CHANDIGARH, May 19:

          In a heartening gesture, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Traffic Amardeep Singh Rai honoured four traffic police personnel from Batala for adopting a polite and educative approach towards traffic violators instead of penalising them immediately.

          The honoured cops include Incharge Traffic Staff Batala Inspector Surinder Singh, along with his team members ASI Ranjit Singh, ASI Sukhwinder Singh, and Home Guard Shamsher Singh. ADGP Amardeep Singh Rai presented them with Commendation Certificates (Class-1) and cash rewards for their exemplary conduct.

          The initiative came into the limelight after a viral video showed the traffic cops interacting with a violator who had parked his car in the middle of the road. Instead of issuing a challan right away, the officers calmly explained the dangers of such violations, emphasising how reckless parking could lead to fatal accidents. They let the driver off with a warning this time but made it clear that repeat offences would not be tolerated.

          ADGP Amardeep Singh Rai praised the team’s behaviour, stating, “I was impressed by the way these cops handled the situation with patience and empathy. We plan to sensitise all traffic personnel across Punjab to adopt such an approach, ensuring that people follow traffic rules out of awareness rather than just fear of fines.”

          Inspector Surinder Singh, speaking on behalf of the team, expressed gratitude for the recognition and reiterated their commitment to promoting road safety through courteous enforcement. “Our aim is to make drivers understand the consequences of violations, not just punish them,” he said.

Chandigarh, May 19:

The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to the welfare of all sections of society, with the well-being of senior citizens being one of its foremost priorities. This was stated by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur during a high-level meeting held today at Punjab Bhawan.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Departments of Health and Family Welfare, Home and Justice, Information and Public Relations, Director General of Police, and Legal and Legislative Affairs. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that senior citizens are a valuable asset to society, and it is our collective moral duty to ensure their care, respect, and security.

During the meeting, representatives of various Senior Citizens’ Associations presented their key demands, which included the establishment of a separate directorate for senior citizens’ welfare, provision of free medical treatment for citizens above 70 years of age, regular mobile van services for health checkups and medicines, dedicated safety measures by the police, and setting up special cells at police stations to address the grievances of the elderly.

The Minister patiently heard the concerns and demands of the representatives and issued firm directions to the officials to ensure prompt and effective resolution of all issues raised by the elderly.

Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that, in 2023, the Punjab Government had launched the ‘Sada Buzurg Sada Maan’ campaign, under which 18,900 senior citizens were registered, and 9,589 were provided with free spectacles.

She further informed that for the financial year 2025-26, the government has allocated a budget provision of ₹4,100 crore under the Old Age Pension Scheme to benefit 23 lakh elderly citizens. Additionally, Maintenance and Appellate Tribunals have been established at the district level to provide legal assistance to senior citizens.

The Minister also stated that District Social Security Officers have been appointed as Maintenance Officers for the welfare of senior citizens, and any elderly citizen can submit their application to the respective Sub-Divisional Magistrate.

Currently, old age homes are being operated in Hoshiarpur and Barnala under the state government, while 19 other such homes are being run with the support of non-governmental organizations. For additional support, a free helpline number 14567 has already been introduced, and Senior Citizen Cards are being issued to citizens above 60 years of age.

Concluding the meeting, Dr. Baljit Kaur appealed to all officers and council members present to ensure that every senior citizen in Punjab is treated with dignity, provided necessary facilities, and guaranteed a safe environment. She reiterated the Punjab Government’s firm commitment to fulfilling its responsibility towards the elderly with utmost sincerity and dedication.

Prominent among those present at the meeting were Special Chief Secretary of the Social Security, Women and Child Development Department Raji P. Shrivastava, Director Shena Aggarwal, Joint Secretary Anand Sagar Sharma, Additional Director Charanjit Singh Mann, along with representatives of the Senior Citizen Council and various Elderly Associations.

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.