Chandigarh, May 15:

          In a landmark decision, the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has amended the Industrial and Business Development Policy 2022 to introduce a capital subsidy scheme for the installation of paddy straw-based boilers. This progressive move aims to increase farmers’ income, promote effective stubble management, protect the environment, and provide significant benefits to the state’s industrial sector.

          Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Industry Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond announced that the decision to provide capital subsidy for paddy straw as fuel in industrial boilers was taken during the Cabinet meeting held on February 13, 2025. The official notification was issued on February 20, 2025, followed by detailed subsidy guidelines on April 23, 2025.

          The Minister informed that existing industrial units currently using coal, oil or other biomass fuels will be eligible for a capital subsidy if they install new paddy straw-based boilers. The capital subsidy will be Rs. 1 crore per 8 TPH (tonnes per hour) boiler or 33% of the actual expenditure, whichever is less, with a maximum limit of Rs. 5 crore per unit.

          For existing units upgrading their boilers to use paddy straw, a subsidy of Rs. 50 lakh per 8 TPH boiler or 33% of the actual expenditure (whichever is lower) will be provided, subject to a cap of Rs. 2.5 crore per unit. Higher capacity boilers will be reimbursed proportionate subsidy support.

          According to department estimates, 500 to 600 industrial units in Punjab are expected to benefit from this scheme, with Ludhiana-based industries, which are heavily boiler-reliant, likely to see the greatest advantage. The Punjab Government has earmarked a budget of Rs. 60 crore for this scheme.

          Additionally, the Minister highlighted existing incentives such as 100% stamp duty exemption for land purchased for paddy straw storage and handling, along with 100% net State GST reimbursement (capped at 75% of total investment) for seven years.

          He emphasized that the objective of this policy is to encourage industrial development while ensuring environmental protection. The new scheme will help reduce air pollution caused by stubble burning and promote sustainable use of paddy straw as a fuel source, benefiting the environment, farmers, and industries alike.

          Minister Sond stated that stubble burning has long been a serious environmental challenge in Punjab, and the state government has undertaken several measures to address it. Promoting industrial use of paddy straw offers a long-term, sustainable solution to this issue.

          To avail of this scheme, industries must submit Consent to Establish certificate issued by the Punjab Pollution Control Board after February 20, 2025. It is important to note that currently, the scheme is limited to existing industrial units and does not cover new establishments.

          The scheme will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The Minister urged all eligible industries to apply promptly to the Department of Industries to benefit from this initiative. As per the policy, subsidized boilers must operate using paddy straw for at least five years; otherwise, the subsidy will be subject to recovery.

Chandigarh, 15 May 2025:

The Department of Rural Development & Panchayats has issued a fresh communication vide their letter dated 14.5.2025 alongwith a Notification for holding the elections or bye-election as the case may be of the members of the Gram Panchayats. Currently, there are about 60 vacancies of Sarpanch and 1600 vacancies of Panches.

            Accordingly, the State Election Commission has issued instructions to the Deputy Commissioners-cum-District Election Officers in the State to carry out an updation of the electoral rolls which were used during the last general elections held on 15.10.2024.  The qualifying date for registration of new eligible voters has been fixed as 31.5.2025.  The revision of electoral rolls has been directed to be held in those wards or gram panchayats where elections are due to be held on account of vacancy.

            For this purpose, a Special Campaign for addition/deletion of votes, or amendment, has been chalked out as follows:

i.                    19.5.2025 (Monday);

ii.                  20.5.2025 (Tuesday);

iii.                21.5.2025 (Wednesday.

The following forms may be used:

i.                    Form I (Claim application for inclusion of name)

ii.                  Form II (Objection to inclusion of name)

iii.                Form III (Objection to particulars in an entry).

These forms are available with the concerned SDMs,  a copy of the same may also be downloaded from the Commission’s website (sec.punjab.gov.in).

State Election Commission appeals to all eligible voters who wish to get their name enrolled in the voter list of these wards/gram panchayats where elections are due, to utilize this opportunity to get themselves enrolled.  At the same time, in case of objections or amendments, the concerned may submit the Form to the concerned Electoral Registration Officer, i.e. the SDM, for needful action, on any of these 3 days of Special Campaign.

Chandigarh, May 3:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said that like the national freedom struggle state will lead the country in making it free from scourge of drugs.

