CHANDIGARH, May 19:

          In a significant stride under the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police has recovered 515 kilograms of heroin in just 79 days. Since the launch of the campaign on March 1, 2025, Punjab Police has registered 7128 first information reports (FIRs) and arrested 11954 drug smugglers, reaffirming its commitment to a drug-free Punjab.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann had asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. Since the launch of the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, Punjab Police under the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav has been conducting different operations including cordon and search operations, night domination and raids at drug hotspots acros the state.

          Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who has been personally overseeing the operations, revealed that apart from the 515 kg haul of heroin, police have also seized 224 kg opium, 124 quintals poppy husk, 8 kg charas, 150 kg ganja, 2.5 kg ICE, 24.22 lakh intoxicant pills/tablets, and ₹9.70 crore drug money.

          “The recovery of 515 kg heroin in less than three months is a testament to Punjab Police’s unwavering resolve to eradicate drugs from the state,” said the Special DGP.

          Sharing details of outcome of Day 79, the Special DGP said that Punjab Police has arrested 147 drug smugglers and recovered 2.7 kg heroin, 84 kg poppy husk, 73000 and ₹1.22 lakh drug money from their possession.

          Over 250 Police teams, comprising over 1600 police personnel, under the supervision of 92 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 505 locations across the state leading to the registration of 109 first information reports (FIRs) across the state, he said, while adding that police teams have also checked as many as 692 suspicious persons during the day long operation.

          Meanwhile, 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 49 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.

Chandigarh, May 19:

In a landmark decision, the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has extended long-overdue relief to 804 employees working in rural dispensaries under Zila Parishads after nearly two decades.

This significant move benefits 441 Rural Health Pharmacy Officers/Paramedical Staff and 363 Attendant-cum-Class IV employees working in these dispensaries. Their monthly salaries have been increased, and they are now eligible to continue in service until the age of 58.

Punjab Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond informed that as per the policy issued by the Department of Personnel on May 16, 2023, these employees will be officially covered under this policy effective from April 1, 2025.

Previously, Pharmacy Officers were receiving a monthly salary of Rs. 11,000. Under this policy, their salaries have been raised to Rs. 20,000. Additionally, they will receive an annual increment of 5% until their salary reaches Rs. 30,000, followed by a 3% annual increment thereafter.

Similarly, the monthly salary of Attendant-cum-Class IV employees has been increased from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 15,000. These employees will now receive a 5% annual salary hike until their salary reaches Rs. 25,000, after which a 3% annual increment will apply.

This policy ensures both categories of employees can now serve up to the age of 58.

Expressing gratitude, the employees of rural dispensaries thanked the Punjab Government for acknowledging their long-standing demands. Gurmeet Singh Kulewal, State President, shared that these workers were initially hired on contract in 2006 and had been neglected by successive governments over the past 19–20 years. He lauded the Aam Aadmi Party-led government for finally recognizing their services.

It is noteworthy that this decision will result in an additional monthly financial burden of approximately Rs. 72 lakh on the state exchequer.

Chandigarh, May 19:

The Group of Ministers (GoM) led by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday gave nod to a series of events to be organized by the state government to commemorate the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji in a befitting manner.

Chairing a meeting here at his official residence, the Chief Minister reiterated that that the state government is duty bound to organize a series of events to observe the 350th martyrdom day of ninth Sikh Guru Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji on a massive level. He said that the state government will establish a chair in Punjabi  university (Patiala) for research work on the life and philosophy of Guru Sahib. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a booklet on the history of Guru Sahib will also be released along with another booklet on Bani of Guru Sahib.

The Chief Minister also gave approval to organize the Under-17 football tournament at Sri Anandpur Sahib besides World Peace Conference and World Interfaith Conference across the state. Similarly, he said seminars will also be organized in various districts of Punjab as a tribute to Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji’s unparalleled and unique sacrifice that will ever remain a source of inspiration for generations to come. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this coupled with a series of other functions will be organized across the state and comprehensive development of places having the footsteps of the Guru Sahib will be ensured.

The Chief Minister said that the department of Sports, Higher Education, Tourism and culture, Information and Public Relations along with others will zealously organize seminars, conferences, kirtan Darbars, light and sound shows, publish books and others to commemorate the event. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that  a Yatra will be undertaken from Jammu to Delhi via Baba Bakala and Sri Anandpur Sahib to perpetuate the glorious legacy of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji- who was the first proponent of human rights across the globe. He further said that major push will be given to infrastructure development at 63 places having footprints of Guru Sahib in districts including Roopnagar, Mansa, Bathinda, Patiala, Jalandhar, Sangrur, SBS Nagar, Tarn Taran, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Barnala, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Amritsar, SAS Nagar and others.

