Category Archives: Punjab

Forest Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak conducts surprise checking at Mattewara Jungle Depot

Chandigarh, March 20:

The Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak paid a surprise visit to Mattewara Jungle depot in Ludhiana. He conducted a thorough checking of all the wooden logs stored in the said depot.

These logs were stored in the depot after felling of green standing trees from Ludhiana- Rahon Road. The felling of the trees were ordered after getting due approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India.

The PSFDC took swift measures given below as per the directions of the Forest Minister. A fact finding committee comprising of the members of Forest department and PSFDC under the chairmanship of a Chief General Manager, a senior IFS Officer has been constituted for detailed physical verification of cut timber stock lying at all depots of Phillaur division.

Due to certain anomalies found during the checking, the Minister has ordered transfer of the concerned Regional Manager and the concerned Project Officer and other field staff has been shifted from current posting and felling on the above said road has been stopped immediately. The

Inter-regional committees have been constituted for annual stock taking and strict disciplinary action shall be taken immediately for any discrepancy, if found, in physical verification.

There are two procedures to dispose off trees by the Punjab State Forest Development Corporation (PSFDC). One is

Through auction on e-procurement portal number and direct felling by the Forest Corporation if trees are standing in the block forest or the felling charges have been deposited by the concerned department which is PWD.

In case of Ludhiana Rahon road, the PWD has deposited the requisite amount.

The PSFDC disposes off most of the standing trees and cut timber through tender cum auction on Government e-procurement portal which is highly transparent and is realising highly competitive rates. The Cut timber obtained from felling of standing trees is stored in the depot before disposal.

Led by CM, Punjab Cabinet gives nod to Budget estimates 2025-26

Chandigarh, March 20:

The Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday gave nod to place the Budget estimates for the year 2025-26 in the ensuing budget session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

A decision to this effect was taken in the meeting of Council of Ministers held here at the official residence of the Chief Minister.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the budget will be presented by the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on the floor house on March 26.  The Cabinet also gave consent to place the report of Comptroller and Auditor General of India for year 2023-24 on floor of house.

Students from EWS to get 25% reservation in private schools

In a major step aimed at ensuring access of quality education to the students from Economically Weaker sections of society, the Cabinet also gave nod to amend Punjab Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Rules, 2011 for omitting clause 7 (01) of the Punjab Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Rules, 2011. This will enable the students belonging to the economically weaker section to avail admission in private schools. This path breaking initiative will herald a new era of education revolution in the state by opening doors of quality education for poor in private schools too, along with that being already imparted in the government schools.

Pertinently, the Right to Education stipulate that 25% seats in all the private schools will be reserved for the students for the EWS. However this provision in the rules framed by the previous regimes debarred the students from getting this facility directly in private schools. But this historic decision of the state government will now remove all the restrictions on the students of weaker and underprivileged sections and provide them access of quality education in private schools across the state.

Renowned Robotic Surgeon Dr Peter C. Lim Felicitates Leading Gynae Robotic Surgeon Dr Swapna Misra for performing maximum number of Robot-Aided-Surgeries in Country

Chandigarh:

In a remarkable achievement, world-renowned robotic surgeon, Dr Peter C. Lim, Medical Director of Gynecologic Oncology and Robotic Surgery at Center of Hope, and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine – who has the distinction of conducting the highest number of robotic surgeries in the world at more than 4000 – has especially flown down from the US to felicitate leading gynae robotic surgeon, Dr Swapna Misra, Director, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fortis Hospital Mohali, and acknowledge her for eminent contribution in the field of robot-aided surgeries.

Dr Misra, who is also a Robotic Laparoscopic and Cancer Surgeon, has treated several women suffering from complex gynae ailments through the world’s most advanced 4th Generation Robot – Da Vinci Xi.

Dr Misra has undergone the most advanced training under Dr Peter Lim at San Diego in the US. She has also received the highest TR 500 training in the US and she is the only TR 500 trained robotic surgeon in the country.

