AAP GOVT’S DRIVE FOR POND REJUVENATION BEGINS THE NEW ERA OF TRANSFORMATION OF VILLAGES IN PUNJAB : TARUNPREET SINGH SOND
- Previous governments neglected Punjab’s rural THE NEW ERA OF TRANSFORMATION OF VILLAGES IN development, turned ponds into breeding grounds for mosquitoes and garbage
- CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government committed to build a “Rangla Punjab”, Cleaning drive started for over 15,000 village ponds across the state. The proper care and rejuvenation of the pond are important for villages' economy and livelihoods
Chandigarh, April 20:Rural Development and Panchayats Minister, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and the guidance of Arvind Kejriwal, the Punjab government has embarked on a historic mission to clean village ponds at an unprecedented scale since independence.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Sond highlighted that past governments failed to address the needs of rural Punjab, with many ponds left unattended for 15 to 25 years. As a result, these ponds stink, and have become breeding ground for mosquitoes making it impossible for people around to live.
For the first time in history of Punjab, the Mann-led government has launched mass scale ponds rejuvenation exercise. Nearly 15000 ponds set to be cleaned within this year.
He further shared that around 1,100 ponds has already dewatered and nearly 400 ponds already desilted. Depending on the requirement, both desilting and re-silting operations are being carried out. The Minister recently conducted on-ground inspections in several villages of Fatehgarh Sahib district to personally oversee the progress. He will be visiting other districts to personally review all progress.
Many of these ponds, he said, had not been cleaned for decades, leading to overflow, foul odors, and mosquito breeding in the villages. Now, with this initiative, the Punjab government is actively working to reverse these conditions and create a cleaner, healthier environment, a concrete step toward realizing the vision of a “Rangla Punjab.” Sond revealed that the Punjab government has approved a budget of Rs. 4,573 crore for the holistic development of villages.
He further said that the government is focusing on upgrading rural infrastructure, including the maintenance and upkeep of village ponds and the development of playgrounds. Sewage treatment facilities are being ensured in villages to ensure sustainable wastewater management.
The proper care and rejuvenation of the pond are important for villages' economy and livelihoods.
The minister said that ahead of the monsoon season, the Punjab government will ensure desilting and re-silting from ponds wherever needed. This effort will also help recharge groundwater levels and contribute to addressing the issue of depleting underground water in the state.
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PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS PRIME ACCUSED INVOLVED IN TARN TARAN’S VILLAGE SARPANCH MURDER CASE
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— ARRESTED ACCUSED SUKHBIR SINGH IS A HABITUAL OFFENDER, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV
— AGTF UNDER SUPERVISION OF AIG SANDEEP GOEL AND TARN TARAN POLICE UNDER SUPERVISION OF SSP ABHIMANYU RANA MANAGED TO ARREST ACCUSED FROM TARN TARAN’S PAHUWIND AREA: ADGP PROMOD BAN
— TARN TARAN POLICE SUCCESSFULLY ARRESTS SEVEN OF TOTAL EIGHT ACCUSED PERSONS IN SARPANCH’S MURDER CASE
CHANDIGARH/TARN TARAN, April 21:In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab in joint operation with Tarn Taran Police has arrested the prime accused involved in heinous murder case of Sarpanch Bachittar Singh alias Bikkar, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Monday.
The arrested accused has been identified as Sukhbir Singh alias Sukh, a resident of Barwala in Tarn Taran.
As per the information, Sarpanch Bachittar Singh was shot dead by two bike borne assailants in village Naushera Pannuan in Tarn Taran on September 12, 2024.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that arrested person Sukhbir Singh is a habitual offender with several cases under the NDPS Act, Arms Act cases, and snatching incidents have been registered against him. Further investigation is underway to identify his associates and unearth the full extent of his criminal activities, he added.
Sharing more details, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) AGTF Promod Ban said that the teams of the AGTF under the supervision of AIG Sandeep Goel and teams of Tarn Taran Police under the supervision of SSP Abhimanyu Rana, were pursuing the culprit involved in this case, and based human and intel-inputs located both the accused persons roaming in the area of Pahuwind in Tarn Taran.
