Moga, January 19:

Underlining the crucial role of Women in overall progress and development of the society, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday said that empowerment of women is pivotal for empowering the entire society.

Addressing the Women Empowerment Summit at ISF College, the Chief Minister  complimented the Indian women in general and Punjabi women in particular for making marvelous contributions towards the empowerment of womanhood in the modern society. He said that in today’s society women are playing a decisive role to foster social and cultural cohesiveness thereby bringing awareness amongst mankind across the world. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that women had tremendous potential to usher in an era of prosperity and development across the globe.

The Chief Minister said that today the Indian women have also shared the responsibility to safeguard the international borders of our country. He said that such functions are an appropriate occasion for all of us to rededicate ourselves to make strenuous efforts for raising the status of women and ensuring them their rightful place in the Society. Emphasizing the need to percolate the policies and programs pertaining to the welfare and empowerment of the women, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it can be duly done through the voluntary participation of social and non-government organizations.

The Chief Minister said that this could play a pivotal role in bringing revolutionary transformation in the status of women in general and girl child in particular about the socio-economic awakening in the society. Lauding the MNC Grant Thornton for transforming the lives of women by supplementing their income, he assured fulsome support and cooperation to them. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is heartening that 10000 Women beneficiaries who are members of these companies benefitted through various activities.

 The Chief Minister said that after the intervention of the company income of women and households increased by an average of 40%  through various initiatives. He also lauded the practice of the company into Capacity building of about 25 women members of FPCs into Drone Pilots adding that the single point motive is to give fillip to women empowerment by supplementing their income. Laying thrust on the all-round development of the girls by equipping them with quality education, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that given an opportunity the girls could do any stupendous task and easily achieve their target.

The Chief Minister said that due to this the need of hour was to provide them more and more opportunities to showcase their ability adding that the state government was not leaving any stone unturned for this noble cause. Bhagwant Singh Mann also praised women entrepreneurs for their valuable contributions to the state’s economic growth. He said that with their hard work, dedication and commitment the women of state are becoming an integral part of the social economic growth of the state.  

The Chief Minister also acknowledged the significant impact of women on the progress of Punjab and prosperity of its people. He highlighted the state government’s initiatives to support women entrepreneurs to make them an equal partner in the progress of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated his government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, ensuring that they receive the necessary support and resources to thrive.

The Chief Minister said that by promoting women entrepreneurship, the state government aims to foster economic growth, social development and a brighter future for Punjab. He said that people of the state have bestowed a huge responsibility on the state government by giving a whopping mandate to them. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is the bounden duty of the state government to work hard for the well being of the people and progress of the state.

Citing his own mother’s influence and the phrase “Word of Mother” that renowned scientists couldn’t define, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he was impressed by the products created by women at the function and emphasized the need for a platform to sell these products globally. He shared his vision of showcasing Phulkari and other Punjabi products worldwide, inspiring women to become entrepreneurs.

The Chief Minister noted that China’s women play a significant role in the country’s world-class products, contributing to its economic power. He said that likewise, given a chance, the Punjabi women can also carve a niche for themselves by producing these world class projects. Giving an example, he said that the Punjab government has provided sewing machines to women and placed an order of school uniforms from them.

The Chief Minister said that currently, 25 private schools and the Punjab Police uniforms are being prepared by these women. He also visited the FPC stalls of women including that of Cold-Pressed Mustard Oil, Basmati Rice, Honey, Desi Ghee Atta Biscuits, Pickles, Drone Technology and Handcrafted Terracotta Art. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisioned that these FPCs will act as a catalyst for empowering the women in coming times.

The Chief Minister said that it is the need of hour to restore the pristine glory of the state and make Punjab a frontrunner state in the country.  Bhagwant Singh Mann said by the God’s grace his government is leaving no stone unturned to come up to the expectations of people and top priority is being accorded by the government to implement pro-people and development oriented policies. He said that health, education, power, water and infrastructure sectors are the top five priorities of his government and no stone is being left unturned for it.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed to provide ample opportunities to the youth to excel in life and so far around 50,000 government jobs have been provided to them. He said that further new avenues will be opened for youth to ensure that they become an active partner in socio-economic growth of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for him that till date all these youth have been selected for these posts purely on the basis of merit.

Taking a a dig at the Akali leaders, the Chief Minister said that though it will be unfair to comment on those who attend Gurudwara functions with broken legs as they are paying for their misdeeds. He said that mistakes can be forgiven but the Akalis have committed sins which are unpardonable. Bhagwant Singh Mann accused Sukhbir Singh Badal of hiding facts and running away from the truth by asserting that he tendered an apology before Akal Takht for sins he never committed.

