ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENTS SHOULD INVOLVE RESPECTIVE UNION LEADERS IN PROCESS OF FINALISING PROPOSALS: HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA

HOLDS DETAILED CONSULTATIVE MEETINGS WITH 4 EMPLOYEE & PENSIONER UNIONS

Chandigarh, October 8-In a significant move to ensure transparency and mutual consensus, Punjab Finance Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee for the Resolution of Employees' Issues, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday directed the officials from the administrative departments to involve the respective union leaders in the process of finalising the draft proposals before these are formally sent to the Finance Department, the Personnel Department, or the Cabinet Sub-Committee for final approval.

The Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, gave these directions during extensive discussions with representatives from the Theka Mulajam Sangharsh Morcha (Contract Employees Struggle Front), the Mulajam Te Pensioners Sanjha Morcha (Employees and Pensioners Joint Front), the Punjab State Veterinary Inspectors Association, and the Home Guard Welfare Association (Retd). "This step of direct consultation is crucial as it ensures that the final proposal accurately reflects the ground reality and legitimately addresses the core issues raised by the employees, leaving no room for future ambiguity or grievances”, he added.

During these series of detailed and constructive meetings with four employee and pensioner associations at his office in the Civil Secretariat, the Finance Minister listened empathetically to the concerns and demands presented by the union leaders. Meanwhile, the officials of the concerned administrative departments apprised the Finance Minister that most of the legitimate demands have already been considered and their resolution is in the process. The union representatives expressed their gratitude to the Finance Minister for the sympathetic and detailed hearing.

The Finance Minister Cheema reaffirmed that the Cabinet Sub-Committee remains dedicated to submitting clear, actionable recommendations to the Chief Minister, Bhagwant Singh Mann, to secure the welfare of all state employees and pensioners.

Varinder Singh Momi, Balihar Singh, Jagroop Singh, Harjeet Singh, Gagandeep Singh, Jagsir Singh Bhangu and Jasvir Singh from the Theka Mulajam Sangharsh Morcha; Satish Rana, Dhanwant Singh, Karam Singh Dhanoa, Sukhdev Singh Saini and Bobinder Singh from the Mulajam Te Pensioners Sanjha Morcha; Gurdeep Singh Basi, Vipan Kumar Goyal, Gudeep Singh Shanna and Paramjit Singh Sohi from the Punjab State Veterinary Inspectors Association; and Gurdeep Singh, Bhupinder Singh, Sooraj Parkash and Darbara Singh from the Home Guard Welfare Association (Retd) presented their case during the meeting.

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Punjab Launches Its Largest-Ever Industrial Infrastructure Blitz, Paving the Way for an Economic Surge

CHANDIGARH, 8 OCTOBER , 2025:In a powerful move to fuel Punjab's industrial growth, the state government has unleashed a massive, multi-crore infrastructure mission. This ambitious plan is set to completely transform the state's industrial areas, making them magnets for new investment and powerhouses for local businesses.

Announcing the sweeping reforms, Shri Sanjeev Arora, Minister for Industries & Commerce, expressed his enthusiasm, "The industrial revival of Punjab is here. We heard our industry leaders loud and clear, and under the direct guidance of Shri Arvind Kejriwal and the steadfast support of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann, we are acting decisively. We are building a foundation where our industries can thrive without the constant hurdles of poor infrastructure."

This rapid action follows a series of high-level meetings where industry representatives highlighted critical gaps in basic facilities. In response, the Punjab Development Commission (PDC) immediately deployed teams across the state's industrial zones. After extensive ground-level discussions with industry bodies and local administrations, a detailed, phased upgrade plan was crafted. "The promise has been translated into action," the Minister stated. "The tendering process is now live, marking the start of this transformative journey on the ground."

A wave of development is now set to roll out across the state. The Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation (PSIEC) is leading the first charge with an investment of ₹97.54 crore to revitalize 26 key industrial focal points. This funding will bring sweeping improvements: smoother roads and clear signage worth ₹32.76 crore in Ludhiana, Mohali, and other districts; modern sewerage and STPs worth ₹27.61 crore; robust water supply networks for all points; brighter street lighting; and enhanced civic amenities.

Simultaneously, the Local Bodies Department is undertaking an even larger transformation, with a ₹134.44 crore project targeting 26 focal points and 7 industrial zones in Ludhiana and Khanna. This holistic upgrade will deliver world-class roads and pavements, create lush green belts for a healthier environment, revamp sewerage and water systems, install modern lighting, and even build new community facilities like gyms and community centers with CCTV security.

"The timeline is clear," Shri Arora concluded. "By March 2026, the face of Punjab's industrial landscape will be renewed. We are committed to rapid execution and will be responsive to industry feedback every step of the way. Our goal is simple but powerful: to ensure seamless operations, drastically reduce logistic costs, and send a strong signal to the world that Punjab is open for business like never before."

