Chandigarh, June 19:

The Punjab Government is committed to ensuring a bright future for destitute and orphaned children across the state by making the adoption process fully legal, secure and transparent.

Addressing a one-day state-level training programme on ‘Adoption Regulation-2022’ organised today at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration, Chandigarh, Punjab’s Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, stressed the need to make the legal adoption process more efficient and sensitive. She stated that this training programme was organised to sensitize and equip officials of the concerned departments to ensure that there are no legal hurdles in the adoption process, thereby guaranteeing a secure future for such children.

The programme was organised by the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Punjab, with the support of the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) and the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD), Mohali.

Expressing concern over the harsh reality of society, Dr. Baljit Kaur said it is unfortunate that incidents of newborns being abandoned or harmed still occur. She appealed to well-off and capable families to come forward and legally adopt such orphaned and destitute children as a humane gesture. This would not only provide parental love to these children but also secure their future.

The Minister emphasized that the objective of this training programme is to ensure that all stakeholders involved in the adoption process are fully aware of its legal framework. This, she added, will help ensure that every adoption in the future is carried out as per prescribed rules, safeguarding the rights of the children.

Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to providing love, security, and a bright future to every child. She said that the implementation of ‘Adoption Regulation-2022’ in the state is a significant step toward bringing new hope into the lives of orphaned children by providing them with loving homes.

Chairman of the Punjab State Child Rights Protection Commission, Kanwardeep Singh, lauded the initiative, stating that such state-level programmes would enhance the knowledge and capacity of officials and staff directly involved in the adoption process. He noted that with the implementation of safe and legal adoption systems by the Punjab Government, not only would destitute children find loving homes, but their future would also be secured.

CARA CEO Bhavna Saxena also praised the Punjab Government’s efforts in organising this state-level training under ‘Adoption Regulation-2022’. She remarked that the adoption process is often complex and sensitive, and any loopholes can lead to serious challenges for both children and adoptive families. She emphasized that such regular training programmes are crucial — not only to enhance the knowledge and competence of officials involved but also to raise awareness in society so that more such children can find secure and loving homes.

Prominent participants in the training programme included Dr. Shena Aggarwal, Director, Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Special Secretary Keshav Hingonia, Additional Secretary Vimmi Bhullar, alongside officers from District Magistrate offices, Chief Medical Officers, Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), Special Adoption Agencies (SAAs), District Child Protection Units (DCPUs) and other related departments, who participated with enthusiasm.

CHANDIGARH, June 19:

          With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state completed 110 days, Punjab Police on Thursday arrested 132 drug smugglers and recovered 1.08 kg heroin and Rs 87,540 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 18,236 in just 110 days.

          The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 220 Police teams, comprising over 1500 police personnel, under the supervision of 96 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 544 locations across the state leading to the registration of 100 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 571 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added.

          The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 67 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, June 19:

In a major boost to its workforce, the Punjab School Education Department has promoted 126 Clerks to Senior Assistants from field staff, recognising their hard work. This decision will not only enhance administrative efficiency but also motivate employees to deliver better services.

In a press communique issued today, Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains shared that these promotions will fill all vacant Senior Assistant posts in District Education Officer (DEO) offices and District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs), which would lead to enhanced governance.

Extending heartiest congratulations to the promoted employees, S. Harjot Singh Bains exhorted them to leverage this opportunity to further enhance their performance.

“I’m confident that these promotions will motivate our staff to deliver even better services,” the Education Minister said while adding that by promoting employees and filling key vacancies, the School Education Department showcases its dedication to further streamlining operations and enhancing administrative efficacy.

Chandigarh, May 31:

In a bid to strengthen parents-teachers collaboration and boost students outcomes, the Punjab School Education Department hosted Mega Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) in all the government schools across the state on Saturday, marking a first-ever initiative to engage and inform the parents about their children’s performance before commencement of summer holidays.  said S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of School Education, Punjab.

S. Harjot Singh Bains today personally visited visited government schools in several villages of Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency, including Swamipur, Bhabor Sahib, Kalsera, Rampur Sahni, Maujowal, Chhotewal, Surewal, Sukhsal, Kulgran, to engage with parents, teachers and students.

Over 17 lakh parents have attended the Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs), showcasing an overwhelming response and enthusiasm to receive updates on their children’s academic progress and overall development, said the Education Minister.

Highlighting the objective of the Mega PTMs, the Education Minister stated that the Mega PTMs aimed to boost student learning outcomes through active parental involvement. He added that school heads informed parents about holiday homework and encouraged them to ensure its completion during summer break.

