From ‘Udta Punjab’ to ‘Badalta Punjab’: AAP Turns Drug Hotspots Into Drug-Free Zones : Arvind Kejriwal

Yudh Nasheyan Virudh Becomes Mass Movement: Kejriwal Says, ‘Even If We Die, Drugs Must End

Rehab, Jobs, Gyms, and Stadiums - Youth Trading Syringes for Sports, Drugs for Dreams : Arvind Kejriwal

Chandigarh, May 16:In a step aimed at making Punjab completely drug free, former Delhi Chief Minister and National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party Arvind Kejriwal on Friday announced to take war against drugs at village and street level with active support of people.

Addressing the gathering at Langroya (SBS Nagar) today, the former Delhi Chief Minister said that the state government has cracked the backbone of drugs and now the day is not far when it will be eliminated soon. He said that the Nasha Mukti Yatra will touch every village and town of the state to galvanize people in this war against drugs, so that Punjab can be made completely drug free. Arvind Kejriwal categorically said that the day is not far when due to the strenuous efforts of the state government, Punjab will not only be drug free but also will be a frontrunner state in the country.

The former Delhi Chief Minister congratulated Bhagwant Singh Mann led state government for the resounding success of Yudh Nasheyan Virudh. He said that it is heartening to see that the villages that were hotspots of drugs are now turning drug free due to concerted efforts of the state government. Arvind Kejriwal said that earlier bollywood movies were made to highlight the scourge of drugs but now the times have changed and youth of state are excelling in the arena of sports.

Former Delhi Chief Minister said that earlier the Ministers of previous regimes used to patronize drug lords and even sell/ supply the drugs in their government vehicles. However, he said that now drugs even upto quintals are being seized by the Police and strict punitive action is being taken so that it acts a deterrent for others. Arvind Kejriwal said that contrary to earlier times when drug lords were shielded by the state, now 10,000 drug smugglers have been arrested out of which 8500 are big fishes.

The former Delhi Chief Minister said that it was the firm resolve of the state government that no one will be allowed to sell drugs and they have been successful in it. He said that the drug smugglers are dreaded criminals but we have taken strict action against them without even bothering about our lives. Arvind Kejriwal said that we may lose our lives in this fight against drugs but we will ensure that drugs are completely wiped out from the state.

The national Convener of AAP said that the time has come when all of us should come forward and contribute in this war against drugs even if there was a threat on the life of the AAP leaders. He said that properties of the drug smugglers have been confiscated/ destroyed adding that this campaign will be continued in coming times adding that now Yudh Nasheyan Virudh is being transformed into a full scale mass movement against the drugs for which active support of the people is required. Arvind Kejriwal said that the war against drugs will be taken to ground level and interactions will be held in all the around 13000 villages of the state.

The former Delhi Chief Minister said that in order to channelize the unbounded energy of the youth in a positive manner, the state government will construct a stadium in every village of the state. Likewise, he said that 3000 gyms will be constructed in 3000 big villages of the state to promote sports in the state in a big way. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state has already given around 54000 jobs to the youth in the state and now foolproof planning has been made to ensure employment to youth in every village.

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KEJRIWAL AND BHAGWANT MANN ADMINISTER OATH TO PEOPLE FOR BEING WARRIORS AGAINST DRUGS

CM REITERATES COMMITMENT TO FIGHT TILL AN OUNCE OF DRUG IS PREVALENT IN STATE

SAYS DRUG IS A BLOT ON FACE OF STATE AND PUNJAB IS COMMITTED TO WIPE IT

Langroya (SBS Nagar), May 16:In a bid to make common man an integral part of war against drugs, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Arvind Kejriwal on Friday administered oath against drugs to residents of the state to be warriors against drug menace.

In a function here today, the Chief Minister while administering the oath solicited fulsome support and cooperation of people in the war against drugs. He said that the scourge of drugs was a blot on the face of the state and it took more than two years for the state government to chalk out a strategy for wiping out this curse. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that subsequently the supply line of drugs was snapped, big fishes involved in these heinous crimes were put behind the bars, rehabilitation of the drug victims was ensured and even the property of the drug smugglers was confiscated and destroyed.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has launched a war against drugs in the form of Yudh Nasheyan Virudh the aim of which is to clean the state. He solicited fulsome support and cooperation of people in this war against drugs to transform it into a mass movement. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as the village has declared itself drug free after giving full support to the Police in the same manner it must be replicated in other parts of the state.

The Chief Minister said that if Punjabis have made firm resolve to make the state drug free then no one can stop us from this noble cause. He said that every inch of this sacred land has the footprint of great Gurus, saints, seers and martyrs, who have shown us the way to oppose tyranny, injustice and oppression. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that walking on their footsteps only the state government has launched a crusade against drugs.

