Mann Slams BJP for Water Conspiracy, Says ‘Not a Drop to Spare’; Vows to Protect Punjab’s Water Rights

BJP’s Central and Haryana Govt are Misusing Power: Bhagwant Mann

Chandigarh, April 30-Slamming BJP for conspiring to divest Punjab of its waters by misusing its power in Haryana and center, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday categorically said that the state has no single drop of water to share with any other state.

In a letter to his Haryana counterpart, the Chief Minister said that he had received the letter of Naib Singh Saini through media only and it is unfortunate that a person of his stature is misleading the people by saying that he has assured water to Haryana. He said that this is nothing more than a bundle of lies as this promise was never made adding that this doesn’t suit a person sitting on a constitutional post. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Chief Minister of Haryana did call him but he never gave any assurance regarding water to Saini adding that he can give such a promise when Punjab has no drop of spare water to share with any other state.

The Chief Minister said that every year BBMB distributes water to Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan which is applicable from May 21 to May 20 next year. He said that this year BBMB had distributed 3.318 MAF, 2.987 MAF and 5.512 MAF water to Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab respectively. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the BJP government in Haryana had used its share of water by March 31 this year after which the crisis had arisen.

The Chief Minister said that subsequently the Haryana government had urged Punjab that they don’t even have water to cater to the drinking needs of people. He said that as a humanitarian gesture the Punjab government generously allotted 4000 cusec of water daily to Haryana from April 6, 2025. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that though the population of Haryana is three crore and as per estimates 1700 cusec of water is enough to meet the needs of people of state.

However, the Chief Minister said that the Haryana government has sought 2.5 times more water from Punjab than its actual need. Despite this, he said that Punjab has been giving this water from the month of April adding that a few days back Haryana had pleaded that this water is not sufficient for it and they need 8500 cusec additional water daily. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is evident that this water is needed for irrigation purposes and this problem has arisen as Haryana has not utilized its share of water properly.

The Chief Minister highlighted that Punjab is already grappling with shortage of water for agricultural purposes as the groundwater is receding across the state. He said that the level of water in the dams has been recorded all time low and water level at Pong Dam, Bhakra Dam and Ranjit Sagar Dam is 32 feet, 12 feet and 14 feet low respectively as compared to last year. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every single drop of water is precious for the state and there is no question of sharing the water with any other state.

The Chief Minister said that water of Punjab belongs to the state and no one will be allowed to divest the state from it adding that the state government will not allow anyone to deprive Punjab of its legitimate share. He categorically said that BJP through its government in Haryana and center is trying to suppress the state and it is unfortunate that BBMB is passing new resolutions everyday to rob share of Punjab’s water. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that the state government is committed to safeguard the interests of the state and no one will be allowed to plunder our waters from us.

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AAP Govt Intensifies Fight Against Drugs: Rehab Support Grows for Youth and Families

De-Addiction Beds Raised from 1,500 to 5,000; Every District to Ensure Medicine Supply

CM Mann Issues Zero-Tolerance Warning on Drug Rehab Lapses

Chandigarh, April 30:In its ongoing crusade against the menace of drugs, the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is now focusing on drug de-addiction and rehabilitation of the victims for which a threefold increase has been made in de-addiction beds from 1500 to 5000.

Divulging the details, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the state government has focused on cutting the supply line of drugs by nabbing the drug peddlers and putting them behind the bars. As the state government has tightened the noose around drug smugglers the supply line of drugs has snapped which has resulted in more number of victims approaching the drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centers. Therefore a network of drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centers have been set up to detoxify the drug addicts and enable them to live a life of dignity and pride.

In light of the ongoing "war against drugs" campaign of the Government of Punjab, the capacity of existing de-addiction and rehabilitation centres has been significantly enhanced. Several new centres have been established and the quality of service and overall environment in existing centres has been substantially improved, including the provisioning of air conditioning. The number of beds in government managed de-addiction and rehabilitation has been increased from 1,500 to 5,000.

