Chandigarh, Kalanaur/Gurdaspur, May 9:

In view of the tense situation between India and Pakistan, the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs and the Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh today visited Government hospital Kalanaur and Fire brigade office, Gurdaspur to take stock of the arrangements being made to tackle emergency situations. Afterwards, both the ministers held a meeting with the District Administration to review the preparations made by the latter.

The ministers were accompanied by the Executive President AAP- MLA Amansher Singh Sherri Kalsi, MLA Gurdeep Singh Randhawa, Chairman Raman Behl, President District Urban Shamsher Singh, DC Dalwinderjit Singh, SSP Batala Sohail Qasim Mir, SSP Gurdaspur Aditya, ADC Dr. Harjinder Singh Bedi, SDM Dinanagar Jaspinder Singh and others.

During the visit to the Govt. Hospital Kalanaur, the SMO Kalanaur apprised the ministers that 38 bed facility is available at CHC Kalanaur with all the emergency facilities too. Apart from this, at Dera Baba Nanak 50 bed facility has been ensured along with all the necessary amenities such as blood in requisite quantity in the blood banks.

During a meeting at the District Administrative Complex with the District Administration, the Deputy Commissioner brought to the notice of both the ministers that the District Administration has complied with all the instructions issued by the Punjab Government and the blackout continues during the night time. Besides, the mock drill is also being conducted to deal with any untoward emergency.

On the occasion, Mr. Kataruchak said that the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stands shoulder to shoulder with the people. He further added that in this war against terrorism, the entire country stands united and is proud of our army and brave soldiers. The minister also saluted the spirit of resilience and bravery exhibited by the inhabitants of the border areas.

In his address, Dr. Ravjot Singh said that the State Government is fully prepared and ready to face any eventuality and the whole government machinery has been put on alert. He also divulged that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is personally keeping tabs on the situation. He asked the people not to worry as the government stands by them in this critical hour.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, May 8:

          Amidst the ongoing anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police’s Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busted an international narco-smuggling module being operated by foreign-based smuggler Jassa with the arrest of his two India-based operatives and recovered 10 kg heroin and Rs 1 lakh drug monet from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Thursday. 

          Those arrested have been identified as Gurpinder Singh, a resident of Indra Colony in Majitha Road, Amritsar and Sajan, a resident of Chak Mishri Khan in Amritsar. Police teams have also seized their black Hero Splendor motorcycle (PB-02-EM-2025), which was used for smuggling the contraband.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that accused Jassa, who is an abroad-based drug and weapons smuggler, is wanted in multiple cases under the NDPS Act and Arms Act registered at Police Station SSOC Amritsar.

          Pertinently, this is third module— being operated by foreign-based Jassa— has been busted by the CI Amritsar in last ten days. Earlier, an operative of Jassa identified as Abhishek was arrested with seven pistols and Rs 1.5 lakh, and few days after, police teams had recovered 5 kg heroin from the hideout of Jassa’s absconding associate identified as Jodhbir Singh alias Jodha.

          Sharing operation details, the DGP said that acting on reliable input about accused persons Gurpinder and Sajan coming in the area of Bypass, near Escort Hospital Amritsar to deliver huge consignment of heroin to some another party, police teams from CI Amritsar launched an intelligence-led operation in the area and apprehended both the accused persons, who were on their motorcycle. During their search, 10 kg heroin and Rs 1 lakh drug money was recovered, he added.

          He said that preliminary investigations indicated that the both the arrested accused persons were going to deliver the drug consignment following the instructions of their foreign-based handler Jassa.

          Further investigation is underway to uncover backward and forward linkages in this case, he said, while adding that more arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days. 

          A case FIR No. 30 dated 08.05.2025 has been registered under sections 21, 25, 27-A and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar.

CHANDIGARH, May 8:

          In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing campaign against organised crime under the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab, in a joint operation with SAS Nagar Police, apprehended Harjinder Singh, a key associate of foreign-based gangster Rajesh Kumar alias Sonu Khatri, from Kharar Bus Stand, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

          Police teams have also recovered three pistols— including two .32 bore and one .30 bore— along with 14 carriages from the possession of arrested accused person.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the accused was wanted in a case involving an armed attack on rival gang members at “Future Heights” in Kharar.

          He said that preliminary investigation has revealed that arrested accused Harjinder Singh was receiving direct instructions from his abroad-based handler Sonu Khatri and was hatching conspiracy to execute high-profile crime in the state.

“His (Harjinder Singh) arrest marks a critical step in our sustained crackdown on gangster networks operating with cross-border linkages,” said the DGP, while adding that further investigation is underway to unravel the complete network and establish forward and backward linkages.

