Chandigarh, April 3:

          The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the concerns of freedom fighters and their families. In line with this, Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat met with several family members of freedom fighters to hear their grievances and ensure swift resolution.

          During the interaction, the family members apprised the Minister of various challenges they have been facing. Minister Bhagat attentively listened to their concerns and resolved several issues on the spot. He assured the attendees that their remaining legitimate concerns would be addressed at the earliest. He also instructed the concerned officials to expedite the resolution of grievances without unnecessary delay.

          Speaking on the occasion, Mohinder Bhagat emphasized that the sacrifices of India’s great freedom fighters can never be forgotten. He stated that their families deserve utmost respect and care, reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to safeguarding their rights and welfare. He assured them that the state government stands firmly with them at all times.

          The Minister reiterated that the Punjab Government duly acknowledges and honors the sacrifices of freedom fighters and remains dedicated to providing all possible assistance to their families.

Chandigarh, April 3:

The Punjab Government has taken a step forward to introduce electric buses and promote an eco-system throughout the state. This initiative will not only help provide a pollution-free environment but also offer better environmental conditions and transportation facilities to citizens.

While chairing a meeting at the Punjab Civil Secretariat here today, Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar directed the officials of Local Government and Transport Department to jointly conduct a survey regarding the operation of EV buses and promotion of the eco-system. Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is committed to making the state pollution-free and providing citizens with a clean environment, said the Cabinet Minister, adding that the time has come to introduce EV buses in Punjab. He asked the concerned officials to take immediate action toward this objective.

The Transport Minister said that in the first phase, a proposal will be formulated to operate EV buses in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, SAS Nagar and Patiala. He said that 100 EV buses to be plied in Amritsar, 75 in Jalandhar, 100 in Ludhiana, 100 in SAS Nagar and 50 buses in Patiala.

S. Laljit Singh Bhullar also instructed PRTC and Punjab Roadways/PUNBUS officials to review the de-clubbing of bus route permits and find solutions in accordance with the law.

The Cabinet Minister informed that 450 large buses, 100 mini buses from PRTC and 312 new buses from PUNBUS will be soon added to the Punjab Transport Department’s fleet, with the necessary procedures already underway.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Additional Chief Secretary Transport Mr. D.K. Tiwari, State Transport Commissioner S. Jaspreet Singh, Director State Transport Mr. Rajiv Gupta along with senior officials from the Local Government and Transport Departments.

Phillaur (Jalandhar), April 3:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday announced that the state government is equipping the Punjab Police with best infrastructural facilities and modernizing it on scientific lines to enable it for tackling the law and order situation effectively.

Addressing the gathering after flagging off 139 New Vehicles for the Police stations across the state, the Chief Minister said with this initiative the Station House Officers (SHOs) in 454 Police stations across the state have got new vehicles. He said that this is contrary to earlier trends when the new vehicles were given to the top officers instead of those at grass root level. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that SHOs are the real face of the Punjab police as they are directly connected with people and have huge responsibility of maintaining law and order.

The Chief Minister said that being a border state a number of forces inimical to state have been chalking out nefarious designs to disturb hard earned peace of state but the Punjab Police has always foiled such attempts. He said that to further overcome major challenges faced by the state it is imperative that the Police force is updated as per advanced requirements in the field of investigation, science and technology. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that the Punjab Police will uphold the glorious legacy of serving the people with utmost professional commitment.

The Chief Minister said that 70% of the drugs are smuggled from Pakistan across the border via drones and are subsequently supplied in the state. He said that the state government has joined hands with BSF by launching anti-drone technology to check the movement of drones. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to concerted efforts of the state government drug smuggling has reduced drastically as a report of BSF has indicated a decline in cross-border consignments due to strict enforcement.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has already decided to recruit 1800 Constables and 300 Sub Inspectors every year in Punjab Police to overcome the scarcity of cops. He said that as for these 2100 posts every year around 2.50 lakh candidates apply for these posts so all the aspirants will get involved in academics as well as in improving their physique for clearing the tests. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is helping in channelizing their unbounded energy in a positive direction and help them in weaning away from the menace of drugs.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has launched a major crackdown against drugs in Punjab to break the backbone of the menace. He said that the state government has already snapped the supply line of drugs and big fishes involved in this heinous crime have been put behind the bars. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that for the first time the property of the drug smugglers acquired illegally are being destroyed/ confiscated by the state government so that it acts as a deterrent for others.

