Chandigarh, May 6

In order to stop the absence of officers and employees in Tehsil offices and to end the inconvenience to the common people, the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has taken a big decision and has given strict instructions to Tehsildars and Naib Tehsildars to be present in government offices from 9 am to evening.

Revenue and Rehabilitation Minister Hardip Singh Mundian today said this while directing the Deputy Commissioners to ensure the presence of officers in the Tehsil offices. Besides, the attendance of Tehsildars, Naib Tehsildars and Sub Registrars has also been directed to be recorded through the M-Seva app. For this, the GPS location of all the offices should be made available to the Revenue Department.

Mr. Mundian said that alternative arrangements should be made at vacant stations keeping in mind the seniority and the availability of the required staff so that no person who has come for registration has to face any problem. He also said that if any person has booked an appointment online on the website, then his registration should be ensured on the same day.

Financial Commissioner Revenue Anurag Verma also issued a letter to all the Deputy Commissioners to ensure strict compliance with the instructions issued by the Revenue Department. He said that the government’s objective is that the common people should not face any problem in registering their properties.

Chandigarh, May 5:

Launching a scathing attack at BJP led Centre and Haryana Government of “putting a knee on Punjab’s neck” and looting its rightful share of water for decades, State President of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Punjab Cabinet Minister Mr. Aman Arora exposed the historical injustices faced by Punjab over its water rights during the Special Punjab Vidhan Session, on Monday.

Addressing the house, Mr. Aman Arora recounted how Punjab has been systematically deprived of its water resources since 1955. Later in 1960 with the Indus Water Treaty, which diverted 80% of Punjab’s river waters to Pakistan. He also highlighted how subsequent agreements—like the Punjab Reorganization Act (1966), the Tripartite Agreement (1981), and arbitrary assessments—further robbed Punjab of its rightful share.

Punjab has been betrayed repeatedly—whether it was Congress or BJP government at the Centre. They have always treated Punjab as a milking cow, taking our water and grain but giving nothing in return, Mr. Aman Arora said.

He pointed out that despite Punjab being a riparian state, non-riparian states like Haryana and Rajasthan were unlawfully given Punjab’s water, violating international riparian laws. In 1955, Punjab’s water assessment was 15.85 MAF, but by 1981, it was artificially increased to 17.17 MAF just to justify giving more water to Haryana and Rajasthan.

Mr. Aman Arora also slammed the Shiromani Akali Dal for its role in weakening Punjab’s stand, recalling how the Badal-led government had demanded Rs 3 crore for the construction of SYL canal on July 4, 1978 despite knowing the fact that it’s against Punjab’s rights. On March 31, 1979, SAD government happily received Rs 1 crore sent by Haryana for the construction of SYL and signed Punjab’s death warrant. Later accepted the Tripartite Agreement in March 1981 under pressure of Congress led Governments in Centre, Rajasthan and Haryana, he added.

Praising Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann’s firm stance against releasing additional water to Haryana, Mr. Aman Arora said, “Punjab has no extra water to give. We will not bow down to pressure from Delhi or Haryana.” He urged all political parties to come united, warning that Punjab’s survival is at stake.

Calling for a long-term solution, Mr. Aman Arora demanded the cancellation of all unjust water-sharing agreements and strict adherence to riparian principles. “If Rajasthan can be denied Narmada waters for not being a basin state, why is Punjab forced to give its waters to non-riparian states?” he questioned.

Mr. Aman Arora said, “Punjab feeds the nation, but its own children are left parched. Enough is enough—we will not let this betrayal continue.” He urged all the political parties to stand united to ensure that Punjab’s voice is heard loud and clear at the centre level.

Chandigarh/Batala, May 4:

In a continued crackdown against drug smugglers under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’, Batala Police on Sunday demolished the illegally constructed house of notorious drug smuggler identified as Navsharan Das alias Kaka in Qadian village. The demolition was carried out using a JCB machine amid heavy rainfall, under the supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Batala Suhail Qasim Mir. 