Addressing the gathering while participating in the pad Yatra against drugs, the Chief Minister said that Punjab had played  a key role in emancipating the country from the clutches of foreign imperialism. He said  that nationalists like Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha and others had steered the country to path of freedom. Bhagwant Singh Mann taking inspiration from them Punjab is today prepared towards making the country free from scourge of drugs.

The Chief Minister said that this land has produced generals, patriots and ace players who had inspired the youth to excel in the field of service of the country. He said that students participating in this spirited ‘Padyatra Against Drugs’ should take a firm pledge to eradicate the drug menace from society.  Emphasising crucial role if youth in building a drug-free Punjab, Bhagwant Singh Mann motivated children to become flag bearers in fight against drugs, stressing that this social evil must be nipped in the bud to ensure a brighter future. 

The Chief Minister urged students to immediately report any drug-related approach to parents or teachers and desist from glorification of drugs in pop culture. 

He also advised youngsters to draw inspiration from legends like Milkha Singh, Olympians Harmanpreet & Manpreet Singh (hockey) and cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur instead of singers promoting drugs through songs. He specifically pointed out that the Punjab Government has intensified its anti-drug campaign with strict enforcement, community engagement and youth awareness programs to dismantle the drug Supply chain and rehabilitate victims.

The Chief Minister said that state government has launched  ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ against the menace of drugs adding that unbounded energy of youth is being  channelized in positive direction. He said that it is imperative to save the generations of the state from scourge of drugs as Punjab has already suffered a huge loss of manpower due to this menace. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has launched this campaign with active support of the common man so that the scourge of drugs can be wiped out from state.

The Chief Minister said that the state government will not sit idly and watch the smugglers bloom at the cost of the dead bodies and pyres of the drug victims. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has already snapped the supply line of drugs and big fishes involved in this heinous crime have been put behind the bars. He said that for the first time the property of the drug smugglers acquired illegally are being destroyed/ confiscated by the state government so that it acts as a deterrent for others.

“No Drugs, No Water Theft”

Chandigarh, May 3

The Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab government’s ambitious ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign to eradicate drug abuse has reached a decisive stage, with every village and ward actively participating in the fight against this menace.

In a statewide mobilisation effort today, five Cabinet Ministers, including Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, Laljit Singh Bhullar, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Hardeep Singh Mundia, Gurmeet Singh Khudiya and Barinder Kumar Goyal, along with 16 MLAs, other political dignitaries, and Civil and Police administration officials, held meetings across multiple districts, urging citizens to join the movement and transform it into a people-led initiative. Along with this, Cabinet Ministers and MLAs also reiterated the government’s commitment to save the waters of Punjab.

During a high-impact event in Mansa, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema condemned previous state governments for their failure to curb drug trafficking, accusing then rulling parties of engaging in divisive and family based politics rather than addressing real issues. He said that the Mann government has already taken concrete steps to suppress drug circulation and is now waging a final battle to eliminate the scourge altogether. He vowed that drug traffickers would not be tolerated at any cost, reinforcing the vision of a ‘Rangla Punjab’—vibrant and free from drug abuse. MLAs Jagdeep Kamboj Goldy, Dr. Vijay Singla, Principal Budh Ram and Gurpreet Singh Bananwali were also present at the gathering.

In Tarn Taran, at the ‘Pinda de Pehredar’ program, Cabinet Ministers Laljit Singh Bhullar along with MLAs Amansher Singh Kalsi, Sarwan Singh Dhun and Dr. Kashmir Singh Sohal emphasized that law enforcement agencies have been given full autonomy to take swift action against drug traffickers. They urged citizens to spread awareness and report drug trade activities, reinforcing community vigilance.

At a district-level Village Defence Committee meeting held at Sirhind in Fatehgarh Sahib, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond declared that drug abuse will not be tolerated under any circumstances in Punjab, and the looting of the state’s water resources will be strictly prevented. He along with MLAs Lakhbir Singh Rai, Rupinder Singh Happy and Gurinder Singh Gary Baring also administered an oath to the members of the Village Defence Committees to eradicate drugs and encouraged them to work with full commitment.

Meanwhile, in Ludhiana, Cabinet Ministers Hardeep Singh Mundia, Ashok Parashar Pappi, Rajinder Pal Kaur Chhina, Madan Lal Bagga, Kulwant Singh Sidhu, Hakam Singh Thekedar and Sarabjit Kaur Manuke sent a stern warning to drug traffickers that either they should abandon the trade or leave Punjab. The crackdown will continue with unrelenting force, they added.