Sharing operation details, AIG Sandeep Goel said that acting swiftly joint police teams of the AGTF and Tarn Taran Police followed the trail of the accused person and managed to apprehend from near Gurdwara Sahib at Pahuwind village. Police teams have also impounded his black Hero Splendor motorcycle, he added.
SSP Abhimanyu Rana said that arrested accused Sukhbir played a crucial role in hatching conspiracy to execute murder of Sarpanch Bachittar Singh. The accused was also involved in conducting reccee of the victim Sarpanch, he said.
The SSP said that with the arrest of accused Sukhbir Singh, Tarn Taran Police has successfully arrested seven of total eight accused persons nominated in this case. Further investigations are on and police teams are on manhunt to nab the eighth accused person involved in the crime, he added.
A case FIR no. 119 dated 13/9/24 has already been registered under sections 103 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Sarhali.
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No Appeal Filed in Punjab under Provision for Electors to Challenge ERO Decisions
Chandigarh, April 21:The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, has reported that no appeals were received during the recently conducted statewide revision of the electoral roll (Special Summary Revision 2025) with respect to the qualifying date of 01.01.2025 under the important provision of the Representation of People (RP) act and corresponding rules, which empowers electors to file appeals against the decision of Electoral Registration Officers (EROs). This indicates a high level of transparency, accuracy, and public satisfaction with the electoral roll revision process across the state.
As per the provisions under the Representation of the People (RP) Act and related rules, any elector aggrieved by the decision of the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), whether related to inclusion, deletion, or modification of names in the electoral roll can file an appeal with the concerned District Election Officer cum DC within 15 days of the ERO’s order and further appeal on the decision of the DEO may be filed with the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab.
Further, sharing updates about the ongoing revision before Bye election of 64-Ludhiana West Assembly Constituency, the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, Sibin C, informed that the draft electoral roll for 64-Ludhiana West includes a total of 1,73,071 electors. The period for filing claims and objections is open from 9th April to 24th April 2025, and the final electoral roll will be published on 5th May 2025.
Reaffirming the commitment to a free, fair, and inclusive electoral process, Sibin C encouraged all eligible citizens to stay alert and actively participate in ensuring the accuracy of electoral rolls.
For queries or grievances related to the electoral roll, citizens may contact their respective EROs, visit the official website www.ceopunjab.gov.in, or call the Toll-Free Helpline no 1950.
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Vigilance Bureau nabs Panchayat Secretary taking Rs 20000 bribe
Chandigarh April 21, 2025 -The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, on Monday, arrested Gurmel Singh, Panchayat Secretary, posted in Block Development and Panchayats Office, Barnala for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 20000.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the aforementioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a contractor from Patiala.
He further added that the complainant has approached the VB and alleged that he had installed a solar pump on the Panchayat land at village Fatehgarh Chhana, in Barnala district costing Rs 3,84,000 in the year 2023 but the above said Panchayat Secretary had demanded a bribe of Rs 20,000 as a commission for forwarding the bills.
The spokesperson informed that after a preliminary verification of this complaint a VB team laid a trap during which the above said Panchayat Secretary was arrested accepting a bribe of Rs 20000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.
In this regard a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against both the accused at VB police station Patiala range. They would be produced before the competent court tomorrow and further investigation into this case was under progress, he said
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AAP government’s zero tolerance towards corruption : ATP, Architect arrested taking Rs 50,000 bribe
Chandigarh, April 21, 2025 –The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), in line with the the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s zero tolerance policy against corruption, has arrested Raj Kumar, Assistant Town Planner (ATP), Municipal Corporation Phagwara, and Rajesh Kumar, a private architect, from Phagwara for accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000.
A spokesperson of the state VB informed that the arrests were made based on a complaint received from a resident of Phagwara, in Kapurthala district. The complainant has approached the VB alleging that the private architect had initially demanded a bribe of Rs 1,50,000 to facilitate the approval of a house map plan through the concerned town planning official. After negotiation, the bribe amount was settled at Rs 50,000.
