Mohali: Day 2 of Shiksha Mahakumbh 2025 at NIPER Mohali focused on “Academia – Industry – Society Interface” fostering collaboration among educators, innovators, and social leaders to align education with national progress. The morning began with yoga and an interactive breakfast, followed by a Panel Discussion featuring Smt. Geeta Ahuja, Secretary, Vidya Bharti North Zone, and Shri Virender Walia, Treasurer, Vidya Bharti North Zone. The discussion emphasized practical learning, innovation ecosystems, and strengthening moral foundations in education. The inaugural session began with a Welcome Address by Prof. Dulal Panda, Director, NIPER Mohali, who reiterated the institute’s commitment to nurturing interdisciplinary research and societal impact. Shri Vijay Nadda, Organising Secretary, Vidya Bharti North Zone, introduced Shiksha Mahakumbh and highlighted Vidya Bharti’s efforts in building bridges between traditional knowledge systems and modern academic frameworks.
Prof. S.P. Bansal, Prof. Ryan Altman, and Prof. Kailash Chander Sharma shared their insights on how collaboration between academia and industry can drive transformative education and national development.
Prof. S.P. Bansal stressed that true education must combine intellect with character. “Industry and academia are not separate worlds—they are partners in building the future,” he said.
Afternoon sessions continued with 7 Conclaves, 70 Research Paper Presentations, and a National Conference featuring innovations in technology, sustainability, and pedagogy.
The prize distribution ceremony for the winners of each category of the DHE English Olympiad was conducted. Over 10,000 students participated in this Olympiad from various schools across North India.
The day wrapped up with a spirit of togetherness, as participants shared ideas and explored exhibits that celebrated partnership in education.
Chandigarh, October 31, 2025: The Chandigarh Literary Society (CLS) has announced the dates of the 13th edition of the CLF Literati 2025(Chandigarh Lit Fest). The literary extravaganza is scheduled to be held on November 21-23, 2025, at the picturesque Lake Club, Chandigarh.
After unveiling the festival’s poster at the Lake Club, Dr. Sumita Misra, IAS, Founder-Chairperson of CLS & Festival Director said, “The literary celebration, themed ‘Worlds Within Words,’ will feature twelve engaging sessions, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, and book conversations spotlighting several noteworthy new titles.”
This year’s festival will host an impressive line-up of acclaimed authors from across India, alongside distinguished writers from the United States of America and Australia, making CLF Literati 2025 a truly global celebration of ideas, stories, and imagination.
In addition to thought-provoking discussions, the festival will feature a storytelling workshop for young adults, poetry recitations, and a special art exhibition showcasing paintings inspired by the festival’s central theme. A vibrant cultural evening on the inaugural night on Nov 21, book signings, book sales stalls, and interactive art corners featuring hand and face painting will further enrich the festival experience. What’s more, CLS has collaborated with ‘Nritya Praangan’, Bhavan Dancing Courtyard which will present ‘Swarit Mudrayen’ a Bharatnatyam presentation by disciples of Dr Sucheta Bhide-Chapekar at Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, Sec 27, Chandigarh in the evening of Nov 22.
Dr. Misra also announced the prestigious CLF Literati Book Awards (First Edition), instituted to honour excellence in English and Hindi literature. Awards will be presented in three categories — English Fiction, English Non-Fiction, and Hindi Fiction/Non-Fiction — for works published between January 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025. The awards have received an enthusiastic response from authors and publishers from the region as well as other parts of the country. The longlist will be announced soon.
This year’s edition of the CLF Literati 2025, will continue to uphold its legacy as a vibrant platform not only for writers but also for those engaged in the creative arts to showcase their talent and engage in an intellectual exchange. The festival has assumed significance as one of India’s most sought after literary fiestas.
Mohali: The fifth edition of the Shiksha Mahakumbh Abhiyaan-2025 (SMA-2025) will be held at NIPER Mohali from October 31 to November 2. The theme for the edition will be “Classroom to Society: Building a Healthier World through Education”. The conclave will bring together leaders from academia, research, industry and policy to re-imagine the future of education in India. The previous four editions were held at NIT Jalandhar, NIT Kurukshetra, NIT Srinagar and Kurukshetra University. The number of research paper submissions and project showcases have consistently grown over the years.
