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 ACTING AS FACILITATORS OF INDUSTRY: CM TO CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY

Ludhiana, March 17

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said that the era of harassment of the industry is over and the state government is now acting as a facilitator to the industrial sector.

Interacting with the Business tycoons here during Sanatkaar Milni, the Chief Minister, accompanied by National Convener of AAP Arvind Kejriwal, said that unlike past no one is harassing the industrialists rather the state government is making every effort to promote and encourage the industry. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has already set the wheels in motion to facilitate the industry. He said that due to untiring efforts of the state government Punjab has today emerged as a frontrunner state in industrial development.   

The Chief Minister said that the credit of bringing key issues of health, education and jobs goes to Arvind Kejriwal, who has forced the traditional parties to change their agenda. He said that the AAP is working on mission mode whereas the previous regimes used to work on commission, which was totally unwarranted and undesirable. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in a democracy the masses are the supreme and that is why the state government gives huge importance to the voice of the people.

The Chief Minister said that such interactions never took place during the previous regimes and those leaders only used to have one way communication with the people. However, he said that now the common man is interacting with the Chief Minister and the Ministers to frame the policies for the progress and prosperity of the state. Bhagwwant Singh Mann said that this is unprecedented because people have now got the power to make decisions in the state. 

The Chief Minister recalled his long association with Ludhiana which dates back to early 1990s when he was struggling as an artist. He said that this city is the economic capital of the state which gives food to millions of people who work here daily. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated the firm commitment of the state government to give impetus to the development of the city, which he described as his ‘karam bhoomi’.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed for welfare of every section of the society be it industry, agriculture or others. He said that the value addition of the agriculture produce is the need of the hour and the future of the state lies in it. Bhagwant Singh Mann advocated close tie up with industry and agriculture to further put the state on the high growth trajectory.

Taking Union Minister for state of Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu to cudgels, the Chief Minister said that though he hails from Ludhiana but then also he is not able to fulfill demand of industry of Ludhiana. He said that industrialists want the intervention of the state government for getting their works in Railways as they don’t have faith in him. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this reflects the faith and trust the people have in the AAP government in the state.

The Chief Minister said that those who were living in palatial houses during their heydays of power have been ousted from the political scene of the state. He said that the state has witnessed the dawn of a new era as these people who were considered invincible have been shown the door by the people. Bhagwant Singh Mann quipped that these people living in big palaces had never bothered about the well being of the common man and had confined them in high walls of their residences.

The Chief Minister said that the traditional parties are envious of him because he hails from a common family and is working tirelessly to ensure welfare of people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders had always believed that they have divine right to rule the state due to which they are not able to digest that a common man is running the state efficiently. He said that these leaders have befooled the people for a long time but now people are not getting swayed by their misleading propaganda.

The Chief Minister further said that instead of day dreaming to get support of MLAs of ruling AAP the Congress should focus on keeping its flock together. He slammed Congress leaders for making castles in air that few MLAs of the ruling party are in their contact and will switch soon adding that these power mad politicians neither have contact with their own cadres nor with masses due to which they were ousted by the people of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders unabatedly issue such irrational statements adding that the rhetoric that AAP MLAs are in touch with them is a gimmick to hog media limelight.

PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO Directs Department to Ensure Transparency and Quality in Development Projects

Chandigarh, March 12

Punjab Public Works and Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO directed the officials on Wednesday to ensure transparency, efficiency, and quality in development projects during a comprehensive review meeting of the Public Works Department (PWD) held here. The agenda of the meeting revolved around assessing the progress of ongoing projects, addressing operational challenges, and streamlining procedures to accelerate work completion without compromising on quality.

Highlighting the importance of transparency in project execution, PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that every infrastructure project represents the aspirations of the people of Punjab. “It is our duty to ensure that these projects are completed with utmost honesty, diligence, and quality, reflecting the trust the public has placed in us”, he added.

The Minister issued directives to the officials to implement robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure that all projects meet the required benchmarks of quality and timeliness. He also stressed the need to adopt innovative solutions and technological advancements to enhance operational efficiency within the department.

Meanwhile, Engineer-in-Chief Gagandeep Singh assured the Minister of the department’s commitment to the timely and transparent execution of all ongoing projects. Chief Engineer R.S. Bains and Chief Architect Tarun Garg echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the collaborative efforts being made to achieve sustainable and durable infrastructure for the state. Superintendent Engineers Manjeet Singh and Pawan Kumar presented detailed reports on their respective projects, showcasing the strides made so far while outlining the challenges encountered. During the meeting, the PWD officials share updates on the status of critical projects, ranging from road repairs and construction to public building works.

PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO concluded the meeting by reaffirming the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government’s steadfast dedication to strengthening public infrastructure and fostering development that benefits all citizens. He called upon the department officials to work with a shared vision of progress and to maintain unwavering transparency in their processes.

MOGA MURDER CASE: PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS GANGSTER MALKIT MANU AFTER BRIEF ENCOUNTER IN MOGA

CHANDIGARH/MOGA, March 12:

          In a major breakthrough against organised crime amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab in a joint operation with Moga arrested an operative of foreign-based Gangster Gaurav alias Lucky Patyal and Davinderpal Singh alias Gopi Lahoria of Davinder Bambiha Gang after a brief exchange of fire  in Moga city, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          The arrested accused has been identified as Malkit Singh alias Manu, a resident of Dosanjh Talwandi in Moga. Police teams have also recovered one .32 caliber pistol along with four cartridges from his possession.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that arrested accused Manu, who was an active associate of Davinder Bambiha Gang, has a criminal background with at least seven cases related to murder, attempt to murder, the NDPS Act, and the Arms Act, etc registered against him.

          He said that acting on the instructions of jailed gangster Dharminder Baji, accused Malkit Manu along with his accomplice Manpreet Singh alias Mani executed an attack on his rival in village Kapura in Moga resulting in a murder of one individual and a woman sustaining a bullet injury on her leg on February 19, 2025. Arrested accused Manu also involved in a firing incident took place at Raja Dhaba in Jagraon on February 26, 2025, which was orchestrated by foreign based gangster Lucky Patial, he added. 

          The DGP said that further investigations are on establish backward and forward linkages in this case.

          Sharing operation details, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) AGTF Promod Ban said that following an information based on Human and Technical Intelligence about accused Malkit alias Manu hiding in the Moga area, special teams of AGTF, under the supervision of AIG Gurmeet Chauhan and DSP Bikramjit Brar, led by Inspector Pushvinder Singh successfully tracked him at a rented accommodation located near Dosanjh Road in Moga.

          When police teams raided the suspected accommodation, the accused Manu opened fire at the police team in an attempt to evade arrest, prompting the police teams to retaliate, he said, while adding that during the exchange of fire accused sustained bullet injuries. The latter was admitted to the local Hospital, from where he was referred to Baba Farid Medical College in Faridkot for the treatment.

          The ADGP said that police teams have recovered a .32 calibre pistol along with four cartridges from his possession.

          AIG Gurmeet Chauhan said that preliminary investigations have also revealed that accused Malkit alias Manu was tasked to carry out a sensational crime in the Tricity area by his foreign based handlers Lucky Patyal and Gopi Lahoria.

          SSP Moga Ajay Gandhi said that a fresh case FIR No. 52 dated 12/3/2025 has been registered under sections 109, 132, 221 and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 25(6) and 25 (7) of the Arms Act at Police Station City Moga. Further investigations are on, he added.

Immediate action needed to protect Indian farmers from unfair US Apple imports, Says Kultar Singh Sandhwan

Chandigarh, 12 March:

In light of the looming United States reciprocal tariffs, farmers across Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand face a severe threat from cheap American apple imports flooding Indian markets.  In this connection, The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Union (KVFGU) has sounded the alarm, warning that this influx of low-cost apples will shrink market space, crash prices, and endanger the livelihoods of over 7 lakh families dependent on apple farming.

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has urged the Government of India to act immediately to protect Indian farmer’s interests.  He outlined key demands such as Protective Counter-Tariffs under which matching duties should be imposed on US apples to ensure a level playing field for Indian growers.  In addition, he added that Immediate Economic Relief is needed under which financial support should be provided to farmers to prevent income loss and ensure continued production.

He further informed that Pro-Farmer Trade Negotiations are needed to ensure Indian farmers’ livelihoods remain non-negotiable in all trade talks with the US. Besides this, he stressed for Strengthening Agricultural Infrastructure resulting in modernization of storage facilities, transportation, and market access to boost the competitiveness of Indian produce.

Kultar Singh Sandhwan stated that our farmers are the backbone of India’s economy.  Their sweat and toil nourish the nation.  It is unacceptable for them to suffer at the hands of international trade wars.  If the Government does not step in, we are at risk of losing not only livelihoods but also generations of agricultural heritage.

