ACCELERATING GROWTH OF STATE WITH PRO-PEOPLE AND DEVELOPMENT ORIENTED POLICIES- CM

ANNOUNCES TO MAKE BUDDHA NULLAH POLLUTION FREE

Ludhiana, May 14:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday said that the state government has created a history by launching several pro-people and development oriented policies to put the state further on the path of high trajectory of economic growth.

Addressing the gathering after dedicating projects worth Rs 13 crore to the people, the Chief Minister said that these projects have been launched by ensuring the accountability of the officers and the contractors who have constructed these projects. He said that the projects have been conceived while keeping in view the larger public interests on one hand and to give fillip to the ongoing development of the state on the other. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that there is no dearth of funds for such development works and more such projects will be dedicated to the public in the coming days.

Announcing to make Buddha Nullah completely pollution free, the Chief Minister said that the state government has already set the wheels in motion for this noble cause. Quoting verse ‘Pawan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat’ from Gurbani, he said that the great Gurus have equated air (pawan) with teacher, water (paani) with father and land (dharat) with mother. He said that the state government is following the footsteps of great Sikh Gurus to reduce pollution and make the state clean, green and pollution free.

In a significant move to support youth empowerment, the Chief Minister announced the establishment of eight UPSC coaching centers in Punjab with one of these centers to be opened in Ludhiana. He said that each center will be equipped with a library, hostel and other essential facilities to provide quality training for competitive examinations. Bhagwant Singh Mann stressed that these centers will ensure that Punjab's youth are well-prepared to excel in national-level exams.

The Chief Minister said that in Democracy government is of the people, for the people and by the people but these days it has become a trend to muzzle the voice of opposition. Citing the example of a garden, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a bouquet has a variety of flowers that always fascinate people due to which they love to see it. In the same manner, he said that in democracy the voice of everyone is important due to which his government does not differentiate while allocating funds for development to every city or village.

==========================

WE HAVE NAILED THE CORRUPT OFFICERS TO STOP HARASSMENT OF GENERAL PUBLIC: CM

SAYS STATE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT BOWED BEFORE THOSE WHO WERE SEEKING LICENSE FOR CORRUPTION

ENVISIONS THAT UNDER TRIAL LAND REGISTRATION SYSTEM WILL REVOLUTIONIZE REGISTRY OF LAND DEEDS IN STATE

Ludhiana, May 14:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday said that by nailing corrupt officers the state government has stopped the undue harassment and inconvenience caused to the general public.Addressing the gathering here today, the Chief Minister, while taking a dig at the Revenue officers who used to harass the common man on pretext of mass leaves or strikes, said that the state government has not bowed before these corrupt officers, who are facing Police action for their sins. He said that the AAP government has zero tolerance against corruption but ironically by going on mass leave these officers are seeking license for corruption. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this blackmailing was not tolerated and severe action has been taken against these corrupt and haughty officers.

The Chief Minister said that their pressure tactics have not been tolerated at any cost and exemplary action has been taken against them. Bhagwant Singh Mann unequivocally said that these officers harass the common man on a daily basis but this is no longer tolerated and the government is taking strict action against them. He said that the harassment of common man cannot be tolerated at any cost and these officers have been taught a befitting lesson for their sins.

The Chief Minister said that the trial of online registration of the land deeds is going on in the state and it will be soon implemented in Punjab. He said that it will set a new benchmark in delivery of public services to the people as people will have to apply at Sewa Kendras and will get the registries at their home. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this will revolutionize the work of land registration by introducing a first of its kind mechanism.

The Chief Minister said that it is a moment of immense pride and satisfaction that more than 54000 jobs have been provided to the youth of the state. He said that all the jobs have been given completely on the basis of merit, san any corruption or nepotism. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is making the youth an active partner in socio economic development of Punjab.

