Chandigarh, April 9:

In a path breaking initiative, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday asked the officers to organize a special Kisan Milni at Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana on April 12 to sensitize the farmers regarding cultivation of paddy.

Chairing a meeting here at his official residence, the Chief Minister said that the special Kisan Milni will focus on making the farmers aware about cultivation of paddy before the starting of paddy season. He said that during the Milni the farmers will be apprised about the innovative and less water guzzling techniques of paddy transplant. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that focus will be on motivating the farmers to use only the high yielding varieties of paddy approved by the PAU.

The Chief Minister said that the farmers will also be informed that in order to avoid complications to the farmers in selling their paddy harvest due to high moisture content in October, the state government has decided to advance the paddy cultivation season from June 1. He said that zone wise cultivation of the paddy crop will be ensured in the state for which necessary planning and arrangements are already being made by the Punjab government. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state will be divided into zones to implement this sowing mechanism in an effective manner.

The Chief Minister said that the dates of paddy cultivation in a phased manner will be announced soon so that farmers can take benefit from it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government will rope in renowned agriculture experts to benefit the farmers during this Milni. Meanwhile, he reiterated that the state government is duty bound to check the sale of spurious seeds and no one involved in this heinous crime will be spared.

Chandigarh, April 9:

In a major citizen centric decision, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday gave nod to launch a special campaign for constructing 20,000 kilometres of link roads in the state at a cost of Rs 4000 crore.

Chairing a meeting here today, the Chief Minister said that the main motive of the campaign is to facilitate the people as these Link Roads act as a catalyst in commuting and smooth transportation of the goods and services to people. He said that these link roads are the arteries of economic growth in the state as they help the people residing in rural areas to commute on one hand and give impetus to trade and business on the other. Bhagwant Singh Mann underlined the need for construction of these roads at the earliest as majority of them have remained unattended even after passing their life of six years.

The Chief Minister said that these roads must be constructed by categorizing them as top priority, priority and needy roads so that people can be benefited from it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that an on the ground survey for the need based and priority wise construction of these roads must be ensured. He asked the PWD and Mandi Board authorities to ensure that every single penny is spent judiciously on the construction of these roads adding it should be ensured that the contractors constructing these roads will have to maintain it for five years.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has decided to give a major facelift to the link road infrastructure by widening, strengthening and upgradation of these rural link roads across the state. He said that keeping in view the importance of this road network to facilitate the people, the state government has taken this decision. Bhagwant Singh Mann asked the Punjab Mandi Board and PwD to ensure high quality of the work besides ensuring that every penny allocated for that project was invested in a justified manner.

The Chief Minister also said that the technology of ‘Artificial Intelligence’ should be used for need based construction of the rural roads in the state. He said that this step will ensure optimum use of the existing resources of the state along with ensuring top quality work on rural roads. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this technique will revolutionise the construction work on roads by saving a lot of public money adding he said that feasibility of third party check should also be explored.

On the occasion Cabinet Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary to CM Dr Ravi Bhagat and others were also present.

Chandigarh, April 9:

In a path breaking initiative, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday asked the officers to organize a special Kisan Milni at Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana on April 12 to sensitize the farmers regarding cultivation of paddy.

Chairing a meeting here at his official residence, the Chief Minister said that the special Kisan Milni will focus on making the farmers aware about cultivation of paddy before the starting of paddy season. He said that during the Milni the farmers will be apprised about the innovative and less water guzzling techniques of paddy transplant. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that focus will be on motivating the farmers to use only the high yielding varieties of paddy approved by the PAU.

The Chief Minister said that the farmers will also be informed that in order to avoid complications to the farmers in selling their paddy harvest due to high moisture content in October, the state government has decided to advance the paddy cultivation season from June 1. He said that zone wise cultivation of the paddy crop will be ensured in the state for which necessary planning and arrangements are already being made by the Punjab government. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state will be divided into zones to implement this sowing mechanism in an effective manner.

