CM pats Punjab Police for arresting two spies involved in anti-national activities
Says Punjab Police has upheld the glorious legacy of safeguarding unity, integrity and sovereignty of country
Chandigarh, May 4:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday patted the Punjab Police for setting another benchmark of effective Policing by arresting traitors involved in spying.
In a statement, the Chief Minister said that it is a big achievement of the Punjab Police who has foiled this anti-national activity aimed at jeopardizing unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country. He said that Punjab Police has done a commendable job by foiling this conspiracy which is a matter of great pride and satisfaction for us. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that being a border state Punjab Police is vigilant for safeguarding the borders of the country.
The Chief Minister said that safeguarding the borders of the country is our moral duty and we are discharging it zealously. He said that Punjab has always remained sword arm of the country and state will continue to uphold this glorious tradition. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that valiant and vigilant Punjab Police is upholding its rich legacy by foiling all such attempts aimed at breaching the safety and security of country.
=======================================
Rs11-Cr Ultra-modern CHC hospital at Longowal soon, Aman Arora lays foundation stone
A new wave of health revolution in Punjab: Super special facilities reaching at every village!
Bulldozer action to continue against those selling drugs, affected families showering flowers on the police
881 Aam Aadmi Clinics and critical care blocks in 13 districts changed the picture of health services
Chandigarh/ Sangrur (Longowal), May 4-The Punjab Government has taken a significant step towards delivering healthcare services to rural areas with the laying of the foundation stone of a 30-bed Community Health Centre (CHC) by Cabinet Minister Aman Arora in Longowal of Sangrur district. The ceremony, marking a major milestone in the state's healthcare infrastructure development. The CHC, to be built at a cost of Rs11 crore, will cater to a population of approximately 1.92 lakh people at the block level, adhering to Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS).
Prior to the ceremony, Aman Arora was warmly welcomed by local dignitaries, including sarpanchs and panchs from over a dozen rural panchayats, as well as Nagar Council officials, who presented him with mementos.
Committed towards a Healthy Punjab
Laying the foundation stone of the health centre, Cabinet Minister Aman Arora said that Punjab has become the leading state in the country in the health sector today. The Punjab health model is being praised not only in India but also abroad. In the coming time, more health centres, mobile health units and telemedicine services will be initiated, so that quality treatment can be made available to every citizen of Punjab. Aman Arora said that the health infrastructure is being strengthened in villages and towns to realise the vision of 'equal and excellent health services for all'. This will not only make timely treatment possible, but will also reduce the economic and mental distress of the rural people.
30-bed hospital will have all kinds of OPD facility
Aman Arora said that earlier when he had come to Longowal, the local people had then demanded a grant for this hospital wall. On the demand of the people, the government released 38 lakh rupees, but on the same day I decided to build a new hospital with state-of-the-art facilities for the people. Aman Arora said that today that resolution is going to be fulfilled. Aman Arora said that soon a network of street lights will be laid inside Longowal.On completion of the project, daily there will be view of Diwali for people of Longowal at night.
Will not spare any drug smugglers in Punjab
Cabinet Minister Aman Arora said that after coming to power, many historic decisions were taken in the interest of the general public under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. For the convenience of the farmers, we are providing adequate power supply for the agriculture sector during the day, this has happened for the first time in the history of Punjab, when a government bought a private thermal plant itself. 18 toll plazas were closed to prevent loot of people in Punjab, more than 58 thousand youths have been provided government jobs without bribe or recommendation. Aman Arora said that the biggest curse on Punjab has been of drugs and now the Punjab government is trying to eradicate that curse. As of now, there is a war against the drugs in the entire state, but the government cannot succeed in it till every family and citizen of Punjab will not participate in that war. Aman Arora made it clear that the government will not forgive those people who destroyed many families in Punjab by selling drugs.
In Punjab, the bulldozer action is being taken the houses of drug smugglers, during that action, the victim families have been seen showering flowers on the police at many such sites. It is clear that today Punjab is standing with the Bhagwant Mann government in the fight against drugs.
Transformation in Healthcare Services
Aman Arora stated that with the construction of this modern Community Health Centre (CHC), people in rural areas will no longer need to travel to big city hospitals for the treatment of serious illnesses. This CHC will provide facilities including OPD services, general wards, maternity facilities, basic surgical services, lab testing, and emergency medical care for the convenience of the public.
