CM EXPRESSES PROFOUND GRIEF AND SORROW OVER KUWAIT TRAGEDY

Chandigarh, June 13-Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday expressed profound grief and sorrow over the death of several Indians in the mishap at Kuwait, when a massive fire engulfed a multi-storey building housing mostly our countrymen on Wednesday.

In a condolence message, the Chief Minister said that it is a tragic and unfortunate incident in which a large number of Indians died due to smoke inhalation when they were sleeping. He said that unfortunate incident has resulted in the loss of several precious lives while several others had sustained injuries. Extending his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, Bhagwant Singh Mann prayed to the almighty to grant eternal peace to departed souls.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is at the beck and call of the distressed families in this hour of crisis. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he is deeply anguished to learn about this ill-fated tragedy, which claimed the lives of our sons of soil and pray to Almighty for giving courage and solace to the bereaved families to bear this inconsolable loss. He said the thoughts and prayers of Punjabis are with the bereaved families during this hour of crisis adding he also prayed for the swift recovery of those injured in this tragic event.

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PUNJAB STATE TRADER'S COMMISSION MEMBER HOLDS MEETING WITH BUSINESS SECTOR REPRESENTATIVES

Chandigarh, June 13, 2024-The Government of Punjab led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is dedicated to fostering a collaborative relationship with industrialists and traders. To fulfill this aim Vineet Verma, a member of the Punjab State Trader's Commission, conducted a meeting today at Mohali with representatives from various business sectors, aimed to address the issues faced by industrialists and traders in Punjab.

During the meeting, Mr. Verma received a memo from Mr. Jasbir Singh, Chairman of the Labour Laws Committee of the Mohali Industries Association. The memo highlighted several concerns being faced by the business community.

Mr. Verma assured the representatives of the business sector that the Punjab government considers all industrialists and businessmen as partners in the state's development. He emphasized the government's commitment to addressing every issue raised by the business community to ensure a conducive environment for economic growth and industrial prosperity.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with assurances from Mr. Verma that the Punjab State Trader's Commission will continue to work diligently to support and facilitate the business community's growth and success.

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THREE PUNJAB GIRLS MAKE IT TO INDIAN AIR FORCE ACADEMY

Pre-commission training of Mai Bhago AFPI’s alumni will start from July

Chandigarh, June 13:Continuing in its march to transform girls of Punjab into ‘Women of Substance’, three more Lady Cadets of Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (AFPI) for Girls, SAS Nagar (Mohali) have been selected for pre-commission training at the prestigious Indian Air Force Academy, Dundigal. Their training will commence from July 2024 onwards.

Lady Cadet Harnoor Singh is daughter of Vikram Singh Bains, who is Principal in a Government School and hails from Pathankot, whereas Lady Cadet Kritee S Bisht is daughter of Shakti Sharan Singh, who is Senior Engineer in PACL, Nangal. Lady Cadet Alisha, who is already under training at the Indian Naval Academy, is daughter of Sunil Dutt, who is Teacher in a Private School and hails from Jalandhar.

Congratulating the three cadets for their remarkable feat, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr Aman Arora said that their success will surely spur girls from the small towns and villages of Punjab to explore opportunities in serving the nation as commissioned officers in the defence services.

To fulfil the aspirations of girls from the State who want to join defence services, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government approved a path breaking initiative to start an NDA Preparatory Wing for Girls at Mai Bhago AFPI last year. Presently, the second batch has started their training from April 2024 onwards, Mr Aman Arora informed.

Expressing happiness over the three alumni being selected to join the Indian Air Force Academy, the Director of Mai Bhago AFPI Major General Jasbir Singh Sandhu, AVSM (Retd.) said that this achievement will further boost their efforts of sending more girls from the state to the various armed forces pre commission training academies. He also extended his best wishes to these lady cadets for their bright future ahead in the Indian Air Force.