Earlier, Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian praised the Chief Minister for taking on several important projects for women empowerment.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, January 9:

          In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busted a Pakistan-backed weapon smuggling racket being operated by absconding smuggler Manjot Singh alias Mannu from Dubai with the arrest of its one operative a, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

          The arrested person has been identified as Gurpreet Singh alias Kaka, a native of village Havellian in Tarn Taran and currently residing at village Saidpur in Amritsar Rural. Police teams have also recovered three sophisticated pistols— two 9MM Glock and one .30 bore China Made Pistol— along with 4 cartridges, besides, impounding his grey coloured Honda Activa scooter (PB02EF2599), which he was riding.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that following a reliable input that a foreign-based Indian individual Manjot Singh alias Mannu has been operating a weapon smuggling racket through Pakistan with the help of following his India based individuals, CI Amritsar has launched an intel-based operation and arrested the accused Gurpreet Singh at a Special Naka at village Khurmanian Amritsar on link road from village Ram Tirath, when he was going to deliver the weapon consignment.

          He said that preliminary investigation has revealed that Manjot Singh is the kingpin of this network and was using encrypted apps to contact his Pakistan-based weapon smugglers. The arrested accused used to retrieve weapon consignment dropped using drones from across the border and further supply it to the gangsters in various cities of Punjab on the directions of accused Manjot, he added.

          Pertinently, accused Manjot is wanted by the Punjab Police in NDPS case registered against him at Police Station Sarai Amanant Khan in Tarn Taran in 2022. Moreover, the arrested accused Gurpreet Singh has also been facing criminal case under the NDPS Act at Police Station Sarai Amanant Khan.

          The DGP said that police teams have also identified his accomplice and raids are being conducted to nab him. Further investigations are ongoing to establish forward and backward linkages in this case, he added. 

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 1 dated 08.01.2025 has been registered under sections 25 and 25(1) (a) of the Arms Act and section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act at Police Station State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar.

Chandigarh, January 9:

The Punjab Government will construct 1419 Anganwadi centers to promote the holistic development of women and children. These centers will be established at a cost of ₹200 crore and existing Anganwadi centers will be upgraded to improve their infrastructure. This announcement was made by Dr. Baljit Kaur, the Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development.

During a press conference at Punjab Bhawan today, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the government is committed to the overall development of women and children across the state. The plan includes constructing new Anganwadi centers, upgrading existing ones, providing improved sanitation facilities, and equipping centers with furniture and other necessary amenities. She also mentioned that grafity will be done at these centers to enhance the development of children. Dr. Kaur emphasized that this initiative is not just about building structures but about creating a conducive environment for the physical, cognitive and emotional development of children.

The Minister informed that in the first phase of this project, 1000 Anganwadi centers are being constructed. Out of these, 56 have been completed and 644 are under construction. Additionally, work on 300 centers will begin soon, as approvals for 156 of these have already been granted.

Dr. Kaur further shared that apart from constructing new centers, the Punjab Government is upgrading 350 existing Anganwadi centers across the state. A budget of ₹7 crore has been allocated for these upgrades, which will include enhanced facilities to better serve beneficiaries. The government aims to complete the upgrades promptly, demonstrating its commitment to improving basic infrastructure.

The Minister announced the construction of 2162 new toilets at Anganwadi centers, with ₹7.78 crore allocated for the purpose. Furthermore, ₹35.30 lakh has been earmarked to provide drinking water facilities at 353 centers.

Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that 100 Anganwadi centers in Moga and Ferozepur districts will be transformed into “Saksham Anganwadi Centers” with a total budget of ₹94.80 lakh. These centers will feature upgraded infrastructure, RO units, LED lighting, furniture and Poshan Vatika.

She also noted that the  Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program was launched in Punjab in 1975 from Block Nurpur Bedi in Rupnagar district and is nearing its 50th anniversary. For 21,851 Anganwadi centers in the state, ₹21.85 crore has been allocated to purchase furniture.

Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government will continue its efforts to improve the basic infrastructure of Anganwadi centers in the current year.

In response to a query, the Minister revealed that 3000 Anganwadi workers and helpers will be recruited soon. She also mentioned that last year, 5000 workers and helpers were recruited purely on a merit basis.

On this occasion, Deputy Directors of the Social Security, Women and Child Development Department, Sumandeep Kaur and Gulbahar Singh Toor were also present.

