Chandigarh, April 22

Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday announced significant amendments to the Government of Punjab’s Child Care Leave (CCL) provisions, providing much-needed flexibility and additional support to parents caring for children with long-term special needs, ensuring they can dedicate time to their well-being without compromising their careers.

Revealing this in a press communiqué issued here, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that these changes have been designed to address the evolving needs of working parents, particularly those facing unique childcare challenges. He said previously, the Child Care Leave policy extended only to female government employees with minor children below the age of 18 years. “While this initiative provided essential support to working mothers, it did not account for the diverse familial structures and specific challenges faced by single fathers and parents of children with severe disabilities”, he added.

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The Finance Minister said that recognising these gaps, the Punjab government has introduced two pivotal amendments to the existing CCL provisions. “First, the benefit of Child Care Leave has now been extended to single male parents, including widowers, divorced fathers, and unmarried fathers. Second, the government has relaxed the upper age limit of 18 years for 40 percent disabled children with severe disabilities”, he added.

Divulging further, Finance Minister said that this amendment addresses the challenges faced by parents of children diagnosed with conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Chronic Neurological Disorders, Severe and Profound Degrees of Intellectual Disability, Multiple Sclerosis, and Multiple Disabilities, including Deaf-Blindness. He said that this progressive move also acknowledged the vital role fathers play in childcare and ensures they receive equitable support to balance their professional responsibilities with parental duties. By offering this leave to single fathers, the government reinforced its stance on gender-inclusive policies that cater to the realities of modern families, said Cheema

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasised that these amendments reflect the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to fostering a work culture that prioritises employee well-being and inclusivity. He said that the revised policy would significantly ease the burden on working parents, particularly those facing extraordinary caregiving responsibilities, and enable them to provide the necessary attention and care to their children without professional repercussions.

CHANDIGARH/FARIDKOT/MOGA, April 22

          In order to develop robust police infrastructure as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Tuesday inaugurated slew of developments projects in Faridkot and Moga during his visit to both the districts to review the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ anti-drugs campaign.

          The DGP has inaugurated three projects in Faridkot including state-of-the-art Cyber Crime Police Station, a Conference Hall equipped with hi-tech gadgets and a Briefing hall with seating capacity of 250 persons, while, a futuristic Smart Police Control Room has been inaugurated in Moga district. The DGP was accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Faridkot Range Ashwani Kapur.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav, while interacting with the media in Faridkot, said that the Cyber Crime Police Station— equipped with advanced digital forensic tools, has been established to address online financial fraud, identity theft, and cyberbullying. The Faridkot Police has already returned 260 lost mobile phones to owners and reimbursed Rs 90 lakhs to cyber fraud victims, he added.

          Appreciating the extra ordinary efforts of the Faridkot Police in making Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign a huge success, the DGP said that Faridkot Police with the support and cooperation of the public has developed a meticulous follow-up system and have arrested over 300 drug peddlers since the launch of the special drive on March 1, 2025. Faridkot is the top district which has registered maximum first information reports (FIRs) following the tips on the Punjab Government’s Safe Punjab Anti-Drug Helpline ‘9779100200’.

          He also joined the ‘Bada Khana’ lunch organised by the Faridkot Police, which provided an opportunity to officers of all ranks to interact with the Head of the Police Force and exchange ideas, thereby strengthening the bond that is essential for effective teamwork in the field.

          Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Farikot Dr Pragya Jain apprised the DGP that under the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, Faridkot Police has arrested over 300 drug peddlers after registration of 150 FIRs and recovered 4.7 kg heroin, 3Kg opium, 130 kg poppy husk, Rs 3.83 lakh drug money. Property worth more than Rs 5 crores have been freezed under 68F NDPS giving a considerable blow to drug network in District Faridkot, she added.

          The DGP has also engaged with citizens of Faridkot during a public outreach under “Yudh Nashian Virudh” and solicited their support in fight against drugs.

          In Moga, DGP Gaurav Yadav, while inaugurating the Smart Police Control Room, said that this facility is equipped with cutting edge surveillance systems and advanced monitoring technologies which will enhance crime prevention, monitor suspicious activities, and aid in tracing criminal elements effectively.

          He said that Moga Police has installed 140 surveillance cameras— including 107 Bullet cameras and 33 Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras—in Moga City, Baghapurana, and Dharamkot. These are AI-enabled cameras, which will also monitor inter-district checkpoints, he said.

          He also announced to install additional 100 CCTV cameras across Nihal Singh Wala, Baghapurana, and Dharamkot sub-divisions.

