AMAN ARORA & SOND EXTEND INVITATION TO GUJARAT CM FOR 350TH MARTYRDOM ANNIVERSARY OF SRI GURU TEGH BAHADUR JI

*• Punjab Govt Invites Leaders Across Parties to Unite for 350th Martyrdom Anniversary, says Aman Arora*

Chandigarh/ Gandhinagar, October 30:In a significant gesture underscoring national unity and shared cultural heritage, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development & Training Minister and State President of the Aam Aadmi Party Mr. Aman Arora, along with Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond, formally invited Gujarat Chief Minister Sh. Bhupendra Patel to join the state-wide commemorations of the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

Mr. Aman Arora, leading a high-level delegation, called on the Gujarat Chief Minister in Gandhinagar, sharing a warm exchange rooted in their deep respect for the Ninth Guru Sahib’s enduring legacy.

During the meeting, the Punjab Ministers presented a detailed overview of the month-long state-wide commemorative programs being organised by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government to pay homage to the supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. They emphasised that the Guru’s martyrdom is not just a pivotal event in Sikh history, but a cornerstone of India’s secular fabric and the universal principle of defending religious freedom for all.

While extending the formal invitation, Mr. Aman Arora stated, “Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji's sacrifice epitomises the protection of human rights and freedom of belief, serving as a beacon for humanity. We are honoured to invite leaders across the party lines to join us in commemorating the historic 350th Martyrdom Anniversary. Their presence would symbolise our shared national spirit and values.”

Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond highlighted the cultural and spiritual significance of the event. He further shared, “This historic occasion is a moment for the entire nation to reflect on the ideals of justice, sacrifice and righteousness embodied by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. We are curating a series of events that will include religious ceremonies, Kirtan Darbars and academic seminars to illuminate the Ninth Guru’s timeless message for a new generation. We believe it is an event of national importance.”

Mr. Aman Arora further stated that the Punjab Government is being commemorated the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji with great devotion, besides organising events that would educate and inspire citizens about the Guru's unparalleled sacrifice.

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₹693 crore released as financial assistance to widows and destitute women so far: Dr. Baljit Kaur

6,65,994 beneficiaries availing benefits under the scheme across the state

Chandigarh, October 30:Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is committed to the welfare and social justice of every section of society. In this direction, special efforts are being made to provide economic support and dignity to widows and destitute women. As part of these efforts, a substantial amount has been released under the Social Security Financial Assistance Scheme for their welfare.

Giving this information, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that during the current financial year, the Punjab Government has so far released ₹693.04 crore as financial assistance to beneficiaries under this scheme.

She further informed that 6,65,994 widows and destitute women are receiving financial benefits under this scheme across the state. Dr. Kaur said that the initiative not only provides financial security to women but also helps in empowering them to become active participants in the mainstream of society.

Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the Mann Government’s goal is not limited to providing assistance, but to create opportunities for women’s empowerment. The government aims to ensure that every woman becomes self-reliant and leads a dignified life. This is why the state government continues to strengthen and expand social security schemes for the welfare of women.

Dr. Kaur further added that the Punjab Government has already made a budgetary provision of ₹1170 crore for the welfare of widows and destitute women. She directed the departmental officials to ensure transparent and effective implementation of the scheme so that every eligible beneficiary receives its benefits in time.

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Jasvir Singh Garhi meets DGP Gaurav Yadav

Chandigarh, October 30:Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman Sardar Jasvir Singh Garhi met the state Police Chief Gaurav Yadav.

Giving information about this meeting, Sardar Garhi said that during this meeting, discussions were held regarding the deputation of SP level authority in every district of Punjab state to deal with cases related to SCST Act and the deputation of a DGP level officer at the state level.

He said that the Police Chief assured of early action in this regard and said that he would issue orders in this regard soon.

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HARBHAJAN SINGH ETO REVIEWS SPECIAL REPAIR WORKS OF LINK ROADS IN RURAL AREAS

PWD MINISTER DIRECTS TO EXPEDITE ALLOTMENT OF REPAIR WORKS

Chandigarh, October 30:Punjab Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO today reviewed in detail the ongoing special repair works of link roads across rural areas of the state. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has embarked on a large-scale initiative to upgrade and strengthen 10,778 kilometres of roads under a special repair programme.

