STOP INJUSTICE WITH PUNJAB: CM AT NITI AAYOG
RAISES ISSUE OF WATER, YSL, BBMB AND CHANDIGARH BEFORE PM AT THE MEET
SEEKS INCENTIVES FOR INDUSTRY, HIKE IN COMPENSATION FARMERS ALONG WITH FENCE AND GENEROUS ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR BORDER DEVELOPMENT
DEMANDS RELEASE OF ARREARS OF SC SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS, CONSTRUCTION OF SEZ, ECONOMIC CORRIDOR AND OTHERS
New Delhi, May 24:Flagging the issues pertaining to step motherly treatment being meted out with Punjab by the Union government, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday said that this type of biased and discriminatory treatment with the state is unwarranted and undesirable.
Taking part in the meeting of 10th Governing Council of the Niti Aayog here today, the Chief Minister raised the important issues pertaining to the state on the platform and reiterated that Punjab has no surplus water for any state. Asserting that in wake of grim situation of water in the state Yamuna-Sutlej-Link (YSL) canal should be considered for construction instead of the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers are already in deficit and water should be diverted from surplus to deficit basins. He said that Punjab has repeatedly requested to be included in negotiations for the allocation of Yamuna waters as a pact for Yamuna-Sutlej-Link Project was signed between the erstwhile Punjab and Uttar Pradesh on March 12, 1954 which entitled the erstwhile Punjab to two-thirds of the Yamuna waters.
The Chief Minister said that this agreement did not specify any particular area to be irrigated by Yamuna waters adding that before the re-organization, the Yamuna River, like the Ravi and Beas flowed through the erstwhile State of Punjab. However, he bemoaned that while apportioning the river waters between Punjab and Haryana, the Yamuna waters were not considered, whereas the waters of Ravi and Beas were duly taken into account. Citing 1972 report by the Irrigation Commission, constituted by the Government of India, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it states that Punjab (post-1966, after its reorganization) falls within the Yamuna River Basin.
Therefore, the Chief Minister said that if Haryana has a claim over the waters of Ravi and Beas rivers, Punjab should also have an equal claim on the Yamuna waters. He said that these requests have been ignored adding that due to non-construction of storage structure on Yamuna River, water is going to waste. Therefore, Bhagwant Singh Mann pleaded that Punjab's claim should be considered during the revision of this agreement, and Punjab should be given its due rights to Yamuna waters.
Raising the issue of bias approach of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), the Chief Minister said that the Board was constituted under the provisions of the Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966, with the mandate to regulate the supply of water and power from the Bhakra, Nangal and Beas projects to the partner States of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Chandigarh. He said that in the past Punjab has been very liberal in sharing water with the partner States to meet their drinking water and other genuine requirements as Punjab was relying upon its groundwater reserves to meet its demand of water, particularly for the paddy crop. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as a result, the groundwater level has depleted to a huge extent, so much so that 115 blocks out of 153 blocks of the State of Punjab (76.10%) are over-exploited adding that this percentage is the highest amongst all the States in the country.
The Chief Minister said that now with upgraded canal structure Punjab itself is running short of its water requirement and even its water share in the river waters is not sufficient to meet these requirements. Despite our repeated request, he said that BBMB did not take any action to advise the other partner states to regulate the release of water to Haryana and as a result which it exhausted its share by 30th March 30th, 2025. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that considering the request of the Government of Haryana on humanitarian grounds, the state decided to release 4000 cusecs of water out of Punjab’s share to meet its drinking water requirement though Haryana has only a genuine demand of 1700 cusecs of water.
However, the Chief Minister said that BBMB ignored the interest of Punjab and decided to release 8500 cusecs of water to Haryana despite serious objections raised by Punjab. He said that this is against the spirit and provisions of the law as BBMB has taken this decision of taking Punjab’s water against the consent of Punjab adding that BBMB should be advised to restrain itself and act as per the provisions of law. Bhagwant Singh Mann apprised the house that Punjab has been requesting BBMB time and again to bring financial efficiency in its operations but of no avail adding that there has also been profligacy in the use of resources by BBMB.
Therefore, the Chief Minister said that BBMB should be advised to ensure that these resources are optimally utilized so that the financial burden on the partner States is reduced. He further said that of late, BBMB has been indulging in taking administrative actions which appear to be biased and against the interest of Punjab adding that the officers of Punjab in BBMB are being marginalised and ignored. Raising serious objection to it, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that BBMB may be suitably advised to adopt a transparent and neutral approach in its dealings with the two states.