SSP Suhail Qasim Mir informed reporters that the drug smuggler, Navsharan Das, has six criminal cases registered against him in various police stations, including four under the NDPS Act. The cases have been registered at Police Stations including three at Qadian, while one each at Kahnuwan, Dinanagar, and SAS Nagar.

Issuing a stern warning to drug smugglers, SSP Suhail Qasim Mir emphasized that anyone involved in illegal activities will not be spared, and strict action will be taken against them. He affirmed that such crackdowns will continue until drug traffickers either return to mainstream or leave Punjab.

The SSP further highlighted that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav have given clear directives to take stringent action against those involved in drug smuggling.

He informed that Batala Police has registered as many as 250 FIRs in the last two months, besides, attaching properties worth approximately Rs 28 crore belonging to drug smugglers. 

Additionally, Batala Police has been working closely with village and ward-level defence committees, holding meetings to strengthen anti-drug efforts. So far, 110 villages have passed resolutions pledging to eradicate drug menace completely.

SSP Suhail Qasim Mir urged the public to report any drug-related activities to the nearest police station or inform anonymously at Safe Punjab Anti Drug Helpline number ‘9779100200’.

Chandigarh/ Nangal, May 04:

Standing at the forefront to safeguard Punjab’s interests, Punjab Education and Information & Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains today made visit to Bhakhra Dam at Nangal consecutively for fourth day to ensure no excess water release to Haryana.

After assessing the situation, S Harjot Singh Bains emphasised that water is crucial for Punjab’s economy, which heavily relies on agriculture. He reaffirmed that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government is standing firm on the decision taken regarding water.

“We’re closely monitoring the situation. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has already visited Nangal Dam, and also called a special Punjab Vidhan Sabha session tomorrow (May 5) to address the issue. The Punjab government is steadfast in fighting for farmers’ rights, and we won’t let the BJP-led Centre and other states violate our rights. Our Aam Aadmi Party workers have been vigilantly guarding Nangal Dam. With paddy sowing season approaching, our farmers need water, and we can’t afford to spare any extra water for any other state”, the Education Minister made it clear.

He also enquired from officials about water release from Nangal Dam, while assuring  the people of Punjab that their interests are safe.

S. Harjot Singh Bains also highlighted the challenges posed by excess water during heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh, which often affects Punjab’s villages with the flash flood in Swan Nadi. He questioned why the neighbouring states wouldn’t accept the excess water during times of need, yet expect Punjab to share its water when it’s crucial for the state’s farmers as the paddy season is approaching.

He informed that the current government’s pro-people initiatives have enabled irrigation for an additional 10,000 acres this year. Future plans include a lift irrigation scheme via pipeline to benefit the semi-mountainous Changar region.

Taking stock of the arrangements being made to prevent floods during the rainy seasons, S. Bains said that the state government is vigilantly monitoring water bodies, strengthening weak dams.

Chandigarh, May 3

Highlighting state’s continued upward trajectory in fiscal health, Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday announced that the state has registered highest-ever monthly Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection of Rs 2653.77 crore in April this year reflecting a significant 19.77 percent increase compared to the corresponding period last year, and jump of 30.84 percent over March 2025.

Revealing this in a press communiqué issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that this robust growth underscores the effectiveness of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government’s economic policies and the increasing compliance among taxpayers. He said that the gross GST revenue collection for April 2025 marked an increase of Rs 438.07 crore when compared to the gross collection of Rs 2215.70 crore recorded in April 2024, and a substantial increase of Rs 625.63 crore over the gross GST collection of Rs 2028.14 crore in March 2025.

Expressing his satisfaction with this significant achievement, Finance Minister Cheema said that this remarkable surge in GST collection reflected the positive impact of state government’s proactive measures in streamlining tax administration, enhancing compliance, and fostering a conducive business environment.

The Finance Minister further emphasized that this substantial growth in revenue will provide a significant boost to the state’s exchequer, enabling the government to further invest in crucial sectors such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and social welfare programs. This increased financial capacity will empower the state to better serve its citizens and accelerate its overall progress, he added.

The Finance Minister also lauded the diligent efforts of the officers and officials of the Taxation department and the cooperation extended by the taxpayers in achieving this milestone. He reiterated the AAP-led state government’s commitment to maintaining a transparent and efficient tax system that promotes economic growth and ensures fair contributions from all stakeholders.

