Chandigarh, January 22:

          The Chairman of the Punjab State Child Rights Protection Commission, Kanwardeep Singh, has taken suo-motu notice of the Taliban-style punishment incident in Ludhiana.

          As per the news received through electronic media, a clothing factory owner in Ludhiana subjected a mother and her three daughters to public humiliation by parading them with their faces blackened and a sign reading “I am a thief” as a punishment for the alleged theft. This act is a serious violation of children’s rights.

          In light of the gravity of the matter, the Chairman has directed the Police Commissioner of Ludhiana to immediately register a case under Sections 75 and 79 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, along with relevant sections of the Child Labour (Prevention and Regulation) Act, 1986, and the Indian Penal Code, 2023. The Chairman has ordered strict action against the accused and has instructed the Police Commissioner to submit a report on the actions taken by January 23, 2025.

          The Chairman also issued instructions to the Police Commissioner to take stringent action against individuals circulating photographs of the children, in accordance with Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, 2015.

          Moreover, the Chairman has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana to take the necessary actions under the Child Labour (Prevention and Regulation) Act, 1986, against the factory owner and others involved. The Deputy Commissioner is also instructed to inform the Commission about the actions taken within seven days.

Chandigarh, January 20

Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Monday announced that the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has achieved a record electricity supply of 66914 MUs as of January 19, 2025, marking a 13% increase compared to the same period last fiscal year. He said that this significant growth underscores PSPCL’s efforts to enhance power infrastructure and meet the growing electricity demands of Punjab’s residents and industries.

Revealing further, the Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the maximum demand met during fiscal year 2024-25 is 16058 MW, which is 5% higher than the previous year. “PSPCL has ensured uninterrupted electricity supply to all categories of consumers in Punjab, without imposing any power cuts”, said the Power Minister while adding that this feat is attributed to the adequate arrangements made by PSPCL, demonstrating the corporation’s commitment to providing reliable power supply.

Regarding coal availability, the Power Minister informed that PSPCL is ensuring regular and adequate supplies, resulting in a good buildup of stock in all three state-run thermal plants. He said that the current stock levels stand at 42 days for Guru Gobind Singh Thermal Plant (GGSTP) Ropar, 28 days for Guru Hargobind Thermal Plant (GHTP) Lehra Mohabbat, and 40 days for Guru Amardas Thermal Plant (GATP) Goindwal Sahib. He said that the PSPCL is making all-out efforts to ensure coal availability as per requirement during the upcoming paddy season.

“The Pacchwara coal mine has been providing a steady supply of good-quality coal, which has significantly contributed to the state power sector. As of January 19, 2025, the mine has supplied 56 lakh tons of coal, equivalent to 1306 rakes, during the 2024-25 period”, he added.

Reaffirming the commitment of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government to delivering continuous, high-quality power at affordable rates, Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that PSPCL is well-prepared to meet the increasing power demands of Punjab’s residents and industries, with all necessary arrangements firmly in place.

Chandigarh, January 20

Public Works and Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO has convened a high-level meeting on January 21, 2025, at Chandigarh to review the progress of major infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Public Works Department (PWD) in the state, as well as to plan for future infrastructure developments.

Revealing this in a press communiqué issued here, the PWD Minister said that all the Chief Engineers and Superintending Engineers have been instructed to attend the meeting. “The agenda will include a detailed discussion on the construction and maintenance of key public infrastructure, such as judicial and administrative buildings, schools, hospitals, medical colleges, road and bridge projects on state roads”, he added.

Emphasizing the importance of this review meeting in ensuring that all projects are on track and meeting the required standards, the PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that this meeting will provide an opportunity to evaluate the current status of projects and address any challenges that may arise.  He said that the goal is to ensure timely completion and high-quality execution of all infrastructure initiatives.

The PWD Minister said that the meeting would also focus on deliberating future infrastructure projects aimed at further enhancing the state’s public facilities. “We are dedicated to building a robust, safe and sustainable infrastructure that meets the needs of our growing population. By planning and executing future projects efficiently, we can ensure long-term benefits for the people of Punjab,” he added.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR/JALANDHAR, January 20:

          In order to ensure peaceful celebrations of forthcoming Republic Day-2025 as mandated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Monday issued directives to heighten security measures, increase police presence and intensify night domination operations across the state.

