Chandigarh, May 10

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday urged the religious leaders to act as a catalyst for strengthening the ethos of communal harmony, brotherhood and peace in this hour of crisis.

Addressing the gathering during Sarb Dharam meeting at the Raj Bhawan, the Chief Minister, in the presence of Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, said that Punjab has a very fertile land and anything can germinate on it except hatred and animosity. He said that Punjab is a sacred land of great Gurus, saints and seers who have shown us the path of mutual love and tolerance. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that the social bonding amongst people is already very strong adding that the religious leaders should come together for further strengthening it.

The Chief Minister said that it is imperative in the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. He said that though the meeting has been called at short notice but it is heartening that it has brought together religious leaders to emphasize unity and peace during these challenging times. Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted that Punjab is the most secular state of the country where there is no place for hatred adding that the bond of mutual cooperation, tolerance and love further needs to be strengthened for which religious leaders can play a key role.

The Chief Minister said that hate speeches on social media that fans animosity amongst religions and people  will be tackled with a heavy hand and strict action will be taken against such people. He urged the religious leaders to bring such sinister moves immediately into the notice of the Government and so that swift action can be taken on it. Bhagwant Singh Mann also urged people to show social bonding and solidarity with the families of the Army personal in this hour of crisis to further boost their morale.

The Chief Minister reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensure ‘Sarbat Da Bhalla’ (welfare of all) and expressed gratitude to the religious leaders for their solidarity and support to this noble cause. He emphasised that it is the need of the hour to protect the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Indian Army comprises brave men from all faiths and Punjab stands firmly with them, irrespective of religion, caste, or creed. 

The Chief Minister reiterated that people should not rush to the spot where any part of drone or missile is found as it can be harmful before it is defused. Soliciting fulsome support and cooperation from general public, he urged them to immediately inform the police if they see any missile or ballistic material. Bhagwant Singh Mann cautioned them against approaching or touching such hazardous objects as they can be fatal for them.

The Chief Minister said that the Armed forces of India are fully capable to give a befitting reply to such actions by Pakistan and no stone will be left unturned for it.

Reaffirming Punjab’s legacy of bravery, he stated that the state stands firmly with the Indian Army and no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is already extending all possible help to the Armed forces for safeguarding the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country.

The Chief Minister said that there is no shortage of essential commodities in the state and people should refrain from panic buying in this hour of crisis. He urged the people to not get panic about anything during these days of crisis as the state government has already made elaborate arrangements for all the essential supplies. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that there is no shortage of anything so panic situation amongst the people should be avoided adding that any person creating artificial shortage will be dealt with strictly, so that people do not face any problem.

The Chief Minister unequivocally warned against hoarding and black marketing and assured that state has  sufficient supplies in these challenging times. He urged people that while night travel should be avoided but there is no need for undue panic or restlessness. Bhagwant Singh Mann further announced that mock drills will continue for civilian preparedness adding that Civil defence training will also be intensified.

On the occasion Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav, Principal Secretary to CM Dr Ravi Bhagat and other were also present.

Chandigarh, May 10

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday vehemently pleaded the case of state for special package and tax heaven as it always faced the brunt of war from across the border.

Putting forth his view in the all party meeting called on by Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria, the Chief Minister said that whether it is war or any other exigency Punjab and Punjabis are always on the forefront. He said that Punjab always face the first brunt during every war and escalations adding that state needs special treatment for its enormous contribution. Bhagwant Singh Mann called upon all the parties to make concerted efforts for this noble cause so that Punjab can be a frontrunner state in the country adding that state government will raise this issue with GoI.

The Chief Minister said that besides being food bowl of the country, Punjab has always been its sword arm but its contribution has been hitherto ignored. He said that it is the high time when all the political parties should sink their differences and seek special package for the state by rising above the party lines. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is imperative to further give much needed push to the development and prosperity of the state.

The Chief Minister further said that all the political parties should unite for the cause of the state and its people so that interests of Punjab can be safeguarded. Bhagwant Singh Mann welcomed the leaders of the political parties for coming on short notice during this hour of need. He called upon them to show united stand during the hour of crisis for betterment of state and its people.