The Chief Minister said that the state government will spruce up these sacred places of immense historical importance. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that apart from this the state government will also urge the Government of India to issue a Commemorative postal stamp on Guru Teg Bahadur ji. He said Guru ji popularly known as ‘Hind di Chadar’ was the saviour of Dharma and crusader of religious freedom.

The Chief Minister said that it was immensely important for everyone to respect all the religions thereby fostering the bonds of communal harmony, peace, national integration and unity. He said that Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji laid down his life at the altar of righteousness (Dharma) to save the Hindu religion from the tyranny of Mughals. He said that entire humanity seeks inspiration from Guru Teg Bahadur ji’s supreme sacrifice for the welfare of humanity while fighting against injustice, cruelty and oppression.

Chandigarh, May 19 – Continuing its relentless crackdown on corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has apprehended Field Kanungo Avtar Singh, posted at Sub-Tehsil Sherpur, District Sangrur, red handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 25,000. 

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the accused was arrested in a well-coordinated operation following a complaint by a resident of village Malku Patti, Tehsil Dhuri, District Sangrur.

He further added that the complainant has approached the VB informed that he had applied for the division of his family’s agricultural land among all legal heirs. The complainant alleged that aforementioned accused Avtar Singh had already extorted Rs 18,000 as bribe from him and was demanding an additional Rs 25,000 to process his application.

The spokesperson further added that after a preliminary enquiry the VB team laid a trap during which the accused has been arrested while he was accepting the bribe from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. 

In this regard a case has been registered against the said accused under the Prevention of Corruption Act at VB police station Patiala range. He would be produced before the competent court tomorrow and further investigations into this case was under progress, he said.

Chandigarh, May 19:

Punjab Horticulture Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat today conducted an in-depth review of various schemes being run by the Horticulture Department for the welfare of farmers. The Minister presided over a high-level meeting with horticulture officers at the Punjab Civil Secretariat.

During the meeting, Mr. Bhagat closely examined the implementation process of farmer welfare schemes and stressed that the benefits of these schemes must reach the beneficiaries without any delay.

He stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Government is committed to promote crop diversification and modern techniques in agriculture so as to increase farmers’ income and reduce dependence on traditional farming.

Mr. Bhagat further added that the state government is making concerted efforts to ensure the effective implementation of farmer welfare schemes, with a clear focus on boosting farmers’ income in a timely and impactful manner.

Chandigarh, May 16:

Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains extended warm congratulations to students on their outstanding performance in the Class-X board examinations, the results of which were announced today by the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB).

Applauding the top scorers in Class X board exams, the Education Minister said Akshnoor Kaur of Sant Mohan Das Memorial Senior Secondary School, Kot Sukhia (Faridkot), topped the state with perfect 650/650 marks, followed by Ritinderdeep Kaur of Baba Farid Public Senior Secondary School, Chattiana (Sri Muktsar Sahib) and Arshdeep Kaur of Ram Sarup Memorial Senior Secondary School, Chaunda (Malerkotla), secured second and third spot respectively.

S. Harjot Singh Bains expressed happiness and contentment over the performance of girls, while praising their dedication and commitment to academic excellence and their achievement sets a shining example for their peers to follow. Notably, girl students excelled overall in the 10th results by achieving a remarkable pass percentage of 96.85%, outshining their male counterparts (94.50%).

The Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains mentioned that a total of 2,77,746 students appeared for the Class X examinations and 2,65,548 students have been passed (95.61%). The State Government schools witnessed a 95.47% pass percentage, with 1,76,605 students succeeding.

The Education Minister attributed this remarkable feat to the students’ dedication, hard work, and passion, while appreciating the crucial support provided by their parents and teachers.

Lakhanpal (Jalandhar), May 16:

 Former Delhi Chief Minister and National Convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said that the state government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann will make every effort to save our coming generations from falling prey to the menace of drugs.

The former Delhi Chief Minister said that it is elated to learn that the backbone of the drug has been broken for which Punjab Police needs a pat. He said that the manner in which this anti-drug campaign has been launched finds no parallel in contemporary Indian history. Arvind Kejriwal said that the properties constructed from the drug money have been razed to dust by the bulldozers.

The National Convener of AAP said that the previous regimes not only patronized the drug dealers but they themselves carried out the business in their government vehicles. However, he said that the Bhagwant Singh Mann led state government is acting strictly against drug menace and it will not allow its youth to fall prey to this menace. Arvind Kejriwal said that now Nasha Mukti Yatra has been embarked in the state and every village will be covered under the ambitious program.

Soliciting fulsome support of Punjabis in war against drugs, the former Delhi Chief Minister said that if three crore Punjabis rise in unison against the menace of drugs then the problem of drugs will be wiped out in 24 hours. He said that a handful of drug smugglers cannot stand before the might of the Punjabis and they will be buried beneath the ground. Arvind Kejriwal said that not only snapping of drug supply lines but the state government is also focusing on rehabilitation of the drug victims adding that this problem can be resolved only with the active support of common man.