Lauding the efforts of the Leadership Team at Fortis Mohali for the successful implementation of the Robot-aided Surgery Programme, Dr Peter, said, “I want to congratulate the Fortis management and robotic surgeons, including Dr Swapna Misra, for successfully conducting robot-aided surgeries and treating several patients suffering from complex diseases. I have mentored Dr Misra and she is truly capable of spearheading this unique robotic programme in the country.”

Dr Peter further said owing to the successful implementation of the Robot- Aided Programme at Fortis Hospital Mohali, Fortis Mohali had recently procured another 4th Generation Robot – Da Vinci Xi, to cater to the growing demands of patients.

Briefing the media persons, Dr Misra, said, “I am fortunate to have undergone training under Dr Peter Lim as his expertise and precision is remarkable. I was able to learn the finer nuances of the robot-aided surgery programme which helped me hone my skills.”

Robotic surgery has transformed the face of medical treatment. It is the latest form of minimal invasive surgery, which provides a 3D view of the operative field via a special camera inserted into the body of the patient. Parts of the body which are difficult to reach with the human hand can be accessed through robot-assisted arms that can rotate 360 degrees.”

Dr Misra has successfully treated patients several patients through Daycare Gynae Robotic Surgery, which ensures surgery and the patient’s discharge on the same day.

Dr Misra further added, “Robot-aided Surgery has been established as the gold standard procedure for almost all gynecological surgeries — fibroids, endometriosis, vesico-vaginal fistula, ovarian cyst, salpingo-oophorectomy, myomectomy, hysterectomy and all cancers of the uterus, ovary and cervix. Robotic-aided surgery has revolutionized the treatment of various gynecological diseases.”

PUNJAB POLICE BUSTS CROSS-BORDER DRUG CARTEL; ONE HELD WITH 8.08KG HEROIN, ONE PISTOL

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, March 18:

          Striking a major blow to the International narcotic network amidst the ongoing war against drugs waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Commissionerate Police Amritsar has busted a cross-border drug cartel with the arrest of one individual and recovered 8.08 kg heroin and one .30 bore pistol along with five cartridges from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.

          The arrested drug smuggler has been identified as Dharminder Singh alias Sonu, a resident of village Harsha Chhena in Amritsar. Apart from recovering heroin and a weapon, police teams have impounded his Hyundai Creta car, which the accused was using to deliver the consignments.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that arrested person was in touch with cross-border drug smugglers, who were using Ajnala sector to drop the drug consignments using drones from across the border. Further investigations are ongoing to trace backward and forward linkages in this case, he said.

          Sharing operation details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, while addressing a press conference, said that acting on reliable inputs, Police teams under the supervision of DCP investigation Ravinder Pal Singh Sandhu, ADCP Investigation Navjot Singh, and ACP North Kamaljit Singh and led by Inspector Ranjit Singh Dhaliwal apprehended the above accused Dharminder alias Sonu Near Mental Hospital in Amritsar, when he was waiting for someone to deliver the consignment.

          The CP said that police teams have also identified and nominated his another accomplice involved in the drug smuggling, while, probe is on to identify the person, who was supposed to receive the consignment. Efforts are being made to uncover the entire network of suppliers, dealers, and buyers, as well as to ascertain the total quantity of drugs purchased by the arrested individuals so far, he added.

          A case FIR no. 20 dated March 17, 2025, has been registered under sections 21(c), and 29 of the NDPS Act and sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act at Police Station Majitha Road in Amritsar.

ARVIND KEJRIWAL AND CM DEDICATES NEWLY RENOVATED CIVIL HOSPITAL LUDHIANA TO PEOPLE

Ludhiana, March 18:

In a step further aimed at providing quality health services to the people, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday dedicated the renovated Civil Hospital to the people.

Due to strenuous efforts of the state government and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora, the Civil Hospital has undergone a remarkable transformation and path breaking initiatives have been successfully implemented to revamp Ludhiana Civil Hospital. The modernization not only revitalizes the hospital’s infrastructure but also reflects a steadfast commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services. These transformative efforts serve as a testament to the collective resolve to elevate public health standards and create a welcoming environment for all.

