AIR EDUCATIONAL TOURS FOR THE MERITORIOUS STUDENTS FROM GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS: ANNOUNCES CM

MOVE AIMED AT WIDENING THE HORIZON OF THE BRIGHT STUDENTS

FACILITATES THE TOP PERFORMING STUDENTS FROM VARIOUS DISTRICTS

Chandigarh, May 27:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday announced to provide educational tours through air to premier educational institutes of the country for the top performing students from government schools in various districts to widen their horizon for futuristic growth.

Patting the students for their rare feat, the Chief Minister, while interacting with the top performing students from all the districts except Ludhiana, said that it is a moment of pride and satisfaction for all the stakeholders. He said that, while the students had burnt the midnight oil to achieve this success, the contribution of parents and teachers who guided these students is not less. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has organized this full of its kind function to acknowledge the achievements of these students.

Congratulating all the students, teachers and parents, the Chief Minister said that it is a historic day as the topper of the state arrived here adding that it is the privilege of the state government to felicitate these young minds. He lauded all the teachers and parents as well as the students and said that this is a defining moment in the career of all the students. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this function is primarily a confidence building exercise of the students as they are the leaders of tomorrow.

Praising the students for their remarkable feat, the Chief Minister motivated students to choose their role models in the field of their preference carefully so that they can excel in life. He said that now these students have become the role models of their juniors and it is their moral duty to encourage the other students to excel in the field. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that personally it is a moment of great pride and immense pleasure for him to interact with these confident children, who are making rapid progress towards building an excellent career.

The Chief Minister said that the previous governments never paid heed towards imparting quality education to the students. He said that the sons and daughters of big leaders used to study in convent schools at hills due to which the government schools were never their thrust areas. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that instead of imparting education, the government schools were merely mid day meal centres during the previous regimes.

Motivating the students to meticulously choose the field of their choice, the Chief Minister said that they are number one due to the students who secured second and third rank. He said that healthy competition amongst the students must be encouraged as it motivates the students to excel in the studies thereby transforming their lives. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the teachers are very happy when they see their students scaling new heights in various fields.

Extending good wishes to the students for their bright and prosperous future, the Chief Minister expressed hope that they will carve a niche for themselves in the coming days. He exhorted the youth to stay grounded and believe in hard work as it is the sole key to success adding that there was a lot of scope of progress and prosperity on this land. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is making concerted efforts for the welfare of the youth of the state.

The Chief Minister said that the focus of his government is to ensure that youth become job givers instead of job seekers adding that it is the need of hour to carve out a progressive and prosperous Punjab by proactive involvement of the youth. He urged the youth to carve out their own identity and strive to leave their mark in society, reminding them that the sky's the limit. Bhagwant Singh Mann exhorted the youth to remain grounded, even after achieving success, and to believe in the power of hard work, which is the sole key to success.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is making tireless efforts to transform the destiny of the students by imparting quality education to them at the school level. He said that the state government had embarked on an education revolution in the state which has transformed the lives of students by bridging socio-economic gaps. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is according top priority to the education sector as nothing is more important than the well being of the students.

The Chief Minister said that youth of the state possess inherent qualities to excel in every field and their capabilities must be utilized properly. He said that the students and youth are like planes and the state government will provide them a launch pad to go ahead in life. Bhagwant Singh Mann unequivocally said that he won’t rest until the youth of Punjab don’t achieve their desired goals and excel in every field.

The Chief Minister exuded confidence that the education sector in Punjab is now undergoing a significant transformation which will yield excellent results for government schools, further bolstering the endeavors of the government. He said that the Punjab government is transforming the infrastructure in the government schools and Punjab will surely emerge as a role model across the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government is focusing on fact to ensure that the services of teachers are duly utilized only for the purpose of education rather than any other work.

Earlier Education Minister, Harjot Singh Bains welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries on the occasion.

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TOP PERFORMING STUDENTS HAIL CM FOR UPLIFTING EDUCATION SECTOR

BHAGWANT SINGH MANN HOLDS INTERACTION WITH THE BRIGHT STUDENTS

Chandigarh, May 27:Top performing students from the various districts of the state on Tuesday hailed the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for organizing the function to facilitate them.

