Governor of Punjab summons Sixteenth Punjab Legislative Assembly

Chandigarh 2 May 2025:The Sixteenth Punjab Legislative Assembly has been summoned by the Governor of Punjab to meet for its 9th Special Session on Monday, the 05th May, 2025 at 11.00 A.M. in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Hall, Vidhan Bhavan, Chandigarh.

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Bhagwant Singh Mann is the first CM who has taken concrete steps to stop drug trafficking and save Punjab’s waters: Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema

VDCs and WDCs will play key role to eradicate drugs from villages and cities as well: Cheema

Mann government fighting decisive war on drugs and centre imposing another war by looting Punjab waters: Cabinet minister Barinder Goyal

Cabinet ministers Harpal Singh Cheema, Barinder Goyal, MP Malvinder Singh Kang, MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj motivates VDC & WDC members to keep strict vigil on drug menace

Chandigarh/Sangrur, May 2:Punjab Finance Minister and chairman of ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ Cabinet Sub-Committee committee Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, today, presided over Village Defence Committee meeting organised here at Sunrise Palace by Sangrur District Administration. Cabinet minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that Bhagwant Singh Mann is the first CM who has taken concrete steps to stop drug trafficking and save Punjab’s waters as well. He added that the state is waging war against drugs and traffickers have been given clear warning that they should stop drug peddling, else they will have to leave the state.

Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said that apart from demolishing houses of drug peddlers constructed with drug money, their government has assured stern action against them. He said that under ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, as many as 240 cases have been registered under NDPS and 332 arrests have been made apart from the recovery of drug money of around 9.20 lakh rupees in Sangrur district. He said that along with the police action, their government has formed Village level and Ward level Defence Committees and these VDCs and WDCs will play key role to eradicate drugs from villages and cities as well. He said that VDC and WDC members will keep strict vigil in their respective areas and immediately inform police and administrative officers about any drug abuse. He added that apart from this, they will also assist the drug addict patients to get them treated from the drug de-addiction centres and motive them to shun the tag of drugs addicts and join mainstream society.

Meanwhile, cabinet minister Barinder Goyal also motivated VDC and WDC members to actively engage in ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign of Punjab government. He said that their government has been working day in and day out to wipe out drug trafficking out of Punjab and stern action was being taken against the smugglers. He added that now no one is there to receive drugs from drones on borders in Punjab as drug peddlers have already fled to other states by putting locks on their homes. He said that around 60 houses of drug peddlers have already been razed by their government which were built by them with drug money.

The cabinet minister Goyal said that Mann government was fighting decisive war on drugs and now, centre has imposed another war on Punjab by looting its waters. He added that the decision of BBMB to provide additional water to Haryana was totally illegal. He addd that due to the wrongdoings of previous governments, Punjab has already been under stress in the matter of groundwater table and when their government has taken initiative to provide canal water to farmers for irrigation, the BJP led centre and Harayana governments want daylight robbery of its canal waters.

On this occasion, MP Malvinder Singh Kang said that CM Bhagwant Singh Mann & National Convener of AAP were personally leading the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign. He added that the drug menace issue has also been taken in the parliament and Punjab CM has written to union Home Minister that drones should be registered and hi-tech technology should be deployed on the border to stop drugs trafficking through these drones. He said that no previous governments taken any initiatives to stop drug trafficking but the Mann government was taking concrete steps to eradicate drugs from the state.

Sangrur MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj said that it was a collective responsibility of the people, administration, police and government and all 3 crore Punjabis should stand by the Mann Government for complete eradication of drugs. She said that the VDC members should pledge that they will stop drug trafficking and also rehabilitate patients suffering from drug addiction.

During the program, ADC (g) Amit Bamby and SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal also highlights the efforts of district administration and police underway to curb the menace of drugs. They also assured every possible help to VDC members to stop drug abuse from their respective areas.

On this occasion, Chairman Gurmail Singh Gharachon, Chairman Mahinder Singh Sidhu, Chairman Ashok Kumar Singla, Chairman Rajwant Singh Ghulli, Zone coordinator Jagdeep Jagga, ADC (d) Sukhchain Singh Papra, SP Navreet Singh Virk, SP Dilpreet Singh, SDM Charanjot Singh Walia, SDM Rishabh Garg, Jasvir Singh Jassi Sekhon among other dignitaries were also present.

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Fight against drug becoming people's movement by taking it to every village ward: Hardeep Singh Mundian

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is committed to protecting waters of Punjab: Mundian

Special session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha called on May 5 on issue of safeguarding States’ waters

Chandigarh, May 2-The Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann has started the war against drugs and is emphasizing on making this campaign a people's movement by encouraging the youth of Punjab to live a drug-free life and participate in this mission aimed at public welfare. The previous governments, in order to fulfill their own interests, turned a blind eye to nefarious activities of drug smugglers and provided political protection to them, which the people of the state know very well. It was stated by Cabinet Minister Mr. Hardeep Singh Mundian while attending the event organized at Majestic Resort Moga.

