Chandigarh, April 1:

Continuing Mission Rozgar, the Punjab government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday set a new benchmark by giving government jobs to more than 55,000 youth in the state in around 36 months of its tenure.  

Addressing the gathering in a function to mark handing of appointment letters to more than 700 teachers, the Chief Minister congratulated all the newly recruited teachers on this historic occasion and expressed hope that they will discharge their duty sincerely. He said that youth have got the job after a lot of hard work and dedication as his government has laid major thrust on ensuring jobs to youth in a transparent manner. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that an era of Education Revolution has been heralded in the state as major infrastructure revamp has been introduced in the schools.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that focus has been laid on imparting quality education to the youth due to which several path breaking initiatives have been taken. He reiterated that the state government fills all the posts as soon as they are vacant in the department. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a foolproof mechanism has been adopted for the entire recruitment process due to which not even a single appointment out of these more than 55,000 jobs have been challenged so far in any court.

The Chief Minister said that it is a proud moment for the government of Punjab that these youth have been given government jobs completely on the basis of merit. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that transparent recruitment has increased the faith of youth in working for the state government due to which they have shunned the idea of moving abroad and are preparing for government jobs here. He said that it is on record that contrary to the earlier trend of moving abroad, the educational institutions in the state are witnessing a huge surge in admissions by the youth.

The Chief Minister bemoaned that the previous governments had deprived the youth of the state from jobs during their long rule. However, he said that those who had denied jobs to the youth were then ousted by the people of the state for their anti-people stance. Bhagwant Singh Mann quipped that it is ironic that now youths are getting jobs but those who have ruined their future are unemployed and sitting out of power.

The Chief Minister said that the previous rulers had plundered the state mercilessly besides bruising the psyche of Punjabis emotionally and patronizing several mafias in the state. He said that the state government is cleaning the mess created by the previous regimes and now the focus is on carving out a Rangla Punjab for which no stone is being left unturned. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a complete overhaul is being witnessed in all the sectors of the state so as to give a major push to development of Punjab.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has been sending the teachers abroad and even to prestigious national institutes to upscale their teaching skills. He said that the well trained staff has helped in enhancing the rate of admissions in the government schools of the state adding that Punjab is witnessing education revolution across the state as the state government has laid major thrust on it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now the teachers and Principals are focusing only on education as for all the rest of work, the required staff has been recruited by the state government.

Exhorting the teachers to play a major role in ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ by making the students aware about the menace of drugs, the Chief Minister said that the teachers are the nation builders and they must inspire the youth to channelize their unbounded energy to fight against drugs. He said that it is imperative to save the generations of the state from scourge of drugs as Punjab has already suffered a huge loss of manpower due to this menace. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has already snapped the supply line of drugs and big fishes involved in this heinous crime have been put behind the bars adding that the property of the drug smugglers are being destroyed/ confiscated.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is organizing Parents Teachers Meeting (PTM) in the government schools across the state. He said that lakhs of parents across the state are enquiring about the studies, atmosphere, curriculum and other things being offered to their kids. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it will also provide an opportunity to teachers for explaining the performance of students in the schools.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against corruption and none of the corrupt officers is being tolerated. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every corrupt officer will be nailed and strict action will be taken against them. He said that the state government is working zealously to bring transparency, effectiveness and responsiveness by providing citizen centric services to people at their doorsteps.

The Chief Minister said that now these youth have become integral part of the government adding that now should serve the people with missionary zeal. Bhagwant Mann hoped that the new recruits will use their pen for helping the needy and underprivileged sections of society. He said that the newly recruited youth should ensure maximum welfare of the public so that every section of society is benefited from it.

Earlier, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries on the occasion.

Chandigarh, April 1:

          The newly recruited teachers in the Education department on Tuesday hailed the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for providing them jobs completely on the basis of merit.

