Chandigarh, April 12

Haryana Education Minister, Sh. Mahipal Dhanda said that all private recognised schools in the state must follow the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education, Right to Education (RTE) Act this year. All schools are now required to accept student applications only through the newly launched ‘Ujwal Portal,’ developed by the School Education Department to ensure transparency in the admission process.

Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda said that in compliance with the RTE Act 2009, all private recognized schools will have to reserve 25 percent seats for class 1st/pre-primary classes for children from disadvantaged and economically weaker sections under the said Act.

He said that all schools have been informed to accurately declare the number of seats available in class 1st/pre-primary classes in their schools. Whether the school had previously shown the 25 percent seat declaration information or not, they must now accept applications through the ‘Ujwal Portal’. Parents can apply online for schools within a 1-kilometer radius of their residence. If a recognised private school receives online admission forms for more than 25 percent seats, a draw will be conducted in the presence of the district level committee/parents. Schools are also required to follow all updated rules under the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. Besides this, parents will have to submit all required documents related to their child’s admission directly to the school. The concerned district level committee will be responsible for any kind of litigation.

Sharing information in this regard an official spokesperson said that under the rule 2 (1) (F) of Haryana Right to Free and Compulsory Education Rules, 2011 is as follows for giving admission to children of the following categories by recognized schools. Children of families falling under the latest list of ‘below poverty line’ from both rural and urban areas issued and approved by the Haryana government will be eligible for the scheme. Besides this, HIV affected children, children with special needs and children of widows are also included in the scheme.

Applications under Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act, 2009, can be submitted from April 15 to April 21, 2025. The last date for admission of beneficiaries is April 25, 2025. If any seats remain vacant, students from the waiting list will be admitted between April 26 and May 1, 2025.

If any discrepancy is found in any type of documents submitted by parents and the details filled on the portal, the district-level committee will take the final decision, and the admission of the child can be cancelled.

Chandigarh, April 12:

The Punjab Government has released financial assistance worth Rs. 301.20 crore to beneficiary families belonging to Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes under the Ashirwad Scheme during the financial year 2024–25. This was disclosed by Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities.

Sharing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that out of the total amount, Rs. 198.51 crore was disbursed to 38,922 beneficiaries from Scheduled Castes, while Rs. 102.69 crore was provided to 20,136 beneficiaries from Backward Classes.

Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that under the Ashirwad Scheme, financial assistance of Rs. 51,000 is provided for the marriage of girls, and the benefit can be availed for a maximum of two daughters. The amount is directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer), ensuring transparency and timely assistance.

She added that to avail the benefits of the scheme, the applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab with an annual household income of less than Rs. 32,790. Moreover, the applicant should belong to a Scheduled Caste, Backward Class, or Economically Weaker Section.

In conclusion, she said that such schemes run  by the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government are not just limited to financial assistance, but are major steps toward realizing the vision of a ‘Rangla Punjab’.

Chandigarh, April 12:

The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI) in SAS Nagar (Mohali) continues to excel, with 26 more cadets made it to the UPSC All India Merit List for the National Defence Academy (NDA)-154 Course, set to begin in June 2025. Cadet Aryan Sofeth from Patiala has secured 9th rank in the All India Ranking, while 10 cadets from the Institute have secured positions in the top 100.

Notably, the Institute’s 26 cadets have cleared the SSB out of the 34, who had passed the written exam for the NDA-154 Course. Now, these cadets are awaiting their joining letters. 

Apart from Aryan Sofeth, 25 cadets, who have secured merit positions include Anhad Singh Khatumria, Mohanpreet Singh, Armaanvir Singh Adhi, Bhaskar Jain, Manjot Singh, Nimit Soni, Harkanwal Singh, Udhaybir Singh Nanda, Prjveer Singh, Aditya Mishra, Ranbir Singh, Ishmeet Singh, Ishaan Sharma, Samarvir Singh Heer, Balraj Singh Heera, Abhay Pratap Singh Dhillon, Bhuvan Dhiman, Harmanpreet Singh, Sahib Singh Dhaliwal, Divanshu Sandhu (all from the 13th Course of MRSAFPI) and Bhavik Kansal, Gurvanshbir Singh, Ojas Gaint, Shiven Tayal, and Gagandeep Singh (all from the 12th Course of MRSAFPI).

Congratulating the cadets, Punjab Employment  Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that these Cadets are the pride of Punjab. He also wished them all the best for their training and career ahead.