With an unwavering commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and delivering quality patient care, a series of impactful initiatives have been meticulously planned and executed. These endeavors aim to modernize the hospital’s facilities, enhance patient comfort, and ensure a safe, hygienic, and welcoming environment for all. In order to facilitate people a modern and fully modular Orthopedic Operation Theatre has been established at cost of nearly Rs 1 Crore to enhance the hospital’s surgical capabilities.

This state-of-the-art facility is equipped with cutting-edge medical technology and advanced surgical instruments, enabling the healthcare professionals to perform complex orthopedic procedures with precision and efficiency. The modular design ensures a sterile and infection-controlled environment, thereby promoting superior patient safety and post-operative results. Similarly, all washrooms within the Outpatient Department (OPD), Emergency Unit, and Inpatient Wards have been renovated.

These are provided with upgraded fixtures, anti-slip flooring, and efficient drainage systems to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Understanding the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in patient care, 500 new high-quality bed sheets have been supplied to the hospital. To address the critical need for accessible drinking water, five advanced 80-litre water coolers have been installed at strategic locations throughout the hospital.

These water coolers provide chilled, purified water, catering to both patients and visitors while emphasizing hygiene and convenience. To significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal and maintain a hygienic environment, new tiles have been laid on side-walls up to a height of five feet throughout the hospital premises. All essential civil works within the hospital have undergone meticulous repair and maintenance to restore their structural integrity.

This includes refurbishing walls, repairing damaged surfaces, and addressing wear and tear accumulated over the years. To safeguard the hospital’s infrastructure from water seepage and potential damage, all terraces have been waterproofed using advanced materials and techniques. Likewise, a systematic program has been undertaken to repair, replace, and repaint all deteriorated doors and windows.

Two old lifts have been completely refurbished and brought back into service after a gap of 12 years and all non-functional fans and lights have been replaced with new, energy-efficient models. To guarantee proper illumination during nighttime in the premises, the hospital’s high mast lighting systems have been repaired and made fully operational, enhancing both safety and visibility. In order to facilitate smooth vehicular movement and pedestrian access, all dilapidated roads within the hospital premises have been dismantled and reconstructed.

In order to streamline parking arrangements, high-quality paver blocks have been installed throughout the designated parking areas. A spacious 5,000 square feet shed has been constructed to serve as a sheltered waiting area for patients and their attendants and provide comfort and protection from adverse weather conditions, significantly improving the patient experience. A comprehensive horticulture program has been implemented to enhance the hospital’s landscape with lush greenery and well-maintained garden areas.

The hospital’s main gate has been structurally reinforced and aesthetically upgraded to present a dignified and welcoming appearance. To prevent the intrusion of stray animals, a sturdy cattle trap has been installed at the main entrance to ensure a clean, secure, and disturbance-free environment within the hospital premises. A rigorous rodent control protocol has been implemented to eliminate pests and maintain a hygienic atmosphere. The hospital’s boundary wall has been completely reconstructed and reinforced to ensure security and durability.

Yudh Nashian Virudh: Two illegal structures of drug traffickers demolished in Sangrur

Sangrur/Chandigarh, March 18:

As part of the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign launched in the state against drug traffickers on the instructions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the district administration and police today jointly demolished two illegal structures built by drug traffickers in Ram Nagar Basti, Sangrur city, using bulldozers. This campaign was led by SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal and SDM Charanjot Singh Walia, while SP Navreet Singh Virk, DSP Sukhdev Singh, Tehsildar Vishwajit Singh, Assistant Town Planner Sushil Kumar, and Naib Tehsildar Baljinder Singh were also present.

On this occasion, SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal stated that, while successfully implementing the Punjab government’s campaign to completely wipe out drug smugglers in Sangrur district, this was the second such action taken by the administration to demolish illegal buildings with bulldozers. He issued a stern warning to all anti-social elements to shun drug peddling, or else face serious consequences. The SSP further stated that the police ensured law and order, and the illegal buildings were demolished by the Municipal Council, Sangrur.

SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal revealed that 7 and 4 police cases have already been registered under the NDPS Act against Rajpal Singh and Rajwinder Kaur, respectively, who were residing in the first house demolished today, while 4 cases have been registered under the NDPS Act against a woman named Lakho, who was living in the other house. Meanwhile, SDM Charanjot Singh Walia, who was present at the site, affirmed that those who illegally occupy and construct buildings on government land will not be spared. He stated that under the Punjab government’s ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, this strict action has been taken today with police assistance, sending a clear message that the administration and police are committed to completely eradicating drug smugglers from Punjab.

‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: ON DAY 18, PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 95 DRUG SMUGGLERS; 11KG HEROIN, 7.5KG OPIUM RECOVERED

CHANDIGARH, March 18:

          With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state entered 18th day, Punjab Police on Tuesday arrested 95 drug smugglers and recovered 11 kg heroin, 7.5 kg opium and ₹31000 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 2231 in just 18 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.

          Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that the Punjab Police’s intensive fight against drugs is gaining momentum, with a significant show of public support. He informed that, as part of the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, Malerkotla Police jointly with Civil Administration has organised a Sampark meeting at village Ferozpur Kothala, PS Sandaur, where 40 panchayats have passed a resolution to jointly combating the drug menace and fostering a stronger police-public partnership.

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 250 Police teams, comprising over 1600 police personnel, under the supervision of 97 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 539 locations across the state leading to the registration of 61 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 599 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 six persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, while, organised 137 awareness events across the state as part of Prevention.

KEJRIWAL ANNOUNCES FINAL BLOW TO DRUG MENACE IN STATE, MASS MOVEMENT TO BE STARTED FROM APRIL 1

Ludhiana, March 18:

Blowing the bigul for launching a decisive war against drugs in the state, the former Delhi Chief Minister and National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced a mass movement against the menace from April 1.

Addressing a mammoth gathering here in Indoor Stadium, the former Delhi Chief Minister said that on April 1 more than three crore Punjabis will stand against the scourge of drugs by decimating a handful of smugglers who are ruining the generations of state for minting money. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state government will launch a mass movement against drugs on April 1 adding he urged every resident to be a soldier in this war against drugs. He said that every party worker will go to villages to eliminate drugs from the state, adding that this will be a decisive war against drugs.

National Convener of AAP also launched an anti-drug helpline number 9779100200 and exhorted the people to give any information related to selling of drugs in their area on this number. He said that the identity of the caller will not be disclosed to anyone but exemplary action against drug smugglers will be taken. Likewise, Arvind Kejriwal said that drug census will be conducted across the state to ascertain the extent of drugs prevalent in the state.

The former Delhi Chief Minister said that as a part of this census teams will visit every household to check the extent of drugs present in the cities and villages. He said that the identity of drug victims will be kept secret but corrective measures will be taken subsequently.  Arvind Kejriwal further said that in order to wean away youth from the menace of drugs, playgrounds and gyms will be opened in every village of the state adding that this will help in channelizing unbounded energy of youth in a positive direction and make them an active partner in socio-economic progress of the state.    

The former Delhi Chief Minister said that 5000 new Home Guards are being recruited and they will be deployed in the border districts of the state. He said that the state government has done foolproof planning in the last three years and now implementation has been made. Arvind Kejriwal said that the Ministers of the previous regimes used to patronize drugs and ruined the generations of Punjab for their lust for power.

The National Convener of AAP said that these leaders had sheltered drugs, sand, transport, cable and other mafia just for the sake of their vested interests. He said that these leaders were routed out from power and were succeeded by the government whose leader had publically sworn that drugs will be wiped out in four months. However, Arvind Kejriwal said that nothing tangible happened as this epicurean monarch remained inaccessible to the people and just used his office for enjoying the power without bothering about masses.

The former Delhi Chief Minister said that now the crusade against drugs has been embarked with full might and this scourge will be wiped out from the state soon. He said that the drug lords are being put behind the bars, supply lines of drugs are being snapped and properties of smugglers are being destroyed/ confiscated. Arvind Kejriwal categorically said that the kingpin of drugs and once powerful ministers who were involved in this heinous crime will also not be spared and they will also be put behind the bars.