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WOMEN MUST STAND UP AGAINST VIOLENCE TO LIVE WITH DIGNITY: RAJ LALI GILL

Says, Punjab State Commission for women is constantly striving to protect the rights of women

Chandigarh, June 13-The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Maan, is constantly striving to protect the rights of women and address their problems. To fulfill this purpose, the Punjab State Commission for women is working rapidly to protect women's rights and ensure they receive the respect they deserve. These words were expressed by Raj Lali Gill, Chairperson of the Punjab State Commission for women.

Chairperson Raj Lali Gill stated that the aim of the Punjab State Commission for Women is to address the concerns of women, protect their rights, and create a better society. She emphasized that if any woman in the state is facing any problem, she can share her issues with the Punjab Women's Commission.

She explained that the commission aims to solve all women's concerns as thoroughly as possible and to give them due respect. The commission also strives to create an environment where women can progress and contribute positively to society.

Raj Lali Gill emphasized that any woman facing domestic violence, sexual harassment, or abuse at the workplace should contact the Punjab State Commission for Women at SCO 5, Sector 55, Phase 1, Mohali District SAS Nagar. Email: punjabwomencommission@gmail.com, phone 0172-2222607.

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES FREE BUS TRAVEL FOR BLIND INDIVIDUALS' ASSISTANTS, SAYS DR.BALJIT KAUR

Chandigarh, June 13, 2024-In a major step to improve accessibility and inclusion, the Punjab Government has announced that assistants of blind individuals can now travel by bus for free. This decision meets a long-standing request from the blind community and highlights the government's commitment to supporting people with disabilities.

The announcement came during a meeting led by Finance and Planning Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema and Social Security, Women, and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur. Principal Secretary Finance Ajoy Kumar Sinha, Special Chief Secretary Social Security, Women and Child Development Mrs. Raji P. Srivastava, Director Dr. Shena Aggarwal, Special Secretary Mrs. Vimmi Bhullar, and Sr. Amarjit Singh Bhullar also attended the meeting.

This initiative shows the government's dedication to creating an inclusive society where everyone has equal opportunities and access to vital services. By offering free bus travel for assistants of blind individuals, the Punjab Government is making a significant move towards enhancing the mobility and independence of people with disabilities.

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Forest & Wildlife Preservation Minister emphasizes further boost to 'Van Mittar' scheme

Directs speeding up of NoC clearance system

Chandigarh, June 13:The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is fully committed to protecting the environment for the sake of future generations. Hence, steps must be taken in this regard at the grassroots level. This was disclosed by the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak during a meeting at Forest Complex in Sector 68 to review the development works of the department.

Reiterating the commitment of the State Government to ensure a clean and green Punjab, the Minister said that the 'Van Mittar' scheme should be given further boost as it leads to providing job opportunities to the people as well as protecting and taking care of the saplings. As far as the plantation of the saplings is concerned, it should preferably be done at the places having boundary walls so as to make sure that there is no danger to them, said the Minister adding that such places can be Educational institutions, Rural dispensaries, Aam Aadmi Clinics (AACs).

Expressing satisfaction at the beautified look of the Phagwara - Chandigarh road, the Minister emphasized more plantation of saplings on the Ludhiana - Chandigarh road. He also exhorted the officers to speed up the mechanism of providing NoCs with regard to various projects. Besides, he emphasized that the 'Nanak Bagichi' and 'Pavittar Van' initiatives should be given further impetus.

On the occasion, the Minister was apprised that plantation on link roads in the rural areas is also under consideration. It was also brought to the notice of the Minister that the task of providing toilets in all the nurseries of the State would be completed this year.

Among others present on the occasion included the Financial Commissioner (Forests) Krishan Kumar, PCCF R.K. Mishra and Additional PCCF Saurav Gupta.

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PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA SPEAKER KULTAR SINGH SANDHWAN ASSERTS FACELIFT FOR AMRITSAR HERITAGE STREET

Information Centres to be set up at different locations of the city to facilitate pilgrims

Chandigarh, June 13:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Thursday instructed the authorities to start major facelift programs for the iconic Amritsar Heritage Street, which will soon boast ultra-modern facilities and amenities.