The Chief Minister said that the package should be given on lines of one given to Jammu-Kashmir and others. He said that the state government will also Raise the demand of Border area allowance for Doctors, Teachers, Anganwadi and other workers posted in Border Districts with the Government of India. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is the need of hour for giving major fillip to development and progress of state.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister announced that starting from Sunday he will be visiting the border areas of the state to assess the ground level situation. He said that Punjab, especially the border regions, has suffered a lot due to the mounting tension between both the countries. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that those brave hearts who had suffered huge losses during the bombardment and others will be duly compensated by the state government.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that being a border state Punjab will continue to prepare for meeting any sort of such untoward incidents. He said that the Punjab Police is already acting as second line of defence to safeguard the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Police will be further upgraded with modren equipments to enable it to tackle any sort of situation.

Chandigarh, May 10:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday ordered release of additional water to Rajasthan for catering needs of military in the state.

In a statement issued here today, the Chief Minister said that Rajasthan government had sought more water from the quota of Punjab as the Military deployed at the Rajasthan border needed additional water.  He categorically said that whenever the national interests are concerned Punjab never takes a backseat. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the water has been released to secure the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country.

The Chief Minister said that not only water but Punjab can shed its blood for the sake of national interests. He said that it is a fact of matter that Punjab can never drag its feet back when the issue of country is involved. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that keeping in view the needs of soldiers of the country he has immediately ordered to release the additional water to Rajasthan.

Chandigarh, May 9:

The Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday gave nod for purchasing anti-drone system to check the smuggling of weapons and drugs through drone on the borders.

A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of the council of Ministers held here at the official residence of the Chief Minister.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that nine anti drone systems will be installed along with 532 kilometers of border with Pakistan. He said that these systems will help in checking the smuggling  of drugs and weapons along with the border through the drones. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Rs 51.41 crore will be spent by the state government for this Nobel initiative aimed at strengthening security along with border.

Punjab shares a long International Border with Pakistan and lies in proximity of Afghanistan (major Heroin-producer). Pakistan continues to make concerted efforts to destabilize India’s Internal Security by smuggling from across the border. The fencing along the international border has been breached with use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or Drones.

Requirement for Anti Drone System (ADS) to enhance capability to detect and neutralize hostile drones, thereby preventing the influx of arms, explosives and narcotics which are smuggled from across the border using the drones is must. Further it is imperative for the purpose of security during movement of VIP/VIP/Highly threatened persons in the state. Thus, the need for deploying Anti Drone Systems (ADS) has been recognized by the state Government in the border districts of Punjab on priority and on an urgent basis.

Chandigarh, May 9:

In a major decision aimed at ensuring affordable housing to people, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday gave its consent to simplify the Land Acquisition process through direct purchase

to expedite the process of establishing urban estates and timely completion of other development works in the State of Punjab.

A decision to this effect was taken by the Council of Ministers in its meeting held here under the chairmanship of Chief Minister at his official residence today.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that the Cabinet also gave its consent for land pooling scheme of the Housing department to set up more urban estates in the state. The policy will be helpful in providing affordable housing facility to the people of the state. The scheme will be helpful in land acquisition for setting up of the urban estates across the state.

The new and separately formulated Mechanism to purchase land Directly from the land owners by Simplifying the Land Acquisition process was approved. This will facilitate in expediting the process of establishing urban estates and timely completion of other development works in the State of Punjab.The land to be acquired for development of urban estates/creating infrastructure will be identified by a committee as per the Land Purchase Policy of the Department of Revenue and Rehabilitation dated 07.07.2011.

After completing necessary formalities for inviting the concerned farmers/Land owners to sell their land to the Authority by adopting the Land Pooling Policy of Housing and Urban Development Department, the Title of the Land offered by the Land owners to the Authority shall be got verified by the Development Authority from the Deputy Commissioner concerned. Thereafter, objections shall be called from general public by giving 30 days Public Notice regarding the title of the land. The objections received within the prescribed period shall be decided by the above said Committee within a period of 30 days and process to acquire land under the Land Pooling Policy shall be initiated by the Concerned Officer of the Development Authority nominated by Chief Administrator concerned.