Each day of the Mahakumbh will focus on a distinct theme. On October 31, theme would be “Connecting Society with Schools” – exploring the vital role of community participation in education. On November 1, topic is “Academia – Industry – Society Interface” – bridging innovation and real-world impact. On November 2, the topic is “Bharat @ 2047” – envisioning India’s educational roadmap for the centenary of independence.
The inaugural day will be graced by Gulab Chand Kataria, UT Administrator and Governor of Punjab as Chief Guest, with RP Tiwari, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, as Guest of Honour. On the following days, Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Governor of Haryana, and Kabinder Gupta, LG, UT of Ladakh, will grace the event as the Chief Guests. Over the three days, the conclave will feature 14 thematic conclaves, student project exhibitions, and over 250 research paper presentations, attracting participation from distinguished educators, students, and institutions from across the country. As part of the larger initiative, the Shiksha Mahakumbh Olympiad has already been successfully conducted across North India. The Shiksha Mahakumbh 2025 will also feature yoga sessions, cultural interactions, and exhibitions that highlight the integration of Indian knowledge systems and modern education practices. “Shiksha Mahakumbh is not just an event but a movement towards holistic and value-based education,” said Prof. (Dr.) Thakur S.K.R., Kalpak, Shiksha Mahakumbh Abhiyan.
Prof Dulal Panda, Director, NIPER Mohali, said, “The SMA-2025 will serve as a powerful platform to align educational thought with societal needs. At NIPER, we strongly believe that education must not remain confined to classroom, but must contribute to building a healthier, more resilient world. Hosting this edition at our campus is a matter of pride and we look forward to global collaborations and actionable outcomes.”
Chandigarh, October 25, 2025 : Bengaluru is poised to transform into the vibrant epicenter of India’s ancient martial arts and rich cultural traditions, as the nation’s most exceptional sports talents and cultural virtuosos converge for a monumental national gathering from November 7 to 9, 2025. The prestigious event, 2nd National Cultural Pythian Games, promises to shape the future trajectory of the sport across the country.
During this exhilarating sporting extravaganza at the GKVK, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), the oldest national Gatka governing body affiliated with World Gatka Federation and Asian Gatka Federation, would host its 2nd Federation Gatka Cup. This event would be held concurrently with 2nd National Cultural Pythian Games, in a strategic partnership with the Pythian Council of India (PCI). This dual event is meticulously designed to propel the ancient game of Gatka onto a prominent global platform, he added.
The PCI chairman Bijender Goel and president Shantanu Agrahari commended the extensive collaboration with all traditional sports and cultural organizations, hailing the Pythian Games as a landmark initiative that empowers indigenous sports and forges structured pathways for aspiring young athletes to ascend on the international stage. The PCI would provide logistical support, accommodation, meals and official tournament kits, thereby ensuring impeccable professional standards are maintained throughout the prestigious competition.
Disclosing this, the NGAI president Harjeet Singh Grewal, a State Awardee, announced that during this dual championship, the NGAI would select a national Gatka squad. These Gatkabaz would represent the nation at India’s debut in 1st International Pythian Cultural Games in Moscow next year. He elaborated that participants would not only fiercely vie for medals but would also be honored with dual certification.
Gatka promoter Grewal, who also serves as vice-president of PCI, confirmed that the competitions would showcase formidable under-19 Gatka events from over ten states, who would demonstrate their prowess across in Gatka-Soti and Farrie-Soti disciplines in both individual and team formats. He further added that all gold medalists would be granted direct selection into the Indian contingent for the first International Pythian Cultural Games, describing it as a transformative milestone in Gatka’s illustrious global journey.
“This championship marks a defining chapter in Gatka’s progress, from a revered traditional martial art to a recognized international sport,” stated Sukhchain Singh, acting president of NGAI, emphasizing that it is not merely a competition but a resounding statement of India’s profound cultural confidence and exceptional athletic excellence.
