additional Chief Secretary for Environment, Forest, and Wildlife,Anand Mohan Sharan, IAS, who raised no objections to its implementation.

            The initiative aims to benefit not only human cremation but also extend itsreach to animal cremation, providing an eco-friendly alternative for pets andbovines. Additionally, no new land acquisition is required, as GreenCrematoriums can be established on existing cremation grounds. The Developmentand Panchayat Department has already prepared a project estimate, which hasbeen submitted to the authorities for further review. The HHRC has instructedvarious government bodies, including the Urban Local Bodies, Pollution ControlBoard, and Gau Sewa Aayog, to work in coordination to implement the projecteffectively. The government is also expected to launch an awareness campaign toeducate communities on the benefits of Green Crematoriums and encourage theiradoption.Protocol,Information & Public Relations Officer of the Haryana Human RightsCommission, stated that given the seriousness of this matter the next hearingon this matter is scheduled for May 21, 2025, where progress reports will besubmitted by concerned departments. If implemented successfully, Haryana’sGreen Crematorium initiative could serve as a model for other Indian states,leading to nationwide adoption of sustainable cremation practices.

All Political Parties should nominate their BLAs: Pankaj Agarwal

Chandigarh, March 1

Haryana Chief Electoral Officer, Sh. Pankaj Agarwal, has urged all national and state-recognized political parties in the state to nominate their Booth Level Agents (BLA) and ensure that the list is submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer’s office for record-keeping.

            Sh. Pankaj Agarwal said this while presiding over a meeting with representatives of political parties on Saturday . He said that the Election Commission of India has recently directed all Chief Electoral Officers of states and union territories to ensure the appointment of booth-level agents by political parties for each polling station and to maintain a proper record of these appointments.

            He said that Haryana has six national-level and two state-recognized political parties. All these parties must appoint Booth Level Agents 1 and 2. The BLA is an authorized person who collects election-related materials from the Election Commission on behalf of their respective party.

            Sh. Pankaj Agarwal further said that BLAs provide essential voter-related information to Booth Level Officers (BLOs), which plays a key role in preparing an error-free voter list. He recalled that in 2008, the Election Commission recommended the appointment of Booth Level Agents, but most political parties have not taken this responsibility seriously. He further directed that all political parties must submit details of their BLAs to the Chief Electoral Officer’s office by March 3, 2025. Additionally, political parties should authorize one or two individuals in each district to oversee and continue the process of BLA nomination.

            Sh. Pankaj Agarwal also informed that a two-day workshop for Chief Electoral Officers from all states will be held on March 4 and 5 at the International Institute of Democracy and Election Management in Delhi. The Election Commission has also scheduled a session on BLA appointments, making it imperative to complete this process on time. He assured that in the future, quarterly meetings with political parties will be held, with the next meeting scheduled in 15 days.

          Sh. Pankaj Agarwal stressed  on the importance of using this time effectively to complete all election-related formalities and maintain updated records, including the BLA list.

            Haryana Joint Chief Electoral Officers, Sh. Apurv and Sh. Raj Kumar, along with representatives from various political parties, including Virendra Garg (BJP), Parvinder Singh (INC), HS Sathi (CPI-M), and Dr. Satyavrat Dhankhar (INLD).

Necessary action is being taken continuously on illegal mining and mineral transportation

Chandigarh, March 1

While adhering to the directions issued by the Director General, Mining and Geology Department, Sh. K. Makrand Pandurang necessary and strict action is being taken continuously regarding illegal mining and mineral transportation in the state. Continuing the same, a joint team formed by the Narnaul district administration caught a tractor-trolley carrying gravel without e-Rawana near village Datal in Nangal Choudhary area on Saturday morning. A fine of about Rs 2.15 lakh has been imposed.

            Sharing more information in this regard a spokesperson of the Mining Department said that a joint team of Mining Department, Police Department, Forest Department and Pollution Control Board was on patrol in Nangal Chaudhary area on Saturday. During this time, a tractor-trolley was going towards Rajasthan on Nangal Chaudhary to Behror Road. The team caught it on the spot and checked the documents. During this, it was found that it was transporting gravel without e-Rawana. Taking action on this, the team has started the process of imposing a fine of Rs 2.15 lakh.

            The spokesperson further shared that this team is continuously patrolling day and night in various areas of the district. The team is continuously taking effective action on cases of illegal mining or illegal transportation of minerals.