Chandigarh/Sri Muktsar Sahib, May 3:

Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today lambasted that Haryana is spreading misconceptions of the water sharing issue.

While addressing the media persons on the sideline of the function, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal disclosed all facts related to this matter, asserting that Punjab has not withheld anyone’s rightful share and will neither surrender its own rights nor bow to pressure from the Center or Haryana. He clarified that Punjab’s interests come first for the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government and only Punjab has rights over its waters.

Elaborating on this issue with detailed facts, the Cabinet Minister informed that the water distribution from dams has been occurring according to stored volume for around 44 years. Haryana was allocated 2.987 MAF of water this year and has already utilized its allocated share. He said that Haryana has exceeded its target by using a total of 104 percent of its water allocation, mentioning that the Punjab government has been writing letters to Haryana since January about this matter and keeping the union government informed.

Sh. Goyal revealed that a letter was also written on March 17, 2025, warning Haryana that it was not using its share of water judiciously, which could lead to difficulties in the coming days. However, instead of improving its water management, Haryana consumed all its water allocation by March itself. He said that on March 31, Haryana requested for drinking water, indicating that it needed 1500 cusecs of water for its population of 2.8 crores, at a standard rate of 135 liters per person per day. It also requested 1149 cusecs for Delhi and cited additional needs for industry and even animals, totaling a demand of 4082 cusecs. Out of humanitarian consideration, the Punjab government began releasing 4000 cusecs of water for Haryana from April 4 to meet drinking water requirements, but now Haryana is demanding 8500 cusecs, which is impossible to provide.

Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that Haryana argues previous governments had provided this water. The Water Resources Minister said that previous governments failed to protect Punjab’s water resources and Punjab wasn’t even utilizing its own share then. However, since Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government took office, continuous efforts have been made to ensure water reaches Punjab’s fields. He said that within three years, we have ensured full water supply reaches the tail ends of canals. More than 16,000 water courses have been constructed and rejuvenated. Similarly, more than Rs.4550 crore have been spent on developing the canal infrastructure, while Rs.3264 crore are being spent this year. In this way, we are no longer letting Punjab’s water go to waste in other states and Punjab’s water is reaching state’s fields, which will increase farmers’ yields while also beginning to conserve groundwater. All these facts clearly showcase that Punjab neither infringes upon anyone’s rights nor relinquishes its own, he added.

Speaking on the issue, Agriculture Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian also said that Punjab does not have surplus water to give to anyone and will protect its rights at any cost.

Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur also reiterated that Punjab’s water is exclusively for our state and the Center or Haryana will not be permitted to plunder it.

MLAs Prof. Baljinder Kaur, Jagdeep Singh Kaka Brar and Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon were also present on this occasion.

Chandigarh, May 3:

The Punjab Government, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is consistently working towards empowering women, making them self-reliant and strengthening their role in society. Disclosing this, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the State Government has implemented a Free Bus Travel Scheme for women across Punjab. Under this scheme, during the years 2023-24 and 2024-25, women in the state availed over 13 crore free bus rides, benefitting immensely from this initiative.

Dr. Baljit Kaur added that this significant initiative by the Punjab Government has provided women easier access to education, employment, healthcare, and other essential services. This scheme has not only ensured convenient travel facilities for women but has also encouraged their personal freedom, dignity, and active participation in every sphere of life.

She further informed that prioritizing women’s safety, the State Government recently launched ‘Project Hifazat’, aimed at providing a safe and reliable environment for women. Alongside, a comprehensive plan has been prepared to establish Working Women Hostels across Punjab, offering safe and well-equipped accommodation facilities for working women, enabling them to lead a secure and stress-free professional and personal life.

Dr. Kaur emphasized that this scheme is liberating women from the burden of travel expenses, motivating them to explore better employment opportunities. It is playing a pivotal role in laying the foundation of an empowered and progressive society.

In conclusion, Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann’s government remains fully committed to realizing the dream of a vibrant, prosperous, and capable Punjab.

