PRO-FARMERS LAND POOLING POLICY AIMED AT GIVING IMPETUS TO DEVELOPMENT OF STATE: CM

SAYS SCHEME WILL CREATE A PERENNIAL INCOME FOR FARMERS

LISTS BENEFITS OF PROGRESSIVE SCHEME FOR THE FARMERS

ASSERTS THAT PUNJAB GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN SLEW OF MEASURES FOR WELL BEING OF EVERY SECTION OF SOCIETY

Bathinda, May 29:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday said that the new Land Pooling scheme of the state is aimed at providing a sustainable source of income to the farmers as agriculture is no longer a profitable venture.

Interacting with the farmers here today, the Chief Minister said that the land pooling is aimed at creating a perennial source of income for the farmers and making them an active partner in growth and progress of the state. He said that no forcible acquisition of land will be done in the state and only those farmers who will agree under the policy will give their land. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as per the policy the farmers will get commercial and residential plots in the scheme apart from the compensation.

The Chief Minister said that the commercial property in the planned colonies to be carved out in this land pooling scheme will be a permanent asset for the farmers for their income. He said that the state government’s new Land Pooling Policy is aimed at giving impetus to the overall growth of the state adding that this scheme will benefit every common man by giving a major fillip to the overall development of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured everyone that no land will be forcibly taken and that all development on acquired land will proceed in a legal and transparent manner.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that Punjab has the highest number of illegal colonies in the country—an issue he blamed on previous governments. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these colonies do not have any basic civic amenities due to which people have to suffer. He said that to check this haphazard growth land pooling scheme has been introduced in which it will be totally prerogative of the land owner to adopt this or not adding that the land acquired by state with consent of people will be used for constructing Urban Estates thereby giving push to planned development.

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.

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, without any corruption or nepotism. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is making the youth an active partner in socio economic development of Punjab.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has launched an ambitious project of Easy Registration of land which has been introduced in Mohali and will be introduced in the state from August 1. He said that it is a part of state government’s commitment to further streamline the functioning of government offices adding 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 highlighted how canal water had been neglected by previous governments due to which the state has suffered adversely. He said that excessive reliance on tube wells had resulted in the alarming depletion of groundwater which proved very fatal for the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that to revive the traditional Water Courses, 700 km of pipeline has already been installed across the state to bring water back to dried-up areas even at tail end villages.

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REFRAIN FROM MISLEADING PEOPLE OF STATE FOR YOUR OWN VESTED INTERESTS: CM WARNS AKALIS AND KISAN UNIONS

ASSERTS SELF PROCLAIMED KISAN UNIONS HAVE OPENED SHOPS ON NAME OF SECURING INTERESTS OF FARMERS

SAYS ALL NOT WELL IN BADAL-MAJITHIA CLAN, AKALIS MISUSING SGPC AND SRI AKAL TAKHT SAHIB

Bathinda, May 29:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday slammed the Akali leaders and Kisan Unions for misleading the people of the state by spreading canards for securing their vested interests.

Taking the farmers union to cudgels, the Chief Minister said that farmers and unions are different entities as these people have opened their shops in the name of securing the interests of farmers. He said that the office bearers of Kisan unions have acquired huge chunks of properties by minting money illegally and have even put shares in hotels and hospitals in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann dared the Kisan Unions to have live discussions with him on the various issues pertaining to agrarian crisis.

The Chief Minister also questioned the silence of the Kisan Unions over the issue of snatching of water by BBMB and Haryana adding that they have not even issued a single statement in this regard. He said that they were merely running their shops by staging road and rail blockades on frivolous issues but remained mum over this major issue concerning the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann quipped that these leaders are least bothered about the farmers or their interests as they have their own interests in everything adding that the farmer unions take fees from the agriculturalists in the name of securing their rights.