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Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan condoles the demise of Punjabi Singer Rajvir Jawanda

Chandigarh, 8 October 2025:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan expressed grief over the untimely demise of renowned Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda.He was the beloved singer of all Punjabis.He will always live in the hearts of us and his fans through his melodious songs. We will always be grateful for his art.

Speaker Sandhwan said that he is deeply saddened to hear the news of his passing away and he pray to the God to grant peace to the departed soul. Almighty may give strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss in this hour of distress.

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Sond expresses grief over the demise of singer Rajvir Jawanda

Chandigarh, October 8:Punjab’s Minister for Cultural Affairs, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, has expressed deep sorrow over the untimely demise of renowned Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda.

Sond said that Rajvir Jawanda earned fame across the world through his hard work, dedication, and talent. With his melodious voice and soulful songs, Jawanda brought global recognition to Punjabi music and culture. His songs beautifully reflected the essence of Punjab - its soil, relationships, heritage, and emotions and inspired the younger generation to stay connected with their roots.

The Minister said that Rajvir Jawanda’s passing is a major loss to the Punjabi music industry, and it will be difficult to fill this void. He prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family and fans to bear this irreparable loss.

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Meeting of the National Commission for Backward Classes to include Punjab castes in the Central List

National Commission for Backward Classes to hold public hearing in Chandigarh on October 14

Chandigarh, October 8:A government spokesperson informed that the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), New Delhi, will now hold a public hearing on October 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM at UT Guest House, Chandigarh, regarding the inclusion of various castes of Punjab in the Central OBC list of the Government of India.

It is noteworthy that this public hearing was earlier scheduled for October 9, but the date has now been revised to October 14.

The spokesperson said that the objective of this public hearing is to provide an opportunity to representatives of the concerned castes to present their views, facts, and demands directly before the Commission.

The State Government has appealed to the concerned caste groups and their representatives to actively participate in this public hearing and share their inputs with the Commission.

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Speaker extends greetings to the people of Punjab on the occasion of Prakash Purb of Sri Guru Ramdas Ji

Chandigarh, 8 October 2025:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan extended greetings to the people of state on the auspicious occasion of Prakash Purb of Sri Guru Ramdas Ji.

He said Sri Guru Ramdas Ji was the founder of holy city Amritsar Sahib. His selfless service towards humanity will always inspire us. We should follow the path of spirituality and righteousness as shown by Him.

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SEVERAL FIRs REGISTERED IN STATE OF PUNJAB ON RECEIPT OF NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING UNLAWFUL AND OBJECTIONABLE CONTENT TARGETING HON’BLE CHIEF JUSTICE OF INDIA

*— NATURE OF POSTS INDICATE PROPENSITY TO PROVOKE VIOLENCE, ERODE RESPECT FOR CONSTITUTIONAL POSITION*

*— SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT INTENDED FOR INTENTIONAL INTIMIDATION, INSULT MEMBER OF A SCHEDULED CASTE*

*— ATTEMPTS TO PROMOTE FEELINGS OF ENMITY, HATRED AND ILL-WILL AGAINST MEMBERS OF SCHEDULED CASTE, PROMOTING ENMITY BETWEEN GROUPS ON GROUNDS OF CASTE*

*— INTENTIONAL INSULT WITH INTENT TO PROVOKE BREACH OF PEACE, CONDUCT OF PUBLIC MISCHIEF*

CHANDIGARH, October 8:Cracking down hard on unlawful and objectionable social media content targeting the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, the Punjab Police today registered several FIRs after receipt of numerous complaints in various districts of the State on over a hundred social media handles.

A Punjab Police Spokesperson stated that social media content relating to attacks on High Constitutional Authority, Caste-based Vilification and Incitement, Public Mischief with a direct attempt to disturb peace and public order by unjustly exploiting caste and communal sentiments has been flagged and FIRs have been registered in accordance with law. The posts and videos in question contain casteist and hate-filled expressions intended to promote communal disharmony, disturb public order and erode respect for judicial institutions.

The Spokesperson further stated that the social media content included unlawful and objectionable content targeting the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India. The contents of the social media posts included posts intended to provoke violence and erode respect for constitutional position, intentional intimidation and insult to a member of a scheduled caste, attempts to promote enmity, hatred and ill-will against a member of a scheduled caste, promotion of enmity between groups on grounds of caste, and, intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace and statements conducting to public mischief.

FIRs u/s 3(1)(r), 3(1)(s) and 3(1)(u) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and Sections 196, 352, 353(1), 353(2) and 61 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita have been registered in various Police Stations on receipt of information disclosing the commission of cognizable offences.

Further investigations in these FIRs are being conducted in accordance with law.