He added that since its founding in 2004, the NGAI has tirelessly championed the preservation, regulation and modernization of this ancient martial discipline. Through dynamic international collaborations and visionary initiatives like the Pythian Games partnership, the NGAI seeks to irrevocably embed Gatka within the global sporting landscape while meticulously safeguarding its profound spiritual and cultural ethos.
Concluding, Harjeet Singh Grewal declared, “This integrated championship is a watershed moment for Gatka. We are not merely organizing a tournament; we are launching India’s distinguished Gatka ambassadors onto the world stage, where revered tradition magnificently meets triumphant glory.” He added that the thrilling display of impeccable Gatka skills, unwavering discipline, and masterful martial artistry will powerfully symbolize India’s dynamic living cultural legacy on the world stage.
Under the aegis of the Shiksha Mahakumbh Abhiyaan-2025 (SMA-2025), the 5th Edition of this Mahakumbh would be held at NIPER Mohali from 31st October to 2nd November 2025. The theme for this edition will be “Classroom to Society: Building a Healthier World through Education” The conclave will bring together leaders from academia, research, industry, and policy to reimagine the future of education in Bharat. The previous four editions were held at NIT Jalandhar, NIT Kurukshetra, NIT Srinagar and Kurukshetra University, respectively. With each passing edition, SMA is witnessing an increased participation by academia, Industry and Scholars. The number of Research Paper submissions and Project showcases have consistently grown over the years.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Chandigarh Press Club, Prof. Dulal Panda, Director, NIPER Mohali, said, “SMA 2025 will serve as a powerful platform to align educational thought with societal needs. At NIPER, we strongly believe that education must not remain confined to classrooms but must contribute to building a healthier, more resilient world. Hosting this edition at our campus is a matter of pride, and we look forward to global collaborations and actionable outcomes.”
Prof. Deepti Dharmani, Vice Chancellor, Chaudhary Bansi Lal University, Bhiwani & Vice President, Vidya Bharti North Zone, added, “The Shiksha Mahakumbh has emerged as a national movement, connecting education with innovation, values, and cultural ethos. SMA 2025 is an invitation for every stakeholder—students, teachers, institutions, industry, and policymakers—to contribute towards shaping Bharat’s educational renaissance in line with the vision of Bharat@2047.”
The event was graced by Vijay Nadda, Organising Secretary, Vidya Bharati, North Zone, who’s vision and guidance has been a constant force behind the success of this Abhiyaan.
Dr. Thakur SKR, Director, Department of Holistic Education, said, organised by the Department of Holistic Education (DHE) in collaboration with NIPER Mohali and supported by leading state and central institutions, the 5th edition will feature: 12 National-level Conclaves for Vice-Chancellors, Directors, teachers, researchers, innovators, and policymakers; Paper presentations across sciences, engineering, social sciences, Indian knowledge systems, education technology, and sustainability; Student-centric programmes including the National Tinkering Challenge, Vidyarthi Sanskar Sammelan, Bharat Yatra Quiz, and English Olympiad and Startup showcases, Exhibitions, Cultural performances, and Awards.
Sourabh Chowdhury , President, Department of Holistic Education, said, “Over the years, SMA has inspired several initiatives like Tredul, Sarvatra, Swadeshi Bazaar, Jobs 360°, TuDu, Holistic Harbour, various Olympiads —bridging education with society’s real needs.”
Aarti Sharma, Media Prabhari, SMA 2025, requested all to come forward and participate with full vigour and zeal in this upcoming event.
TiE Chandigarh, in collaboration with Sahayak Associates, is set to host its flagship evening “Parivartan ka Utsav – Udaan’ of women entrepreneurs on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 4 PM – 7 PM at Chandigarh Club, Sector 1, Chandigarh.
Dedicated to celebrating resilience, innovation, and impact, this exclusive evening will bring together inspiring journeys, entrepreneurial pitches, and exhibitions by women-led enterprises, creating a platform that unites voices from self-help groups, startups, and established ventures across Punjab and beyond.
