Chandigarh/ Kapurthala, March 17:

Punjab Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party State President Mr. Aman Arora issued a stern warning to drug traffickers, stating, “Either quit the drug trade or leave Punjab.”

He emphasized that under the leadership of Aam Aadmi Party Supremo Mr. Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy to eradicate the drug trade through the ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign.

Addressing the media after reviewing the progress of the anti drug campaign at the District Administrative Complex here today, Mr. Arora said that the Punjab Government’s policy to eliminate drugs has shown positive results.

He highlighted that while serious efforts are being made to curb narco-terrorism in Punjab, a three tier strategy of enforcement, prevention and rehabilitation is being implemented to eliminate both the supply and demand for drugs.

He said that under the anti-drug campaign, from March 1 to till now , 1651 cases have been registered and 2,575 drug traffickers have been arrested. Besides that 1,322 kilograms of drugs has been seized and 64.26 lakh rupees as drug money recovered.

He made it clear that the “the illegal houses built by drug traffickers with drug money under the political patronage of previous governments will be demolished”.

He added that, being a border state, maintaining peace and harmony in Punjab is a top priority and exemplary action will be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt communal harmony.

Speaking about efforts to rehabilitate drug victims, Mr. Arora said that training in various trades is being provided by the Employment Bureau to make youth who have quit drugs self-employed.

Additionally, inmates in jails are also being skilled so they can contribute to society’s progress after completing their sentences.

He further mentioned that the scope of ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan,’ a sports initiative to promote the sports culture at the grassroots level, is being expanded, with over 5.50 lakh children and youth set to participate this year.

He stated that efforts are underway to involve panchayats and social service organizations in the anti-drug campaign. He appealed to the public to support the Punjab Government’s anti-drug initiative so that collectively, Punjab can be freed from this menace.

Responding to a question about increasing police personnel in police stations, Cabinet Minister  said that new 10,000 police persons  will soon be deployed in the field. Additionally, 2,100 police personnel and officers are being recruited annually.

On this occasion, the Cabinet Minister also launched a helpline number, 98882-19247, prepared by the district administration, through which people can directly contact for skill development training.

Earlier, the Cabinet Minister reviewed the progress of the War Against Drugs campaign with administrative officials. He directed them to intensify the campaign to raise awareness about the ill effects of drugs in educational institutions.

Besides that Punjab Police contingent presented a Guard of Honour to cabinet minister.

Prominent amongst present in the meeting included  MLA Raja Gill, Sajjan Singh Cheema, Joginder Singh Mann, Harsimran Singh Ghuman, Lalit Saklani, Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal, SSP Mr. Gaurav Toora and other senior officials.

Chandigarh/Patiala, March 17:

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the drug smuggling case against Bikram Singh Majithia has expanded its investigation to scrutinize financial transactions abroad, SIT member and senior IPS officer Varun Sharma said at a press conference at Police Lines here today.

Sharma stated that as per the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, Majithia has already been questioned and will be interrogated again on March 18. He further revealed that the SIT has uncovered suspicious financial transactions linked to firms associated with Majithia and his family, who are nominated in the case. Large sums of cash were reportedly deposited into these firms at the time of the alleged offenses, with transactions also traced to foreign companies.

The SIT is also pursuing three accused currently residing abroad and is making every possible effort to bring them back, including issuing Blue Corner Notices. Sharma emphasized that all financial transactions—domestic and international—are being thoroughly examined.

Reaffirming the Punjab government’s zero-tolerance policy against drugs under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav, Sharma assured that all NDPS Act cases are being investigated with full seriousness. “In this case as well, the SIT is conducting an in-depth probe, and further action will be taken based on the findings,” he said.

Majithia has been summoned again for questioning on March 18, and the SIT is determined to bring all accused to justice, Sharma added.

Ludhiana, March 17

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said that the era of harassment of the industry is over and the state government is now acting as a facilitator to the industrial sector.

Interacting with the Business tycoons here during Sanatkaar Milni, the Chief Minister, accompanied by National Convener of AAP Arvind Kejriwal, said that unlike past no one is harassing the industrialists rather the state government is making every effort to promote and encourage the industry. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has already set the wheels in motion to facilitate the industry. He said that due to untiring efforts of the state government Punjab has today emerged as a frontrunner state in industrial development.   

The Chief Minister said that the credit of bringing key issues of health, education and jobs goes to Arvind Kejriwal, who has forced the traditional parties to change their agenda. He said that the AAP is working on mission mode whereas the previous regimes used to work on commission, which was totally unwarranted and undesirable. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in a democracy the masses are the supreme and that is why the state government gives huge importance to the voice of the people.