Simranjit Sharma from Sangrur thanked the Chief Minister and said that her husband had got the appointment letter in 2023 and now she has realized the dream of her grandfather by getting this job. She said that entire credit goes to the Chief Minister, who has ensured the recruitment in a complete transparent way.

Gagandeep Singh from Mansa said that he was working privately and had been trying for the job since long. He said that prior to this none of his family members had government jobs for which he will ever remain indebted to the Chief Minister and the state government.

Ram Phal Singh Virdi said that he and his friend had lost hope of government jobs during previous regimes but due to the Chief Minister he has got a job today. However, he said that during the current government he has got a third job which is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for him.   

Sandeep Kaur from Rupnagar said that it was her parents’ dream that she should get a government job. She said that this dream has been fulfilled because of the Chief Minister as earlier her husband has also got a job during this regime.

Harpreet Singh from Mansa said that he got a job in Punjab Police during the current regime only but now he has again got the job as teacher. He said that the entire credit for it goes to the Chief Minister.

Golo Kaur from Sangrur thanked the Chief Minister for giving jobs to the youth by creating new ones and illuminating the lives of the common man. She said that she, along with many others, has got second jobs within ten days which is a remarkable and unprecedented achievement.

Ravneet Kaur from Patiala thanked the Chief Minister for realizing the dream of the millions of Punjabis. She said that she will ever remain indebted to the Chief Minister and his government for giving her this job.

Chandigarh, April 1

Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday announced that the state’s Excise and Taxation Department has reported a record-breaking Excise revenue of Rs 10,743.72 crore for the financial year 2024-25, marking an impressive annual growth rate of 16.36 percent compared to the previous fiscal year. He said that the state’s total revenue collection from VAT, CST, GST, PSDT, and Excise during FY 2024-25 stood at Rs 42289.97 crore, showcasing a growth rate of 12.47 percent crossing the Rs 40,000 crore threshold for the first time in the state’s history.

Disclosing this in In a press communiqué issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema attributed the remarkable growth in Excise collection to the successful excise policies implemented by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government. He said that the state witnessed a notable rise of Rs 598.72 crore in Excise revenue, surpassing the target of Rs 10145 crore for FY 2024-25. In March 2025, Punjab achieved a remarkable 30.67 percent growth rate in Excise revenue, collecting Rs 1477.04 crore, a significant increase from Rs 1130.37 crore in March 2024. He said that this achievement marks the first time the state has crossed the five-digit mark in Excise revenue.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema further revealed that the state has also witnessed a net annual growth rate of 12.99 percent in Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections, with a net annual collection of Rs 23,642.15 crore compared to Rs 20,923.37 crore in the previous fiscal year. “In March 2025, the state recorded a net GST collection of Rs 1,913.82 crore, reflecting an 8.63 percent growth compared to Rs 1,761.70 crore in March 2024”, said the Finance Minister while adding that Punjab has also achieved an annual collection of Rs 7,353.32 crore from Value Added Tax (VAT), up from Rs 6,975.3 crore in the previous fiscal year, registering a growth rate of 5.42 percent.

Finance Minister Cheema attributed these achievements to the transparent excise policies implemented by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government, and the enforcement activities of the Excise and Taxation Department which successfully curbed liquor smuggling from neighboring states. He said that the department has also enhanced GST revenue by promoting tax compliance through initiatives such as the “Bill Liayo Inam Pao” scheme and by leveraging technological solutions, the Tax Intelligence Unit, and strengthened enforcement activities.  He said that the department has adopted a two-pronged strategy, which encompasses providing unwavering support to honest taxpayers while simultaneously cracking down on tax evaders, thereby ensuring a fair and transparent taxation system.

The Finance Minister emphasized that these efforts to boost the state’s tax revenue have enabled the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government to present a historic “Badlda Punjab” budget, aimed at ushering in an era of economic and social development for the state. He said that the state government would continue to opt for new initiatives to further improve the tax revenue without imposing any new tax burden on the people of the state.