          The DGP accompanied by Special DGP Internal Security RN Dhoke, ADGP Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Nilabh Kishore and ADGP Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Promod Ban visited Amritsar and Jalandhar to chair Law and Order Review Meetings with the officers of Commissionerates— Amritsar and Jalandhar, and Police Ranges— Border, Jalandhar and Ludhiana. He also reviewed the ongoing Counter-Terror Operations, Action against Drug Trafficking and Action against Organised Crime.

          “Security arrangements were reviewed and suitable instructions have been given to maintain peace and harmony by ensuring police presence at all important places, intensify domination operations and other preventive and detective measures ahead of Republic Day celebrations,” said DGP Gaurav Yadav.

          He said that as part of the heightened security, police personnel will conduct regular patrols and checks, particularly at night, to prevent any potential threats or disruptions. The night domination operations will also involve the deployment of additional police forces in sensitive areas, including border districts, to maintain law and order, he added.

          He said that all the CPs/SSPs have also been instructed to keep a close watch on suspicious activities and individuals, and to take prompt action in case of any security breaches. “I’ve mandated all the officers to not let anyone take the law into their hands and if any person was found indulged in any violent activities should be dealt with firmly and FIR should be registered immediately,” he said.

          The DGP also directed CPs/SSPs to increase the Police Checkpoints in their respective jurisdictions and ensure the checking of a maximum number of vehicles at every Naka, which will help in curtailing terrorist and criminal activities.

          He also asked the police officers to focus on issuing Look Out Circulars (LoC), Red Corner Notices (RCNs), Open Arrest Warrants, Blue Corner Notices (BCNs) and Extradition Proposals for bringing back wanted criminals from abroad to face justice.

          IGP Ludhiana Range Dhanpreet Kaur, CP Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, CP Jalandhar Swapan Sharma, DIG Border Range Satinder Singh, DIG Jalandhar Range Naveen Singla, SSP Amritsar Rural Charanjit Singh, SSP Gurdaspur Harish Dayama, SSP Batala Suhail Qasim Mir, SSP Jalandhar Rural Harkamalpreet Singh Khakh, SSP Kapurthala Gaurav Toora, SSP Hoshiarpur Surendra Lamba, SSP SBS Nagar Mehtab Singh, SSP Khanna Ashwini Gotyal and SSP Khanna Navneet Singh Bains were among other officers/officials who attended the meetings.

Chandigarh, January 20:

          The Punjab Raj Bhavan today resonated with the cultural as well as the musical vibes of Punjab and Kazakhstan as a mesmerizing and soulful musical Evening was held at the premises.

          Terming it as an extremely auspicious occasion for the Punjab Raj Bhavan, the Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria appreciated the untiring efforts made by the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department, Punjab, for organizing and ensuring that this event turns out to be a stupendous success.

          Heartily welcoming the artists of Kazakhstan, the Governor said that Music always spreads happiness and is a great medium for carrying forward cultures and civilizations and is above the barriers of language.

          The Governor further added that this spell binding Evening has cemented the cultural bond between Punjab and Kazakhstan thus bringing together both.

          Calling Punjab a land that has made great sacrifices, Gulab Chand Kataria further pointed out that Punjab has bestowed great cultural legacy on next generations.

          In this landmark event celebrating international friendship and cultural exchange, Punjab welcomed an esteemed cultural troupe from Kazakhstan. This initiative reflects Punjab’s commitment to foster cross-cultural ties while showcasing its tourism potential on the global stage. Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond while addressing the event emphasized Punjab’s rich heritage and efforts to position the state as a global cultural hub.

          Minister Sond extended invitation to the people around the world to discover the beauty, diversity, and soul of Punjab. “Together, let us celebrate cultural understanding, elevate Punjab’s tourism potential, and create a future where global friendships thrive,” he said.

          Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab is undertaking key initiatives to elevate its tourism sector and attract global visitors. These initiatives include Infrastructure Development, Improved connectivity, enhanced safety measures, and world-class hospitality services to ensure a seamless travel experience.