Mr. Arora also congratulated cadet Gunjot Singh (7th Course at MRSAFI) and Cadet Aryan Dutt (8th Course) on their selection for the Officer Training Academy (OTA), Chennai for the Short Service Commission (Technical) 64th Course. Cadet Gunjot hails from Patiala district and his father works at Thapar University, while Cadet Aryan Dutt belongs to SAS Nagar district and his father retired as a Commander in the Indian Navy.

The Director of the Institute Major General (Retired) Ajay H. Chauhan, VSM, said that this Institute has the highest number of cadets for the NDA-154 course commencing in June 2025. As on date, a total of 255 cadets of this Institute have joined various Service Training Academies since inception the Institute and 170 alumni of the Institute have been commissioned as officers in the Defence Services.

Caption- A file picture of the cadets, who has selected for NDA-154 course, from 13th course of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute, SAS Nagar.

CHANDIGARH, April 12:

          In a continued push to reinforce law enforcement and public safety in the wake of forthcoming Vaisakhi festival as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday conducted surprise inspections in Jalandhar and Amritsar districts as part of the statewide ‘Night Domination’ operation. The late-night visits aimed to assess police preparedness, strengthen anti-crime measures, and foster stronger police-public relations.

          The operation was conducted from 10 pm to 4 am simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state and Spl DGP/ADGP/IGP/DIG rank officers from PPHQ were deputed in each Police district to personally supervise the night domination operation. The CPs/SSPs were directed to mobilise maximum force to carry out this operation aimed at checking of vehicles and suspicious persons at different Nakas, searches at Railway Stations and Bus Stands, checking of patrolling parties located at strategic locations, etc.

          During his tour, DGP Gaurav Yadav inspected special checkpoints, reviewed Nakabandi operations, and visited police stations to ensure effective on-ground policing.

          In Jalandhar, he began his inspection near Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where he assessed vehicle checking procedures and interacted with officers and citizens. He also visited Police Division No. 7 at Urban Estate and the checkpoint near Dussehra Ground in Jalandhar Cantonment to personally oversee the operations.

          Accompanied by Commissioner of Police Jalandhar Dhanpreet Kaur, the DGP gathered direct feedback from residents, who expressed greater confidence in police presence. “I am pleased to see that our heightened visibility is making citizens feel safer. Punjab Police remains committed to ensuring security while building trust through transparency and accountability,” he said. 

          Interacting with the media, DGP Gaurav Yadav, while highlighting the Punjab’s vulnerability as a border state, said that Punjab remains vulnerable to attempts by external agencies like the Pak-based ISI to disrupt its peace and harmony.

          He asserted that ever since the Punjab Government launched an aggressive campaign against drugs under the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ initiative, cross-border drug syndicates have been making attempts to destabilise the state. “Our aggressive campaign under ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ has significantly reduced drug availability, and we will continue to eradicate this menace,” he reiterated.

          The DGP later also visited Amritsar to supervise night policing efforts, motivating officers to stay alert ahead of Vaisakhi festivities. Accompanied by CP Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, he urged police personnel to maintain strict vigil around the anti-social elements.

          Sharing details of the night domination operation, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that over 1000 Police teams, comprising over 6500 police personnel, led by 221 gazetted rank officers were deployed across the state. As many as 651 Strong Nakas were also established at vulnerable and strategic locations across the state, he added.

          During the operation, the Special DGP said that the Police teams have registered 26 first information reports (FIRs) and arrested 48 criminals. Police teams have also checked suspicious persons and verified their credentials.

Chandigarh/Tarn Taran, April 12:

          Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Saturday, attended the cremation ceremony of Martyr Sub-Inspector (SI) Charanjit Singh took place at Theh Sarhali village in Tarn Taran district and paid his respect to the brave officer, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

          SI Charanjit Singh, 57, who joined the Police force as a constable in 1989 and was currently posted at Police Station Goindwal Sahib had lost his life in the line of duty on April 9, 2025. He is survived by his wife, one son and two daughters.

          Pertinently, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had already announced Rs 2 crore to family of the martyr SI Charanjit Singh as mark of respect. The Rs 2 crore amount includes Rs 1 crore as ex-gratia by the state government, whereas, another payment of  insurance cover of Rs 1 crore will be made by the HDFC Bank. 

          Expressing his heartfelt condolences, DGP Gaurav Yadav assured full support and every possible help from the Punjab Government and Punjab Police to the family of Martyr SI Charanjit Singh.

          The DGP paid rich tributes to the officer’s immense courage and unwavering commitment to service, assuring the family that his sacrifice would never be forgotten.

          Meanwhile, the financial assistance to family of Martyr SI Charanjit Singh is in consonance with the commitment of State government to ensure the well-being of police personnel and their families.