Addressing a meeting attended by top officials from various departments, Mr. Sandhwan emphasized the need to remove illegal encroachments from the street and set up information centers at strategic locations of this historic city. He also stressed the importance of proper sanitation, potable water arrangements in parking facilities to enhance the overall experience for visitors.

The Speaker directed the officials to stall statues of war heroes along with Bhangra Stars paying tribute to the state's rich history and cultural heritage.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Local Government, Tourism, Municipal Corporation, Improvement Trust, Planning Board, Amritsar Development Authority, and other related departments.

With this facelift, Amritsar Heritage Street is poised to become a world-class tourist destination, showcasing the best of Punjab's history, culture, and architecture.

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EACH PUNJABI PLAYER PARTICIPATING IN THE PARIS OLYMPICS WILL GET RS 15 LAKH: MEET HAYER

Gold, Silver and Bronze medal winners will get Rs 3 Cr, Rs 2 Cr and Rs 1 Cr respectively

Chandigarh, June 13-A large number of Punjabi players will represent the state in the Paris Olympic Games to be held next month. The fruitful results of the new sports policy made under the guidelines of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann have started to emerge and under the new policy, the players participating in the Olympics will be given Rs 15 lakh per player for preparation. The Gold, Silver and Bronze medal-winning Punjabi players in the Olympics will get cash prizes of Rs 3 Cr, Rs 2 Cr and Rs 1 Cr respectively. It was stated by the State Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer in a press statement issued here today.

During a meeting with the officials of the Sports departments at the Punjab Civil Secretariat today, Meet Hayer said that the preparation money should be released to the Punjabi players going to the Olympics. He said that so far six shooters from Punjab have been selected for the Olympics, while a larger number of Punjabi players in Hockey, Shooting and Athletics remain to be selected as all the national teams have not been announced yet. He said that like the record made by Punjabi players winning medals and participating in the Asian Games last year, the record of Punjabi players going to participate in the Olympic Games will also be set this time. He said that Punjab will again become the pioneer state of the country in sports.

Meet Hayer said that the work of establishing Sports Nurseries was going on in the state. Similarly, the construction of sports infrastructure to create sports culture in the villages and towns of the state is also under progress. He asked the officials to speed up this work.

The meeting was attended by Special Chief Secretary Sports Saravjit Singh, Special Secretary Anand Kumar, XEN Sanjay Mahajan, Deputy Director Parminder Singh and Assistant Director Ranbir Singh Bhangu.

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Jalandhar West Bye-election

NOMINATION PAPERS TO BE FILED WITH ESTATE OFFICER JDA FROM JUNE 14

Chandigarh, June 13-The Election Commission of India has issued the programme for holding Bye-election from 34-Jalandhar West (SC) Assembly Constituency and nomination papers to be filed with the Estate Officer Jalandhar Development Authority (JDA), Jalandhar who is Returning Officer for the constituency, between 11.00 AM and 03.00 PM on any of the notified days other than a public holiday from June 14 to June 21, 2024.

A Spokesperson said that scrutiny of nominations would be on June 24 (Monday) and last date for withdrawal of candidatures is June 26 (Wednesday). The poll date is July 10, 2024 (Wednesday) and date of counting would be on July 13, 2024 (Saturday).

He further informed that hours of poll would be from 7.00 A.M to 6.00 P.M. The nomination papers are to be filled in FORM 2B. Blank forms are available with the Returning Officer-cum- Estate Officer Jalandhar Development Authority, Jalandhar. Typed nomination paper will also be accepted provided they are in the prescribed format.

He said that in order to qualify for a Assembly Constituency (Vidhan Sabha) seat, a candidate should be registered as an elector for any constituency of that State. To satisfy the concerned Returning Officer on this point, candidates should produce a certified copy of the relevant entry of the electoral roll in force.