Interacting with the Chief Minister during a function organized here at local Municipal Bhawan, Yashmeet kaur, Ramnagar School of Eminence, Bathinda profusely thanked CM for the initiative of School of Eminence which is a turning point in her career.

Emotionally charged Parneet Kaur, School of Eminence Khamanon Kalan, Fatehgarh Sahib, said that her parents and teachers motivated her to compete in various competitive exams and due to the vision of the Chief Minister, she has stood overall fifth in the state and first in her district.

Ashia Sharma, from village Chak Kalan Baksh, Hoshiarpur, extended words of thanks towards the Chief Minister and said that education reforms embarked by the state government will go a long way in women empowerment.

Amaninder Singh, from Dhanaula, Barnala presented a book with sketches of Chief Minister and other personalities to Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Topper of Sangrur district Mehakpreet Kaur hailed the Chief Minister for path breaking initiatives both as artist and now as the head of the state.

Mehak Sharma, student Meritorious School Mohali said that she was fortunate to have got a second opportunity to meet the Chief Minister adding that it was an amazing experience for her.

Topper from Moga, Prabhneet Kaur said that it was a dream come true for her to meet the Chief Minister directly adding she said that Punjab was witnessing revolutionary changes since the formation of this government in state.

Tarik Goyal, from Maur Mandi, Bathinda also hailed the Chief Minister for reforming the education system in the state due to which he has been able to secure seventh rank in the state and first rank in Bathinda.

Manmeet Singh, from Ghanauli, Roopnagar, said that government schools have witnessed sea change after the Chief Minister led state government has assumed charge of the state.

Muskan from Fazilka said that it was a reckoning moment for her life as she has been able to meet the Chief Minister who is credited with transforming the lives of students especially from weaker and underprivileged sections.

Anmolpreet Kaur, from Ferozepur, said that the educational tour conducted by her teachers turned a game changer for her career for which she will always be thankful to the Chief Minister.

Zobanpreet Kaur from Dhuri lauded the Chief Minister for undertaking exemplary works to reform the education sector. She also urged Bhagwant Singh Mann to undertake a visit to her school.

Komalpreet Kaur, Ghanauli, Roopnagar thanked the Chief Minister for motivating them to excel in lives and transforming their lives in a big way.

Harpreet Kaur, Bham, Gurdaspur topped from Gurdaspur hailed the Chief Minister for taking several initiatives to uplift the education sector and requested him to visit her village.

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ARBITRARY AND DISCRIMINATORY APPOINTS IN BBMB ARE UNACCEPTABLE: SAYS CM

REITERATES DEMAND FOR RECONSTITUTION OF BBMB AS PER THE SHARE OF STATES

SAYS EXEMPLARY PUNISHMENT WILL BE ENSURED TO PERPETRATORS OF AMRITSAR BLAST

Chandigarh, May 27:Slamming the arbitrary appointments in Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the high handedness of the centre government in these issues will not be tolerated at any cost.

Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of a function to facilitate the top performing students of the state, the Chief Minister said that these discriminatory decisions are totally unwarranted and undesirable as the officers of the state are being ignored. Batting for reconstitution of the BBMB, he said that the voting rights of any state should be ascertained as per its share in the BBMB. Citing an example, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab is having 60% share in BBMB but its vote share is equal to Haryana and Rajasthan which together have 40% share.

The Chief Minister said that this is ridiculous as the states with 40% share can anytime take a decision against the state which is having 60% share. He said that Punjab has no surplus water to share with any state and any decision which harms the interests of the state is not acceptable. Bhagwant Singh Mann categorically said that during the previous regimes, the leaders used to share water with Haryana and other states for their vested interests.

However, the Chief Minister said that now this practice is totally unacceptable as Punjab needs water for its irrigation needs. He said that due to robust infrastructure upgraded by the state government, Punjab now needs more water for canal irrigation as compared to the past. So, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that there is no question of sharing even a drop of water with any other state.

Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that the state government is investigating the matter pertaining to the blast at Amritsar. He said that anyone found guilty in this heinous crime will not be spared and exemplary action will be taken against them as per the law of land. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that no one will be allowed to disturb the hard earned peace of the state.

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Mann Govt Cracks down on Corruption: SHO and 3 Policemen Arrested for ₹1 Lakh Bribe : Harpal Cheema

The Arrest of Cyber Crime SHO Proves Our Commitment to Justice for the Common Citizen” – Harpal Cheema

Be It MLA, IAS, or SHO—Any Hand Caught in Corruption Will Be Held Accountable”: Harpal Cheema

Chandigarh, May 27-Punjab Vigilance Bureau, under the direct supervision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has taken swift action against corruption. On the orders of the Chief Minister, the Vigilance Bureau flying squad arrested the SHO of Cyber Crime Police Station, Fazilka, along with three other police personnel, for taking a bribe of ₹1,00,000 in a case involving a minor's confiscated phone.

AAP Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, reiterated the government's zero-tolerance policy against corruption, stating, “No matter the level of the official, be it a Minister, MLA, IAS/PCS officer or any government employee, anyone found indulging in corruption will face strict legal action. Corruption has no place in Punjab, and our government is committed to ensuring an honest and transparent administration.”

The case came to light when Dharminder Singh, father of 17-year-old Dilraj Singh, approached the Punjab Chief Minister with evidence of bribe demands by the Cyber Crime Police Station, Fazilka. The station had confiscated the minor's phone following a Cyber Tipline complaint. Despite repeated attempts by the family to resolve the issue, they were forced to pay a bribe to settle the matter.

Cheema further commended the vigilance bureau efforts, adding, “This case highlights the firm resolve of the Punjab government to root out corruption. The prompt action in this matter demonstrates that the government is on the side of the common citizen, ensuring justice and accountability at every level.”

The arrested officials include the SHO, a reader, and two constables namely Insp. Manjeet Singh ( No.18 FZR) SHO Cyber Crime PS Fazilka, senior Constable Rajpal (No. FZK/868), Reader to SHO, MHC senior Constable Shinder Pal (No. 1032), and senior Constable Sumeet Kumar (No. 986 FZK). They are now in custody and face legal proceedings. The Punjab government assures that such actions will continue to ensure Punjab becomes a corruption-free state.

The Aam Aadmi Party government has launched several initiatives under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to fight corruption. Minister Cheema said, “The AAP government will leave no stone unturned in its mission to eradicate corruption and bring justice to the people.”

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Zero tolerance against corruption : Vigilance Bureau arrests ASI accepting Rs. 10000 bribe

Chandigarh, May 27, 2025:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), in line with the zero tolerance policy adopted by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government, on Tuesday, arrested an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Harjeet Singh m, posted as Investigating Officer (IO) at police station Sarhali Kalan, Tarntaran district for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. 10000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the arrest has been made following a complaint lodged by a resident of village Sarhali.

He further added that the complainant had informed that a police case was registered against him at the said police station and the accused ASI, being investigation officer, had demanded a bribe Rs. 10,000-20,000 to join the investigation as he had got bail from the high court in this case.

The spokesperson further informed that after a preliminary verification of this complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the said police personnel was apprehended accepting a bribe of Rs 10000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused at the VB Police Station, Amritsar Range. He would be produced before the competent court tomorrow and further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.

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*CM Conducts Surprise Check at Sub Registrar Office in Mohali*

*Move Aimed at Monitoring Progress of Newly Launched Easy Registration Scheme*

*Asserts That Motive is to Empower the Common Man Through Corruption-Free Land Registration*

Mohali (SAS Nagar), May 27 :Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday paid a surprise visit to the Sub Registrar Office in Mohali to check the progress of the newly implemented Easy Registration Scheme.