At a gathering in Sri Muktsar Sahib, Cabinet Ministers Barinder Kumar Goyal and Gurmeet Singh Khudian, alongside Chief Whip Prof. Baljinder Kaur, Jagdeep Singh Kaka Brar and Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon rallied people to align with the government’s mission. They stressed that eliminating drug abuse is pivotal to securing a brighter future for Punjab’s youth, ensuring they have opportunities for growth and success.

Garhshankar, May 3, 2025:

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today presided over the Youth Club Leadership Program organized by the Aam Aadmi Party in Garhshankar, where he inspired young people to work in the interest of the nation.

 In his motivating address, the Chief Minister urged the youth to take a leading role in nation-building. Addressing young volunteers of the Aam Aadmi Party who had gathered from various districts of Punjab, he stated that the youth are the true strength of the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann recalled that freedom fighters like Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, and Kartar Singh Sarabha sacrificed their lives for the nation at a very young age.

The Chief Minister said Shaheed Bhagat Singh was martyred at 23, and Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha at just 19, Yet they continue to live in the hearts of every Indian. He further said that Their sacrifice ensures that Bhagat Singh will always be remembered as 23 and Sarabha as 19. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that Kartar Singh Sarabha’s family owned over 300 acres of land at the time—he could have chosen a luxurious life by studying abroad—but instead, he dedicated everything to the nation.

The Chief Minister said that These martyrs remain our role models to this day. He added, “At an age when today’s youth are demanding motorcycles and cars from their parents, these martyrs were demanding independence from British rule. We must adopt their ideology in our own lives.” Referring to Chandrashekhar Azad’s plan to throw a bomb in the Assembly, Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted that Shaheed Bhagat Singh was not originally part of the plan but volunteered for it, showing his deep commitment to patriotism and sacrifice.

The Chief Minister said that Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Rajguru could have negotiated with the British and lived longer lives, but they chose unwavering service to the nation instead. “We have lived three times the lifespan of those martyrs,” Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “so we must now shed all fear and work for the betterment of Punjab and the country.” Quoting Gurbani and Sufi literature, the he also shared a verse by Mian Muhammad Bakhsh: “God does not place the burden of responsibility on everyone—only those who are strong enough to bear it are chosen.”

The Chief Minister told the youth that they have been chosen for a reason and must now fulfill their responsibilities with full commitment. “You will find people trying to drag you down, and the path ahead may be slippery—but no matter the challenges, we must achieve our goals” he added. Bhagwant Singh Mann reminded them of Punjabi bravery: “We have stood up to warriors like Alexander and Aurangzeb. Our icons, Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, sacrificed their lives but never bowed. They were bricked alive but remained steadfast in their faith.”

Reflecting on his past, the Chief Minister said, “Earlier, as an artist, I used to visit villages and earn money. Today, as Chief Minister, I return to those same villages, repaying that money with interest in the form of government grants.”

He also addressed Punjab’s ongoing water crisis and the SYL (Sutlej-Yamuna Link) canal dispute. Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that Punjab never wanted conflict, but it has repeatedly been dragged into fights. Now, after border disputes, the state is being forced into a water war.

The Chief Minister said that he personally visited Nangal Dam to stop the release of excess water. “Punjab will no longer tolerate bullying,” he declared.

However, Bhagwant Singh Mann offered a practical solution to the Center, suggesting that if the water currently blocked from entering Pakistan is diverted into Punjab’s dams, then Punjab can supply water to Haryana through Bhakra. He also revealed that the Punjab government has written six times to the Haryana government, warning them about excessive water usage, but received no serious response.

The Chief Minister noted that as soon as the BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board) gave a verdict against Punjab, an all-party meeting was called, and a strong message was sent to the Center and Haryana. A special session of the Assembly has also been called on Monday to address the issue, he added. Bhagwant Singh Mann warned that many districts in Punjab have entered the “dark zone,” with groundwater levels dropping below 600 feet in some areas adding that In response, the government has resolved to supply water to every farm through canals.

The Youth Club Leadership Program in Garhshankar was also addressed by AAP Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia and several other senior leaders.

During the event, all youth participants pledged that this team of 117 will soon mobilize thousands and lakhs of young people to actively serve Punjab.

Chandigarh: April 29:

Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO, today inspected the construction of the four-lane Railway Over Bridge (RoB) on the A-25 railway line (Kakka Kandiala railway line) in Tarn Taran and the bridge being built on the route from Sultanwind village in Sri Amritsar Sahib to Tarn Taran Sahib. These two bridges will facilitate smooth traffic flow between Sri Amritsar Sahib and Tarn Taran, freeing residents from traffic congestion issues.