Jalandhar, May 3:

Accelerating the anti-drug campaign in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday administered oath to hundreds of Village Defence committees so that they can wipe out drug from their respective areas adding that Punjab will be made drug free state by May 31.

The Chief Minister, accompanied by state AAP President Aman Arora and LOk SABHA MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal, said that this is a decisive step aimed at making the state free from scourge of drugs.  He said as Army chalks out plan before winning the war in the same manner state government has formulated the plan to wipe out drugs from state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now the war has been declared and will be won shortly with the active support and cooperation of people.

The Chief Minister said that along with the eradication of drug menace the state government is very serious over the rehabilitation of the drug victims. He said that as a part of this only the capacity of the rehabilitation and drug de-addiction centres has been enhanced by 5000 beds. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that apart from detoxification of the drug victims these centres will enable them to live a life of dignity and pride by making them self reliant.

The Chief Minister said drug traffickers are enemies of society who have pushed the youth into the abyss for the sake of their own luxurious lives. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these smugglers, who live in lavish homes while others suffer, do not deserve forgiveness. He said that all necessary permissions are being obtained to take action against the top-level traffickers, and they will be held accountable for the pain they caused – to widowed women, mothers who lost sons, and sisters longing to tie a rakhi.

The Chief Minister clearly stated that no political leader or any other individual involved in drug trafficking—no matter how influential or powerful—will be spared under any circumstances. Referring to the success of the bulldozer action against drug traffickers, he stated that, for the first time, traffickers in villages are approaching Panchayats to repent and promise not to sell drugs again. Citing an example from a village in Bathinda district, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that when a JCB bulldozer demolished a drug dealer’s house, a woman who had lost her son to drugs distributed sweets and showered flowers on the police — a gesture that reflects the success of the anti-drug mission.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister urged Village and Ward Security Committees to Act as Guardians in Drug-Free Punjab Campaign. He called upon members of Village and Ward Security Committees to take on the role of vigilant guardians, asserting that with their support, Punjab can be freed from drugs and restored to its former vibrant glory. Referring to the government’s three-pronged strategy to combat drugs, Bhagwant Singh Mann explained that the plan includes strict action against drug traffickers, free treatment for addicts, and skill-based rehabilitation to help affected individuals rejoin society with dignity and respect.

Administering an oath to these guardians, the Chief Minister urged them to pledge that no form of drug will be allowed to be sold in their villages or wards. He further called on them to commit to taking addicts to rehabilitation centers and to oppose bail for drug traffickers, either for themselves or on behalf of others. Thanking the panchayats for their overwhelming support of the campaign, Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted that more than 200 panchayats have passed anti-drug resolutions daily.

The Chief Minister promised that drug-free panchayats would be given special grants to develop as model villages, serving as an inspiration for others. He also praised the significant contributions of women in making this campaign a huge success. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Curse of drugs can be wiped out only with the active support and cooperation of every section of the society.

Condemning the central government’s attempts to deprive Punjab of its water resources, the Chief Minister asserted that his government has fiercely defended the state’s rights, preventing a single drop of water from being diverted to any other state. He said that Unlike previous governments that silently handed over surplus water to neighboring states, his government has taken a firm stand, as water is vital to Punjab’s survival. Bhagwant Singh Mann mentioned that the government has revived long-defunct canals, water courses and distributaries, which has significantly increased canal water supply for agriculture.

Striking an emotional chord, the Chief Minister pledged that he would not shy away from any sacrifice necessary to protect Punjab’s interests. He said that every action of his government is aimed at safeguarding the interests of the state and no stone will be left unturned for that. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government accords paramount importance to the rights of the people and they will not be compromised at any cost.

Touching upon the decision to advance the paddy sowing season to June 1, the Chief Minister  said the move is aimed at avoiding excessive moisture in September and October, which often causes problems for farmers in selling their crops. He also shared that a massive road network project has been launched, involving 19,000 kilometers of link roads, with a total cost of ₹3,500 crore. For the first time in history of state, Using artificial intelligence, 1,200 kilometers of roads that existed only on paper were identified, leading to savings of ₹250 crore, added Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Describing the Sadak Surakhya Force(SSF) as a guardian of humanity, Mann highlighted that road accident deaths have decreased by 49% within a year of its formation. He said that Additionally, cash and valuables worth ₹5 crore have been returned to victims’ families following accidents. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this force has set a new benchmark in effective policing to help the general public by curbing road casualties.