The Chief Minister categorically stated that the purpose of the visit was not to find faults with the officers but to further streamline processes in government offices. He said that this might be the first time the people of Punjab have seen a Chief Minister visiting government offices in this manner. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that the aim is to ensure the well-being of the people by providing citizen-centric services in an efficient and transparent way.

The Chief Minister said the visit was meant to assess the progress of this ambitious project, which aims to significantly facilitate property registration for the public. Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that he wanted to personally evaluate the outcomes of the project and oversee the functioning of the Sub Registrar Office. Describing the initiative as the first of its kind in the country, he said it has been launched to ensure that property registration is smooth and hassle-free.

Reiterating the benefits of the scheme, the Chief Minister said it promotes self-reliance, reduces dependency on private deed writers, and empowers citizens to handle their transactions independently. He highlighted that people no longer need to visit banks for payments, as the online consolidated payment gateway allows for all required fees—including stamp duty and registration fees—to be paid in a single digital transaction. This eliminates the need for demand drafts or cash handling, addressing both convenience and security concerns, added Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Praising the scheme as a time-, money-, and energy-saving initiative, the Chief Minister said that the 48-hour document pre-scrutiny process and appointment-based registration system minimize disruption to citizens’ work and family life. He said that this results in indirect financial savings and improved efficiency. Bhagwant Singh Mann also mentioned that the online portal includes pre-set government rates and a “Calculate My Fees” tool, enabling citizens to plan their expenses more effectively.

The Chief Minister said that this eliminates hidden costs and reduces dependency on middlemen. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the streamlined, hassle-free registration process aims to provide peace of mind to the public and is built on the principle of “Your Property, Your Convenience.”

The Chief Minister announced that the scheme, which has been successfully launched in Mohali, will soon be replicated across the state. During his visit, which lasted over 20 minutes, he interacted with the public and sought their feedback on the scheme. Bhagwant Singh Mann asked them about the time taken to complete their registration. Citizens shared that their work was completed smoothly and within the scheduled time, which was communicated via WhatsApp.

Praising the initiative, citizens present at the office said they were attended to promptly and without any undue delay. They noted that the entire process—from entering the office to completing registration and receiving the documents—took no more than an hour. They congratulated the Chief Minister on launching this out-of-the-box initiative, which they said has made the registration process smooth and efficient.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to further streamlining the functioning of government offices. He highlighted that people now have the freedom to visit any Sub Registrar Office within the district to get their property registered without hassle. As part of the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, Bhagwant Singh Mann said this initiative will play a key role in eliminating corruption in tehsil offices.

The Chief Minister announced that the system will be rolled out across the state by July 15. A trial phase will be conducted in every district from July 15 to August 1, and full implementation is scheduled to begin on August 1, ensuring smooth and accessible property registration services for all citizens.

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VB arrests Patwari’s Assistant red-handed taking Rs 4,000 bribe

Chandigarh, May 27, 2025:Continuing its relentless drive against corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) today arrested Sukha, an assistant to Patwari Ranjit Singh, while accepting a bribe of Rs 4,000 for processing a land record correction.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said the arrest was made following a complaint filed by a resident of Kapurthala city. He further added that the complainant had applied for a Rs 10 lakh housing loan from a Bank. During verification, a discrepancy was found between the Khasra and Fard numbers in his property documents and he had submitted an application for correction at the Tehsil office, where the Tehsildar marked it to Patwari Ranjit Singh for action.

He further added that when the complainant approached Patwari’s said assistant, Sukha, had demanded Rs 1,000 as an initial bribe, promising completion in 4-5 days. However, three days later, the said accused had demanding an additional Rs 6,000 bribe for this work. Frustrated, the complainant approached Patwari Ranjit Singh directly on May 26, who directed him back to Sukha. This time, his assistant escalated his demand to Rs 8,000 bribe, claiming the work usually takes 20 days but could be expedited for money. After negotiations, the bribe was settled at Rs 4,000, with Sukha assuring immediate online updates. The complainant recorded the entire conversation and reported the matter to the VB.

