Chandigarh/Jalandhar, April 27:

In a major action under the Punjab Government’s aggressive ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ (War Against Drugs) campaign, Commissionerate Police Jalandhar demolished illegal constructions made by drug smugglers in village Lakhanpal, a locality long notorious as a major drug hotspot.

Leading the operation, Commissioner of Police Dhanpreet Kaur said that village Lakhanpal, traditionally infamous for rampant drug sale and supply, had been under close surveillance. Acting swiftly, a joint team of the Panchayat Department and Jalandhar Commissionerate Police razed unauthorized structures built on government land by known drug peddlers. The action, focused on cutting the roots of the drug network, marks a significant step in reclaiming the area from the clutches of narcotics.

Police investigations revealed that the primary accused who encroached the Government land, Hardeep Singh alias Deepa— a history-sheeter — had 9 cases registered against him, including 7 under the NDPS Act. His father Sarbjit Singh and brother Sandeep alias Sonu also faced two criminal cases each.

Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur said the demolished encroachment was being misused by drug peddlers to cross over rooftops and escape during police raids. “By removing these illegal structures, we have curtailed their escape routes. We intend to intensify our raids further and clean the village of its bad name once and for all,” she asserted.

Earlier, during the crackdown in this drug hotspot, nine drug peddlers were arrested, while several others fled, leaving their homes locked. In addition to the arrests, the police have identified two properties for freezing under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act to further tighten the noose around drug traffickers.

Highlighting the collective resolve against drugs, the village panchayat of Lakhanpal also passed a formal resolution banning the sale and consumption of drugs within the village, extending full support to the government’s anti-drug campaign.

The CP reiterated the commitment of the Commissionerate Police to eradicate drugs from the roots and appealed to citizens to come forward with information. She urged people to share any drug-related tips on the Punjab Government’s dedicated WhatsApp number 9779-100-200, assuring that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential.

The residents of Lakhanpal welcomed the bulldozer action against the drug mafia, expressing hope for a safer and drug-free future for the village.

New Delhi/Chandigarh 25 April:

A two-day international seminar was organised at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in the national capital, New Delhi, on the impact of climate change on food security. Mr. Bal Mukund Sharma, Chairman of Punjab State Food Commission, participated in this seminar.

Addressing the seminar, Mr. Sharma said that climate change is emerging as a very big challenge for the whole world. He said that it is causing water crisis as the earth’s temperature is increasing rapidly and glaciers are melting.

He said that the Punjab Government has taking several steps to save water resources and climate under which priority was being given to sustainable farming, diversification and sowing of crops that consume less water. He said that Punjab had suffered a lot by over-explolating its natural resources to feed the entire country, especially paddy cultivation which had caused huge damage to ground water level, soil health besides environmental damage through excessive production of green gases and carbon.

Mr Sharma said that continuous efforts were being made by the Punjab government to avoid the effects of climate change, for which, apart from growing forests, special financial assistance is being provided for direct sowing of paddy, 33 percent subsidy on BT cotton seeds and Rs 500 crore is being spent on the purchase of stubble management machines.

He also emphasized that along with food security, we should all work together for nutrition security and a campaign should be prepared in this direction, through which “nutrition gardens” based on vegetables, fruits and herbal plants should be prepared in schools and Anganwadis. He added that children would be make aware of the importance of nutrition at an early age, while these beneficial vegetables and herbal plants like curry leaves, mint, drumstick etc. can also become a part of the mid-day meal given to them.

Chandigarh, April 25

          Punjab’s hydropower sector has achieved a significant milestone during the financial year 2024-25, setting new benchmarks in electricity generation. Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO announced today that three major hydel projects under the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) have not only surpassed their annual generation targets but also recorded their highest output in the past three years.

          The Shanan Power House, located in Joginder Nagar, emerged as a standout performer by generating 512.656 million units (MU) of electricity, exceeding its annual target of 480 MU by 6.80%. This exceptional performance is attributed to efficient plant operation, favourable hydrological conditions and timely maintenance practices. Following closely, the Anandpur Sahib Hydel Project (ASHP) generated 486.14 MU, outperforming its target of 470 MU by 3.43 percent.