This CHC, catering to a population of approximately 1.92 lakh, will function as a block-level healthcare facility. The old building has been completely demolished, and the new facility is being constructed at a cost of Rs10.97 crore as per Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS).
881 Aam Aadmi Clinics: A Symbol of Strengthened Healthcare
Punjab’s health sector has witnessed significant transformation, with several major projects enhancing medical services. Under the Bhagwant Mann-led government, 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been established in the last three years, providing patients with 80 essential medicines and 46 types of diagnostic tests free of cost. So far, over 3.25 crore patients have been treated at these clinics, and more than 1.40 crore medical tests have been conducted free of charge.
Boosting Maternal and Child Health
To strengthen maternal and child healthcare, the Punjab government has set up five new Mother and Child Health (MCH) hospitals including in Jagraon, Phagwara, Budhlada, Kharar, and Nakodar at a cost of ₹27.39 crore. Additionally, the work of expansion of bed capacity in six new MCH centers, and in three existing centers has also completed expeditiously, with a total investment of ₹73.84 crore.
Revolutionary Projects in Punjab’s Health System
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann envisions ensuring accessible healthcare for all, eliminating the need for people to travel long distances for medical services. To achieve this, primary health centers and district hospitals across the state are being upgraded and expanded.
New 30-bed health centers with advanced medical facilities are being established in various cities, including SDH Nabha (₹6.50 crore), CHC Raikot (₹5.82 crore), and DH Faridkot (₹6.27 crore).
Additionally, the work of new SDHs being constructed in Talwandi Sabo and Patti with the cost of ₹6.61 and ₹7.06 crores respectively is on final stage and are nearing completion. Similarly, expansion projects at Faridkot and Bathinda district hospitals with the cost of ₹13.24 crore have been completed, while expansion work in Barnala worth ₹5.11 crore and Ludhiana worth ₹13.01 crore is also progressing swiftly and near completion.
The Punjab government has also upgraded Chamkaur Sahib CHC to SDH with the cost of ₹13.97 crore. Renovation and modernization of hospitals in Dhanaula, Chabbewal, and Giddarbaha have been completed for ₹15.07 crore.
Critical Care Blocks in 13 Districts
Apart from these, Critical Care Blocks (CCBs) are being constructed in 13 districts at a cost of ₹236.97 crore under the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. Work is progressing rapidly in districts including Bathinda, Ferozepur, Fazilka, SBS Nagar, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran, while construction is ongoing in Jalandhar, Patiala, Ludhiana, and other districts.
Strengthening Community Health Infrastructure
The Punjab government has been consistently strengthening community health infrastructure. So far, 61 Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) have been established with the cost of ₹17.6 crore, and 44 Block Public Health Units (BPHUs) have been completed for ₹12.76 crore. Additionally, construction and development of 79 more HWCs and 37 BPHUs are underway.
==========================
ECI to soon launch a single-point App for stakeholders; to subsume over existing 40 IT Apps: Sibin C
- New ECINET to facilitate electoral services for citizens; seamless and convenient data handling for electoral officials
Chandigarh, May 4:In a major initiative, the Election Commission of India is developing a new user-friendly digital interface for the electors and its other stakeholders such as the election officials, political parties and the civil society. The new one-stop platform, ECINET, will integrate and reorient over 40 of ECI's existing mobile and web applications.
Punjab Chief Electoral Officer, Sibin C said that ECINET will have an aesthetic User Interface (UI) and a simplified User Experience (UX) by providing a singular platform for all electoral-related activities. This move is also designed to alleviate the burden of the users for downloading and navigating multiple Apps and remembering different logins.
The platform was envisaged by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India Gyanesh Kumar during the Conference of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) held in March 2025, in the presence of Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi.
ECINET will also enable users to access relevant electoral data on their desktops or smartphones. To ensure that data is as accurate as possible, the data on ECINET will be entered solely by the authorized ECI official. Entry by the concerned official would ensure that the data made available to the stakeholders is as accurate as possible. However, in case of any conflict, the primary data as duly filled in statutory forms will prevail.