The Chief Minister said that for the first time in the history of the state, any government has given a record number of around 55,000 jobs to the youth in 36 months of coming into power. He said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for him that all the jobs have been given completely on the basis of merit, san any corruption or nepotism. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that these youth will become an active partner in the socio-economic development of the state by joining these respective departments.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against corruption and none of the corrupt officers is being tolerated. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every corrupt officer will be nailed and strict action will be taken against them. He said that the state government is working zealously to bring transparency, effectiveness and responsiveness by providing citizen centric services to people at their doorsteps.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has started a unique scheme where senior IAS and IPS officers of the state government will act as the mentors of the students of government schools across the state to provide them necessary guidance for excelling in life. He said that all the IAS and IPS officers will be mentoring one government school in the state where they will further strengthen the atmosphere of education through conversation with students and teachers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this step is aimed at transforming the lives of the students by encouraging them to join the coveted services adding that this ambitious program of the state government will give wings to the dreams of the students thereby excelling in every sector of life.

          Earlier, the Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries on the occasion.

Ludhiana, April 3:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday said that after cleaning the mess of previous regimes for three years, the state government is now on path of restoring the pristine glory of Punjab.

Addressing the gathering after dedicating World Skill Campus of Excellence consisting of two premier institutions – newly renovated State of the Art Industrial Training Institute (ITI) and Multi Skill Development Centre (MSDC) here today, the Chief Minister bemoaned that the state has lagged behind in the process of development due to the regressive policies and malicious intent of the previous regimes. He said that those were the times when industry was suffering, drug mafia and gangsters were flexing muscles under open patronization of the erstwhile rulers and the development of Punjab had derailed. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that since day one of assuming charge in office his government had focused on holistic development of the state and prosperity of its people.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has fulfilled almost all the guarantees promised to people adding that even those guarantees which were not made have also been given to people. He said that on one hand the BJP led NDA government is enhancing the rates of toll everyday whereas on other hand the state government has closed 17 toll plazas in Punjab. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a flawless plan was chalked out and executed to give a major push to development of every sector. 

The Chief Minister said that unfortunately water had depleted in 117 out 153 blocks, which went into black dark zone. He 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. Bhagwant Singh Mann said after assuming charge the AAP government has revived 15947 water courses in the state due to which water has reached at the tail ends even in remotest villages.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that his government has provided free power to households from the month of July after which 90% of them are getting free power. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that for the first time the state government has purchased a power plant from a private firm to make the state surplus in power production. He said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that the state government has named this thermal plant after Sri Guru Amar Dass ji- the third Sikh Guru.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab has complete communal harmony, peace and amity, which are mainly responsible for overall development and prosperity in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to strenuous efforts of Punjab government so far investments worth around Rs 97,000 crore have been firmed up in the state in the last three years adding that leading companies like Tata Steel, Sanatan Textiles and others are making a beeline to invest in the state. He said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that companies are making optimum use of the congenial atmosphere backed by excellent infrastructure, power, skilled human resources and best industrial and work culture in the state to spread their business.

The Chief Minister said that he wants to hand over tiffins in the hands of youth by giving them employment so that they shun the syringes and menace of other drugs. He said that as Idle hands are devil’s workshop, so the state government is trying its best to ensure that maximum youth get jobs so that they do not fall prey to the social menaces. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that unemployment is the root cause of several social problems due to which the state government is focusing on eradicating this malady and so far around 55,000 government jobs have been provided to the youth.

The Chief Minister said that the drug mafia was patronized by the earlier governments but his government has launched a crusade against drugs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said meticulous planning has been done to wipe out the menace of drugs from the state and now war against drugs has begun in a full-fledged manner. He said that apart from snapping the supply lines of drugs the state government has put the big fishes involved in this crime behind the bars adding that now the property of the drug peddlers is being seized and destroyed adding that this noble cause cannot be accomplished without active public support.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has issued a Whatsapp helpline number 9779100200 for seeking the support of the people in this war. He asked the people to share any information pertaining to the drug smugglers operative in their area or city on this Whatsapp number. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the identity of the caller will be kept secret and will not be disclosed to anyone.

The Chief Minister said that youth of the state 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 launchpad to go ahead in life. Bhagwant Singh Mann unequivocally said that he won’t rest until the youth of Punjab don’t achieve their desired goals and excel in every field.