He informed that June 15, 2024 being 3rd Saturday is not a holiday under the Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881, therefore, nomination papers can be presented to the Returning Officer on that day and June 16, 2024 being Sunday is a holiday under the Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881, therefore, nomination papers cannot be presented to the Returning Officers on that day.

Similarly, June 17, 2024 being holiday on account of Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) under the Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881, therefore, nomination papers cannot be presented to the Returning Officers on that day.

The Spokesperson said that The Model Code of Conduct has come into force in the Jalandhar West Assembly Constituency from the date of announcement of bye elections (June 10, 2024) by the Election Commission of India and shall remain in force till the completion of the election process, i.e July 15, 2024.

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SPEAKER SANDHWAN HELD A DISCUSSION WITH THE REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS SIKH ORGANIZATIONS REGARDING THE REVISION AND RE-PUBLISHING OF MAHAN KOSH

Says, this work is very important to maintain the supremacy of Gurbani and remove the delusions of the next generations

Chandigarh, June 13:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan has said that the main need of the hour is to revise and publish the mistakes of Gurshabd Ratnakar Mahan Kosh.

After discussions with the representatives of various Sikh organizations here today at the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Secretariat, S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that appropriate steps will be taken to cancel the Punjabi, Hindi and English editions of Mahan Kosh published by Punjabi University. He said that this work will be done according to the recommendations of the committee members constituted in this regard.

S. Sandhwan said that this work has become extremely necessary to maintain the supremacy of Gurbani and remove the delusions for the next generations. He said that a final decision regarding amendments will be taken soon after discussion with Education Minister, Punjab, Secretary Higher Education and DPI.

On this occasion Giani Kewal Singh former Jathedar Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, S. Padamjit Singh Sikh Missionary College, S. Ravinder Singh Sri Khalsa Panchayat, S. Kuljeet Singh 'Singh Brothers' Amritsar, Mr. Piara Lal Garg Retd. Professor, Dr. Khushal Singh General Secretary Central Sikh Sabha, Mr. Amarjit Singh Dhawan and Mr. Rachpal Singh were also present.

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ELIMINATE DRUGS AND GANGSTER CULTURE FROM STATE, DGP PUNJAB DIRECTS FIELD OFFICERS

— GIVES THEM FREE HAND TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST LAWBREAKERS TO MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER IN THE STATE

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO KEEP PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE AS PER THE VISION OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

— DGP GAURAV YADAV HOLDS VIRTUAL MEETING WITH ALL RANGE ADGPs/IGs/DIGs, CPs/SSPs, DSPs AND SHOs TO REVIEW LAW & ORDER SITUATION OF PUNJAB

— BRING PROFESSIONALISM IN POLICING, BUILD FRIENDLY RELATIONS WITH PUBLIC: DGP GAURAV YADAV ASKS FIELD POLICE PERSONNEL

— OFFICERS ASKED TO REMAIN PRESENT IN THEIR OFFICES FROM 11AM TO 1PM FOR REDRESSAL OF PUBLIC GRIEVANCES

CHANDIGARH, June 13:In order to make Punjab free from Drugs and organised crime as per the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Thursday chaired a state-level review meeting of all senior officers upto the rank of Station House Officers (SHOs) via video conference and gave them free hand to take stern action against all lawbreakers to maintain Law and Order in the State.

"Do professional policing and feel empowered to take right decisions to maintain law and order in the state. We will always support your action,” the DGP reiterated.

Addressing all eight Range ADGPs/IGs/DIGs, 28 CPs/SSPs, 117 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), and 454 SHOs in Punjab, the DGP reviewed the ground-level action against organised crime, drug trafficking and terrorism. Special DGP Special Task Force (STF) Kuldeep Singh, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla, ADGP Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Promod Ban, ADGP Intelligence RK Jaiswal and ADGP Counter Intelligence Amit Prasad were among the other senior level officers, who attended the meeting.

Although Punjab Police has made record seizure of 1450Kg heroin in 2023, DGP Gaurav Yadav stressed on the need to control the drug supply at point of sale by further intensifying the vigil around drug peddlers/smugglers. He also asked the officers to identify big smugglers and take strict action against them to break the supply chain.

