*Punjab’s Biggest Anti-Drug Drive Underway — Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*₹49.96 Crore Action Plan Approved to Fast-Track Drug-Free Punjab*

*7.5 Lakh Citizens Join Statewide Awareness Mission Across 23 Districts*

*All Departments Ordered to Deliver On-Ground Results — Minister’s Strong Directive*

Chandigarh, November 22:Punjab’s Social Security, Women & Child Development Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, said that the Punjab Government is working in mission mode to eradicate the menace of drugs from its roots. She stated that by integrating awareness, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation under a strengthened model, a new direction is being given to the campaign for a drug-free Punjab.

During a meeting held at Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh, the Minister said that under the Punjab Government’s Zero Tolerance policy against drugs, strict action is being taken against drug trafficking and supply. She emphasized that all departments — including Health, Education, Police, District Administration, and Public Relations — must work in complete coordination to ensure effective implementation of the drug de-addiction action plan.

The meeting was informed that in 2024–25, more than 800 awareness events were organized across 23 districts of the state, witnessing the participation of 7.5 lakh people. This strong public response reflects the trust and support of the people towards the ongoing efforts of the Punjab Government.

Dr. Baljit Kaur added that the Punjab Government is implementing a dedicated support model for families affected by drugs, focusing on social, economic, and psychological assistance. Services such as counselling, employment-oriented training, rehabilitation, and social reintegration are being further strengthened to help affected individuals rebuild their lives.

During the meeting, the State Action Plan worth ₹49.96 crore under the Drug-Free Punjab Mission for 2025–26 was approved. Under this plan, awareness, treatment, de-addiction services, and capacity building will be further intensified through the Education, Health, Sports, Technical Education, and Public Relations Departments.

In conclusion, the Minister directed all district administrations that “a drug-free Punjab is our collective goal — all departments must bring the action plan onto the ground with timely and effective execution.”

The meeting was attended by Sh Vikas Partap, Additional Chief Secretary, Social Security, Women & Child Development Department, Smt. Sheena Agrawal, Director, Social Securit, Women and Child Development Department, Sh Akashdeep Singh Aulakh, IG, Anti-Drug Task Force, Sh. R.K.Arora, IG, Jail Department, Sh. Sanjeev Sharma, Joint Secretary, Higher Education & School Education, Sh Charanjit Singh Mann, Additional Director, Social Security, Women and Child Development Department, Smt.Davinder Kaur Assistant Public Relations Officer, Information and Public Relations Department along with representatives from various other departments.

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Vigilance Bureau nabs Commissioner, Municipal Corporation cum SDM Batala red handed accepting a bribe of Rs 50K

VB also recovered unaccounted amount of Rs 13.5 lakh from him

Chandigarh, November 22, 2025 –In its ongoing crackdown on corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) today arrested Vikramjeet Singh Panthey , Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Batala cum SDM Batala. He was caught red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs 50K from the complainant. An unaccounted amount of Rs 13,50,000/- were also recovered upon further search of the accused.

Disclosing this a spokesperson of VB said that complainant is a resident of Batala district Gurdaspur who had got done patch work & repair work of roads at the Municipal Corporation Batala, for which two bills of Rs. 1,87,483/- and Rs. 1,85,369/- totalling amount of Rs. 3,72,852/- had been submitted for payment. In this regard, he met the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Batala who told him that in order to receive the said payment of bills, he will have to give 10% commission for clearing these bills i.e Rs 37000 as a bribe.

He further informed that complainant also did camera and other related work for a light and sound show in Batala, for which an amount of Rs.1,81,543/- was also pending for payment. In this way, a total amount to approximately Rs 5,54,395/- was due for payment. Regarding the payment of these bills, he met SDO Rohit Uppal who said that orders of the Commissioner had to be followed and the complainant had to give a 9% commission as bribe to release the due amount. But the complainant did not want to get his work done by paying bribes.

Acting on complainant information, the Vigilance Bureau got a recorded complainant statement at VB Unit Gurdaspur. After verifying the allegations, VB laid a trap and apprehended Vikramjeet Singh Panthey red handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 50K from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.

A case under the relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused at the Police Station Vigilance Bureau, Range Amritsar. The accused will be produced in competent court tomorrow, and further investigation is underway.