Chandigarh January 9, 2025

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state has apprehended Aniksha Devi, Clerk (Front Desk Executive), posted at Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) Ludhiana for receiving a bribe of Rs 1500 through google pay.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the accused Aniksha Devi, a resident of Dashmesh Nagar, village Iyali Khurd , Ludhiana has been arrested following an enquiry of a complaint filed by Abhijeet Singh Verma, a resident of New Deep Nagar, Hebowal Kalan, Ludhiana on the Chief Ministers’ anti corruption action line.

He further stated that as per the complaint the dealing clerk Aniksha Devi  told the complainant to pay online fee of Rs 4251 to get NOC required for sale of plot. In addition to this, the lady clerk has demanded a bribe of Rs 1500 through Google pay to issue the NOC.

The spokesperson further added that during verification of this complaint, the allegations levelled by the complainant have been found correct as the same have been supported by oral and documentary  evidence. Subsequently, a case has been registered against the accused clerk under prevention of corruption act at VB police station Ludhiana range. The accused would be produced in competent court tomorrow and further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.

Chandigarh, January 8

 Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday released the diary and calendar of the Punjab Government for the year 2025 at his official residence this morning.

 Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the layout design of the calendar and diary had been conceptualized and prepared by the Information & Public Relations Department and printed by the Controller Printing & Stationery Punjab.

Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, Secretary Information and Public Relations Malwinder Singh Jaggi and others.

SAS Nagar, January 08, 2025

In continuation its tirade against the smuggling of liquor and other liquor related illegal activities, Excise Department, SAS Nagar has recovered 250 cases (224 of whisky label 111 ACE and 26 RUM label 111 ACE) both for sale in Chandigarh from a Bolero Pickup bearing registration number; PB-31L-3924. Divulging the details, Assistant Commissioner (Excise), Mohali Ashok Chalhotra said that in compliance with the strict directions issued by Additional Chief Secretary Excise, Punjab Vikas Pratap and Excise Commissioner, Punjab Varun Roojam, a special campaign has been launched in Sahibzda Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali) district since last couple of days to curb the incessant menace of illegal smuggling of liquor from Chandigarh (U.T.) side. Giving details of action taken on intervening night on 07.01.2025, he said that under the direct supervision of Naresh Dubey, Additional Commissioner (Excise), Punjab, the team led by Excise Officer Sarupinder Singh along with Excise Inspector Vikas Bhateja acting on a tip-off, set up a naka near village Gharuan on the Ludhiana-Chandigarh road, near flyover naka with DSP Kharar (Mohali) Karan Singh Sandhu.

During the operation, 250 cases (224 of whisky label 111 ACE and 26 RUM label 111 ACE) both for sale in Chandigarh were seized from a Bolero Pickup bearing registration number: PB-31L-3924. Two accused namely Amandeep Singh and Joginder Singh @ Raju, r/o of Baghapurana have been arrested on the spot. This is one of the 05 major catches of liquor in recent past where-in liquor was being smuggled into the state of Punjab from Chandigarh. A FIR no. 7 dated 08.01.2025 has been registered under section 61.01.14 and 78(2) of the Punjab Excise Act, 1914 at police station kharar Sadar. He mentioned that as per provisions of The Punjab Excise Act 1914, the smuggling of liquor is illegal and a punishable offence and at the same time, it is is detrimental to the revenue of the State. Assistant Excise Commissioner, Ashok Chalhotra, while giving the details of the operation, reiterated that the Excise Department, Mohali has been adopting zero tolerance policy towards smuggling of liquor. This crusade of the Excise Department, Mohali against liquor smuggling will be further accelerated in future in collaboration with Mohali Police and nobody involved in liquor smuggling would be spared and strict action would be taken as per law.

Chandigarh, January 8:

          Army Service Corp, Ambala will start AgniVeerVayu recruitment registration drive for eligible unmarried youth from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh (UT), Jammu and Kashmir (UT) and Ladakh (UT) from 07 January, 2025. This registration will continue till January 27, 2025 and the online exam will be held on March 22, 2025.

          Giving more information, the government spokesperson said that children born between January 01, 2005 and July 01, 2008 (both dates inclusive) are eligible for this registration campaign. For this recruitment drive, 12th passed youth in Science subject with Mathematics, English and Physics subjects or diploma or vocational course holder with 50% marks can register themselves for this recruitment campaign.

          More information about this recruitment drive can be obtained from agnipathvayu.cdac.in.

Chandigarh/ Khanna, January 6

          In a bid to make Punjab garbage free, Cabinet Minister Punjab Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond today inaugurated the first pilot project of door-to-door collection and segregation plant in Khanna city.

          Cabinet Minister Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that this pilot project with a cost Rs. 4 crore would continue for a year. After the success of this pilot project, it will be started in other areas of Punjab as well.

