*’Ease of Business Is Now a Guarantee, Not a Promise’ – Arvind Kejriwal on the launch of FastTrack Portal*

*CM Mann Urges Industrialists to Leverage FastTrack Portal to Make Punjab India’s Next Industrial Powerhouse*

*”In Just 3 Years, We’ve Delivered Welfare for All and a Business-Friendly Ecosystem for Industrial Growth” – CM Mann*

SAS Nagar (Mohali), June 10:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday exhorted the Industrialists to take maximum benefit of Fasttrack Portal to emerge as an industrial hub of the country.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that FastTrack Punjab Portal which will ensure all the approvals to the investors within 45 days of application adding that it is the backbone of a re-imagined industrial governance model. He reiterated that these reforms are not the end rather they are the beginning of a movement, a movement where ease of doing business becomes a culture, not a slogan. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab has always been a land of courage, enterprise, and resilience and now, it stands ready to lead India’s industrial resurgence with the same spirit.

The Chief Minister said that in the last three years the state government has taken a number of initiatives to benefit every section of the society. He said that hitherto the Industrialists were considered as ATMs which can shelve money during the elections. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the industrialists used to fund the traditional parties for just securing the right to work, so that they do not face any harassment.

The Chief Minister said that after assuming power his government has taken several key initiatives to facilitate the industrialists. He said that Punjab became the first state in the country to launch unique color coded stamp papers, to facilitate the entrepreneurs for setting up their units in the state thereby giving much needed fillip to industrial growth. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this revolutionary step is aimed at promoting ease of doing business for the entrepreneurs desirous of setting up their units in the state.

The Chief Minister said that any industrialist who is keen on setting his industrial unit in the state can get this unique colour coded stamp paper from Invest Punjab Portal. He said that industrialists will have to just pay various fees required for getting clearances in form of CLU, forest, Pollution, Fire and other to set up his unit while purchasing this single stamp paper only. Bhagwant Mann said that after purchasing the stamp paper, the industrialist will get all the necessary clearances from all the departments within 15 days to set up his unit adding that several states are also asking the state to replicate it.

The Chief Minister said that the policies for the industry have been framed as per the need of industrialists and to facilitate them. He said that whatever the industry has demanded from the state government has been delivered at the earliest to facilitate the industry. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this also the need of hour to boost economic activity in the region adding that the motive is to make Punjab an industrial hub.

The Chief Minister said that the state government had inherited a system when the industry from the state was fleeing to other states. He said that the industries were fed up from the extortion system that prevailed in the state during the tenure of the previous regimes. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government has restored the faith of industrialists by providing them an industrial friendly atmosphere coupled with a good law and order situation.

The Chief Minister said that the state has the best law and order situation in the country due to which industries are coming in a big way. He said that this is contrary to the situation when during previous regimes the leaders used to seek shares in the ventures. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that earlier the MoUs were signed with the political families in power but now these agreements are signed for progress and prosperity of the state.

The Chief Minister said that earlier such summits were held in the state but Punjab was never benefited from it as the leaders were interested for their personal interests. He said that such was the myopic mindset of these leaders that even the ornamental trees planted here to welcome the industrialists were uprooted and taken by them to village Badal. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders were never bothered about the well being of any section of the society but they gave preference to their own interests.

The Chief Minister said that a single window and single pen system has been introduced to facilitate the industrialists so that they can work freely. He said that the industrialists who work here create more employment opportunities thereby propelling industrial growth in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is necessary for giving impetus to the development of the state and prosperity of its people.

The Chief Minister said that unlike in the past no one will harass the industrialists, rather the state government will make every effort to promote and encourage the industry. He said that the state government has already set the wheels in motion to provide a single window system for facilitating the industry. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is being implemented in real zeal to ensure comprehensive development of the industrial sector.

The Chief Minister said that the state government will make concerted efforts for safeguarding, promoting and expanding the existing industrial units in the state. He said that the industrialists have played a key role in the socio-economic growth of the country. Bhagwant Mannn said that these industries have carved a niche for them across the globe and the state government will make every effort to ensure that their interests are safeguarded.

The Chief Minister said that he wants to hand over tiffins in the hands of youth by giving them employment so that they shun the syringes and menace of other drugs. He said that as Idle hands are devil’s workshop, the state government is trying its best to ensure that maximum youth get jobs so that they do not fall prey to the social menaces. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that unemployment is the root cause of several social problems due to which the state government is focusing on eradicating this malady by promoting industrialization.