The National Convener of AAP said that anti-drone technology will be put in place by the state government to check the supply of drugs from across the border as 70% of drugs was being supplied from Pakistan. He said that baffled by strict action against drugs the anti-national forces are trying to destabilize progress and prosperity in the state adding that grenade attacks across the state are part of this conspiracy. Arvind Kejriwal said that this will not be tolerated and strict action will be taken against such forces inimical to the state.

The former Delhi Chief Minister warned these forces that this is not the government of Congress, Akali or BJP and the nefarious designs of these forces will be thwarted by the AAP government, who is serving the people of state. He said that a complete facelift of the state is taking place under the regime of the Bhagwant Singh Mann government. Arvind Kejriwal said that Congress, Akalis and BJP had left a dilapidated civil hospital for the Ludhiana residents but now it has been completely renovated.

The National Convener of AAP said that this hospital had more than 30,000 rodents but now the state government has embarked on a major revolution to uplift the healthcare sector. He said that in the coming 3-4 months land registry will be made corruption free, adding that a number of reforms are being planned in the state and all the public dealing services will be given at the doorsteps of the common man. Arvind Kejriwal said that those Punjabis who are not having Ayushman card will be issued Sehat cards for free healthcare facilities adding that this is just the beginning and works of public welfare will be accelerated in the coming days.

WORKING ZEALOUSLY FOR FULFILLING THE DREAMS OF GREAT FREEDOM FIGHTERS AND MARTYRS: CM

Ludhiana, March 18:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said that the state government is working tirelessly for realizing the dreams of the great freedom fighters and martyrs.

Addressing the gathering in the Indoor Stadium here today, the Chief Minister, accompanied by National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Arvind Kejriwal said that every action of the state government is aimed at the well being of the common man. He said that education, health, power and other sectors had acquired a centre stage in the political agenda of the parties due to the concerted efforts of AAP and its national convener Arvind Kejriwal. He said that prior to this none of the political parties had ever bothered about these core sectors that are most important for every common man adding that due to such works even those leaders who boast of having 56 inches chest are afraid of him.

The Chief Minister said that the people of state had given a huge verdict to AAP by electing 92 MLAs in the Punjab Assembly during 2022 Vidhan Sabha polls. He said that the leaders who had defied the state and had shown grave disrespect to Sri Guru Granth Sahib are now paying for their sins. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that those who claimed that they will rule for 25 years don’t have 25 leaders with them now as people had taught them a befitting lesson for their misdeeds.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is cleaning the mess created by the previous regimes. He 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.

The Chief Minister 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. He said that apart from this due focus is being laid on the rehabilitation of the victims of drugs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said 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.

Citing the example of Narangwal village where illegal property of drug smugglers was razed last week, the Chief Minister said that the properties of the drug smugglers are being confiscated/ razed. He said that the state government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against drugs and a decisive war has been launched to wipe out this menace. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the war against drugs is being transformed into a mass movement so that Punjab can be made completely drug free.       

Similarly, the Chief Minister said that the state government has crackdown against the corrupt officers in Punjab. He said that those officers who were seeking license for corruption by going on mass leave in support of their dishonest officers have been shifted. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the pressure tactics by harassing the common man is unwarranted and undesirable adding that this will not be tolerated at any cost.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the traditional parties are envious of him because he hails from a common family and is working tirelessly to ensure welfare of people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders had always believed that they have divine right to rule the state due to which they are not able to digest that a common man is running the state efficiently. He said that these leaders have befooled the people for a long time but now people are not getting swayed by their misleading propaganda.

The Chief Minister said that Punjabis are excelling in every field and are proving their mettle across the globe. He said that the captain of the Indian Women Cricket team hails from Punjab adding that majority of the Hockey players in Indian team are from the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is providing every necessary infrastructure to the sports for grooming them well for the national and international events.

Earlier, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Arvind Kejriwal, Cabinet Minister Dr. Balbir Singh and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora welcomed the dignitaries and felicitated the business tycoons present in the function.