          The DGP has also interacted with the police officers posted as SHOs and DSPs/SPs in district Moga and reviewed the progress on the Punjab Government’s ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ by taking their suggestions for improvements in enforcement and prevention strategies.

          SSP Moga Ajay Gandhi, while thanking the DGP for announcing the installation of 100 more CCTV cameras in the district, said that these cameras will be installed with focus on drug hotspots and inter-district roads to prevent the street crime and keep vigil around drug smugglers.

          Sharing outcomes of Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, the SSP said that Moga police has arrested 282 drug peddlers after registering 171 FIRs and recovered 6.2 kg heroin, 148 kg poppy husk, 12 lakh intoxicant pills and Rs 3.11 lakh drug money from their possession.

          Meanwhile, the DGP also honoured high-performing officials and personnel of Faridkot and Moga Police with DGP Commendation Discs and appreciation letters to encourage and motivate them to perform their duties more effectively.

Chandigarh, April 20:

          Rural Development and Panchayats Minister, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and the guidance of Arvind Kejriwal, the Punjab government has embarked on a historic mission to clean village ponds at an unprecedented scale since independence.

          Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Sond highlighted that past governments failed to address the needs of rural Punjab, with many ponds left unattended for 15 to 25 years. As a result, these ponds stink, and have become breeding ground for mosquitoes making it impossible for people around to live.

      For the first time in history of Punjab, the Mann-led government has launched mass scale ponds rejuvenation exercise. Nearly 15000 ponds set to be cleaned within this year.

          He further shared that around 1,100 ponds has already dewatered and nearly 400 ponds already desilted. Depending on the requirement, both desilting and re-silting operations are being carried out. The Minister recently conducted on-ground inspections in several villages of Fatehgarh Sahib district to personally oversee the progress. He will be visiting other districts to personally review all progress.

          Many of these ponds, he said, had not been cleaned for decades, leading to overflow, foul odors, and mosquito breeding in the villages. Now, with this initiative, the Punjab government is actively working to reverse these conditions and create a cleaner, healthier environment, a concrete step toward realizing the vision of a “Rangla Punjab.” Sond revealed that the Punjab government has approved a budget of Rs. 4,573 crore for the holistic development of villages.

          He further said that the government is focusing on upgrading rural infrastructure, including the maintenance and upkeep of village ponds and the development of playgrounds. Sewage treatment facilities are being ensured in villages to ensure sustainable wastewater management.

     The proper care and rejuvenation of the pond are important for villages’ economy and livelihoods.

          The minister said that ahead of the monsoon season, the Punjab government will ensure desilting and re-silting from ponds wherever needed. This effort will also help recharge groundwater levels and contribute to addressing the issue of depleting underground water in the state.

Chandigarh, April 21:

          The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, has reported that no appeals were received during the recently conducted statewide revision of the electoral roll (Special Summary Revision 2025) with respect to the qualifying date of 01.01.2025 under the important provision of the Representation of People (RP) act and corresponding rules, which empowers electors to file appeals against the decision of Electoral Registration Officers (EROs). This indicates a high level of transparency, accuracy, and public satisfaction with the electoral roll revision process across the state.

          As per the provisions under the Representation of the People (RP) Act and related rules, any elector aggrieved by the decision of the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), whether related to inclusion, deletion, or modification of names in the electoral roll can file an appeal with the concerned District Election Officer cum DC within 15 days of the ERO’s order and further appeal on the decision of the DEO may be filed with the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab.

          Further, sharing updates about the ongoing revision before Bye election of 64-Ludhiana West Assembly Constituency, the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, Sibin C, informed that the draft electoral roll for 64-Ludhiana West includes a total of 1,73,071 electors. The period for filing claims and objections is open from 9th April to 24th April 2025, and the final electoral roll will be published on 5th May 2025.

          Reaffirming the commitment to a free, fair, and inclusive electoral process, Sibin C encouraged all eligible citizens to stay alert and actively participate in ensuring the accuracy of electoral rolls.       

          For queries or grievances related to the electoral roll, citizens may contact their respective EROs, visit the official website www.ceopunjab.gov.in, or call the Toll-Free Helpline no 1950.

Chandigarh/ Jalandhar, April 17:

 Under the ‘Punjab Sikhya Kranti’ campaign initiated by the state government with the aim of bringing a revolutionary change in the education system of the state, today development works worth ₹2.02 crore were dedicated in various government schools across the district. These include development projects worth ₹63.36 lakh in primary schools and ₹1.39 crore in upper primary schools.

