Chandigarh:

Liberty is a proud Indian brand and a leader in the country’s footwear industry. Established nearly 73 years ago in Karnal, Haryana, Liberty has grown into one of the largest footwear manufacturers in the world, with a dominant market share in India and a strong presence in international exports.

To provide quality products to customers, Liberty operates a dynamic and robust nationwide network, including 435 exclusive showrooms, 125 distributors across various states, and over 10,000 multi-brand outlets. The company also plans to set up hundreds of five-star showrooms and “Shoe Stations” across India and abroad, in line with its motto: “We are about people.”

From its humble beginning in 1954 with the production of just four pairs of shoes per day, Liberty now produces over 50,000 pairs daily using advanced manufacturing facilities catering to the entire family.

The company’s primary production centers are located in Karnal, Gharaunda, and Libertypuram (Kutail), along with scenic campuses in Liberty Greens, Ponta Sahib, and Roorkee.

Liberty has always catered to the style-conscious consumers globally, meeting the needs of every family member under one roof. From school shoes to sports shoes, ballerinas to slip-ons, and formal wear to everyday casuals, Liberty offers a vast range of footwear. Its popular brands include Coolers, Leap7X, Healers, Lucky Luke, AHA, Prefect, Senorita, Fortune, and more. Beyond footwear, Liberty also manufactures a wide range of accessories such as shoe care products, backpacks, belts, wallets, socks, polish, travel bags, and women’s handbags.

The group has consistently contributed to the social development of Karnal by establishing a charitable hospital, building Liberty Chowk and Liberty Road temple, and supporting civic amenities. It actively engages in various CSR initiatives for community welfare.

“Mera Joota Hindustani” Campaign

As India celebrates its 78th year of independence, Liberty Shoes Ltd. has launched the “Mera Joota Hindustani” campaign to promote indigenous footwear. This movement aims to encourage Indians to proudly wear shoes made in India.

Liberty’s legacy dates back to when its founders presented the first pair of Indian-made shoes to Mahatma Gandhi. The brand laid the foundation for handcrafted footwear industries in Karnal. Today, Liberty holds a significant share in India’s footwear business, with its products—shoes, slippers, socks, and accessories—being the first choice in several countries.

Liberty actively supports the Prime Minister’s “Vocal for Local” mission. Turning intent into action, the brand has now initiated a new era with the “Mera Joota Hindustani” campaign. Liberty continues to be the preferred brand for all age groups, with a strong focus on comfort and quality.

The premium ranges Healers and Leap7X feature innovations such as extra comfort, durability, memory foam cushioning, and anti-bacterial technology. These features have made the collections both highly comfortable and widely popular in the footwear market. The pricing is kept customer-friendly and market-appropriate to ensure wider reach.

Expansion in Punjab

Recognizing the potential of Punjab, Liberty is proud to announce the opening of a new showroom in Mohali under the capable leadership of Mr. Ashok Garg, of Snehar Enterprises. The new showroom is being formally inaugurated by Mr. Ram Nath Verma, Head of Retail. This marks Mr. Garg’s second Liberty showroom.

Liberty is rapidly expanding its presence across Punjab and plans to open more such outlets in the state, tapping into its promising market potential.

CHANDIGARH/PATIALA/AMRITSAR, April 29:

          Continuing its action against drug mafia amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police with the help of local administration on Tuesday, has demolished properties of two drug smugglers in Amritsar and Patiala districts.

          In Amritsar, a bulldozer was used to raze the house of a drug smuggler identified as Ranjit Singh in village Mode in Amritsar. On this occasion, Superintendent of Police (SP Investigation) Amritsar Aditya Warrier said that accused Ranjit Singh, whose house was demolished, has a criminal background with as many as 12 criminal cases including six cases under under the NDPS act have been registered against him in different districts including Amritsar and Ludhiana.

          SP Warrier warned that anyone who amasses wealth through drug trafficking will either have their property seized or demolished. He reiterated that the state government is committed to eradicating the drug menace and will not spare anyone involved in this illegal trade.

          Similarly, in Patiala, the District Police, in collaboration with Municipal Corporation Patiala, has demolished four commercial shops illegally constructed on residential plots without the approval from the Municipal Corporation, by the family member of drug smuggler Gurtej Singh alias Bunty family. The shops were located in Street No. 4 of Baba Deep Singh Nagar under the jurisdiction of Urban Estate Police Station.

          SP City Palwinder Singh Cheema, who supervised the operation, said that accused Gurtej Singh has been facing two criminal cases under the NDPS act. The demolition was carried out following a final Demolition Notice (No. 214/BLD, dated April 11, 2025) issued by the Municipal Commissioner, he said.

          The operation was conducted under the supervision of Assistant Town Planners Karanjit Singh and Bikramjit Singh, with police deployed to maintain law and order. Naib Tehsildar Arman Joshan served as the Duty Magistrate.