Chandigarh 9 May 2025:

 Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that Punjabis always stand shoulder to shoulder with the Indian soldiers.  History manifested that bravery shown by the Punjabis during the previous Indo-Pak wars  was unparalleled.

He further said that the enemies still felt fear of the stories of valor shown by the Indian Army during the past wars. He prayed for peace and tranquility in this time of Indo-Pak tension and also prayed for the prosperity of the Indian  soldiers. Punjabis should be given due respect and dignity which they deserve for their sacrifices and bravery for the country.

Chandigarh, May 9:

          As per the guidelines issued by the National Legal Services Authority, New Delhi, the National Lok Adalats scheduled to be held across Punjab on May 10, 2025, have been postponed due to security concerns.

          In this regard, a spokesperson of the Punjab State Legal Services Authority stated that the new date for organizing these National Lok Adalats will be announced once the situation in the state becomes conducive.

Chandigarh, May 9:

In order to ensure that the residents of the state do not face any inconvenience during the ongoing war like situation in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has directed the Ministers of his Cabinet to be permanently stationed in the border areas.

During the Cabinet, the Chief Minister asked the Ministers of the border areas to be permanently stationed at their respective towns to oversee the relief operations. Likewise, he said that the other Ministers should also visit these towns on rotation basis so that people can be assured help in case of emergency. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Ministers will visit Fire Stations, Hospitals, Ration depots and other places so that people in these areas do not face any type of problem.

The Chief Minister said that the Ministers from border areas will supervise the rescue operations and give necessary directions to the officers. Likewise, he said that the Ministers will visit the villages of the border areas to listen to the problems of the villagers and ensure their redressal. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is the need of the hour to ensure that people do not face any problem in this hour of crisis.

The Chief Minister said that keeping in view the escalating tension at the border the state government was duty-bound to ensure relief to people. Striking an emotional chord with the residents of border region, he said that the entire country was thankful to them for braving all odds while living in this part of the state. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that brave people of the region have to confront number of problems during their day to day life.

The Chief Minister said due to frequent threat of war this region lagged behind in development but then also the brave residents of this region had contributed immensely in socio-economic progress of the country. He said that not only the state but the entire country was indebted to these people for their exemplary courage and patriotism. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government was duty-bound to extend a helping hand to these people, in wake of escalation of tension between India and Pakistan.

The Chief Minister said that it was duty of state government to visit the people in border areas of the state in this hour of crisis to share the agony faced by them. Assuring fulsome support and cooperation to the people, he assured them that the state government will take every step to safeguard their interests at every cost. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the residents of border region are true patriots and the state government is committed to safeguard their interests in this hour of crisis.

The Chief Minister said that there is no shortage of anything so panic situation amongst the people should be avoided. He said that any person creating artificial shortage should be dealt with strictly so that people do not face any problem. Bhagwant Singh Mann along with Ministers senior Secretary rank officers will also be deployed to the border regions.

Chandigarh, May 9

In view of the situation at India-Pakistan border, as per the commitment of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann with the people to not let them face any problem, a State Control Room has been set up by the Punjab Government in which a Nodal Officer from each department has been included. Apart from this, the responsibility of monitoring and coordinating essential services in all the districts, a senior IAS officer has been deputed in each district.

It was disclosed by the Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, after holding a meeting with all administrative Secretaries, DGP and all the Deputy Commissioners, Police Commissioners and SSPs. The administrative Secretaries, deputed in all districts, have been handed over the task to regularly monitor health services, food and civil supplies, electricity, water supply, roads, transport, education besides ensuring better coordination between civil and military in their respective districts. They will also continuously monitor other issues and will be in touch with the administration of the concerned districts.

Mr. Sinha further said that 15 IAS/PCS have been deputed to monitor the State Control Room. Officers have been deployed who will lead this control room on a rotational basis along with a nodal officer from each department. The Chief Secretary also reviewed the current situation of all the departments. The Home Department has been made the nodal department of the state. In any situation, the department will contact the concerned agencies of the Union Government.