As part of this campaign, Punjab Minister for Horticulture, Freedom Fighters and Defence Services Welfare, Mahinder Bhagat, inaugurated development works worth ₹2.65 lakh at the Government Primary School Basti Sheikh (Girls), which includes a modern classroom and flooring.

Speaking at the event organized at the school, the Cabinet Minister said that the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is taking large-scale initiatives to develop government schools in all aspects and provide quality, modern and timely education to students. He said that the Aam Aadmi Party government is giving top priority to education and is equipping government schools with ultra-modern basic facilities.

The Cabinet Minister also appealed to parents to enroll their children in government schools as all the facilities were being provided there.

Similarly, MLA Balkar Singh from the Kartarpur Assembly constituency inaugurated development works worth ₹45.77 lakh at Government Primary Schools in Dittu Nangal, Bisrampur, Naharpur, and Patar Kalan; Government Senior Secondary School Patar Kalan; and Government Middle School Fazilpur.

In addition, development works were dedicated in other schools across the district as well, which include classrooms, laboratories, boundary walls, science labs, library rooms, and essential repair works.

Chandigarh, April 17:

Punjab School Education Minister and MLA from Sri Anandpur Sahib, S. Harjot Singh Bains, announced landmark bridge infrastructure projects worth over Rs. 87.75 crore for his constituency on Thursday. These projects aim to bolster rural development and improve connectivity, particularly during monsoon season.

“These transformative projects will revolutionise transportation networks in the region, connecting hundreds of villages and boosting economic opportunities for thousands of residents,” said Harjot Singh Bains, while adding that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is committed to building state-of-the-art infrastructure that serves the daily needs of the people while also supporting religious tourism to the state’s sacred sites.

He informed that the first major development includes two high-level bridges, funded by the Punjab Government at a cost of Rs. 34.06 crore. The first bridge, spanning 450 meters, will connect Kalittaran to Bela Dhyani/Bela Ramgarh, while the second 300-meter bridge will link Bela Dhyani/Bela Ramgarh to Plassi. He stated that these bridges will benefit approximately 100-150 villages across Kalittran, Ajauli, Brahmpur, Darauli, Bhanupali, Daunal, Nangli and surrounding areas. Additionally, the bridges will serve as an important bypass during Hola Mohalla celebrations and ensure uninterrupted traffic flow, even during monsoon seasons. The Education Minister added that tenders for this project will open on April 30, 2025, with submissions accepted until 5:00 PM on April 29, 2025.

S. Harjot Singh Bains further stated that the second significant project is a new 500-meter high-level bridge at Mahindpur-Khera Kalmot from Bhallrhi, approved at Rs. 36.15 crore. This structure will include widened approaches and connecting roads (18 feet width), benefiting residents of 150-200 villages including Bhallrhi, Bhalan, Plassi, Pasiwal, Bhanaam, Nangaran, Mojowal, Golani, Mahilwan, Mahindpur, Chhutewal, Hajipur and Sukhsal. “This bridge will create a vital connection between Ropar district and Sri Khuralgarh Sahib in Hoshiarpur district, home to the historical Minar-e-Begampura of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji, while also facilitating access to Himachal Pradesh,” he said, mentioning that the re-tender process for this project will commence shortly.

The Education Minister also disclosed that the third component involves the comprehensive repair and rehabilitation of the Kalwan-Algran-Nangal bridge over Swan Nadi at a cost of Rs. 17.56 crore.

Meanwhile, he also informed that five double-lane bridges will be constructed on Nangal Hydel Channel at Brahmpur, Darauli, Bhaowal, Atari and Sirsa Nangal.

“These infrastructure investments are designed to provide year-round, all-weather connectivity, ensuring that transportation continues uninterrupted even during monsoon seasons,” added the Cabinet Minister, while stating that qualified contractors and agencies interested in these projects are invited to submit online tenders according to the specified timelines and requirements.

Sangrur, April 15:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said that the state government is making concerted efforts for ensuring the holistic development of youth of the state by providing several platforms to them.

Addressing the gathering after dedicating newly constructed Auditorium at District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), the Chief Minister said that this premier organization serves as a pivotal institution for enhancing the quality of elementary education in the region. He said that established in 1993, DIET Sangrur has played a key role in opening new vistas of employment for the youth. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that constructed at a cost of Rs 4.16 crore this 400 seat state of the art auditorium, is an engineering marvel, which is equipped with latest state of art technical equipment including Projectors, Air conditioners and others.