Additionally, parents have also been informed about the syllabus for the bi-monthly test scheduled for July 15, 2025. Furthermore, parents and students in Classes III-VIII have been apprised of video lectures and practice questions under Mission Samarth, designed to promote continuous learning during the summer holidays.

Underscoring the School Education Department’s commitment to fostering a collaborative learning environment in government schools, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that these interactions will further strengthen the bond between home and school, ultimately benefiting the students.

The Education Minister said that the Government schools also celebrated World Environment Day 2025 with activities promoting environmental conservation and sustainability, aligning with the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally.” Alongside the Mega PTM, over 19,000 government participated in tree plantation drives, cloth bag stitching demonstrations, cloth bag distribution, and School Nutrition Garden creation. This initiative aims to foster eco-friendly practices, reduce plastic usage, and promote sustainable living among students to create a greener future.

S. Bains said that Class 6th to 10th celebrated Bagless Day with hands-on activities, including handicrafts, games and artistic performances, to promote experiential learning. These initiative underscores the School Education department’s commitment to student-centred learning and parental involvement, marking a significant step towards holistic education.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, May 28:

          In a major crackdown on narco-illegal-arms smuggling networks amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Border Range Amritsar has arrested three drug traffickers linked to cross-border smuggling and recovered 521 grams of heroin and four sophisticated .30 bore Px5 storm pistols along with seven magazines and 55 live cartridges, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Maninderjit Singh (26) of village Badowal in Gurdaspur, Peter (22) and Lovejit Singh alias Raja (21) of Dharamkot Randhawa in Gurdaspur. Apart from recovering heroin and weapons, police teams have also impounded their two motorcycles, which they were using to deliver consignments.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said preliminary investigations have revealed that the arrested accused persons were in touch with Europe and Pakistan-based drug smugglers, and were receiving narco and weapon consignments from across the border via drones.

          He said that ANTF is actively pursuing both forward and backward linkages to dismantle the entire network. More arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days, said the DGP.

          Sharing operation details, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) ANTF Nilabh Kishore said that ANTF Border Range Amritsar team had received credible inputs about the trio’s involvement in retrieving narcotics and weapons from across the border. Acting swiftly on the inputs, police teams led by Superintendent of Police (SP) ANTF Border Range Amritsar Gurpreet Singh launched an intelligence-led operation and apprehended accused persons from near Shankar Dhaba on Attari Road in Amritsar, he said.

          In this regard, a case FIR No 141 dated 27.05.2025 has been registered under sections 21-C, 25 and 29 of the NDPS Act and section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station ANTF in SAS Nagar.

Chandigarh, May 28:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a scathing attack on Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Majithia, accusing him of hypocrisy and attempting to mislead the public through baseless propaganda. Addressing the media, Mann dismantled Majithia’s recent claims while highlighting Akali Dal’s dubious record during its tenure.

CM Mann slammed Bikram Majithia for politicising a recent tragic incident in Amritsar where a poor man lost his life while attempting to dispose of a live explosive device. Mann said, “Majithia questions law and order. But who is he to speak? During your regime, an SHO was shot while trying to protect the honour of his daughter, and slogans of ‘Majithia Zindabad’ were raised. Have you forgotten this?”

Mann reminded people of the Nabha Jailbreak incident during the Akali regime and questioned the accountability of leaders like Majithia. He emphasized how Akali leaders enabled drug mafias and gangsters, flooding Punjab with drugs and crime. “Whenever drug smugglers or mafias are caught, their connections inevitably lead back to Akali leaders,” Mann said.

Mann said, “Majithia represents a legacy where the poor were jailed for standing up, while the powerful looted Punjab without consequence.” He added, “The Akali Dal built an empire of corruption, allowing unchecked gangsters and smugglers to thrive. Now, they try to posture as saviors of Punjab. The people will no longer buy into their lies.”

CM Mann drew a stark contrast between the governance models of the AAP and Akali Dal. “Unlike Majithia, who thinks only of his personal benefits, my government is committed to policies that prioritize Punjab’s common people. We will never sign off on any policy that harms Punjab or its people,” Mann declared.

Exposing Majithia’s Double Standards

Mann also lashed out at Majithia’s hypocrisy in calling for law and order reforms. “Under Badals and Majithia’s leadership, Akali Dal became a symbol of lawlessness and greed. They are responsible for throwing Punjab into the quagmire of drugs and crime,” Mann stated.

CM Mann contrasted his personal property with the opulence of Akali leaders. “Every election, I have declared my assets. My wealth has consistently reduced because I serve Punjab, not myself. Can Majithia say the same?” Mann challenged.

