Jahan Khela (Hoshiarpur), March 2:

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday unequivocally said that gangsters, smugglers, criminals and other anti-social elements have no place on the sacred land of Punjab and they will soon be wiped out from the state.

Addressing the gathering during the passing out parade of 2490 cops here today, the Chief Minister said that this pious land has produced saints, seers, martyrs, legendary players and generals. However, he said that unfortunately under the patronization of the earlier governments the smugglers, gangsters and other criminals have made this state their abode. But, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has now started a crusade to weed out these anti-national elements adding that they will be behind the bars soon.

The Chief Minister said that the state is at a historic juncture as the Punjab government has launched a decisive war against drugs in the state. He said that the state government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against drugs and Punjab will be made completely drug free with the active support and cooperation of the general public. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the supply line of the drugs is being snapped, drug peddlers are being put behind the bars and the properties of the drug smugglers are being confiscated/ razed adding he expressed that the new cops will become an integral part in the war against the drugs.

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.

Congratulating the new cops, the Chief Minister said that it is a momentous occasion for them as they have become an integral part of the Punjab Police family. He exhorted the cops to discharge their duty with utmost dedication, hard work and commitment thereby contributing immensely in the progress of the state and prosperity of its people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the cops must play a proactive role in mitigating the woes of the general public and delivering justice to them.

The Chief Minister called upon the newly inducted cops to play a proactive role in wiping out the menace of drugs from the state. He said that Punjab is fighting the nation’s war against drugs and the Punjab Police has always acted as a barrier for checking its supply. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now the time has come when the cops should uphold the glorious tradition of Punjab Police for weeding out the scourge of drugs from the state.

The Chief Minister warned the fissiparous forces that their evil designs to create communal strife would be nipped in the bud. He said that the social bonding in the state is so strong that any seed could grow on the fertile land of Punjab but the seed of hatred will never germinate here at any cost. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that though futile attempts are being made to disturb hard earned peace of state, the bond of love, harmony and peace will be further cemented by Punjabis.

The Chief Minister said that since 2022 more than 10,000 youngsters have been appointed in the Police force to update the force. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has also decided to recruit 10,000 new cops in Punjab Police for which necessary clearance will be given by the cabinet soon. He said that the state government is committed to upgrade the police force of the state on scientific lines to enable it to combat the criminals effectively.

The Chief Minister said that the state Government has launched  the first of its kind initiative in the country, a dedicated Sadak Surakhya Force to ensure   enhanced security and to save precious lives on the State and  National Highways. He said that specially trained, freshly recruited 1597 personnel including girls are acting as the backbone to this force, who have been provided with the latest,   fully equipped  144 vehicles and since its launch in February last year the state has witnessed a 48.10% reduction in casualties due to accidents. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that force has been deployed all along 4200 km  of the Highways, prone to traffic accidents adding that in addition to patrolling in the assigned areas, they act as a deterrent for traffic violations and more adding that even the Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had hailed this initiative of the state government in the Parliament of India.

The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that spread over 155 acres Jahan Khela campus is equipped with state of the art training facilities. He said that due to this only, forces from other states come here to get training for the cops. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the mode of crime has changed so Punjab Police is being updated due to which specialized training is imparted here.

The Chief Minister said that now these youth have become integral part of the government adding that now should serve the people with missionary zeal. Bhagwant Mann hoped that the new recruits will use their pen for helping the needy and underprivileged sections of society. He said that the newly recruited youth should ensure maximum welfare of the public so that every section of society is benefited from it.

Chandigarh, March 2:

In an innovative move aimed at empowering the young women with valuable insights for future career planning and personal development, Punjab Government has introduced Psychometric tests for girl students to discover their strength and aptitude. The psychometric tests will be conducted on class 10th girl students studying in government schools.

Divulging the details about the project, Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains informed that the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has allocated over Rs. 6.56 crore to all districts for conducting psychometric tests for 10th-grade girls in government schools. This program will benefit as many as 93,819 students, with all girls to be covered by March 31st, 2025.

To ensure smooth implementation, district-level committees have been formed under the leadership of District Education Officers (Secondary) across Punjab. These committees will oversee the testing process and monitor all operations within their respective districts. The primary objective of this initiative is to analyse students’ mental abilities, interests, and personality traits to guide them towards making informed career choices.

S. Harjot Singh Bains said that majority of students face the confusion after their 10th board exams regarding their future career paths. This decision significantly impacts their choice of stream in 11th grade. While private schools often provide career counselling, government school students lack this support, leading them to rely on their peers’ choices. This often results in students selecting streams that may not align with their interests and abilities, ultimately hindering their career prospects.

Recognising the importance of this issue, the School Education Minister said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has introduced the psychometric test to provide government school students with the opportunities at par with private school students, enabling them to choose their careers with confidence. It will also empower them to choose paths that align with their strengths and interests.

This initiative will not only make students more confident and aware of their future but will also improve the quality and standards of education in in government schools, he added.

Chandigarh, March 2

Punjab Public Works & Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO conducted a thorough review of the works being executed by the Public Works Department (PWD), emphasizing the need for maintaining quality standards and ensuring transparency in the tendering process.