The Chief Minister envisioned that the aesthetically designed auditorium can be judiciously utilized by the people adding that such state of the art auditorium was earlier built only in the countries abroad but now due to strenuous efforts of state government it has been constructed here. He envisioned that this auditorium will be duly utilized for workshops, seminars and other events that will help in grooming the youth. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this will offer a healthy platform to the students and youth for excelling in life in every arena.

The Chief Minister said that these youngsters possess inherent qualities to excel in every field and their capabilities must be utilized properly. He said that the students and youth are like planes and the state government will provide them a launch pad to go ahead in life. Bhagwant Singh Mann unequivocally said that he won’t rest until the students of Punjab don’t achieve their desired goals.

The Chief Minister exhorted the youth to stay grounded even after achieving huge success in life and believe in hard work as it is the sole key to success. He impressed upon the youth to work hard in the state as there was a lot of scope of progress and prosperity on this land. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is committed to giving impetus to the development of the state and prosperity of its people.

Chandigarh/ Sri Anandpur Sahib, April 15:

Transforming the state’s education landscape by ensuring the state-of-the-art infrastructure in government schools, Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains today inaugurated developed infrastructure projects worth over Rs 84 lakh in ten schools of Sri Anandpur Sahib Constituency as a part of “Sikhya Kranti” initiative.

The Education Minister inaugurated infrastructure development projects in high, middle, and primary schools of the constituency. The inaugurated projects include a boundary wall constructed with Rs 5.10 lakh and rooms renovated with Rs 6.31 lakh at   Government Primary Smart School Majara, a boundary wall and renovation works worth Rs 12.6 lakh at Government Primary Smart School Lang Majari, new toilet block and renovation works worth Rs 5.67 lakh at Government Primary Smart School Chandesar, classroom renovation works worth Rs 7.33 lakh at Government Primary Smart School Mehroli, a boundary wall and other development works with Rs 8 lakh at Government Primary Smart School Khamera, classroom renovation with Rs 4.85 lakh at Government Primary Smart School Ghnaru, new classrooms and classroom renovation worth for Rs. 11.16 lakh at Government Primary Smart School Agampur, a boundary wall constructed with Rs. 2 lakh at Government Middle School Gara, and three classrooms and a boundary wall constructed at a cost of Rs. 21.53 lakh at Government High School Agampur.

The Education Minister also announced additional grants of Rs. 10 lakh for Government Primary Smart School Majara and Rs. 40 lakh for Government Primary Smart School Chandesar.

Fueling hopes for a brighter future in the state, he said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has launched the ambitious “Sikhya Kranti” program to revamp government schools and elevate educational standards in the state. The program aims to ensure that children from ordinary households receiving education in government schools become valuable assets in this era of global competition. 

The Government schools are now equipped with a range of modern facilities, including high-speed Wi-Fi connections, clean drinking water, separate toilets for boys and girls, boundary walls, smart classrooms, integrated science labs, interactive panels, playgrounds, and modern furniture. This significant investment in infrastructure aims to create a conducive learning environment for students, he added.

The Education Minister highlighted the Punjab government’s commitment to transforming government schools into centres of excellence, emphasising their evolution into “Schools of Eminence,” “Schools of Happiness,” and “Schools of Brilliance.” To further enhance the quality of education, teachers and school heads are being sent to prestigious foreign institutes for professional development and skill enhancement. This investment in human capital aims to elevate educational standards and ensure that government schools surpass private schools in terms of quality. The Education Minister emphasised that the Punjab Government is not only providing high-quality education but also fostering a supportive learning environment in government schools.

Chandigarh, April 15:

          In a major stride toward its goal of eliminating tuberculosis (TB) as desired by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh flagged off an advanced van equipped with handheld X-ray machine and fluorescent microscope from Directorate of Health and Family Welfare here on Tuesday.

          Notably, the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, in collaboration with the People-to-People Health Foundation has donated two handheld X-ray machines and two fluorescent microscopes to the Punjab Health Department.

          While expressing gratitude to the IOCL, Dr Balbir Singh said that these machines will strengthen diagnostic capabilities in Sangrur and Malerkotla districts.

          Underlining the need of early detection, Dr Balbir Singh said that, in Punjab, the 2020-21 survey revealed a prevalence-notification ratio of 2.8:1, underscoring the critical need for enhanced screening efforts. Notably, the survey also found that over 40% of notified cases were asymptomatic and detected through X-ray findings, emphasizing the vital role of this diagnostic tool.

          Recognizing the limitations of traditional fixed X-ray machines in reaching underserved populations, Punjab has embraced innovative solutions like handheld X-ray technology.

