Punjab Gets a New Water Warrior: Bhagwant Mann Says – “If We Can Protect a 532 KM Border, We Can Protect Our Waters Too”

BBMB Has Become a Puppet of the Centre; Conspiracy to Loot Punjab’s Water Foiled – CM Mann’s Sharp Attack

BBMB Took ₹32 Crore from Punjab, Didn’t Return a Single Rupee – Bhagwant Mann

Demand for Reconstitution of BBMB to Be Raised Before NITI Aayog: Bhagwant Mann

60% of Punjab’s Fields Are Irrigated Through Canals, There Is No ‘Surplus Water’ Left: CM Bhagwant Mann

Nangal (Rupnagar), May 21:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday said that the state government will flag the issue of reconstitution of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) in the meeting of NIti Aayog slated to be held on Saturday.

Addressing the victory rally here today, the Chief Minister said that he will take up this issue in the meeting to be chaired by the Prime Minister. He said that as the level of water is changing frequently so every water agreement should be reviewed after every 25 years. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab is a landlocked border state which has already over explored its only available natural resources in terms of water and fertile soil to feed the country.

However, the Chief Minister bemoaned that the manner in which BBMB became a party to snatch the legitimate share of waters of the state is unfortunate and highly condemnable. He said that Haryana had exhausted its share of water in the March of this year but the BBMB acted as a puppet in the hand of the centre government and Haryana government to snatch the waters of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in an unprecedented manner, the Chairman of BBMB himself came to Nangal to steal the waters of the state, a move which was thwarted by the people of the state.

The Chief Minister said that this is the same BBMB which had taken Rs 32 crore from Punjab for its very existential projects adding that this money was never returned to the state. He said that Punjab owes nearly Rs 150 crore (Rs 142 crore to be precise) from BBMB adding that the state government will soon stake claim for recovery of this money. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 3000 posts of Punjab’s quota have not been deliberately filled by BBMB so as to weaken the state's claim over the waters.

However, the Chief Minister said that momentum will be made for filling these posts at earliest so that interests of the state can be safeguarded. He said that even the townships like Nangal that were aesthetically designed have been ruined due to the neglect of the BBMB which is really deplorable. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the BBMB played in the hands of the centre to snatch the waters of the state but the brave, hard working and resilient farmers of the state foiled their nefarious attempts.

The Chief Minister categorically said that Punjabis have proved that if the state can protect the borders of the country they can aptly save the waters of state too. He said that Punjab has a glorious history of making supreme sacrifices to protect the 532 kilometres long border with Pakistan. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this time also Punjabis were at the forefront giving a befitting reply to the Pakistani Army and on the other hand they saved the share of their water too.

The Chief Minister said that for around 20 days the hard working and vigilant people of the state didn’t allow Haryana and centre to steal even a single drop of water from Punjab. He said that for years, Punjab’s water has been diverted to other states through the BBMB adding that hands of Congress, Akalis and BJP were drenched with blood of Punjabis as these parties have backstabbed them by ignoring the water rights of the state for vested interests. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the earlier leaders of Punjab had backstabbed the people on several issues by giving importance to their own interests over that of state.

He said that a former Chief Minister got a plot in Gurgaon, where they have a hotel today, for planning the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) river and issuing its survey order. Bhagwant Singh Mann also said that self proclaimed savior of Punjab waters and former Chief Minister had presented silver spade to the then Prime Minister for the ground breaking ceremony of SYL at Kapoori. The Chief Minister said that BBMB was originally established to manage the waters of the Sutlej and Beas rivers but over years, Punjab’s water has been diverted to other states through the BBMB adding that the BJP government has started using this board for its political interests.

Describing BBMB as a white elephant, the Chief Minister said that it is totally useless and unacceptable in the present form adding that Punjab will never accept it now. He said that it is ironic that employees of other states are being paid from the exchequer of state and they harm the interests of Punjab only. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that even the BBMB uses the money of the state to fight legal battles against Punjab, which is highly deplorable.