CHANDIGARH/FEROZEPUR, April 1: 

          Amidst the ongoing war against drugs waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Ferozepur has busted a cross-border drug smuggling racket with the arrest of a drug smuggler and recovered 3.5 kg heroin from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.

          The arrested accused has been identified as Sukhdev Singh alias Sukhi, a resident of Mohan Ke Uttar in Ferozepur. Apart from recovering heroin, police teams have also impounded his Hero Splendor motorcycle (PB-05-AM-5620), which he was riding. 

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested accused was in direct contact with the Pakistan-based smuggler, who was using drones to drop the drug consignments from across the border. Further investigation is underway to trace the forward and backward linkages in this case, he added. 

          Sharing operation details, AIG Counter Intelligence Ferozepur Gursewak Singh Brar said that following a reliable input about involvement of accused Sukhdev Sukhi in smuggling activities, police teams from CI Ferozepur launched an intelligence-based operation in the area of Village Lakho Ke Behram in Ferozepur and apprehended him along with seven packets of heroin, weighing 500 grams each, kept in a plastic bag.

          He said that the accused was going to deliver the consignment to someone, when police teams apprehended him. Efforts are being made to uncover the entire network of suppliers, dealers, and buyers, as well as to identify the person to whom accused Sukhdev Sukhi was to deliver the drug consignment, he said, while adding that more recoveries and arrests are likely in the coming days.

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 10 dated 31.03.2025 has been registered under section 21-C of the NDPS Act at Police Station State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Fazilka. The accused will be produced before the Hon’ble Court to obtain police remand for further investigation.

Chandigarh, April 1

Punjab State Women Commission Chairperson Raj Lali Gill strongly condemns the horrific crime against 12-year-old girl in Patiala as reported in the media. She expressed deep dissatisfaction by this incident and stands in solidarity with the survivor and her family in this time of distress. 

As per reports, an auto driver has been arrested for sexually assaulting and impregnating a minor. An FIR has been registered under Sections 65(2) and 68 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The Commission urges the law enforcement agencies to ensure a swift and thorough investigation so that the accused is brought to justice without delay. 

Chairperson of the Punjab State Commission for Women, Ms. Raj Lali Gill has taken suo motu cognizance of the case and sought a detailed report from the concerned authorities. “This is a grave violation of a child’s rights and a brutal crime that cannot be tolerated in our society. We demand the strictest possible punishment for the accused. The Commission will closely monitor the proceedings to ensure that justice is served,” said the Chairperson. 

Additionally, the Commission is coordinating with local authorities to provide all necessary medical, psychological and legal support to the survivor. The Commission urges the public to remain vigilant and report any instances of abuse or exploitation to the authorities immediately. 

Furthermore, the Commission recommends that all vehicles used for student transportation be thoroughly checked and properly documented. It is imperative that such vehicles be equipped with emergency kits, GPS tracking systems, speed monitors, fire extinguishers and emergency exits to ensure the safety of children. Additionally, all drivers operating these vehicles must undergo mandatory police verification to ensure the safety and security of students. Regular inspection and monitoring should be conducted to maintain compliance with these safety measures. 

The Punjab State Commission for Women remains committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and children. The Commission calls upon all stakeholders, including the police, judiciary and civil society to work together in creating a safer environment for our children.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, April 1:

          In a major breakthrough 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 averted a possible terror attack in the state with the arrest of an operative linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency and recovered one hand grenade from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.

          The arrested accused has been identified as Jaiveer Tyagi alias Jawed, a native of Village Baroli in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh (UP) and currently residing in Ludhiana.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that CI Amritsar teams has received an input revealing about the Abroad-based individual identified as Sehlam, who is working for Pak-ISI agency, along with his cousin identified as Jaiveer Tyagi has been hatching a conspiracy to target the government infrastructure through terror attacks in various cities to disturb peace and harmony of the state.