Chandigarh, April 29:

Asserting that BJP is playing duty game by pressurising Punjab to release excess water to Haryana, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said that they will not allow the saffron party to succeed in its nefarious designs against state.

In a statement, the Chief Minister unequivocally said that the states of Haryana and Rajasthan are allotted share in water of state from a cycle of May 21 to May 21 every year. However, he said that the state of Haryana has utilised all the water in its share in the month of March this year due to which they are now trying to grab some more water by robbing Punjab of its water. Giving data, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that hitherto Haryana has used 103% of its allocated water and now the BJP is pressurising Punjab to release more water to Haryana.

The Chief Minister said that unfortunately Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) is being illegally used by the BJP to achieve this goal. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his predecessors used to extend such largesse to appease their mentors in BJP but as a custodian of waters of the state he will never slow this. He said that Punjab has upgraded its canal water system due to which now it requires water to cater to needs of the farmers of the state in wake of ensuing paddy season.

The Chief Minister categorically said that Punjab doesn’t have even a single drop of water to share with the other states. He said that already the state has given 4000 cusec of water to Haryana on humanitarian grounds so as to fulfil their drinking water needs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the situation of water is already dismal in state and water in Ranjit Singh Dam and Pong Dam was already 39 feet and 24 feet low as compared to the one recorded last year at same time.

The Chief Minister said that there is no question of succumbing to the pressure of the on this issue as it is concerned with the farmers of the state. He said that instead of playing these unlawful games the Union government should divert the waters of Chenab, Jhelum, Ujh and other rivers to the state after cancelling the much hyped Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the surplus water saved from this treaty can be supplied to entire northern region for catering to the needs ahead of paddy season.

The Chief Minister said that instead of pressuring us illegally, the Haryana government should have used their share of water judiciously. He said that BJP should refrain from politicising this issue as water is the necessity of the state and its farmers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab contributes 185 Metric Ton of paddy in the national food pool and it will not bow before such tantrums of the BJP.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister reiterated that the state has no spare water to share with any other state adding that even a single drop of water will not be given to anyone. He said that most of the blocks of the state are over exploited and the groundwater situation in the state is very grim. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as most of the river resources of the state have dried up, so it needs more water to cater to its irrigation needs.

Chandigarh, April 29:

Dr. Sukhchain Gogi on Tuesday assumed charge as the Chairperson of Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) in the presence of Punjab New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Mr. Aman Arora at PEDA Complex, Sector-33D here. Smt. Harpal Kaur, mother of the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, Water Resources Minister Mr. Barinder Kumar Goyal also congratulated Dr. Sukhchain Gogi.

Dr. Sukhchain Gogi, wife of Late Sh. Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, former MLA from Ludhiana West, reached the PEDA Complex along with her son Savraj Gogi and other relatives. Expressing gratitude to the National Convenor of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Sh. Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann for posing faith in her, Dr. Sukhchain Gogi vowed to live up to the responsibility assigned to her.

Congratulating and welcoming the New Chairperson, Mr Aman Arora said that the renewable energy is the future and ramping up the renewable infrastructure to ensure the optimal utilisation of natural energy is the topmost priority of the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government.

“With the appointment of Dr. Sukhchain Gogi as Chairperson of PEDA our team has been completed and now we will push more vigorously for promotion and development of renewable sector,” said New & Renewable Energy Sources Minister, while adding that over 4000 solar pumps for agriculture purposes are being installed in the state, while, 36MW Solar Rooftop plants have already been installed on Govt Buildings.

Prominent among others who were present at the occasion included MLAs Ashok Prashar (Pappi),  Gurdit Singh Sekhon and others leaders of party.

Chandigarh, April 29:

Bringing laurel to the state of Punjab, as many as 26 cadets from the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI) in SAS Nagar (Mohali) have achieved a remarkable feat by clearing the National Defence Academy (NDA) (I) Written Examination for the NDA-155 Course. The UPSC declared the results yesterday evening. The course is set to begin in December 2025.

Out of the 34 cadets who appeared for the NDA (I) Written Examination, a remarkable 26 from MRSAFPI successfully cleared the exam. Eight of these successful cadets are already on the merit list for NDA-154 and are waiting for their call-up letters. The 26 cadets who have passed the written exam included Abhay Pratap Singh Dhillon, Vishvaroop Singh Grewal, Agammjit Singh Virk, Paramdeep Singh, Apaardeep Singh Sawhney, Khushpreet Singh, Manav Goyal, Smarth, Bhaskar Jain, Lovish, Hridyesh Arora, Arnav Sharma, Harkanwal Singh, Udhaybir Singh Nanda, Mannoorpreet Singh, Gurnoor Singh, Gurkirat Singh, Anhad Singh Khatumria, Prjveer Singh, Divanshu Sandhu, Nirbikh Singh Bharara, Ritish Arora, Ishmeet Singh, Rehaan Yadav, Husanpreet Singh, Himanshu Rishi.