Batting for Yamuna Satluj Link (YSL) instead of Satluj Yamuna Link canal, the Chief Minister said that Satluj river has already dried up and there is no question of sharing even a single drop of water from it. Rather, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that water from Ganga and Yamuna should be supplied to Punjab through Satluj river. He said that this is the only viable alternative which can be considered in wake of the alarming situation of water scarcity in the state.

The Chief Minister said that despite being smaller in area, Haryana is getting more water than Punjab and ironically it is demanding more water at the cost of Punjab. In wake of this fact, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that how can we give water to Haryana if our own fields are starving for it. He said that today, nearly 60% of the state’s farmlands are irrigated through canals, which makes every drop of Punjab’s water extremely valuable.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab no longer has any surplus water to give to any other state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that on April 6, Haryana requested water from Punjab for drinking purposes. He said that showing generosity, Punjab gave 4,000 cusecs of water from its share to Haryana, as our Gurus have taught us that giving water to the thirsty is a great act of virtue.

On the occasion Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries. Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Barinder Goyal thanked all the dignitaries and people who had attended the rally.

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

Will Ensure Holistic Development of Villages: CM

Holds Interactive Sessions with People in Ghanouri Kalan, Ghanour Khurd, Kataron, and Changali Villages of Dhuri Segment

Dhuri (Sangrur), May 21 :Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday said that the state government is committed to ensuring the holistic development of villages and is leaving no stone unturned in this noble cause.

Addressing a gathering after reviewing ongoing development works in the villages of Ghanouri Kalan, Ghanour Khurd, Kataron, and Changali, the Chief Minister said that various government departments are working in coordination with each other for the welfare of the rural population. He reiterated that Punjab lives in its villages and that the ultimate goal of a progressive and vibrant Punjab can only be achieved through clean and green villages. Bhagwant Singh Mann added that the state government has already placed major emphasis on achieving this goal.

The Chief Minister said that Dhuri will be developed as a model city through holistic development, backed by adequate funding. He said that the city will soon be equipped with world-class healthcare and educational facilities, improved roads, clean ponds, water recharging systems, and canal water irrigation. Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that significant resources have already been allocated to ensure the comprehensive development of villages in the segment.

He further stated that there is no shortage of funds for development and the state government is making all possible efforts to ensure the holistic progress of villages. The Chief Minister emphasized that a detailed roadmap has been drafted to boost ongoing development efforts in both urban and rural areas. Bhagwant Singh Mann also said that, in addition to development, efforts are being made to place the state on a path of high economic growth for the benefit of its people.

The Chief Minister revealed that a total of Rs. 13.98 crore has been issued for 129 development projects in these Panchayats, out of which 93 projects worth Rs. 8.67 crore have been completed. He added that 36 projects worth Rs. 5.31 crore are currently in progress and will be completed soon. Furthermore, based on the needs of the five village Panchayats, an additional grant of Rs. 12.19 crore has been issued for 32 more development projects, said Bhagwant Singh Mann.

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

In a First, CM Dedicates Chief Minister’s Facilitation Centre at Dhuri

Move Aimed at Providing Access to Citizen-Centric Services Under One Roof

Dhuri (Sangrur), May 21 –Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday dedicated the Chief Minister’s Facilitation Centre at Dhuri to ensure effective, transparent, and accessible governance for the residents of the Dhuri constituency.

Dedicating the center, the Chief Minister said it will act as a Single Window system for residents of the Dhuri constituency to access all government services under one roof. He added that the initiative aims to bridge the gap between the public and government offices, increase transparency, improve access to data and its analysis for the residents of Dhuri Assembly constituency and ensure quicker redressal of citizen grievances. Bhagwant Singh Mann said this will promote more citizen-centric governance, build public trust, and enhance service delivery.

The Chief Minister stated that the center has been established at a cost of Rs. 1.21 crore, and features six counters and a reception desk. He added that it also includes a meeting-cum-conference hall, and the primary objective is to improve coordination between the public and government offices. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that it will help in the timely resolution of public issues, and a Punjab Civil Services (PCS) officer will be in charge of the center.