==========================

HIGH COURT’S VERDICT ON WATER ISSUE IS A MORAL VICTORY FOR STATE: SAYS CM

REITERATES COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARD THE INTERESTS OF THE STATE BY ALL MEANS

Ludhiana, May 14:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday said that the verdict of Punjab and Haryana High Court on the ongoing issue of release of water by Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to Haryana is a moral victory for the state.

Addressing the gathering here today, the Chief Minister said that the court has sought reply from all the stakeholders on May 20. He said that Haryana that has already exhausted its share of water for the current year will be eligible for its share of water by May 21. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is a huge win for the state as we have been able to defend our share of water despite all the might applied by centre, Haryana and BBMB.

The Chief Minister categorically said that Punjab doesn’t have even a single drop of water to share with the other states and his government has saved the water of the state which was being stolen by Haryana. Meanwhile, Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that the state has no spare water to share with any other state adding that even a single drop of water will not be given to anyone. He said that as most of the river resources of the state have dried up, it needs more water to cater to its irrigation needs.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has fought the battle both politically and legally adding that finally it is a triumph of truth. He said that the Union government, Haryana and BBMB forgot one thing that if the state is capable of protecting the borders of the country, it can save the waters of Punjab too. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state is committed to safeguarding the interests of the state and no stone will be left unturned for it.

==========================================

BITTU DAILY SPITS VENOM AGAINST ME TO APPEASE HIS POLITICAL BOSSES: CM

DESCRIBES UNION MOS AS A REJECTED LEADER WHO HAS DONE NOTHING FOR LUDHIANA

SAYS TRADITIONAL PARTIES ENVIOUS OF HIM AS HE HAILS FROM COMMON FAMILY

Ludhiana, May 14:Slamming the Union Minister for State Ravneet Singh Bittu, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday said that this rejected leader spits venom against him just to appease his political bosses.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister, while taking Bittu to cudgels, said that though the Union Minister hails from Ludhiana but he has done nothing substantial for the development of the city. He said that Bittu wakes up in the morning and starts criticizing him from that very moment just to make his party bosses happy. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these rejected leaders who had lived in huge palaces remain inaccessible to the people due to which he was ousted by the masses.

The Chief Minister said that traditional political parties are envious of him because they are not able to digest that the son of a common man is governing the state effectively. He said that the people of the state have lost their faith in the traditional political parties because of their anti-people and anti-Punjab stance. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the wise and brave people of the state had ousted these parties during the 2022 assembly polls and gave a thumping majority to the AAP.

The Chief Minister said that the state has been witnessing spectacular development as the people of the state have elected an honest government which is delivering the desired results to the people. He said that earlier the choice of lesser evil was there and the people had to elect corrupt and opportunist leaders which were their only option. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state has heralded a new era of the smooth and hassle free delivery of citizen centric services for the common man.

============================================

AAP Govt Puts Ludhiana on Fast Track: CM Mann Inaugurates High-Impact Urban Projects Worth ₹13 Cr

Sports Ground, Modern Auditorium, and Key Bridge Inaugurated by CM Mann

Ludhiana, May 14:In a major step aimed at giving further fillip to the overall development of Ludhiana, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday gave a bonanza worth Rs 13 crore in form of various development projects to the residents of the district.

These projects are part of the state government’s unwavering commitment to give facelift to the state and there is no shortage of funds for these ambitious development works. Due to constant monitoring by the Chief Minister himself these projects, aimed at facilitating the common man and accelerating the ongoing progress in the city have been completed well in time. These projects have been meticulously planned and flawlessly executed as they were the need of the hour to provide world class basic infrastructure to people of the city residents.

In order to promote sports in the state by augmenting sports infrastructure, the Chief Minister dedicated an ultra modern playground at Salem Tabri locality with a Total Covered Area of 5187.50 square feet. The playground has been equipped with state of the art Sports infrastructure and can be duly used for playing games like Cricket/ Basketball/ Handball/ Badminton and was equipped with facilities of Camera Recording and Flood Lights. The ground has been constructed at a cost of Rs 26 lakh and will act as a catalyst to channelize the energy of youth in a positive direction.