The Chief Minister said that the dates of paddy cultivation in a phased manner will be announced soon so that farmers can take benefit from it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government will rope in renowned agriculture experts to benefit the farmers during this Milni. Meanwhile, he reiterated that the state government is duty bound to check the sale of spurious seeds and no one involved in this heinous crime will be spared.

Chandigarh, April 9:

In a major citizen centric decision, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday gave nod to launch a special campaign for constructing 20,000 kilometres of link roads in the state at a cost of Rs 4000 crore.

Chairing a meeting here today, the Chief Minister said that the main motive of the campaign is to facilitate the people as these Link Roads act as a catalyst in commuting and smooth transportation of the goods and services to people. He said that these link roads are the arteries of economic growth in the state as they help the people residing in rural areas to commute on one hand and give impetus to trade and business on the other. Bhagwant Singh Mann underlined the need for construction of these roads at the earliest as majority of them have remained unattended even after passing their life of six years.

The Chief Minister said that these roads must be constructed by categorizing them as top priority, priority and needy roads so that people can be benefited from it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that an on the ground survey for the need based and priority wise construction of these roads must be ensured. He asked the PWD and Mandi Board authorities to ensure that every single penny is spent judiciously on the construction of these roads adding it should be ensured that the contractors constructing these roads will have to maintain it for five years.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has decided to give a major facelift to the link road infrastructure by widening, strengthening and upgradation of these rural link roads across the state. He said that keeping in view the importance of this road network to facilitate the people, the state government has taken this decision. Bhagwant Singh Mann asked the Punjab Mandi Board and PwD to ensure high quality of the work besides ensuring that every penny allocated for that project was invested in a justified manner.

The Chief Minister also said that the technology of ‘Artificial Intelligence’ should be used for need based construction of the rural roads in the state. He said that this step will ensure optimum use of the existing resources of the state along with ensuring top quality work on rural roads. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this technique will revolutionise the construction work on roads by saving a lot of public money adding he said that feasibility of third party check should also be explored.

On the occasion Cabinet Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary to CM Dr Ravi Bhagat and others were also present.

Chandigarh, April 9:

Ahead of the bye-election to the 64, Ludhiana West Assembly Constituency, Sibin C, Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, convened a meeting with representatives of recognised political parties to discuss the ongoing Special Summary Revision of the photo electoral roll, with 1st April 2025 as the qualifying date.

During the meeting, the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab apprised the political parties of the draft publication of the electoral roll, which was carried out on 9th April 2025. He informed them that the rationalization and integration of polling stations in the constituency had been completed as per the guidelines of the Election Commission of India. The total number of polling stations in the constituency remains 192, all of which are urban. However, adjustments have been made to ensure that none of the polling stations exceed the maximum limit of 1,200 electors, thus enhancing accessibility and electoral convenience.

As per the draft roll, the total number of electors in 64-Ludhiana West stands at 1,73,071. The window for filing claims and objections will remain open from 9th April to 24th April 2025. The final publication of the electoral roll is scheduled for 5th May 2025.

Sibin C urged all political parties to contribute actively to the revision process by engaging Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to raise awareness about voter updation and assist electors in the process of filing claims and objections. He noted with appreciation that some political parties have already appointed their BLAs and encouraged others to follow suit to ensure inclusive and transparent electoral participation.

“The cooperation of political parties is crucial in upholding the sanctity of the electoral process. Through their Booth Level Agents, we request all parties to reach out to the electorate, encourage voter verification, and ensure maximum participation in the roll revision process,” said Sibin C.

He further reiterated the commitment of the Election Commission to ensure free, fair, and inclusive elections, encouraging all stakeholders to join hands in strengthening the foundations of democracy.

Chandigarh/Pathankot, April 9:

The visionary approach of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has unleashed ‘Sikhya Kranti’ in Punjab which is seeing radical transformations being carried out in the educational sphere in the State.