          Sharing operation details, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) AGTF Promod Ban said that the teams of the AGTF led by DSP Rajan Parminder based human and intel-inputs located the accused Harjinder roaming in the area of Kharar and managed to arrest him from the Kharar Bus Stand.

          A case FIR No. 68 dated 24/02/2025 had already been regitered under sections 125, 194, 194(2), 296, 193(3) and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act at Police Station City Kharar in SAS Nagar.

Chandigarh/ New Delhi, May 8:

          Punjab’s Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Thursday urged the Central Government to provide a cash incentive of Rs 17,500 per hectare to farmers opting for crop diversification in place of paddy during the Kharif season.

          S. Khudian said that the Central Government in its letter dated June 10, 2024 rolled out the revised guidelines for crop diversification Programme (CDP) for Paddy replacement which mentioned to pay cash incentive of Rs. 17,500 per Hectare (upto 5 hectares per farmer) to farmers who go for alternative crops like Maize and cotton etc. during the Kharif Season. In continuation the Government of India further issued two letters in November and December last year, but remained silent on financial support, leaving farmers in uncertainty.

          Punjab Agriculture Minister was here to participate in National Conference on Agriculture-Kharif Campaign -2025 held at PUSA Complex, New Delhi. Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Sh. Shiv Raj Chauhan inaugurated this National Conference.

          S. Khudian said that the state government has already requested the government of India to support and collaborate by providing incentives on per acre basis in lieu of the additional cost to be incurred on management of paddy stubble and thus to tackle the menace of stubble burning and air pollution. He reiterated that the Punjab Government is also ready to contribute to this initiative.

          Demanding consistent and continuous supply of fertilisers, Punjab Agriculture Minister said that the state contributes about 21% paddy and 46% wheat to the central pool and this has happened due the continuous supply of the desired quantity of fertilisers. He said that during the rabi season, shortage of phosphatic fertilisers generally occurs so it is required that a continuous supply of fertilisers in kharif season for pre-positioning should be maintained.

          S. Khudian also appealed central government for the continuation of wheat seed subsidy, which is essential for ensuring food security for the growing population. He said as per the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) estimates, the nation would have a requirement of 345 million metric tonne food grains which at present is 298.82 metric tonnes. To meet this requirement the country should increase the area under production of these crops.

          According to ICAR, there is a need to replace 33% of wheat seeds every year, which requires approximately Rs 20 crores. However, the Government of India has discontinued the subsidy on wheat seeds under the NFSM and RKVY schemes. The Agriculture minister requested that this subsidy should be continued in the larger interests of feeding the growing population of the country.

Chandigarh, May 8:

The Punjab State Child Rights Commission has summoned reports from the Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police, Patiala regarding the recent road accident in Patiala.

Providing more information on this regard, Commission Chairperson Mr. Kanwarjit Singh said that the Commission has taken suo-moto notice of the case where seven students and a driver died in a horrific collision between a school vehicle and a tipper truck, with many others injured.

The Commission has written to the Deputy Commissioner Patiala directing that all possible treatment be provided to the injured children. The Regional Transport Officer has been strictly instructed to thoroughly inspect overloaded tippers/vehicles plying on roads. Besides this, the Commission has directed that the vehicles of the affected school and all schools in the district be inspected and strict action be taken against school vehicle drivers and schools if the vehicles do not meet prescribed conditions.

Likewise, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Patiala has been instructed to thoroughly investigate the tipper, driver’s license, complete documentation of the tipper including valid RC, fitness certificate and compliance with government mining policy conditions regarding road usage and overloading and to take appropriate action against the tipper owner according to regulations.

The Commission has sought action reports from both the Deputy Commissioner and SSP of Patiala by May 11, 2025.

Nangal (Rupnagar), May 8:

Asserting that the state is fighting twin battles one against Pakistan to safeguard our borders and other against the Union government and Haryana government to protect the snatching of our waters, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday foiled the nefarious design of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to steal the waters of state.

Leading from the front the Chief Minister himself staged a sit in at Nangal to ensure that the BBMB Chairman cannot divert the waters of the state to Haryana. He said that if Punjabis can protect the borders of the state then they are capable enough to save it water also. “It is shameful that the BJP led Union government is playing dirty games over the waters of the state in this crisis when the country is supposed to fight the enemy in unison with each other”, said Bhagwant Singh Mann.     

The Chief Minister said that today when in the entire country sirens are being blown for blackout as a part of strategy of battle against Pakistan, the BJP is playing petty politics with Punjab. He said that it is really shameful that BJP is searching for an opportunity in the hour of crisis (Apda mein Avsar) to harm interests of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab will never allow the nefarious plans of the BJP to succeed and not even a single drop of water will be shared with any other state.