Likewise, the Chief Minister also dedicated the newly constructed auditorium at Dr Ambedkar Bhawan cum training and research center near Jalandhar byepass chowk. This ultramodern auditorium has been constructed at a cost of Rs 4.30 crore and will offer a platform to the residents for holding their functions. The auditorium has been equipped with hi-end facilities like sliding chairs, ACs, Sound system and sound proofing, motorized curtains, projector, screens, false ceiling and others.

Meanwhile, in a major relief to the commuters, the Chief Minister also dedicated a High-Level Bridge (72.40m) over Budha Nallah near Chand Cinema, Ludhiana. Constructed over a cost of Rs 8.16 crore the bridge will play a key role in easing out traffic in the industrial city besides providing a much needed succor to the people. The bridge will provide smooth access to the residents coming to the city from Jalandhar by-pass and other parts.

The single aim had been to develop cities with core infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to citizens. It is in line with the commitment of the state government to deliver basic amenities to every man of the state on one hand and develop Ludhiana as a top city of the state on the other. These first of its kind projects dedicated by the Chief Minister will further put the state in general and Ludhiana city in particular on the high trajectory of economic growth thereby immensely benefitting the residents of the city.

\=============================

Mohinder Bhagat directs officers to resolve ex-servicemen’s issues on priority

Cabinet Minister Reviews Progress of Defence Services Welfare Department

Chandigarh, May 14, 2025:The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is working

swiftly for the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families. In this regard, Defence Services Welfare Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat held a meeting with officers to review the ongoing work of the department and the progress of welfare schemes for ex-servicemen.

During the meeting, Mr. Mohinder Bhagat instructed officers to ensure effective implementation of various welfare schemes aimed at the benefit of ex-servicemen and their families. He emphasized that the issues concerning ex-servicemen and their dependents should be addressed on a priority basis.

The Minister also directed that immediate action be taken to further improve the facilities at Sainik Rest Houses. He assured that there would be no shortage of funds for this purpose. He further emphasized that ex-servicemen and their dependents should be widely informed about the welfare schemes being run by the Punjab Government so they can avail full benefits

Director Defence Services Welfare Department Brig. Bhupinder Singh Dhillon (Retd.) and other senior officers were present in this meeting.

=========================================

Big win for Punjab, High Court issues notice to BBMB, Haryana and Union Government in the matter of release of excess water

Order came in light of challenge plea filed by Punjab Government

Chandigarh, May 14:The Punjab Government has approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking recall of the Court's May 6 order that directed release of additional water from Bhakra Nangal Dam to Haryana.

The High Court bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel has sought responses from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), Haryana Government and the Union Government on Punjab's application on the next hearing on May 20.

The official spokesperson of the state government informed that the state of Punjab has raised strong objections to the Centre's May 2 decision, arguing that the Union Home Secretary lacks jurisdiction to decide on water allocation under BBMB Rules.

Senior Counsel Gurminder Singh appearing alongside Punjab Advocate General Maninderjit Singh Bedi and Additional Advocate General Chanchal Singla, contended that the BBMB had misrepresented facts to execute an illegal order allocating extra water to Haryana.

The Punjab Government has stressed that under Article 262 of the Constitution and the Inter-State Water Dispute Act, 1956, release of water to Haryana beyond Punjab's determined share requires Punjab's consent. In its submission, the Government stated it had already consented to provide 4,000 cusecs of water daily to Haryana but objected to the additional demand of 4,500 cusecs for eight days.

The court was informed that during an extraordinary BBMB meeting on April 28, Punjab filed specific objections to Haryana's demand for 8,500 cusecs of water and no consensus was reached.

The Punjab Government has maintained that any water dispute between states can only be decided by constituting a Water Tribunal under the 1956 Act.