On the occasion Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema and Tarunpreet Singh Sondh along with others were also present.

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*Kejriwal & CM Mann Unveil 12 Historic Reforms to Supercharge Industrial Growth*

*Punjab Sets New Benchmark in Industrial Policy — Boldest Moves in 75 Years to Attract Investment, End Red Tape : Arvind Kejriwal*

*“This Is the End of Corruption, Nepotism, and Political Patronage in Indian Industry”: Arvind Kejriwal*

SAS Nagar (Mohali), June 10:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Chief Guest Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday unveiled 12 new initiatives to revolutionize industrial growth in the state thereby launching a new era of growth and prosperity for Punjab’s industry under Punjab Udyog Kranti.

Divulging more details, the Chief Guest said that a set of 12 initiatives will revolutionize how industry in Punjab operates, how industry interacts with the Government and how industry can unlock value of its land and become more competitive nationally as well as globally. He said that firstly the state government will ensure deemed approval system in 45 days for all the applications thereby stipulating that all approvals and clearances for setting up a business or expanding an existing business will be issued in maximum of 45 working days, addressing one of the biggest concerns of investors - delay and uncertainty. Previously, Arvind Kejriwal said that many clearances had notified timelines of 60 to 120 working days, and actual processing often took even longer, creating unpredictability in project execution.

Now, the Chief Guest said that upon applying for a new business, within seven days the state government will review the application online and inform the applicant about deficiency, if any, the removal of which will ensure they get all approvals within the remaining 45 days. Additionally, he said that a Deemed Approval system has also been enabled and if no decision is taken by the designated authority within the notified timeline, the Fast-track Punjab portal will automatically generate an approval the next day, which holds the same legal validity as a regular clearance. Arvind Kejriwal asserted that this accountability-backed, system-driven reform makes Punjab a national model in investor facilitation surpassing even the most industrialized states such as Telangana, Karnataka (both Congress governed), Gujarat, Maharasthra (both BJP governed) and Tamil Nadu.

Secondly, the Chief Guest said that Fast-track Punjab portal has been launched as a Single-window for all approvals. He said that though previous governments in Punjab had claimed to start a single window system but all of them had proved a sham. However, Arvind Kejriwal said that for the first time in India, Punjab has established a true single window for investors where they can apply and the state government will get their approvals cleared from all departments.

The Chief Guest said that the portal provides end-to-end regulatory clearances for industry, institutional projects, and services sectors, backed by a digitally tracked workflow, auto-escalations, and real-time status updates— ensuring investors never have to “run from pillar to post”. Thirdly, he said that the state government has significantly expanded the scope of Right to Business Act and now if any industrialist is starting a project with an investment upto Rs 125 Crore then they won’t even have to wait for 45 days for approvals. Arvind Kejriwal said that based on the self-declaration of industrialists, the government will give you in-Principle approvals within three days if the project is located in an industrial park but if the project is outside an industrial park, in-principle approvals in 15 days.

The Chief Guest said that these approvals will be valid for 3.5 years in which time industry has to take requisite approvals adding that this will benefit approximately 95% of project proposals in Punjab, including industry, IT units, hospitals, hotels, and educational institutions (excluding infrastructure projects, real estate and housing projects). He said that the state government will bring an amendment to the Right to Business Act in the next assembly session to implement these provisions. Arvind Kejriwal said that in another facility for investors, Punjab is now easing the processes for issuing building plan approvals and structural stability certificate as this used to be hugely time consuming and expensive for investors as they had to run behind only a handful of experts empanelled by government adding that now the state government introducing a self-certification system.

The Chief Guest said that the industrialists can get their building plan approved by any architect and the state government will accept the same. Similarly, he said that the industrialists can get their building stability certificate issued by any qualified civil/structural engineer and the state government will accept the same. Arvind Kejriwal said that there will be no more unnecessary inspections and running behind the government for approvals.

In another succor to the industrialists, the Chief Guest also announced to simplify the norms for issuing fire safety NOC in Punjab making Punjab the most progressive state in this regard across India. He said that a Self-certification system is being introduced and the fire drawings/ schemes made by empanelled architects shall be accepted by the Government. Arvind Kejriwal said that validity of Fire NoCs for industry has been revised from one year earlier to three to five years on the basis of risk classification with only hazardous industries requiring annual NoC.