The Chief Minister noted that the officer will oversee the delivery of services and monitor development projects in the area. He added that representatives from various departments—including Health, Revenue, Social Security, Police, and Administration—will be present at the center. Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Punjab Government currently provides 443 services through service centers, and this new facility will help people access those services more easily.

He further mentioned that forms for pension schemes, the Ayushman Bharat scheme, Ashirwad scheme, labor cards, Aadhaar card updates, and more will be filled and processed here. One of the key features of the center, the Chief Minister, said, is that citizens will no longer need to visit multiple offices repeatedly. Instead, the center will follow up with the respective departments until the task is completed

Additionally, the Chief Minister said that through Saanjh Kendras, assistance will be provided for preparing documents related to services such as passport issuance, character certificates, FIRs, DDR copies, and NOCs for loudspeakers and events. He emphasized that the Chief Minister’s Facilitation Centre aims to eliminate the harassment commonly faced by citizens in government offices. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that the center will become a beacon of hope for the common people.

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

516 CANDIDATES SECURE PLACEMENTS AT NANGAL JOB FAIR, SAYS HARJOT BAINS

• EM Bains visits ITI Nangal's Job Fair, encourages youth to keep upgrading their skills as Punjab Govt offering numerous job opportunities

Chandigarh, May 21:The Punjab Government's commitment to providing job opportunities to the youth took a significant step forward with 516 candidates receiving offer letters during a Job Fair organised by the Technical Education and Industrial Training department at ITI Nangal on Wednesday.

Sharing the information, Punjab Technical Education and Industrial Training Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains informed that a total of 1013 candidates enrolled for the Job Fair, which witnessed participation from 26 public and private sector companies, and 516 candidates received offer letters. Prominent companies including Swaraj Division M&N, RS Manpower, BSNL, SML Isuzu and ITL Sonalika were among the top recruiters, selecting 224 candidates, which accounts for approximately 43.4% of the total placements.

The Cabinet Minister visited ITI Nangal's Job Fair, encouraging youth to keep upgrading their skills as the Punjab government is offering thousands of job opportunities in government and private sectors.

S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the state government's relentless efforts to provide employment opportunities to the youth are yielding positive results. The Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led state government is committed to empowering the youth by bridging the gap between industry requirements and skilled workforce, he said, while adding that the Job Fair's success is a reflection of the state's strong industry-academia interface and the employability of its students.

He said that candidates who didn't receive job offers would be contacted by the Technical Education department and provided suitable employment opportunities matching their qualifications to empowering them to become self-reliant.

-------

PUNJAB GOVT ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY IN SUB-DIVISION KAPURTHALA ON MAY 23

Chandigarh, May 21: Punjab Government has declared a holiday in Sub-Division Kapurthala on May 23, 2025.

The officials spokesperson of the state government said that as per the notification issued today, this local holiday has been announced on Friday, May 23, 2025 in observance of the historic fair of Mata Bhadrakali Ji (Shekhupur) for all government institutions, corporations, boards, educational establishments (excluding those institutions where examinations are being conducted) and other government organizations falling within Sub-Division Kapurthala.

-------

FROM CHALKBOARDS TO POWER CORRIDORS: PUNJAB EMPOWERS GOVERNMENT SCHOOL TOPPERS TO DREAM BIGGER, LEAD BOLDER

• Punjab Government launches unique initiative for students: Ek Din, DC/SSP de Sang

Chandigarh, May 21:In a pioneering move to celebrate academic excellence and instil leadership aspirations among students of the state government schools, the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has launched a first-of-its-kind initiative “Ek Din, DC/SSP de Sang” to offer these bright young minds meaningful exposure to real-world governance, discipline and public service, announced S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of School Education, Punjab.

Elaborating on the initiative, S. Harjot Singh Bains revealed that “Ek Din, DC/SSP de Sang” will unite six topper students (three each from class-10th & 12th) from each district, with Deputy Commissioner and SSP of their respective district. This immersive experience will give students a firsthand experience of the dedication, hard work, and responsibility that come with leadership roles in administration and law enforcement, providing them with invaluable insights into public service and governance.

