*Punjab Police Is Fighting Pakistan-Sponsored Terrorism: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Punjab Police Isn't Just of Punjab, It's Nation’s Police That Stands Firm Against Pakistan-Sponsored Threats: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Equipping Punjab Police with Modern Resources Is Also Major Contribution to National Security: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Punjab Govt Committed to State’s Security & Peace; ₹1,100 Crore to Be Spent on Police Modernisation: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Punjab Police, in Coordination with BSF, Conducted Several Successful Operations & Curbed Drugs Coming from Pakistan: Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*2,577 Personnel Join Punjab Police; Government Has So Far Made Record Recruitment of Over 12,000 Police Personnel: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Addresses Passing Out Parade Held at PAP Complex, Jalandhar*
JALANDHAR, 25th February 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday said that as a border state, Punjab faces daily attempts by Pakistan to disturb peace through anti-social elements and drone intrusions, asserting that the Punjab Police has to stand firmly guarding the International Border and that it is not just Punjab’s Police but the Police of the entire nation. In a major push to strengthen law and order in the border state, Bhagwant Singh Mann underscored his government’s dual commitment to employment generation and police modernisation as 2,577 new personnel formally joined the Punjab Police at a Passing Out Parade held at the P.A.P. Ground in Jalandhar.
Declaring the recruitment drive as part of the AAP Government’s employment revolution, the Chief Minister highlighted that over 12,010 police personnel have been appointed since March 2022, ₹1,100 crore has been earmarked to upgrade the force on scientific lines, and cutting-edge measures including AI integration, specialised technical units and a strengthened Anti-Narcotics Task Force are being deployed to combat cybercrime, terrorism and drugs. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that Punjab is witnessing record recruitment, rapid technological upgradation and an uncompromising crackdown on crime, reaffirming his government’s resolve to secure lasting peace and stability in Punjab.
Sharing a few snippets from the ceremony on X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “It was an honor to attend the prestigious Passing-Out Parade of the Punjab Police in Jalandhar today. A total of 2,577 new, highly motivated officers have officially joined the Punjab Police family, congratulations to each of them. Under our government’s leadership, a record of over 12,000 police recruitments has been achieved, high-tech units have been established, and an intensified campaign against drug abuse is ongoing. We remain fully committed to ensuring the security and peace of Punjab. Jai Hind.”
Addressing the occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “After assuming charge of office, I laid special thrust on upgrading the Punjab Police on scientific lines and ₹1,100 crore has been kept for this purpose.” He added, “It is a matter of immense pride that the Punjab Police has been equipped on modern lines to combat every sort of challenge and to preserve the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country.”
Emphasising Punjab’s unique challenges as a border state, the Chief Minister said, “Being a border state the Punjab Police has been making strenuous efforts by discharging their duty efficiently.”
Expressing his happiness at attending the ceremony, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “I am elated to be here at the Punjab Armed Police campus for the Passing Out Parade.” He added, “A total of 2,577 personnel and officers from various cadres of the Punjab Police are participating in today’s Passing Out Parade. This parade marks the end of their basic training and all these police personnel will be posted to various districts for duty.”
Highlighting the training background of the recruits, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These newly recruited police personnel from different ranks have received training at the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur; Police Recruit Training Centre, Jahan Khelan, Hoshiarpur; and In-Service Training Centre, Kapurthala.”
He further stated, “Since March 2022, the Punjab Government has issued appointment letters to over 12,010 police personnel across various cadres and ranks. These include 1,062 Sub-Inspectors, 450 Head Constables, 10,098 Constables, and 400 civilian support staff, who have undergone training at various Punjab Police training centers.”
The Chief Minister underlined that recruitment has been a continuous process under the present government. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Ever since our government came to power, the Punjab Police recruitment process has been ongoing annually. In this series, basic training for over 1,900 recruits from 2025 began in March 2026. The recruitment process for 1,746 Constables is nearly complete, and appointment letters will be issued to them soon.” He added, “The recruitment process for 3,400 personnel in 2026 will commence shortly.”