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Nagar Kirtan Dedicated to 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Welcomed by Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains and Malwinder Singh Kang at Sri Anandpur Sahib

Sangat Welcomes Nagar Kirtan With Khalsa Fervor

Sri Anandpur Sahib/Chandigarh, November 22:The magnificent Nagar Kirtan dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, which began from Faridkot, was accorded warm and grand welcome by Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains and Member of Parliament Malwinder Singh Kang upon its arrival at Sri Anandpur Sahib.

The devotees greeted the religious procession with Khalsa fervor, spirit and enthusiasm. This Nagar Kirtan started from the holy Baba Farid Ji’s Tap Asthan at Qila Mubarak in district Faridkot. Upon reaching Sri Anandpur Sahib, Sangat, Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains and MP Malwinder Singh Kang accorded the religious procession a grand reception.

A contingent of Punjab Police presented Guard of Honour to the Nagar Kirtan. Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains also honored the Panj Pyare Sahiban and the five Nishanchi Sahiban participating in the Nagar Kirtan by presenting them siropas.

Baba Lakha Singh Nanaksar, who contributed significantly to the Nagar Kirtan, was also felicitated.

Rupnagar district administration and local sangat and organizations warmly welcomed the Nagar Kirtan with enthusiasm. Devotees showered flower petals on the Palki Sahib (palanquin) carrying Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as a mark of devotion.

After the Nagar Kirtan reached Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains respectfully and gracefully installed the sacred Sri Guru Granth Sahib at Gurdwara Sri Sis Ganj Sahib.

Starting from Faridkot, the Nagar Kirtan had passed through Ferozepur, Moga, Jagraon, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib and Chamkaurh Sahib before culminating at Sri Anandpur Sahib.

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450 CHILDREN VISIT PPA PHILLAUR UNDER STUDENT POLICE CADET SCHEME

Chandigarh, November 22:With an aim to foster responsible citizenship, discipline, and character-building among school students, a one-day outdoor visit to the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur was organised under the Student Police Cadet (SPC) Scheme — a collaborative initiative of Punjab Police and the Department of Education, Punjab.

A total of 450 children from eight districts of Punjab participated in the event along with their 16 nodal teachers and 16 Saanjh officials.

While elaborating further details of SPC Program, Special DGP Community Affairs Division (CAD) Gurpreet Kaur Deo said that it serves as a bridge between the police and the youth, promoting a culture of trust, awareness, and social responsibility.

She said that the event commenced with an introduction to the SPC Scheme by DSP CAD Prabhjot Kaur, followed by a presentation by Consultant, PPA Phillaur Ravcharan Singh— who briefed the students on the history and significance of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Police Academy, reconnecting them with the heritage of Punjab.

An interactive session was then conducted with SP Cyber Crime SAS Nagar Manoj Gorsi, DSP CAD Parminder Singh Brar, DSP CAD Prabhjot Kaur and Consultant, PPA Phillaur Ravcharan Singh. During the session, nodal teachers highlighted various issues and requested issuance of guidelines regarding the uniform of the Cadets and their participation in Independence Day and Republic Day events.

Following the discussions, a comprehensive presentation on Cyber Awareness was delivered by SP Manoj Gorsi. He sensitised the students about safe online behaviour, digital hygiene, and the importance of protecting personal information on social media platforms. The session also covered key topics such as cyberbullying, financial frauds, online gaming risks, and responsible use of mobile devices. Through real-life examples and interactive questions, the children were encouraged to stay vigilant in the digital world and to promptly report any suspicious online activity. The presentation aimed to empower students with the knowledge and confidence required to navigate the internet safely and responsibly.

Thereafter a study tour of the Academy was organised for the students and teachers. The children were introduced to the unique architecture of the historic fort housing the Academy. The students also visited the State Fingerprint Bureau of Punjab, located within the Academy, where they were briefed on various forensic and fingerprint-related procedures.

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Punjab Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora Unveils PITEX 2025 Logo along with Punjab Chair Karan Gilhotra

Sets Stage for North India’s Mega Trade Expo

Chandigarh, November 22, 2025: Punjab’s push for trade and industrial expansion gained fresh momentum as Sh. Sanjeev Arora, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for Industries & Commerce, Government of Punjab, formally unveiled the logo of the 19th Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX 2025). The prestigious event, organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), is scheduled to be held from 4–8 December 2025 at Amritsar, with the Government of Punjab as the Host State.