ECINET will subsume existing Apps like the Voter Helpline App, Voter Turnout App, CVIGIL, Suvidha 2.0, ESMS, Saksham and KYC App which together have clocked over 5.5 crore downloads. ECINET is expected to benefit nearly 100 crore electors and the entire electoral machinery comprising over 10.5 lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs), around 15 Lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by Political Parties, nearly 45 Lakh Polling Officials, 15,597 Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), 4,123 EROs and 767 District Election Officers (DEOs) across the country.
ECINET has already reached an advanced stage of development and rigorous trials are being conducted to ensure smooth functionality, ease of use, and robust cybersecurity measures. It is being developed after an elaborate consultative exercise involving 36 CEOs of all the States/UTs, 767 DEOs and 4,123 EROs of their States/UTs and after reviewing 76 publications comprising 9,000 pages of the electoral framework, instructions and handbooks issued by ECI from time to time.
The data provided through ECINET will be strictly aligned within the legal framework established by the Representation of People Act 1950, 1951, Registration of Electoral Rules, 1960 Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 and instructions issued by ECI from time to time.
========================================
PUNJAB'S FIELDS CAN'T BE LEFT PARCHED TO PROVIDE WATER TO OTHER STATES: BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL
VOWS, PUNJAB GOVT WILL TAKE EVERY STEP TO PROTECT STATE'S WATER RESOURCES
"PUNJAB WILL BOYCOTT ANY BBMB MEETING CONVENED AT CENTRE'S BEHEST FLOUTING NORMS"
FARMERS CELEBRATE FIROZEPUR FEEDER PROJECT APPROVAL, OFFER SWEETS TO WATER RESOURCES MINISTER
Chandigarh/Fazilka, May 4:Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today asserted that Punjab's agricultural fields cannot be allowed to dry up merely to divert water to other states.
Speaking to reporters here, the Cabinet Minister affirmed that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government will take all necessary measures to safeguard the state's water resources. He said that Punjab will, under no circumstances, permit the exploitation or unfair diversion of its water.
Sh. Goyal said that Punjab's position on the water issue is unequivocal that the state will not relinquish its rightful share. He noted that Haryana is already drawing water exceeding its allocated quota, adding that Punjab will not yield to pressure from the Central government or Haryana.
Responding to another query regarding the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), the Cabinet Minister clarified Punjab's stance, stating that while Punjab will participate in BBMB meetings convened according to established protocols, it will refuse to attend any meeting called at the behest of the Centre disregarding or Flouting established rules and regulations.
He added that the Punjab government has convened a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on May 5 to address the water issue, during which a definitive strategy will be formulated to protect the state's interests.
Meanwhile, farmers from the Fazilka district met with Cabinet Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal to celebrate and offer him sweets following the approval of the Rs.647.43 crore Firozepur Feeder canal project. The farmers expressed their gratitude towards the Punjab government, acknowledging its instrumental role in securing the project's sanction.
The Cabinet Minister said that the capacity enhancement and relining of the Firozepur Feeder will ensure an adequate supply of canal water for farmers in Fazilka, Firozepur, Sri Muktsar Sahib and Faridkot districts. Besides this, it will provide relief to the border areas of Fazilka district from the polluted 'black water' emanating from the Kasur drain in Pakistan.
The Cabinet Minister was accompanied by Fazilka MLA Narinder Pal Singh Sawna, Balluana MLA Amandeep Singh Goldy Musafir, Jalalabad MLA Jagdeep Kamboj Goldy and former MLA Arun Narang.
======================================
Dignity of Students Paramount, Prompt Action Taken: Harjot Bains
•School incharge suspended
Chandigarh, May 4:On the directions of Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, the In-charge of Government Senior Secondary School, Goindwal Sahib in Tarn Taran district has been suspended with immediate effect after students were reportedly forced to serve snacks during a function at the school.
Highlighting the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment in the schools, S. Harjot Singh Bains stated that such misconduct is totally unacceptable and a swift action has been taken against Gurpartap Singh, Punjabi Lecturer-cum-School Incharge, for gross indiscipline and negligence. During the suspension period, the headquarter of the Lecturer will be the Office of District Education Office (Senior Secondary), Tarn Taran.