Stressing technological upgradation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The government is making every possible effort to technologically upscale and empower the Punjab Police.” He added, “Punjab is the first state in the country to recruit 182 Sub-Inspectors including 112 technical experts, 11 forensic experts, HR managers and 30 counselors, and 1,547 Constables with expertise in technical fields.” He said, “The main aim is to combat cybercrime, financial fraud, gangsters, terrorism, narcotics and similar offenses through its Technical Services Wing.”
He further noted, “It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that most of these officers hold qualifications like B.Tech, M.Tech and LLB.” Elaborating on specialised recruitment, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Bureau of Investigation wing of Punjab Police has recruited 125 legal officers, 21 forensic experts, 196 IT experts and 77 financial experts, who have completed training and are deployed across various Punjab Police units, providing their professional services.”
On road safety initiatives, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “To prevent road accidents, the Punjab Government has established the Sadak Surakhya Force, which is providing immediate assistance to accident victims across the state.” He added, “The Sadak Surakhya Force has been equipped with 146 new vehicles and modern equipment, saving 46,399 lives and providing aid to those in need so far.”
He further stated, “This phenomenon of Policing has earned accolades from across the globe and the state has emerged as the first state to have this specialised force with a response time of 6 minutes 20 seconds.” Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The SSF has been stationed at a radius of every 30 km which has resulted in a reduction of 48% in death casualties due to accidents, which has been praised by the Government of India too.”
Turning to the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Anti-Narcotics Task Force has been modernized and upgraded, including IT infrastructure to eradicate the menace of drugs.” He added, “The Punjab Government launched the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign in March 2025 under which over 50,238 arrests, 35,133 FIRs and large quantities of narcotics have been seized, including 2,230 kg of heroin, 668 kg of opium and 29 tons of poppy husk.” He said, “The supply line of drugs has been snapped and the drug is being wiped out at the micro level with the active support and cooperation of the general public.”
On rehabilitation efforts, the Chief Minister stated, “De-addiction centers are providing free counseling services and medicines, along with awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, villages and public places to educate youth about the harmful effects of drugs.”
Recalling the legacy of the force, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann pointed out, “Punjab Police has always fulfilled its responsibility with dedication to safeguarding the unity and integrity of the country and maintaining peace in the border state of Punjab.” He added, “Peace has been established in Punjab due to the sacrifices of our police personnel.”
Warning against external threats, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “As a border state, Punjab faces nefarious attempts by neighboring countries to trap our youth and push Punjab back into the era of dark days, which will not be allowed to succeed.”
He expressed confidence that “the Punjab Police will continue to perform its duty with full vigor in maintaining law and order and giving a befitting reply to enemy forces.” He further stated, “The Punjab Police is upholding its glorious legacy to serve the state and the country deftly without bothering about their own lives.”
Referring to recent incidents, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The culprits behind the heinous crime of martyrdom of two Police personnel have been nabbed and these Pakistan sponsored elements had tried to demoralise the Police force through such a dastardly act.”
He added, “These nefarious forces had forgotten that the brave Punjab Police force does not spare anyone who tries to destabilise the state.” CM.Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Punjab Police is committed to preserving the hard earned peace of the state and no stone is being left unturned for this noble cause.”
Highlighting training infrastructure, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The state government has established state of the art Police training centres across Punjab which hardly have any match in the country.” He added, “Several states from across the country approach Punjab Police for imparting training on modern lines. Not only from across the country but several forces from other countries also approach Punjab for imparting training to their cops.”
On the use of advanced technology, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The state government has introduced the technique of Artificial Intelligence for enhancing the efficiency of Punjab Police to make it a front ranking force in the country.” He added, “This initiative will go a long way in further improving the Policing in the state and in maintaining law and order.” Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This will act as a milestone in equipping the Police force with best practices and developing it on scientific lines.”