The Chief Minister said that all was not well in the Badal-Majithia family as Akali leaders Sukhbir Singh Badal and Bikram Singh Majithia were not in speaking terms with each other. He said that the dispute has probably arisen due to division of the money plundered by them during their tenure and has created rift in the family now. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that after his revelation the family members may unite now but the fact is that these leaders have harmed the interests of the state for their vested ones.

The Chief Minister said that the Akali leaders have been using the SGPC and Sri Akal Takht Sahib for their vested political interests adding that Akalis misuse religion for their parochial interests. Citing an example, he said that the orders of Sri Akal Takht Sahib are being twisted to suit their political interests and befool the people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now former MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha will be re-inducted the Akali Dal and even the Faqr-e-Qaum title will be restored to former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.

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Mann Government won't compromise on cleanliness of cities; Dr. Ravjot Singh's clear message to district administrations and deptt officials

Presides over meeting of MLAs, ADCs and EOs of Municipal Councils, Panchayats

Directed to make cities clean and beautiful, submit development proposals related to urban areas

Chandigarh, May 29:Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government will make no compromises regarding the smooth operation of sanitation arrangements in various cities across the state and if any officer or employee is found negligent in their duties, strict departmental action will be taken against them, sternly warned Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh today while he was presided over meeting at the Municipal Bhawan here with MLAs Kuljit Singh Randhawa, Dinesh Chadha and Lakhvir Singh Rai, Additional Deputy Commissioners and Executive Officers of Municipal Councils and Municipal Panchayats of Mandi Gobindgarh, Sirhind, Fatehgarh Sahib, Bassi Pathana, Nangal, Sri Anandpur Sahib, Ropar, Morinda, Sri Chamkaur Sahib, Rajpura, Nabha, Samana, Patran, Zirakpur, Dera Bassi, Lalru, Kharar, Kurali, Naya Gaon, Banur, Khamano and Kiratpur Sahib. He gathered detailed information about various ongoing projects, water supply and sewerage arrangements in the concerned cities.

The Cabinet Minister stressed for making Punjab's cities garbage-free and stated that making cities clean and equipped with modern facilities is a top priority of the State Government, making it crystal clear that negligence in sanitation work will absolutely not be tolerated. While reviewing the development work of urban bodies and other important projects, the Cabinet Minister said that if all employees and officers perform their duties efficiently, every problem can be resolved in a timely manner.

Dr. Ravjot Singh instructed that with the monsoon season approaching, advance cleaning of sewerage lines is extremely important to prevent the problem of dirty water accumulating on roads and streets, directing officials to ensure comprehensive arrangements in this regard. He stated that the government has no shortage of funds for development work, hence regional officers should prepare and submit complete proposals regarding development projects to headquarters.

The Mann government is committed to public welfare and special efforts are being made at the grassroots level to provide facilities to people in every sector, he added.

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PROMPT ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL ENCROACHMENT

MC RAZES TEMPORARY STRUCTURE OF WINE SHOP

Chandigarh, May 29:Acting swiftly on the directions of Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, the Municipal Council, Zirakpur has immediately razed the temporary structure of an illegal wine shop in the Peer Muchhalla area under the jurisdiction of MC Zirakpur.

Confirming the details, Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal said that upon receiving a complaint of illegal encroachment on MC land in Peer Muchhalla, Dr. Ravjot Singh ordered the removal of the wine shop structure.

She said that the Local Government Minister was apprised of the action taken against the illegal encroachment.

MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa, while welcoming the prompt action, said that the wine shop was operating in an illegally encroached area belonging to the MC and the issue was brought to the attention of Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh during his morning visit to MC Zirakpur.

Taking strict notice of this matter, the Cabinet Minister sought a report from the MC officials. In response to the report, the authorities immediately demolished the structure.

The Local Government Minister also appealed to the general public to refrain from construction on any encroached upon land to avoid any demolition action in future.