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.

The Chief Minister said that this Campus of Excellence has a sprawling 20 acre campus which has the capacity to provide skill training and facilitate job placements for over 3,000 students. He said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Rajya Sabha Member Dr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney has adopted and mentored ITI Ludhiana and has contributed Rs. 2 Crores from his MPLAD fund and additional Rs. 70 Lakhs by his own to upgrade and modernize ITI – Ludhiana. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the campus of excellence will offer cutting-edge technology courses including Robotic Welders, 3D Printing Machines, CNC Machines and others in digital classrooms with Audio-Video setups and advanced training Labs.

The Chief Minister bemoaned that due to indifferent attitude of previous regimes, the Multi Skill Development Centre had remained vacant and un-utilized for years adding that this centre will provide total free of charge Skill Courses to the youth in disciplines like Artificial Intelligence, Aviation, Hospitality, Tourism, Agriculture Skill Development, Fashion Designing, Beauty and Wellness, Nursing, CNC Programming, Electrician, Welding, and other courses accredited by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that there was tremendous scope of skilled manpower in various sectors due to which the state government has been focusing to deliver quality skill training to the youth on modern lines for coping up with the demand of local industry. He said that Skill training center will fulfill a twin objective of coping up with the needs of industry to have skilled manpower on one hand and opening new vistas of employment for the youth on the other.

On the occasion Cabinet Ministers Harjot Singh Bains and Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, Rajya Sabha MPs Dr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney and Sanjeev Arora along with others were also present.

Chandigarh, April 3:

Punjab Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar today assured the Punjab Roadways PUNBUS/PRTC Contract and Outsourcing Workers’ Unions that swift action in accordance with the law is being taken to regularize the services of employees, standardize their salaries and implement appropriate salary increases. Following this meeting, the representatives of Punjab Roadways/ PUNBUS and PRTC Contract Workers’ Unions postponed their strike scheduled from April 7 to 9.

While presiding over the meeting with union representatives at the Punjab Civil Secretariat today, S. Bhullar said that the regularization of contractual and outsourced employees’ services will be implemented in a phased manner following legal procedures and issues regarding salary standardization and increases will be resolved in a time-bound manner. He said that next week, he will personally raise this matter with the Advocate General and the Finance Minister.

He also directed officials to promptly resolve the issue of contractors’ delays in depositing EPF and ESI contributions to the respective institutions. He also instructed to ensure that contractors do not engage in such negligence in the future that would cause difficulties for employees in receiving their salaries.

The Cabinet Minister said that other demands of the employees are also being considered expeditiously, adding that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is ensuring the welfare of every section of society.

Chandigarh/Rajpura, April 3:

Punjab’s Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak today officially launched the government procurement of wheat in the state from Rajpura Grain Market.

Marking the commencement of the procurement season, Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak personally oversaw the auction of wheat brought in by Harwinder Singh, a farmer from village Bhapal, and extended a warm welcome to farmers on behalf of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. On the occasion Rajpura MLA Neena Mittal, Department Secretary Rahul Tiwari, Director Varinder Kumar Sharma, and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav, among other officials were also present with the Minister.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak announced that Punjab has received a cash credit limit of ₹28,894 crore from the Reserve Bank of India, ensuring smooth procurement of wheat at a MSP of ₹2,425 per quintal.

He emphasized that, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state government has made comprehensive arrangements to facilitate farmers during the procurement process. Punjab’s 1,865 mandis are fully equipped, and 600 additional temporary procurement centers have been set up to handle excess arrivals if required. He also assured that 5 lakh bales of gunny bags have been arranged to support the procurement operations.

Highlighting the expected bumper wheat crop this season, Mr. Kataruchak stated that the Food Corporation of India has set a procurement target of 124 lakh metric tonnes for Punjab, which is anticipated to be met comfortably.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the farming community, he urged farmers to bring their crops to the mandis at the earliest, assuring them that every single grain of wheat would be procured without delay. He also pledged that labourers and farmers would not face any difficulties, with the Food and Civil Supplies Department, district administrations, and other concerned departments working in full coordination to ensure smooth procurement operations.

On the occasion ADC Navreet Kaur Sekhon, Punjab Aarthiya Association President Ravinder Singh Cheema, District Patiala Aarthiya Association President Jaswinder Singh Rana, Grain Market President Davinder Singh Vaidwan, and other dignitaries were also present.