The Education Minister Bains stressed that the dignity and respect of students is non-negotiable, while categorically stating that such misconduct will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
S. Harjot Singh Bains also asked the other educators to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and responsibility, ensuring such incidents are not repeated in future, besides fostering a culture of respect and accountability in government schools.
=====================================
Mann government enters into war-mode against drugs, Ministers take charge
Spread awareness through district-level programs and Village Defence Committees across the state
Previous governments nurtured drug smugglers, Mann government shattered the spirit and ill-gotten houses of drug smugglers
Chandigarh, May 4:The ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’ campaign launched by the Punjab government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has entered a decisive phase. On a war footing against drugs, cabinet ministers today led awareness programs at district and village levels, strengthening grassroots efforts through Village Defence Committees.
Ministers highlighted that the Mann government has shattered the spirit of drug smugglers as well as their ill-gotten houses—a stark contrast, they said, to previous administrations, which had allowed drug smuggling to thrive.
In Patiala, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh led the charge. Administrative Reforms Minister Aman Arora and Agriculture Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal addressed gatherings in Bathinda. Information and Public Relations Minister Harjot Singh Bains was in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar; NRI Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, and Local Government Minister Ravjot Singh Gill held events in Pathankot. Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar and Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat were in Gurdaspur; Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO and Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian in Amritsar; Rural Development Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond and Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur in Malerkotla; and Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal in Fazilka.
Ministers urged citizens to make ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’ a mass movement, envisioning Punjab as India’s first drug-free state. They reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy, warning that no offender—whether a politician, bureaucrat, or trafficker—would be spared.
“Punjab is a land of warriors, and its people are firmly backing this war against drugs,” they said.
On the occasion, ministers also praised Chief Minister Mann’s robust stand on the BBMB issue, hailing him as the true protector of Punjab’s water rights.
==========================================
Mann government enters into war-mode against drugs, Ministers take charge
Spread awareness through district-level programs and Village Defence Committees across the state
Previous governments nurtured drug smugglers, Mann government shattered the spirit and ill-gotten houses of drug smugglers
Chandigarh, May 4:The ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’ campaign launched by the Punjab government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has entered a decisive phase. On a war footing against drugs, cabinet ministers today led awareness programs at district and village levels, strengthening grassroots efforts through Village Defence Committees.
Ministers highlighted that the Mann government has shattered the spirit of drug smugglers as well as their ill-gotten houses—a stark contrast, they said, to previous administrations, which had allowed drug smuggling to thrive.
In Patiala, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh led the charge. Administrative Reforms Minister Aman Arora and Agriculture Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal addressed gatherings in Bathinda. Information and Public Relations Minister Harjot Singh Bains was in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar; NRI Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak and Local Government Minister Ravjot Singh held events in Pathankot. Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar and Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat were in Gurdaspur; Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO and Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian in Amritsar; Rural Development Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond and Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur in Malerkotla; and Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal in Fazilka.
Ministers urged citizens to make ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’ a mass movement, envisioning Punjab as India’s first drug-free state. They reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy, warning that no offender—whether a politician, bureaucrat, or trafficker—would be spared.
“Punjab is a land of warriors, and its people are firmly backing this war against drugs,” they said.
On the occasion, ministers also praised Chief Minister Mann’s robust stand on the BBMB issue, hailing him as the true protector of Punjab’s water rights.
=======================================
YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH: ILLEGAL HOUSE OF NOTORIOUS DRUG SMUGGLER DEMOLISHED IN BATALA’S QADIAN VILLAGE
Chandigarh/Batala, May 4:In a continued crackdown against drug smugglers under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’, Batala Police on Sunday demolished the illegally constructed house of notorious drug smuggler identified as Navsharan Das alias Kaka in Qadian village. The demolition was carried out using a JCB machine amid heavy rainfall, under the supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Batala Suhail Qasim Mir.
SSP Suhail Qasim Mir informed reporters that the drug smuggler, Navsharan Das, has six criminal cases registered against him in various police stations, including four under the NDPS Act. The cases have been registered at Police Stations including three at Qadian, while one each at Kahnuwan, Dinanagar, and SAS Nagar.