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GREAT NEWS FOR ZIRAKPUR: MUNCIPAL COUNCIL TO GET MUNCIPAL CORPORATION STATUS SOON, ANNOUNCES DR. RAVJOT SINGH

PAYS SURPRISE INSPECTION VISIT IN EARLY MORNING, EXPRESSES DISSATISFACTION OVER UNCLEANLINESS AND CHOKED SUKHNA CHOE

ORDERS TO SET THE HOUSE IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE RESIDENTS

TWO NEW STPs ON CARDS, ONE AT SNAULI AND ANOTHER AFTER IDENTIFICATION OF LAND

SUKHNA'S BALTANA CHOE WILL HAVE HIGH LEVEL BRIDGE

DIRECTS MC TO CLEAN CHOKED SUKHNA CHOE WITH HELP OF DRAINAGE DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY

Chandigarh, May 29:Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh announced the upgrade of Municipal Council Zirakpur to Corporation status soon during his early morning visit to Zirakpur on Thursday.

Highlighting the need for stronger governance due to rapid urban expansion, Dr. Ravjot Singh stressed that a larger and more empowered local body is essential to effectively manage civic amenities such as drinking water supply, sewage treatment and cleanliness. He urged MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa to submit a formal proposal through the Municipal Council to the Department of Local Government so the process can begin promptly. The Minister confirmed that the transition will be implemented from the upcoming Municipal Corporation elections in Zirakpur.

The Cabinet Minister, who was there in the early hours to inspect cleanliness and other civic amenities, expressed dissatisfaction over the uncleanliness and ordered to set the house in order by enhancing the number of sanitary workers.

Expressing concern over the choked Sukhna Choe, which also carries liquid waste from the Chandigarh side, Dr. Ravjot Singh directed the Municipal Council to take immediate measures to clean it with the help of the Drainage Department before the rains. He also urged the residents not to dump waste in the choe that will cause floods by blocking the flow. He also inspected the Furniture Market area of Baltana.

The Cabinet Minister announced that a high-level bridge on Sukhna Choe at Baltana at a cost of Rs.5.96 crore is upcoming soon to ease out the locals from overflow during monsoon seasons when the choe swells.

The Minister inspected, Old Kalka Road, Dhakauli and reviewed the cleanliness operations, instructing local body officials to hire extra manpower for complete cleaning of the city. He said that the unsightly appearance of the roads and streets is not a good and healthy sign for the community.

Responding to another query on upcoming Sewage Treatment Plants, the Cabinet Minister said that two STPs, one of 47 MLD and another of 37 MLD (Million Litres per day) are being installed soon. The site for 47 MLD has been identified at Sanauli and handed over to the Water Supply and Sewerage Board, while for the other 37 MLD plant, site selection is underway and will be finalized shortly.

When the issue of storm sewer coming from Panchkula causing trouble in the Peer Muchhalla Area was raised by MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa, Dr. Ravjot Singh directed the state heads of the local government department to take up the matter with the concerned authorities of the neighbouring state to resolve it at the earliest.

Interacting with media persons, Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, while reaffirming his commitment to provide required civic amenities to the urban population of Punjab, said that as per the directions of Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the State Government is keen to address the problems being faced by residents and the responsibility of local officers would be fixed in case of any laxity. He said that officers are duty-bound towards the locals and they must spend a few hours from their daily duty to take stock of ground realities. The Minister also assured to introduce reforms to reduce traffic congestion in the town.

He was accompanied by Additional Chief Secretary Tejvir Singh and Director Gurpreet Singh Khaira of the Local Government Department besides Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development) Anmol Singh Dhaliwal, Executive Officer Jagjeet Singh Judge and officers from the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board.

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Punjab Government Releases ₹37.50 Crore for Beneficiaries from Scheduled Castes under Ashirwad Scheme: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Mann Government Committed to Welfare of Scheduled Castes — 7352 Beneficiaries Across 19 Districts to Receive Benefits Under Ashirwad Scheme

Under the Ashirwad Scheme, ₹51,000 is provided for the marriage of each girl--- Financial Assistance Transferred Directly to Beneficiaries’ Bank Accounts Through DBT: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Chandigarh, May 29:Punjab’s Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today informed that the Punjab Government has released ₹37.50 crore under the Ashirwad Scheme during the current financial year 2025-26 to benefit 7352 Scheduled Caste applicants.