PWD Minister ETO, in the review attended  by all Chief Engineers and Joint Secretary PWD Amarbir Sidhu, stressed that no carelessness on quality aspects would be tolerated and directed officials to conduct regular quality checks on ongoing projects without fear,bias or favoritism. He repeatedly stressed on the importance of complete transparency in the tendering process, adhering strictly to the prescribed procedure as per the Transparency Act.

The Minister advised Chief Engineers to amend the Standard Bidding Document as necessary, considering the changing conditions & requirements of works. He also took a serious view of delays occurring in the execution of works due to land acquisition, utility shifting, forest and other statutory clearances, directing officers to have periodic reviews of projects and address issues promptly.

PWD Minister expressed displeasure over the gap in project follow-up by Department offices and directed the officials to bridge this gap to ensure timely completion of projects. He encouraged officials to address issues through his office, if required, to ensure seamless project execution.

 PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO reiterated Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure development and enhancing transparency in the Public Works Department.

Chandigarh, March 2:

          Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government has taken important steps for the welfare of workers in the state. Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that under the stipend scheme of the Punjab Labour Welfare Board, benefits ranging from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 70,000 can be availed for the education of laborers’ children. Along with this, the condition of two years of service of the worker to avail the stipend scheme has been abolished.

          It is worth mentioning that the Punjab Labour Welfare Board stipend scheme is given for the education of the children of workers. Earlier, mandated two-year service condition for workers to qualify for the stipend scheme has been officially abolished after the initiative of Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond.

Labour Minister     Tarunpreet Singh Sond stated that workers will now be able to avail the stipend benefit from the date of their contribution to the fund, rather than having to wait for two years of service. He said that the stipend scheme has an important contribution in the education of the children of the workers of Punjab. He said that the benefit of the stipend scheme can be obtained from the first class to higher education.

          Under the Punjab Labour Welfare Board stipend scheme, girl students from the first to the fifth class are given Rs. 3000 and boys are given Rs. 2000 per year. Similarly, from 6th to 8th class, girls are given Rs. 5000 and boys are given Rs. 7000 per year. For boys of class 9th and 10th can avail Rs. 13,000 and girls Rs. 10,000 as stipend. Girl students of 10+1 and 10+2 are given a stipend of Rs. 20,000 and boys are given Rs. 25,000 as stipend per year.

          For college students (graduation, post-graduation, ITI, polytechnic, ANM, GNM and other professional courses), girls are given a stipend of Rs. 25,000 (if student resides in hostel then Rs. 40,000) and boys are given a stipend of Rs. 30,000 (if student resides in hostel then Rs. 45,000) per year.

          Similarly, for medical, engineering and other professional courses, a stipend of Rs. 40,000 is given to girls (if student resides in hostel then Rs. 60,000) and Rs. 50,000 to boys (if student resides in hostel then Rs. 70,000) per year.

Mohali: To mark International Women Day and World Kidney Day, 80 kidney donors across the country, majority of them women, were felicitated during the launch of a kidney transplant unit at Edison Hospital, Mohali on Saturday.

Dr. Ajinder Bains chief transplant surgeon and medical director of the hospital said that women are the epitome of selflessness and compassion as they are always the caregivers and nurturers in our society.

Chandigarh, March 1

 Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema today inaugurated 2ND India International Mega Trade Fair at Parade Ground in Chandigarh. The Minister hailed this initiative as a significant milestone in promoting economic growth, innovation, and mutual cooperation.

“Mega trade fairs like this one play a vital role in showcasing our country’s growth potential and fostering trade relations,” said Finance Minister Cheema. “These event provides a platform for businessmen to showcase their products, services, and innovations, facilitating connections, knowledge sharing, and exploration of new development opportunities.”

The Finance Minister also highlighted Punjab’s rich heritage in industry and trade, noting that the state has always been a hub for entrepreneurs, innovators, and traders. “We’re committed to building on this legacy, producing high-quality goods and services, and creating a conducive environment for industry and trade,” he added.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema extended congratulations to the Bengal Chamber and G S Marketing Associates for organising this event. He expressed his optimism that this event would be a resounding success, laying the groundwork for innovative business ventures and fruitful partnerships.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, March 1:

          In a major blow to trans-border smuggling amidst the ongoing decisive war against drugs ‘Yudh Nashia Virudh’ waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has apprehends two drug smugglers and recovered 4 kg heroin from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Karanpal Singh (37) and Ranjit Singh (36), both hailing from border villages situated in the jurisdiction of Khemkaran in Tarn Taran. Apart from recovering big haul of heroin, Police teams have also impounded their motorcycle, which they were riding.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that the notorious Pakistan-based smuggler used the Ferozepur sector to transport the drug consignment using drones. Further investigations are on establish backward and forward linkages in this case, he said.

          Sharing operation details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that acting on reliable intelligence inputs, a police team under the supervision of ADCP Investigation Navjot Singh, ACP Detective Harminder Singh and ACP Narcotic Lalit Sharma and led by Incharge CIA-1 Inspector Amolakdeep Singh and Incharge CIA-2 SI Ravi Kumar conducted a special operation and apprehended accused persons during a naka at Jhabal Road at Amritsar and recovered heroin from their possession.