Highlighting the issue of deployment of CISF at Bhakra Nangal Dam, the Chief Minister security of Bhakra and Nangal Dams has been the sole responsibility of the concerned States since their construction. He said that Ministry of Power (MoP) has taken the decision to depute CISF for the Security of Bhakra Nangal Dams, which is an unnecessary and completely avoidable step as there is no need to disturb a well-established operational setup as it further degrades the right of Punjab with respect to these Dams. In view of this, Bhagwant Singh Mann requested that the decision to depute CISF may be revoked immediately.
Demanding adequate representation to Punjab officers and officials in Chandigarh Administration in the ratio of 60:40, the Chief Minister said that Chandigarh is the capital of Punjab and there is a well-established and time honoured convention, since the reorganization of the State of Punjab in 1966,to fill all civil posts in Chandigarh administration from personnel drawn from the Punjab and Haryana in the ratio of 60: 40. However, he said that in recent years this balance has been severely eroded with a systematic increase in deputations from the AGMUT and DANICs cadres adding that key departments in Chandigarh Administration hitherto managed by officers from Punjab have now been allocated to much junior officers from the AGMUT cadre. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this increasing centralization and declining representation to Punjab in administration of its own capital is against the very spirit of cooperative federalism adding that all amendments/ proposed amendments in the Service Rules of Chandigarh Administration to allow filling of posts from other States and UTs, be repealed/ withdrawn/ cancelled immediately.
Raising the issue of immediate release of Pending arrears under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste Students for Academic Sessions 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20, the Chief Minister said that Punjab has the highest percentage of Scheduled Caste population (31.94%) in the Country and the Post Matric Scholarship scheme for SC Students for pursuing Higher Education was implemented as a 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme. He said that this Scheme with a ‘Committed Liability’ of the State of Rs. 60.79 crore proved to be highly beneficial for the Scheduled Caste students in Punjab adding that the Government of India changed the criteria of ‘Committed liability’ in 2018 and made it equivalent to “the total demand of the State as well as Centre” in the terminal year of the previous plan period/ Finance Commission.
The Chief Minister said that as per the new criteria the ‘Committed liability’ of the State Government suddenly grew to Rs 800.31 Crore for the period 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20, which was a 13 times increase from the previous Rs.60.09 crore in 2016-2017. He said that the entire accrued liability which resulted on account of sudden change in criteria by the Ministry is too huge an amount which cannot be borne by the State Government alone. So, Bhagwant Singh Mann requested the GoI that this backlog amount Rs 938.26 crore (60% of liability) may kindly be released by the Centre so that the matter may be finally resolved adding that this will help students from weaker and underprivileged sections to get education and transform their destiny.
Speaking on the issue of Desilting of Harike Head works, the Chief Minister said that it is located at the confluence point of Rivers Sutlej and Beas and is the main control point for supply of water to South west Punjab, Rajasthan and also controlling flow into Pakistan. He said that over the years the sedimentation of suspended silt/sand particles in the reservoir has drastically reduced the capacity of the reservoir and the backwater effect of the water required for optimal operation of canals is now being felt upto Kapurthala district adding that large swaths of agricultural land along the River Sutlej and Beas are becoming susceptible to flooding.Bhagawant Singh Mann said that there is an urgent need for carrying out De-silting of the reservoir at a cost Rs 600 crores approximately adding that as reservoir area has been declared a Ramsar Convention site and is of national importance, the Central Government and Rajasthan must share the cost of project.
Meanwhile, affirming Punjab’s full alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, the Chief Minister said that Punjab is committed to build a Rangla Punjab—a vibrant, inclusive, and progressive state. He said that Punjab Vision 2047 launched in 2023 aligns with Viksit Bharat goals with an ambitious target of 8%+ annual GDP growth through industrial and service-led development adding that structural reforms are underway to boost business environment along with infrastructure and innovation. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Doorstep Delivery of 406 G2C services via helpline 1076 has reduced corruption and increased access to citizen centric services.
The Chief Minister said that Punjab has ushered an era of Health revolution as over 3.34 crore patients have been imparted free health services via Aam Aadmi Clinics and Aayushman Arogya Kendras. He said that the focus of the state government is on primary health infrastructure to ensure affordable and accessible healthcare to people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the ambitious CM di Yogshala has engaged 1.5 lakh citizens of the state by providing them Yoga training.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has launched Sadak Surakhiya Force in 2024 to save precious lives of the people by averting road casualties. He said that this force has been provided with 144 tech-enabled vehicles to serve the people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to the force 10% reduction in fatalities has been observed and over 30,000 road users have been extended assistance.