Heritage Promotion through focused efforts to showcase iconic landmarks like the Golden Temple, Durgiana Temple, Jallianwala Bagh etc and Punjab’s lush wetlands and agricultural landscapes through village tourism also occupies a prime slot in the scheme of things of Punjab Government. Promoting sustainable tourism by encouraging eco-friendly practices and active community participation is also under prime focus.

          Sond expressed confidence that these initiatives will position Punjab as a preferred destination for both domestic and international tourists, offering them a blend of tradition and modernity.

          He extended warm welcome to all the artists from Kazakhstan to immerse themselves in the vibrant heritage of this land. This evening’s cultural performances beautifully exemplify how music, dance, and art transcend barriers, uniting humanity in a shared celebration of creativity and harmony.

          He added, Punjab is the land of vibrant traditions and timeless heritage and has long been a shining beacon and the pivot of Indian civilization. Known for its soulful music, rhythmic dances like Bhangra and Giddha, and the globally cherished flavors of Punjabi cuisine, the state offers a unique cultural experience to every visitor. Iconic dishes such as sarson ka saag, makki di roti, and lassi have become synonymous with Punjab’s warmth and hospitality.

          Sond said that Punjab is not just a destination; it is an experience where history, tradition, and modernity come together. This cultural exchange with Kazakhstan highlights the shared appreciation between the two regions for traditions, art, and family values. This event is not just a celebration of art and culture but a reaffirmation of universal harmony and mutual respect between nations.  It underscores Punjab’s vision of building bridges across borders and promoting global harmony.

          The event witnessed a mesmerizing fusion of cultures as Kazakh artists captivated the audience with their enchanting traditional dances and soul-stirring music, leaving an indelible mark on hearts. Complementing their performance, Punjabi troupes showcased the vibrant heritage of Punjab through electrifying displays of Bhangra, and other traditional dances that brought the stage to life.

          The cultural extravaganza was graced by the presence of Chief Secretary Punjab KAP Sinha, Chief Secretary Chandigarh Rajiv Verma, ACS to Governor K. Siva Prasad, Secretary Tourism Malwinder Singh Jaggi and Director Amrit Singh, adding significance to this memorable evening of artistic exchange.

Moga, January 19:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday laid the foundation stone of expansion of the District Administrative Complex (DAC) by constructing the third and fourth floor of the building at a cost of Rs 10.31 crore.

The Chief Minister said that it is a red letter day in the history of district as construction of additional two storey of Block B in DAC has commenced today. He said that the DAC building consisting of four blocks viz. A block, B block, C block and D block were constructed in 2004. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in order to ease the space crunch being faced by various offices and to shift some government offices that are being run from other places, additional two storeys are being constructed.

The Chief Minister said that the project will be completed in around eight months by August this year. He said that total of 48 rooms will be constructed on both the floors and there will be provision of separate toilet blocks for gents and ladies on both the floors. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that new lift with a carrying capacity of 13 persons will be installed in the complex adding that both the floors will have CCTV camera system for safety and security.

The Chief Minister said that this ultra modern building will also be equipped with fire Detection/Emergency evacuation and Public Address system. He also said that a 95 KW Solar Power Generation System will be installed in the building for adequate use of renewable energy. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the previous governments had hardly paid any heed towards such initiatives to serve the people in a better manner.

The Chief Minister said that earlier the reigns of the state were in the wrong hands earlier due to which the state had suffered adversely. However, he said that ever since assuming the charge of office his government has been according top priority to such works of immense public importance. Bhagwant Singh Mann that such buildings are being constructed while keeping in-view the future needs of people.

Patiala/Chandigarh, January 19

Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, with the leadership and special efforts of Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar and the dedicated endeavors of PRTC Chairman Ranjodh Singh Hadana, the salaries of 1148 employees, who have been working continuously for over a year, have been increased by ₹2500 along with an additional 10% hike. 

It is noteworthy that a meeting between the PRTC Contract Workers union under the leadership of Ranjodh Singh Hadana  held with Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar. During the meeting, officials including Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) D.K. Tiwari, MD Bikramjit Singh Shergill, GM Maninderjit Singh Sidhu and other senior officials were present. 