          Highlighting the importance of these machines the Health Minister said that these compact and portable devices proved their effectiveness during the recent 100-day intensified TB campaign, where approximately 1.49 lakh X-rays were conducted in the field. The addition of these two new handheld units, alongside two fluorescent microscopes also provided by IOCL, will empower healthcare workers in Sangrur and Malerkotla to conduct wider screenings and facilitate early diagnosis and treatment initiation among vulnerable communities.

          “We are immensely grateful to IOCL and the People-to-People Health Foundation for their invaluable support in our mission to eliminate TB from Punjab,” said Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh during the flagging-off ceremony. “These handheld X-ray machines represent a significant leap forward in our diagnostic capacity. Their portability will allow us to reach individuals in remote areas, work places like factories and congregation settings like old age homes, orphanages etc ensuring that more cases are detected early, leading to better treatment outcomes and ultimately saving lives.”

          The Health Minister emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in tackling the TB crisis and lauded IOCL’s commitment to this crucial public health issue. He expressed confidence that these new resources would be effectively utilized to screen a larger population in Sangrur and Malerkotla, bringing the state closer to its TB elimination goals. The Health Minister also acknowledged the potential of Artificial Intelligence in augmenting X-ray diagnostics, as recommended by the WHO, for faster and more accurate results.

          MD NHM Ghanshyam Thori, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Hitinder Kaur, Director Health Services(Family Welfare) Dr Jasminder, Director (ESI) Dr Jaspreet Kaur and State TB Officer Dr Rajesh Bhaskar were also present on the occasion.

CHANDIGARH, April 15:

          In yet another decisive move to eliminate drug addiction from the state amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Tuesday unveiled a five-pillar action plan to during a high-level consultative and collaborative meeting with Non-Government Organisations (NGOs). This strategy marks a paradigm shift in the state’s approach to combating drug abuse through Supply Reduction, Demand Reduction, Harm Reduction and Stigma Reduction.

          Declaring an end to Punjab’s decades-old “political-police-criminal nexus”, Dr Singh asserted, ”The missing piece—political will—is now in place. With CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership and your grassroots power, we will create a ‘Rangla Punjab’.”

          Over 30 NGOs including Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Society for the Promotion of Youth & Masses (SPYM), Ananya Birla Foundation, Kalgidhar Trust Baru Sahib, Hans Foundation, Sun Foundation, etc. from across the country and experts from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, PGI Chandigarh, Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) participated in the meeting, which took place at Punjab Bhawan here.

          Emphasising the government’s unwavering commitment to breaking the supply-demand cycle of drugs while ensuring compassionate rehabilitation for affected individuals, the Health Minister stressed on the need to prevent upcoming generation— kids and students— to fall prey to drug menace, while, focusing on ensuring treatment those those, who are already got addicted.

          He said that as part of harm-reduction, Punjab Government is soon going to introduce dose of liquid methadone in all the Medical colleges, which has proven very effective way to bring drug addicts into mainstream.

          Terming treatment of drug addicts as a challenging part, Dr Balbir Singh said that to cope up with this, doctors will put the drug addict oral drugs including BPNx (buprenorphine+Naloxone) or liquid methadone dose or any other method to stop him from using injectable drugs. “After de-addiction treatment, we will move the patient to rehabilitation centre and provide him skill development course to bring him into the mainstream,” he said, while adding that they will also rope in employment generation department to provide the patient a good job to avert the chances of relapse.

          The Minister also solicited support of NGOs to amplify efforts in relapse prevention and stigma reduction, stressing, “Addiction is a disease, not a crime. We must approach victims with empathy and equip them with skills for dignified reintegration.” He also proposed partnerships with religious organisations to expand rehab centres and community support groups.

          Dr Balbir Singh also stressed on the need to establish a data intelligence unit for better synergy and intelligence sharing between police and health department, which will help in ascertaining prevalence of drugs in particular areas to make treatment strategies accordingly. The different sessions during the meeting also explored other preventive interventions including Peer Leadership Initiatives and Model De-addiction centres, etc.

          He exhorted all the NGOs to come forward to make Punjab a drug-free state to realise the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann of ‘Rangla Punjab’.

          Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Kumar Rahul, ADGP Nilabh Kishore, MD NHM Ghanshyam Thori, MD PHSC Amit Talwar, DIG ANTF Sanjeev Rampal, AIG ANTF Ashwini Gotyal, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Hitinder Kaur, AD (Mental Health) Dr Sandeep Bhola, Chairman homeopathy Council Dr TP Singh, Governance fellows— Sujeet Kishan, Aryan Sahi, Anshu Gupta, Srijita Chakraborty and Neha Choudhary, representatives of various NGOs, were also present in the meeting.