The Chief Guest said that out of the 12 initiatives, four initiatives are related to providing transparency in land ownership and unlocking the value of industrial land for the investors. He said that this recognizes that land is scarce and precious in Punjab and if land value can be unlocked, it significantly impacts the competitiveness of businesses in Punjab. Arvind Kejriwal said that for the first time in India, Punjab is launching a digitally delivered Land Feasibility Certificate, issued by the Circle Revenue Officer (CRO)/ Tehsildar within a notified timeline of 15 working days.

The Chief Guest said that this service verifies land ownership, along with land zoning and sitting for an investor giving the investor comfort about his/ her land ownership. He said that this will also become a foundational clearance which will enable applying for subsequent approvals such as environmental and construction permits. Arvind Kejriwal said that Punjab’s new plot sub-division policy allows easy division of industrial plots among family members, co-developers, or joint ventures, giving businesses the flexibility to monetize or redevelop land according to evolving needs.

The Chief Guest said that it will promote efficient land use, encourage Brownfield investment, and simplify asset management for investors. He said that the process is fully digitized with clear timelines, eligibility norms, and safeguards against misuse, ensuring a fair and transparent approach. Arvind Kejriwal said that another important initiative addresses a long-standing industry demand, allowing conversion of leasehold plots into freehold plots.

The Chief Guest said that this will be done easily through a clear and transparent framework for which a policy will be introduced by the state government. He said that this move will significantly enhance land marketability, eases access to bank loans and finance, and enables ownership-based expansion or transfer. Arvind Kejriwal said that in another landmark initiative over Rs 250 crore will be disbursed towards industry incentives in just the first quarter of FY 2025–26, exceeding the cumulative disbursed during the last Congress govt (Rs 53 Cr over 5 years) or Akali-BJP govt (no incentive disbursed).

The Chief Guest said that the state government is clearing all the backlog of incentives to be paid to investors adding that Rs 150 Crore has already been disbursed since April 2025 and by end of this month, a total of Rs 250 Cr will be disbursed, which will be a record in Punjab’s history. He said that to ensure that land doesn’t become a constraint for new investors, Punjab has opened up 260 industrial plots for auction across all PSIEC Focal Points adding that this landmark step addresses long-pending industry demand for industrial plots, and will give fresh momentum to catalyze project grounding and new investments across the state. Finally, Arvind Kejriwal said that the state government will invest Rs 300 crore in focal point infrastructural upgrades by November 2025 adding that building work has been already done, roads, signages, street lights, green belts, boundary walls, cleanliness and sanitation will all be brought to high quality standards in the next six months.

Similarly, the Chief Guest said that large sewerage and STP related work will be done by June 2026 adding that the state government will also develop and implement an industrial park maintenance model that ensures that Government and industry work hand in hand to upkeep the maintenance going forward. In order to ensure that all of this is realized in the field and there is no harassment to industry from field level officials or other stakeholders, he said that a robust grievance redressal system is being put into place in the Fast-track Punjab portal as well as through a call center. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state government is committed to ensure industry operates in Punjab with ease and with national/global competitiveness thus growing Punjab’s economy and opportunities for employment.

The Chief Guest envisioned that ‘Punjab Udyog Kranti’ will take Punjab and its industry towards greater heights and realize the vision of Rangla Punjab. He said that the Fasttrack Portal launched by the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann marks the beginning of corruption free industrialization in the state. Arvind Kejriwal said that the 12 initiatives launched by the state government under Udyog Kranti will end the corrupt regime and era of patronage.

The Chief Guest said that this is unprecedented in the history of the country and has never been witnessed in any part of the country. Arvind Kejriwal said that earthshaking reforms are aimed at giving fillip to the industrial growth adding that those industrialists who have left the state should also come back and restart their ventures. He said that the state government is committed to facilitate these industrialists so that they can excel in their work and contribute to the economic progress of the state.

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*Industry Leaders Hail Punjab’s Progressive Policies, Expresses Confidence in State’s Growth Potential*

Chandigarh, June 10:Prominent industrial leaders have lauded the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann progressive initiatives, highlighting the state’s potential as a preferred investment destination. During recent discussions, top executives from leading companies commended the government’s efforts to streamline approvals, reduce bureaucratic hurdles and foster an industry-friendly ecosystem.

*JSW Defence Eyes Punjab for Expansion*

Mr. Jaskirat Singh, a senior representative of JSW Defence, stated that the company is actively considering Punjab for its expansion plans. “We have recently delivered vehicles to the Indian Army and are now on an expansion quest. Punjab’s unique and progressive policies have removed long-standing hurdles, making it an attractive destination for industrial growth,” he said. Mr. Singh praised the state government’s initiatives, expressing confidence in Punjab’s industrial resurgence.