Sharing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that applications under the Ashirwad Scheme were received through the Ashirwad Portal this year from 19 districts, including Barnala, Bathinda, Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Mansa, Moga, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Patiala, Pathankot, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar, Sangrur, Malerkotla, and Tarn Taran. Financial assistance amounting to ₹37.50 crore has been sanctioned to cover 7352 beneficiaries from these districts.

The Minister informed that the disbursed amount covers 313 beneficiaries in Barnala, 826 in Bathinda, 166 in Faridkot, 178 in Fatehgarh Sahib, 360 in Fazilka, 104 in Gurdaspur, 731 in Hoshiarpur, 837 in Jalandhar, 69 in Kapurthala, 310 in Mansa, 360 in Moga, 502 in Sri Muktsar Sahib, 630 in Patiala, 112 in Pathankot, 158 in Rupnagar, 159 in SAS Nagar, 797 in Sangrur, 80 in Malerkotla, and 660 in Tarn Taran.

Highlighting the objectives of the scheme, Dr. Baljit Kaur said the Punjab Government, under the Ashirwad Scheme, provides financial assistance of ₹51,000 for the marriage of girls belonging to low-income families in the state.

She added that to avail of the benefit under this scheme, the applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab, belong to a Scheduled Caste, Backward Class, or Economically Weaker Section family, and have an annual family income not exceeding ₹32,790. Eligible families can avail of this financial assistance for the marriage of up to two daughters.

The Cabinet Minister further mentioned that the disbursement of financial assistance is made directly into the beneficiaries' bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to ensure transparency and timely support.

Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is firmly committed to the welfare of all sections of society, with dedicated initiatives for the Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and economically weaker sections to uplift their standard of living and empower them economically.

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CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE HOLDS SERIES OF MEETINGS WITH VARIOUS EMPLOYEES UNIONS

AAP GOVERNMENT ACTIVELY WORKING ON THEIR LEGITIMATE DEMANDS, HARPAL CHEEMA ASSURES UNIONS

Chandigarh, May 29-The Cabinet Sub Committee, led by Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema today convened a series of crucial meetings with representatives from various employees' unions. The discussions aimed at finding swift and amicable resolutions to their legitimate issues.

The unions that participated in today's extensive deliberations included the Powercom and Transco Contract Employees Union, Home Guard Association, Punjab Police Corona Warriors Union, Government ITI Contract Employees Union, Sarva Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (Mid-Day Meal) Office Employees Union, Murh Bahal Katche Adhiyapak Union, Vishesh Adhiyapak (I.E.R.T) Union, and the Master Cadre Union.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema engaged in in-depth discussions with the union representatives, providing them with a platform to articulate their concerns and demands comprehensively. Senior officers from the concerned departments were also present during the meetings to facilitate a thorough understanding of the issues at hand.

Following the meetings, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government to address the grievances of its employees. He said that the AAP Government has proactively engaged with numerous employees' unions who have been struggling for over a decade, and significant progress has been made in resolving their issues. He assured the union representatives that the state government is actively working on their legitimate demands with determination to find just and equitable solutions.

President Balihar Singh from Powercom and Transco contract employees Union, President Gurdeep Singh from Home Guard Association, President Gurbaz Singh from Punjab Police Corona Warriors, President Sewa Singh from Government ITI Contract Employees Union, President Kuldeep Singh from Sarva Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (Mid-Day Meal) Office Employees Union, President Vishal Sahni from Murh Bahal Katche Adhiyapak Union, President Ramesh Kumar from Vishesh Adhiyapak (I.E.R.T) Union, and President Washington Singh from Master Cadre Union presented the case of their unions.