He reiterated, “Being a border state a number of forces inimical to the state have been chalking out nefarious designs to disturb the hard earned peace of the state but the Punjab Police has always foiled such attempts.” He added, “To further overcome major challenges faced by the state it is imperative that the Police force is updated as per advanced requirements in the field of investigation, science and technology.” Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that “the Punjab Police will uphold the glorious legacy of serving the people with utmost professional commitment.”
Congratulating the recruits, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “It is a momentous occasion for you as you have become an integral part of the Punjab Police family.” He exhorted them to “discharge your duty with utmost dedication, hard work and commitment thereby contributing immensely in the progress of the state and prosperity of its people.” Bhagwant Singh Mann added, “The cops must play a proactive role in mitigating the woes of the general public and delivering justice to them.”
Earlier, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav welcomed the Chief Minister and congratulated the new recruits on joining the service.
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann inspects parade, honours top cadets*
During the ceremony, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann carried out a comprehensive inspection of the parade, closely reviewing the marching contingents and interacting with senior officers overseeing the proceedings. He subsequently took the ceremonial salute, acknowledging the discipline, coordination and high standards displayed by the newly inducted personnel. The Chief Minister also distributed awards and commendation certificates to the best performing trainees and cadets, honouring their exceptional performance, dedication and commitment throughout the training period. The event was further enlivened by a series of vibrant cultural performances reflecting Punjab’s rich heritage, adding a celebratory dimension to the Passing Out Parade and making it a proud and memorable occasion for the recruits, their families and the entire Punjab Police fraternity.
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*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s Landmark Gift to Farmers, Canal Water Reaches 4 Districts of Malwa Region*
*Canal, known as lifeline of Malwa, will prove to be boon for Ferozepur, Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib and Fazilka districts: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Earlier canal’s capacity was 11,192 cusecs; now with increase of 2,681 cusecs, it has reached 13,873 cusecs: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*In last 74 years, previous govts didn't take any step to increase canal’s capacity or undertake concrete lining: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Earlier canal water reached only 21% of Punjab’s fields; AAP Govt has ensured it now reaches 68% of fields: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Punjab has no surplus water; Punjab’s interests are supreme for us, and we will not give even single drop of water to any state: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Congress & Akali Dal govts betrayed Punjab by signing agreements to give water to other states: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Akali Dal cannot find 11 people to form committee, yet dreams of winning 117 seats in Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurates first phase of reconstruction of Ferozepur Feeder Canal*
MAKHU, 25th February 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday inaugurated the first phase of the reconstruction and relining of the Ferozepur Feeder Canal, calling it a landmark gift to farmers and a decisive step towards securing Punjab’s water future. Declaring the canal as the lifeline of the Malwa region, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the project will prove to be a boon for Ferozepur, Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib and Fazilka districts, enhancing irrigation capacity and ensuring that canal water reaches deeper into the fields of Punjab.
The ₹180 crore project has increased the canal’s capacity from 11,192 cusecs to 13,873 cusecs, marking a sharp 2,681 cusec jump. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that while previous governments failed for 74 years to increase the canal’s capacity or undertake concrete lining, the present government has delivered structural reform on the ground. He highlighted that when his government assumed office, canal water reached only 21% of Punjab’s fields, whereas today it reaches 68%, transforming irrigation coverage across the state.
Reiterating that Punjab has no surplus water to share, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the interests of Punjab are supreme and not even a single drop of water will be given to any other state. He stated that Congress and Akali Dal governments betrayed Punjab by signing agreements to divert water to other states, and took a swipe at the Akali Dal, saying a party that cannot find 11 members to form a committee is dreaming of winning 117 seats in Punjab.
Addressing a gathering on the occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Today is a historic and joyous day for the people of Punjab, especially for the Malwa region. The first phase of the relining of the Ferozepur Feeder Canal, considered the lifeline of several districts in the Malwa region, is being inaugurated today.” He added, “With the relining, this canal will prove to be a boon for humans, livestock, and the agricultural sector by fulfilling the water needs of all.”