Talking about Punjab Sikhya Kranti, the Chief Minister said that in order to impart quality education to students, 118 Schools of Eminence, 437 Schools of Happiness and 40 Schools of Applied Learning have been opened. He said that Business Blasters entrepreneurship program has been introduced in schools across the state. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that to update the skill and expertise of the teachers, they are being sent to Singapore and Finland to sharpen their teaching skills.
Apart from this the Chief Minister said that in order to channelize the energy of youth in a positive direction gyms and playgrounds are being constructed in every village. He said that a major scheme has been embarked to uplift all 12,581 villages with 100% electrification and water supply. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that World-class roads are being constructed in Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Mohali adding that PMSIP is working relentlessly to improve urban services in 166 towns and cities.
The Chief Minister said that to develop Punjab as an industrial hub in the country, the state government has strengthened the Unified Regulator Model under Invest Punjab. Likewise he said that the Right to Business Act has been expanded to facilitate investors and entrepreneurs in a big way. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Industrial policy of the state focused on manufacturing and services like light engineering, IT, semiconductors, auto, defence and others.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is working hard for inclusive development in the state with 33% reservation in jobs and 50% in local governance for women. He said that13 crore free bus rides have been availed by women and schemes have been launched for menstrual hygiene and Sakhi Centres supporting 20,000+ women. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that hostels for working women have been constructed in four major cities of the state.
Opposing unilateral borrowing limit deductions under Article 293, the Chief Minister urged inclusion of cesses, surcharges and select non-tax revenue in the divisible pool adding he proposed increasing vertical devolution to 50%.Seeking special Industrial Package for Border Districts, he said that border industries are disadvantaged due to proximity to Pakistan. Seeking parity with Jammu and Kashmir incentives for industries, Bhagwant Singh Mann sought PLI schemes, freight subsidy, tax relief, agro-zones and others for the state.
The Chief Minister also urged for Infrastructure Grants for Border Resilience so as to ensure comprehensive development of six border districts of Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Fazilka and Pathankot. He said that border areas lack support despite high risk and only 101 villages covered under Vibrant Village scheme. Bhagwant Singh Mann also demanded special grants for EOCs, trauma centers, bunkers, cyber security and resilient infrastructure.
Seeking upward revision of compensation to the farmers having land between fence and border, the Chief Minister requested that it should be done Rs 30,000 per acre/year compensation against currently Rs 10,000. Vehemently pleading for restoration and increase in daily allowance of Border Wing Home guards from Rs 45 to Rs 655, he said that it is imperative for strengthening the second line of defence in border areas. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that earlier this reimbursement was made by the Government of India but was discontinued from Financial Year 2020-21.
Seeking a grant worth Rs 2,829 crore for the state, the Chief Minister said that it is necessary to check Drug Trafficking and upscale Border Security. He said that these funds will be utilized for upgrading infrastructure, jail security, de-addiction and others. Citing that over 53,000 arrests have been made and 3,579 kg of heroin has been seized, Bhagwant Singh Mann urged the Union government to install 50 additional jamming systems to counter drones on the 553 km border along with the state.
The Chief Minister also said that to revitalize Punjab’s economy, it is proposed to develop an Economic Corridor along the Delhi-Katra Expressway passing through Punjab which will pass through Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Gurdaspur, Patiala, Sangrur, and Malerkotla. He said that this corridor will serve as a strategic industrial and logistics hub, connecting key regions and facilitating seamless movement of goods and services. Bhagwant Singh Mann also demanded establishment of SEZ in the State which will contribute to boost its industrial ecosystem.
The Chief Minister also sought a Global Manufacturing Hub (GMH) along the Bharat Mala Project corridor, connecting Sangrur to Delhi, which will offer world-class infrastructure, facilities, and services to attract businesses and drive economic growth. Likewise, he also demanded Extension of Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) in Mohali along with establishment of dedicated sector-specific export zones in Punjab, including Jalandhar for Sports Goods, Amritsar for Food Processing, Ludhiana for Textiles, and Mohali for Automobile Parks. Bhagwant Singh Mann also urged GoI to allow royalty-free coal supply from PSPCL’s Pachwara mine to IPPs supplying 100% power to Punjab.