Chandigarh, April 3:

          Continuing its zero-tolerance policy against corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested a Sub Inspector and his accomplice private operator for accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000.  The accused have been identified as Sub Inspector Sarvan Singh, police post Incharge posted  at Central Jail, Ferozpur and his accomplice Pradeep Singh private operator.

          Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said that both the above said accused were booked following a complaint lodged by Kuldeep Singh resident of Mathere village district Ferozpur.

          He further added that the complainant said that the Sub Inspector had demanded Rs 50,000/- for helping him in the case  which was registered against his brother  and accepted Rs. 20000/- on the spot through his private operator Pradeep Singh. In this regard, the complainant has also recorded a video when the accused demanded the remaining amount.

          He further added that in this regard a case has been registered against both the accused under Sections 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 as Amended by P.C (Amendment) Act 2018 at VB Range police station, Ferozepur. Both accused have been arrested and further investigation is underway.

CHANDIGARH, April 3:

          Taking immediate and stern action amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Lady Constable Amandeep Kaur belt no 621/MNS has been dismissed from the service for involvement in drugs case, informed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Headquarters Dr Sukhchain Singh Gill here on Thursday.

          The development came a day after teams from Sadar Bathinda Police led by Station House Officer (SHO) Sadar Bathinda Anubhav Jain arrested accused Amandeep Kaur after recovering 17.71 grams heroin from a black car Mahindra Thar, which the latter was driving. Police teams have also impounded her Thar vehicle bearing registration number PB 05 AQ 7720. The accused lady constable was temporarily posted at Police Lines Bathinda.

          IGP Sukhchain Singh Gill said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has issued strict directives to dismiss any personnel found involved in drugs-related cases. Acting promptly, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mansa Bhagirath Meena has dismissed Lady Constable Amandeep Kaur from service, following due procedure, he said.

          Furthermore, the IGP said that police teams are also conducting thorough investigations into the assets and properties acquired by the accused. If any illicitly acquired property found, stern action will be taken in accordance with the law, he added.

          He said that SSP Bathinda Amneet Kondal has been directed to thoroughly investigate this case, tracing backward and forward linkages to uncover the full extent of the matter.

CHANDIGARH, April 3:

          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 34th day, Punjab Police on Thursday arrested 52 drug smugglers and recovered 5.6 kg heroin, 3.2 kg opium and ₹1.93 lakh drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 4817 in just 34 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 200 Police teams, comprising over 1200 police personnel, under the supervision of 87 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 416 locations across the state leading to the registration of 34 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 449 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 three persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.

Chandigarh, April 3:

          In a major push to improve government schools to fulfil the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann’s promise of world-class education, the Punjab Government has successfully upgraded over 1,2000 government schools under the “Sikhya Kranti” program. The initiative has modernized classrooms, infrastructure, and digital learning facilities to match the best educational standards. 

          Revealing the information about the ambitious program, Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the government schools have been equipped with all the essential amenities including Wi-Fi Internet connections, furniture, clean drinking water, separate toilets for girls and boys.

          He also highlighted that under this program, 6,812 schools now have new or repaired boundary walls, covering nearly 1,000 kilometres for enhanced safety for students. Additionally, 5,399 new classrooms have been built to accommodate students better, while sanitation facilities have seen a major upgrade with 2,976 new toilets in as many as 2,934 schools and repaired 7,166 toilets across 4,889 schools.

           The program has also focused on student’s comfort and well-being, 1,16,901 dual desks, tables, and chairs have been provided to schools ensuring a dedicated learning space for each student, he said, while adding that 359 school playgrounds have been developed to promote sports and physical activity among students. Furthermore, to modernise education, 2,261 smart classrooms with interactive panels have been installed in 1,886 schools, incorporating technology into education for a more engaging learning experience.

          To mark the completion of these improvements, the Education Minister said that the Punjab School Education Department will hold inauguration ceremonies to be commenced from April 7 onwards, and continue until May 31st across all schools to showcase infrastructure development works, including additional classrooms, boundary walls, toilet blocks, drinking water facilities, libraries, playgrounds, smart classrooms, and other critical improvements, have been completed.

          Meanwhile, this initiative underscores the state government’s commitment to providing quality education for all children. The improved learning environment will empower students to excel academically, and this investment in education is expected to have a lasting impact on the future of Punjab.