No Place for Drug Traffickers in Punjab – Tarunpreet Singh Sond

Chandigarh/Moga, March 18:

As part of Punjab Government’s “Yudh Nashiyan Virudh” campaign, Cabinet Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Industries and Commerce, Investment Promotion, Labour, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond held a special meeting with the civil and police administration officials of Moga district. During the meeting, he emphasized that there is no place in Punjab for drug traffickers who are destroying the youth of the state.

Announcing the government’s firm stance, the Minister stated that the Punjab Government will not rest until the state is completely free from drugs and drug traffickers are eliminated. He directed the administration to formulate a master plan for eradicating drugs in Moga and launch a widespread awareness campaign in schools and colleges to educate youth about the harmful effects of drug abuse, ensuring that future generations do not fall into this trap.

Mr. Sond emphasized the need for collective efforts to make the anti-drug campaign successful under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann. He urged village panchayats to conduct awareness activities at the grassroots level to uproot the menace of drugs. He also stressed the importance of street plays in towns and villages to educate people about drug abuse and directed civil and police administration to coordinate their efforts effectively.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Mr. Sond called upon district officials to consider drug eradication as their social responsibility and work with full commitment. He instructed that panchayats should actively participate in this mission and encourage people to report drug dealers without fear, assuring that their identities would be kept confidential.

The Minister also appealed to families to take their addicted members to government-run de-addiction centers, assuring that the government is committed to rehabilitating them and giving them a chance to lead a healthy life.

Issuing a stern warning to drug traffickers, Mr. Sond said, “Either quit the drug trade or leave Punjab.” He asserted that the state government is determined to save its youth and will not spare those leading them astray. He also mentioned that illegally acquired properties of drug traffickers are being seized and demolished to deter others from engaging in such activities.

Deputy Commissioner, Moga Mr. Sagar Setia informed the Minister that besides de-addiction efforts, large-scale preventive actions are already underway. He mentioned that rehabilitation centers are being strengthened to ensure proper treatment and counseling for drug victims. Additionally, skill development programs and employment opportunities are being provided to help rehabilitated individuals reintegrate into society.

The Deputy Commissioner also highlighted the state government’s helpline number 9779100200, urging people to share any drug-related information, assuring them that their identities will remain confidential.

SSP Moga, Mr. Ajay Gandhi briefed the Minister on the ongoing crackdown on major drug traffickers and assured that their entire networks will soon be dismantled. He reaffirmed that the police, with public support, will leave no stone unturned in making this campaign successful.

Prior to the meeting, Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond addressed the media, reiterating that eradicating drugs from Punjab was a key promise of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann before coming to power. He stated that from day one, the government has been working tirelessly to make Punjab drug-free and restore its glory.

He shared recent achievements under the “Yudh Nashiyan Virudh” campaign, which commenced on March 1, 2025. Between March 1 and March 16, 2025, the following seizures and arrests were made:

1,651 FIRs registered

2,575 arrests made

95.264 kg of heroin seized

1,128 kg of poppy husk confiscated

52.316 kg of opium recovered

16 kg of marijuana seized

4.632 kg of hashish recovered

7,25,666 intoxicating pills confiscated

1,733 liters of illicit liquor (Lahan) seized

Drug money amounting to over ₹64.26 lakh recovered

279 intoxicating injections confiscated

Mr. Sond assured that the Punjab Government has given the police and administration full freedom to act against drug traffickers, ensuring that no trafficker will escape legal action. He emphasized that strict action is being taken without any political interference.

During his visit, the Cabinet Minister was accorded a Guard of Honor at the District Administrative Complex by the Punjab Police.

Prominent attendees included MLA Moga Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora, MLA Baghapurana Mr. Amritpal Singh Sukhanand, MLA Dharamkot Mr. Davinderjit Singh Ladhi Dhons, MLA Nihal Singh Wala Mr. Manjit Singh Bilaspur, Mayor of Municipal Corporation Mr. Baljit Singh Chaani, Chairman of improvement Trust Mr. Raman Mittal, Chairman of the District Planning Board Mr. Harmandeep Singh Brar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Mr. Jagvinderjit Singh Grewal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Ms. Charumita, along with other senior officials from civil and police administration.