He asked the officers to utilise the services of domain experts to uncover the trail of drug money and make maximum use of section 68F of the NDPS to freeze illegally acquired property by the drug suppliers. Recently, Punjab Police has recruited domain experts in field of financial experts.

The DGP also asked all the SHOs to make connect with the public and be accessible to them to ensure citizen-friendly policing, while ensuring that any anti-social element should not be spared at any cost.

Pertinently, the DGP has already directed all the senior Police officers from the rank of ADGPs upto SHOs to remain present in their offices from 11am to 1pm on all working days to resolve public grievances.

DGP Gaurav Yadav has also ordered all the CPs/SSPs to work in coordination with special units to eliminate gangster culture and drugs from the state. He also directed District Police Chiefs to hold monthly crime review meetings at district level and hold orderly rooms to listen to the grievances of the Police Personnel.

Addressing the field officers, Special DGP STF Kuldeep Singh asked them to tighten the noose around drug smugglers to disrupt the supply chain of drugs. He said that a dedicated Helpline is being setup which will enable general public to confidentially share information regarding drugs.

Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla stressed on the need to carry out night dominance operations and keep vigil around repeated offenders, especially those who have three FIRs registered against them.

ADGP AGTF Promod Ban asked the field unit officers to keep track of bailed out gangsters and criminals.

ADGP Intelligence RK Jaiswal asked the CPs/SSPs to work in coordination with local CID officers, which will work as a force multiplier in the districts.

ADGP Counter Intelligence Amit Prasad stressed on the need to activate the good old human intelligence and asked officers to spend time in villages to gather information regarding criminal elements.

Meanwhile, field officers were also asked to follow time and tested police principles and revive the beat system.

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PUNJAB POLICE’S AGTF ARRESTS OPERATIVE OF JAILED GANGSTER DEEPAK TINU; PISTOL RECOVERED

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKE PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE AS PER VISION OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

— PROBE REVEALS THAT ARRESTED ACCUSED WAS TASKED BY HIS JAILED/FOREIGN HANDLERS TO KILL MEMBERS OF RIVAL BAMBIHA GANG, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV

— ARRESTED ACCUSED VIJAY HAD FACILITATED ESCAPE OF DEEPAK TINU IN 2017

CHANDIGARH, June 13:Amidst the ongoing drive to destroy the organised criminal networks in the state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of the Punjab Police has arrested an operative of jailed Gangster Deepak Tinu, who is an associate of Lawrence Bishnoi and Foreign-based Terrorist Goldy Brar Gang, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

The arrested accused identified as Vijay, a resident of Memandpur, SAS Nagar, had facilitated the escape of Gangster Deepak Tinu in 2017. The arrested accused has a criminal background with several heinous crime cases registered against him in Punjab and Haryana.

Police teams have also recovered one .30 calibre Pistol along with five live cartridges from his possession.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that acting on the reliable inputs, AGTF teams under the supervision of ADGP Promod Ban laid a trap near Gagan chowk at Rajpura-Chandigarh highway and arrested the accused person after recovering a pistol from his possession. Police teams were headed by AIG Gurmeet Singh Chauhan and AIG Sandeep Goel and led by DSP Bikramjit Singh Brar.

The DGP said that preliminary investigations have revealed that the arrested accused was tasked by his jailed/foreign handlers to kill members of rival Bambiha Gang. Further investigations are on, he added.

Sharing more details, AIG Sandeep Goel said that in 2018, accused Vijay fled to Malaysia, and while staying there, he executed the murder of a Jeweller in Sarafa Bazaar in Ambala city through the deceased Gangster Ankit Bhadu. Notably, Gangster Ankit Bhadu was neutralised in an encounter by the Punjab Police in 2019. In this case, accused Vijay had remained in Ambala Jail for 2 years.

A case FIR no 23 dated 12-06-24 has been registered under section 25(6)(7) of the Arms Act at Police Station State Crime, Punjab.