Chandigarh/Lehragaga, April 13:

Punjab Cabinet Minister Sh. Brindar Kumar Goyal today honoured outstanding students who excelled in speech and writing competitions organized to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution.

Presiding as the chief guest at the commemorative event held in village Rajalehri of Lehragaga constituency, Sh. Goyal exhorted the students to draw inspiration from Dr. Ambedkar’s remarkable life journey and achievements. The competitions, organized by the Sri Guru Ravidas Committee in collaboration with the Gram Panchayat, saw enthusiastic participation from local school students.

While addressing the gathering, the Cabinet Minister stressed on the continuous self-improvement in today’s competitive environment. “To excel in the contemporary competitive era, one must constantly refine and enhance one’s talents,” the Minister Goyal exhorted students, adding that The foundation for future accomplishments is laid during childhood through dedicated effort. Participating in such competitions helps identify areas for improvement and fosters commitment to personal growth, he added.

The Cabinet Minister urged students to emulate Dr. Ambedkar, who rose from poverty to establish his distinct identity worldwide through his hard work, dedication and honesty.

He also vehemently condemned Gurpatwant Pannu for his derogatory remarks against Dr. Ambedkar, terming such behaviour as cowardly and reprehensible.

He commended the Sri Guru Ravidas Committee and the Gram Panchayat for organizing such event and presented commemorative mementos to the top three performers in the competitions. Following the ceremony, the Minister also inspected the ongoing construction of a new stadium in the village.

Prominent amongst others who were present on this occasion included Sri Guru Ravidas Committee President Manjit Singh, PA Rakesh Kumar Gupta, members Lakhbir Singh, Lakhwinder Singh, Jaswinder Singh, Birwal Singh, Rajveer Singh, Manpreet Singh, Block Presidents Karmjit Singh and Chamkaur Singh, Manga Singh.

Chandigarh/Gurdaspur, April 13:

          Taking immediate action in a violence took place at District Hospital Babbri (Gurdaspur) last night, a first information reports (FIR) has been registered against both the parties. Deputy Commissioner Gurdaspur Mr. Dalwinderjit Singh, IAS, SSP Gurdaspur Mr. Aditya, IPS and Civil Surgeon Dr. Prabhjot Kaur Kalsi visited the District Hospital today and took stock of the entire situation.

Taking strict notice of this incident, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said that the hospital is a peaceful place and any kind of violence, clashes, quarrels or vandalism will not be tolerated in the premises of the hospital under any circumstances. He said that violence against any medical personnel and damage to hospital property is a non-bailable offence and any violation of hospital protocol will not be tolerated at any cost. He has directed the district administration to take strict legal action against the culprits.

Meanwhile, talking to reporters at District Hospital Gurdaspur, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Dalwinderjit Singh said that the persons who clashed at District Hospital Gurdaspur will not be spared and a case has been registered against all the culprits. He said that the administration will make the culprits pay 10 times for all the damage caused to the hospital. On this occasion, he took all the information about the incident from the doctors and health staff of the hospital and assured to ensure the security of the hospital.

On this occasion, SSP Gurdaspur Mr. Aditya said that all the accused involved in clash at the hospital have been identified and a case has been registered against the accused persons under the relevant sections of Punjab Protection Of Medicare Service Persons And Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention Of Violence And Damage To Property) Act. He said that this dispute took place between two parties and no doctor or staff was harmed during the clash. He said that provisions were also made regarding the damage caused to the hospital during the dispute. He said that all the accused will be arrested soon. He said that no one will be allowed to create ruckus in the hospitals.

Civil Surgeon Dr. Prabhjot Kaur Kalsi said that this incident happened last night when one party in the dispute had reached the District Hospital Babbri (Gurdaspur) for treatment when in the meantime, people from the other party came to the hospital and started an arguing, which resulted in a clash between both the parties.

Chandigarh, April 13:

Giving a big relief to the Punjabis, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has approved a One-Time Relaxation (OTR) policy regarding non-construction fees and outstanding allotment amounts for allottees of the state’s Improvement Trusts. This decision will provide substantial relief to allottees and waive the interest charged.

Divulging further, Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh said that keeping the public interest in mind, the Mann government has approved the OTR policy for outstanding amounts from allottees of residential and commercial properties under Improvement Trusts, which will give people an opportunity to deposit their outstanding property payments.

The Cabinet Minister said, as per certain conditions of One-Time Relaxation, which must be followed, allottees who have received allotment letters less than 15 years ago or more than 15 years ago will receive a 50 percent discount on the total non-construction fee (principal amount plus interest). Similarly, for those whose allotment period exceeds 15 years, the non-construction fee will be fixed at 5 percent of the reserve rate.

Dr. Ravjot Singh informed that this policy will provide an additional 25 percent discount on non-construction fees for senior citizens, women and legal heirs of armed or paramilitary forces personnel killed in any action, over and above the existing exemptions.