Batting for crop diversification to make agriculture a profitable venture, the Chief Minister sought a cash incentive of Rs 17,500 per hectare for maize to replace paddy. Likewise, he urge approval for BT-III cotton, subsidy on mating disruption techniques, and agro-processing unit support. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is the need of hour to steer the farmers of the state out of the prevailing agrarian crisis by enhancing their income adding he sought expedition of stock lifting, expansion of godown capacity, and increase in NFSA allocation from 5kg to 7kg. “We reaffirm Punjab’s dedication to cooperative federalism and to building a Viksit Bharat by 2047 through mutual collaboration” he added.
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PIONEERING EXCELLENCE: PUNJAB INTRODUCES 3-DAY ORIENTATION PROGRAM FOR CLASS 9TH STUDENTS OF SCHOOLS OF EMINENCE
• Initiative aims at holistic development of students for a Successful Tomorrow, says Bains
CHANDIGARH, MAY 24:In a bid to nurture students' personal growth and seamlessly integrate them into the Schools of Eminence (SOE) ecosystem, the Punjab Government has introduced first-of-its-kind a transformative 3-day Orientation Program for newly admitted Class 9th students for the academic session 2025-26, announced S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of School Education, Punjab.
He stated that the orientation plan, all set to commence from 26th to 28th May, 2025, will help students integrate into the SOE Ecosystem, building a strong base for their personal development in the coming two years. This program will provide practical insights into competitive examinations and career paths.
Highlighting the plan's key features, S. Harjot Singh Bains revealed that students will interact with esteemed experts, including cabinet ministers, MPs, MLAs, bureaucrats, judges, senior advocates, doctors, vice chancellors, college principals, professors, and industry leaders, providing students with a unique opportunity to learn from their experiences and gain practical knowledge.
To inspire and motivate students, the Education Minister said that accomplished alumni will be invited to SOE under this program to share their success stories, offering valuable guidance on preparation strategies, time management, and goal-setting. Additionally, students will also engage in reading sessions, discussions, and activities such as reading English newspapers and 'Headline of the Day' to foster a culture of reading and intellectual curiosity.
To hone their communication skills, the program will include Speech and Debate Competitions on topics including "Dream Career," "Current Affairs," and "My Vision for Punjab," aimed at enhancing students' speaking skills and self-expression. Daily School Assembly Activities will focus on themes like self-confidence, discipline, and resilience, featuring motivational quotes and interactive dialogues, he added.
As part of the initiative, students will participate in the 'Make Your Summer Count' session, where they will set summer holiday goals, track study hours, and explore the Summer Activity Challenge Chart. With guidance from teachers, students will design personalised summer plans, fostering a sense of purpose and direction. This program is expected to yield motivated and focused students, strengthen bonds between mentors and peers, and provide a structured Summer Action Plan for continuous learning and personal growth.
“The Schools of Eminence's commitment to holistic education is exemplified through this initiative, which aims to foster academic excellence and personal growth,” S. Bains said while adding that Principals of the SoE concerned will monitor the program's progress and they have been directed to share updates, photos, and session details to the School Education department through a designated Google Forms link.
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DAY 84 OF ‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: 183 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD WITH 1.8KG HEROIN, 3.9KG OPIUM, ₹1.9L DRUG MONEY
— AS PART OF ‘DE-ADDICTION’, PUNJAB POLICE CONVINCE 99 PERSONS TO UNDERGO DE-ADDICTION TREATMENT
CHANDIGARH, May 24: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 84th day, Punjab Police on Saturday arrested 183 drug smugglers and recovered 1.8 kg heroin, 3.9 kg opium and Rs 1.92 lakhs drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 13,236 in just 84 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 1200 police personnel, under the supervision of 84 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 459 locations across the state leading to the registration of 124 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 475 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 99 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.
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ON NATIONAL LOK ADALAT DAY, 4,81,324 CASES SETTLED IN PUNJAB
CHANDIGARH, MAY 24:The Punjab State Legal Services Authority successfully organized the 2nd National Lok Adalat across the State of Punjab under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Deepak Sibal, Judge of the Punjab & Haryana High Court and Executive Chairman of the Punjab State Legal Services Authority.
Providing information in this regard, a spokesperson of the Punjab State Legal Services Authority stated that this mega event was organized under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority, with the aim of delivering speedy and amicable resolution of disputes to ensure access to justice for all, in line with Article 39-A of the Constitution of India.