He further added that cheap foreign imports may benefit a few traders, but they will devastate countless small and marginal farmers.  We cannot let profit-driven policies crush the hands that feed us.

He further highlighted that this is not just about apples, it’s about standing up for every Indian farmer.  He added that the Government must ensure our farmers get fair prices, fair markets, and a fair future.  I stand with our farmers, and I urge the government to do the same, without delay”, said Sandhwan.

SEC issues the programme for General Elections to elect the members of 16 Gram Panchayats

Chandigarh 12 March 2025:

The Punjab State Election Commission informed that the General Election to elect the members of 16 Gram Panchayats namely  Bhathalan, Bir Bahadurgarh,  Deelwal,  Farm Bahadurgarh,  Majri,  Peer Colony,  Vidya Nagar,  Hira Colony, Guru Nanak Nagar, Har Gobind Colony, Karheri,  Kasba Rurki,  Mehmadpur Jattan, Nawan Mehmadpur Jattan, Shamaspur, and  Sheikhpur Kamboan of Block Sanour, District Patiala, will be held on 30.03.2025(Sunday).

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the State Election Commission said that 17.03.2025 (Monday) as the first date for filing nominations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  He added that 20.03.2025 (Thursday) as the last date for filing nominations upto 3 p.m. and 21.03.2025 (Friday) as the date for the scrutiny of nominations.  In this regard, 22.03.2025 (Saturday) as the last date for withdrawal of nominations upto 3 p.m. and 30.03.2025 (Sunday) as the date on which a poll shall, if necessary, be taken.

Furthermore, he added that counting of votes will take place at the polling stations immediately after the close of poll itself and 01.04.2025 (Tuesday) as the date by which the election shall be completed.

He further informed that the formal notification of the Commission regarding the schedule of election will be issued on 17.03.2025.  In this regard,  District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner, Patiala has been directed to make all necessary arrangements for a free and fair poll.  The Model Code of Conduct will come into force from the date of notification, in the revenue jurisdiction of said 16 Gram Panchayats of Block Sanour, District Patiala.

Haryana government continuously working on pond restoration across the state: Development and Panchayat Minister Krishan Lal Panwar

Chandigarh, March 12

Haryana Development and  Panchayat Minister, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar, said that the state government is continuously working on the restoration of ponds. To ensure systematic development, a Pond Authority has been formed. Expressing gratitude to the former Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal for forming this authority, he said that the double-engine government of the Center and the state are working together to improve the conditions of the ponds.

Development and Panchayat Minister, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar was responding to the attention motion tabled in the house by MLA, Sh. Aditya Devi Lal regarding the improvement of ponds, during the ongoing budget session of Haryana Vidhan Sabha today.

Sh. Pawar said that no previous government had paid attention to ponds, but the present government has taken significant steps in this direction. He said that the state has a total of 19,723 ponds, out of which 18,719 are in rural areas and 904 in urban areas.Of these, 11,295 ponds are polluted ponds, including 10,814 rural and 481 urban ponds. 

He further said that Haryana Pond Authority is getting restored/rejuvenated these polluted as model ponds under Amrit Sarovar Yojana. Similarly several schemes have been started for the treatment of dirty water coming into these ponds. This restoration work is being carried out with the collaboration of departments such as Panchayati Raj, Public Works, Irrigation and Water Resources, and Urban Local Bodies. 

At present, out of 11295 polluted ponds 6507 ponds are taken for restoration into the Annual Action Plan of Financial year 2025-26 and (1069 under Model Ponds and 1159 under MGNREGA) i.e. Total 2228 ponds have already been restored.

He further said that from 2018-19 to 2024-25, Rs.579.42 crore has been released, out of which Rs.533.52 crore has been spent. The Minister also said that untreated drain water in cities will be treated through STPs and will be used for irrigation.  A Water Treatment Plant will be set up in Naultha village of Israna Assembly constituency to treat wastewater from Panipat city. This treated water will then be used for land restoration in Jhojhu Kalan and Khurd villages, where barren land will be improved.

ENSURE SPEEDY AND TIMELY COMPLETION OF MEDICAL COLLEGE AND CIVIL HOSPITAL AT HOSHIARPUR: CM TO OFFICERS

Chandigarh, March 11:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday asked the officers to ensure speedy and timely completion of the construction of Shaheed Udham Singh State Institute of Medical Sciences and Civil Hospital at Hoshiarpur.

