*MINING DEPT UNEARTH ILLEGAL MINING AT TWO PLACES; FIRs REGISTERED: BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL*
*ILLEGAL SAND MINING UNEARTHED AT KOT SIDHU VILLAGE IN AMRITSAR; MACHINERY AND TIPPERS IDENTIFIED*
*UNNUMBERED SAND-LOADED TIPPER INTERCEPTED AT SIDHWAN BET IN LUDHIANA*
*SO FAR, 247 FIRs, 598 CHALLANS REGISTERED; AROUND RS.8-CR PENALTY IMPOSED*
*Chandigarh/Amritsar/Ludhiana, October 7:*Punjab Mines and Geology Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today informed that in a major late-night operation, a joint team of the Mining Department and police conducted raid at illegal sand mining site in Village Kot Sidhu, Tehsil Lopoke in district Amritsar, where the team unearthed active and unauthorized excavation at the site.
The authorities successfully identified three JCB excavators bearing chassis numbers RAJ3DXX4A03117476 and HAR3DXX4K03070706, along with one unnumbered unit and seven tipper trucks registered under numbers PB 02 DX 5572, PB 02 EJ 0301, PB 02 EC 7695, PB 02 ER 7191, PB 02 EE 6944, PB 02 EJ 0410 and PB 02 EQ 9399, he added.
The Cabinet Minister said that FIR No. 0160/2026 was registered at Police Station Bhindi Saidan under Section 21(1) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The identities and details of the landowners and vehicle/excavator owners are currently part of the ongoing police investigation to ensure strict legal action against all perpetrators involved.
The Mines and Geology Minister further said that similarly, during an operation conducted by the Mining Department, Ludhiana, a sand-loaded tipper coming from the Sidhwan Bet area was intercepted and checked at night. During inspection, it was found that the vehicle did not have any number plate.
Taking strict action in the matter, the Mining Department handed over the unnumbered tipper to Police Station Sidhwan Bet and an FIR No. 0283 dated 06-10-2026 has been registered.
The Mines and Geology Minister further informed that till October 6, 2026, the Mining Department has registered 247 FIRs and issued 598 challans under Rule 74 and 75 across the State. He said that a total penalty of over Rs.7.92 crore has been imposed against which over Rs.7.69 crore has been recovered.
Giving the details of some districts, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that Amritsar recorded 16 FIRs and 25 challans with a penalty of Rs. 46.87 lakh and recovery of Rs. 42.79 lakh. Hoshiarpur recorded 20 FIRs and 84 challans with a penalty of Rs. 129.39 lakh and recovery of Rs. 125.81 lakh while Pathankot recorded 5 FIRs and 101 challans with a penalty of Rs. 176.89 lakh and the entire amount was recovered.
He further said that Gurdaspur recorded 55 FIRs, the highest among all districts, along with 24 challans with a penalty of Rs. 39.57 lakh and recovery of the entire amount. SAS Nagar recorded 27 FIRs and 67 challans with a penalty of Rs. 87.95 lakh and recovery of Rs. 82.86 lakh while Sri Anandpur Sahib recorded 32 FIRs and 30 challans with a penalty of Rs. 52.99 lakh and recovery of Rs. 48.91 lakh.
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*Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat Holds Crucial Meeting with Punjab Cold Storage Owners Association Representatives*
*State Government Committed to Resolving Every Genuine Demand of Farmers to Promote Horticulture*
Chandigarh, October 7:Horticulture Minister Mr Mohinder Bhagat today held a crucial meeting with representatives of the Punjab Cold Storage Owners Association (POSCON) in Chandigarh. Various issues concerning the cold storage sector were discussed during the meeting. Listening to the demands raised by the association, he said that every genuine demand would be addressed to promote horticulture in the state and provide better facilities to farmers.
During the meeting, representatives of POSCON highlighted the importance of cold storages in preserving agricultural and horticultural produce and brought various issues concerning these units to the notice of the Horticulture Minister.
Mr Mohinder Bhagat said that cold storages play an important role in preserving agricultural and horticultural produce. These facilities not only help protect farmers’ produce but also help reduce post-harvest losses. He said that it was essential to strengthen the cold storage infrastructure linked to the agriculture and horticulture sectors. He assured the representatives that their demands would be taken up with the concerned departments and appropriate action would be taken as per the rules.
Mr Mohinder Bhagat said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is continuously working for the welfare of farmers and horticulturists. He said that special focus was being laid on strengthening the horticulture sector and providing necessary facilities to farmers.
Additional Secretary, Horticulture Department, Mr Latif Ahmed, Director Mr Manish Kumar and other officers were also present on the occasion.
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*8.50 Lakh Metric Tonnes of paddy arrived in Punjab grain markets so far: Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak*
*- 7.50 Lakh Metric Tonnes of paddy procured in Punjab grain markets so far*
*- Don't burn stubble to save Punjab's water, air and land from pollution: Lal Chand Kataruchak*
*- Also appealed to farmers to bring only dry paddy to mandis*
*- Cabinet Minister Kataruchak reviews paddy procurement arrangements at Jagraon grain market*
Chandigarh/Khanna (Ludhiana), October 7:The Paddy procurement is going on smoothly throughout the State and 8.50 lakh metric tonnes of paddy has arrived in the grain markets of Punjab, out of which 7.50 lakh metric tonnes has been procured by various government procurement agencies.
