Tarn Taran Bye-election: Chief Electoral Officer reviews final preparations with district officials ahead of November 11 polling
- DC and SSP directed to intensify vigilance during the 72, 48, and 24 hours preceding the poll day
- Strict action to be taken against those distributing cash, liquor, or freebies to influence voters
- 100% live webcasting of all polling stations to ensure transparency and real-time monitoring
- All Polling locations to have Central Armed Police Force deployment
Chandigarh, November 7:Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C today held a video conference with district officials to review the final phase of preparations for the Tarn Taran bye-election, scheduled for November 11. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Rahul, SSP Dr. Ravjot Grewal, and Returning Officer Gurmeet Singh.
During the meeting, the CEO instructed officials to remain on high alert during the crucial 72, 48, and 24 hours before polling and until the completion of the entire election process. He directed that any complaints related to the distribution of cash, liquor, or freebies to influence voters be dealt with strictly and promptly. Sibin C further emphasized that after the conclusion of the election campaign at 6 PM on November 9, no outsiders associated with political parties should remain within the constituency.
The CEO also ordered that 100% live webcasting of polling stations be ensured for real-time monitoring. He instructed officials to make adequate arrangements at polling booths, strong rooms, and counting hall to ensure a smooth and secure polling experience for both voters and election staff. Any violations of the Model Code of Conduct must be addressed swiftly as per the guidelines of the Election Commission, he added.
Sibin C directed police authorities to maintain round-the-clock surveillance through CCTV monitoring and patrolling teams at checkpoints to curb the illegal movement of liquor, cash, drugs, or other prohibited materials.
The Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer and SSP apprised the CEO that all necessary arrangements for the bye-election had been completed and that the election would be conducted in full compliance with the Commission’s guidelines and rules.
The District Election Officer informed that a total of 222 polling booths have been set up at 114 locations across the constituency, 60 in urban areas and 162 in rural areas. Of these, 100 polling stations have been identified as vulnerable, where special security measures as per deployment plan approved by Observers of ECI will be enforced. Additionally, 9 model polling stations, 3 women-managed polling booths, 1 booth for persons with disabilities, and 1 booth for young voters have been established. All polling stations are equipped with CCTV cameras and covered under 100% live webcasting. All the All Polling locations to have Central Armed Police Force deployment.
The SSP informed that as per the Election Commission’s instructions, a “dry day” has been declared from 6 PM on November 9 to 6 PM on November 11. Police and Excise Department teams have been deployed to keep strict vigil on any illegal liquor movement. To strengthen security arrangements, 768 personnel from CAPF and 876 from Punjab Police have been deployed. All 114 Polling locations to have 480 Central Armed Police Force deployment.
Six inter-district checkpoints have been set up along the borders of Tarn Taran constituency to prevent illegal activities and monitor anti-social elements.
Moreover, 22 patrolling parties will carry out intensive patrolling in areas of all polling locations specially the vulnerable and critical to deal with any kind of emergency situation during the 72 hours preceding the election.
The Tarn Taran constituency has a total of 1,92,838 voters, including 1,00,933 male, 91,897 female, and 8 third-gender voters. The total number of service voters is 1,357, while there are 1,657 voters above 85 years of age, 306 NRI voters, and 1,488 voters with disabilities. The constituency also includes 3,333 young voters aged between 18 and 19 years.
The review meeting was also attended by Additional CEO Amandeep Bansal, Joint CEO Sakatar Singh Bal, and other senior officials from the CEO office and the Tarn Taran district administration.
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Punjab Government takes a strong step towards the welfare of persons with disabilities: ₹287.95 crore released so far – Dr. Baljit Kaur
Financial assistance reaching every eligible beneficiary under the leadership of Chief Minister S.Bhagwant Singh Mann
₹495 crore budget allocated for the current financial year – Welfare of specially-abled persons a top priority of the government
Dr. Baljit Kaur issues strict directions to ensure effective ground-level implementation of the scheme
Chandigarh, November 7:Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S.Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is fully committed to the welfare of every section of society, giving special attention to the upliftment and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that the Punjab Government has so far released ₹287.95 crore as financial assistance to persons with disabilities, benefitting 2,76,175 eligible beneficiaries across the state.