The Chief Minister said that BJP and its allies are in haste for stealing the water from the state whereas Haryana has been using 4000 cusec for the entire year. He said that the BJP should tell that whether Punjab should safeguard the borders of the country or they should protect the waters. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to vigilance of the state government today the illegal stealing of water by BBMB and Haryana has been prevented.

The Chief Minister said that the state government will challenge the decision of the High Court on the BBMB and water sharing in the Apex court adding that the battle to protect the waters will be fought politically and legally. He said that the BBMB Chairman has tried to illegally loot the water of the state which is highly condemnable. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that any such move will not be tolerated and the state government will oppose it tooth and nail.

The Chief Minister categorically said that if the state is capable of protecting the borders of the country, it can save the waters of Punjab too. He said that Punjab has a glorious history of making supreme sacrifices to protect the 532 kilometres long border with Pakistan. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that today also Punjabis are at the forefront giving a befitting reply to the Pakistani Army and no stone will be left unturned for it. 

The Chief Minister said that Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) was originally established to manage the waters of the Sutlej and Beas rivers. However, he said that for years, Punjab’s water has been diverted to other states through the BBMB adding that the BJP government has started using this board for its political interests. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Without consulting Punjab, meetings are being called at midnight, and under pressure from other states, Punjab’s rightful share is being taken away.

Describing BBMB as a white elephant, the Chief Minister demanded for its reconstitution as per the new constitution. He said that it is totally useless and unacceptable in the present form adding that Punjab will never accept it now. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is ironic that employees of other states are being paid from the exchequer of state and they harm the interests of Punjab only.

The Chief Minister said that in recent days, the Bharatiya Janata Party, through its Haryana government, the central government, and BBMB, has been attempting to snatch Punjab’s rights. He said that in an unconstitutional and illegal manner, BBMB meetings are being convened to forcibly divert Punjab’s water to Haryana. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that even the BBMB uses the money of the state to fight legal battles against Punjab, which is highly deplorable.

The Chief Minister said that operation Sindoor is a laudable step to crush the anti-India tirade by Pakistan through terrorists camps in POC. He said that while the Indian Army has destroyed the terrorist centres being run by Pakistan and on the other hand our religious places are being targeted by the enemy during bombardment from across the border. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjabis are the brave hearts that can do anything for the country but the BJP led government has adopted an anti-Punjab stance against the state which is not correct.

On the occasion, Cabinet Ministers Harjot Singh Bains and Barinder Kumar Goyal along with others were also present.

Chandigarh, May 6, 2025: A new chapter in Punjabi literature and knowledge-sharing begins with the launch of Awaaz Ghar, the first-ever Punjabi audio library, dedicated to preserving and promoting the richness of Punjabi language and literature.

Awaaz Ghar is a revolutionary platform that brings a vast collection of Punjabi books, spanning literature, history, poetry, and folklore, to audiences worldwide through digital audio. At launch, Awaaz Ghar offers over 700 audiobooks, with an additional 300 titles currently in processing. Furthermore, new books will continue to be added every month, expanding the collection and ensuring fresh content for listeners.

Available via its own dedicated app on iOS and Android, and accessible through the web, Awaaz Ghar also distributes its content on global streaming platforms like Spotify and many more, ensuring that the voices of Punjab reach listeners everywhere.

Beyond personal access, Awaaz Ghar will also distribute its collection to major libraries, universities, and schools, integrating seamlessly with their existing digital platforms. This initiative aims to make Punjabi literary heritage more accessible to students, researchers, and general readers who prefer audio learning.

Speaking about the launch, Ms. Balraj Pannu, a major driving force behind Awaaz Ghar, said:

“Punjabi literature is a treasure trove of knowledge and culture, but accessibility has always been a challenge. With Awaaz Ghar, we are bringing our stories and wisdom to the digital age, ensuring that every Punjabi, no matter where they are in the world, can connect with their roots.”

Awaaz Ghar also aims to serve as a bridge between generations. By providing audio access to classic and contemporary Punjabi works, it offers younger audiences a fresh, engaging way to discover the depth and beauty of their heritage. In a time when screen fatigue is real, audio storytelling offers a comforting, immersive alternative to experience literature on the go.

In addition, the platform is actively working with voice artists, narrators, and cultural scholars to ensure that every audiobook captures the authenticity and emotion of the original text. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of oral tradition in Punjabi culture, while embracing the power of technology to carry it forward.