This was disclosed by Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister, Punjab, Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak, while reviewing the paddy procurement arrangements at Jagraon grain market. On this occasion, he was accompanied by MLA from Jagraon - Sarvjit Kaur Manuke.
The Cabinet Minister said that during the paddy procurement season 2026-27, a target of procuring 180 lakh metric tonnes of paddy has been fixed and the farmers' crop is being purchased at Rs. 2461 per quintal. He informed that a Cash Credit Limit (CCL) of Rs. 42,786.68 crore has been released by the RBI for paddy procurement, ensuring immediate and hassle-free payment to farmers after purchase. He said that bardana has also reached the mandis.
Mr. Kataruchak assured that the Punjab Government will procure every single grain of the crop and no one will be allowed to bring paddy from other states into Punjab's mandis. He said that no difficulty will be allowed to be faced by farmers and arhtiyas during the procurement season.
He informed that as per the directions of Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann, he is visiting various grain markets of Punjab to review the procurement arrangements and Ludhiana is his 11th district. He said that payment for the procured crop is being made into the farmers' bank accounts within 24 hours.
The Cabinet Minister directed the officials that there should be no difficulty regarding transport, payment, bardana and lifting. He said that farmers are 'Annadatas' and they should be treated with full respect. He appealed to the farmers to bring only dry and clean paddy to the mandis, so that immediate procurement of the crop can be done.
Expressing satisfaction over the arrangements at Jagraon grain market, Mr. Kataruchak said that it is a large grain market and the arrangements made in the mandi, including lights at a cost of about Rs. 2.5 crore by MLA Sarvjit Kaur Manuke, are commendable.
Regarding stubble management, he said that saving Punjab's water, air and land from pollution is everyone's shared responsibility. The Minister also expressed hope that farmers will not burn stubble and with the efforts of the State Government, great success will be achieved in protecting the environment.
MLA Sarvjit Kaur Manuke said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the interests of farmers are most important for the Punjab Government. She said that farmers should not be allowed to face any harassment while selling their crop in the mandis. She also appealed to the farmers to bring only dry and clean paddy to the mandis as per the prescribed moisture norms, so that unnecessary delay in procurement can be avoided.
On this occasion, Chairman Market Committee Jagraon Kulwinder Singh Jhajj, Deputy Director Food and Civil Supplies Department, Patiala Dr. Navneet, District Food Supply Controller (Ludhiana West) Sartaj Singh Cheema, President Arhtiya Association Jagraon Jagpal Singh Kaler, President Rice Mill Association Hari Om Mittal besides a large number of arhtiyas and farmers were present.
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*Speaker Sandhwan Resumes Public Service in Punjab After Impactful International Tour*
*Speaker Sandhwan participated in 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference held at South Africa*
Chandigarh 7 October 2026:Following a series of productive international visits aimed at strengthening democratic ties and engaging the global Punjabi diaspora, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has returned to his homeland to resume his active service to the people of Punjab.
Reflecting on his journey, Speaker Sandhwan invoked the timeless philosophy of Sahib Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He recalled the historic narrative where Guru Ji told the bad people to “stay” and the good people to “go away.” When Bhai Mardana Ji questioned this, Guru Ji explained that evil deeds remain contained if the bad stay in one place, whereas good people spread virtue, goodness, and the spirit of service wherever they travel.
"Inspired by this great ideology, the sons and daughters of Punjab are making their mark in every corner of the world today through hard work, talent, and passion," said Speaker Sandhwan. "Wherever a Punjabi settles, they carry our language, culture, heritage, and values of unity with them."
The international tour was designed to understand the parliamentary systems, democratic frameworks, and working methods of various nations, while simultaneously connecting with the Punjabi and Sikh communities abroad to understand their needs, sentiments, and concerns.
*Key Highlights of the International Tour:*
*Berlin, Germany:* Met with the officials of the Indian High Commission and members of the Punjabi community to discuss regional issues and the expectations of NRIs.
*Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:* Held extensive talks with the Sikh diaspora to reinforce emotional, cultural, and social bonds with Punjab.
*Penang, Malaysia:* Convened with Chief Minister Mr. Chow Kon Yeo and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Jagdeep Singh Deo to deliberate on the welfare of the Punjabi community and enhance mutual cooperation in diverse sectors.
*South Africa:* Participated in the 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, discussing democratic principles, parliamentary structures, and international cooperation with global delegates.
*Canada & Other Nations:* Attended several community events and high-level meetings focused on Punjab's development and fostering bilateral relations.
The core discussions across these nations centered around pivotal issues, including boosting investment and employment in Punjab, promoting industrial and trade cooperation, expanding direct international flight connectivity, and actively involving the global diaspora in the state's progress.
"The Punjabi community living abroad is an invaluable part of our heritage and culture," Speaker Sandhwan stated. "I have returned to my homeland to utilize the experiences, ideas, and strategic contacts gained during this visit for the ultimate benefit of Punjab. Our efforts will focus heavily on three continuous objectives: keeping Punjab's voice strong abroad, maintaining deep ties with our diaspora, and driving betterment and prosperity at home."