Highlighting the scale and speed of execution, the Chief Minister stated, “An expenditure of ₹180 crore has been incurred on this phase. I congratulate the engineers, government officials, and workers who completed 15 kilometers of canal lining within 35 days in war mode.” He informed that a total of 126 government employees and 4,000 workers were deployed for the project. “With the inauguration of the first phase, the canal’s capacity has increased by 2,681 cusecs. Earlier, the canal’s capacity was 11,192 cusecs, which has now increased to 13,873 cusecs,” he said.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further stated, “The depth of the canal has increased from 18 feet to 21 feet and the width of the canal has increased from 163 feet to 180 feet.” Originating from Harike Headworks, he said, the canal provides irrigation facilities to areas falling under four districts of Ferozepur, Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Fazilka. “A total of 14 blocks including Gidderbaha, Makhu, Mamdot, Balluana, Jalalabad, Guru Har Sahai, Arniwala, Khuiyan Sarwar, Lambi, Malout, Fazilka, Muktsar, and Ferozepur in these four districts will directly benefit from the relining of this canal,” he added.
The Chief Minister said, “With the relining of this canal, irrigation water will be provided to 6,45,200 hectares. Water will now be supplied to border areas adjoining the international border, especially Fazilka and Jalalabad, through the Ferozepur Feeder.”
He pointed out that earlier water was supplied from the Hussainiwala Headworks to Pakistan through the feeder and polluted water is being discharged into the Sutlej River near Kasur city in Pakistan, which re-enters the country. “The border villages get polluted water but now a water recharge system has been introduced to enhance the ground water and supply clean water to the villages,” he said.
Referring to earlier works, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Last year, the lining work of the Sirhind Feeder, which is part of the Ferozepur Feeder system, was completed. With the relining of the Ferozepur Feeder, the capacity of the Sirhind Feeder will increase, permanently resolving the issue of water shortage.” He added that the canal was constructed in 1952 and in the past 74 years previous governments did not take steps to increase its capacity or undertake concrete lining.
“The existing structure of the canal had deteriorated over time, leading to a shortage of approximately 1,000 cusecs of water during the Kharif season, and canals had to be operated on a rotational basis. This project will make a significant contribution to the economic prosperity of farmers in the Malwa region,” he said. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added, “The state government has spent ₹6,500 crore for rejuvenating the canal system and for the first time 1365 villages of the state have got canal water.”
The Chief Minister said that when the AAP government assumed office, only 21% canal water was being used in the state for irrigation purposes. “Today, 68% of the canal water is being used for irrigation purposes and this will be enhanced to 85% by the coming paddy season,” he said, adding that 6,900 km long 18,349 water courses have been revived to provide water at tail ends.
Taking a swipe at previous governments, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Those leaders at the residence of whom the canals used to stop earlier had never bothered about this thing. Such decisions can be taken only by those leaders who are acquainted with ground realities and not by those who have studied in the convent schools at hills.” He further said, “These traditional political parties were traitors who have never been loyal to the state and its people.”
He reminded the people, “Those who had signed the agreement on Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal and had given permission for its survey have big resorts in Haryana, whereas the other one who offered the silver spade to the then Prime Minister is today a self proclaimed ‘saviour of water’. These people ignored the interests of the state for their vested political interests and that is why they were completely rejected by the people of the state.”
Taking a jibe at the Akali Dal’s ‘Punjab Bachao Yatra’, he said, “The real name of this gimmick is ‘parivar bachao yatra’. After looting the state for 15 years, from whom are they trying to save the state?”
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to border residents, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Punjab government is making every effort for the well being of the border residents, who are true patriots of the country.”