Mann also delivered a strong warning to corrupt leaders: “Those who exploit the poor and rob Punjab will face justice. No amount of wealth can shield you from the consequences of your actions. Remember, the prayers of the poor and honest always reach God, and their curses are unstoppable.”

Concluding his remarks, CM Mann urged the people of Punjab to reject the Akali Dal’s false narratives and to support honest governance. “The Akali Dal is a relic of a corrupt past. They’ve had their chances and squandered them. It’s time for Punjab to move forward with transparency and development,” Mann affirmed.

Chandigarh May 28, 2025 –

Continuing its relentless drive against corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) today arrested Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Kuldeep Singh, posted at Police Station, Haryana in Hoshiarpur district, red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said the arrest was made following a complaint filed by Robin Kumar, village Ghugyal, district Hoshiarpur. The complainant has approached the VB alleging that a police case was registered against him in the above said police station and investigation of the case was assigned to ASI Kuldeep Singh. However, before registering this FIR, ASI Kuldeep Singh, allegedly acting in connivance with the opposing party, had registered a counter-case against the said complainant, his mother and other family members. Afterwards, ASI Kuldeep Singh threatened the complainant to pay Rs 50,000 otherwise he would falsely implicate his mother in a case involving the theft of a gold chain.

The complainant informed that upon his persistent requests the amount of bribe was negotiated to Rs 30,000 and the ASI had taken Rs 10,000 as a first instalment. As per the complaint, the accused ASI has demanded the balance amount of Rs 20000 and received Rs 5,000 as second instalment. The complainant has recorded the conversation while demanding the remaining amount of illegal gratification on his mobile phone.

The spokesperson further informed that after a preliminary verification of this complaint, the VB team led a trap during which the ASI Kuldip Singh was apprehended red- handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 15,000 in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case has been registered against the accused at the VB Police Station, Jalandhar Range, and further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.

Nabha (Patiala), May 25:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday paid tributes to Maharaja Agarsen Ji.

In a function held here. paying tributes to Maharaja Agarsen ji, the Chief Minister described him as a great ruler, who during his regime gave the message of welfare state by strengthening social harmony and unity. Exhorting the people to seek inspiration from the ideology of Maharaja Agarsen, he said that a real tribute to this legendary ruler would be to follow his teachings, which were still relevant in the present circumstances.  Bhagwant Singh Mann appealed to the people to commemorate this auspicious day rising above the parochial considerations of caste, color, creed and religion.

The Chief Minister called upon the people to seek inspiration from the ideology of Maharaja Agrasen who during his regime gave the message of welfare state by strengthening social harmony and unity. He said that Aggarwal community had played a vital role in the socio-economic progress of the country and hoped this community will further actively participate in the development process in future also.  Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a real tribute to Maharja Agarsen will be to follow his teachings which are still relevant in the present circumstances.

Meanwhile, Paying tributes to Maharaja Agrasen Ji, the National convener of AAP described him as a devotee of non-violence and the messenger of peace. He said that it is heartening that the foundation stone of the new building of Maharaja Agrasen Darbar is being laid in Nabha. Arvind Kejriwal said that the construction of Maharaja Agrasen Darbar is being undertaken by the Agarwal community and around Rs 5 crore rupees will be spent on the construction of this darbar.

The former Delhi Chief Minister said that Maharaja Agrasen Ji was a great and visionary ruler who, during his reign, initiated a unique system to provide livelihood resources to the weaker sections of society. He said that his governance was based on the principle that no one should sleep hungry, no one should be homeless, and no one should be unemployed. Arvind Kejriwal said that in Maharaja Agrasen Ji’s kingdom, there was no distinction between rich and poor—everyone was equal, and socialism was the foundation of the state.

the former Delhi Chief Minister said that in the coming days major investment friendly decisions will be taken by the state government. He said that the motive is to give impetus to the industry of the state and create an environment where they can excel. Arvind Kejriwal said that this will take Punjab to a new zenith of economic progress and prosperity thereby ushering a new and unprecedented era of growth.

Former Delhi Chief Minister announced that traders’ boards will be constituted at state and district level to give a boost to trade and commerce in Punjab. He said that these boards will safeguard the interests of the traders by all means and they will be made partners in socio-economic development of the state. Arvind Kejriwal said that it is imperative to ensure that traders are able to carry on their business in a free and fair manner without any sort of hindrance.

The former Delhi Chief Minister hailed the Aggarwal community for playing a key role in the development and prosperity of the state. He said that the AAP was given a thumping majority by the people of the state but we are clearing the mess created by the previous regimes in every field. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state which was first in per capita income today ranks 17th due to the regressive policies of the previous state governments.