The Chief Minister said that such interactions never took place during the previous regimes and those leaders only used to have one way communication with the people. However, he said that now the common man is interacting with the Chief Minister and the Ministers to frame the policies for the progress and prosperity of the state. Bhagwwant Singh Mann said that this is unprecedented because people have now got the power to make decisions in the state. 

The Chief Minister recalled his long association with Ludhiana which dates back to early 1990s when he was struggling as an artist. He said that this city is the economic capital of the state which gives food to millions of people who work here daily. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated the firm commitment of the state government to give impetus to the development of the city, which he described as his ‘karam bhoomi’.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed for welfare of every section of the society be it industry, agriculture or others. He said that the value addition of the agriculture produce is the need of the hour and the future of the state lies in it. Bhagwant Singh Mann advocated close tie up with industry and agriculture to further put the state on the high growth trajectory.

Taking Union Minister for state of Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu to cudgels, the Chief Minister said that though he hails from Ludhiana but then also he is not able to fulfill demand of industry of Ludhiana. He said that industrialists want the intervention of the state government for getting their works in Railways as they don’t have faith in him. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this reflects the faith and trust the people have in the AAP government in the state.

The Chief Minister said that those who were living in palatial houses during their heydays of power have been ousted from the political scene of the state. He said that the state has witnessed the dawn of a new era as these people who were considered invincible have been shown the door by the people. Bhagwant Singh Mann quipped that these people living in big palaces had never bothered about the well being of the common man and had confined them in high walls of their residences.

The Chief Minister said 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 further said that instead of day dreaming to get support of MLAs of ruling AAP the Congress should focus on keeping its flock together. He slammed Congress leaders for making castles in air that few MLAs of the ruling party are in their contact and will switch soon adding that these power mad politicians neither have contact with their own cadres nor with masses due to which they were ousted by the people of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders unabatedly issue such irrational statements adding that the rhetoric that AAP MLAs are in touch with them is a gimmick to hog media limelight.

Chandigarh, March 12

Punjab Public Works and Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO directed the officials on Wednesday to ensure transparency, efficiency, and quality in development projects during a comprehensive review meeting of the Public Works Department (PWD) held here. The agenda of the meeting revolved around assessing the progress of ongoing projects, addressing operational challenges, and streamlining procedures to accelerate work completion without compromising on quality.

Highlighting the importance of transparency in project execution, PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that every infrastructure project represents the aspirations of the people of Punjab. “It is our duty to ensure that these projects are completed with utmost honesty, diligence, and quality, reflecting the trust the public has placed in us”, he added.

The Minister issued directives to the officials to implement robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure that all projects meet the required benchmarks of quality and timeliness. He also stressed the need to adopt innovative solutions and technological advancements to enhance operational efficiency within the department.

Meanwhile, Engineer-in-Chief Gagandeep Singh assured the Minister of the department’s commitment to the timely and transparent execution of all ongoing projects. Chief Engineer R.S. Bains and Chief Architect Tarun Garg echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the collaborative efforts being made to achieve sustainable and durable infrastructure for the state. Superintendent Engineers Manjeet Singh and Pawan Kumar presented detailed reports on their respective projects, showcasing the strides made so far while outlining the challenges encountered. During the meeting, the PWD officials share updates on the status of critical projects, ranging from road repairs and construction to public building works.

PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO concluded the meeting by reaffirming the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government’s steadfast dedication to strengthening public infrastructure and fostering development that benefits all citizens. He called upon the department officials to work with a shared vision of progress and to maintain unwavering transparency in their processes.

CHANDIGARH/MOGA, March 12:

          In a major breakthrough against organised crime amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab in a joint operation with Moga arrested an operative of foreign-based Gangster Gaurav alias Lucky Patyal and Davinderpal Singh alias Gopi Lahoria of Davinder Bambiha Gang after a brief exchange of fire  in Moga city, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          The arrested accused has been identified as Malkit Singh alias Manu, a resident of Dosanjh Talwandi in Moga. Police teams have also recovered one .32 caliber pistol along with four cartridges from his possession.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that arrested accused Manu, who was an active associate of Davinder Bambiha Gang, has a criminal background with at least seven cases related to murder, attempt to murder, the NDPS Act, and the Arms Act, etc registered against him.

          He said that acting on the instructions of jailed gangster Dharminder Baji, accused Malkit Manu along with his accomplice Manpreet Singh alias Mani executed an attack on his rival in village Kapura in Moga resulting in a murder of one individual and a woman sustaining a bullet injury on her leg on February 19, 2025. Arrested accused Manu also involved in a firing incident took place at Raja Dhaba in Jagraon on February 26, 2025, which was orchestrated by foreign based gangster Lucky Patial, he added. 