The Cabinet Minister directed the companies involved in both construction projects to ensure completion by December 2025 under all circumstances.

He inspected the ongoing construction at the A-25 Kakka Kandiala railway line in Tarn Taran. He was accompanied by MLA Dr. Kashmir Singh Sohal during the inspection.

The Cabinet Minister informed that 31 percent of the overbridge construction work has been completed. He said that while the bridge was initially scheduled for completion by June 2026, prioritizing public convenience will allow completion approximately six months earlier, by December 2025, when it will be dedicated to the public. The four-lane ROB was estimated to cost approximately Rs.82.88 crore but will be completed for around Rs.70 crore, saving the government approximately Rs.13 crore.

He said that traffic congestion in the historic city of Tarn Taran has been steadily increasing and thousands of devotees visiting Sri Darbar Sahib Tarn Taran and Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar face significant travel difficulties due to traffic problems. The four-lane ROB will provide substantial relief to commuters.

Notably, PWD Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO laid the foundation stone for the four-lane overbridge on the A-25 railway line (Kakka Kandiala railway line) in September 2024 to address the growing traffic issues in Tarn Taran city.

Later, the Cabinet Minister also inspected the construction of the bridge being built by the Punjab Government from Sultanwind village’s wire bridge in Sri Amritsar Sahib toward Tarn Taran Sahib to eliminate long traffic jams. Construction of this bridge was initiated in October 2024 with a completion deadline of June 2026. After reviewing the progress, he announced that this bridge construction would also be completed by December 2025 to accommodate local residents and travelers. MLA Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar was also present on this occasion.

The Cabinet Minister said that on Dr. Nijjar’s recommendation, the state government had approved Rs.34.20 crore for this bridge, but the department will complete it for around Rs.22.68 crore, resulting in government savings of Rs.11.52 crore. This 725-meter-long and 14-meter-wide bridge will have 5.5-meter-wide service lanes constructed on both sides and drains for water drainage and rainwater harvesting systems will be installed on both sides of the flyover, he added.

The Cabinet Minister said that the completion of this bridge will ease travel for devotees visiting Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar, Tarn Taran Sahib, Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh Ji Shaheedan, Tahla Sahib and Baba Buddha Ji religious sites, making traffic jams a thing of the past. He said that residents of colonies along the Amritsar bypass and the historic Sultanwind will also experience significant relief from this bridge construction.

CHANDIGARH/FARIDKOT/MOGA, April 22:

          In order to develop robust police infrastructure as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Tuesday inaugurated slew of developments projects in Faridkot and Moga during his visit to both the districts to review the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ anti-drugs campaign.

          The DGP has inaugurated three projects in Faridkot including state-of-the-art Cyber Crime Police Station, a Conference Hall equipped with hi-tech gadgets and a Briefing hall with seating capacity of 250 persons, while, a futuristic Smart Police Control Room has been inaugurated in Moga district. The DGP was accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Faridkot Range Ashwani Kapur.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav, while interacting with the media in Faridkot, said that the Cyber Crime Police Station— equipped with advanced digital forensic tools, has been established to address online financial fraud, identity theft, and cyberbullying. The Faridkot Police has already returned 260 lost mobile phones to owners and reimbursed Rs 90 lakhs to cyber fraud victims, he added.

          Appreciating the extra ordinary efforts of the Faridkot Police in making Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign a huge success, the DGP said that Faridkot Police with the support and cooperation of the public has developed a meticulous follow-up system and have arrested over 300 drug peddlers since the launch of the special drive on March 1, 2025. Faridkot is the top district which has registered maximum first information reports (FIRs) following the tips on the Punjab Government’s Safe Punjab Anti-Drug Helpline ‘9779100200’.

          He also joined the ‘Bada Khana’ lunch organised by the Faridkot Police, which provided an opportunity to officers of all ranks to interact with the Head of the Police Force and exchange ideas, thereby strengthening the bond that is essential for effective teamwork in the field.

          Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Farikot Dr Pragya Jain apprised the DGP that under the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, Faridkot Police has arrested over 300 drug peddlers after registration of 150 FIRs and recovered 4.7 kg heroin, 3Kg opium, 130 kg poppy husk, Rs 3.83 lakh drug money. Property worth more than Rs 5 crores have been freezed under 68F NDPS giving a considerable blow to drug network in District Faridkot, she added.