He informed that in a major relief for farmers in Punjab’s border belt, the Central Government has given in principle approval to shift the Border Fence closer to the International Border, which will clear the way for unhindered cultivation of thousands of acres of farmland currently trapped beyond the fencing. “Farmers have long been forced to cross the fence with identity cards and under BSF escort to reach their own fields, facing daily hardship and uncertainty along the 532 km India Pakistan border where fencing lies deep inside Punjab’s territory,” he said.
Reiterating his stand on water sharing, the Chief Minister affirmed, “Punjab has no spare water to share with any other state and no one will be allowed to take even a single drop of water from the state.” He added, “The issues of Satluj Yamuna Link can be resolved only through Yamuna Satluj Link, which will ensure judicious use of Yamuna water. Punjab has no spare water to share with any state and there is no question about it.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Despite being a riparian state, Punjab ignores its own water requirement and gives about 60% water to meet the requirements of non-riparian states in which Ravi-Beas and Sutlej rivers do not pass. The waters of Punjab’s rivers are shared among partner states, while flood-related damages are borne solely by Punjab, imposing a heavy annual financial burden.” He asserted, “The interest of the state and its people is supreme and no compromise can be made in this regard.”
Coming down heavily on the Akali leadership, he said, “Those who cannot find even 11 members for constituting a committee of their party are day dreaming to win 117 seats in the state.” He added, “These leaders had patronized the gangsters in the state and infused drugs in the veins of the youth by shielding the drug smugglers. Even today, they are promoting gangsters and one of them was fielded on a party ticket during the Tarn Taran by-poll.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Akali Dal is a party of political deadwoods who have been rejected time and again. They may misuse religion but people will not get swayed away by it. The people will never forgive them for their sins and will teach them a befitting lesson again.” He further stated, “People had elected them time and again but they backstabbed the state. They misused religion for their vested political interests and cannot be forgiven.”
He said, “Traditional political parties are envious because they cannot digest that the son of a common man is governing the state effectively.” Adding that people have lost faith in such parties, he said, “Previous rulers were more concerned about their family members rather than Punjab and Punjabis and that is why they have been shown the door. They start spitting venom against me at the early dawn as I have exposed their ugly face before the people.”
Taking another swipe, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Congress and Akalis have only a four point agenda that is to ensure the welfare of themselves, their sons and their brothers in laws.”
The Chief Minister asserted, “The AAP government is judiciously utilizing every single penny of the state exchequer for the well being of the people. More than 90% of households are getting free power and even farmers are getting power in the daytime, which is unprecedented.”
He further said, “At a time when the assets of the country are being given by the Union government to their blue eyed friends at throw away prices, the Punjab government has created history by buying a private thermal plant.”
Highlighting healthcare reforms, he said, “881 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been opened to provide free healthcare and quality health services are being ensured in government hospitals.” He added, “The state government has launched Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, the first of its kind scheme in the country, providing cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh for every resident family in Punjab.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab is the first Indian state to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage, significantly easing the financial burden on the public while ensuring quality services. This historic move is aimed at providing universal health care to all families.”
He added that more than 63,000 government jobs have been given to youth without any bribe or recommendation.
Referring to the fight against drugs, the Chief Minister said, “The drug mafia was patronized by earlier governments but our government has launched ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ against the menace of drugs.” He added, “Meticulous planning has been done to wipe out this menace and the war has begun in a full-fledged manner. Apart from snapping supply lines, the big fishes have been put behind bars and properties of drug peddlers are being seized and destroyed.”
Calling for public participation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “There is a need to transform this campaign into a mass movement with the proactive support of the people. The day is not far away when, with active public support, Punjab will become a completely drug free state.” He reiterated the firm commitment of the state government to ensure the well being of every section of society and the progress of Punjab.
On the occasion, Cabinet Ministers Barinder Goyal, Dr Baljeet Kaur and Gurmeet Singh Khudian were also present.
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Group of Ministers comprehensively reviews arrangements for upcoming Wheat procurement season
Welfare of all stakeholders must be ensured for a hassle free season: GoM to officials
Storage space issue taken up emphatically with Union Government
Chandigarh, February 25:The Group of Ministers (GoM) comprising Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal and Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, constituted to oversee procurement preparations today held a meeting to comprehensively review the upcoming Wheat procurement season 2026 - 27.