PITEX, now recognised as one of North India’s largest integrated trade fairs, continues to evolve as a vibrant platform combining industry, innovation, entrepreneurship, and global participation.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by senior officers of the PunjabGovernment, including Sh. K. K. Yadav, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Industries & Commerce; Smt. Surabhi Malik, IAS, Director, Industries & Commerce; and Sh. Jaspreet Singh, IAS, MD, Punjab Infotech. Sh. Karan Gilhotra, Chair, PHDCCI Punjab State Chapter, and Ms. Bharti Sood, Senior Regional Director, PHDCCI, were also present.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Sanjeev Arora underlined PITEX’s pivotal role in strengthening Punjab’s economic ecosystem. He said the expo has consistently served as a catalyst for industrial growth, trade facilitation, and international collaborations, attracting participation from multiple sectors year after year.

PHDCCI Punjab Chair Karan Gilhotra announced that PITEX 2025 will host over 600 exhibitors, delegations from four countries, and participation from six Indian states. With an expected footfall of over four lakh visitors, the event aims to deliver enhanced B2B and B2C engagement and increased market opportunities for businesses of all scales.

Administrative Secretary Sh. K. K. Yadav, IAS, noted that PITEX has significantly contributed to positioning Punjab as a forward-looking destination for investment and enterprise, while Ms. Bharti Sood expressed gratitude to the Punjab Government for its continued support and reaffirmed PHDCCI’s commitment to hosting an even more impactful edition this year. With expectations running high, PITEX 2025 is set to welcome participants, exhibitors, and visitors for a dynamic, growth-driven trade expo in Amritsar.

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Punjab launches RTB Act 2.0 on Punjab Invest portal to better ease of doing business; Sanjeev Arora

Chandigarh, November 22, 2025:Punjab marked a major milestone in its industrial reform journey by launching Phase 2 of the FastTrack Punjab Portal under the dynamic leadership of National Convenor of AAP Sh. Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Punjab S. Bhagwant Singh Mann .

Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora informed that the upgraded single-window system now offers 173 Government-to-Business (G2B) services across 15 key departments, delivering faster approvals, digital tracking, auto-deemed clearances and enhanced transparency—further strengthening the state’s ease of doing business environment.

Furthermore, he added that a key advancement in Phase 2 is the introduction of the PAN-based Single Business Identifier, which consolidates all approvals, incentives, inspections and compliance requirements under one unified digital identity. The newly added E-Vault now allows investors to securely store documents and government-issued clearances, eliminating repetitive submissions and significantly reducing processing time.

He said our department continuously evolved with system upgrades to stay user-friendly, relevant and aligned with investor expectations. He highlighted major improvements including advanced scrutiny protocols, digital Green Stamp Paper issuance, expanded RTBA coverage and lifecycle-based workflows—positioning FastTrack Punjab as a comprehensive platform for industrial setup, expansion and operations.

Industries & Commerce Minister Shri Sanjeev Arora emphasized the significant reforms introduced under the Punjab Right to Business Act (RTBA). He shared that ten major state-level clearances—including land allotment, construction permissions, environmental clearances and approvals related to PSIEC industrial parks—have now been brought under RTBA’s fast-track mechanism.

He announced that eligible projects located within approved industrial parks will now receive in-principle approval within five working days, while all other non-RTBA cases will be accorded clearances within a maximum of 45 working days. He stated that Phase 2 marks FastTrack Punjab’s evolution into a true lifecycle-based portal, covering establishment, expansion and operational permissions on a seamless digital platform.

Moreover, he stated that Invest Punjab has developed India’s most advanced single-window portal—a unified, single-entry and single-exit digital system that significantly enhances the ease of doing business in the state. He said Phase 2 is not merely an upgrade but a transformational leap towards greater speed, transparency and investor confidence, further positioning Punjab among the most efficient and investor-friendly states in the country.

He reiterated the government’s mission to build a governance ecosystem driven by technology, accountability and service quality to support sustained industrial growth.

Punjab’s investment momentum continues to remain strong, with ₹1.40 lakh crore worth of investments and over five lakh jobs created since 2022.

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Punjab’s industry-friendly policies receiving overwhelming response from investors: Sanjeev Arora