Congratulating the cadets, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora said, “These cadets are the pride of Punjab. I wish them all the best for their forthcoming SSB Interview and training ahead.”

Expressing contentment over the results, MRSAFPI Director Major General Ajay H Chauhan, VSM said that the cadets would shortly be appearing for their SSB Interviews. He mentioned that 11 cadets of the Institute would be graduating from NDA in May end, while eight undertraining cadets would be commissioned at the end of May/early June 2025. Since inception, 170 alumni of AFPI have been commissioned as officers in the Defence Services.

Chandigarh/Ludhiana, April 27

Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora, accompanied by Ludhiana residents, municipal councillors, and industrialists, visited Halwara Airport on Sunday to review the ongoing progress of work. During his visit, he toured the airport premises and expressed complete satisfaction with the work completed so far.

MP Arora noted that the project had been stalled for nearly thirty years and lamented that representatives of previous state governments had failed to complete it. He added that after becoming a Rajya Sabha MP, he immediately prioritized the project. With the support of AAP’s National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the project is now 100% complete at a cost of approximately Rs. 60 crores.

Calling it a dream project of Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Arora explained that, as per the initial design, a barbed wire fence had been erected around the airport. However, during an AAI inspection in March this year, it was decided to replace the barbed wire with a concrete boundary wall. He mentioned that the AAI team also made a few other suggestions, which are currently being implemented and are likely to be completed soon.

He informed that the next AAI inspection visit is scheduled for April 30. Once the airport is handed over to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) by the Public Works Department, the process of deputing staff will begin.

Initially, the AAI plans to operate two flights—one each in the morning and afternoon. These flights will connect Ludhiana via Delhi with Europe, as well as countries like the US, Canada, and Australia. Arora emphasized that this connectivity would provide a significant boost to the economy of the entire Punjab region, especially the Malwa belt and Ludhiana. He expressed hope that flight operations would commence within the next two to three months.

He also shared that the airport has been allotted the code “HWR.” Regarding the naming of the airport, he clarified that the state government can only recommend a name, while final approval rests with the Centre.

In response to questions, Arora stated that the airport is equipped with a CAT-II system, which enhances its operational efficiency under low-visibility conditions. He further mentioned that the taxiway has the capacity to park two aircraft at a time and that the existing infrastructure can comfortably accommodate around 12 flights per day. However, he assured that there is ample provision for future expansion.

The industrialists and municipal councillors who accompanied MP Arora to Halwara Airport were highly appreciative of him. They gave full credit for the completion of the project to Arora.

Kamal Oswal of Oswal Group said that the project was completed due to the relentless efforts of MP Arora, who worked day and night to make it a success. He emphasized that the airport would give a major push to the economy not only of Ludhiana but of the entire Punjab. He added that since Ludhiana is well-known for its import and export businesses, every business sector would benefit significantly once the flights become operational. He stressed that air connectivity is the need of the hour.

Gagan Khanna (Arisudana Industries Ltd) said it was an eye-opener for him after visiting the airport. He expressed hope that the establishment of the airport would provide a substantial boost to the entire area, which had been neglected for decades due to the lack of air connectivity. He pointed out that the project is finally taking off after more than 40 years, thanks to Arora’s efforts.

Rajesh Aggarwal, an exporter, said that exports from Ludhiana would increase manifold once the airport becomes operational. He also credited Arora for this major achievement.

Municipal Councillors Tanvir Singh Dhaliwal, Bhupinder Singh Kainth, Gurpreet Babbal, and Satnam Sunny Master also praised Arora, acknowledging that the airport was completed solely due to his dedicated efforts. They mentioned that for the past 30-40 years, they had only heard about the airport project, which remained confined to paper. They said the airport has finally materialized on the ground because of Arora’s hard work and sincerity. They hoped that the airport would prove to be a boon for the economy of Ludhiana and other parts of Punjab. They added that the people of Punjab should be grateful to Arora for setting yet another milestone in the state’s history.

Chandigarh/Sangrur, April 27

Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, today announced a significant breakthrough in the state’s ongoing ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ (War Against Drugs) campaign, with the seizure of 2,240 litres of illegally pilfered Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA), averting a potential major hooch tragedy. In addition, the Minister highlighted the campaign’s success in registering 4,745 NDPS cases, arresting 7,536 individuals, and demolishing illegal properties of 71 smugglers.

Addressing a press conference at Sangrur, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, who also chairs the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ Cabinet Sub-Committee, revaled the details of the operation. “Acting on credible intelligence, a joint team of the Excise Department and Sangrur Police intercepted a vehicle on the Sangrur-Dirba Highway carrying approximately 200 litres of illicit Ethanol. The driver, identified as Shaan Mohd., was apprehended,” said Cheema.