The spokesperson informed that following a preliminary verification of the complaint, a VB team from Jalandhar range laid a trap during which both the ATP and the architect were apprehended red-handed while accepting the bribe in the presence of two official witnesses.
He further added that a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against both the accused at the VB Police Station, Jalandhar Range. They would be produced before the competent court tomorrow, and further investigations are underway.
He further added that this action underscores the Mann Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability and a corruption-free administration across Punjab.
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‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: ON DAY 52, PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 72 DRUG SMUGGLERS; 1.9KG HEROIN, 1QTL POPPY HUSK RECOVERED
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— OVER 180 POLICE TEAMS LED BY 92 SP/DSP RANK OFFICERS CHECKED 496 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA
CHANDIGARH, April 21:With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state entered 52nd day, Punjab Police on Monday arrested 72 drug smugglers and recovered 1.9 kg heroin, 112 kg poppy husk and Rs 7000 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 6920 in just 52 days.
The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.
Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.
Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 180 Police teams, comprising over 1200 police personnel, under the supervision of 92 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 460 locations across the state leading to the registration of 51 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 496 suspicious persons during the day long operation, he added.
The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced two persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.
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NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal holds 5th Monthly online NRI Milnee to resolve the grievances of NRI Punjabis
NRI Punjabis can send their complaints on this email id- nriminister2023@gmail.com and whats App number- 9056009884
Total 542 complaint cases were received in last four online NRI Milnees, out of which 488 complaint cases have been disposed off
Chandigarh, 21 April 2025:The NRI Affairs Minister S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal held fifth online NRI Milnee today at Punjab Civil Secretariat-1 to address the complaints and grievances of NRI Punjabis and personally heard the problems and complaints of NRI Punjabis through online Video-Conferencing.
He informed that under the dynamic leadership of S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Chief Minister of Punjab, we have started this unique initiative to resolve the grievances of NRI Punjabis. Punjab is the only state in the country which has started such type of NRI Milnee program for the redressal of NRI problems.
He highlighted that a total 542 complaint cases were received in the last four online NRI Milnees, out of which 488 complaint cases have been disposed off. He further revealed that 82 complaint cases were received in this 5th monthly online NRI Milnee, out of which 63 complaints were received through Email and the remaining 19 complaints were received on whatsapp number.
He requested the NRI Punjabis to send their complaints on this email id- nriminister2023@gmail.com and whats App number-9056009884. He assured that their grievances would be resolved at the earliest.
Dhaliwal assured the NRI Punjabis that I am always at your disposal to solve your problems and concerns and we will leave no stone unturned to resolve your grievances. He asked the NRIs that they can meet him at any time as per their convenience.
The 5th monthly online NRI Milnee was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Dilip Kumar, AIG Ajinder Singh NRI Wing of Punjab Police and other officials of NRI Affairs Department.
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AAP Government committed to provide Transparent and efficient services to People of state: Hardeep Singh Mundian
56 Tehsildars and 166 Naib Tehsildars Transferred in wake of ongoing reforms in Revenue Department
Chandigarh, April 21:The Aam Aadmi Party government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is committed to providing transparent and better services to the people of the state. In the wake of ongoing reforms in the Revenue Department, 56 Tehsildars and 166 Naib Tehsildars have been transferred today.
In a press statement issued here today, Revenue and Rehabilitation Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. He also said that harassment of people in government offices will not be tolerated. He added that complaints were being received in the offices related to the Revenue Department.
Mr. Mundian said that the government is making continuous efforts to provide people-friendly administration, following which these transfers have been made. He further said that in future also, if any kind of complaint is received, such an action will be taken immediately.
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Dr. Baljit Kaur directs officials to ensure transparency in implementation of social security schemes
Minister emphasizes review of schemes and timely delivery of benefits to eligible beneficiaries
State-run schemes playing a vital role in uplifting the standard of living of the underprivileged
Chandigarh, April 21:The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains firmly committed to the welfare of all sections of society. In particular, consistent efforts are being made to improve the lives of senior citizens, widows and destitute women, persons with disabilities, and Destitute children. In line with this vision, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur has directed officials to implement social welfare schemes with complete transparency and efficiency.