The GoM was apprised that the Wheat procurement season is likely to commence from April 1st and the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department would procure approximately 132 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of the produce. Further, the Minimum Support Price (MSP) has been fixed at Rs. 2585 Per Quintal.
With regard to the issue of the storage space, it was brought to the notice of the Group of Ministers that the FCI is moving 5 LMT of Wheat and 5 LMT of Rice every month since August 2025 till now whereas to ensure adequate storage space for Wheat to be procured in 2026-27 season, a minimum of 15 LMT movement of wheat each month is needed. The Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has emphatically taken up the issue with the Union Government at regular intervals as well as recently also in this regard.
Further, in order to ensure safe storage of Wheat with respect to the upcoming season, the department is contemplating constructing plinths and using empty spaces in the rice mills. Besides, regular review of procurement arrangements is being undertaken with the District Administrations. The DFSCs are coordinating with the District Managers of the FCI to prepare contingency plans and alternate arrangements.
As regards the other items necessary to to ensure a seamless procurement season, orders have been issued for 391320 plastic crates out of which 231055 have been received while the rest would be received by March. Also, orders have been placed for 675000 wooden crates supply and requisite LPED Covers necessary for safely storing wheat are also available.
It was further brought to the attention of the Group of Ministers regarding demand of the arhtiyas to raise their rates of Commission from Rs. 45 per quintal to Rs. 64 per quintal that the matter is being taken up by the State Government with the Union Government at every given opportunity.
Reiterating the commitment of the State Government to the welfare of every stakeholder connected with the procurement process, the Group of Ministers directed the officials to ensure a hassle free and unhindered season with transparency at every step.
Among others present on the occasion included the Principal Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rahul Tewari, Director Varinder Kumar Sharma, Additional Directors Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar and Ajayveer Singh Sarao, and GM Finance Sarvesh Kumar.
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*Vigilance Bureau nabs ASI red handed accepting bribe of Rs 15000/-*
Chandigarh February 25, 2026:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has apprehended Assistant Sub-Inspector Janak Raj posted as incharge of police post Kailash Chowk, Ludhiana red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 15,000/-.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a resident of Civil Line, Ludhiana
He said that the complainant brother was arrested in a case wherein the accused ASI was the investigating officer. In this regard, complainant alleged that when he went to meet brother in the police station, the accused ASI received as Rs. 10,000/- bribe on the spot for allowing him to meet his arrested brother.
Furthermore, he informed that accused ASI demanded bribe money rupees two lakh in the name of SHO and rupees fifty thousand for himself in lieu of not getting the complainant's brother further police remand. The entire conversation regarding the demand of bribe was recorded by the complainant.
Unwilling to pay any illegal gratification, the complainant approached the Vigilance Bureau range , Ludhiana. After a preliminary enquiry on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused ASI Janak Raj was arrested red handed while accepting bribe money of Rs 15,000/- from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses.
In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Ludhiana and further investigation into this case is under progress.
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*Major Boost for the Future of Children Aged 0–6: Recruitment for 6,110 Anganwadi Posts*
*Child-Centric Policy Strengthening Anganwadi Centres Across Punjab*
*Quality Education, Nutrition and Care to be Ensured with Qualified Staff: Dr. Baljit Kaur*
Chandigarh, February 25:Punjab 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 taking well-planned and far-reaching steps to strengthen early childhood education and ensure the holistic development of children aged 0 to 6 years. In line with this objective, the Punjab Government has invited online applications to fill a total of 6,110 posts of Anganwadi Workers and Anganwadi Helpers.
Sharing further details, the Cabinet Minister informed that out of the total 6,110 posts, 1,316 posts are for Anganwadi Workers and 4,794 posts are for Anganwadi Helpers. She said that eligible candidates can submit their applications online till 11 March 2026 at 11:59 pm.