          The DGP said that further investigations are on establish backward and forward linkages in this case.

          Sharing operation details, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) AGTF Promod Ban said that following an information based on Human and Technical Intelligence about accused Malkit alias Manu hiding in the Moga area, special teams of AGTF, under the supervision of AIG Gurmeet Chauhan and DSP Bikramjit Brar, led by Inspector Pushvinder Singh successfully tracked him at a rented accommodation located near Dosanjh Road in Moga.

          When police teams raided the suspected accommodation, the accused Manu opened fire at the police team in an attempt to evade arrest, prompting the police teams to retaliate, he said, while adding that during the exchange of fire accused sustained bullet injuries. The latter was admitted to the local Hospital, from where he was referred to Baba Farid Medical College in Faridkot for the treatment.

          The ADGP said that police teams have recovered a .32 calibre pistol along with four cartridges from his possession.

          AIG Gurmeet Chauhan said that preliminary investigations have also revealed that accused Malkit alias Manu was tasked to carry out a sensational crime in the Tricity area by his foreign based handlers Lucky Patyal and Gopi Lahoria.

          SSP Moga Ajay Gandhi said that a fresh case FIR No. 52 dated 12/3/2025 has been registered under sections 109, 132, 221 and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 25(6) and 25 (7) of the Arms Act at Police Station City Moga. Further investigations are on, he added.

Chandigarh 12 March 2025:

The Punjab State Election Commission informed that the General Election to elect the members of 16 Gram Panchayats namely  Bhathalan, Bir Bahadurgarh,  Deelwal,  Farm Bahadurgarh,  Majri,  Peer Colony,  Vidya Nagar,  Hira Colony, Guru Nanak Nagar, Har Gobind Colony, Karheri,  Kasba Rurki,  Mehmadpur Jattan, Nawan Mehmadpur Jattan, Shamaspur, and  Sheikhpur Kamboan of Block Sanour, District Patiala, will be held on 30.03.2025(Sunday).

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the State Election Commission said that 17.03.2025 (Monday) as the first date for filing nominations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  He added that 20.03.2025 (Thursday) as the last date for filing nominations upto 3 p.m. and 21.03.2025 (Friday) as the date for the scrutiny of nominations.  In this regard, 22.03.2025 (Saturday) as the last date for withdrawal of nominations upto 3 p.m. and 30.03.2025 (Sunday) as the date on which a poll shall, if necessary, be taken.

Furthermore, he added that counting of votes will take place at the polling stations immediately after the close of poll itself and 01.04.2025 (Tuesday) as the date by which the election shall be completed.

He further informed that the formal notification of the Commission regarding the schedule of election will be issued on 17.03.2025.  In this regard,  District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner, Patiala has been directed to make all necessary arrangements for a free and fair poll.  The Model Code of Conduct will come into force from the date of notification, in the revenue jurisdiction of said 16 Gram Panchayats of Block Sanour, District Patiala.

Chandigarh, March 11:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday asked the officers to ensure speedy and timely completion of the construction of Shaheed Udham Singh State Institute of Medical Sciences and Civil Hospital at Hoshiarpur.

Chairing a meeting to review the progress of the proposed Institute and civil hospital here at his official residence, the Chief Minister said that the institute is aimed at ensuring quality healthcare services to the people. He said that the institute will come up over an area of 21.41 acres at a cost of Rs 418.30 Crore and will have a hospital with 300 Unit Beds and Medical College for 150 Annual student intake. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the ultra modern hospital will have two basements, Ground plus eight floors and service floor at the existing Medical Hospital Campus Hoshiarpur.

Similarly, the Chief Minister said that the proposed Medical College will have an auditorium and service blocks having two basements with ground plus six floors. Similarly, he said that the Medical college will have separate hostel facilities for boys and girls with provision for expansion keeping in view futuristic needs.  Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in order to expedite the work separate tenders should be called for the work of construction of Medical College and Civil Hospital.

The Chief Minister said that it is imperative for accelerating the pace of construction of the Medical College and Civil Hospital at the proposed site. He said that it is the need of hour to ensure that the residents of Kandi region get quality health services. Bhagwant Singh Mann asked the officers to ensure that the work is allotted and executed in a time bound and speedy manner.

Chandigarh, March 11:

The Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday extended a warm civic reception to President of India Mrs Droupadi Murmu during her visit to the state.