Speaking on the occasion, Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar emphasized, “A nation progresses when its citizens are happy.” With this vision, the Punjab government is committed to introducing unique initiatives to enhance the quality of life for its employees. Bhullar stated that the salary increment proposal was presented during the Board of Directors meeting, where it is unanimously approved. Copies of the directive have been issued to seven departments. 

Additionally, a consensus was reached to frame a policy for regularizing employees under service rules and the related file will be sent to the Advocate General of Punjab. A follow-up meeting will be held with senior officials and unions to finalize the policy. 

Minister Bhullar further stated that the primary demands of contract employees, particularly salary uniformity, were discussed in a previous meeting held at the Chief Minister’s office in Chandigarh. The government, under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, agreed on uniform salaries and assured the resolution of other demands such as adding new buses to the corporation, regularizing contract workers, removing employees from the waiting list for active duties and increasing commissions for advance bookers. 

Chairman Ranjodh Singh Hadana, during his address, highlighted that PRTC has increased wages for drivers by ₹2500 and and this ratio other employees a further 30% increment to according to Punjab Roadways. Employees hired after September 15, 2021, were earlier given only minimum wages. To address this disparity, the Board of Directors has decided to increase their wages by ₹2500 and an additional 10%, applicable only to those continuously working for over a year. This increment in wages will be prospective and no arrears of any kind will be paid.

Prominent members of the PRTC Azad Union, including State General Secretary Manjinder Kumar Babbu Sharma, Patron Gurdhyan Singh Bhanra, Gurpal Singh Sangrur and Khushwinder Singh Budhla, also participated in the meeting.

Ludhiana/Chandigarh, January 19

          People from all walks of life today paid last tributes to the late Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, MLA from Ludhiana West who passed away on Jan 10, during his Bhog and antim ardas at Gurudwara Shri Guru Singh Sabha in Model Town Extension locality on Sunday.

          Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Hardeep Singh Mundian, Punjab CM’s Wife Dr Gurpreet Kaur and several leaders across party lines remembered Gogi for his lifelong commitment to public service.

          In their address, they added that MLA Gogi was a source of inspiration and motivation for society. They said that presence of people from all walks of life, who have converged here on the Bhog and Antim Ardas of MLA Gogi, reflects how much he was respected by the people in the region.                          

          They added that Gogi was a hardworking, dedicated and committed colleague. They stated that it was a huge personal loss for them and an irreparable loss for the Aam Aadmi party, as Gogi was a committed foot soldier of the party.

          On behalf of the family, MLA Gogi’s son Swaraj thanked everyone for standing rock solid with the family.

Chandigarh, January 11

A high-level meeting of the Punjab State Advisory Board, chaired by Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, was held at Punjab Bhawan. The Minister emphasized ensuring that government schemes are accessible to Divyang persons and directed officials to implement these schemes effectively at the grassroots level.

Dr. Baljit Kaur reviewed the status of welfare initiatives and instructed various departments to expedite their implementation. She directed the completion of pending work on 144 government buildings in 10 districts under the SIPDA scheme within the specified time frame. Furthermore, she stressed that all government buildings be made barrier-free within three years and asked the department to prepare a detailed proposal. To monitor progress, the Social Security Department instructed to notify a five-member committee, led by the Deputy Commissioner at the district level.

The Minister also underscored the importance of strictly implementing the provisions of the RPWD Act, 2016, to safeguard reservation benefits for Divyang persons. She directed the submission of a detailed report on benefits provided under these provisions during the next board meeting.

Taking serious note of the pending UDID card applications, Dr. Baljit Kaur directed the Health and Family Welfare Department to clear these applications within a month. She also instructed the department to present a comprehensive proposal in the next board meeting to address challenges faced by Divyang Persons in obtaining UDID cards. Civil Surgeons were directed to organize special camps to address discrepancies in disability percentage and other issues related to UDID cards.

The Sports Department informed

the board about the benefits and incentives provided to disabled athletes under the Punjab Sports Policy 2023, highlighting that Punjab is the first state in the region to offer such special benefits. The Minister directed the department to prioritize resolving grading issues faced by disabled athletes.