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Lal Chand Kataruchak approves Rs. 373.81 Crore to be paid as increased wages to labourers engaged in loading work in mandis

Amount is as per sanctioned rates of Punjab Mandi Board & State level committee

e-KYC of 1.25 Crore National Food Security Act beneficiaries done till now

Chandigarh, May 29:In a path breaking decision aimed at the welfare of the labourers engaged in loading work in the Mandis, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak today approved an amount of Rs. 373.81 Crore to be paid as increased wages to such labourers as per the sanctioned rates of the Punjab Mandi Board and the State level committee.

While reviewing the arrangements with regard to the Paddy procurement season, the Minister was apprised that as of now, 117 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of storage space is required and if starting from August this year, every month an average of 10 LMT foodgrain stock is moved out of the State then by January 2026 about 50 LMT of the storage space would be readily available.

It was also brought to the notice of the Minister that the draft of the Custom Miling Policy 2025-26 would be put up by the second week of June this year. Besides, the committee has been constituted for finalizing the draft tender for Fortified Rice Kernels.

The Minister emphasized the adequate arrangements concerning the Transport, Labour & Cartege Policy apart from the Gunny Bags keeping in view the forthcoming Paddy procurement season. The Minister was assured that by September 30th all these arrangements would be put in place.

Regarding the e-KYC procedure of the beneficiaries under National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, the Minister was informed that the process has been completed in respect of 1.25 Crore beneficiaries.

The Minister also lauded the officers and employees of the department for ensuring a successful Wheat procurement season and exhorted them to repeat the success story during paddy procurement season also.

Among others present on the occasion included the Director Varinder Kumar Sharma, Additional Secretary PUNGRAIN Kamal Kumar Garg, Additional Director Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar and GM (Finance) Sarvesh Kumar.

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ORIENTATION PROGRAM: EMINENT PROFESSIONALS IMPART ESSENTIAL LESSONS TO SoE STUDENTS TO SUCCEED IN LIFE

• CM Mann led Govt empowering students to chase their dreams, says EM Harjot Bains

•Schools of Eminence’s 3-day orientation program for class 9th students paves way for success

Chandigarh, May 29-With an aim to instil a “Sky's the Limit” spirit, fuelling aspirations and determination among young minds, the Punjab Government has successfully conducted pioneering 3-day Orientation Program for newly admitted class 9 students across all Schools of Eminence (SoE) campuses, informed S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of School Education, Punjab.

Through this orientation program, held from May 26th to 28th, the School Education department reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing every child's potential by empowering thousands of students to embark on a transformative journey of self-belief and academic excellence, he added.

The students have been welcomed, inspired and equipped with this program as they begin two-year journey in an academically enriched and aspirational learning environment at Schools of Eminence.

Highlighting the key aspects of the orientation program, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that it comprised experts talks, student role model sessions, and interactive co-curricular activities designed to build confidence, foster curiosity, and spark long-term career goals in students. Renowned professionals and alumni from diverse fields, including civil services, medicine, law, defence services, engineering, business and academia, shared their personal journeys, struggles, and success stories to inspire students to aim high in life and focus on their goals.

He further informed that Dr. Sandeep Singh Sandhu, a Ph.D. holder from the University of California and former tech professional at Amazon and Oracle, visited the School of Eminence (SoE), Mallanwala Khas in Ferozepur district and mentored the students by sharing his journey and connecting rural talent to global opportunities.

Sharing valuable insights with the students at School of Eminence (SoE) Khamano Kalan (Fatehgarh Sahib), the Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries, Mr. Rahul Bhandari exhorted the students to imbibe reading habits and stay always curious to learn something new, which is a gateway to success. He also explained how these habits can broaden perspectives, foster innovation, and pave the way for achieving academic and professional excellence.

In an inspiring visit from its own alumna, DSP Karamjeet Kaur, a proud product of School of Eminence (SoE) Pheel Khana (Patiala), returned to her alma mater to share her remarkable journey of breaking barriers and rising through the ranks in law enforcement. She motivated the students to chase their dreams fearlessly.