Ludhiana, April 12:

Reiterating firm commitment of the state government to save the groundwater of the state for coming generations, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday announced to start zone wise cultivation of the paddy from June 1.

“We have divided the state into three zones and the cultivation of paddy will start in the district falling in three zones On June 1, June 5 and June 9”, said the Chief Minister while addressing the gathering during Sarkar Kisaan Milni here today. 

The Chief Minister said that Punjab is the food bowl of the country as it contributes 45% of grains in the national food pool. However, he bemoaned that in 70 days of paddy season Punjab pumps out water equal to nine Gobind Sagar lakes, which is a huge quantity. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that by pumping out so much water we will deprive our coming generations from water which is the basic ingredient of our existence.

Citing an example, the Chief Minister said that 4000 litre of water is required for producing one kilo paddy so it is posing a serious threat to the basic existence of our coming generations, due to which the state government is making concerted efforts to save it. He said that cultivation of paddy in the state has increased from 20 lakh hectares to 32 lakh hectares due to which the need for water to irrigate the fields has also increased. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to strenuous efforts of the state government the ground water level has started increasing and as per a report of the Union government it has witnessed an upward enhancement of one metre.

In a path breaking initiative, the Chief Minister said that the state government has decided to start cultivation of paddy from June 1 for which the state has been divided into three zones. He said that paddy cultivation in Faridkot, Bathinda, Fazilka, Ferozepur and Sri Muktsar Sahib Districts will start from June 1 adding that in Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Amritsar, Tarn Tarn, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar (Mohali), Sri Fatehgarh Sahib and Hoshiarpur districts will start on June 5. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in the remaining districts of Ludhiana, Moga, Jalandhar, Mansa, Malerkotla, Sangrur, Patiala, Barnala, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar  and Kapurthala it will start on June 9.

The Chief Minister said that it will help in reducing the immediate burden for supply of power in all the districts of the state during the paddy season. He said that it will avoid complications to the farmers in selling their paddy harvest due to high moisture content in October. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this zone wise cultivation of the paddy crop will be ensured in the state and necessary planning and arrangements are already being made by the Punjab government for this motive.  

The Chief Minister said that the state government is contemplating to ban the cultivation of water guzzling Pussa 44 variety of the paddy. He said that the cultivation of this variety needs around 152 days and it requires 64 lakh litre water per acre and costs Rs 7500 per acre to the government for power. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann the farmers have to bear expenditure worth nearly Rs 19000 per acre for cultivation of this variety and it produces paddy straw 10% more than other varieties.

The Chief Minister said that the state government will ensure a minimum eight hours of regular power supply to the farmers during the paddy season. He said that in the areas where canal water supply is available the power will be supplied during the night time for eight hours.  Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that the previous governments never bothered about making any effort to save the groundwater and the farmers at the tail ends, on this land of five rivers, never got water.

However, the Chief Minister said after assuming charge his government has revived 15947 water courses in the state due to which water has reached at the tail ends even in remotest villages. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that at the time when he had assumed the charge of office only 21% canal water was being used in the state for irrigation purposes. However, he said that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that today 75% of the canal water is being used for irrigation purposes.

The Chief Minister said that canal water is a boon for irrigation as this mineral rich water enhances fertility of soil on one hand and reduces pressure on groundwater on the other. He said that it also reduces the burden on the power sector thereby enabling the state government to provide uninterrupted power to every sector. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that the state government is making strenuous efforts for providing adequate marketing and MSP on alternate crops like Maize to bring farmers out of the rut of wheat/ paddy circle. 

The Chief Minister unequivocally said that no black of DAP and Urea will be allowed during the season to avoid any inconvenience to the farmers.  Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to make agriculture a profitable venture, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that active participation of farmers is the need of the hour to bail them out from the ongoing agrarian crisis. He said that due to ever escalating input costs and diminishing returns agriculture is no longer a profitable venture.

The Chief Minister said that due to this the farmers of the state are on cross roads. He said that the sole motive of organizing this interaction is to reduce the gap between decision makers and stakeholders so that policies are designed as per the needs of the farmers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab produces 80% of the total Basmati produced in the country adding that this production will be further enhanced in the coming days.

The Chief Minister said that this will further give fillip to the Basmati industry on one hand and supplement the income of farmers besides saving the precious natural resource in the form of water. Bhagwant Singh Mann gave a clarion call to the farmers to adopt Basmati cultivation across the state adding he assured the farmers that the state government will make every effort to ensure that they do not suffer any sort of loss in cultivation of Basmati. He also said that every effort will be made to ensure that assured prices are made available on Basmati cultivation.