          The input further revealed that Jaiveer Tyagi has also retrieved the consignment of hand grenade from the area of Amritsar and is waiting for his other accomplices near Tara Wala Pul in Amritsar to commit a major crime, he said, while adding that acting swiftly on credible inputs, police teams from CI Amritsar launched an intelligence led operation and apprehended accused Jaiveer Tyagi after recovering one hand grenade from his possession.

          The DGP said that further investigations revealed that arrested accused Jaiveer had been residing in Ludhiana for the last 14-15 years and was in contact with Sehlam through encrypted messaging apps. Probe has also revealed that on Sehlam’s instructions, accused Jaiveer had procured the grenade, he said, while adding that further investigations are on to establish forward and backward linkages in this case.

          A case has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act, sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act, and sections 61(2) and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) in Amritsar.

Chandigarh, April 1

Chairperson of the Punjab State Women Commission Ms. Raj Lali Gill welcomed the court’s verdict sentencing Pastor Bajinder to life imprisonment till death in the Zirakpur rape case, calling it a significant step toward justice for women. 

In a press release, the Chairperson said that this judgment sends a strong message that crimes against women will not be tolerated and the law will ensure justice.” The Commission had earlier taken suo motu cognizance of the matter.

Ms. Gill also urged other survivors of similar crimes in Punjab to come forward, assuring them of full support. “The Punjab State Women Commission is committed to providing all necessary legal, emotional and rehabilitative assistance to victims of sexual violence. If you or anyone you know needs help, please reach out to us. Justice and safety for women remain our top priority”, she added.

CHANDIGARH, April 1:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 32nd day, Punjab Police on Tuesday conducted a cordon and search operation (CASO) at all the Railway Stations across the state.

          The operation was carried out in all the 28 Police districts on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav.

          Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who was personally monitoring this state-level operation, said that all the CPs/SSPs were asked to ensure heavy deployment of police force under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (SP) rank officers to make this operation successful.

          He said that around 1925 people were checked during the operation conducted at around 147 railway stations in the state. Six suspicious persons were also rounded up for questioning during the operation, he added.

          Apart from this, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs and conducted raids at 490 locations on Tuesday leading to the arrest of 40 drug smugglers after registration of 28 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 4690 within 32 days.

          The Special DGP said that the raids have resulted in recovery of 320.5 grams heroin, 500 grams opium, 1422 intoxicant tablets/pills and Rs 7978 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          He informed that over 255 Police teams, comprising over 1500 police personnel, under the supervision of 107 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 546 suspicious persons during the day long operation.

          He said that Punjab Police has devised a comprehensive strategy and such operations will be continued till the scourge of drugs eradicated from the state.

          The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced four persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.

Malerkotla, March 31:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said that the state government will oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill moved by the BJP led NDA government tooth and nail.

Interacting with the media persons after participating in festival of Eid, the Chief Minister said that the Muslim brethren are opposing this bill vehemently and the Aam Aadmi party is solidly with the community in this hour. He said that the party will oppose the bill strongly both in the Parliament and Vidhan Sabha to safeguard the interests of the Muslim community. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is committed to ensure the well being of every strata of society and no stone will be left unturned for it.

Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that the state government is committed for making the optimum utilization of the groundwater in Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said after assuming charge the AAP government has revived 15947 water courses in the state due to which water has reached at the tail ends even in remotest villages. He said that this is acting as a catalyst in saving the groundwater on one hand and ensuring canal water to the farmers for their irrigational needs.

Buoyed over the prayers being offered in local Eid Gah for wiping out the menace of drugs from the state, the Chief Minister said that it is heartening to learn that people are supporting the Yudh Nasheyan Virudh in a big way. He said that this is the need of hour as the crusade against drugs can be won only through active support and cooperation of people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that active public participation is much needed for winning the war against drugs and making Punjab a drug free state.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is working zealously to facilitate the people and in one such initiative a complete facelift is being given to all the roads in the state. He said that these Roads act as a catalyst in commuting besides smooth transportation of the goods and services to people. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these roads give impetus to the economic growth of the state and facilitate the people residing in the state.