“Further investigation led to the discovery of a clandestine storage facility, resulting in the recovery of 34 drums, each containing 60 litres, totaling 2,040 litres of ENA. Another accused, Armaan Mohd., was also taken into custody during the raid,” he added.

Emphasizing the gravity of the seizure, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that this operation has successfully prevented a potential hooch tragedy, as this ENA could have been used to produce nearly 10,000 bottles of illicit liquor. He said that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the racket, and stringent legal action will be taken against them.

Providing details of the progress under the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, Finance Minister Cheema said that so far, 4,745 NDPS cases have been registered, 7,536 individuals have been arrested, and the illegal properties of 71 smugglers have been demolished. Additionally, significant quantities of drugs have been seized, including 301 kg of heroin, 9,969 kg of poppy husk, 154 kg of opium, 96 kg of ganja, and 21,84,276 tablets or capsules of banned drugs.

The Finance Minister highlighted the success of the coordinated efforts between the state Excise and Police departments in curbing the smuggling of illicit liquor in the state. “Recently, four FIRs have been registered against individuals smuggling liquor into the state, and another FIR was registered at Police Station Chhajli”, he added.

Attributing the success of the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign to the support of the people, Finance Minister Cheema expressed gratitude to the citizens of Punjab for their cooperation and assistance in the war against drugs and illicit liquor trade. He assured that the Excise and Police departments will continue to work tirelessly to ensure a safer and healthier environment for the people of Punjab.

Prominent amongst others SSP Sangrur Sartaj Singh Chahal, ETO Sarupinder Singh Sandhu and DSP Rupinder Kaur Bajwa were also present on this occasion.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, April 27:

          Amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per direction of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has dismantled a Pak-backed illegal weapon smuggling module with the arrest of one operative, who was supplying weapons to anti-social elements on the instructions of his Australia-based handler identified as Jassa.

          Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav has identified the arrested accused as Abhishek Kumar, a resident of Village Meerankot Kalan in Amritsar. Police teams have also recovered seven pistols— including five .30 bore and two sophisticated 9MM Glock— along with four cartridges and Rs 1.5 lakh from his possession, besides, impounding his Mahindra Thar vehicle being used for weapon smuggling, he said.

          The DGP revealed that CI Amritsar received credible intelligence indicating that Australia-based Jassa, in collusion with Pakistan-based smugglers, was orchestrating the smuggling of illegal arms/ammunition through the Indo-Pak border with the help of his local associates Abhishek Kumar, and his accomplice identified as Jodhbir Singh alias Jodha. The input further revealed that the latter were actively involved in receiving and distributing these weapon consignments to anti-social elements across the state, he added.

          Acting swiftly on the tip-off about accused Abhishek and Jodhbir alias Jodha have recently retrieved a huge consignment of arms and ammunition, teams from CI Amritsar conducted a raid near Morh Village Fatehgarh Shukarchak on Amritsar-Pathankot Bypass GT Road and arrested accused Abhishek, when he was going to deliver the illegal weapon consignment to another party in his Thar vehicle.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that further investigation is pointing that both Abhishek Kumar and Jodhbir Singh are actively involved in Hawala transactions, indicating their possible connection to a broader network engaged in criminal activities. Further investigations are on to establish backward and forward linkages in this case, he said, while adding that police teams are on manhunt to nab accused Jodhbir alias Jodha.

          A case FIR No. 23 dated 26.04.2025 has been registered under sections 25, 25(1)(A) and 25(1)(B) of the Arms Act and section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC, Amritsar.

Chandigarh, April 27:

In a landmark decision benefiting retired teaching faculty across the State, Punjab Government has approved the revision of pension and family pension for teachers and other teaching faculty retired before January 1, 2016 in government colleges/universities in accordance with the 7th UGC Pay Scales. The revision will be effective from January 1, 2016. A notification has been issued in this regard.

Disclosing the details, Punjab Higher Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains stated that the revised pension will benefit approximately 500 retired teaching professionals, including 400 pensioners and 100 family pensioners which shall amount to ₹38.99 crores, he added.

S. Harjot Singh Bains emphasised that the revised pension will be paid to the pensioners who retired before January 1, 2016. While, the arrears of the revised pension from October 1, 2022, to January 2025 will be disbursed in four equal quarterly instalments, he said, while adding that the payment will be made in accordance with the guidelines issued in the Finance Department’s letter issued on April 7, 2025.

He said that under this scheme, the pension will be calculated as 50% of the notional pay fixed as on January 1, 2016, and the family pension will be 30% of the same notional pay.

          “Recognising their invaluable contribution to society, we are committed to the welfare of our teaching community and are determined to ensure they receive their rightful benefits,” said the Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, while adding that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is dedicated to the welfare of all employees and pensioners.