*Netmeds CEO Applauds Single-Window System*

Mr. Manipal Dhariwal, CEO & Co-Founder of Netmeds, expressed exuberant confidence in Punjab’s new industrial policy. “The single-window system, if implemented in its true spirit, will be a game-changer. The 45-day approval concept is particularly commendable,” he said. While acknowledging past challenges, Mr. Dhariwal remained optimistic about the policy’s practical execution, hoping it eliminates the need for multiple approvals.

*Saraswati Agrochemicals Highlights Deemed Approvals*

Mr. Abhi Bansal, Director of Saraswati Agrochemicals, highlighted the benefits of deemed approvals under the new policy. “The state government has taken a bold step by removing bureaucratic roadblocks. This will significantly ease business operations and boost industrial growth in Punjab,” he remarked.

*Sukhjeet Starch & Chemicals Congratulates Govt. on Time-Bound System*

Mr. Bhavdeep Sardana from Sukhjeet Starch and Chemicals extended his congratulations to the Punjab Government for introducing a time-bound approval mechanism. “All our suggestions have been incorporated into the new policy. With all stakeholder departments integrated into a single platform, Punjab is set to recreate a thriving industrial atmosphere,” he said.

*Arora ADMS Ludhiana Commends Single-Time Objection Method*

Mr. Raminderpal Singh of Arora ADMS Ludhiana hailed the government’s decision to implement a single-time objection method. “This revolutionary step will transform the entire approval system. It is a truly commendable move that reflects the government’s commitment to ease of doing business,” he stated.

The collective optimism of industry leaders underscores Punjab’s resurgence as an industrial hub. With progressive policies, simplified approvals and a responsive administration, the state is poised to attract significant investments and accelerate economic development.

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AAP Government Propels Industrial Growth with Incentives worth Rs 180 crore in first two months of FY 2025-26: Harpal Singh Cheema

Says, Punjab Industrial Revolution spearheaded by Visionary Leadership of CM Mann and AAP Convener Kejriwal all set to become historic milestone

Chandigarh, June 10-In a powerful testament to its unwavering commitment to industrial revitalization, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government has released a substantial incentive of Rs 180 crore within the first two months of the financial year 2025-26, announced Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema here today.

In a press communique issued from here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema further elaborated on the Punjab government’s robust financial provisioning for the industrial sector. He revealed that a total of Rs 250 crore has been meticulously arranged for industry under various progressive policies in the budget for the financial year 2025-26, with an impressive 72 percent of this allocation already disbursed. “This substantial investment demonstrates the AAP government's commitment to fostering a conducive environment for industrial growth and development”, he added.

Beyond these immediate incentives, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema also assured that ample funds will also be dedicated to the crucial establishment of industrial focal points across various districts of the state, laying a strong foundation for future growth and equitable development. The proactive measures, he emphasized, are direct outcome of the "Punjab Industrial Revolution" spearheaded by the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal. He said that the launch of the groundbreaking Fastrack Punjab portal, is set to become a historic milestone in the state’s developmental trajectory.

Finance Minister Cheema underscored the indispensable role of industrial development in achieving the overall progress of Punjab and, crucially, in generating vital employment opportunities for the state's youth. He highlighted that alongside the financial impetus, the government is actively implementing revolutionary administrative reforms to dismantle any existing impediments to the establishment of new industries. He firmly reiterated that there will be no fiscal shortage in the earnest endeavor to foster and promote industries within Punjab.

This comprehensive approach, combining financial incentives with administrative streamlining, is poised to unlock the immense industrial potential of the state, paving the way for a prosperous and employment-rich future for all its citizens, the Finance Minister concluded.

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Punjab Signs Landmark MoU with CMC Ludhiana to Establish State’s First Public Sector Bone Marrow Transplant Facility

Chandigarh, June 10—In a pioneering move to strengthen tertiary care services in the state, the Government of Punjab today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Christian Medical College (CMC), Ludhiana, for establishing Punjab’s first Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) facility in the public sector.

The aim is to launch a life-saving initiative for children suffering from thalassemia and find a permanent solution.

The MoU was signed in the gracious presence of Health Minister, Dr. Balbir Singh, who applauded the collaborative spirit of this initiative and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making advanced healthcare accessible and affordable for all.