Notably, the matter will be heard alongside the contempt case initiated against the Punjab Government on May 20.

Punjab Advocate General Maninderjit Singh Bedi said that the Punjab Government had filed a review petition on May 12 challenging the May 6 court order, alleging procedural violations and misrepresentation of facts. The petition contends that BBMB is attempting to illegally divert Punjab's water to Haryana at the behest of the BJP-led Central Government.

Key arguments in the review petition include concerns about the May 2 meeting, which was incorrectly portrayed as a formal decision-making forum when no official minutes were ever provided to state authorities. The Punjab Government has stressed that only a press note was circulated about the May 2 meeting instead of formal minutes, which cannot be considered an official record of decisions made.

The review petition further clarified that the meeting was not conducted under Rule 7 of the 1974 Rules as incorrectly presented to the court. This misrepresentation formed the basis for the disputed court order of May 6, 2025.

When directed by the court, the Union Government failed to produce official minutes of the May 2 meeting, presenting only what they termed a "discussion record." The Punjab Government had pointed out that according to information provided to the court, the Secretary of Power, not the Home Secretary, is the competent authority under Rule 7 to make decisions in such matters.

Despite the lack of proper documentation and authorization, the BBMB proceeded to release water to Haryana without completing the required legal process. The Punjab Government has called upon the court to review its May 6 order in light of these serious procedural violations and misrepresentations.

========================================

Cheema Sounds Alarm on Hooch Tragedies: writes letter to center on Methanol Misuse

Calls for Urgent Amendment to Regulate Toxic Chemical, Curb Illicit Liquor Deaths

Chandigarh, May 14-Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema has written to Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, urging the Central Government to take immediate action to regulate the use of Methyl Alcohol (Methanol) under the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951. The Minister's request comes in the wake of repeated hooch tragedies across the country, resulting in the loss of innocent lives due to the unregulated use of this highly toxic industrial chemical.

Highlighting the repeated incidents of mass casualties caused by the consumption of spurious liquor, linked to the clandestine use of Methanol, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema underscored the serious regulatory vacuum. He said that the physical appearance, odour, and sedative properties of Methanol closely resemble those of Ethyl Alcohol, making it a silent killer when diverted into the illicit liquor supply chain.

The Minister pointed out that despite the Central Government's powers to regulate industrial alcohol under the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951, Methyl Alcohol (Methanol) continues to fall into a grey area, leading to systematic failures in monitoring and compliance. He stressed that the present legal framework does not sufficiently address the supply chain vulnerabilities of this substance, nor does it mandate tracking mechanisms, registration of buyers, or cross-state regulation.

Cheema urged the Central Government to treat the regulation of Methanol as a matter of national interest, demanding centralised, legally enforceable action. He recommended immediate amendment of the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951, to explicitly include Methyl Alcohol (Methanol) as a regulated industry/substance, along with the issuance of specific and binding rules or notifications to regulate its manufacture, possession, sale, storage, and movement.

The Minister also suggested implementing a central mandate to track and trace the movement of Methanol, including barcoding or electronic tracking, and compulsory registration of buyers and strict documentation of usage. He also sought framing of supplementary legal provisions or a dedicated national law, establishing a uniform enforcement framework across all States and UTs. He suggested that this must be supported by stringent penal provisions, real-time inspection protocols, and the capacity to take swift cross-jurisdictional enforcement action. He emphasised that these measures will not only prevent the misuse of Methanol in producing spurious liquor but also strengthen industrial transparency and prevent unauthorized access to hazardous chemicals.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema concluded by emphasising the need for urgent action to fill the legislative void and ensure that no life is lost due to a preventable regulatory gap. He expressed hope that the Government of India will respond to this pressing matter of national urgency with the seriousness it deserves.