Chairing a meeting to review the progress of the proposed Institute and civil hospital here at his official residence, the Chief Minister said that the institute is aimed at ensuring quality healthcare services to the people. He said that the institute will come up over an area of 21.41 acres at a cost of Rs 418.30 Crore and will have a hospital with 300 Unit Beds and Medical College for 150 Annual student intake. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the ultra modern hospital will have two basements, Ground plus eight floors and service floor at the existing Medical Hospital Campus Hoshiarpur.

Similarly, the Chief Minister said that the proposed Medical College will have an auditorium and service blocks having two basements with ground plus six floors. Similarly, he said that the Medical college will have separate hostel facilities for boys and girls with provision for expansion keeping in view futuristic needs.  Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in order to expedite the work separate tenders should be called for the work of construction of Medical College and Civil Hospital.

The Chief Minister said that it is imperative for accelerating the pace of construction of the Medical College and Civil Hospital at the proposed site. He said that it is the need of hour to ensure that the residents of Kandi region get quality health services. Bhagwant Singh Mann asked the officers to ensure that the work is allotted and executed in a time bound and speedy manner.

Punjab government accords rousing civic reception to President of India

Chandigarh, March 11:

The Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday extended a warm civic reception to President of India Mrs Droupadi Murmu during her visit to the state.

Welcoming the President during a function organised here at Indian School of Business, the Chief Minister said that the visit of President is a red letter day in the history of state and every Punjabi is elated in this occasion. He said that President is welcome to Punjab- the sacred land of great Gurus, saints, seers and prophets. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that during her visit, the President of India will have a feel of the glorious cultural heritage of the state besides enjoying the warm hospitality of the Punjabis.

The Chief Minister said that the President had attended function at Central University Bathinda today and on Wednesday she will be attending convocation at Panjab University. He said that the visit of President in these premier educational institutions will inspire the students for hard work and dedication in life. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the life of President is a source of inspiration for all of us as she had struggled hard in life both at personal and professional level.

However, the Chief Minister said that Mrs Droupadi Murmu attained new heights in life through her hard work, vision and commitment adding that this achievement brings her in league of global leaders like former US President Abraham Lincoln and others. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a momentous occasion for all of us and the entire Punjab is giving a red carpet welcome to the country’s President during her visit to the state. He said that the state government is honored to welcome the country’s President on this blessed land.

The Chief Minister said that the hard working and resilient farmers of the state had made the country self reliant in food production. Likewise, he said that besides being the nation’s food bowl, Punjab also has a distinction of being the sword arm of the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that hardworking and brave Punjabis Punjabis are well known all over the world for their courage, resilience and spirit of enterprise.

The Chief Minister said that the had closely witnessed numerous pages of history unfolding on this sacred land of five rivers.

Early, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha welcomed the dignitaries during the function.

On the occasion Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya, Chief Justice Punjab and Haryana High Court Justice Sheel Nagu, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Kultar Singh Sandhwan and others were also present.

Opposition is misleading on the issue of Dadupur Nalvi Canal:  Hry Chief Minister

Chandigarh, March 10 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the opposition is continuously spreading misinformation regarding the Dadupur Nalvi Canal issue. He clarified that the decision delivered by the Hon’ble High Court on December 20, 2024, does not pertain to the Dadupur Nalvi Canal in any way. The 76-page ruling does not mention the reconstruction of the Dadupur Nalvi Canal. In an attempt to conceal its failures, the opposition is making baseless allegations, he added.

         Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini made these remarks while interacting with media persons here today.

         He said that the opposition should read the court’s decision. The Advocate General of Haryana has opined that the judgment by the Hon’ble Punjab and Haryana High Court dated December 20, 2024, can be challenged by filing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Hon’ble Supreme Court, particularly regarding the repeal of Section 101-A of the 2013 Act. Preparations are underway to file the SLP.

         The Chief Minister strongly criticized the opposition, stating that 2,247 acres of land were to be acquired for the construction of the canal, with 190 acres being government land. Due to public opposition during the previous state government’s tenure, 1,227 acres of land could not be acquired, and only 830 acres were acquired. He said that when this land was acquired in 2004-05, the court ordered compensation enhancement, which amounted to Rs 6 crore per acre.

         Responding to a question about encroachment on the pond land at Peer Bodhi on the Rohtak-Gohana road, the Chief Minister clarified that, as per the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s order, no encroachment is permitted on this land. The land was allocated to the Waqf Board, and opposition is making false and baseless allegations on this issue.