Mr. Mundian said that a unique initiative has been undertaken in the form of village guards to eradicate drugs from the state, who will be an army of warriors in the true sense. This will prove to be a decisive battle against the scourge of drugs in Punjab. To spread awareness against drugs, the ‘Nasha Mukti Yatra’ will be taken to every village ward and made a people's movement, so that the State is turned into Rangla Punjab again.

The Minister said that the youth of Punjab were misled by the unholy alliance between the previous governments and smugglers and our government is cleaning the filth of the previous governments. He said that now there is no political pressure on the police, but action is being taken against drug peddlers and they are being put in jails. He said that the Chief Minister has given a clear message to the drug traffickers that either they should stop selling drugs or leave Punjab. He said that the defense committees formed at the village and ward levels need to play a leading role in eradicating drugs.

Mr. Mundian said that the State Government is firmly guarding the interests of Punjab and Punjabis, whether it is about drugs or water. The government is ready to fight any kind of battle in this matter and has also called a special session on water issues of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on 5th May.

During the function, Mr. Mundian administered the pledge to village Panch, Sarpanch, Defense Committees and other dignitaries to root out the scourge of drugs. A large number of people who had arrived in the pandal raised their voices against drugs by holding the flags of the drug eradication march in their hands and standing shoulder to shoulder with the Punjab government. Earlier, a street play was presented by the IPTA team to create awareness about the ill effects of drugs.

Prominent among others who were present at the occasion included Prof Baljinder Kaur, Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora, Mr. Manjit Singh Bilaspur, Mr. Davinderjit Singh Ladi Dhos and Mr. Amritpal Singh Sukhanand (all MLAs), MC Moga Mayor Baljit Singh Chani, SSP Ajay Gandhi, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Charumita.

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Drive against corruption : Case registered against ex-MLA son, daughter-in-law, Tarntaran EO and two others for embezzlement of huge funds

Vigilance Bureau arrests EO, Clerk and private firm owner

Chandigarh May 2, 2025 - The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has registered a case against son and daughter-in-law of ex-MLA from Tarntaran including Executive Officer (EO) and Clerk of Nagar Council Tarntaran and a firm owner for committing embezzlement in the funds of Council. In this case, the above said accused EO, Clerk and a firm owner have been arrested.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said in this regard a case was registered based on a Vigilance Enquiry resulting from the checking conducted by Local Government department and later the case was entrusted to the VB for further probe. Afterwards, based on the investigation an FIR No. 22, Dated 02.05.2025 under section 13(2) read with 13(1) of prevention of corruption act and under section 409, 420, 465, 467, 468, 471, 120-B of IPC was registered against the accused at VB Police Station Vigilance Bureau, Range Amritsar.

He informed that the accused involved in this case included Sharanjeet Kaur, Executive Officer, (Now suspended) and Narinder Kumar, Clerk, of Nagar Council Tarn Taran, Ex-MLA Dharamvir Agnihotri’ son Sandeep Kumar Agnihotri and his daughter-in-law Jyoti Sachdeva, owner of M/s MK Padam Petroleum and Rajiv Gupta, a resident of New Pawan Nagar, Amritsar, a shareholder in M/s Sharp Focus vision Pvt. Ltd and M/s SR Enterprises Ltd.

In this case Sharanjeet Kaur, EO and Narinder Kumar, Clerk, both posted in Nagar Council, Tarntaran and aforementioned Rajiv Gupta, shareholder in M/s Sharp Focus vision Pvt. Ltd and M/s SR Enterprises Ltd have been arrested.

The spokesperson revealed that during the probe it has came to light that fraudulent transactions were done by the said EO during the years from 2017-2022. She had made wrong payments through cheques to M/s Sidhu Construction company, M/s Brother Construction company and M/s Friends Association from different heads. In addition to this, by colluding with Sandeep Kumar Agnihotri son of ex-MLA Dharamvir Agnihotri, the accused EO had issued bogus payments to his companies M/s Sharp Focus vision Pvt. Ltd and M/s SR Enterprises.

He further informed that during the checking conducted by Local Government department Punjab, the recovery was made of the above said bogus payments but an amount of Rs 27,88,000 are still pending. During the enquiry, it was found that Sandeep Kumar Agnihotri also got bogus payments of Rs 4,41,03,086 issued in the name of M/s MK Padam Petroleum owned by his wife Jyoti Sachdeva. Afterwards, Sandeep Agnihotri had deposited part of this bogus payment back to the accounts of Nagar Council Tarntaran, but Rs 35,45,404 are still pending. After adjustment of pending bills, a total outstanding amount of Rs 1,05,30,628 was found pending towards M/s MK Padam Petroleum. Apart from this, according to the department inspection report provided by the Principal Secretary, Local Government, Punjab, EO Sharanjit Kaur had issued payments to Clerk Rajeev Kumar, (now deceased), posted at her office and above said Clerk Narinder Kumar without any bills or work orders.