==================================

Punjab Launches ‘Rangla Punjab Society’ to Power Citizen-Led Development: AAP Govt Opens Doors for Global Punjabi Participation

Cheema Promises Full Transparency, Says Every Rupee Will Fund Verified Public Welfare Projects

Chandigarh, May 14 In a historic move, the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has launched the "Rangla Punjab Society," a pioneering platform designed to channel public contributions towards the state's development. Announcing this while addressing a press conference here today, the Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Rangla Punjab Society is a testament to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's commitment to empowering citizens and building a prosperous, transparent, and people-centric Punjab.

Finance Minister Cheema said that this initiative marked a significant departure from the previous regimes of Congress and SAD-BJP, which merely paid lip service to public participation. The Rangla Punjab Society institutionalizes the will of the people, ensuring that their contributions directly translate into tangible progress, he added.

Extending an open invitation to Punjabis worldwide, including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), local citizens, corporates, and international well-wishers, to participate in the state's growth, the Finance Minister said that through this society the AAP government reflected its commitment to transparently harnessing the power of the Punjabi diaspora, addressing the historical issue of NRI efforts being lost amidst red tapism and corruption. “Every rupee contributed to the Rangla Punjab Society will be directed towards verified, high-impact projects, eliminating middlemen and preventing political siphoning”, said Cheema while adding that this initiative is in response to the public's demand for clean and citizen-first governance.

The Finance Minister said that the Rangla Punjab Society will focus on key sectors, including public welfare in healthcare, education, sanitation, power, water, roads, agriculture, and urban-rural development. He said that it will also provide critical support during natural disasters, emergencies, and border area development, areas previously neglected by preceding governments. Furthermore, the society will promote innovation, startups, and research and development to build a future-ready Punjab, said Cheema.

Shedding light on the features that ensure robust governance and accountability, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the society will be overseen by a Board of Governors, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and comprising key Cabinet Ministers. An Executive Committee, led by the Chief Secretary, will ensure efficient bureaucratic implementation, keeping political interference at bay. He said that all contributions and projects will be subject to public audits, guaranteeing transparency.

Highlighting the legal Framework adopted, the Finance Minister said that the Rangla Punjab Society will be registered under the Society Registration Act, 1860, and all foreign contributions will strictly adhere to FEMA/FC(R)A laws. He said that the government also aimed to mobilize Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, reflecting the industry's confidence in this government.

Articulating that the Rangla Punjab Society is more than just an organization, the Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said that it is a movement, and unlike the previous Congress and SAD-BJP regimes, the AAP government is placing the people of Punjab at the forefront of development. He said that this initiative embodies participatory democracy, representing a clean break from the past regimes characterized by scams, delays, and superficial gestures.

===========================================

Mann Govt in Action: Minister Ravjot Singh Cracks Down on Civic Negligence, Orders Swift Clean-Up in Dera Bassi

Zero Tolerance on Laxity in Cleanliness; Strict Deadlines Issued for Garbage Removal, Drainage Fixes, and Bus Stand Construction

Chandigarh, May 14:Reiterating zero tolerance policy towards laxity in cleanliness, Punjab Local Government Minister Dr Ravjot Singh today averred that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is committed to providing a people-friendly environment by addressing the fundamental concerns of residents living in municipal councils and corporations.

During his early morning visit to Dera Bassi town, the Cabinet Minister inspected ongoing projects and directed officials to expedite efforts to resolve civic issues.

Dr. Ravjot Singh commenced his visit at Barwala Road, where he reviewed the progress of the stormwater drain project and instructed officials to accelerate work to complete it before the monsoon season. Besides this, he ordered the immediate removal of garbage along the various roads within the next two days.

Inspecting the Bus Stand, the Cabinet Minister asked the Municipal Council to initiate the construction of a new bus stand promptly, ensuring smooth traffic flow and minimizing congestion on surrounding roads. While inspecting the road behind the existing bus stand, he expressed dissatisfaction with the garbage littered in the area. He stressed for the optimal utilization of the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and directed officials to maintain cleanliness and eliminate foul odors.