Similarly, OOAT centres have been upgraded, and adequate availability of essential medicines has been ensured. New OOAT centres have also been established where necessary, taking the total number of OOAT centres from 529 to 565. In the next few days, the Punjab Police will further intensify its operation targeting drug-related activities as a result of which, a large number of victims are likely to approach OAT centres and de-addiction centres.

Thus, Bhagwant Singh Mann has directed the Deputy Commissioners to personally ensure that adequate quantities of medicines, consumables, and beds are available at all OOAT and De-addiction Centres under their jurisdiction. The Chief Minister has also made it clear that quality of services must be maintained at a high standard. He said that lapses observed, if any in this noble cause, shall invite strict disciplinary action.

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Government Procurement Crosses 100 LMT; Rs. 22,815 Crore Credited to 6 Lakh Farmers : Lal Chand Kataruchak

Chandigarh, April 30:The wheat procurement operations are going on at rapid pace in the mandis throughout the state and till now, 114 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of produce has arrive in the mandis out of which 111 LMT has been procured.

Stating this here today at anaj bhawan while interacting with the media, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak further revealed that the procurement by the Government agencies has crossed 100 LMT mark and currently stands at 103 LMT. As regards the payments to the farmers, an amount to the tune of Rs. 22815 Crore has been credited into the accounts of farmers, said the Minister adding till date 6,28,674 farmers have brought their produce into the mandis. The lifting is also picking up speed and 47.37 Lakh Metric Tonne has been lifted which is 56.6 percent as per the 72 hour norms.

Furthermore, in order to ensure smooth & hassle free procurement, a total of 2885 procurement centres have been established in the state and out of these 1864 are regular while 1021 are the temporary ones. The Minister also disclosed that this time around, the yield has been very high which has led to the bumper crop in Punjab. This would help a great deal in successfully meeting the target of 124 LMT.

Divulging more, Mr. Kataruchak mentioned that he is visiting the mandis throughout the state at regular intervals and not even a single farmer has complained regarding the arrangements made at the mandis. All the necessary amenities such as bardana, proper sanitation, drinking water and wooden crates have been ensured.

Among others present on the occasion included the Principal Secretary Rahul Tewari, Additional Secretary Kamal Kumar Garg, and Additional Director Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar.

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AFTER 40 YEARS, CANAL WATER RETURNS TO PUNJAB FIELDS UNDER MANN GOVT’S LANDMARK INITIATIVE

RS.238.90-CRORE KANDI CANAL PROJECT REVIVES IRRIGATION ACROSS 125,000 ACRES IN 433 VILLAGES: MINISTER BARINDER GOYAL

Chandigarh, April 30:In a landmark achievement for Punjab's agricultural sector, thousands of farmers in the state's Kandi region are now receiving canal water for irrigation after a drought-like wait of nearly four decades.

Addressing longstanding irrigation challenges and revitalizing Punjab's agricultural infrastructure, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government has invested approximately 2.5 times more funds (over Rs.4557 crore from 2022 to 2025) than the previous Congress government (Rs.2046 crore from 2019 to 2022) in developing irrigation infrastructure for canal water distribution, yielding remarkable outcomes.

Punjab Water Resources and Soil and Water Conservation Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that in numerous areas, farmers who had abandoned hope are now receiving canal water after nearly 40 years.

The Cabinet Minister listed the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Kandi Canal network, which has a capacity of 463 cusecs and extends 129.035 kilometers from Talwara to Balachaur. Although construction from Talwara to Hoshiarpur was completed in 1998 and Stage-2 from Hoshiarpur to Balachaur in 2016, the infrastructure had deteriorated substantially, causing persistent leakage and seepage issues that prevented water from reaching its full capacity.

He said that the government prioritized this project and invested approximately Rs.238.90 crore in the Kandi canal network to ensure water reaches tail-end areas. Today, water flows from Talwara to Balachaur-reaching the furthest points after nearly 40 years-benefiting 433 villages across Hoshiarpur and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar districts and irrigating 125,000 acres across Dasuya, Mukerian, Tanda-Urmar, Sham Churasi, Hoshiarpur, Chabbewal, Garhshankar and Balachaur.