She further added that the government has made a budgetary provision of ₹495 crore for the financial year 2025-26 to ensure the effective and transparent implementation of this welfare scheme.
The Minister emphasized that integrating persons with disabilities into the mainstream of society is among the top priorities of the Punjab Government. Along with financial assistance, focused efforts are being made to provide them employment opportunities, skill development training, and accessible infrastructure to make them self-reliant and empowered. She said the government’s aim is not merely to provide assistance, but to enable every specially-abled person to lead a dignified and independent life.
Dr. Baljit Kaur directed the officials to ensure that the benefits of this financial assistance scheme reach every eligible beneficiary and that no deserving person is left out of this initiative.
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PUNJAB SC COMMISSION SUMMONS PRATAP SINGH BAJWA ON NOVEMBER 10 IN CASE OF DISRESPECT TO THE IMAGES OF BHAI JIWAN SINGH (BHAI JAITA JI) AND SRI GURU TEGH BAHADUR SAHIB JI
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER TARN TARAN ALSO ASKED TO SUBMIT REPORT BY NOVEMBER 17
Chandigarh, November 7:Taking suo motu cognizance of a media report regarding the disrespectful use of the images of Bhai Jiwan Singh (Bhai Jaita Ji) and Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji during the Tarn Taran Assembly by-election, the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has summoned the Leader of Opposition Pratap Singh Bajwa to appear personally before the Commission on November 10, 2025.
Giving details, Commission Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi said that the issue came to the Commission’s notice through social media and newspapers. Acting on this, the Commission has directed Pratap Singh Bajwa to be present in person.
In addition, the Deputy Commissioner, Tarn Taran has been instructed through an official communication to submit an inquiry report in this regard by November 17, 2025 through the competent authority. The report is to include the action taken after considering the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
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Punjab Government accords a grand welcome to World Champion Cricketers Harleen Deol and Amanjot Kaur at Mohali
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, and MLA Dr. Amandeep Kaur extend greetings on behalf of the Chief Minister
“Our daughters have brought glory not only to Punjab but to the entire nation,” says Cheema
“A new revolution has begun in women’s cricket,” says Meet Hayer
SAS Nagar, November 7:The Punjab Government today gave a grand reception to World Champion cricketers Harleen Deol and Amanjot Kaur on their arrival at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Mohali. The duo, members of India’s first-ever Women’s World Cup–winning team, were accorded a warm welcome by the State Government, District Administration, and Sports Department amid festive celebrations, drums, and cheers.
Representing Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Member of Parliament Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, and MLA Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora led the felicitation. They were joined by District Planning Board Chairperson Prabhjot Kaur, Jaswant Kaur and Councillor Sarbjeet Singh Samana. The atmosphere at the airport was electric, with Punjab’s pride being celebrated through dhol beats, flower garlands, and loud cheers from fans and supporters.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “Our daughters have made Punjab and the entire country proud on the world stage. The Chief Minister will soon honour Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, and Amanjot Kaur for their historic achievement.”
He added that under the new Sports Policy, the Punjab Government is extending cash awards and government jobs to players, enabling the state to reclaim its position as India’s leading sporting hub.
MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said that India’s World Cup victory would usher in a new revolution in women’s cricket. This triumph, he noted, is the result of teamwork and determination, and it demonstrates that world-class players are emerging from Punjab’s small towns and villages. He cited the examples of Shubman Gill, Harmanpreet Kaur, Arshdeep Singh, Harleen Deol, and Amanjot Kaur as inspirations for the next generation.
Expressing gratitude, Harleen Deol and Amanjot Kaur thanked the Punjab Government and Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann for honouring sportspersons and said that the warm welcome in their home state has inspired them to work even harder. They appealed to parents to encourage their daughters to pursue their ambitions and take pride in their achievements. Both players also expressed their thanks to their families, coaches, and the BCCI for their continuous support and guidance.
The celebrations at the airport culminated in a grand victory procession through the roads of Mohali, where both players were greeted with flower petals and traditional beats as they waved to cheering crowds from open jeeps. Among those present were Amanjot Kaur’s father Bhupinder Singh, Grandfather Ishar Singh, Sister Kamaljot, and Coach Nagesh Gupta, as well as Harleen Deol’s parents B.S. Deol and Charanjit Kaur, and brother Manjot Singh.
