Chandigarh, March 17:

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan has written a demi-official letter to Dharmendra Pradhan, Education Minister Government of India and brought his attention about the the numerous errors in the Punjabi text book “Punjabi Primer” (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਕਾਇਦਾ) published under the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), New Delhi. This book is designed for Balvatika/Anganwadi-level children and adult literacy programs, contains significant spelling mistakes and factual inaccuracies, particularly in the representation of the Punjabi alphabet.

He pointed  out that one of the most glaring errors in that book which incorrectly starts the Punjabi alphabet with “ਅ” instead of the correct ” ਓ “. Such fundamental mistakes not only misguide young learners but also undermine the effectiveness of literacy initiatives for adults. It is imperative that educational materials, especially those meant for foundational learning,  maintain the highest standards of accuracy and authenticity, Sandhwan said.

He also urged the Education Minister, Government of India to initiate an immediate review and revision of this textbook by qualified Punjabi linguistic experts and scholars to ensure that learners receive correct and reliable content. Furthermore, he said that it is crucial to establish a strict editorial and quality-checking process for all future publications to prevent such errors.

Speaker Sandhwan highlighted that ensuring error-free learning materials is essential for the success of foundational education and literacy programs in our country. He also requested him to urgently intervene in addressing this matter at the earliest.

CHANDIGARH, March 17:

          With the ongoing anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has rattled Pakistan’s-ISI, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Monday categorically said that Punjab Police will not allow anyone to disturb the hard-earned peace and harmony of the state. Intelligence inputs have also indicated that the campaign’s success has rattled Pakistan’s-ISI, which is now devising strategies to destabilise the border state Punjab to disrupt this ongoing drive against drugs.

          “Punjab Police will not allow Pak-ISI to destabilise the border state and will ensure exemplary punishment to anyone try to disturb the peace and harmony of the state,” said the DGP, citing that the key accused involved in the attack at Thakur Dwara Mandir in Amritsar was neutralised in a retaliatory fire by police teams in Amritsar.

          While addressing the media after chairing a high-level meeting with top officials, including Special DGPs, Additional Director Generals of Police (ADGPs) and Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs), the DGP revealed that the decisive campaign against drugs has forced drug couriers and smugglers to retreat, with many refusing to pick up consignments dropped by Pakistan-based operatives, which led to sharp decline in supply of heroin from across the border.

          “The impact of ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ is undeniable. Our intelligence confirms that drug couriers are now hesitant to collect heroin packets dropped by Pakistani smugglers, signalling a major disruption in the supply chain,” he said.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav informed that under this campaign, Punjab Police has been targetting actual street drug peddler and smugglers, while drug victims are not being harassed unnecessarily and are being admitted to de-addiction centres for treatment. These special operations against drugs are being conducted under the supervision of Senior Police Officers of the rank of Special DGPs, ADGPs, IGPs and DIGs, who have been allotted different districts, he added.

          He also lauded the efforts of cabinet sub-committee for bringing together all the departments to eradicate this drug menace from the state. Notably, the Punjab government has constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that to make this drive more effective, Punjab Police is launching a comprehensive district-level mapping initiative to ascertain the prevalence of specific drugs in each district, to accordingly implement targetted action plans to root out this menace from the state.

          He said that all the officers in the field— from Commissioners of Police and Senior Superintendents of Police (CPs/SSPs) to Station House Officers (SHOs)— are being given quantifiable targets. Their effectiveness will be assessed based on the targets and parameters they were given to ensure results-driven approach to the anti-drug campaign, he added.

          Sharing outcomes of the 17 days of ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, the DGP said that Punjab Police arrested of 2575 drug smugglers after registering of 1651 first information reports (FIRs) across the state since March 1, 2025. During this drive, Police teams have recovered 95 kg heroin, 52 kg opium, 1129 kg poppy husk, 13.79 kg Ganja, 7.25 lakh intoxicant tablets/pills/injections, 1 kg ICE, 1.37 kg cocaine and Rs 64 lakh drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers, he said.

          He said that the newly launched Safe Punjab Anti-Drug Helpline ‘9779100200’, which allows citizens to report drug traffickers anonymously, has gained popularity among the general public, with tips on the helpline has witnessed increase in recent days.