Chandigarh, April 12:

The trials for selecting the Volleyball (Boys) team of Punjab in respect of the Khelo India Youth Games would now be held on April 14th at Guru Nanak stadium in Ludhiana. The Khelo India Youth Games are scheduled to be held from May 4th to May 15th in Bihar.

Disclosing this, a spokesperson of the Sports Department said that earlier the trials were to take place at Punjab Institute of Sports in Sector-63, Mohali on April 13th.

The players interested in participating in these trials should be born on either January 1st, 2007 or after.

Chandigarh, April 12:

 Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO conducted a thorough head-wise review of PWD (B&R) works to finalize the work program for the fiscal year 2025-26.

 The high-level meeting was attended by Secretary Public Works Sh. Ravi Bhagat along with Chief Engineers and other senior officials of the department. During the review meeting, S. Harbhajan Singh ETO stressed for due diligence in deploying funds as per requirement of works to ensure balanced development throughout the state.

 He directed officials to incorporate inputs from local MLAs through the offices of Deputy Commissioners so that priority works identified by elected representatives of the people could be considered in the annual planning. “Transparency is paramount in our functioning.

All representatives must be kept informed about ongoing projects in their constituencies to maintain and ensure quality of the works,” said the Cabinet Minister, adding that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is committed to inclusive development that reaches every corner of Punjab.

 The PWD Minister instructed department officials to expedite necessary approvals and ensure timely completion of all sanctioned works while maintaining the highest quality standards. He reiterated state government’s firm stance of zero tolerance toward poor quality work and corruption in public projects.

 “We are committed to delivering infrastructure projects that meet the highest standards of quality and durability,” asserted the Cabinet Minister. S. Harbhajan Singh ETO said that there will be absolutely no compromise on quality ad any corrupt practices will be dealt with severely as we are very much committed to provide transparent and accountable governance.

CHANDIGARH/JALANDHAR, April 12:

          In yet another major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Jalandhar Commissionerate Police, with the support of Central Agencies and Delhi Police, has successfully arrested Uttar Pradesh (UP)-based Saidul Ameen— the prime accused involved in the grenade attack at BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia’s residence, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          As per the information, an explosion occurred at the residence of Senior BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia located in Central Town Jalandhar on the intervening night of April 7. Preliminary investigations had revealed a larger conspiracy orchestrated by Pakistan’s ISI to disrupt communal harmony in Punjab.

          The development came close on the heels of the arrest of two local associates identified as Satish alias Kaka alias Lucky of Bhargo Camp in Jalandhar and Harry of Garha Road in Jalandhar, who provided logistical support to accused Saidul Ameen. The plot was masterminded by Zeeshan Akhtar, a close associate of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and Pakistan-based ISI-sponsored gangster Shahzad Bhatti, while, role of Pakistan-based Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) is also being probed.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav accompanied by Commissioner of Police (CP) Jalandhar Dhanpreet Kaur, while addressing a press conference in Jalandhar, said that accused Saidul Ameen, a resident of Amroha in UP, was apprehended from Delhi after an intensive multi-state manhunt. “This arrest is a testament to the seamless coordination between Punjab Police, Central Agencies, and Delhi Police in dismantling terror networks,” he said.

          The DGP said that the ongoing probe has also revealed the financial link to the executors of the grenade attack under which role of Haryana-based accused identified as Abhijot, who was arrested by the Haryana Police on Friday after exchange of fire in Kurukshetra, has also come under the light. Jalandhar Commissionerate Police will bring him on production warrant for further investigations, he added.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that further investigations are ongoing to uncover handlers, financial backers, and potential foreign connections linked to the attack.

          A case FIR no. 27 dated 8/4/2025 has already been registered under sections 109, 324(3) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act has been registered at Police Station Division number 3 in Jalandhar.

Chandigarh, April 12:

In a prompt action, first information report (FIR) has been registered against both parties involved in a clash that occurred at the Civil Hospital, in Dera Bassi, informed Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh here on Saturday.

 Upon learning about the clash, Dr Balbir Singh said that he immediately contacted the concerned Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of SAS Nagar, directing them to take appropriate action against both parties involved in clash.

He said that all hospitals are considered peace zones and any violation of hospital protocols or damage to public property will be met with strict action, regardless of any political affiliation. Violence against any medical personnel and damage to hospital property is a non-bailable offence, he added.

While urging the people to continue seeking medical treatment at Government Health Facilities, the Health Minister assured them that doctors and staff are dedicated to providing services to people. However, he categorically said that any violation of hospital protocols will not be tolerated at any cost.

He said that police have initiated an investigation into the matter and are currently reviewing CCTV footage and gathering statements from witnesses.