He said that The concrete lining of Kandi Canal Stage-1 (Talwara to Hoshiarpur) was completed at a cost of Rs.120 crore. To optimize canal performance, the Mann government restored earthen watercourses and rejuvenated 11 distributaries spanning 61 kilometers under Kandi Canal Stage-1, benefiting 203 villages in Hoshiarpur covering 28,500 acres. Besides this, Rs.58.78 crore project for 417.52 kilometers of underground pipeline distribution system is scheduled for completion this month, he added.

He informed that for Kandi Canal Stage-2 between Hoshiarpur and Balachaur, the state government has restored six flow distributaries extending approximately 42 kilometers, providing irrigation facilities to 72 villages across Hoshiarpur and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar districts, covering 18,800 acres of agricultural land.

Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal further revealed that five previously deteriorated lift schemes on this canal, which were designed to provide water to elevated areas, have been completely overhauled at a cost of Rs.34 crore, including their distribution systems. These revitalized lift schemes now serving 38 villages with approximately 11,576 acres of previously rain-dependent land.

Beyond rehabilitating existing infrastructure, the Mann government has implemented several innovative initiatives. Five new lift schemes have been installed at a cost of Rs.11.62 crore, irrigating around 1,500 additional acres, stated the Cabinet Minister.

He said that to elevate groundwater levels, recharging structures have been constructed over five defunct government tubewells at a cost of Rs.20 lakh, while 24 ponds have been developed with Rs.5.16 crore, designed to be periodically replenished with canal water.

In a significant environmental intervention, 18 seasonal streams (choes) have been connected to the canal network at a cost of Rs.4.18 crore, allowing controlled release of canal water to enhance groundwater recharge.

"We are also supplying canal water to industry, reducing groundwater extraction while generating supplementary revenue for the state," said Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, underlining the restoration of 13 low-earthen dams on various streams in Hoshiarpur and S.A.S. Nagar districts, where underground pipe distribution systems had deteriorated. The government invested Rs.11.50 crore to revitalize these systems, he added.

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Industry Is the New Classroom: Harjot Singh Bains Unveils Punjab’s Pioneering B.Tech Program

MRSPTU and Victura Technologies Join Hands to Bridge Education-Industry Gap

Chandigarh, April 30:In a groundbreaking move aimed at aligning technical education with industry demands by focusing on skill-based experiential learning, Punjab's Technical Education and Industrial Training Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains announced the launch of first-of-its-kind B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering (Industry Integrated) program.

Addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan today, S. Harjot Singh Bains informed that a transformative Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University (MRSPTU), Bathinda and Victura Technologies Private Limited (VTPL) of Faridabad. It is first-of-its-kind program across the country, under which from the very first semester the student will be part of the industry and the industry campus would be considered as a deemed campus of the University.

The MoU was signed today by Registrar of MRSPTU Dr. Gurinder Pal Singh Brar and Victura Managing Director Mr. Hardeep Singh Banga.

“This is not just an MoU—it’s a promise to the youth of Punjab that their education will move beyond theory, integrating real-world applications, cutting-edge technologies, and hands-on experience,” said S. Harjot Singh Bains, while adding that this pioneering partnership is set to revolutionise technical education in Punjab by embedding industry exposure into the core of academic training, which will pave a way to address the unemployment issue.

Highlighting the key aspects of the landmark MoU, S. Harjot Singh Bains stated that the specialised B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering (Industry Integrated) program will span four years. The curriculum includes five semesters of academic study at the MRSPTU and the last three semesters of practical industrial training at Victura Technologies. The program would be initiated with a batch of 30 students to ensure focused mentorship and high-quality training.

The Technical Education Minister said that Victura Technologies will establish a VTPL Advanced Automation Lab on the MRSPTU campus to foster experiential learning and innovation. The program also offers financial support, up to 50%, for meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, along with free accommodation, meals, local transportation, and a stipend during the industrial training phase.