Under this programme, eligible patients—particularly children under 12 years—will be provided free HLA typing and subsidized allogeneic stem cell (bone marrow) transplantation, which is currently the only curative treatment for thalassemia. Once successfully treated, these children no longer require lifelong blood transfusions.

At present, no government medical college in Punjab has an operational BMT facility, forcing patients—especially those with thalassemia, blood cancers, and other hematologic disorders—to seek costly treatment outside the state. This partnership with CMC Ludhiana, a leading institution with proven expertise in BMT, aims to bridge that gap and bring curative treatment within reach of economically weaker patients.

The BMT centre will provide critical treatment closer to home, especially benefiting patients from rural and underserved districts. The Local availability of follow-up care within the state system will ensure improved monitoring and outcomes. Besides, the centre will also function as a training and skill development hub, strengthening the transplant ecosystem in Punjab and Local access is expected to increase uptake and reduce dropouts.

The Health Minister on the occasion stated, “This is a historic step towards equitable healthcare in Punjab. Through this partnership, we are not just building a facility—we are giving new hope to hundreds of families battling life-threatening diseases.”

The facility is expected to become operational in the near future, with robust coordination between the Department of Health, CMC Ludhiana, and other stakeholders to ensure transparent, need-based patient care.

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Punjab Government Ensuring Peak Power Demand Without Any Cuts: Harbhajan Singh ETO

Punjab successfully met an all-time high power demand of 16,192 MW : Power Minister

Chandigarh, June 10:In a historic achievement in Punjab’s power sector, the state successfully met an all-time high peak power demand of 16,192 MW on June 10, 2025—surpassing the previous record of 16,058 MW set on June 29, 2024. The milestone was achieved without imposing any power cuts across various sectors for the first time since India’s independence.

Power Minister Harbhajan Singh attributed this success to the proactive leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, whose direction ensured early paddy sowing and seamless coordination across the energy infrastructure.

The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) played a pivotal role in achieving this feat. The state's record-breaking energy demand came just a day after the final phase of advanced paddy sowing commenced on June 9, 2025, in line with the government’s decision to prepone the sowing to June 1st this year. PSPCL's swift and strategic response enabled the state to break its previous demand record the very next day.

Minister Harbhajan Singh lauded the effective integration of in-state and out-of-state power generation resources, interstate power banking, and optimal use of the transmission network. He emphasized that the coordinated efforts ensured uninterrupted power to agriculture, residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, even at peak demand.

Agricultural consumers were receiving more than eight hours of continuous power supply daily, without any curtailment to other sectors. “This is a landmark moment. For the first time after independence, Punjab has managed its peak power demand season without resorting to power cuts,” said the Minister.

He extended his gratitude to PSPCL CMD Ajoy Kumar Sinha, the board of directors, and all employees for their dedication and efficient handling of the power supply system. “Their hard work and preparedness ensured that every sector, especially farmers during the paddy season, received reliable power,” he noted.

This achievement reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening power infrastructure and improving service delivery. Under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s governance, Punjab is striving towards energy self-sufficiency while ensuring citizen-centric outcomes.

Minister said such milestones boost investor’s confidence in the most suitable industrial climate of Punjab and enhance the quality of life for its residents—demonstrating that with visionary leadership and effective execution, power challenges can be turned into achievements.

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NARCO-HAWALA CARTEL BUSTED IN AMRITSAR; SIX HELD WITH 4.5 KG HEROIN, ₹8.7L DRUG MONEY

— KINGPIN ARSHDEEP SINGH OPERATED SYNDICATE FROM JAIL WITH CROSS-BORDER LINKS: DGP GAURAV YADAV

— HAWALA NETWORK CHANNELED DRUG PROCEEDS TO PAKISTAN VIA DUBAI: CP AMRITSAR GURPREET SINGH BHULLAR

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, June 10:In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a drug-free state as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Commissionerate Police Amritsar has dismantled a well-organized Narco-Hawala cartel being operated by Arshdeep Singh, currently incarcerated at Goindwal Jail, with the arrest of its six operatives and recovering 4.526 kg of heroin and ₹8.7 lakh drug money from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.