         In response to another query, the Chief Minister highlighted that the current government has fulfilled 18 of its sankalp within the first 100 days, with 10 more sankalps set to be completed soon. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, the pace of development will tripple, and all sankalps will be achieved within the five years.

         The Chief Minister also mentioned that, as promised in the Sankalp Patra, gas cylinders are being provided to 13.5 lakh poor women in the state for Rs 500. He said that despite Congress governments in Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, they have failed to fulfill even a single promise made to the people.

         The Chief Minister reiterated that the current government is making serious efforts to eradicate drug abuse from its roots. A regional committee, comprising Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Chandigarh, has been formed, with regular meetings held to address this issue. Joint operations are being conducted with neighboring states to curb the cross-border movement of drugs. Strict action is being taken against drug abuse and this action will be further intensified in the future also.

         He further informed that the Manas Portal has been started, where Union Home and Cooperation Minister Sh Amit Shah is actively involved in monitoring and reviewing the actions taken against drugs. The portal allows individuals to report drug-related activities while ensuring the anonymity of those providing the information.

         On this occasion, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Sh Krishan Kumar Bedi, Chief Secretary Sh Anurag Rastogi, Director General of Information Public Relations and Languages Department Sh K. Makrand Pandurang and Media Secretary Sh Praveen Attrey were also present.

108 एम्बुलेंस ने उत्साह और खुशी के साथ मनाया अंतर्राष्ट्रीय महिला दिवस

मोहाली, 8 मार्च 2025

ज़ेनप्लस प्राइवेट लिमिटेड कार्यस्थल में महिलाओं के अविश्वसनीय योगदान को मान्यता देते हुए, अपने जीरकपुर कार्यालय में एक आकर्षक और जीवंत उत्सव के साथ अंतर्राष्ट्रीय महिला दिवस मनाया। यह कार्यक्रम मज़ेदार गतिविधियों, एक उत्साही खेल सत्र और एक दिल छू लेने वाले केक-काटने के समारोह से भरा हुआ था, जिसमें महिला कर्मचारी एक आनंदमय माहौल में एक साथ आईं।

उत्सव की शुरुआत तंबोला के एक रोमांचक दौर के साथ हुई, जहाँ डॉ. नेहा मंडल और सिमरन विजयी रहीं। जैसे-कर्मचारियों ने म्यूजिकल चेयर प्रतियोगिता में भी भाग लिया, जिसमें संतोष ने विजेता का खिताब जीता। खेलों ने कर्मचारियों के बीच एकजुटता और सौहार्द की भावना को बढ़ावा दिया, जिससे यह दिन और भी खास हो गया।

कार्यक्रम का मुख्य आकर्षण केक काटने का समारोह था, जो ज़ेनप्लस प्राइवेट लिमिटेड की महिला स्टाफ के प्रति प्रशंसा और कृतज्ञता का प्रतीक था। एकजुटता का एक विशेष क्षण को स्वादिष्ट मिठाइयाँ वितरित कर सेलिब्रेट किया गया, जिससे इस अवसर पर गर्मजोशी और उत्साह और बढ़ गया।

इस कार्यक्रम में मनीषा, परनीत, रमन, भगवंत, अनीता, संतोष, प्रीति, नेहा, सिमरन और सत्या सहित महिला कर्मचारियों की उपस्थिति थी, जिन्होंने अपने उत्साह और भागीदारी से उत्सव की भावना को बढ़ा दिया।

श्री मनीष बत्रा, प्रोजेक्ट हेड, ज़ेनप्लस प्राइवेट लिमिटेड ने कहा, “आज का दिन हमारे संगठन में अभूतपूर्व महिलाओं को पहचानने और उनकी सराहना करने का दिन है। उनका योगदान अमूल्य है, और यह उत्सव उनकी कड़ी मेहनत के लिए हमारी कृतज्ञता का एक छोटा सा प्रतीक है।”

ज़ेनप्लस प्लिप्राइवेट लिमिटेड एक जुटता और सशक्त कार्यस्थल को बढ़ावा देने के लिए प्रतिबद्ध है, जहां महिलाओं के योगदान को महत्व दिया जाता है और उसका जश्न मनाया जाता है। यह महिला दिवस कार्यक्रम सभी के लिए सकारात्मक और सहायक वातावरण बनाने के लिए कंपनी के समर्पण का एक प्रमाण था।