Also present on the occasion were Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal, Dronacharya Awardee Jiwanjot Singh Teja (Director, PIS Training Centre), District Sports Officer Rupesh Kumar Begra, and a large number of sports enthusiasts and admirers who joined in celebrating Punjab’s world champions.
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SRI GURU TEGH BAHADUR JI’S MARTYRDOM ANNIVERSARY: SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB ROADS GET ₹20-CR MAKEOVER
• Harjot Bains reviews ongoing infra development projects; Also takes stock of preparations for Light & Sound Show
Chandigarh, November 7:In a significant infrastructure push ahead of the historic 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the Punjab Government has undertaken a comprehensive Rs 20 crore project to renovate all the internal and approach roads of Sri Anandpur Sahib, announced S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of Education and Information & Public Relations, Punjab.
While reviewing the undergoing road works in Sri Anandpur Sahib today, S. Harjot Singh Bains, said that Virasat-e-Khalsa to Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, the Bus Stand to Bhagat Ravidas Chowk, Takht Sri Keshar Sahib to VIP road and other internal roads have been renovated and the remaining roads are being revitalised on the war footing in the holy city. He said that work on all the approach routes are now progressing and all infrastructure development projects will be completed well before the commemorative ceremonies begin to ensure smooth access for millions of devotees.
Highlighting Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government's commitment to ensure convenience and safety of devotees, S. Harjot Singh Bains informed that the road upgrades feature advanced Blinker Reflect Lights and premium Premix Carpeting to enhance visibility during night travel and foggy conditions, ensuring the well-being of all pilgrims.
He assured swift completion of additional projects, while inviting people to join the Punjab Government to commemorate the historic occasion to pay homage to Ninth Guru Sahib Ji's unparalleled sacrifice.
Meanwhile, the Education Minister also reviewed preparations for the Light and Sound Show to be held at Charan Ganga Stadium, Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 20.
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PSEB CONNECTS STUDENTS WITH ENDURING LEGACY OF SRI GURU TEGH BAHADUR JI
*• 3-day seminars held at scared sites closely associated with Ninth Guru Sahib’s final journey*
*•EM Harjot Bains appreciates initiative, says it will help in gaining insight into the lives, teachings & unparalleled sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji*
Chandigarh, November 7:With an aim to connect the young students with Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s enduring legacy, timeless teachings and unparalleled sacrifice, the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) organised three-day seminar series commemorating the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of the Ninth Guru Sahib. These seminars were held from 3rd to 7th November at sacred sites in Punjab closely associated with Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s final journey.
Elaborating on the PSEB’s initiative, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains informed that the seminar series were thoughtfully organised along the historic route where Bhai Jaita Ji (Baba Jiwan Singh Ji) carried the sacred Sis (Head) of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji from Delhi to Sri Anandpur Sahib, creating a deeply impactful and immersive learning experience for students.
He further shared that the three-day seminar series commenced on November 3 at Senior Secondary School, Dayalpur Sodhian (Sis Asthan, Nabha Sahib), continued on November 6 at School of Eminence, Kiratpur Sahib and culminated on November 7 at Government Kanya Senior Secondary School, Sri Anandpur Sahib.
Over 2,600 students participated in the seminars, gaining insight into the lives, teachings and unparalleled sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Mata Gujri Ji, and the Chotte Sahibzade, S. Harjot Singh Bains said while adding that the seminars were focused on Ninth Guru Sahib’s supreme sacrifice for the protection of dharam (faith and righteousness) and courage, making the historical event a living, breathing lesson for the young minds.
The Education Minister S. Bains appreciated the PSEB's initiative, stating, "Where there is the teaching of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, there is the victory of humanity. It's a matter of deep pride to see today's children understanding and embracing the Guru sahib's teachings. This was not merely a ceremony; it's a journey of connecting our youth with our core values through education."
Dr. Amarpal Singh, PSEB Chairman, highlighted that the initiative's success is rooted in students internalising the lessons, making the Guru's teachings a part of their lives. "The true objective of education is fulfilled as young minds draw inspiration from Guru Sahib's life, learning truth, courage and righteousness. We're shaping conscientious citizens, not just students," he added.