During expert session at SoE (Girls) Jandiala Guru (Amritsar), Senior Medical Officer Dr. Manjit Singh Rataul guided students on navigating a successful medical career, acing competitive exams, while prioritising health and discipline for holistic growth in life.

Prof. Amandeep Kaur Dhaliwal, a University of California faculty member, inspired students at SoE Ajnala, (Amritsar) with her remarkable journey from Delhi University to the U.S. Her empowering talk on women overcoming obstacles through determination and hard work resonated deeply with the students, fostering a meaningful dialogue.

Indian Army Colonel S. Paramjit Singh engaged with the students of SoE Chheharta (Amritsar) and motivated them to serve the nation, while imparting valuable lessons on discipline, dedication, and leadership. He also introduced students to esteemed institutions like the National Defence Academy and IAS Academy.

Ms. Tamanna, a student of Chemical Engineering at IIT, Varanasi, motivated students of SoE, Kharar with her inspiring journey from a government school to IIT, while fostering enthusiasm and sparking curiosity through an interactive Q&A session.

Apart from 267 inspiring Expert sessions, S. Bains informed that 146 Role Model talks (Alumni) were also organised in Schools of Eminence to provide authentic advice on competitive exam preparation and life on campus. Under Hands-on activities, including English newspaper reading, debates, vision board creation and Motivational Film Screenings were held to encourage critical thinking, effective communication and creativity, he added.

\The program concluded with "Make Your Summer Count" session focused on planning a productive vacation through study tracking, goal-setting, and reading.

The Education Minister S. Bains reaffirmed the Punjab government's commitment to empower students with the guidance, support and opportunities they need to excel in life, asserting that government school students will shine in all spheres.

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YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH: OVER 14K DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD IN 89 DAYS; 586KG HEROIN, 246KG OPIUM, ₹10.7CR DRUG MONEY SEIZED

— ON DAY 89, 141 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD WITH 3.1KG HEROIN, 51K INTOXICANT PILLS

— AS PART OF ‘DE-ADDICTION’, PUNJAB POLICE CONVINCE 122 PERSONS TO UNDERGO DE-ADDICTION TREATMENT

CHANDIGARH, May 29:With the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has completed 89th day, Punjab Police has registered 8352 first information reports (FIRs) and arrested 14183 drug smugglers since March 1, 2025.

Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann had asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. Since the launch of the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, Punjab Police under the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav has been conducting different operations including cordon and search operations, night domination and raids at drug hotspots acros the state.

Divulging details, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who has been personally monitoring these operations, said that police teams have recovered 586 kg heroin, 246 kg opium, 135 quintals poppy husk, 8.9 kg charas, 193 kg ganja, 2.5 kg ICE, 1.6 kg cocaine, 25.70 lakh intoxicant pills/tablets and Rs 10.75 crores drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

Sharing details of outcome of Day 89, the Special DGP said that Punjab Police on Thursday has arrested 141 drug smugglers and recovered 3.1 kg heroin, 10 kg poppy husk, 51790 intoxicant tablets/capsules and ₹38700 drug money from their possession.

Over 250 Police teams, comprising over 1700 police personnel, under the supervision of 96 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 533 locations across the state leading to the registration of 97 first information reports (FIRs) across the state, he said, while adding that police teams have also checked as many as 576 suspicious persons during the day long operation.

Meanwhile, 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 122 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.

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Punjab’s Mann Government stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of martyrs: Mohinder Bhagat

State-Level Event Held in Honour of Martyrs’ Families by Punjab Government

Cabinet Minister Reiterates Commitment to ensure Due Honour and Facilities to Defenders of Nation

Former Soldiers Urged to Actively Participate in Punjab Government’s ‘War Against Drugs’ Campaign

Chandigarh/Jalandhar, May 29:Punjab’s Minister for Defence Services Welfare, Freedom Fighters, and Horticulture, Mr. Mohinder Bhagat, today reiterated the State Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, dignity, and prosperous life of martyrs’ families, affirming that the government stands shoulder to shoulder with them.