The Chief Secretary further said that the Food and Civil Supplies Department has been directed to ensure no shortage of essential commodities nor should anyone hoard it. He gave strict instructions that legal action should be taken against those hoarding the essential commodities. During the meeting, the requirements were ascertained from all the districts and Finance Commissioner Revenue was directed to release advance funds immediately as per the demand. The Chief Secretary also said that all the officers have been asked to cancel their leave and remain posted at their respective stations.

The senior IAS deputed in all the districts comprise DK Tiwari at Moga, Tejveer Singh at Sangrur, Jaspreet Talwar at Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Dilip Kumar at Bathinda, Rahul Bhandari at Malerkotla, VK Meena at Mansa, Rakhi Gupta Bhandari at Hoshiarpur, Vikas Garg at Faridkot, Sumer Singh Gurjar at Barnala, Neel Kanth. S. Avhad at Pathankot, Rahul Tiwari at Sri Muktsar Sahib, Alaknanda Dayal at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Kumar Rahul at Rupnagar, Gurkirat Kripal Singh at Gurdaspur, Priyank Bharti at Ludhiana, VN Zade to Fatehgarh Sahib, Kamal Kishore Yadav to Amritsar, Ajit Balaji Joshi at Ferozepur, Manvesh Singh Sidhu at Fazilka, Daljit Singh Mangat at Tarn Tarn, Dilraj Singh at Jalandhar, Abhinav at Kapurthala and Mohammad Tayyab has been deputed at Patiala.

Chandigarh, May 9:

The Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday took slew of important decisions pertaining to the development, security and well being of the people of state.

Decisions to this effect was taken in meeting of Cabinet held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister here at his official residence today.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that the Cabinet gave approval for installing V-Kavach jammer procurement in 13 high security jails of the state. These 5G enabled hi-end jammers will be installed in the jails for better security purpose. The jammers have been already successfully tested and all the jails of the state will be covered by it gradually.

Likewise, the Cabinet also gave nod for transferring 135 acre land of Housing department land at Faridkot to industries department. The land originally belonged to cooperative sugar mill and was transferred to Housing department under the OUVGL scheme. Examining the huge potential of land for industrial use, the land will be transferred to industry department for development into industrial zone.

In order to make NRIs an equal partner in development of the state, the Cabinet also approved the Creation of Rangla Punjab Fund  in which NRI or anyone can generously contribute for giving fillip to infrastructure growth. This fund will be managed by the Finance department and will be used for accelerating growth in education, health, industry and other sectors. NRIs or other citizens who want to contribute for the development of the state can contribute in this fund.

In another major decision aimed at preserving the rich culture of the state, the Cabinet also gave consent for bringing an ordinance to start Bullock cart races in the state. The ordinance is aimed at ensuring that the rich culture of state is preserved by organising these games which was an integral part of Punjabi culture. Special thrust will be laid on ensuring that no torture of bullock carts takes place during the race for which special clause will be put in the ordinance.  

In order to give major thrust to crop diversification in the state for saving the ground water, the Cabinet also gave nod to launch pilot project of Kharif maize in three regions of the state. The pilot  project will be launched in three regions Gurdaspur-Pathankot, Bathinda, Jalandhar-Kapurthala over an area of 12,000 hectare. The state government will evolve a foolproof mechanism to ensure the marketing of this crop to benefit the farmers of the state.

In order to explore new vistas in the sector of Mining, the Cabinet also gave green signal for Setting up an ultra modren centre of excellence for Mining at IIT Ropar. The centre of excellence will be mandated with assessing the area covered under mining and extent of exploitation being done in sector. The centre will be helpful in evolving ways and means to check illegal mining in the state through use of Artificial intelligence.

The Cabinet also gave approval to cover 2053 employees of the state whose joining process has started before January 1, 2004 under the Old Pension Scheme.

The Cabinet also gave its consent to regularise the services of around 900 officials of the forest department.