Issuing a stern warning to drug smugglers, SSP Suhail Qasim Mir emphasized that anyone involved in illegal activities will not be spared, and strict action will be taken against them. He affirmed that such crackdowns will continue until drug traffickers either return to mainstream or leave Punjab.
The SSP further highlighted that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav have given clear directives to take stringent action against those involved in drug smuggling.
He informed that Batala Police has registered as many as 250 FIRs in the last two months, besides, attaching properties worth approximately Rs 28 crore belonging to drug smugglers.
Additionally, Batala Police has been working closely with village and ward-level defence committees, holding meetings to strengthen anti-drug efforts. So far, 110 villages have passed resolutions pledging to eradicate drug menace completely.
SSP Suhail Qasim Mir urged the public to report any drug-related activities to the nearest police station or inform anonymously at Safe Punjab Anti Drug Helpline number '9779100200'.
===================================
HARJOT BAINS VISITS NANGAL DAM 4TH DAY IN A ROW TO KEEP TABS ON PUNJAB’S RIGHTS
• Also takes stock of arrangements being made to prevent floods during the rainy seasons
Chandigarh/ Nangal, May 04:Standing at the forefront to safeguard Punjab’s interests, Punjab Education and Information & Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains today made visit to Bhakhra Dam at Nangal consecutively for fourth day to ensure no excess water release to Haryana.
After assessing the situation, S Harjot Singh Bains emphasised that water is crucial for Punjab's economy, which heavily relies on agriculture. He reaffirmed that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government is standing firm on the decision taken regarding water.
"We're closely monitoring the situation. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has already visited Nangal Dam, and also called a special Punjab Vidhan Sabha session tomorrow (May 5) to address the issue. The Punjab government is steadfast in fighting for farmers' rights, and we won't let the BJP-led Centre and other states violate our rights. Our Aam Aadmi Party workers have been vigilantly guarding Nangal Dam. With paddy sowing season approaching, our farmers need water, and we can't afford to spare any extra water for any other state”, the Education Minister made it clear.
He also enquired from officials about water release from Nangal Dam, while assuring the people of Punjab that their interests are safe.
S. Harjot Singh Bains also highlighted the challenges posed by excess water during heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh, which often affects Punjab's villages with the flash flood in Swan Nadi. He questioned why the neighbouring states wouldn't accept the excess water during times of need, yet expect Punjab to share its water when it's crucial for the state's farmers as the paddy season is approaching.
He informed that the current government's pro-people initiatives have enabled irrigation for an additional 10,000 acres this year. Future plans include a lift irrigation scheme via pipeline to benefit the semi-mountainous Changar region.
Taking stock of the arrangements being made to prevent floods during the rainy seasons, S. Bains said that the state government is vigilantly monitoring water bodies, strengthening weak dams.
============================
Two Individuals Arrested by Amritsar Rural Police for Sharing Intelligence with Pakistan
Chandigarh/ Amritsar, May 4:In a significant counter-espionage operation, Amritsar Rural Police arrested two persons for their alleged role in leaking sensitive information and photographs of Army Cantonment areas and Air Bases in Amritsar.
The arrested duo identified as with the arrest of two individuals identified as Falaksher Masih, son of Jinder Masih, and Suraj Masih, son of Chuga Masih, both residents of Balarhwal, PS Ajnala, were transmitting sensitive intelligence to Pakistan’s intelligence agency.
Police teams have also recovered two mobile phones from their possession.
Preliminary investigation reveals their links to Pakistani intelligence operatives, established through Harpreet Singh alias Pittu alias Happy, currently lodged in Amritsar Central Jail.
SSP Amritsar Rural Maninder Singh said that based on a confidential input received by the SHO of Police Station Ajnala, it was revealed that accused Falaksher Masih and Suraj Masih were in contact with Pakistan’s intelligence agency. Both were involved in collecting and transmitting crucial information such as army movements, location of BSF camps, location of airports, photographs, and other sensitive data to their handlers in Pakistan, he said.
Taking swift action, FIR No. 92 dated 03.05.2025 was registered at Police Station Ajnala under Sections 3, 5, and 9 of the Official Secrets Act, Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, and Section 61(2) of BNS.
The arrested individuals are being thoroughly interrogated. If any further involvement of others comes to light during the investigation, strict action will be taken against them.