          Giving more information, the Cabinet Minister said that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann is striving to make the state garbage-free and to fulfill this goal, first pilot project of the state has been started from Khanna city. He said that wet and dry garbage/solid waste will be collected separately from every household of every ward of Khanna city.

          Mr. Sond said that with the start of this project, garbage will not be dumped at any other point of Khanna city, due to which garbage will be eliminated from all the wards of Khanna. He said that under this project, all the residential/commercial/street vendors of Khanna will be issued a unique identification number which would be linked to an app. A nominal bill for garbage collection will be sent to each user on their mobile through a message.

          Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond further informed that the city residents can pay the user charges both online and offline. The Minister said that a complaint cell has also been set up in this regard, the toll free number of which is 1800-121-5721. He said that any complaint regarding garbage received on this toll free number will be processed within 60 minutes. He also said that there will be GPS tracking of all the vehicles collecting garbage in Khanna city. The details of all these vehicles will be displayed live on the screen of the established control room.

          The Cabinet Minister said that his dream was to make Khanna city clean and beautiful, so this effort is being made for the fulfilment of this goal. He also thanked the Chief Minister Punjab, Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann and cabinet colleagues for their immense contribution for this noble work.

          He said that after the  success of this project, it will be replicated not only in the entire Punjab but also in all the states of India. Through this project, after segregation of solid waste, fertilizer will be made from wet waste and electricity will be generated from plastic waste.

          He has appealed to the residents of Khanna to make this project successful so that we can contribute in making our state ‘Rangla Punjab’ by making it garbage-free.

Bhatha Sahib (Ropar), January 6

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday renewed his pledge to serve the state with renewed vigor, passion, dedication and commitment while following the footsteps of Dashmesh Pitaah Sri Guru Gobind Singh.

The Chief Minister, who paid obeisance at Gurudwara Bhatha Sahib, greeted people on the sacred occasion of Parkash Purb of Tenth Sikh Master Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji. He said that the great Sikh guru had taught us to fight against tyranny, injustice and oppression. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that on this sacred day all of us must should take pledge to discharge our duty with utmost sincerity, dedication and commitment to serve the people.

The Chief Minister said that the life and philosophy of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji was a binding force to unite the entire country. He said that Guru Gobind Singh ji’s universal message of peace, humanism, love and brotherhood has a lot of relevance in the current times. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is following the path shown by Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji to ensure the well being of every section of society.

The Chief Minister paid obeisance at Gurdwara  Sahib and prayed to almighty for the peace, progress and prosperity in the state. He also prayed that the ethos of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood are strengthened in the state with every passing day and Punjab leads the country in every sphere. Bhagwant Singh Mann exhorted people to celebrate this sacred occasion with utmost devotion and dedication rising above the parochial considerations of caste, colour, creed and religion.

Chandigarh/Ludhiana, January 6

          Local Bodies Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh inspected the ongoing works being taken up by Rajya Sabha MP and environmentalist Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal along with his Kar Sevaks to clean ‘Buddha Dariya’ near Gurdwara Gaughat Sahib on Monday.

          MLA Ashok Prashar Pappi, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal, MC Additional Commissioner Paramdeep Singh Khaira, Punjab Pollution Control Board officials and sewerage board officials were also present during the inspection.

          Rajya Sabha member Sant Seechewal said that Dr. Ravjot Singh is the first cabinet minister who has inspected the Buddha Dariya project for the third time in last few days. This shows that he is concerned about the environment of Punjab and he will take serious steps for it. Sant Seechewal apprised the cabinet minister that 70 percent of the work for establishing the temporary pumping station has been completed. In a few days, motors would be installed and the sewerage waste would then be pumped from Gaushala point to Jamalpur sewer treatment plant.

          Dr. Ravjot Singh said that the state government led by Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Singh Mann is committed to the cleaning of Buddha Dariya. Appreciating the work done by MP Seechewal, cabinet minister Dr Singh said that this temporary pumping station will help a lot in reducing pollution in the Dariya. He assured that the panels and electricity connections for the temporary pumping station would be provided by the administration as soon as possible.

          Apart from this, Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh and Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal also inspected different sewer treatment plants (STP) of the city, which are not being able to function properly due to inflow of cow dung and untreated industrial waste. Strict instructions were issued to the officials to stop the inflow of untreated industrial waste into the STPs.

          Dr. Ravjot Singh and MP Sant Seechewal directed the officials that strict action should be taken against those damaging the STPs and polluting the Dariya. The plants have been established by using the taxes paid by public and these funds cannot be wasted.