Chairing a meeting with senior departmental officials at the Punjab Civil Secretariat today, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that these welfare schemes are directly connected to the lives of the common people. She stressed that it must be ensured that all entitled beneficiaries receive the benefits of the schemes without any delay or obstacles.
Minister held a detailed discussion on key welfare schemes being implemented by the department, such as the Old Age Pension, financial assistance for widows and destitute women, persons with disabilities, and orphaned and Destitute children. The Minister made it clear that these schemes serve as vital lifelines for marginalized sections of society, and any negligence in their implementation by any officer or employee would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Dr. Baljit Kaur underlined that social security schemes are not merely about financial assistance, but are deeply connected to the dignity and self-respect of individuals. She reaffirmed the government’s resolve to ensure that every needy person in Punjab lives a life of dignity and respect. The timely delivery of benefits to the deserving not only improves their quality of life but also fosters a sense of trust and confidence in society at large.
She further added that the Aam Aadmi Party government is making every possible effort to realize the vision of a vibrant and progressive “Rangla Punjab,” and that social security schemes are playing a pivotal role in achieving this goal.
The meeting was attended by Special Chief Secretary of the Department, Rajee P. Srivastava, Director Dr. Shena Aggarwal, Special Secretary Vimmi Bhullar, and other senior officials.
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PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS TWO INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN FIRING AT VALTOHA VILLAGE’S SARPANCH
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— PROBE LINKS ATTACK TO EXTORTION ATTEMPT BY GANGSTER PRABHJIT DASUWAL: DGP GAURAV YADAV
CHANDIGARH, April 21: In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) apprehended two accused persons— identified as Ajaydeep Singh and a 17-years-old juvenile— involved in firing incident that took place in Valtoha Sandhuan village in Tarn Taran, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Monday.
As per the information, Sarpanch Jarmal Singh and his driver sustained injuries when unidentified three motorcycle-borne assailants opened fire near village Valtoha Sandhuan on March 11, 2025.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations has linked the attack to an extortion attempt by foreign-based gangster Prabhjit Singh alias Prabh Dasuwal, who demanded ₹30 lakh from the victim. Further investigations are on, he added.
Sharing more details, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) AGTF Promod Ban said that the teams of the AGTF under the supervision of AIG Gurmeet Chauhan based human and intel-inputs located both the accused persons roaming in the area of Gharyala in Tarn Taran and managed to arrest them.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tarn Taran Abhimanyu Rana said that with the arrest of two more persons in this case, a total of three persons have been arrested in this case. Earlier, the police had arrested Anmol Singh alias Mola of Ghariala in this case, he added.
He said that Police teams have also identified other persons involved in the attack and raids are being conducted to nab them.
In this regard, a case FIR no 21 dated 11-3-2025 has already been registered under sections 109, 308(4),111, 324(2), 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act at Police Station Valtoha in Tarn Taran.
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'Yudh Nashean Virudh'
Punjab heading towards country's first drug free state: Harpal Singh Cheema
Urges officials and public to work in unified manner to eradicate menace of drugs
Expresses satisfaction over 91 percent conviction rate in Hoshiarpur, 179 FIRs registered with 271 arrests
Chandigarh/Hoshiarpur, April 21-Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday asserted that Punjab would be a drug free state in coming time as the State Government was making all out efforts to eradicate the menace at grassroots level under its ongoing 'Yudh Nashean Virudh' campaign and 'zero tolerance' policy against peddlers.
While taking stock of the action being taken to contain this social menace as well as enforcement against drug peddlers, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema expressed satisfaction over the high conviction rate in the cases of drugs i.e. 91 percent in the district saying the days are not far when Punjab will be free from the drug abuse. The Minister also urged the officials of line departments and residents of district to work in unified manner for wiping out drugs completely. "We can overcome this social problem with joint efforts and efficacious enforcement as the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has adopted 'zero tolerance' against drugs so as to make the state drug free" he added.