Chandigarh, May 3:

Punjab Water Resources and Soil and Water Conservation Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today said that the Punjab Government has boycotted the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) meeting scheduled for today (May 3).

Terming the meeting completely unconstitutional and illegal, Sh. Goyal said that proper protocols had been violated in the scheduling of the 255th Special Meeting. “Under Regulation-3 of the 1976 Regulations, a seven-day notice is mandatory before scheduling a BBMB meeting,” said the Cabinet Minister, adding that “We will not participate in the meeting until BBMB follows proper procedures.”

In a strongly worded letter to the BBMB Chairman, the Punjab Government communicated its position to the BBMB prior to the meeting. The state government conveyed that this meeting has been convened through improper channels and in violation of established regulations.

The letter explicitly references Regulation 3 of the BBMB Regulations issued under the Punjab Reorganization Act 1966, which stipulates that for special meetings convened to address urgent business, a minimum notice period of seven days must be provided to all members.

Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal pointed out that recent BBMB meetings held on April 28 and April 30, 2025 were also convened without adhering to the mandatory notice period. Notices for these meetings were issued merely a day before the scheduled dates on April 27 and April 29, respectively, rendering any decisions taken during these meetings legally questionable.

Water Resources Minister categorically said, “Regulation 3 clearly mandates a minimum seven-day notice for special meetings. The BBMB’s persistent disregard for established procedures undermines the constitutional framework under which it operates.”

He said that as the special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on water sharing issue is scheduled to commence its session on Monday, May 5, 2025. The preparation requirements for this important legislative session further necessitate the adjournment of the BBMB meeting.

The Punjab Government asked that the BBMB should reschedule the meeting in accordance with proper procedural requirements to ensure that all stakeholder states can participate meaningfully in the decision-making process.

Chandigarh/ Nangal, May 3:

Punjab’s Education and Information & Public Relations Minister, S. Harjot Singh Bains, revealed blueprint to develop Nangal as a world-class tourist destination under Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership. He emphasised that the promises made with public in 2022, are being fulfilled, with tangible progress on the ground, marking a shift from ‘foundation stones to foundation of work’.

With the inauguration of the multi-crore flyover, he said that Nangal’s development has gained momentum. The flyover, once was a longstanding problem, is now fully operational, boosting business and easing commutes for citizens. Its completion has brought relief and new energy to the city.

Highlighting the reforms undertaken in education sector, the Education Minister said that the state government has ensured quality education system and modern facilities in government schools. He also noted a positive shift in BBMB officials’ responsiveness to Punjab government’s directives, attributing this change to collective efforts and strong governance.

S. Harjot Bains said that the upcoming ‘Kadamba Tourist Complex’, set to boost tourism and create new job opportunities for local residents. With tenders in process, construction will start soon. The ambitious project will give Nangal a fresh identity on the tourism map.

To Boosting tourism in Nangal, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that plans are underway to develop a scenic ‘River View’ along the Sutlej river, featuring greenery and modern lighting. Additionally, a ‘Glass Bridge’ near Sutlej Park is also in the pipeline. Tenders have been invited for the projects and construction expected to start soon. These projects will enhance Nangal’s appeal and attract more visitors.

The Education Minister further informed that an ultra-modern indoor swimming pool is being constructed at the School of Eminence at a cost of crores, setting a new benchmark in the state’s sports infrastructure. This pool will hone the local sports talent and put Nangal on the sports map.

Highlighting new initiatives in health and education, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that BBMB has been requested to allocate space for Aam Aadmi Clinics and a high-class library so that people get health and education facilities in the city.

He credited public trust for the progress, citing promises made in 2022 to give Nangal a distinct identity. Under CM Bhagwant Mann’s leadership, the state government priorities transparency, accountability, and public interest. S. Bains concluded that Nangal will emerge as a model tourist destination and also urged to citizens to partner in its development journey and keep the city clean and green for progress.