Chandigarh, March 24

Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the approach road to Guru Gobind Singh Super Thermal Plant, Ghanauli will get a facelift soon and a high-level meeting of all stakeholders will be conducted shortly.

Responding to a call attention notice in the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Harbhajan Singh ETO said that Guru Gobind Singh Super Thermal Plant, Ghanauli (Ropar) is currently accessed by two roads. He said that the thermal plant has already constructed its approach road from village Malikpur near BML bridge of NH-205 to Guru Gobind Singh Super Thermal Plant along the canal, and the maintenance of this road is also being done by them. The length of this road is about three kilometres. This road is used by the thermal plant for the movement of heavy vehicles.

The Cabinet Minister said that apart from this, the thermal plant is also accessible from NH-205 (from Chandpur to Lohgarh) up to the Thermal Plant via Gujarat Ambuja Cement Factory in village Nuhon. This is a link road of the Public Works Department which is 5.90 km long and 22 feet wide.

Due to the movement of heavy vehicles belonging to Gujarat Ambuja Cement Factory and the Super Thermal Plant on this road, the people of the adjoining villages face significant difficulties, and accidents often occur on this stretch. The residents of the adjoining villages had stopped the movement of tippers carrying pond ash from the thermal plant due to dust pollution. He said that meetings are underway with the local administration, Public Works Department and local residents regarding the plan for a major route for commercial vehicles of the thermal plant.

Ludhiana, March 17

National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that the state government has resolved a major problem faced by the industrialists  from the last 32 years by introducing the One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme.

Interacting with the industrialists during a Sanatkaar Milni here today, the former Delhi Chief Minister, accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, said that the state government is solidly with the industrialists of the state. Arvind Kejriwal said that those in power during previous times used to seek share in the success of industry due to which the industrialists fled from the state. He said that he had personally convened three rounds of meetings with the industrialists in 2022, 2023 and 2025.

Arvind Kejriwal said that the sole motive is to give impetus to the industry of the state for which no stone has been left unturned. He said that due to discussion and feedback of industrialists even the works pending from the last more than 30 years have been solved.  The former Delhi Chief Minister said that the AAP government is cleaning the mess made by the previous regimes.

The National Convener said that the AAP government is not hesitant to take bold decisions for the sake of the welfare of the common man. Arvind Kejriwal reiterated a zero tolerance policy against corruption and said that no one involved in this heinous crime will be spared.  The National Convener of AAP said that in coming 4-5 months all the public dealing services will be made online through the sewa kendras to plug the loopholes for corruption.

He further said that even efforts are being made to make the registry of land deeds corruption free. Likewise, he said that feedback mechanisms on a real time basis will be ensured so as to evaluate that the public get all the services hassle free and smooth.  Likewise, he said that there was a Chief Minister of state who was most inaccessible and never came out of his house to listen to problems faced by industrialists.

The National Convener of AAP said that they are cleaning the mess created by the previous regimes but all out efforts are being made to put industry back on track. He said that initiatives like revision in Fire safety norms, introduction of green stamp papers and others have given a huge reprieve to the industry. Arvind Kejriwal said that Industrial Policy of 2022 has given a huge impetus to the industry of the state but on suggestions of industrialists  a new industrial policy will be framed.

The former Delhi Chief Minister said that for this purpose industrial policies of several states are being studied and best practices will be adopted. He also asked the industrialists to become active partners in policy making by giving their valuable suggestions.  Arvind Kejriwal also said that the state government is making all out efforts to revamp infrastructure in all Focal points across the state.

National Convener of AAP said that in order to give speedy clearance to the new projects all the applications received for such purpose will be cleared within 45 days failing which it will be deemed approved. He also said that exhibition centres will be set up across the state for which the state government is making relentless efforts. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state government has waged a war against gangsters and he solicited fulsome support and cooperation of industrialists in this noble cause.

The former Delhi Chief Minister urged the industrialists to immediately report the calls of extortions from gangsters to the Police so that necessary action is taken against them. He said that though the majority of these calls are bogus, but then also the state government will provide adequate security to the industrialists. Arvind Kejriwal said that 112 number is being strengthened and the response time of Police will be reduced to eight minutes from the existing 30 minutes.

The former Delhi Chief Minister said that drugs is the major problem being confronted by the state in current times and unfortunately those addicted to drugs spend Rs 3000-4000 daily for the sake of purchasing drugs. He said that to get the money for drugs the disarrayed youth indulge in crime and other acts which is posing serious problems in the state. However, Arvind Kejrwal said that the state government has formulated a foolproof strategy to wipe out this menace.

The National Convener of AAP bemoaned that the Akalis had patronised a drug cartel in the state and even their top leader was involved in it. Arvind Kejriwal said that the Congress government that succeeded Akalis did nothing for tackling this crime but the AAP government has today waged a war against drug smugglers and their property is being seized and destroyed. He said that those involved in drug smuggling will not be spared and severe action will be taken against them adding that a foolproof strategy has been formulated to snap the supply line of drugs and put smugglers behind the bars.