During the meeting, officials apprised the Minister that the ongoing works pertain to link roads scheduled for special repair during 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26. The programme covers link roads of the Public Works Department falling under 81 Market Committees. The necessary administrative approvals have been obtained from the Punjab Mandi Board, following which the works have been allotted through a transparent tendering process.

Directing officials to further accelerate the pace of allotment, the Cabinet Minister also sought a detailed progress report on the implementation of the works.

Harbhajan Singh ETO stressed the need to ensure strict monitoring of all works being executed under the Punjab Government’s initiatives. He also lauded the officials of the departmental Vigilance Committee, who recently inspected about 2.5 km of road under the Nabha Market Committee and ensured on-the-spot rectification of minor deficiencies found during the inspection. The Minister appreciated the proactive approach and instructed that such field inspections must continue in the future as well. He made it clear that no compromise in the quality of work will be tolerated.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Principal Secretary PWD Mr. Vikas Pratap, Special Secretary Mrs. Hargunjeet Kaur, Engineer-in-Chief Mr. Gagandeep Singh, Chief Engineers Mr. Vijay Chopra, Mr. Anil Gupta, Mr. Ramtesh Bains, Mr. Arshdeep Singh and other senior officers.

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PUNJAB EDUCATION SYSTEM IS WITNESSING A PROFOUND TRANSFORMATION: HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA

*FINANCE MINISTER ENGAGES WITH 7 UNIONS OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ASSURES TO RESOLVE LEGITIMATE DEMANDS*

*ALSO ENCOURAGES UNION MEMBERS TO FURTHER BOOST EDUCATION STANDARDS*

Chandigarh, October 30-Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said that the state's education system is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the comprehensive infrastructure upgrades under the Sikhya Kranti program of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led government, and bolstered by initiatives to enhance teacher strength and address long-standing concerns.

Finance Minister Cheema made these remarks on Thursday while engaging in an in-depth discussion with representatives from seven education department unions. The unions included the Special Cadre Adhiyapak Front, Computer Adhiyapak Union, Computer Adhiyapak Sangharsh Committee, Unemployed B. Ed. TET Pass Adhiyapak Union, ETT TET Pass Adhiyapak Union (Sunil Fazilka), and ETT TET Pass Adhiyapak Union (Jai Singh Wala). The Minister had a comprehensive review of their demands and also encouraged the union members to further dedicate themselves to boosting education standards in government schools.

Secretary Education Anindita Mitra apprised the Finance Minister that solutions for most of the unions' demands were either in the final stage or currently being processed. She provided assurances that other legitimate demands would also be addressed shortly. In response, Finance Minister Cheema directed the Education Department to share the fiscal responsibilities associated with the legitimate demands with the Finance Department so that necessary action could be decided upon without delay.

In a separate engagement, Finance Minister Cheema also held a productive meeting with the All Punjab DST/CTF Contract Workers Union, offering his assurance that their issues would be resolved amicably. During these meetings, Special Secretary (Personnel) Upkar Singh and Special Secretary (Finance) Ajay Arora briefed the Finance Minister on their concerned departmental status of the demands put forth by the respective unions.

Union Members inclusing Veerpal Kaur Sidhana, Manpreet Singh Moga, Paramjit Kaur Pakhowal from Special Cadre Adhiyapak Front; Gurwinder Singh, Rakhi Manan, Harpreet Singh from Computer Adhiyapak Union; Jony Singla, Nardeep Sharma Sunit Sareen from Computer Adhiyapak Sangharsh Committee, Jaswant Ghubaya, Hardeep Singh, Sandeep Singh from Berojgar B. Ed. TET Pass Adhiyapak Union; Sunil Kumar, Salwinder Singh, Ranjit Singh from ETT TET Pass Adhiyapak Union (Sunil Fazilka); Kamal Thakur, Sohan Singh and Gurmukh Singh ETT TET Pass Adhiyapak Union (Jai Singh Wala), and Sandeep Singh, Kirandeep Singh and Pardeep Singh from All Punjab DST/CTF Contract Workers Union raised their issues during the meeting.

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Dr. Vandana Arora appointed as non-official scientist of the Expert Group

Chandigarh, 30 October 2025:In exercise of the powers conferred by sub section 1 of section 7 of The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 and all other powers enabling him in this behalf, the Governor of Punjab has appointed Dr. Vandana Arora as non-official scientist of the Expert Group in place of Prof. Rajesh Gill, for evaluating the Social Impact Assesment reports.