He said In comparison to the previous National Lok Adalat held on March 8, 2025, where a total of 4.37 lakh cases were taken up and 3.66 lakh cases were disposed of, this Lok Adalat witnessed a significant increase. A total of 442 Lok Adalat benches were constituted across all districts and sub-divisions, in which 5,40,873 cases were taken up, and 4,81,324 cases were settled. Settlements worth approximately Rs. 442 crore were awarded. This increase in the number of settled cases reflects not only the dedication of the Courts but also the growing acceptance of the ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) mechanism among litigants.
"Thousands of litigants across Punjab were able to resolve their disputes during this Lok Adalat. Several long-pending matters were amicably settled, contributing significantly to the decongestion of court dockets. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from banking institutions, insurance companies, government departments, and the general public." He said.
On this occasion, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Deepak Sibal, Executive Chairman of the Punjab State Legal Services Authority, praised the efforts of judicial officers, District Legal Services Authorities, and volunteers across the state. His Lordship remarked, “Lok Adalats are a testament to the idea that justice should not be delayed or adversarial. It is heartening to see the people of Punjab embrace this collaborative mode of justice delivery.”
The Punjab State Legal Services Authority also expressed its deep gratitude to the Hon’ble High Court of Punjab and Haryana, all District Legal Services Authorities, the judiciary of the State, bar members, police authorities, and the civil administration for their unwavering support and cooperation
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ECI convenes National Conference of Counsels and CEOs to strengthen and reorient its legal framework
ACEO Harish Nayar represents Punjab
Chandigarh, May 24:Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in the presence of Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi inaugurated the National Conference of Counsels representing the Election Commission of India at IIIDEM, New Delhi. Senior Advocates from the Supreme Court of India and 28 High Courts across the country along with the officials and 36 CEOs of all States/UTs participated in the Conference. Punjab Additional CEO
Harish Nayar also attended the Conference.
This initiative is aimed at strengthening and reorienting the legal framework of the Commission to meet emerging challenges more effectively by achieving synergy. The conference laid emphasis on being non-adversarial and to offer ample opportunities for hearing.
The day-long conference provided a vital platform for dialogue and exchange between the Commission and prominent legal professionals from across the country. The strategic engagement marks a significant step by the Election Commission in aligning its legal resources with the dynamic landscape of electoral jurisprudence in India. Discussions focused on enhancing the preparedness, efficiency, and coordination of the Commission's legal team, with particular emphasis on issues related to election law, judicial proceedings, and legal reforms. Through this interaction, the Commission sought to reinforce the effectiveness of its legal representation across various judicial forums.
On Friday, the Election Commission held a conference of Chief Electoral Officers at IIIDEM, New Delhi. The conference was held to firm up and devise a roadmap for the IT initiatives of ECI. ECI has already incubated a new initiative in 2025 to design and develop an Integrated Dashboard, ECINET, to provide a single-window access to all the relevant data, within the ambit of requisite legal provisions, required by all its stakeholders. This unique initiative will unify all the ICT initiatives of ECI under a single umbrella.
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KERALA AGRICULTURE MINISTER VISITS PUNJAB STATE FOOD COMMISSION OFFICE
Chandigarh, May 24:Kerala Agriculture Minister P. Prasad visited the Punjab State Food Commission office during his official visit to Punjab.
Providing more information in this regard, Punjab State Food Commission Chairman Bal Mukand Sharma said that the primary focus of discussion during the visit was identifying strategies to further enhance the Mid-Day Meal Scheme implementation in both states.
Mr. Sharma shared comprehensive details about the Mid-Day Meal Scheme being implemented by the Punjab Government, which received high commendation from the Kerala Agriculture Minister. Mr. Prasad also shared valuable insights into Kerala's Mid-Day Meal Scheme implementation.
The Chairman, while stressing for the significance of both food security and nutritional security in Punjab, discussed the new guidelines issued in this regard. He said that the state government's foremost priority is promoting the cultivation of nutritious kitchen gardens and medicinal plants in schools across Punjab.
The Chairman also informed that all Commission members regularly conduct field visits to various districts to monitor the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, Anganwadis and food grain distribution systems. Recently, members have been equipped with water sampling devices to assess drinking water quality and moisture meters to evaluate moisture content in food grains.
On this occasion, Commission Chairman Mr. Bal Mukand Sharma, Member Mrs. Preeti Chawla and Member Secretary Mr. Kamal Kumar Garg presented commemorative mementos to Kerala Agriculture Minister Mr. P. Prasad.