The Education Minister highlighted that the core objective of this move is to inspire and empower meritorious students, igniting within them a spark of ambition and purpose. By immersing themselves in the world of governance and leadership, these young minds will understand the importance of governance, community service and leadership's role in shaping society.

“We want to provide a platform for our students to learn from experienced leaders for inspiring them to explore careers in public service, besides fostering a sense of responsibility and civic engagement and encourage them to dream bigger and strive for excellence”, S. Harjot Singh Bains said while adding that as these students embark on this journey, they will be treated to a day filled with learning, growth, and mentorship.

The carefully curated day will include a range of activities, including observe real-time administrative and policing activities such as grievance redressal sessions, cyber cell operations, planning meetings, field visits to development projects, and other relevant engagements. A joint lunch with the officers will also be organised, offering the students an open platform to share their aspirations and receive career guidance. At the conclusion of the program, students will be presented with a Certificate of Participation, a motivational book or diary, and a group photograph with the officer. A detailed feedback and mentoring session will be held to reflect on their experience.

To document the impact of the initiative, each district will create a short write-up with student reflections, which will be compiled into a “District Merit Booklet”. Schools will also invite participating students to share their experiences with peers, thereby fostering a culture of aspiration and ambition across the student body. Through this visionary program, the Punjab Government reaffirms its commitment to inclusive governance and equitable opportunity, sending a clear message that every child — regardless of background — has the right to dream, lead, and succeed, he added.

Wishing the students a day of profound learning and inspiration, S. Harjot Singh Bains expressed that the students would have a day filled with discovery, growth, and inspiration and it would leave an indelible mark on their lives and shape their future as leaders.

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

DAY 81 OF ‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: 150 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD WITH 7.2KG HEROIN, ₹2.41L DRUG MONEY

— AS PART OF ‘DE-ADDICTION’, PUNJAB POLICE CONVINCE 90 PERSONS TO UNDERGO DE-ADDICTION TREATMENT

CHANDIGARH, May 21: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 81st day, Punjab Police on Wednesday arrested 150 drug smugglers and recovered 7.2 kg heroin, 297 kg poppy husk and Rs 2.41 lakhs drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 12,496 in just 81 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 1300 police personnel, under the supervision of 89 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 471 locations across the state leading to the registration of 104 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 504 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 90 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

-----------

TWO ASSOCIATES OF GANGSTER ARSH DALLA HELD IN FARIDKOT; TWO PISTOLS RECOVERED

— ARRESTED ACCUSED VISHAL WAS IN TOUCH WITH ARSH DALLA AND PLANNING TO ELIMINATE HIS RIVAL GANG MEMBER: DGP GAURAV YADAV

— FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS ARE ONGOING, MORE ARRESTS LIKELY IN COMING DAYS

CHANDIGARH/FARIDKOT, May 21: In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab in a joint operation with Faridkot Police has arrested two associates of foreign-based Gangster Arsh Dala, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

Those arrested have been identified as Vishal Singh, a resident of Sri Muktsar Sahib and Onkar Singh, a resident of village Gamewala in Ferozepur. Police teams have also recovered two .30 bore pistols along with six live cartridges from their possession.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation revealed that the accused Vishal Singh, who came out on bail recently, was actively planning to eliminate his rival gang member. The accused was continuously in touch with his foreign based handlers and waiting for the directions to execute sensational crime in Punjab, he said.

The DGP said that further investigation is underway to identify other associates and establish backward and forward linkages in this case.

Sharing operation details, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) AGTF Promod Ban said that the teams of the AGTF led by DSP Rajan Parminder based human and intel-inputs located the accused persons in the jurisdiction of Faridkot, and in a joint operation with Faridkot Police has arrested both the accused from near Dana Mandi chownk in Sadiq and recovered weapons from their possession.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr Pragya Jain said that both the arrested persons have a criminal background with cases pertaining to attempt to murder, cheating, under Arms Act, etc. have been registered against them.

A case FIR no. 52 dated 21/5/2025 has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Sadiq in Faridkot.

---------