These views were expressed by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak while inaugurating various projects at Government Primary School, Papiyal (Rs. 13.21 Lakh), Government Primary School Najochak (Rs. 8.27 Lakh) and Government Senior Secondary School Najochak (Rs. 11.13 Lakh) falling under Bhoa Assembly constituency.

In his address at Government Senior Secondary School, Najochak, the Minister said that this revolution in academic sector has been ushered in by the leadership and guidance of the Chief Minister who has the vision of turning State into Rangla Punjab besides the Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains and the National Convenor Aam Aadmi Party Arvind Kejriwal and doyen of Sikhya Kranti Manish Sisodia.

Divulging more, Mr. Kataruchak added that as part of Sikhya Kranti, huge amount has been spent on ensuring robust infrastructure in the schools such as constructing the libraries, Boundary Walls, Toilets, and the Science Labs. He further said that this transformation brought in by the State Government has caused a sea change in the public mindset leading to heavy increase in the enrolment of children in the government schools and the teachers have also been sent abroad for training so as to ensure that latest teaching practices are implemented in schools. This trend of ‘Sikhya Kranti’ would continue in future also, added Mr. Kataruchak.

On the occasion, the Halqa Incharge cum District President Aam Aadmi Party Amit Mantu inaugurated various projects in Government Primary School Kotmatti amounting to Rs. 1.40 Lakh, Shaheed Gautam Singh Pathania Senior Secondary School Kotmatti (Rs. 9.55 Lakh) and Government High School Kotmatti (Rs. 11.1 Lakh) in Assembly Constituency Sujanpur.

Similarly, in Assembly Constituency Pathankot the District Incharge Pathankot cum Chairman, Improvement Trust, Pathankot Vibhuti Sharma inaugurated various projects worth Rs. 2 Lakh in Government Primary School, Dhaki,  Rs. 1.4 Lakh at Government Primary School Dheera and worth Rs. 19.46 Lakh in Shaheed Major Deepak Padda Government Senior Secondary School, Daulatpur.

Among others present on the occasion included District Education Officer (Secondary) Pathankot Rajesh Kumar, District Education Officer (Elementary) Pathankot Kamaljeet Kaur, Deputy DEO Secondary Amandeep Kumar, Deputy DEO Elementary D.G. Singh, Block President Pawan Kumar Fauji, Halqa Coordinator Bhoa BPEO Naresh Paneyar, Coordinator Halqa Sujanpur BPEO Rakesh Thakur, Coordinator Halqa Pathankot BPEO Kuldeep Singh, Principal Taj Singh, Principal Jatinder Kaur and Principal Arun Kumar.

Chandigarh/Lehragaga, April 9:

Punjab Cabinet Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, on Wednesday, inaugurated development projects worth Rs.84.36 lakh at various government schools under the Punjab Shikya Kranti campaign.

The Cabinet Minister and MLA from Lehragaga constituency Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal inaugurated additional classrooms, boundary walls and toilet blocks constructed at a cost of Rs.33.03 lakh at the Government Middle School in village Karrail, additional classrooms and boundary walls at Government Middle School Alampur costing Rs.23.90 lakh and sports track, boundary wall and separate toilet blocks for boys and girls at Government Senior Secondary School Bakhora Kalan costing Rs.19.73 lakh, besides inaugurating reconstructed boundary walls and toilet blocks at Government High School Alisher built at a cost of Rs.7.70 lakh. During these events, Cabinet Minister also honoured students who have excelled in various fields.

Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that education and healthcare have always been priority sectors for Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government, adding that under the Punjab Shikya Kranti initiative, transformative work is being done to upgrade the infrastructure of government schools throughout the state.

Asserting that this campaign will yield meaningful results in the future, the Cabinet Minister pointing out that approximately 200 students from government schools have already set an example by clearing the JEE Mains this year. He assured that no effort is being spared to make students of state government schools leaders in every field under this initiative.

Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that the Mann government is making every effort to provide all necessary facilities in schools with complete transparency. “Government schools in Punjab, which had fallen behind due to the negligence of previous dispensations, are now being brought back on the path of modernization”, noted the Cabinet Minister.

He further said that the Mann government is also ensuring regular recruitment of teachers without any recommendations or bribes and with complete transparency. He said that due to the state government’s efforts, government schools today offering better facilities compared to private schools.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included  District Education Officer Tarvinder Kaur, DSP Gurinder Singh Ball, DSP Daljit Singh Virk, Block Nodal Officer Moonak Arun Garg, Block Nodal Officer Dildeep Kaur, Principal Anil Jain, Rakesh Kumar from Government High School Alisher, Kirandeep Singh Principal of Government Senior Secondary School Bakhora Kalan, Avtar Singh Headmaster of Government Middle School Alampur, Aman Singh Headmaster of Government Middle School Karrail, Sandeep Kumar Principal of Government Senior Secondary School Moonak, PA Rakesh Gupta, Buta Singh Alampur, Manjit Singh, Gurlal Singh Sarpanch of Bakhora Kalan, Bahadur Singh Bakhora, Manjit Singh Sarpanch of Alisher, Kaka Singh Alisher, Saraj Singh Sarpanch of Karrail, Rinku Singh Kudni, Nachhattar Rao MC Moonak, Balvir Saini, Rajveer Singh Sarpanch of Surjan Bhaini, Gurlal Singh former Vice President of Municipal Council Lehragaga, school staff, representatives of village panchayats and other dignitaries.

Chandigarh, April 9

A rare pictorial artwork compiled by State Information Commissioner Punjab Harpreet Sandhu on “Sukhna Lake ” portraying the serenity of the sunrise at Sukhna Lake Chandigarh was today unveiled by Hon’ble Governor of Haryana Bandaru Dattatraya at Raj Bhavan, Haryana.

While unveiling the artwork, Governor Bandaru Dattatraya acknowledged the masterpiece portrait highlighting the natural beauty of Sukhna Lake and much applauded the pictorial work and stated that this splendid artistic portrayal of Sukhna Lake truly showcases the soul of Chandigarh’s natural heritage; rather it’s a heartfelt tribute to the beauty and serenity of nature bestows at Sukhna lake.

Governor further said that such creative expressions serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving our environment and appreciating the natural wonders that surround the serene beauty and natural ambiance of the iconic Sukhna Lake during the early morning hours.

The artwork showcases the golden rays of sunrise reflecting upon the still waters of the lake, the image evokes a sense of tranquility and spiritual calmness. Through this pictorial composition, Harpreet Sandhu aims to reflect not only the scenic grandeur of Sukhna Lake, but also its deeper significance as a space of harmony, reflection and inspiration for the people of Chandigarh and the neighboring state of Haryana.

Harpreet Sandhu expressed his gratitude to the Hon’ble Governor for graciously unveiling his artwork dedicated to citizens of Chandigarh with hope that the artwork will adorn a meaningful space within the Raj Bhavan Haryana and other significant locations, serving as a lasting symbol of natural splendor.

Chandigarh/Rupnagar, April 8:

Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, accompanied by former Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia, conducted an inspection of schools and sports grounds in various villages of Rupnagar district on Tuesday. The villages visited included Chairian, Bahrampur, Chandpur, Dakala, Lohgarh Phidde, as well as the government primary school and sports ground in Bahrampur Chaklan.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Sond announced that in an effort to promote a culture of sports and protect the youth from drug addiction, the Punjab Government will construct sports grounds in every village across the state. He shared that approximately 13,000 villages will benefit from this initiative, with sports facilities tailored to local youth demand. The grounds will include provisions for football, cricket, hockey, athletics, volleyball, handball, and other disciplines.

He highlighted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has earmarked a budget of ₹979 crore to engage youth in sports and fitness. In addition to sports grounds, gyms will be established in villages to encourage a healthy lifestyle.