          The DGP has also engaged with citizens of Faridkot during a public outreach under “Yudh Nashian Virudh” and solicited their support in fight against drugs.

          In Moga, DGP Gaurav Yadav, while inaugurating the Smart Police Control Room, said that this facility is equipped with cutting edge surveillance systems and advanced monitoring technologies which will enhance crime prevention, monitor suspicious activities, and aid in tracing criminal elements effectively.

          He said that Moga Police has installed 140 surveillance cameras— including 107 Bullet cameras and 33 Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras—in Moga City, Baghapurana, and Dharamkot. These are AI-enabled cameras, which will also monitor inter-district checkpoints, he said.

          He also announced to install additional 100 CCTV cameras across Nihal Singh Wala, Baghapurana, and Dharamkot sub-divisions.

          The DGP has also interacted with the police officers posted as SHOs and DSPs/SPs in district Moga and reviewed the progress on the Punjab Government’s ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ by taking their suggestions for improvements in enforcement and prevention strategies.

          SSP Moga Ajay Gandhi, while thanking the DGP for announcing the installation of 100 more CCTV cameras in the district, said that these cameras will be installed with focus on drug hotspots and inter-district roads to prevent the street crime and keep vigil around drug smugglers.

          Sharing outcomes of Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, the SSP said that Moga police has arrested 282 drug peddlers after registering 171 FIRs and recovered 6.2 kg heroin, 148 kg poppy husk, 12 lakh intoxicant pills and Rs 3.11 lakh drug money from their possession.

          Meanwhile, the DGP also honoured high-performing officials and personnel of Faridkot and Moga Police with DGP Commendation Discs and appreciation letters to encourage and motivate them to perform their duties more effectively.

Chandigarh, April 15 :

In a significant move to bolster Punjab’s power transmission infrastructure, Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO announced the successful execution of extensive upgrades to the 66KV substation transmission network by Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) during the fourth quarter of FY 2024-25.

Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to delivering reliable electricity to every household and industry, the Minister highlighted that PSPCL has undertaken substantial infrastructure enhancements, including the augmentation and addition of Power Transformers, new 66KV substations, and expansion of high-voltage lines.

“Punjab is on a mission to provide uninterrupted and quality power supply to its people, and these upgrades are a major step in that direction,” said Harbhajan Singh ETO. “Our government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is dedicated to strengthening the power backbone of the state to support development and economic growth.”

During FY 2024-25, PSPCL commissioned 5 new 66KV grid substations and augmented 101 Power Transformers at an approximate cost of Rs.250 crore. Additionally, around 200 circuit kilometers of 66KV transmission lines were erected or upgraded with an investment of Rs.160 crore.

Specifically, in the fourth quarter (January to March 2025), 37 Power Transformers with a total capacity of 354 MVA were  newly installed or augmented across various districts, with a project cost of approximately Rs.82 crore. These works have improved electricity infrastructure in key areas such as Ludhiana, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Gurdaspur, Barnala, and Sangrur, ensuring better load management and power reliability.

Ludhiana, being a vital industrial hub  of Punjab, received a major boost through the augmentation of power transformers at several key substations including Rajguru Nagar, Alamgir, Dugri, Kanganwal, and Chandigarh Road. These upgrades, totaling over Rs.14 crore in investment, are expected to significantly enhance electricity supply in urban estates, industrial zones, and high-demand residential sectors such as BRS Nagar, Pakhowal Road, and Ferozepur Road. The strengthened infrastructure will support Ludhiana’s economic growth and uninterrupted power supply in peak seasons.

Power Minister Singh emphasize that such proactive developments not only further improve day-to-day power supply but also create a robust system capable of handling future demand surge .

“PSPCL’s efforts reflect our vision of a ‘Power Surplus Punjab,’ where industries thrive, and citizens are empowered with uninterrupted electricity,” he added.

Power Minister said the government plans to continue investing in infrastructure to modernize the state’s power systems, reduce transmission losses, and provide world-class service to its consumers.

Chandigarh April 13:

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan extended millions of greetings to the people of Punjab on the holy festival of Khalsa Panth Sajna Diwas and Baisakhi. He  prayed to God to shower His choicest blessings on the people of Punjab and also wished for their happiness, prosperity, peace and spirit of service. He added that nature be kind to the farmers during the harvesting of Rabi crop.