The Chief Minister said that it is heartening to see that a large number of women were participating in this function, which is a good sign. He said that if the women rise in such a big way to eliminate any menace then that it will be wiped out very soon. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the day is not far when the state will be completely drug free with the active participation of the women in the state.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that the state government is making concerted efforts to empower the girls through education adding that transport facility has been provided to 10,000 girl students in government schools across the state. He said that nowadays girls have outnumbered boys in every field including those which were hitherto considered as fiefdom of the men. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that women’s empowerment is imperative to carve out an egalitarian society and in the larger interest of society and state.

The Chief Minister said that Punjabis are global citizens who have carved a niche for themselves in every corner of the world. He said given a chance the hard working, innovative and energetic Punjabis are now excelling in every arena. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that with active support and cooperation people, the state government is laying thrust on carving out a Rangla Punjab and the war against drugs is a part of it.

The Chief Minister said that contrary to earlier times when the leaders of the state used to jeopardize the interests of Punjab, the state government today is focusing on overall growth and prosperity of the state. He said that the earlier leaders were afraid of meeting the people whereas the state government today is interacting with the people and seeking their feedback. Bhagwant Singh Mann every effort will be made to safeguard the interests of the state and its people by making them an active partner in social economic development of the state.

Citing an example, the Chief Minister said that the state government vehemently opposed the draconian move of centre, BBMB and Haryana government to steal waters of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his predecessors used to extend such largesse for their vested interests but as a custodian of waters of the state he will never allow this adding that as Punjab has upgraded its canal water system so now it requires water to cater to needs of the farmers of the state in wake of ensuing paddy season. He categorically said that Punjab doesn’t have even a single drop of water to share with the other states.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is making concerted efforts for rejuvenating the health and education system in the state. He said that till now sending his child to government school was the compulsion of the common man but now it is their wish to do so as the education system has been revamped. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Schools of Eminence have been set up across the state to impart quality education to the students to impart quality education to them.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed for the well being of every section of society especially the youth for which no stone will be left unturned. He said that the state government is making every endeavor to groom the students well for various competitions adding that now the students are excelling in the field of education. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the focus is to ensure holistic development of the state and prosperity of its people.

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.

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT LIVES UPTO ITS COMMITMMENT

PROCURES 100 PERCENT WHEAT CROP ARRIVING IN GRAIN MARKETS OF STATE: LAL CHAND KATARUCHAK

* PAYMENTS WORTH RS. 28571 CRORE CREDITED INTO FARMERS ACCOUNTS

· ENTIRE 130.03 LMT CROP PROCURED: FOOD, CIVIL SUPPLIES & CONSUMER AFFAIRS MINISTER

· EXHORTS BENEFICIARIES UNDER NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY ACT TO DOWNLOAD e-KYC APP FOR COMPLETING e-KYC PROCESS

Chandigarh, May 16:Living up to its promise of procuring every single grain produced so laboriously by the farmers, the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has procured 100 percent wheat crop arriving in the mandis of the State.

Disclosing this while interacting with the mediapersons here today at the Anaj Bhawan, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak divulged the State Government has procured the entire 130.03 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of wheat arriving in the mandis till the closure of the procurement season on May 15th. The Minister congratulated the coordinated efforts of the departmental officers and other staff.

Divulging more, the Minister added that the State Government has procured 119.24 LMT of Wheat while the traders have procured 10.80 LMT. Furthermore, payments to the tune of Rs. 28,571 Crore have been credited into the accounts of over 7 Lakh farmers. As regards lifting, the Minister mentioned that 104.51 LMT has been lifted and the remaining would also be lifted within a few days.

In order to ensure smooth and hassle free procurement, the Government had set up a total of 2885 mandis/purchase centres out of which 1864 were regular and 1021 were temporary centres.

The Minister further elaborated that the e-KYC has been done in respect of 1.24 Crore beneficiaries under National Food Security Act (NFSA) and exhorted the beneficiaries to download the ‘e-KYC App’ which would enable them to complete the e-KYC process while sitting at homes. Thus, they need not visit the Fair Price Shops (FPS) to complete the formalities.

Among others present on the occasion included the Principal Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rahul Tewari, Director Varinder Kumar Sharma and Additional Director Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar.

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MANN GOVT TAKES MAJOR STEP FOR PRISON SECURITY; 24-HRS SURVEILLANCE WITH ADVANCED CAMERAS

STATE-OF-THE-ART AI-CAMERAS TO BOLSTER PRISON SECURITY MEASURES: LALJIT SINGH BHULLAR

JAIL MINISTER CONDUCTS SURPRISE INSPECTION OF RUPNAGAR AND KAPURTHALA JAILS

Chandigarh, May 16:Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government has taken a significant step to install Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based ultra-modern cameras in Punjab's jails to further strengthen security systems. This initiative will enable 24x7 surveillance of various activities including illegal drug use and mobile phone usage in the state's jails.

Punjab Jail Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar today conducted surprise inspections of the Central Jails in Rupnagar and Kapurthala. He said that the Punjab government is taking stringent measures to prevent the illegal use of mobile phones and criminal activities in the state's prisons and is equipping Punjab jails with the latest security devices.