To uplift the living standards of Divyang Persons, Dr. Baljit Kaur instructed board members to identify such individuals in collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and support those willing to undergo vocational training. She also directed the Employment Generation and Skill Development Department to organize special camps for this purpose.

Cabinet Minister appealed to all Divyang persons to register at the Special Employment Exchange established at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Ludhiana to avail government schemes for vocational training and employment.

Dr. Baljit Kaur also instructed the Urban Development and Rural Development Departments to prioritize providing agricultural land and housing to persons with disabilities under Section 37 of the RPWD Act and ensure effective dissemination of information regarding these schemes.

She urged officials from various departments to prioritize resolving Divyang Persons and to ensure the appointment of grievance redressal officers as per the notification issued by the Social Security Department. These details should be made available on the respective departmental websites.

Dr. Baljit Kaur also informed the board that last year, a special campaign was launched to identify backlog vacancies for Divyang Persons. So far, 21 departments have sent requisitions to the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board and the Punjab Public Service Commission for filling these positions.

Dr. Baljit Kaur affirmed that the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to the welfare of Divyang Persons and is working tirelessly to ensure their well-being.

Chandigarh, January 11:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday sought kind intervention of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to provide financial assistance to the state government for setting up special NDPS court to check drug menace.

Participating through video conferencing in the regional conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security’, the Chief Minister urged GOI to give one time financial assistance, for 10 years to State to create Special NDPS Courts and recruitment of public prosecutors along with other supporting staff, of Rs 600 crores (@ Rs.60 Cr. Per year). He said that at present there are 35,000 NDPS cases pending for Session trial as on January 01, 2025 adding that at present rate of disposal, on an average a Session Court takes seven years to complete the trial of pending case leaving aside all new added cases. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in coming five years, this average disposal time will increase from seven years (35,000 pending cases) to 11 years (55,000 pending cases).

The Chief Minister said that in order to clear the pendency in the next five years, state needs to create 79 new exclusive NDPS Special Courts in Punjab and to appoint 79 Public Prosecutors along with supporting staff for these NDPS Special Courts adding that for it this financial assistance is solicited. He also requested the Union Home Minister to ensure generous funding from National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse (Chapter 7-A of NDPS Act) for Anti-Narcotics Task Force, Live Monitoring Systems for six Bordering Districts, purchase of equipment for technical surveillance, infrastructure and logistic requirement for 5G Jamming solution for Prisons, de-addiction centers in Jails, AI surveillance systems in Jail, Special Prison for drug traffickers and assistance for anti- drug awareness campaigns in all 28 districts. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state had sought Rs.2829 Crore through 16th Finance Commission which should be approved at the earliest for effective law enforcement and upgrading infrastructure and logistic support of ANTF and Prisons.

Flagging another issue, the Chief Minister said that with the aim to control, reclaim and rejuvenate drug hotspots in Punjab, hiring of counsellors and coordinators for conducting survey and studies regarding impact of CADA amounting to Rs.107 crores was submitted to Government since 2022, but nothing has been allotted till date adding that it should be released at the earliest. He said that the state faced a full scaled insurgency in the late seventies and eighties, and now is fighting a proxy war with Pakistan to thwart drug trafficking carried out by Pakistan supported stage actors. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 552 kms of International Border shared with Pakistan is porous which is marked by fencing gap of around 43 kms and riverine gap of 35 kms adding that this  makes state vulnerable to cross border drug trafficking.

The Chief Minister said that state’s location along the notorious ‘Golden Cresent’ drug route makes it a key transit point for narcotics and other contraband adding that now drug is consumed by the local population at an alarming level. He said that due to Increased vigil and border fencing, drug trafficking is now majorly done through drones and it poses less chances of getting caught due to which it has become a National problem which is being left to Punjab to fight on its own. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that with its meager resources, the State is fighting a herculean task to fight against the drug abuse.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab Police has raised Anti-Narcotics Task Force with 861 officers/officials who are trained to deal with the drug trafficking. He said that Further each District/Commissionerate of the state has established Narcotic Cell to deal with the drug problem and the state Government has also constituted a State Level ‘Punjab Narcotics Prevention Campaign Committee’ under the chairpersonship of Chief Secretary, Punjab and District Mission Teams under the District Magistrates at district level to co- ordinate between all the stakeholders for curbing the drug abuse. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that A State level Nodal Officer for ‘Anti-Drug Program’ has also been nominated by the Government and state has also commissioned an Anti-Drug Helpline ‘Safe Punjab’, which gives a platform to the citizens to report any drug trafficking incident or any help required for the treatment of drug addict.