Speaking on the occasion, Puneet Verma, President, TiE Chandigarh, said, Parivartan ka Utsav – Udaan is not just an event but a movement to celebrate and empower women entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of business and society. Adding to this, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the Semi-Finals of the TiE Women Global Pitch Competition will be hosted, where top 5 finalists of TiE Chandigarh will be awarded cash prizes worth Rs. 5 Lakh in Finale round.”
The evening will begin with a Special Conversation featuring: Divita Juneja, Actress & Entrepreneur, Ms. Himani Arora, Founder – Studio Himani Arora and would be Moderated by Opinder Kaur Gill, Entrepreneur & Community Builder.
The event will feature Gurpreet Kaur Deo, Community Affairs Division, Punjab, as a distinguished speaker, along with two thought-provoking panel discussions: “Leap of Faith: From Side Hustle to Sustainable Business” featuring: Nanki Aurora Singh, Founder – The Secret Ice Cream Society; Ritu Kochhar, Founder – Inter National Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD); Akshina Jindal, Founder & CEO – Bubble Me, Moderated by Tanushree Gupta, Co-Chair TiE Women & Founder – Think People First
Adding depth to the program, women entrepreneur pitches from Punjab and exhibition by women-led enterprises will spotlight the innovation and creativity that drive the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This initiative is being led by the TiE Chandigarh Women Core Team.
Adding a unique dimension to the evening, Shuchi Singh, Dance Movement Therapist, will present an experiential session titled “Power of Movement”, highlighting how expression and resilience come alive through dance, creativity, and the body’s natural rhythm.
Pooja Nayar, Chair – TiE Women Chandigarh, said, “TiE Women Chandigarh is proud to host Parivartan Ka Utsav – Udaan of Women Entrepreneurs, an event that signifies transformation, empowerment, and the rise of women as changemakers. The theme reflects a shift in mindset—recognizing women not just as participants but as leaders driving innovation, building enterprises, and contributing to the economy. Through powerful pitches, stories of resilience, and a showcase of women-led ventures, the evening aims to inspire collaboration, strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and accelerate the impact of women entrepreneurs on society and business.”
Co-Chairs including Tanushree, Co-Chair TiE Women & Founder – Think People First, Shalini Saini, Co-Founder, Busy Bucket, Ekta Gupta, Founder Parijai Genus and Isha Taneja, CEO of Complere Infosystem are also a part of this team.
Global Lead, Ritika Singh, Founder – Kontent Factory ((Executive Member, TiE Chandigarh & Member, TiE Global Women Program) said, “It’s heartening to see valuable platforms for women that talk business and entrepreneurship. Women need communities that don’t just make them seen and heard but also valued as innovators, change makers and employment generators. Personally, I would like to see women as nation builders – whether inside or outside the house.
The executive council members including Puneet Verma-President, Brahm Alreja- Vice President, Ravi Sharma-General Secretary and Vishal Kedia- Joint Secretary were also present.
Adding to this, Sandeep Sahni, Founder of Sahayak Associates, shared, “We are delighted to collaborate with TiE Chandigarh on this remarkable initiative. At Sahayak Associates, our vision aligns with empowering women to secure their futures and scale new heights in their entrepreneurial journeys.”
Prerna Kalra, Entrepreneur– TiE Chandigarh, added, “This initiative is a testament to the strength and creativity of women entrepreneurs. Udaan represents courage, innovation, and the power of collective growth. By providing a stage for women-led startups and enterprises to showcase their ideas and journeys, we are not only celebrating their achievements but also paving the way for future generations of women leaders.”
Punjab Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party State President Mr. Aman Arora today expressed his profound disappointment over the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “paltry and insulting” relief package of Rs. 1600 crores for a state staring at losses exceeding Rs. 20,000 crores from catastrophic floods. The Prime Minister was visiting the flood-ravaged state, on Tuesday.
Mr. Arora did not mince words, accusing the PM of delivering a “cruel joke” to the people of Punjab instead of the meaningful national response they had hoped for.