He was addressing a state-level felicitation ceremony organized by the Punjab Government at the District Defence Services Welfare Office in Jalandhar. During this event, the beneficiaries from martyrs’ families who were provided with government jobs under the Honour and Gratitude Scheme in the past two years were felicitated. The Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal and Director, Defence Services Welfare, Punjab, Brigadier Bhupinder Singh Dhillon (Retd.) were also present on the occasion."

In his address, the Cabinet Minister stated that the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has taken several soldier-centric initiatives to ensure the welfare of the dependents of martyred soldiers. He informed that the ex-gratia amount for the families of martyrs has been increased to ₹1 crore, and in the past two years, 25 dependents have been provided with government jobs in various departments. He acknowledged that while no compensation can truly offset the loss of a loved one, these efforts aim to secure the livelihood and dignity of the families and help them lead a better life.

Mr. Bhagat affirmed that the nation remains forever indebted to its brave soldiers who laid down their lives guarding the borders. Reiterating the Punjab Government's commitment to honouring and supporting them, he informed that a field office has been set up at the local Defence Services Welfare Office to directly address issues related to ex-servicemen and dependents of martyrs. Moreover, officials are conducting meetings in various districts to hear and resolve the grievances of ex-servicemen. He also interacted with members of martyrs' families and assured appropriate resolution of their issues.

On this occasion, the Cabinet Minister also appealed to former soldiers to actively participate in the Punjab Government’s intensified ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign. He encouraged them to extend the same dedication they showed in safeguarding the nation’s borders to now aid the fight against the drug menace in Punjab.

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal assured that the dignity and honour of martyrs' and ex-servicemen’s families would be ensured in all government offices and promised every possible assistance from the district administration.

Commander Baljinder Singh Virk (Retd.), District Defence Services Welfare Officer, highlighted the enhanced benefits and newly launched schemes being provided to martyrs’ families and ex-servicemen under various Punjab Government programs.

During today’s state-level function, families of 25 brave martyrs from various districts of Punjab were honoured in recognition of their supreme sacrifice for the nation. These included the families of Naik Gurjant Singh from Village Kaipur Araian, Amloh in Fatehgarh Sahib; Sepoy Gurpreet Singh of Village Badeshe, Malerkotla; and HC/GD Mitha Singh of 36 Bn CRPF, Mansa.

Tributes were also paid to Sepoy Prabhjot Singh from Village Bura Gujjar, Sri Muktsar Sahib; Naik Mandeep Singh of Village Chattha, Gurdaspur; and Naik Gajjan Singh from Pachranda in Rupnagar district. The family of Havaldar Gurninder Singh from Village Ganoora, Rupnagar, was also felicitated on the occasion.

Other martyrs whose families were honoured included Sepoy Amardeep Singh of Village Karamgarh, Barnala; Sepoy Varinder Singh of Lehragaga, Sangrur; and Gunner Jasbir Singh from Village Wainpui, Tarn Taran. The sacrifice of Naik Gurjant Singh (Shaurya Chakra, Posthumous) of Village Ralla, Mansa, was specially acknowledged.

The ceremony also honoured Sepoy Jasman Singh from Village Dhilwan, Barnala; Inspector Mohinder Singh of Naraingarh, Amritsar; and Constable Rajesh Kumar from Village Jandiali, Ludhiana. Sepoy Jagsir Singh of Village Lohgarh Thakaran Wala, Ferozepur, and Lance Dafadar Kuldeep Singh from Bathinda were also remembered.

Among others honoured were Lance Naik Kuldeep Singh from Village Lahoke Kalan, Ferozepur; Sapper Palwinder Singh of Village Dhindsa, Ludhiana; and Naib Subedar Omkar Singh of Village Najowal, Pathankot. The Families of Havaldar Amritpal Singh from Village Dhaipai, Faridkot; Head Constable Dulla Singh from Village Manihala Jai Singh, Tarn Taran; and Head Constable Satbir Singh of Village Fatehpur Sialba, SAS Nagar, also participated in the event.

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