Former Delhi Chief Minister said that 70% of the drugs are smuggled from Pakistan across the border via drones and are subsequently supplied in the state. He said that the state government has joined hands with BSF by launching anti-drone technology to check the movement of drones. Likewise, Arvind Kejriwal said that noose is being further tightened against the Hawala racketeers to check the use of drug money.  

The National Convener of AAP also said that 5000 Home guards will be deployed in the border districts of the state to check drug menace. He said that in order to wean away youth from the menace of drugs, playgrounds and gyms will be opened in every village of the state. Arvind Kejriwal said that this will help in channelizing unbounded energy of youth in a positive direction and make them an active partner in socio-economic progress of the state.  

Meanwhile, the former Delhi Chief Minister renewed a pledge to bring transformative changes in every sector of the state in the coming two years by chalking out a comprehensive blueprint for this. He said that there was a time when Punjab was leader in every field, however he said then power came into hands of those who plundered its wealth. However, Arvind Kejriwal said that the AAP government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is focusing on the holistic development of the state for which no stone will be left unturned.

The National Convener of AAP announced that a major facelift will be given to the state in the coming two years and all the roads, the cities and villages will be repaired or relayed in the coming 18 months. Likewise, he said that in order to give impetus to development of cities a complete roadmap has been prepared. Arvind Kejriwal said that in166 cities the state government will ensure water supply, sewerage facility, cleanliness, roads, lights and STP in two years.

On the occasion Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh and Hardeep Singh Mundian, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora and others were also present.

Ludhiana, March 17

Captains of Industry on Monday hailed the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for taking several industrial friendly decisions to give impetus to the industrial development in the state.

President of CCU Upkar Singh Ahuja hailed the Chief Minister and state government for taking path breaking initiatives to boost industrial development in the state. He said that every issue that is flagged before the state government is resolved by the state government which is unprecedented. He said that the officers come at the doorsteps of the industrialists to solve their problem which has happened for the first time. 

Amit Thapar from CII Punjab, said that the state government has proactively listened to the problems of the industry of the state. He said that for the first time in the history of the state, the entire machinery of the Punjab government, including senior Ministers, is a phone call away. Amit Thapar said that envisioned that this pace of industrial development will be continued in the coming days too as the industrial policy of the state is a catalyst for it.

Chairman of CII Punjab Amit Jain said that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Punjab has witnessed a number of progressive and industrial friendly decisions. He extended his sincere gratitude to the state government for several out of the box decisions that has given a major fillip to the industrial development in the state. Amit Jain also assured fulsome support and cooperation to the state government for making Punjab a frontrunner state in industrial development. 

Convener Apex Chamber of Industry Rahul Ahuja also appreciated several industrial friendly decisions taken by the Chief Minister. He said that the revolutionary changes in the health and education sector touched the hearts of every citizen adding that for the first time problems of industry have been resolved. Rahul Ahuja said that whatever the industrialists have sought has been given by the state government.

Convener of CII Neeraj Satija said that every industrialist is happy with the key decisions taken by the state government to boost the industrial sector. He said that every Industrialist has been immensely benefited by the pro-industry policies of the state government. Neeraj Satija also appreciated several progressive policies introduced by the state government to help the industrial units.

President of Industry and Trade Pankaj Sharma said that ever since formation of the state government, progress and prosperity is being witnessed in the industrial sector. He said that the state government had done hand holding of the MSME sector in Punjab due to which it is blooming today.  Pankaj Sharma said that several pending issues of the industry sector have been resolved by the state government, which is highly commendable.

Chandigarh, March 5

          As part of the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign launched by the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to make the state drug-free, the properties of drug smugglers in Jalandhar and Mandi Gobindgarh (Fatehgarh Sahib district) were demolished today.

          Commissionerate Police Jalandhar, in coordination with the Municipal Corporation, on Wednesday demolished an illegal property belonging to a drug smuggler. The encroached structure, constructed on government land alledgely using drug money, was razed as part of the ongoing campaign “Yudh Nashian Virudh.”

          Divulging the details, Commissioner of Police Jalandhar stated that the Municipal Corporation had received information about an illegal construction on Government land by a notorious drug smuggler, Dharminder, son of Mohan Lal, a resident of Dhankiya Mohalla, Jalandhar. The property was reportedly built using proceeds from his illegal drug trade.

          The CP Jalandhar further revealed that Dharminder is a habitual offender, with six cases registered against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This action marks a significant step in dismantling the financial network of drug peddlers and ensuring accountability.

          Similarly, under the supervision of Fatehgarh Sahib SSP Shubham Agarwal, a house belonging to a drug trafficker in Master Colony, Mandi Gobindgarh, was demolished. This house had been built illegally on government land.

          He revealed that the family residing in Master Colony had two cases registered against them under the NDPS Act in 2024.  He further informed that six more houses in the district have been identified, and action will be taken against them soon.

          On this occasion, MLA Gurinder Singh Garry Warring of Amloh constituency stated that drug traffickers have led the youth of Punjab astray, and the government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is fully committed to saving Punjab’s youth. He emphasized that no drug trafficker will be allowed to operate in the land of martyrs, Fatehgarh Sahib.