“The Prime Minister came, saw, and offered a pittance,” Arora stated. “While our farmers stand amidst the ruins of their lives—their homes, their crops, their livestock washed away—the Centre’s response is not just inadequate, it is a blatant insult. Rs. 1600 crore is a slap in the face of every citizen who has lost everything.”
He said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has been demanding the immediate release of Rs 60,000 crore in stalled funds for the state’s survival and Rs. 20,000 crore for flood relief package but this token amount makes a mockery of the scale of destruction. It reveals a blatant disregard for the plight of Punjabis.
“The soul of Punjab, our agriculture, has been shattered,” said an emotional Mr. Aman Arora, “The crops our farmers nurtured like their own children have been wiped out just 15-20 days before harvesting. There is no chance of resowing. Our farmers have lost an entire season’s income.” He highlighted that a total of 4.80 lakh acres of agricultural land has been affected and the worst-hit is paddy, with over 3.71 lakh acres completely submerged.
The floods, the worst since 1988, have claimed 52 precious human lives and directly affected nearly 4 lakh people across more than 2000 villages, the scale of destruction demands monumental efforts to rebuild.
He demanded that the Central Government should immediately reassess the damage with a sense of urgency and responsibility, and announce a comprehensive relief package that truly reflects the magnitude of this disaster and the value of Punjab’s contribution to India.
Highlighting the stark contrast between Punjab’s historic contributions and the Centre’s neglect in this hour of need, Mr. Aman Arora said, “from the freedom struggle to feeding the nation, Punjab has always been the nation’s sword and shield. The state’s farmers have ensured India’s food security for decades, and our youth have valiantly guarded its borders. Yet, when our own land is submerged and our people are suffering, the Government of India’s response is just dismissive.”
SVKM’s NMIMS Chandigarh held its Convocation Ceremony on August 28, 2025, in a dignified and celebratory event graced by the presence of the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh Gulab Chand Kataria.
The Governor was welcomed with a traditional ceremonial procession led by a band and escorted by eminent dignitaries, including Jagdish B. Parikh, Nominee of the Chancellor & Joint Treasurer, SVKM; Dr. Ramesh Bhatt, Vice Chancellor, SVKM’s NMIMS; Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, Pro-Vice Chancellor; Dr. Meenu Mehta, Dean, School of Commerce; and Dr. Jyotsna Singh, Campus Director, SVKM’s NMIMS Chandigarh. The academic procession was led ceremonially by Dr. Tanmoy Chakraborty, Registrar, carrying the “Raj Dand”, a symbol of academic authority and tradition.
The event commenced with the National Anthem, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and a soulful rendition of the Saraswati Vandana. Jagdish B. Parikh formally declared the convocation ceremony open, setting the tone for a day of reflection, celebration, and inspiration.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ramesh Bhatt, Vice Chancellor, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Governor for his esteemed presence. He acknowledged the contributions of the SVKM’s NMIMS leadership, faculty, staff, and families, and commended the graduating students for their perseverance and achievements.
Dr. Bhatt highlighted SVKM’s NMIMS’s recent accolades, including the prestigious NAAC A++ accreditation and its ranking among the Top 50 universities in India. He credited this success to the visionary leadership of Amrishbhai Patel, Chancellor of NMIMS, and reaffirmed the university’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and holistic education.
Welcoming the guests, Dr. Jyotsna Singh, Director, SVKM’s NMIMS Chandigarh, recognized the presence of Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Jagdish B. Parikh, Nominee of the Chancellor & Joint Treasurer, SVKM, Dr. Ramesh Bhatt, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dr. Tanmoy Chakraborty, Registrar and Dr. Meenu Mehta, Dean, School of Commerce
She presented an academic overview, highlighting the campus’s achievements in research, student development, and institutional growth. She emphasized NMIMS Chandigarh’s commitment to holistic education, underscoring the importance of platforms that foster innovation, leadership, and practical learning. Over the academic year, the campus hosted several impactful events and competitions such as Manfiest, Management Conclave, Hackathon, Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs), Anviksha, and the prestigious National Moot Court Competition. Commending the dedicated efforts of the faculty, staff, and students, she concluded her address by inspiring the graduating class with the message:
“Courage to Try and Humility to Learn.”