At the pumping station located at Issapur-Bakarpur Road (Ward 17), Dr. Ravjot Singh instructed Water Supply and Sewerage Board officials to effectively address the waste water drainage issues in the Dera Jagadhari area. He also called for upgrading pipelines if necessary to prevent future disruptions.

Dr. Ravjot Singh issued stern warning to municipal and water supply officials, instructing them to resolve public grievances effectively or face disciplinary action. He stressed the importance of coordination between the Municipal Council and the Water Supply & Sewerage Board to enhance civic amenities.

He directed the Executive Officer to prioritize the cleaning of main roads and then proceed to internal streets, setting a two-week deadline for completion.

MLA Dera Bassi Kuljeet Singh Randhawa expressed gratitude to the Minister for the visit and highlighted urgent local needs, including improved sewerage, water supply and the construction of a new bus stand. Dr Ravjot Singh assured swift action, stating that the growing housing and commercial projects in Mohali district require proactive measures to address infrastructural challenges.

Additional Chief Secretary Tejvir Singh, Director Local Government Gurpreet Singh Khaira, Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal, ADC (UD) Anmol Singh Dhaliwal, EO Vijay Jindal and other officials were present on this occasion.

=========================================

Punjab Pushes Green Revolution 2.0: 5 Lakh Acres Targeted for DSR with ₹1,500/Acre Aid, ₹40 Cr Backing from Mann Govt: Gurmeet Singh khudian

Chandigarh, May 14:In a bid to promote sustainable agriculture and conserve groundwater, Punjab Government has set a target of bringing five lakh acres under Direct Sowing of Rice (DSR) technique this Kharif season, with direct sowing of paddy scheduled to begin from May 15 onwards, informed S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Punjab.

"Farmers can begin paddy cultivation using the Direct Sowing of Rice (DSR) technique from Thursday onwards," said S Khudian, while adding that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is also offering financial assistance of Rs. 1,500 per acre to the farmers adopting DSR. A budgetary allocation of Rs. 40 crore has been made for FY 2025-26. Farmers can register for the DSR scheme at online portal agrimachinerypb.com from May 10 to June 30, 2025.

Basmati growers are also eligible to adopt the DSR technique and avail a financial incentive of Rs. 1,500 per acre from this season, the Agriculture Minister added.

The state government had disbursed Rs. 29.02 crore to 21,338 farmers, who have adopted the water-saving DSR technique during the Kharif season 2024. Notably, paddy was directly sown on 2.53 lakh acres in 2024, marking a significant 47% increase from 1.72 lakh acres in 2023.

He further informed that the first verification of DSR fields, including basmati, is scheduled from July 1 to July 15, 2025.

Highlighting the benefits of the Direct Sowing of Rice (DSR) technique, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian termed it a game-changer for Punjab's agriculture as the DSR method offers several benefits over traditional paddy cultivation, including 15-20% water savings, which is crucial for Punjab's depleting groundwater levels, and reduced labor costs of approximately Rs. 3,500 per acre. He urged the farmers to adopt this eco-friendly method and avail the benefits of the scheme.

=========================================

Education Minister Bains Congratulates Students on Outstanding Performance in Class XII Exams

•91% Students Pass, Girls Shine

Chandigarh, May 14:Applauding their hard work, perseverance and commitment to academic excellence, Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains congratulated the students on their impressive Class-XII board examination results, announced today by the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB).

Extending his heartiest congratulations to the top-performing girls in the class-XII board exams, the Education Minister said Harseerat Kaur of Sarvhitkari Sen. Sec. Vidya Mandir Barnala, topped the state with perfect 500/500 marks. Manveer Kaur of S.S. Memorial Senior Secondary Public School, Kassoana (Ferozepur), secured second position with 498/500 marks, while Arsh of Sri Tara Chand Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School, Bhikhi (Mansa), bagged third position with 498/500 marks. These girls’ determination and commitment to academic excellence has truly paid off, setting a beacon of inspiration for their peers.