The National Convener of AAP said that the state government will follow a twin policy of checking the drug smuggling on one hand and channelizing the positive energy of youth on the other to tackle this menace. He said that Punjab will be soon out of the clutches of the drug menace and will emerge as the frontrunner state in the country. Arvind Kejriwal said that this is the need of hour to ensure that Punjab continues to shine across the globe and lead the world in every arena.

The former Delhi Chief Minister congratulated Bhagwant Singh Mann led state government for the resounding success of Yudh Nasheyan Virudh. He said that it is heartening to see that the villages that were hotspots of drugs are now turning drug free due to concerted efforts of the state government. Arvind Kejriwal said that contrary to earlier times when drug lords were shielded by the state, now 10,000 drug smugglers have been arrested out of which 8500 are big fishes.

The National Convener of AAP said that the war against drugs will be taken to ground level and interactions will be held in all the around 13000 villages of the state. He said that in order to channelize the unbounded energy of the youth in a positive manner, the state government will construct stadiums in every village of the state adding that 3000 gyms will be constructed in 3000 big villages of the state to promote sports in the state in a big way. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state has already given around 54000 jobs to the youth in the state and now foolproof planning has been made to ensure employment to youth in every village.

Chandigarh, May 16:

Punjab Information and Public Relations Department today promoted eight officers. Two Deputy Directors have been promoted as Joint Directors, while five Information and Public Relations Officers (IPROs) and one Art Executive have been promoted as Deputy Directors.

The appointment orders for the eight promoted officers were issued today following approval from Information and Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains.

These promotions were made following departmental promotion committees’ meetings held on May 8. As per the appointment orders issued today, Joint Director Mr. Ishwinder Singh Grewal has been posted at the head office in Chandigarh, while Mr. Manvinder Singh has been appointed as Joint Director Press/Chief Minister with additional charge as Joint Director Border Range Amritsar.

Similarly, among the six promoted Deputy Directors, Ms. Ruchi Kalra has been posted to Bathinda, Mr. Rashim Verma to the head office with additional charge of Sri Anandpur Sahib, Mr. Navdeep Singh Gill to the head office in Chandigarh, Mr. Prabhdeep Singh Kauldhar to the head office with additional charge of Sangrur, Mr. Hakam Thaper to Jalandhar and Mr. Hardeep Singh to the head office.

Later, the newly promoted officers joined the department and reported to Secretary, Information and Public Relations Mr. Ramvir. They expressed their gratitude to the Information and Public Relations Minister and senior officials.

Langroya (SBS Nagar), May 16:

The residents of Langroya village, which was once hotspot of drugs but now has been drug free, on Friday hailed the Punjab government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for taking historic initiative of ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh, to wipe out the menace of drugs from state.

During an interactive session with the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convener of AAP Arvind Kejriwal, Jathedar Ranjeet Singh from the village said that this campaign has given a huge relief to the village and can’t be expressed in words. He said that due to strenuous efforts of the CM and state government, the village has been made completely drug free. He said that this is a step towards Rangla Punjab as their village has been made drug free adding he hoped that this will in making the village a progressive one.

Vanshika Soni from the village said that it is a moment of immense pride that the state government is restoring the pristine glory of the state. She said that the village was a hotspot of drugs but due to the concerted efforts of the state government the village has been made drug free. She said that once the village free sale of drugs was taking place it is now being known for the sports adding she thanked the Chief Minister for the bulldozer campaign against the drugs and drug sellers.

Another village resident, Master Mohan Lal said that the village was notorious for drugs for the last six decades but now things have changed as sports have been encouraged here. He said that with the active support of the state government not even an ounce of drug is prevalent in the state. He said that the village is now drug free because the Police has been very vigilant on the directions of the state government to check the menace.  

Mohan Singh, another resident of the village said Langroya was since long facing the curse of drugs but due to efforts of the state government it is today drug free. He said that the village will give fulsome support and cooperation to the state government in this war against drugs. He said that no stone will be left unturned in this noble cause as it has been transformed into a mass movement.

A school going student Yuvraj Singh also thanked the Chief Minister for judiciously using the broom, which is a symbol of AAP, for wiping out the curse of drugs from the state and village. He said that the young generation is fully with the state government in this war against drugs and no stone will be left unturned for it.

Earlier, Sarpanch of village Gurdev Singh welcomed all the dignitaries and said that ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ is a decisive battle against drugs. He said that this initiative of the state government will go a long in eradicating this menace adding that their village was worst affected by drugs and was notorious across the state. However, he said that with the pro-active support of the state government today the village is drug free adding that the campaign is not only lip service but it exhibits seriousness of the state government at ground level.  

On the occasion Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains, Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, Lok Sabha MP Malwinder Singh Kang, MLA Santosh Kataria and others were also present.