Meanwhile, addressing a massive gathering here after offering prayers at the local Eid Gah, the Chief Minister, in a major Eid bonanza to the Muslim brethren of the state, announced development works worth Rs 200 crore for the holistic development of the historic town of Malerkotla. Bhagwant Singh Mann congratulated the people on this sacred festival which symbolizes universal brotherhood, peace and amity. He said that this festival marks the culmination of the holy month of Ramzan, which re-affirms the spirit of charity and generosity and highlights the feelings of empathy.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that this sacred occasion will further strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood, which are reflected in noble human values as propagated by our great Gurus, Saints and Seers since time immemorial. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this auspicious festival strengthens mutual goodwill and inspires each one of us to follow the path of love, friendship, harmony and amity. He called upon the people to celebrate this joyous festival collectively by rising above parochial considerations of caste, color and creed with great enthusiasm and religious fervor.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister further said that the state government is duty bound to develop the historic town of Malerkotla and it will be spruced up as ‘Model district’. He said that Punjabis in general and Sikhs in particular can never repay the noble gesture made by the Nawab of Malerkotla by raising voice against the execution of ‘Chotta Sahibzadas’ at Sirhind. Thus, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that no stone will be left unturned to ensure a comprehensive and all-round development of this city for which a roadmap has been already prepared.

The Chief Minister further said that the district will be equipped with the ultra modern infrastructure and basic civic amenities for which the efforts were on foot. He said that the state government is committed to strengthen the ethos of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that the social bonding in the state is so strong that any seed could grow on the fertile land of Punjab but the seed of hatred will never germinate here at any cost.

Announcing major projects for Malerkotla residents, the Chief Minister said that a 100 seat medical college will be soon constructed at Malerkotla which will emerge the district as a hub of medical education. He said that along with the Medical college a super specialty 200 bedded hospital will also come up at Malerkotla to provide quality healthcare services to people. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the existing girls’ college in Malerkotla will be upgraded to improve educational facilities. 

The Chief Minister further said that funds have been released for the construction of a new District Administrative Complex and Tehsil Complex in Malerkotla along with another Tehsil Complex in Amargarh. Likewise, he said that a new bus stand, link roads, sanitation facilities, and playgrounds will be developed in Malerkotla and nearby villages. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Jarg-Rauni and Khanna Road will be strengthened and constructed for better road connectivity to the people.

The Chief Minister said that Mini Bus Service will be started for Rural Areas and permits of Mini buses will be given to unemployed youth thereby creating job opportunities and improving rural transport.  He said that the government will continue its campaign against illegal properties, corruption in the Revenue department and menace of drugs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Rs 200 crore has been allocated for Malerkotla’s progress as the state government is committed to inclusive growth and prosperity of the district.

Chandigarh, March 31:

Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the state government has disbursed Rs. 27.79 crore to 20,229 farmers, who adopted the water-saving Direct Sowing Rice (DSR) technique during the 2024 Kharif season.

He shared that paddy was directly sown on 2.53 lakh acres in 2024, a 47 percent increase compared to the 1.72 lakh acres cultivated in the 2023 Kharif season. Notably, Rs. 4.34 crore was released to over 9,500 farmers in the first phase during the first week of March 2025 and now, all the remaining amount has been transferred into the bank accounts of the beneficiary farmers.

To promote sustainable agriculture and reduce water consumption, the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government has been actively encouraging farmers to adopt Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), he added.

The Agriculture Minister said that the state government provides an incentive of Rs. 1,500 per acre to farmers who directly sow rice seeds into the field, eliminating the need for transplanting seedlings and significantly conserving water. This initiative aims to address the depletion of groundwater and support the state’s agricultural sustainability. The initiative aligns with the state government’s commitment to water conservation and environmental protection.