Welcoming the President during a function organised here at Indian School of Business, the Chief Minister said that the visit of President is a red letter day in the history of state and every Punjabi is elated in this occasion. He said that President is welcome to Punjab- the sacred land of great Gurus, saints, seers and prophets. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that during her visit, the President of India will have a feel of the glorious cultural heritage of the state besides enjoying the warm hospitality of the Punjabis.

The Chief Minister said that the President had attended function at Central University Bathinda today and on Wednesday she will be attending convocation at Panjab University. He said that the visit of President in these premier educational institutions will inspire the students for hard work and dedication in life. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the life of President is a source of inspiration for all of us as she had struggled hard in life both at personal and professional level.

However, the Chief Minister said that Mrs Droupadi Murmu attained new heights in life through her hard work, vision and commitment adding that this achievement brings her in league of global leaders like former US President Abraham Lincoln and others. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a momentous occasion for all of us and the entire Punjab is giving a red carpet welcome to the country’s President during her visit to the state. He said that the state government is honored to welcome the country’s President on this blessed land.

The Chief Minister said that the hard working and resilient farmers of the state had made the country self reliant in food production. Likewise, he said that besides being the nation’s food bowl, Punjab also has a distinction of being the sword arm of the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that hardworking and brave Punjabis Punjabis are well known all over the world for their courage, resilience and spirit of enterprise.

The Chief Minister said that the had closely witnessed numerous pages of history unfolding on this sacred land of five rivers.

Early, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha welcomed the dignitaries during the function.

On the occasion Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya, Chief Justice Punjab and Haryana High Court Justice Sheel Nagu, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Kultar Singh Sandhwan and others were also present.

मोहाली, 8 मार्च 2025

ज़ेनप्लस प्राइवेट लिमिटेड कार्यस्थल में महिलाओं के अविश्वसनीय योगदान को मान्यता देते हुए, अपने जीरकपुर कार्यालय में एक आकर्षक और जीवंत उत्सव के साथ अंतर्राष्ट्रीय महिला दिवस मनाया। यह कार्यक्रम मज़ेदार गतिविधियों, एक उत्साही खेल सत्र और एक दिल छू लेने वाले केक-काटने के समारोह से भरा हुआ था, जिसमें महिला कर्मचारी एक आनंदमय माहौल में एक साथ आईं।

उत्सव की शुरुआत तंबोला के एक रोमांचक दौर के साथ हुई, जहाँ डॉ. नेहा मंडल और सिमरन विजयी रहीं। जैसे-कर्मचारियों ने म्यूजिकल चेयर प्रतियोगिता में भी भाग लिया, जिसमें संतोष ने विजेता का खिताब जीता। खेलों ने कर्मचारियों के बीच एकजुटता और सौहार्द की भावना को बढ़ावा दिया, जिससे यह दिन और भी खास हो गया।

कार्यक्रम का मुख्य आकर्षण केक काटने का समारोह था, जो ज़ेनप्लस प्राइवेट लिमिटेड की महिला स्टाफ के प्रति प्रशंसा और कृतज्ञता का प्रतीक था। एकजुटता का एक विशेष क्षण को स्वादिष्ट मिठाइयाँ वितरित कर सेलिब्रेट किया गया, जिससे इस अवसर पर गर्मजोशी और उत्साह और बढ़ गया।

इस कार्यक्रम में मनीषा, परनीत, रमन, भगवंत, अनीता, संतोष, प्रीति, नेहा, सिमरन और सत्या सहित महिला कर्मचारियों की उपस्थिति थी, जिन्होंने अपने उत्साह और भागीदारी से उत्सव की भावना को बढ़ा दिया।

श्री मनीष बत्रा, प्रोजेक्ट हेड, ज़ेनप्लस प्राइवेट लिमिटेड ने कहा, “आज का दिन हमारे संगठन में अभूतपूर्व महिलाओं को पहचानने और उनकी सराहना करने का दिन है। उनका योगदान अमूल्य है, और यह उत्सव उनकी कड़ी मेहनत के लिए हमारी कृतज्ञता का एक छोटा सा प्रतीक है।”

ज़ेनप्लस प्लिप्राइवेट लिमिटेड एक जुटता और सशक्त कार्यस्थल को बढ़ावा देने के लिए प्रतिबद्ध है, जहां महिलाओं के योगदान को महत्व दिया जाता है और उसका जश्न मनाया जाता है। यह महिला दिवस कार्यक्रम सभी के लिए सकारात्मक और सहायक वातावरण बनाने के लिए कंपनी के समर्पण का एक प्रमाण था।