          He said that after receiving consignments from across the border, accused persons further selling it to drug peddlers to supply narcotics across the state.

          The CP emphasised that a detailed backward and forward link investigation is being conducted to uncover the entire drug supply network, including suppliers, dealers and buyers. Efforts are also being made to determine the total quantity of drugs purchased and distributed by the arrested individuals, he added.

          A case FIR No. 49 dated 27-02-2025 has been registered under section 21(C) of the NDPS Act at Islamabad Police Station in Amritsar.

Chandigarh, March 1

Punjab Power and Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Saturday said that the decisive war against drug trafficking, initiated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government, will yield positive results and eradicate the drug menace from the state.

In a press communique issued here, Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the state government has given a clear and stern warning to those involved in drug trafficking, that they must either leave the state or put a complete stop to their illicit activities. He said that this warning comes as part of the Punjab government’s intensified efforts to combat the drug menace to ensure a safe and healthy environment for its citizens.

The Minister further added that the Punjab government’s zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking has been aimed at its commitment to protecting the youth and future generations from the devastating effects of drug abuse. He said that with the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government at the helm, Punjabis would soon witness a drug-free Rangla Punjab.

Chandigarh, March 1:

Punjab Cabinet Minister and the state president of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Mr. Aman Arora, on Saturday, gave a clarion call to all the political parties, social and religious organisations and NGOs to come forward to join hands with the Punjab Government to form a united front and make Punjab a drug-free state.

He was addressing the media here after the high-level meeting of the 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee formed to combat the drug menace.

“It is a collective responsibility of 3 crore citizens of Punjab. We must stand united and fight this menace with all our might,” Mr. Aman Arora said, while adding that the state government and police alone cannot extricate Punjab from the deep swamp created by previous governments.

Mr. Aman Arora expressed confidence that by working together, Punjab can overcome this challenge and create a healthier and vibrant Punjab, as envisioned by AAP Supremo Sh. Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Mr. Aman Arora stated that the Punjab Government has made a comprehensive 360-degree action plan to completely eradicate the drug menace from the state. This plan also  includes prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation measures to help victims return to mainstream life. Where Police authorities are dealing drug traffickers with iron hands, they have been directed to treat drug users with empathy and compassion, viewing them as patients in need of help, he added.

He highlighted the devastating impact of drug abuse on individuals, families, and society as a whole, saying, “This is a battle we must win together. We need the collective strength and commitment of every stakeholder to effectively address this complex issue.”

“I assure you that we will not rest until we completely wipe out this menace from the state. It’s a matter of the existence of Punjab, the land of saints, sages, and warriors. It was deliberately pushed into this swamp by the previous regimes for their personal gains,” Mr. Aman Arora said. He also gave a clear and loud message to drug smugglers, warning them to leave the smuggling or leave Punjab or ready to face the consequences.

While reiterating the commitment of Punjab Government to deal with the drug smugglers with iron hands, he also appealed to parents and family members of drug users to take them to government drug de-addiction centres or OOAT clinics for treatment. He informed that the state government has made adequate arrangements for proper care of drug victims. He assured them that if they face any difficulties, they can contact local authorities for immediate resolution, and the state government is standing by them to help them out from this situation.

CHANDIGARH/SAS NAGAR, March 1:

          In a major action by the SAS Nagar Police and Punjab Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) amidst the ongoing fight against organised crime launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Gangster Malkiat alias Maxi sustained bullet injury on his left leg while unsuccessfully attempting to escape from the police custody near Ghagar bridge on Zirakpur-Ambala Highway in Dera Bassi, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          Gangster Maxi, a native of village Rodala in Rajasansi Amritsar, is an operative of foreign-based terrorist Goldy Brar and Gangster Goldy Dhillon and was operating an extortion racket on their behalf. Recently, Maxi and his accomplice identified as Sandeep alias Deep were arrested by the Patiala Police in Arms Act case, subsequently, both were brought on production warrant from Patiala Jail by SAS Nagar Police on Friday, in an extortion case wherein accused persons had targeted Mohali-based property dealer and demanded Rs 50 lakh extortion money in January 2025.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that following the disclosures of Maxi, a Police team led by DSP Dera Bassi Bikramjit Singh Brar was taking him for recovery of weapon, a .32 Calibre Pistol, that he confessed to have concealed at an isolated place at Zirakpur-Ambala Highway, intending to harm the victim property dealer.

          “Upon reaching the location, the accused opened fire at the police team in an attempt to flee from the custody, in self-defence and retaliatory fire by the police team, Maxi sustained a bullet injury in his left leg fire and has been shifted to Civil Hospital, Mohali for medical treatment,” he said.

          The DGP said that the weapon along with three cartridges and two used/empty casings has been recovered from his possession.

          Sharing more details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) SAS Nagar Deepak Pareek said that the arrested accused has a criminal history with cases pertaining to extortion and arms act registered against him. Further investigations are on, he added.

          A fresh case FIR no. 46 dated 01/03/2025 has been registered under sections 109, 132, 221 and 262 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Dera Bassi in SAS Nagar.