          Meanwhile, the Mukerian Hydel Project, the largest among the three in terms of capacity, registered a staggering 1326.81 MU of electricity generation, surpassing its annual target of 1110 MU by an impressive 19.53%. This marks the highest generation recorded at the project in the past three years and underscores the efficiency and robustness of Punjab’s hydropower infrastructure.

          “The remarkable performance of our hydel projects during 2024-25 reflects our commitment to sustainable and efficient energy generation. These figures not only surpass our internal benchmarks but also exceed the targets set by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), New Delhi,” said Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO. He added that this achievement is a testament to the relentless efforts of our engineers, technical staff, and management teams who have worked tirelessly to enhance output and optimise resources.

          Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO further emphasised the importance of hydropower as a clean and renewable energy source that supports Punjab’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and improving energy self-sufficiency.

          He also acknowledged the support of the state government and expressed confidence in maintaining the upward trajectory in the years to come. “With strategic investments, modern technology, and the dedication of our workforce, Punjab’s hydropower sector is poised for even greater success,” he added.

          The exceptional performance of the Shanan, Anandpur Sahib, and Mukerian hydel projects not only reinforces the efficiency of Punjab’s power generation capabilities but also contributes positively to the state’s economy and environment by reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Chandigarh, April 25

Punjab PWD Minister S. Harbhajan Singh E. T. O. on Friday held a meeting with the officers of various departments at Punjab Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh to give further impetus to the development works being carried out in Jandiala Guru constituency.

Reviewing the status of development works, Cabinet Minister S. Harbhajan Singh E. T. O. held detailed discussions and directed the officials concerned to further accelerate the pace. He also took stock of ongoing construction of a 30-bed hospital at a cost of Rs. 8.63 crore in  Jandiala Guru, a new government polytechnic college being constructed at a cost of Rs. 14.97 crore and a sub-tehsil including Patwarkhana to be completed at a cost of Rs. 3.58 crore.

The meeting was attended by Director Technical Education Mr. Munish Kumar, Director Health Services Mrs. Hatinder Kaur, Chief Engineer of PWD Mr. Vipin Bansal and other senior officers.

The Cabinet Minister directed the officials to ensure regular review of status so that these significant works could be accomplished in the right earnest to facilitate general public. The Minister said that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is committed to fully develop the Jandiala Guru constituency with carrying out various development works.

Chandigarh, April 25:

Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, announced that the State Government will soon provide smartphones to Anganwadi Workers and Helpers to enable them to perform their daily duties in a more organized and modern manner. She said that the Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is making sincere efforts to address the legitimate demands of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers with utmost sensitivity.

During a meeting held at Punjab Bhawan with representatives of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers, Dr. Baljit Kaur attentively listened to their issues and assured them that demands which can be resolved at the departmental level will be addressed promptly. She further mentioned that demands requiring decisions at the State Government level will be thoroughly reviewed and formal recommendations will be submitted to the Chief Minister for further necessary action.

The Minister informed that fulfilling the demand for smartphones is being prioritized to enhance the efficiency and field performance of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers. These smartphones will help connect them with modern technological resources and assist in ensuring effective implementation of government welfare schemes at the grassroots level.

Dr. Baljit Kaur also highlighted that the State Government is equally concerned about the health and well-being of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers. In this regard, a campaign had already been launched by the department to complete the eKYC process for all Anganwadi Workers and Helpers, which will be a significant step towards providing them with better health security benefits.

In conclusion, Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that the Punjab Government is fully committed to safeguarding the rights of its workforce and will continue to take welfare-oriented decisions in the future as well. She emphasized that the government will always remain responsive to the demands and suggestions of workers and will keep introducing new initiatives for public welfare in the coming days.

CHANDIGARH, April 22:

          With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state entered 53rd day, Punjab Police on Tuesday arrested 76 drug smugglers and recovered 3.5 kg heroin, 1 kg opium and Rs 1.09 lakh drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 7036 in just 53 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 150 Police teams, comprising over 1000 police personnel, under the supervision of 75 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 345 locations across the state leading to the registration of 49 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 374 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 two persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.

          Meanwhile, Punjab Police has also carried out search operation at different jails in six districts— Commissionerate Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, SBS Nagar, Jalandhar Rural, Kapurthala and Rupanagar— to check any illegal activities in the jail. “Our Police teams have thoroughly searched every nook and corner including barracks, kitchen and toilets in the jail complex,” said Special DGP Arpit Shukla.

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.

The

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.