Chandigarh, August 2

In a significant move to support the families of State Government employees, Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced today that the Finance Department (FD) has withdrawn a key option clause for New Pension Scheme (NPS) employees to receive family or invalid pension. He said that this decision comes after the government recognized the undue hardship caused to the families of employees who died in harness, as most had not formally exercised this option.

In a press communiqué issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the government had previously extended additional relief in the form of a family or invalid pension to NPS employees who became disabled or died while in service through Finance Department instructions dated October 8, 2021. However, Clause 6 of these instructions required both existing and newly recruited employees to choose within a specific timeframe whether they wanted to receive the family or invalid pension or the benefits of the NPS scheme. He said that this condition had created significant difficulties for families who were unaware of the requirement or were unable to complete the process.

The Finance Minister said that the Finance Department officially deleted Clause 6 of the instructions on June 27, 2025 to rectify this issue. He said that this change, which was initially implemented for Punjab Government NPS employees, has now been extended to include NPS employees of Boards, Corporations, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and State Autonomous Bodies (SABs). “This ensures that all employees under the NPS are now eligible for the additional relief without having to formally exercise the option”, he added.

Notably, the October 8, 2021, instructions were implemented for Boards, Corporations, PSUs, and SABs under the Punjab Government through a Directorate of Public Enterprises and Disinvestment (DPED) letter dated January 23, 2024.

The Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Punjab government aims to provide seamless benefits to employees and their families by removing this clause, ensuring that they receive the necessary financial support during difficult times. He said that this decision underscores the Aam Admi Party (AAP) led Punjab Government’s commitment to addressing the welfare of its employees and promoting a supportive work environment.

Chandigarh, 2 August 2025:

In furtherance of the investigations into FIR No. 22 dated 25-06-2025, registered at Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) Police Station Flying Squad, SAS Nagar, against Bikram Singh Majithia, searches were carried by the Vigilance Bureau, Punjab out on Saturday, i.e., 02-08-2025, at three premises linked to Gillco Developers.

 During the searches, the Vigilance Bureau has uncovered details of suspicious financial transactions running into crores between Gillco Developers and entities linked with Bikram Singh Majithia. Further investigations are ongoing.

 Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the State Vigilance Bureau stated that the searches were carried out in Punjab and Chandigarh. He added that after registration of FIR against Bikram Singh Majithia, certain suspicious financial links and transactions between Gillco Developers and some of the entities had come to notice. These were developed in a meticulous manner by conducting investigations. To conduct further in-depth inquiries into these transactions and to gather relevant evidence, the Vigilance Bureau has conducted these searches in accordance with procedure established by law.

 Several incriminating documents, electronic devices and other evidences have been seized in the ongoing searches. The spokesperson informed that the search operations were conducted strictly in accordance with the legal procedures and the search was still underway. “Electronic devices and relevant documents were also seized during the above searches”, he added.

Chandigarh, August 1:

Following reports highlighting the extremely poor and distressing conditions of children and their families begging near the Dera Bassi flyover, Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur has taken swift cognizance and issued strict directions for their immediate rescue and rehabilitation.

As per reports from the concerned area, these children and their families are living in unsafe and unhygienic open spaces. Dr. Baljit Kaur expressed serious concern that these children are vulnerable to exploitation, and ensuring their safety is a top priority for the government.

The Minister has directed officials of the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Child Protection Units, and the district administration to immediately launch a special rescue operation in the area. She emphasized that rescued children must be promptly provided with shelter, food, medical care, and access to education.

Dr. Baljit Kaur has also instructed officials across all districts of Punjab to treat such cases with utmost seriousness and to immediately initiate similar rescue and rehabilitation campaigns for children found begging in their respective regions. She stated that this campaign must be conducted in a sustained and committed manner under the “Project JEEVANJYOT – 2: Save the Childhood”, so that no child in Punjab is forced into begging.

The Minister further stated that if any individual or group is found forcing children to beg, strict legal action will be taken against them. She stressed the importance of coordinated action involving police, health, education, and municipal authorities to ensure effective rehabilitation and a safe environment under the Project JEEVANJYOT framework.

She appealed to the public to report any incident of child begging or trafficking immediately by calling the Child Helpline 1098. Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is fully committed to ensuring a safe, dignified, and bright future for every child in the state.

Chandigarh /Sri Anandpur Sahib, July 28

To honor the martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, known as the Ninth Guru and “Hind Di Chadar”, a cleanliness campaign will be carried out in every ward, road, street, and corner of the city of Sri Anandpur Sahib to ensure every part is clean and shining.

The entire region will be kept spotless during the events dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the Guru Sahib for the convenience of the devotees. In addition to the Municipal Council, other departments will also be deployed, and local residents will be encouraged to support the initiative of keeping the city clean. Through weekly mega cleanliness campaigns, every corner of the Guru’s city will be made to shine.