Notably, girl students excelled overall in the 12th results by achieving a remarkable pass percentage of 94.32%, outshining their male counterparts.

Describing the results as truly commendable, Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains said that a total of 2,65,388 regular students and 12,571 Open School students appeared for the examination. The results showcased impressive pass percentages of 91.00% and 68.24% for Regular and Open School students, respectively.

This remarkable achievement is a shining testament to the unwavering dedication, relentless hard work, and unrelenting passion of these young individuals. He also acknowledged the role played by parents and teachers, who have contributed to their feat.

=======================================

DAY 74 OF ‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: 156 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD WITH 1.9KG HEROIN, ₹58K DRUG MONEY

— AS PART OF ‘DE-ADDICTION’, PUNJAB POLICE CONVINCE 113 PERSONS TO UNDERGO DE-ADDICTION TREATMENT

CHANDIGARH, May 14: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 74th day, Punjab Police on Wednesday arrested 156 drug smugglers and recovered 1.9 kg heroin, 1.5 kg opium and Rs 57920 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 11,051 in just 74 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 200 Police teams, comprising over 1400 police personnel, under the supervision of 87 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 490 locations across the state leading to the registration of 125 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 529 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 113 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

========================================

Got absolute support from all quarters of Punjab for morcha to safeguard waters of State: Harjot Singh Bains

Union Government always robbed Punjab of its rights: Lal Chand Kataruchak

Cabinet Ministers Harjot Singh Bains, Lal Chand Kataruchak, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Barinder Kumar Goyal & Harbhajan Singh ETO, Laljit Singh Bhullar stage dharnas at Nangal & Kiratpur Sahib

Chandigarh, Nangal, Kiratpur Sahib/May 14:The ongoing morcha to save the waters of Punjab today got a huge boost at Kiratpur Sahib when the Technical Education and Industrial Training, School & Higher Education, Information and Public Relations Minister Mr. Harjot Singh Bans along with his Cabinet colleague Lal Chand Kataruchak participated in the dharna staged at Lohand Khadd in Kiratpur Sahib.

In his address on the occasion, Mr. Harjot Singh Bains said that the people of Punjab are keeping constant 24 hour vigil at Kiratpur Sahib to protect the precious water resources of Punjab. He further added that during the recent war like situation between India and Pakistan the aware people of Punjab sat on dharna day in and day out whereas taking advantage of the circumstances, the Chairman BBMB were always on the lookout for the opportunity to rob Punjab of its waters in order to give it to other states thus acting as stooges of the central government. He further said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has himself visited the Nangal Dam four times which is ample proof that the State Government is fully committed to protect the interests of Punjab. The opposition people describing the pro people stand of Punjab Government as political stunt must tell about what they have done for protecting the waters of Punjab.

On the occasion, Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak said that the BJP led Central Government and other governments are employing unconstitutional methods to use BBMB against Punjab.

Meanwhile, the NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, Transport and Jail Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar and Power & PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO also participated in the dharna at Nangal Dam and said that Punjab has given water to Haryana on the grounds of humanity but when our state doesn’t has water for meeting its own needs then how can we give water to the other states. Castigating the BBMB, the ministers were of the strong opinion that Punjab ahs 60 percent share in the BBMB whose officers draw salaries from Punjab and are giving arbitrary decisions against Punjab thus snatching the rights of the State. The Ministers made it absolutely clear that water is the lifeline of Punjab and the state has not even an extra drop to spare for the other states.

Among others present included MLAs Inderbir Singh Nijjar, Gurdeep Singh Randhawa, Balveer Singh Pannu, Chairman Jal Board Punjab Ranjit Singh Cheema, and Chairman Guru Ravidass Ayurvedic University Dr. Sanjeev Gautam.