Degree Conferment & Awards
The Governor formally conferred degrees upon the graduating students, celebrating their hard-earned accomplishments. Special honors were awarded to students on the Dean’s
List for academic excellence:
Outstanding Academic Achievers:
• Sahnvi Gupta – B.Com (Hons.)
• Suhani – B.Com (Hons.)
Faculty Awards for Excellence:
• Dr. Vanita Sharma – School of Commerce
• Dr. Aditya Bakshi – School of Technology Management & Engineering
• Dr. Mohit Pahwa – School of Law
Staff Recognition:
• Mr. Sachin Dhiman – Best Employee (Maintenance Officer)
In his keynote address, Gulab Chand Kataria congratulated the graduating students and lauded the academic community of SVKM’s NMIMS. He praised the university’s progressive vision and institutional journey under SVKM’s NMIMS leadership.
Acknowledging the significance of women leadership in education, he noted that 60–70% of gold medalists in Indian universities are women, applauding SVKM’s NMIMS for contributing to this positive trend. He emphasized the pivotal role of faculty in shaping academic institutions and expressed admiration for SVKM NMIMS’s growth and recent NAAC A++ recognition.
The convocation concluded with the National Anthem, drawing to a close a memorable celebration of academic excellence, commitment, and inspiration for the future leaders of tomorrow.
In a path breaking initiative to check supply of drugs from across the border, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convener of AAP Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday flagged off Baaj Akh- Anti Drone System (ADS) after which Punjab became the first state in the country to deploy this system at the international border.
Interacting with the media, the National Convener of AAP said that another glorious chapter has been added in the crusade against the drugs. He said that previous regimes hobnobbed with the drug smugglers due to which this curse flexed its muscles in the state. However, Arvind Kejriwal said that now a massive crackdown has been launched against drugs and big fishes involved in this trade have been put behind the bars.
The National Convener of AAP said that drugs have been supplied to Punjab from across the border and to check them this anti-drone system has been launched. He said that three ADS have been launched and six others will be launched very soon to make Punjab free from this scourge. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state government has strictly implemented a zero-tolerance policy against drug traffickers.
The National Convener of AAP said that properties acquired by drug smugglers through the illegal drug trade are being demolished. He further said that the most notorious and feared drug lord has been put behind the bars by an honest government in the state led by Bhagwant Singh Mann. Arvind Kejriwal said that these smugglers, who celebrate with luxuries at home while poisoning society, are the real enemies of our people and the state government will not spare them at any cost.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that under the “War Against Drugs” (Yudh Nasheyan Virud) campaign, Punjab has today launched a battle to stop drug smuggling from across the border. He said that Punjab shares a 553-kilometer border with Pakistan, which is considered one of the most sensitive zones for the smuggling of narcotics and weapons. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that to strengthen border security and tackle the challenges posed by drone-based smuggling, nine anti-drone units are being set up along the international border.
The Chief Minister said that an amount of ₹51.4 crore is being spent on these units. He said that although our country’s armed forces and BSF have already been using such systems, Punjab is the first state in the country to deploy anti-drone systems at the international border. He said that the anti-drone system will give a strong response to drug smugglers from across the border adding that anti-national elements always use technology for anti-social activities. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the enemies of the country have turned drones into weapons to destroy Punjab’s youth, and drones are being used for drug smuggling from across the border.
Extending congratulations to the security forces, the Chief Minister lauded them for working tirelessly to stop this cross-border drug trafficking. He said that in 2024, a total of 283 drones loaded with heroin, weapons, and ammunition were seized adding that in 2025, so far, 137 drones have already been recovered. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the anti-drone system will be deployed along the border from Pathankot to Fazilka as a Second Line of Defense.
The Chief Minister said that with this, any drone entering the state through the border can be immediately neutralized. He said that the Second Line of Defense refers to the deployment of Punjab Police in the border districts, who work behind the BSF stationed at the international border. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the anti-drone systems will assist the security forces in combating the smuggling of drugs and weapons.