She further stated that the earlier last date for submission of applications was 10 December 2025, which has now been extended. Accordingly, eligible candidates of Punjab state (women only) can apply online from 25 February to 11 March 2026 (up to 11:59 pm).
The Minister clarified that applications will be accepted only through online mode via the link sswcd.punjab.gov.in, in the prescribed format along with the required documents. Applications submitted through any other mode will not be entertained.
Dr. Baljit Kaur added that candidates who have already applied earlier for these posts are not required to apply again. However, those candidates whose applications were earlier rejected due to incomplete documentation may apply afresh.
Highlighting the importance of early childhood care, the Cabinet Minister said that the age group of 0 to 6 years is the most sensitive and crucial phase in a child’s life, during which education, care and nutrition lay the foundation for lifelong development. She emphasized that every child—whether from urban or rural areas—deserves a safe, nurturing and encouraging environment, and the Punjab Government is committed to ensuring that no child is deprived of opportunities due to lack of resources.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further said that the primary objective of the Punjab Government is to ensure the availability of qualified and capable staff at every Anganwadi Centre, so that children receive high-quality education, balanced nutrition and sensitive care in a seamless manner. This recruitment drive will not only generate new employment opportunities but will also significantly strengthen the goal of holistic child development.
She added that through Anganwadi Centres functioning at district, block and village levels across Punjab, the government is fully committed to providing children with education of a quality comparable to private play-way schools, along with appropriate furniture and a modern curriculum.
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*PUNJAB DISBURSES ₹395-CR SUBSIDY TO 5358 BENEFICIARIES FOR CRM MACHINERY: GURMEET KHUDIAN*
*• In-situ and ex-situ focus to empower farmers, panchayats & entrepreneurs in stubble management*
*• Stubble burning cases drop by 53% in Kharif 2025, showcasing scheme's success*
CHANDIGARH, February 25:In a significant push to make the state stubble-burning free, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has disbursed ₹395 crore for the procurement of modern Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery for the fiscal year 2025-26, announced S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Pu
Sharing the details here on Wednesday, S. Khudian stated that the Punjab Government has provided a subsidy ranging from 50% to 80% to 5358 beneficiaries including Gram Panchayats, Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs), individuals farmers and supply chains, the dual focus on in-situ and ex-situ management firmly establishes the state's path towards achieving zero stubble burning and enhanced farmer income.
Providing a detailed breakdown, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian outlined the comprehensive distribution network that guarantees machinery reaches the last mile. To ensure affordable access for small and marginal farmers, 1,151 new Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) were established by 66 cooperative societies across the state. This includes 1042 Rural Entrepreneurs who form the backbone of the scheme by driving local enterprise, 28 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) enhancing economies of scale, and 15 Gram Panchayats ensuring community-owned solutions at the village level.
In a major boost to direct ownership, the scheme has also benefited 4181 Individual Farmers, equipping them with modern, efficient CRM machines. Furthermore, in a strategic move to strengthen the industrial value chain, 26 Paddy Supply Chains have been established. These chains aggregated and transported paddy straw to biomass plants and industrial units, effectively turning waste into revenue and building a circular economy.
S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian emphasised that the unprecedented financial commitment of Rs 395 crore reflects the government's unwavering dedication to the farming community and the environment. He stated that this is not merely a subsidy but an investment in the future of the state, the fertility of the soil, and the air we breathe. The government is providing end-to-end solutions, from machinery availability at the village level to creating robust market linkages for paddy straw.
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The Agriculture Minister urged the farming community to leverage this equipment to its maximum potential, ensuring responsible management of paddy straw. This aggressive push under the CRM scheme for 2025-26 is yielding impressive results, as stubble burning incidents dropped by 53% in Kharif season 2025, with cases falling to 5,114 from 10,909 in 2024, setting a new benchmark for agricultural sustainability in the country.