Our platform is dedicated to providing an equal space for both contemporary and renowned writers, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. We believe in fostering a diverse literary community, where writers of all backgrounds and experience levels can share their work. Whether you’re a seasoned author or a rising star, our platform is a place for everyone. Additionally, we embrace a wide range of topics and genres, offering a space for every group to express their unique perspectives, explore new ideas, and engage in meaningful conversations.

Chandigarh, May 6:

To bring major reforms in the functioning of Cooperative Banks, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today ordered to expedite the process of recovery from defaulter account holders of these banks so that there is no hindrance in lending to agriculture and allied activities.

During a meeting held today at the official residence of the Chief Minister here, while reviewing the progress of the functioning of Cooperative Banks, the Chief Minister said that defaulters are the biggest obstacle in the development of banks because the money stuck with them hampers financial assistance to other needy people. The Chief Minister said that small and medium farmers always return loans to banks on a priority basis, but it is unfortunate that large farmers are defaulters of cooperative banks. He also said that the government employees who have taken loans from Cooperative Banks to repay their dues immediately. Bhagwant Singh Mann directed the Cooperation Department to adopt an appropriate process to recover from defaulters so that complete recovery of loans can be ensured.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the recovery of crop loans being only 65 percent, the Chief Minister said this is having a very bad effect on the cooperative banking system. He said that cooperative banks offer a 3% interest rebate on timely repayment of crop loans, yet many farmers do not repay loans, resulting in not only paying higher interest but also being deprived of taking loans or other benefits in the future. The state government would not accept discrimination with our farmers.

During the meeting, it was informed that farmers in the state are given approximately Rs. 8000 crore in crop loans every year through 3523 cooperative societies via cooperative banks. This is provided at an interest rate of just 7% and if the farmer repays on time, they get a further 3% rebate in the interest rate. On the contrary, farmers who do not repay on time have to pay 2.5 % extra interest, which becomes 9.5 percent.

To encourage primary agricultural cooperative societies (PACS) with excellent crop loan recovery records, the Chief Minister directed the department to honour such cooperative societies in a special way so that they can be projected as role models in the cooperative sector. It was informed during the meeting that the cooperative societies under the Dhuri circle have a loan recovery rate of 99 percent and the Dhuri circle has emerged as a model. Bhagwant Singh Mann also instructed to organize a function to honour these societies.

Expressing concern over NABARD reducing the annual limit of concessional refinance loan for the year 2024–25, the Chief Minister said that Punjab contributes the most to the nation’s food security and such a cut in the loan limit has adversely affected the agriculture sector. Bhagwant Singh Mann said he will take up this issue with the NABARD Chairman to reinstate the loan limit to Rs 3000 crore for the financial year 2025–26.

Giving a green signal to end the dual leadership system of Managing Director (MD) and District Manager (DM) in District Central Cooperative Banks, the Chief Minister said that there should be a single officer heading the bank so that the functioning can become more effective and responsibility can be clearly fixed.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Chairman The Punjab State Cooperative Bank Ltd. Jagdev Singh Bam, ACS-cum-Financial Commissioner Cooperation Alok Shekhar,  Principal Secretary Finance Krishan Kumar, Principal Secretary Food and Civil Supplies Rahul Tewari, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Ravi Bhagat and Special Principal Secretary Kumar Amit, Registrar Cooperative Societies Vimal Kumar Setia and MD The Punjab State Cooperative Bank Ltd. Harjeet Singh Sandhu were also present in the meeting.

CHANDIGARH, May 6:

          Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C informed that in continuation of the Election Commission of India’s emphasis on fostering greater and regular engagement with different stakeholders, ECI has initiated interactions with National and State political parties. These interactions would provide a long-felt need of constructive discussions which enable National and State Party Presidents to share their suggestions and concerns directly with the Commission.

          He said that this initiative aligns with the Commission’s broader vision of further strengthening the electoral process in accordance with the existing legal framework with all stakeholders. Earlier, a total of 4,719 all-party meetings have been conducted including 40 meetings by CEOs, 800 by DEOs, and 3879 by EROs engaging over 28,000 representatives of various political parties.

Photo caption: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu & Dr. Vivek Joshi had an interaction with Bahujan Samaj Party led by its National President, Km. Mayawati at Nirvachan Sadan today (Tuesday, May 6, 2025).

Chandigarh, May 6:

          The Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday announced that the groundbreaking new mining policy of the Punjab Government fundamentally shifts the control of sand and gravel resources directly into the hands of the people, effectively curbing corruption and significantly increasing state revenue. The Finance Minister announced this as he along with Mining & Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal unveiled standardized online application forms for Landowner Mining Sites (LMS) and Crusher Mining Sites (CRMS) on the official Punjab Mining Portal.