The Chief Minister said that these systems will be deployed at those specific border points where high drone activity has been observed. He said that previously, Punjab Police did not have any such system to neutralize drones, but now, Punjab Police has become capable. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the anti-drone system is equipped to accurately detect the drone’s position and its ground control stations.
The Chief Minister said that these systems come with automated alert technology, which immediately notifies authorities upon detecting drone movement, thus eliminating the need for manual monitoring. He said that to ensure the successful implementation of this advanced system, coordination will be maintained with BSF, the Indian Air Force, the Indian Army, and other agencies. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that anti-drug curriculum has been already introduced in Schools under “War Against Drugs” with an aim to make 8 lakh students aware against the menace of drugs.
The Chief Minister said that Punjab’s war against drugs has now reached a crucial stage and as part of the third phase of the state government’s campaign “Yudh Nashean De Virudh” (War Against Drugs), a special syllabus has been introduced in all government schools for students from classes 9 to 12. He said that through this syllabus, 8 lakh students from 9-12 classes will be made aware of the dangers of drug abuse and encouraged to stay away from narcotic substances. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this anti-drug program will involve 3,658 schools and renowned scientists will also take part in raising awareness among students.
The Chief Minister said that that the drug menace was deliberately spread in the state after 2009 through a conspiracy backed by political leaders. However, he said that his government has acted tough against this menace through meticulous planning, putting even high-profile offenders behind bars. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that those who were hand in glove with the drug smugglers and who patronized them during their heydays of power are today behind the bars.
On the occasion Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, DGP Gaurav Yadav and others were also present.
In a significant move to institutionalise tax enforcement, Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday announced the proposal to establish a State-Level Special Fraud Detection Unit (SFDU) headquartered at Patiala. He said that this dedicated unit will streamline the detection and bring consistency in investigating complex cases involving Goods and Services Tax (GST) violations.
Revealing further, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema elaborated that the SFDU will be tasked with uncovering and probing high-value GST frauds, with particular focus on breaking down circular trading operations, unearthing benami (anonymous) transactions, and eliminating the practice of fake invoicing. “The unit will be empowered to initiate stringent enforcement actions, including cancellation of suspicious GST Identification Numbers (GSTINs), blocking wrongful claims of Input Tax Credit (ITC), and recommending prosecution against offenders to uphold legal accountability”, he added.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted that the SFDU will leverage advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, and centralised backend operations, to enhance its detection capabilities. The Unit will conduct comprehensive data mining and pattern recognition across the state to identify anomalies in tax returns, transaction networks, and goods movement. The Finance Minister further added that the Unit will use data-driven red flags to selectively verify only dubious or miscreant taxpayers, protecting honest taxpayers from unnecessary scrutiny. This strategic approach, Cheema emphasised, aims to strike a balance between effective enforcement and taxpayer facilitation, ensuring a more efficient and taxpayer-friendly administration
Detailing the composition of the SFDU, Cheema stated that the unit will comprise a multidisciplinary team consisting of experienced tax officers, skilled IT professionals, a Chartered Accountant, and a legal officer. He said that this team will be equipped with real-time access to critical datasets such as GSTN information, e-way bill tracking, toll records, and RFID trail analytics, enabling prompt and precise action against tax evasion.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema informed that the Special Fraud Detection Unit (SFDU) will be empowered by robust legal provisions under Sections 67, 70, 74, and 132 of the CGST/PGST Acts, complemented by relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). He said that this will enable the SFDU to function as a technologically advanced, intelligence-driven enforcement agency. “This initiative marks a decisive step toward safeguarding the state’s revenue and dismantling elaborate tax fraud networks that threaten economic integrity”, said Cheema.
Emphasising that the establishment of the Special Fraud Detection Unit (SFDU) underscores AAP led Punjab Government’s firm resolve to cultivate a tax environment that is not only more accountable and transparent but also resilient to fraudulent activities, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the SFDU will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the state’s revenue and promoting a culture of compliance by taking proactive measures to detect and prevent tax evasion, ultimately contributing to the state’s economic stability and growth.