          It is worth mentioning that the local residents strongly supported the Punjab government’s anti-drug initiative, chanting slogans in favor of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and the police administration.

CHANDIGARH, March 2:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the second day, Punjab Police on Sunday has conducted raids at 510 locations leading to the arrest of 43 drug smugglers after registration of 27 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 333 in just two days.

          Police teams have also recovered 776 grams heroin, 14 kg opium, 38 kg poppy husk, 2615 intoxicant tablets/pills/injections and Rs 4.60 lakh drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav from 9am to 4pm 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 in coming three months. 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 300 Police teams, comprising over 2000 police personnel, under the supervision of 101 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 619 suspicious persons during the day long operation

          He said that Punjab Police has devised a comprehensive strategy and such operations will be continued till the scourge of drugs eradicated from the state.

          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 ‘Prevention’ has also been organising different events to spread awareness among people about the detrimental effects of drugs and get support of the general public in fight against drugs. As many as 510 awareness events, which includes awareness camps, seminars and public meetings were organised on Sunday in all the 28 Police districts, he added.

Chandigarh, March 2

Punjab Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO categorically rejected claims made by Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu that the Public Works Department of the Punjab Government is delaying the issuing of NOC for construction of the 4-Lane Railway Over Bridge (ROB) on Doraha-Sahnewal road at level crossing 164-A over Ambala-Ludhiana Railway line falling under Ambala Division of Northern Railway.

Setting the record straight, State PWD Minister said that the requisite NOC already stands issued on 11.11.2024, so the statement of Railway Minister regarding non-issuance of NOC by State Government is devoid of facts. Sh. Harbhajan Singh further informed that the said RoB formed part of agreement between Concessionaire M/s. Atlanta Tollways & Govt. of Punjab  in 2011. Though all other project components were completed, the RoB could not be completed due to change in Railways’ development plans. This unforeseen change led to the concessionaire’s inability to complete the ROB, resulting in the contract’s termination on August 5, 2021

The concessionaire has since moved to arbitration, challenging the contract termination and citing the increase in the ROB span on account of Railways’ development plans as the primary reason for non-completion. Notably, the concessionaire had already executed certain works of the ROB as per the previously approved General Arrangement Drawing (GAD) and has raised a claim of ₹3.28 crores for the executed works. Due to non-completion of RoB component, the concessionaire has also raised claim of Rs. 35.51 Lakh deposited with Railway authorities as Plant & Equipment charges.

PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the Railway Department has submitted a revised GAD for approval, and if approved as such, the works already executed at the site as per the previous GAD, also approved by Railways under 2011 Contract Agreement, would become a wasteful expenditure and State government will  additionally be burdened with arbitration pay-outs. Accordingly, the NOC issued on 11.11.2024 has been issued safeguarding the Govt. interests.

Punjab PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO emphasized that as a Union State Minister, Ravneet Singh Bittu should be well aware that no government can accept work carried out as per earlier approved drawings being rendered wasteful. He said that attempts must be made to gainfully utilise the expenditure already incurred on the RoB. He remarked that Union State Minister should verify the facts before issuing statements just for its sake.

Chandigarh, March 2

Punjab Power and PWD Minister Mr. Harbhajan Singh ETO emphasized the importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital age, highlighting its impact on public safety and national security.

Speaking at the ‘Cyber Crime, Forensics, and Law Workshop’ held at Law Bhawan here today, Cabinet Minister Mr. Harbahajan Singh ETO commended the organizers, Truth Labs, Nasdeep Foundation, and Proud Legal, for hosting this workshop on technology-driven crimes and forensic investigation.

Cabinet Minister ETO acknowledged the challenges posed by cyber threats to critical infrastructure, including power grids, water systems, and transportation networks. He assured that the Punjab Government is committed to strengthening cyber resilience by implementing robust cybersecurity frameworks, investing in capacity building, and fostering public-private partnerships.

The Cabinet Minister emphasized the need for a collaborative approach, involving legal experts, technology specialists, law enforcement agencies, and civil society, to combat cyber threats. The Minister encouraged the legal professionals to develop expertise in dealing with digital evidence and emerging technologies, assuring government support for the judiciary and legal fraternity.

Encouraging students and young professionals to specialise in cybersecurity and cyber law, the Cabinet Minister highlighted the promising career opportunities and their contributions to society’s safety and security. The Minister expressed confidence that the knowledge shared during the workshop would translate into concrete actions, strengthening the collective response to cyber threats.

Prominent amongst others, Former Judge of Delhi High Court Mr. Justice Talwant Singh, Senior Advocate of the Punjab & Haryana High Court Mr. P.S. Hundal, Former District & Sessions Judge Mr. Jagdeep Singh Marok, Mr. U. Rammohan IPS, Mr. Imannuel Premkumar B, Mr. Jai Mangalwadi, Mr. Manohar Vashisth, Mr. Manu Singh and esteemed legal luminaries and cyber experts were present on this occasion.