It was evident from the facts that EO Sharanjit Kaur, in connivance with said Sandeep Kumar Agnihotri, had misused her position and had made illegal payments to his fictitious firms M/s. Sharp Fox Vision Pvt. Ltd. and M/s S.R. Enterprises. Besides this, it was also found that payments amounting to Rs 14,61,980, Rs 3,25,000 and Rs 2,09,400 were made to diffident firms without any tenders or quotations.

The spokesperson added that the case is under investigation and role of private persons, who received bogus payments, would be verified during the inquiry. The accused would be produced before the competent court tomorrow.

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HARJOT BAINS EXHORTS 'PINDA DE PEHREDARS' TO TAKE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE TO EVERY HOUSEHOLD

Bains, Dr. Ravjot, Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Rouri, MP Dr. Chabbewal motivate VDC members to play active role in “Yudh Nashian Virudh” drive

Chandigarh/ Hoshiarpur, May 2-Punjab Education and Information & Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, on Friday, exhorted Punjabis to become warriors in the state government's ongoing “Yudh Nashian Virudh” drive launched to eradicate drugs menace completely from the state.

Addressing the district level function of Village Defence Committees (Pinda De Pehredars) at Hoshiarpur, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that it was call of the day to wipe out the drugs scourges from Punjab thus channelizing the unbounded energy of our youngsters in positive directions. He emphasised the need that Public participation is must to overcome this social menace. The Punjab government's next goal is to take the message of 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' campaign to each and every household across the state to far disseminate the adverse effects of drugs, said the Minister while adding that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government was fully committed to get rid of the menace. He said that the Chief Minister had given free hands to the police to take strict action against drug peddlers.

S. Bains accused the central government on the issue of Punjab's waters saying that the BBMB's decision was totally unfair and systematic loot of the state’s water resources. He said that the Punjab is an agrarian state, the base of which is water. He said it was shocked that the Punjab farmers were facing different challenges while the invalid decision of BBMB put the state in the new crisis. He said under the able guidance of the Chief Minister, the availability of the water was ensured across the Punjab. He said that the Punjab government was making all-out efforts to complete the facelift of the government's schools.

Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Dr Ravjot Singh said that the Punjab government was waging a decisive war against drugs which would be taken to the logical end. He also urged the people to contribute in the war against drugs in larger public interest.

The Deputy Speaker S. Jai Krishan Singh Rouri said that the Punjab government is fully committed for the holistic development of the state as well as making Punjab a drug free state.

Member Parliament Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal said that the Punjab government had launched the concrete and comprehensive campaign against drugs which was getting impressive results and that day is not far when the Punjab would be free from drugs. Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain and SSP Sandeep Kumar Malik also briefed about the steps being taken under the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included MLAs Bram Shanker Jimpa, Jasvir Singh Raja Gill from Tanda, Karambir Singh Ghumman of Dasuya, Dr Ishank Kumar from Chabbewal and others.

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Punjab Government Disburses Loans Worth ₹7 Crore to Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Chandigarh, May 2:Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is consistently working towards the welfare and upliftment of every section of society. Giving details in this regard, Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that during the year 2024-25, the State Government has disbursed loans amounting to ₹7 crore to empower the youth belonging to backward classes, minority communities, and economically weaker sections, enabling them to become self-reliant.

Providing further information, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that through various schemes of the Punjab Backward Classes Land Development and Finance Corporation (Backfinco), loans have been provided to 248 beneficiaries so far, allowing them to start their own businesses or self-employment ventures, thereby improving their family income and standard of living.

The Minister added that the Punjab Government is making continuous efforts to uplift the backward and minority communities in economic, social, and educational spheres, ensuring their active participation in the mainstream of society.

She further informed that any individual between the age of 18 to 55 years, with an annual income of up to ₹3 lakh, can avail of loans for self-employment, higher education, or other needs under these schemes.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that several new initiatives are being implemented by the State Government for the progress of backward and minority communities, which will contribute towards building a prosperous and vibrant Punjab.

In conclusion, the Minister appealed to eligible individuals from backward classes and minority communities to contact their nearest District Social Justice Office or Backfinco office to avail of the benefits of these schemes. For more information, people can also visit the department’s official website at www.backfinco.punjab.gov.in.

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Over 22000 Booth Level Awareness Groups Activated Across Punjab to Promote Electoral Literacy: Sibin C

Chandigarh, May 2:Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Punjab, Sibin C stated today that 22,520 Booth Level Awareness Groups (BAGs) have been activated across the State of Punjab to enhance voter awareness and participation in the electoral process. These groups will play a pivotal role in spreading electoral literacy at the grassroots level.