          While expressing gratitude to the people of the state for supporting Punjab Police to making this drive successful, the DGP said that without the support of public this drive cannot be successful. He said that Punjab Police has been reaching out to the public by holding meetings with people and village defence committees.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav informed that certain public programmes including YUVA Saanjh and Sports initiatives are being more strengthened to channelise the energy of the youth in right way.

Chandigarh/ Patiala, March 17:

In a resolute bid to combat the scourge of drug abuse, Punjab Cabinet Minister and the State President of Aam Aadmi Party Mr. Aman Arora, on Monday, appealed to the grassroots pillars of governance – Councillors, Sarpanchs, and Nambardars – to adopt a zero-tolerance stance against drug peddlers, regardless of their social connections or affiliations. Emphasising the critical role these local leaders play in shaping their communities, he asked the Sarpanchs, Councillors and Nambardars to refrain from extending any help to drug peddlers pushing our youth to drug swamp.  

He was addressing the media after chairing a meeting with Patiala district’s civil and police administration in the presence of local leadership to review the current status of “Yudh Nashian Virudh” drive. He was on the whirlwind tour of three districts today including Patiala, Kapurthala and Amritsar.

Declaring that “Yudh Nashian Virudh” has become a people’s drive, Mr. Aman Arora said that a number of drug peddlers have been put behind the bars and huge quantities of narcotics have been recovered in the past 16 days with the active participation of people of the state.

The Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has adopted two-pronged strategy to give final blow to this menace, Mr. Aman Arora said, while stating that strict action has been taken not only to cut the supply line but a special focus has been laid on rehabilitating the drug victims. He said that special skill development training is being imparted to bring them back into the mainstream of society, besides, becoming an earning hand for their families.

Reaffirming the commitment of the Punjab government to completely eradicating drugs from the state, Mr. Aman Arora said that no one is being spared irrespective of his rank or political affiliation.

Taking SAD-BJP and Congress to task, the AAP’s state president said that the polito-narcos nexus that came to fore during past regimes in the state has caused an unforgettable loss to Punjab especially its youth. “The relentless efforts are being made by the Aam Aadmi Party led state government during the last three years to root-up this nexus, and this last stroke will ensure that the dark era will come to an end,” he emphasized. 

Deputy Commissioner Patiala Dr. Preeti Yadav apprised the cabinet minister that OOAT clinics saw a 25 percent increase in foot-fall after the launch of “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign. She informed that the district authorities have been regularly conducting inspections at Drug De-addiction Centres and OOAT Clinics.     

SSP Dr. Nanak Singh apprised that police have registered 60 FIRs, arrested 85 individuals, recovered drugs in huge quantities and carried out 28 CASO operations in the district under “Yudh Nashian Virudh” drive.

MLAs Ajitpal Singh Kohli (Patiala), Chetan Singh Jauramajra (Samana), Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra (Sanaur), Gurlal Ghanaur (Ghanaur), Nina Mittal (Rajpura), Gurdev Singh Dev Mann (Nabha) and Kulwant Singh (Shutrana), Chairman of PRTC Ranjodh Singh Hadana, Mayor Kundan Gogia, Chairman Improvement Trust Megh Chand Shermajra, Chairman District Planning Committee Jassi Sohia Wala and other senior officials of were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, March 17:

          In a significant administrative move aimed at improving policing efficiency and ensuring accountability as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police has fixed the tenure limitation for MHCs, commonly known as Munshi, at any single police station or unit to a maximum of two years.

          The order, issued by Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav, on Monday, reads, “In order to ensure accountability, improve policing efficiency and enhance professional development across the force, it is hereby ordered that the tenure of MHCs assigned to a specific police station or unit shall not exceed a period of two years at one location.”

          The order also mandated that upon completion of the two-year tenure, the officer shall be transferred to a different station or unit. This order is to be implemented immediately and strictly adhered to, with any non-compliance subject to disciplinary action, the order further reads.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav emphasised that the move is purely administrative and is designed to ensure a dynamic and responsive policing system.

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.