 Sond emphasized the importance of engaging youth in sports to deter them from social evils. He also mentioned that athletes representing Punjab at national and international levels are recognized with cash rewards and given government job reservations to secure their future.

During the visit to the Government Primary School in Chaklan,  Manish Sisodia noted the remarkable transformation the school has undergone over the past three years. He recalled that the school previously had dilapidated infrastructure, lacking basic amenities such as benches, clean drinking water, and functioning toilets. Today, it boasts modern facilities including benches, a sports ground, toilets, high-tech laboratories, a library, and secure boundary walls.

Sisodia reiterated the Punjab Government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education through the “Punjab Sikhiya Kranti” initiative. He emphasized that the aim is to make Punjab a hub of excellence in education, ensuring a brighter and more prosperous future for the state.

Also present on the occasion were MLA Sri Chamkaur Sahib Dr. Charanjit Singh, MLA Rupnagar Advocate Dinesh Chadha, Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Singh Walia, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Ms. Chandarjyoti Singh, District Planning Board Chairman Harminder Singh Dhahe, and other senior officials.

CHANDIGARH, April 8:

The Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s groundbreaking “School Mentorship Program” has received an extraordinary response, with 100 top bureaucrats—including IAS, IPS, and PCS officers—volunteering as mentors within just three days of its launch on April 4, said the School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains here on Tuesday.

Pertinently, the Punjab Government has introduced one-of-its-kind “School Mentorship Program” wherein top brass bureaucrats are being roped in to inspire and guide young minds to aim high in life. The initiative aims to bridge aspirations and opportunities for government school students by connecting them with civil servants.

Addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan today, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that a detailed analysis of applications has revealed that over half of the applications are from young officers, specifically those who joined the service between 2015 and 2024. Among the 100 applicants, 41 are IAS officers, including seven from pre-2005 batches, 14 from 2005-2015 batches, and 20 are from Batch 2016 onwards. Similarly, 48 IPS officers including nine from pre-2005 batches, 16 from 2005-2015 batches, and 23 from Batch 2016 onwards have joined the initiative. Furthermore, three PCS officers and eight from other services have also shown interest.

S. Harjot Singh Bains, while expressing his delight at the overwhelming participation, said that schools that are located at border, far-flung and challenging areas, including Pathankot, Tarn Taran and Ferozepur, have also received a huge interest from the officers. “Such huge number of officers coming forward for this noble cause is truly inspiring,” said the Minister, while adding that having our bureaucrats guiding students in our most underserved schools will create transformational change in Punjab’s education landscape.

The Education Minister said that the program is still open for the interested officers, who want to adopt a school, can fill the Google Form (link:https://forms.gle/V4kcHjjVfsomdJz9A) by April 20, 2025. Outstanding contributions will be acknowledged at state-level education events to honour the efforts of mentor officers, he added.

Meanwhile, the mentor officers will be frequently visiting, and collaborating with their schools and facilitating students’ career counselling, exposure visits, teachers’ training on innovative pedagogies, increasing parental participation in school, piloting innovative ideas, and improving the learning environment of the schools. Officers will engage with students, teachers, and principals to motivate students to dream big and pursue ambitious goals, besides, supporting teachers in adopting innovative pedagogy and leveraging their experience and networks to bring improvements in school infrastructure, resources, and exposure opportunities.

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Teachers Deserve Respect: Punjab Govt Committed to Ensure Supportive Environment for Teachers: Bains

During the press conference, the Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains today strongly condemned the remarks made by his fellow MLA Chetan Singh Jauramajra during “Sikhya Kranti” function held yesterday in Patiala district, while emphasising the vital role teachers play in society.

“We believe that teachers deserve to be valued for their hard work and dedication,” S. Bains stated, reiterating the Punjab government’s commitment to ensuring all teachers are treated with respect and dignity. The government is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where teachers feel appreciated and empowered to excel in their roles.