The spokesperson informed that after preliminary verification of this complaint the VB team laid a trap and Sukha was caught red-handed accepting the bribe of Rs 4000 in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case has been registered at VB Police station Jalandhar range and further investigations are underway to determine if Patwari Ranjit Singh was complicit in the extortion.

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Punjab Government Signs MoA with Sainik School, Commits to Financial Support and Infrastructure Development

Chandigarh/ Kapurthala, May 27-In a landmark move to enhance the stature of the prestigious Sainik School, Kapurthala, the Punjab Government signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) today, as announced by Sainik Welfare and Horticulture Minister, Mr. Mohinder Bhagat. The agreement underscores the state’s commitment to supporting the institution.

Speaking at the event, Minister Bhagat lauded the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, noting that the MoA addresses a long-standing demand of the Sainik School pending since 2006. He emphasized, “The Punjab Government is dedicated to providing regular financial assistance to the school, including pensions and NPS contributions for retired faculty members, to ensure its continued excellence.” He further highlighted the school’s role in producing army officers who safeguard the nation’s borders, pledging greater contributions to restore its glory.

The Minister also inaugurated a newly constructed Equestrian Squadron, built at a cost of Rs. 26 lakh by the Punjab Government, to bolster the school’s infrastructure. Additionally, he directed Public Works Department (PWD) officials to submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) without delay for further renovation works, addressing the urgent need to modernize the historic campus.

During the visit, Minister Bhagat paid obeisance at the Smriti Sthal, honoring army personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation’s safety. He later distributed financial assistance grants to ex-servicemen and their families at the Sainik Welfare Office, Kapurthala, reinforcing the government’s support for veterans.

The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Chief of Staff, 11 Corps, Major General Atul Bhadoria; Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal; Group Captain and Principal of Sainik School, Madhu Sengar; and SSP Gaurav Toora.

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PSPCL sets target of zero outage by March 2026

Power infrastructure renovation brought about by acceleration ahead of peak demand season: Harbhajan Singh ETO

Chandigarh, May 27: In a significant move towards ensuring uninterrupted and reliable power supply across Punjab, Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO today announced that Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has set an ambitious target of achieving zero power outages by March 2026. This decision was taken during the high-level meeting held in Chandigarh to review the preparedness of the power sector ahead of the upcoming summer and paddy seasons.

Recognizing the steadily rising power demand, the Cabinet Minister reviewed comprehensive plans for augmenting power supply from multiple sources, including thermal, hydro and renewable energy, for the period 2025–2030. He said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is committed to strengthening its electricity infrastructure to meet consumer expectations and future demands.

S. Harbhajan Singh ETO expressed satisfaction over the ongoing enhancement of the state's Aggregate Transmission Capacity (ATC), which is set to increase from the existing 10,102 MVA to 10,400 MVA by May 2025. Besides, PSPCL has been tasked with achieving a further augmentation of 5000 MVA by June 2027.

During the meeting, the Cabinet Minister directed officials to ensure 100% fault-free power supply across the state, which will be achieved through a mix of extensive capital works and improved maintenance protocols. The core projects include bifurcation, reconductoring and augmentation of HT/LT & EHT lines; addition and upgradation of distribution transformers and enhancement of power transformers at 66 kV substations.

Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), infrastructure upgrades worth Rs.3600 crore have been approved. Of this, Rs.1700 crore worth of works have already been awarded, with the remaining tenders expected to be finalized by mid-July. Beyond RDSS, additional projects worth Rs.1200 crore will be tendered by the end of July 2025, said the Cabinet Minister, adding that these projects are scheduled to commence by mid-September, with a target to complete 80% within the current financial year.

“PSPCL is working tirelessly to modernize Punjab’s power infrastructure. Our government’s vision is to deliver seamless, efficient and equitable power to every citizen. These reforms will play a critical role in powering Punjab’s growth story,” said Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO.