          Addressing the media on this occasion, the Finance Minister said that the key highlight of the new policy is the empowerment of landowners as under this revamped framework, landowners will now have the direct right to mine sand and gravel on their own land without the need for auctions. Furthermore, the new mining policy incorporates robust technological measures to eradicate illegal mining activities with the mandatory deployment of cameras and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) surveillance across mining sites and transportation routes. He said that this pivotal change would eliminate the role of intermediaries and potential for monopolization, placing the power directly with the rightful owners of the land.

          “We are committed to ensuring complete transparency and accountability in the mining sector, in contrast to the previous SAD-BJP and Congress regimes that patronage and encouraged the illegal mining to fill their coffers ,” said Finance Minister cheema while adding that the implementation of advanced surveillance technologies would act as a strong deterrent against illegal trade, safeguarding our natural resources and ensuring that the benefits of mining reach the public, rather than a select few who seemingly profited under the old guard.

          Highlighting online mining application procedures, the Finance Minister said that it exemplifies AAP government’s commitment to administrative transparency, procedural simplification and technological integration. He informed that the standardized application forms are now accessible on the official portal (https://minesandgeology.punjab.gov.in) and are available to all prospective applicants with immediate effect. The landowners can now seamlessly apply for mining permissions through a user-centric interface that prioritizes accessibility and simplicity. The applications will be processed with unprecedented expediency, ensuring that eligible landowners can commence legitimate mining operations without procedural impediments.

          Mining & Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal informed that this initiative features immediate application availability for sites already included in approved District Survey Reports (DSRs), alongside a streamlined pathway for landowners with mineral-bearing lands not yet included in DSRs to approach District Administration or Department of Mines & Geology through the District Mining Officer. The simplified application forms minimize documentation requirements, focusing only on essential credentials including landowner details, land particulars and mining proposals. Besides this, a comprehensive user manual with detailed procedural flowcharts is available on the portal to guide applicants through each step. Following document verification, the Department of Mines & Geology will issue Letters of Intent (LOI) to eligible applicants, he added.

          Subsequently, applicants must secure mandatory clearances including Environmental Clearance from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and Consent to Operate from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). Upon submission of all required clearances, a formal mining agreement will be executed, permitting commencement of mining activities in accordance with applicable regulations, said Goyal.

          The Cabinet ministers jointly announced robust applicant support mechanisms including a dedicated Complaint Cell (1800-180-2422) staffed with specially trained personnel to resolve portal-related difficulties. Besides this, Nodal Officers have been appointed at district and head office levels to facilitate application processing and environmental clearances. Regular capacity-building workshops will be conducted to familiarize applicants with portal functionalities and procedural requirements. This digital intervention will not only modernize mining operations but also foster economic opportunities for landowners while ensuring environmental sustainability through proper regulatory oversight,” he affirmed.

PUNJAB DENIED FAIR OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP POTASH RESOURCES: BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL

Meanwhile, Barinder Kumar Goyal said that Punjab is facing unjustifiable treatment regarding the development of its valuable potash deposits, a mineral resource that could bring tremendous economic and agricultural benefits to both the state and the nation. Despite the discovery of substantial potash reserves near Sri Muktsar Sahib and Abohar regions, an area bordering Rajasthan where similar deposits have been found, the union government has consistently withheld necessary approvals for further exploration and development.

          “Potash is a crucial mineral that is not found elsewhere in the country. Currently, India imports 100% of its potash requirements, which significantly depletes our foreign exchange reserves,” said the Mining and Geology Minister.

          He said that discrimination is evident in the allocation of exploration efforts. While 158 drilling sites have been established in Rajasthan’s adjacent area to determine the location, quality and quantity of potash deposits, merely nine drilling sites have been permitted in Punjab. This glaring disparity was formally raised during a recent all-India Mining and Geology Ministers’ conclave in Odisha.

          During his field visit, Goyal said he dispelled widespread misconceptions among residents who feared their lands would be permanently acquired. He meticulously explained that potash extraction would occur approximately 450 meters below the surface, with minimal disruption to agricultural activities above. The test drilling required only a negligible portion of land. He said that as per study, by drilling at one place, potash can be extracted from an area of 25 acres beneath the earth.

          The development of domestic potash resources would significantly advance national self-reliance, substantially reducing India’s dependence on international markets and conserving valuable foreign exchange. “This isn’t merely Punjab’s parochial concern; it’s a strategic imperative for national interest. Achieving self-sufficiency in potash production would represent a monumental milestone in India’s resource security framework,” the minister articulated.