The Jail Minister instructed officials and staff to perform their duties with complete vigilance, warning that strict action would be taken against any government employee or inmate caught using or supplying drugs in jail. While directing them to completely control drugs, mobile phones and other objectionable materials in jails, he stressed that negligence of duty would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Reaffirming the commitment to completely eliminate criminal activities from the jails, S. Laljit Singh Bhullar informed that jammers are being installed across all jails in the state, with the entire process being completed following the Chief Minister's approval.

The Cabinet Minister clarified that strict action would be taken against any officer or employee involved in illegal activities, mentioning that officials involved in illegal activities at Sangrur Jail were recently subjected to severe action. He also urged the entire jail staff of the state to ensure they fulfill their responsibilities with honesty and dedication.

S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said that the Mann government is continuously working toward rehabilitating prisoners to make them good citizens. The Punjab government is committed to reintegrating prisoners into mainstream society as constructive citizens, he added.

During his visit, the Cabinet Minister conducted a thorough inspection of the jails, listened to problems faced by inmates and gathered detailed information about healthcare facilities in the jails hospital, food provisions and other services.

S. Bhullar listened to the problems of other prisoners including women inmates and took stock of the goods manufactured by the prisoners in the Kapurthala Jail Factory and also inaugurated the sports stadium prepared in the jail.

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HARJOT BAINS DIRECTS NHAI OFFICIALS TO ACCELERATE SRI KITARPUR SAHIB-NANGAL HIGHWAY PROJECT

• EM to take weekly review of four-laining of the Highway; Also directed officials to expedite land acquisition for dream project

Chandigarh, May 16:In a bid to fast-track the much awaited the four-laning of the Sri Kiratpur Sahib-Nangal highway, Punjab Education Minister and MLA from Sri Anandpur Sahib, S. Harjot Singh Bains, directed the officials concerned to accelerate land acquisition for the project, while deciding to personally review the progress of the project on a weekly basis.

Presiding over a crucial meeting with senior officials from NHAI, MoRTH and PWD here at the Punjab Civil Secretariat-1, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains emphasised the significance of the Sri Kiratpur Sahib-Nangal highway's four-laning project, terming it a 'dream project' that would greatly benefit the region.

Describing the highway's importance, S. Harjot Singh Bains stated that it serves as a vital link between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, particularly given the presence of revered sites such as Sri Anandpur Sahib and Mata Naina Devi. He highlighted the pressing need for four-laning, citing the stretch's notorious reputation as a 'Killer Road'.

Notably, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains' persistent efforts to expedite the Sri Kiratpur Sahib-Nangal highway project since 2022 have finally borne fruit. Following two meetings with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Sh. Nitin Gadkari, the project received formal approval in December 2024. With the completion of key formalities, including the Detailed Project Report (DPR), the project is set to move forward.

Highlighting another pressing concern, S. Harjot Singh Bains directed NHAI officials to promptly initiate work on the Bhartgarh-Bara Pind service lane link, a long-pending project that will greatly benefit local commuters and significantly improve road safety in the area.

He also asked NHAI officials to expedite the construction of a foot overbridge in village Sarsa Nangal, a long-pending demand of residents, to ensure their safety and convenience.

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PROMOTIONS IN PR DEPARTMENT; TWO OFFICERS PROMOTED AS JOINT DIRECTORS, SIX AS DEPUTY DIRECTORS

ISHWINDER SINGH GREWAL AND MANVINDER SINGH ELEVATED AS JOINT DIRECTORS

RUCHI KALRA, RASHIM VERMA, NAVDEEP SINGH GILL, PRABHDEEP SINGH KAULDHAR, HAKAM THAPER AND HARDEEP SINGH PROMOTED AS DEPUTY DIRECTORS

Chandigarh, May 16:Punjab Information and Public Relations Department today promoted eight officers. Two Deputy Directors have been promoted as Joint Directors, while five Information and Public Relations Officers (IPROs) and one Art Executive have been promoted as Deputy Directors.

The appointment orders for the eight promoted officers were issued today following approval from Information and Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains.

These promotions were made following departmental promotion committees' meetings held on May 8. As per the appointment orders issued today, Joint Director Mr. Ishwinder Singh Grewal has been posted at the head office in Chandigarh, while Mr. Manvinder Singh has been appointed as Joint Director Press/Chief Minister with additional charge as Joint Director Border Range Amritsar.

Similarly, among the six promoted Deputy Directors, Ms. Ruchi Kalra has been posted to Bathinda, Mr. Rashim Verma to the head office with additional charge of Sri Anandpur Sahib, Mr. Navdeep Singh Gill to the head office in Chandigarh, Mr. Prabhdeep Singh Kauldhar to the head office with additional charge of Sangrur, Mr. Hakam Thaper to Jalandhar and Mr. Hardeep Singh to the head office.

Later, the newly promoted officers joined the department and reported to Secretary, Information and Public Relations Mr. Ramvir. They expressed their gratitude to the Information and Public Relations Minister and senior officials.