The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that out of the total 1905 complaints received on this helpline, action has been taken in 856 complaints and FIRs in 31 cases have been registered. He said that the state Government has adopted a policy of Enforcement-Deaddiction- Prevention (EDP) to fight this menace of drug abuse and Under this policy, drug laws are strictly implemented, deaddiction services are provided and drug awareness is spread to prevent the youth and citizens from falling into the drug trap. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in the last two and half year the state government has registered around 31,500 cases under NDPS Act in which 43,000 accused have been arrested with 3,000 kg of heroin, 2,600 kg of opium and 4.3 Cr of pharmaceutical drugs.

The Chief Minister said illegally acquired property of drug traffickers worth Rs.449 Crore has been frozen  from the Competent Authority and With its training and capacity building a conviction rate of 82.5% has been achieved by the State, which is highest in the Country. He said that Habitual offenders of drug trafficking have been detained under PITNDPS Act and the State has developed a software ‘Punjab Artificial Intelligence System’ (PAIS 2.0) as an advance tool designed to help Punjab Police in tracking and analyzing crimes. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it has a database of 3,32,976 criminals including more than 1 lakh drug offenders which include features like drug seizures data, voice analysis, and criminal link tracking to better handle cases related to narcotics.

The Chief Minister said that With over 18 million searches conducted and 30,804 active users, PAIS provides real-time insights, helping officers make quick decisions and allocate resources effectively adding that it is a powerful tool in the fight against drug related crimes. He said that Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Zonal office at Chandigarh, Amritsar and Regional Office at Amritsar has been given access of PAIS 2.0. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that for deaddiction of drug addicts, free of cost medicines are provided to the addicts in 529 Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) clinics. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 17 OOAT clinic have also been established in the Jails and state government has set up 213 Private as well as Government Deaddiction Centers and 90 Rehabilitation Centers for treatment of drug addicts.

The Chief Minister said that 97,413 addicts were admitted in these  Deaddiction and Rehabilitation Centers whereas around 10 lakh patients have undergone treatment in these centers during 2022-2024. He said that in order to prevent the youth from falling into the trap of drug abuse, Government has launched Buddy Program in all the Private/Government Schools, Colleges & Universities and this program aims to prevent drug abuse among the younger generation, particularly students by providing knowledge, imparting behavioral skills and developing a system for self/group monitoring and support. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Around 29,000 students have been enrolled in this program and 19,523 Village Defense Committees have also been constituted across the State.

The Chief Minister said that drug problem in Punjab is impacting the socio-economic balance, leading to a significant increase in crime, domestic violence and health issues affecting not only the State but Country as a whole. He said that the Narco-Terror drug trade business in Punjab has links with the international cartels who smuggle drugs from Pakistan, Afghanistan and other Countries into the State. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that drug trade in Punjab is believed to be the source of funding of terrorist activities in the State leading to destabilizing National Security.

Batting for A national response to tackle problem of drug, the Chief Minister said that it is necessary to check this problem as it can imbalance the socio-economic structure of the society. He said that Increased and generous central funding is required to support anti-drug initiatives, rehabilitation services, awareness campaigns and law enforcement efforts. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Border Security Force (BSF) deployed on the Pakistan border in Punjab is required to be strengthened.

Raising another issue, the Chief Minister said that In the last five years, 1247 drone sightings have been reported and 417 drones have been recovered which is a minuscule of the total recovery as at present there are only 12 Jamming system operational on 552 kms of International Border. He said that these cater to only 1/5 of the entire border stretch and has 4/5 of the entire border is without Jamming system. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a huge cache of drugs and arms have been recovered so far adding that this recovery can be far more for which atleast, 50 more advanced technology Jamming Systems are required.