The Local Government Minister said that the OTR policy will also apply to regularize properties allotted by Improvement Trusts, after depositing outstanding amounts as per the allotment letter. He clarified that this exemption will only apply to cases where the allottee has deposited one-fourth of the bid amount after allotment of the respective property.

The Cabinet Minister further said that under this policy, allottees can regularize their property by paying the applicable simple interest rate on the outstanding amount as per rules issued from time to time and restoration charges at 2.5% of the reserve rate for 2025-26. He mentioned that this policy provides complete exemption from penal interest.

Dr. Ravjot Singh informed that to avail benefits under this policy, allottees must ensure they send their request to the concerned Improvement Trust manually or via email by July 31, 2025 and are obligated to deposit the outstanding amount at the concerned Improvement Trust by December 31, 2025.

The Local Government Minister further said that implementation of this policy will not only improve the financial condition of Improvement Trusts through collection of outstanding amounts but will also eliminate public complaints and unwanted litigation.

Chandigarh, April 9:

 Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday called upon the newly promoted officers of Punjab Police Service (PPS) to work diligently and with full honesty for wiping out the curse of drugs from the state.

Welcoming the 17 newly promoted Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) from Technical cadre, the Chief Minister said that Punjab is fighting nation’s war against drugs and Police is playing an important role in it. He said that in wake of this the Police officers have a huge role to play in making Punjab a drug free state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is the need of hour to save our coming generations from the scourge of drugs.

The Chief Minister said that state government is equipping the Punjab Police with best infrastructural facilities and modernizing it on scientific lines to enable it for tackling the law and order situation effectively. He 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 and to 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 newly promoted officers Punjab Police will uphold the glorious legacy of serving the people with utmost professional commitment.

The Chief Minister also exhorted them to put in their best efforts in work while asking them to understand the problems being faced by people at grassroots level and work devotedly to resolve them. He expressed hoped that the newly promoted officers will use their post for helping the needy and underprivileged sections of society. Bhagwant Singh Mann exhorted the officers ensure maximum welfare of the public so that every section of society is benefited from it.

Chandigarh/Dirba/Sangrur, April 9

As a significant step in the Punjab Sikhya Kranti, Punjab Finance, Taxation, Excise, and Planning Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday inaugurated development projects totaling approximately Rs. 1 crore 9 lakh in three government schools within the Vidhan Sabha constituency of Dirba. The inauguration ceremony marked the commencement of infrastructure enhancements amounting to Rs. 31 lakh at Government High School Rogla, Rs. 28.50 lakh at Government Senior Secondary School Lad Banjara Kalan, and Rs. 50 lakh at Government Senior Secondary School Kauhrian.

Speaking at the events, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Punjab Government under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to modernizing education and elevating the standards of government schools. He said that the Aam Aadmi Party government since its formation in 2022 undertaken a number of transformative efforts to uplift the level of education in the state, and the state is advancing towards becoming frontrunner in education through these transformative initiatives.

Lashing at the SAD-BJP and Congress led previous state governments for neglecting the education sector, Finance Minister said that it leads to the proliferation of private schools and making quality education unaffordable for many. “In contrast, the current government has prioritized grassroots reforms resulting in significant improvements in school infrastructure and teacher training”, said Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema while adding that the teachers from state government schools have received advanced training at prestigious institutions such as IIT Ahmedabad, as well as in Singapore and Finland, to enhance their teaching methodologies.

The Finance Minister proudly shared that approximately 200 students from government schools have successfully cleared the prestigious JEE Mains examination, a testament to the constructive environment fostered by the Government. He further added that over the past three years, services of 20,000 teachers have been regularised, with their salaries increased from a modest Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 28,000, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of educators.

Finance Minister Cheema encouraged students to pursue higher education with determination and hard work, emphasizing that education is the key to achieving great heights in life. He also urged parents and teachers to nurture children’s skills continuously, assuring them that consistent efforts and encouragement would lead to success.

Meanwhile, mentioning the efforts being made under ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, the Finance Minister appealed to the public to support efforts to eradicate drug trafficking and ensure a drug-free state. He also highlighted the wave of development sweeping across Punjab, with enhanced facilities being provided in villages and cities, including the Dirba constituency.

Chandigarh, April 3:

          Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Persons with Disabilities, the Punjab Government has disbursed a loan amount of ₹9.14 crore to 522 beneficiaries during the financial year 2024-25. This includes a subsidy of ₹1.46 crore. Punjab’s Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, shared this information today.

          Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is consistently striving to empower marginalized and underprivileged sections of society through education, financial support, and social upliftment. She emphasized that the Punjab Scheduled Castes and Persons with Disabilities Finance and Development Corporation is providing concessional loans to help these sections of society pursue self-employment and higher education.

          The Cabinet Minister further explained that under various schemes run by the state government, any individual from the Scheduled Caste community aged between 18 and 55 years, with an annual income of up to ₹3 lakh, is eligible to avail of loans for self-employment or higher education. Similarly, persons with disabilities aged between 18 and 60 years, with at least 40% disability, regardless of their caste, are also eligible for these loans.

          Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that the Punjab Government is taking new initiatives to uplift socially and economically weaker sections, ensuring equal opportunities in employment and education.

Chandigarh, April 2:

Punjab State Information Commissioner Mr. Harpreet  Sandhu today Presented his Art Work to Chief secretary U T Chandigarh Sh. Rajeev  Verma at UT Secretariat.

This Pictorial art paid remarkable tribute to India’s rich cultural heritage and natural splendor,  symbolizing the “Pride of Peacock – Glory of India” this artistic masterpiece prepared by Sh. Harpreet Sandhu, serves as a creative endeavor to emphasize the significance of the National Bird of India and foster an intrinsic bond between humanity and nature.

The initiative aims to promote cultural exchange among different States- Union Territories of the Nation, underscoring the collective responsibility to preserve the natural heritage that binds the diverse tapestry of India.

On this occasion, Sh. Rajeev Verma acknowledged the artistic contribution of Harpreet Sandhu and stated the work as a visual representation of India’s ecological and cultural ethos. He further emphasized the relevance of such initiatives in instilling a sense of environmental consciousness and appreciation for national symbols.

On this occasion State Information Commissioners of Punjab Mr Sandeep S Dhaliwal & Mrs Pooja Gupta were also present.

Chandigarh/New Delhi, April 2

Aam Aadmi Party Lok Sabha member from Sangrur Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer today strongly opposed the Waqf Bill in Parliament. With his strong and logical arguments, he termed it as the bill that paves the way for the BJP government to loot and interfere in Affairs of minority religions. This bill has been brought to grab Waqf properties, said Meet Hayer.

He also said that with this bill, the gateway has been opened to loot minority religions. Today, there is an attack on Waqf, in future, there may be tinkering with matters of other minority religions like Sikhs, Buddhists etc. With this bill, Article 14 has been directly violated.

According to the law, how will we find out whether a person is worshipping in his private life?

Meet Hayer said that the BJP’s politics of dividing the country is clearly visible in this bill. He said that the attitude of the central government towards Muslims has been visible in the last 11 years from actions and rhetorical speeches. The Home Minister calls the government serious towards Muslims, but not a single BJP Lok Sabha member is a Muslim and neither is there a Muslim MLA in Uttar Pradesh from BJP. 

The MP said that the government has talked about implementing the recommendations of the Sachar Committee, but the Sachar Committee report also says that 70 percent of the Waqf Board properties in the country have been occupied and 355 are in the possession of the government. What has the government done about this? He said that many historical buildings, mosques, and educational institutions in the country are hundreds of years old, from where will they get the necessary papers?

Meet Hayer, giving an example of Malerkotla’s, which is part of his parliamentary constituency, mutual brotherhood and unity of all religions from the time of Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan’s slogan of “Haa the Naara” also cautioned the central government against creating divisions on the basis of religion. He said that he would do his best to fulfil the promise made to the residents of Malerkotla and oppose this bill.

The AAP Lok Sabha member said that the Constitution of the country has been attacked by this bill. Under Article 26, they can form and run their own organization and today this very right has been attacked.

Chandigarh, April 2

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Wednesday, arrested Jasveer Singh, a Lineman with Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), posted at PSPCL’s North division in Patiala and residing in Jhill village of the district, red handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the VB said the PSPCL official has been arrested based on a complainant lodged by a resident of Patiala.
He further added that the complainant had approached the VB after the said accused Jasveer Singh had demanded bribe to install a new domestic electricity meter at his home.

The spokesperson informed that after preliminary verification of his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the aforementioned accused was apprehended red handed while he was accepting the bribe of Rs 10000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. The VB personnel recovered the bribe money from his possession. In this regard an ase has been registered against the accused under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act at VB police station Patiala Range. Further investigations are ongoing to ascertain if more persons were involved in the case, he said.

Chandigarh, April 2

Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday handed over appointment letters to two Excise and Taxation Inspectors and two Clerks in the Excise and Taxation Department, reinforcing the department’s crucial role in revenue collection

Congratulating the newly appointed officials, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema underscored the importance of integrity, dedication, and commitment in public service. He expressed confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully to the Excise and Taxation Department, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the government’s revenue stream remains robust and transparent.

“The Excise and Taxation Department stands as a cornerstone of the Punjab Government’s fiscal framework. These appointments reflect our commitment to strengthening our workforce with capable and diligent individuals who will help in effective revenue collection and management,” said Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.

Reiterating Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to employment generation and efficient revenue management, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that this recruitment drive not only reinforces the Excise and Taxation department but also aligns with the Punjab Government’s broader vision of providing employment opportunities to the youth. With a strong emphasis on job creation, economic growth, and empowerment, the government is actively implementing policies that foster career opportunities and sustainable development across the state, he added.