He said that Booth Level Awareness Groups (BAGs) are constituted at each polling booth level by the Booth Level Officer (BLO) and comprise of heads/representatives of School/Colleges in the Booth area, local volunteers, educators, students, and NGO/self-help group members. Their primary objective is to educate voters about the importance of voting, how to register as a voter and verify their details on the electoral roll, and ensure voter facilitation during elections.

Speaking about the initiative, CEO Punjab, said, “BAGs are the backbone of our voter awareness program at the booth level. With over 22,000 BAGs getting activated across Punjab, we are ensuring that every eligible voter is informed, empowered, and encouraged to participate in the electoral process. These groups will bridge the gap between the Election Commission and the electorate, fostering a more inclusive and participative democracy.”

The CEO also emphasized that the activation of huge number of Booth Awareness Groups (BAGs) under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program will help in carrying out extensive activities during the elections, including door-to-door awareness campaigns, street plays, poster exhibitions, and community meetings to boost voter turnout.

The Election Commission of India remains committed to ensuring “No Voter is Left Behind”, and the Booth Level Awareness Groups are a crucial part of making this vision a reality in Punjab.

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Harjot Bains Makes Second Straight Visit to Nangal Dam, Vows to Block Excess Water Release to Haryana

• CM Mann led Punjab Govt stands firm to protect rights of Punjab at all costs, says Bains

Chandigarh/ Nangal, May 2:Punjab Education and Information & Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains and Deputy Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha S. Jai Krishan Singh Rouri, on Friday evening, visited Nangal Dam to ensure that Punjab’s water won’t go to Haryana. They also met the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers, safeguarding the dam around the clock, besides taking updates from officials on the current situation. Notably, Harjot Bains visited the dam for the 2nd day in row.

While addressing the media, S. Harjot Singh Bains asserted that Punjab Government won't share a single drop of Punjab’s water with Haryana or any other state. He accused the BJP-led Centre of plotting against Punjab's economy and praised the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's strong stance against BBMB's move to loot waters of Punjab. The all-party meeting and special Assembly session demonstrate the state government's commitment to safeguarding Punjab's interests, he added.

The Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains stated that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's leadership, AAP workers are safeguarding Punjab's interests like soldiers. He further informed that the officials posted at BBMB's Nangal Dam and Nakkian, have been instructed to prevent any excess water from being released to any other states.

S. Bains criticised the Centre's decision to allocate 8,500 cusecs of extra water to Haryana, saying it was a blatant betrayal with Punjab.

"Water is our lifeline, and we'll fiercely protect it. Despite Bhakra Dam being in our region and canals originating from here, our villages lack access to water. With paddy season approaching, sharing our water with other states is unthinkable", S. Bains said while emphasising Punjab's reliance on agriculture and the crucial role of water in sustaining crops amid depleting groundwater levels. The Centre has consistently discriminated against Punjab, and now BJP-ruled states are following the suit.

S. Harjot Singh Bains pointed out the irony that when Punjab had surplus water during the monsoon season, Haryana and Rajasthan refused to take it. Now, with paddy sowing season approaching, Punjab can't afford to spare water for other states. He highlighted the state's efforts to ensure water supply for irrigation, including the Sarthar scheme for villages in Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency and pipeline projects for semi-mountainous areas, benefiting around 10,000 villages.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri asserted that Punjabis, having made significant sacrifices for the country, will now stand firm in fighting for their rights. He emphasised that not a single drop of Punjab's water will be allowed to be diverted outside the state.

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Zero tolerance against corruption : ASI arrested taking Rs 15000 bribe

Chandigarh May 2, 2025 -The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), in line with the zero tolerance policy adopted by the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has apprehended an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Sanjay Kumar, posted at Police Station Division No. 8, Police Commissionerate Jalandhar, red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 15,000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the arrest was made based on a complaint made by a resident of village Reru, in Jalandhar district.

He further informed that the complainant approached the VB alleging that the said police personnel had demanded a bribe of Rs. 50,000 by threatening to re-nominate him under section 249 of the BNS in a case for allegedly harbouring his son, against whom a police case had been registered at the said police station.

Notably, the complainant's name was initially included in the FIR for harbouring his son but was later removed following a police inquiry. However, the aforementioned ASI continued to threaten him to re-nominate under section 249 BNS in the same case. The complainant alleged that the accused ASI had already taken Rs 25000 in this regard and demanding the remaining amount of bribe.

The spokesperson added that after a preliminary verification of this complaint the VB team laid a trap during which the said ASI was caught red handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 15000 as a second instalment from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case under Prevention of Corruption Act and under section 308 (2) of BNS has been registered at VB Police Station, Vigilance Bureau, Range Jalandhar. The accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow and further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.