Reaffirming the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government's commitment to educational transformation, the Technical Education Minister emphasised the government’s forward-looking strategy to align educational infrastructure with future industry needs. The state is creating academic models that address the demands of automation, advanced manufacturing, and robotics.

While commending the Victura Technologies for its active involvement in education, curriculum development, and faculty training, S. Harjot Singh Bains urged other industry leaders to collaborate with the state govt educational institutions and contribute towards preparing our youth for global opportunities.

The Director Technical Education Mr. Moneesh Kumar, Director Victura Technologies Mr. Amitbir Singh Banga, CSR Head Mr. Ajay Kumar Somvanshi, Programme Mentor of MRSPTU Dr. Sandeep Kansal, Coordinator Dr. Amit Bhatia and senior officials of MRSPTU were also present on the occasion.

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FINANCE MINISTER HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA HANDS OVER APPOINTMENT LETTERS TO 11 NEWLY APPOINTED SECTION OFFICERS

Chandigarh, April 30-In a significant move to strengthen Punjab’s fiscal management framework, Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday handed over appointment letters to 11 officials who have successfully cleared the SAS examination and have been appointed as Section Officers. These officials, formerly serving in various departments within the Punjab Civil Secretariat, will now represent the Finance Department across different state offices, reinforcing financial probity and operational efficiency.

During the simple but impressive appointment letter distribution ceremony held here at his office in the Punjab Civil Secretariat, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reaffirmed the commitment of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government to upholding transparent and robust fiscal governance. He expressed confidence that the newly appointed Section Officers will play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless implementation of government welfare schemes, fostering efficiency and accountability at every level.

Highlighting the significance of these appointments, Finance Minister Cheema said that these Section Officers would be instrumental in maintaining comprehensive oversight of government expenditure, enhancing transparency, preventing financial leakage, and monitoring receipts. “These measures will enable the government to provide enhanced services to employees, pensioners, and the general public,” said Cheema.

Congratulating the newly appointed officials, Finance Minister Cheema urged them to approach their responsibilities with dedication, integrity, and professional acumen. He underscored their role in optimizing the utilization of the government’s financial resources to maximize public benefit. Principal Secretary Finance Krishan Kumar also graced the occasion.

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Power Minister announces expansion of PSPCL' s New Mohali Call Centre Handling System

* Will create job avenues for 750 youngsters: Harbhajan Singh ETO

Chandigarh, April 30-In a major leap toward strengthening consumer grievance redressal and service delivery, Punjab’s Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO announced a significant expansion of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited’s (PSPCL) call center infrastructure. This move is aimed at improving the efficiency and responsiveness of the electricity complaint registration system across the state.

Currently, PSPCL operates its consumer complaint helpline (1912) through two call centres with a total of 120 seats per shift at each centre, operating round the clock. This amounts to 360 call center execuctives working daily to handle electricity-related issues reported by consumers. The Helpline is supported by 150 call channels but despite these resources, an average of 30 calls remain in waiting at any given time due to high volume though they are attended promptly.

To address this growing demand and ensure better service, PSPCL is undertaking a significant capacity upgrade. The corporation’s Whole Time Directors (WTDs) have approved an ambitious plan to expand the number of operational call channels to 600. Of these, 210 channels will be allocated to the existing call centres, while the remainder will support a brand-new call centre to be established in Mohali.

The upcoming Mohali call centre will house 250 seats per shift, operating round the clock, which means a total of 750 call center executives will be deployed to handle consumer grievances at all times. Thus, this initiative is not only expected to significantly improve service delivery but also to provide valuable employment opportunities to the youth. A tender for the project has already been floated and the bidding process is set to conclude soon. The new facility is expected to be fully operational by June 2025.

“This strategic initiative underscores PSPCL’s unwavering commitment to improving customer experience by ensuring timely, efficient and reliable resolution of consumer issues,” said Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, adding, “The Mohali call centre will not only help manage the increasing volume of calls but also enhance our support mechanisms using modern communication technologies and trained service executives.”