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Vigilance Bureau arrests Civil Surgeon office clerk for taking Rs 30,000 bribe

Chandigarh, May 27, 2025 :The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), in its relentless campaign against corruption in the state, has arrested Harpreet Singh, posted as Clerk in Birth & Death Certificate Registration Branch at Civil Surgeon Office, Gurdaspur for for accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000. In this case main accused Ravinderpal Singh, posted as Ward Attendant in the said hospital had already been arrested.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the complainant has alleged in his complaint that he had applied for death certificate of his uncle and said Ward Attendant had demanded a bribe of Rs 40,000 for getting the death certificate issued. After persistent negotiation by the complainant, the bribe amount was settled at Rs. 30,000. Subsequently the said accused Ravinderpal Singh was caught red handed while accepting a bribe of Rs.30,000.

He further added that during further investigation the said Ward Attendant had disclosed that he had accepted the said bribe for himself and aforementioned Clerk Harpreet Singh. Technical analysis have also proved their collusion for demanding and accepting bribe.

The spokesperson informed that based on the disclosure of main accused, Harpreet Singh was also nominated in the said case under relevant sections of prevention of corruption act and has been arrested by the VB unit Gurdaspur. Further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.

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Drive against corruption : VB nabs PSPCL SDO red handed taking Rs 50000 bribe

Chandigarh May 27, 2025 - The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has arrested Mohinder Singh, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), Nabha, red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the arrest was made following a complaint lodged by a resident of Village Pedhan, Tehsil Nabha, in Patiala.

He further added that the complainant has approached the VB alleging that the said accused had demanded Rs 70,000 for transferring two tubewell connections in the names of complainants but the deal was settled for Rs 50,000.

Acting on the complaint, a team of VB Flying Squad, Punjab at Mohali laid a trap and accused arrived in his private Breeza car where he was apprehended while accepting the bribe of Rs 50000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.

During the arrest, the VB team has also recovered two passbooks of the tubewell connections, already transferred in the complainants’ names, from the accused’s possession. The accused would be presented in the competent court tomorrow and further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.

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Zero tolerance against corruption : Vigilance Bureau arrests PSPCL Lineman taking Rs 15000

Chandigarh May 27, 2025 -The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, has arrested Hardeep Singh, Lineman, PSPCL, posted at Sub-Division Jastarwal, Amritsar district for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 15000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above said accused has been arrested based on a complaint filed by a resident of village Muhara, tehsil Lopoke in Amritsar district on the Chief Minister’s Anti Corruption Action Line.

The complainant had alleged that electricity transformer installed in his fields had fell down during the recent storms but the said accused lineman had demanded an illegal gratification of Rs 15,000 in return for carrying out the said work.

The spokesperson informed that verification of said complaint revealed that the accused Lineman had demanded a bribe of Rs 15,000 and accepted first installment of Rs 5000 in cash. Later the accused lineman compelled the complainant to pay Rs 1000 to a private person for assisting installing the transformer. Moreover, the accused persistently demanded the remaining Rs 10,000 through voice messages and calls. Afterwards, the complainant had transferred Rs 10,000 via Google Pay on his mobile.

He further informed that corroborating the evidence, including call recordings, screenshots of the UPI transactions, bank statement and voice messages of the accused, it has come to light that the accused had indeed demanded and accepted a bribe of Rs 15,000 from the complaint.

Based on the probe, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the aforementioned accused at VB police station Amritsar range. The accused would be produced before the competent court tomorrow. Any involvement of other officials or employees would be investigated during further investigation, he said.

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ECI notifies that Covid-19 suspect or affected person can vote through Postal Ballot in upcoming By-elections

Chandigarh/Ludhiana, May 27:In pursuance of the provisions of clause (e) of Section 60 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Election Commission of India hereby specifies that the Covid-19 suspect or affected person, certified by competent authority, who applies for voting by postal ballot paper and subject to verification of their request by the Returing Officer concerned, would be a class of persons to give their vote by postal ballot in the current bye-elections to 64-Ludhiana West Assembly Constituency in Punjab notified on 26.05.2025 under Section 30 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, as per the provisions in Part-IlA of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 as amended vide Ministry of Law & Justice, Govt. of India, Notification SO No. 1964(E), dated 19th June, 2020 read with the directions and guidelines issued by the Election Commission on the subject.