Addressing the media here after a crucial meeting with the officials of civil and police administration, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted the concrete steps taken under the war on drugs campaign. “With a commendable 91% conviction rate in drug-related cases, Hoshiarpur district has spearheaded efforts against drug peddlers, leading to 179 FIRs with 271 arrests so far”, said Cheema.
Referring to public participation, Finance Minister said that this was an instrumental aspect in this fight and 17 FIRs registered based on information provided by citizens under the 'Safe Punjab Campaign' initiated by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The overwhelming support from the people has ensured that every piece of actionable intelligence is acted upon swiftly, he added.
Disclosing further, Finance Minister said that the Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign has gained significant momentum in the district, with 527 SAMPARK meetings conducted and 970 defence committees formed thus reinforcing the grassroots commitment to eliminating drugs. In an unprecedented show of solidarity, 442 village panchayats have passed resolutions backing this anti-drug initiative, said the minister adding that the district administration had already identified 18 key hotspots and strengthened surveillance to curb interstate drug trade, particularly from Himachal Pradesh. A joint operation with Himachal Police has also been launched, reinforcing cross-border coordination to dismantle drug networks, said Cheema.
Emphasizing that the drugs infiltrated Punjab like a flood during the Akali-BJP rule and no concrete action was taken later during Captain Amarinder Singh’s tenure, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is waging a battle against drugs for the past three years, which brought tangible results and forced the peddlers operating in Punjab either to give up this illicit trade or left the state. He said that the current state government is unwavering in its commitment to reclaim Punjab’s future from the clutches of narcotics, ensuring a safer and healthier tomorrow for the people.
Earlier Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain and SSP Sandeep Kumar Malik briefed the Minister about the measures being taken in the district under the 'Yudh Nashean Virudh' besides steps for de-addiction and rehabilitation across the district. Member Parliament Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal also called upon officials to further accelerate the campaign so as to the task of drug free Punjab could be achieved in the right earnest.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion MLA Bram Shanker Jimpa, MLA Karambir Singh Ghuman, Mayor Surinder Kumar, BACKFINCO Chairman Sandeep Saini, Senior Deputy Mayor Praveen Saini, Deputy Mayor Ranjeet Chaudhary, District Planning Committee Chairperson Karamjit Kaur, Improvement Trust Chairman Gurvinder Singh Pabla and senior officials of line departments.
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Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan expresses grief over demise of Pope Francis
Chandigarh, April 21, 2025 -Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis, the global spiritual leader of the Catholic community.
Remembering the late Pope as a beacon of peace and compassion, Speaker Sandhwan remarked that his life was entirely devoted to the service of humanity and God. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the followers of the Catholic faith worldwide and prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul.
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AAP's a honest Government, previous ones hand in glove with tax evaders : Harpal Singh Cheema
GST collection takes three fold jumps in just three years against Congress' five year Government
Establishes Tax Intelligence Unit, evaders to face music as per law
Chandigarh/Hoshiarpur, April 21Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday categorically said that tax evasion would be strictly plugged and those indulged in this practice would have to face the consequences as per the tax law.
Interacting with media after holding a meeting with officials regarding war against drugs, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema pointed out that Aam Aadmi Party's Government is a honest Government while the previous ones were hand in glove with the tax evaders. He said Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Government would not allow anyone to evade requisite tax thus action must be taken in such cases.
Giving details about the significant increase in GST collection, Harpal Singh Cheema mentioned that the AAP Government had collected Rs. 64253 crore in three year from 2022-25 whereas the Congress Government during 2017-22 had received only Rs. 21286 crore, which reflects the transparency of both regimes. "We have established Tax Intelligence Unit to keep a close tap on the tax evaders besides taking timely action as per the law," he added.
Referring to a query regarding stamp and registration collection, the Minister stated that the Congress Government collected Rs. 12469 crore in its five year regime while the AAP Government had received Rs. 14786 in only three years. He also accused the political opponents for making hue and cry over tightening the noose against evaders as they were mingled with the evaders. "The collection of taxes are increasing day by day that means the AAP Government is ensuring fully transparent system which was blatantly ignored during the previous Governments. Strictly controlling the tax evasion is our bounden duty and department would adopt every possible measure to ensure this" he added.