Equipped with advanced telecommunication infrastructure and staffed with professionally trained personnel, the Mohali centre is expected to significantly reduce wait times, improve real-time assistance and elevate consumer satisfaction levels. The centre will handle a wide range of consumer interactions such as billing issues, new connection requests, power outage complaints and general service inquiries.

Besides improving service quality, the new call centre will also generate substantial local employment opportunities, further contributing to the region’s socio-economic development. Consumers can continue to access support by calling the PSPCL helpline number 1912, which remains active 24x7.

The Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that PSPCL remains fully committed to providing uninterrupted power supply while continuously enhancing its consumer support systems to match the evolving expectations of the public.

"This expansion of our customer support system is a direct outcome of the state government's citizen-centric approach, guided by the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. We are committed to translating his governance philosophy into real-time service improvements that directly benefit the people of Punjab," said Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO.

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JASVIR SINGH GARHI CALLS UPON NCSC CHAIRMAN KISHOR MAKWANA

Chandigarh, April 30:Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman S. Jasvir Singh Garhi called upon National Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman Sh. Kishor Makwana, here today.

During this meeting, S. Jasvir Singh Garhi briefed Sh. Kishor Makwana about the various initiatives being undertaken by the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission.

S. Garhi urged that a system should be developed through e-governance to establish better coordination between the National Scheduled Castes Commission and various state Scheduled Castes Commissions across the country. This would enable quicker resolution of similar cases by learning from decisions made by the National Commission for the welfare of Scheduled Castes people, he added.

S. Garhi noted that often, people file appeals with both the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission and the National Commission simultaneously in their pursuit of justice. Hence, the National Commission should take initiative to handle such cases jointly and bring uniformity in the functioning of the commissions.

S. Jasvir Singh Garhi also raised the issue of atrocities being committed against Scheduled Castes people in other states of the country and urged Sh. Kishor Makwana to direct the Union Government to enforce the Scheduled Castes Atrocities Prevention Act more stringently.

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PUNJAB POLICE THWARTS POSSIBLE GRENADE ATTACK AT POLICE ESTABLISHMENTS; FIVE MEMBERS OF JIWAN FAUJI-LED BKI MODULE HELD WITH GRENADE, PISTOL

FOREIGN-BASED JIWAN FAUJI RUNNING TERROR MODULE IN BORDER DISTRICTS WITH HELP OF ARRESTED ACCUSED PERSONS: DGP GAURAV YADAV

— ARRESTED ACCUSED AJAY INJURED IN RETALIATORY FIRE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO FLEE: CP GURPREET BHULLAR

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, April 30:Amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has successfully thwarted a potential grenade attack on a police establishments with the arrest of five members of a Pak-ISI backed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror module linked to foreign-based gangster Jiwan Fauji, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

Those arrested have been identified as Naresh Kumar alias Babbu of Haripura, Abhinav Bhagat alias Abhi, Ajay Kumar alias Ajju and Sunny Kumar, all residents of Haripura in Amritsar and a 17-years-old juvenile. Police teams have also recovered one hand grenade and one country-made .32 pistol along with five live cartridges.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that gangster Jiwan Fauji, currently operating from abroad, has been running a terror module in border districts of the state with the help of the arrested accused persons, who were recruited and radicalised to execute criminal activities. Probe has also revealed that the arrested persons were provided with motorcycles and tasked with retrieving weapon consignments from the Ajnala sector, he added.

The DGP said that the arrested accused were actively plotting to target police establishments with grenades. Further investigations are on to establish forward and backward linkages in this case, he said.

Sharing more details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that during a follow-up recovery operation, accused Ajay Kumar attempted to escape by snatching a service weapon and opening fire at the police team. The accused sustained injuries in his leg during retaliatory fire, and has been undergoing medical treatment at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital in Amritsar, he added.

The CP said that the probe has also revealed that the arrested accused persons had also provided logistic support and an Activa scooter to the assailants, who fired at Karyana Store owner recently at Mahal village in Amritsar. Investigations are ongoing to uncover further links in the terror network, he added.

A case FIR No. 103 dated 30/04/2025 has been regitered under section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Police Station Islamabad in Amritsar.