This statement was made by Harjot Singh Bains, Punjab’s Education Minister, today during a cleanliness drive launched after offering prayers at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib. While interacting with locals, he emphasized that every corner of Sri Anandpur Sahib will be sparkling clean before the events commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

Today, Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains was seen walking barefoot and participating in the cleaning of streets and markets of the Guru’s city. He was joined by SDM Jaspreet Singh, administrative officials, Municipal Council President Harjeet Singh Jeeta, councilors, Municipal Council employees, and a large number of Aam Aadmi Party workers, all actively engaged in this cleanliness service.

Chandigarh, July 28:

Punjab Power and Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO has been invited to participate in the prestigious National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit-2025, scheduled to be held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA from August 4-6, 2025.

The invitation has been extended jointly by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and National Legislators’ Conference Bharat (NLC Bharat), recognizing Cabinet Minister’s significant contributions to legislative governance and public administration in Punjab.

The NCSL Legislative Summit 2025 is one of the largest gatherings of legislative leaders, staff experts and policymakers worldwide, creating an environment filled with unparalleled learning, networking and inspiration opportunities.

The Summit will provide a platform to connect with legislative peers and policy innovators from across the globe, enabling me to bring back innovative ideas and best practices that can be implemented for the benefit of Punjab, informed S. Harbhajan Singh ETO, who will represent Punjab at this international forum.

“This invitation is recognition of Punjab’s progressive approach to governance and public welfare, said the Cabinet Minister, adding that I look forward to engaging with global legislative leaders and learning about innovative solutions that can be adapted to address the challenges faced by our state, particularly in the power and public works sectors.

Notably, the Summit will feature open sessions covering various aspects of governance, professional development workshops and networking events designed to facilitate knowledge exchange among legislative colleagues from different countries and jurisdictions. S. Harbhajan Singh ETO’s participation will focus on exploring best practices in power sector management, infrastructure development and public works administration.

This collaboration between NCSL and NLC Bharat specifically enables the participation of legislators from State Assemblies and various political parties of India, highlighting the growing importance of India’s democratic institutions on the global stage.

With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state completed 142 days, Punjab Police on Monday arrested 82 drug smugglers and recovered 2.9 kg heroin and Rs 21,530 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 22,854 in just 142 days.

          The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 180 Police teams, comprising over 1200 police personnel, under the supervision of 87 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 422 locations across the state leading to the registration of 66 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 457 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added.

          The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 52 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, July 20:

Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is carrying out a vigorous campaign to make the state free from begging. Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that under Project JEEVANJYOT 2.0, a total of 21 child beggars have been rescued from the districts of Ludhiana and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshahr).

She stated that the district child protection teams of the department conducted special raids at the bus stands, railway stations, and other locations in Ludhiana, rescuing 18 children, while 3 more children were rescued from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. All rescued children have been presented before the Child Welfare Committees and are currently kept safely in children’s homes.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that if investigations reveal that any person has forced these children into begging, strict legal action will be taken against them. She further added that if there is any suspicion regarding the identity of the child’s parents, the Child Welfare Committees may also initiate DNA testing on the orders of the Deputy Commissioner to ascertain the true parentage of the children.

The Minister emphasized that the primary objective of the Punjab Government is to ensure a safe and secure future for every child. She stated that continuous raids are being conducted at various locations by district teams under JEEVANJYOT 2.0. Notably, no cases of child begging have been reported from districts other than Ludhiana and Nawanshahr, which reflects the effectiveness of the government’s awareness and rescue campaigns.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further stated that in order to completely root out the serious issue of child begging from Punjab, the Social Security Department’s district welfare teams will continue such raids and checks regularly across all districts, ensuring that no child is ever forced into begging.

In conclusion, the Minister appealed to the public to not give alms to any child beggar and urged that if any child is seen begging anywhere, people should immediately report the case by calling Child Helpline 1098, so that the child can be provided immediate protection, care, and a better future.

Chandigarh, July 10:

Making a notable stride in the fish farming sector, Punjab has been producing 2 lakh metric tons (MT) of fish annually from natural waters, private and panchayati ponds, informed S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries, on the occasion of National Fish Farmers Day, on Thursday.

Highlighting recent developments in the fisheries sector, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated that Punjab currently has over 43,683 acres dedicated to fish farming and 985 acres to shrimp farming, which is showcasing the state’s growing aquaculture landscape.

He further informed that 16 government fish seed farms, 11 fish feed mills, and 7 laboratories have been actively serving the state farmers to promote fishing sector. Additionally, 637 fish farmer beneficiaries have received financial assistance worth Rs 30.64  crore for fish farming projects including pond construction for fish & shrimp farming, fish feed mills, Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), Biofloc-Culture Systems, insulated vehicles, motorcycles & auto-rickshaws with ice boxes, with subsidies ranging from from 40% to 60%.

Apart from this, 8 private fish kiosks have also been set up to facilitate the sale of fish and fish products in a hygienic environment, he added.

Extending warm greetings to the state fish farmers, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the fisheries sector has been flourishing under the dynamic leadership of the Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. These efforts have created vast potential for growth in fish farming and allied industries, with significant scope for development in fish and shrimp processing. This growth will, in turn, generate new employment opportunities to further boost Punjab’s economy.

The Fisheries Minister urged the state’s youth to explore fish farming as a lucrative self-employment opportunity, contributing to the state’s economic growth by embracing this promising venture.