Those arrested have been identified as Karandeep Singh alias Karan (25), a resident of Algon Khurd in Tarn Taran, Jaspreet Singh (20), a resident of Salodi in Ludhiana, Arshdeep Singh alias Ars (22), a resident of Mehndipur in Tarn Taran, Gurmeet Singh alias Geetu (24), a resident of Sukhera Bodla in Fazilka, Rajinderpal Singh alias Nikka (24), a resident of Kolowal in Amritsar and Malkeet Singh (28), a resident of Hawelian in Tarn Taran.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that Arshdeep, in connivance with his associates Jaspreet and Karan, has been orchestrating the drug trade and hawala transactions. Karan, along with Gurmeet and Rajinderpal, were retrieving cross-border consignments and distributing them across various districts of Punjab, he said.

He said that the probe has further revealed that the proceeds from the narcotics trade were laundered via hawala channels by Jaspreet, which were routed to Dubai, UAE and subsequently to Pakistan. The mobile phone used by Arshdeep within the jail has been recovered, providing crucial evidence of their cross-border operations, he said.

The DGP said that said that further investigations are ongoing to establish backward and forward linkages in this case.

Sharing more details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that Arshdeep Singh has been lodged in the jail in a commercial NDPS case. Despite incarceration, he maintained contact with cross-border smugglers, he said.

He said that one of the arrested accused identified as Malkeet Singh, who has been arrested separately, is a notorious smuggler and had spent a year in Dubai, where he established links with Pakistani smugglers. Given his village's proximity to the international border, the accused has facilitated the smuggling of consignments directly to his residence upon his return to India two months ago, he added.

The CP said that Police teams led by DCP Ravinderpal Singh and ADCP Jagbinder Singh executed the operation based on intelligence inputs. Apart from recovering heroin and drug money, police teams have also impounded their Hero Splendor motorcycle, which they were using to deliver the consignments, he said.

Further investigations are underway to unravel the network’s domestic and international linkages. More arrests and recoveries expected in coming days, he added.

In this regard, two separate case FIRs have been registered under relevant sections of the NDPS Act.

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DAY 101 OF ‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: 152 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD WITH 1.6KG HEROIN, ₹3.5L DRUG MONEY

— AS PART OF ‘DE-ADDICTION’, PUNJAB POLICE CONVINCE 92 PERSONS TO UNDERGO DE-ADDICTION TREATMENT

CHANDIGARH, June 10:With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state completed 101 days, Punjab Police on Tuesday arrested 152 drug smugglers and recovered 1.6 kg heroin and Rs 3.56 lakh drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 16,886 in just 101 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 1500 police personnel, under the supervision of 98 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 519 locations across the state leading to the registration of 114 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 564 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 92 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today

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PUNJAB POLICE INKS MOU TO EMPOWER YOUTH THROUGH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

— COLLABORATION WITH HARTEK FOUNDATION TO FOSTER COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, SAYS SPECIAL DGP GURPREET KAUR DEO

Chandigarh, June 10:In a major step toward youth empowerment and community-centric policing, Punjab Police’s Community Affairs Division (CAD) and the Hartek Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to engage vulnerable and disoriented youth across Punjab through skill development, counselling, awareness, capacity-building and community engagement programs.

This MoU was signed by Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Community Affairs Gurpreet Kaur Deo and CEO Hartek Foundation Harkirat Kaur here on Tuesday. The strategic partnership was launched with a collaborative effort for the ongoing Yuva Saanjh Initiative, a youth engagement programme.

Special DGP Gurpreet Kaur Deo said that Hartek Foundation will support the Community Affairs Division to standardise the process for implementing the programme by conducting regular training and capacity building programs for the police officials and Yuva Saanjh committees through this collaboration. These steps will serve as a comprehensive roadmap for the effective and uniform rollout of the initiative across the state, ensuring a structured and impactful approach, she said.

"The Yuva Saanjh initiative aims to build a bridge of trust between the police and the youth, particularly those who feel disconnected or vulnerable. Through this platform, we seek to foster community engagement and Youth empowerment,” said the Special DGP, while adding that the partnership envisions transforming the relationship between the police and young people by creating inclusive, safe and participatory community spaces. Together, the organisations aim to promote leadership, civic responsibility and essential life skills, with a strong focus on outreach in underserved and at-risk communities.

She further informed that the first phase will be piloted in selected districts across Punjab, with implementation through local Saanjh Kendras under the guidance of the Community Affairs Division with a focus on the reintegration of vulnerable youth back into the society through skill development and employment initiatives and become positive influences in their communities.

CEO Hartek Foundation Harkirat Kaur said, "We are honoured to collaborate with the Community Affairs Division of Punjab Police. Yuva Saanjh aligns with our commitment to building resilient communities by unlocking the potential of our youth and empowering them to lead positive change."

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