*Punjab’s Sporting Renaissance Begins: Kejriwal & CM Mann Lay Foundation of India’s First-of-Its-Kind Multi-Sports Complex in Jalandhar worth ₹78 cr*

*”Operation Bulldoze Broke the Drug Network, Now Sports Will Build the Future” – Kejriwal*

*“Stadiums in Every Village Will Be Our Answer to Drugs” – Arvind Kejriwal*

*”We Promised a Sports Hub in 2022, and We’re Delivering It Today” – CM Bhagwant Mann*

Jalandhar, June 11 :Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday announced an intensified crackdown on drugs through the promotion of sports, under the ongoing Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh (War Against Drugs) campaign.

Addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone for the Burlton Park Sports Hub—an ambitious project to be developed at a cost of approximately ₹78 crore—Chief Guest Arvind Kejriwal called it a historic day. He stated that this initiative will provide thousands of people with opportunities to engage in sports and maintain a healthy lifestyle. He also mentioned that this would be the first-of-its-kind sports complex in the country and would be completed within a year.

Arvind Kejriwal emphasized that Punjab was once a leader in multiple fields, including sports, but regressive policies by traditional political parties caused its decline. He blamed these parties for enabling the drug menace, asserting that Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh has now broken the backbone of the drug network. He highlighted the government’s bold actions, such as confiscating and demolishing the properties of drug smugglers through Operation Bulldoze.

Arvind Kejriwal said the upgrade of Burlton Park is a strategic move under the anti-drug campaign, and that ultra-modern stadiums will soon be established in every village to steer the youth away from drugs. He reiterated that the initiative aims to position Punjab as a frontrunner state in the country. Arvind Kejriwal also noted the state’s industry-friendly stance, which has attracted significant investment.

Arvind Kejriwal mentioned the establishment of new focal points across Punjab and the launch of the FastTrack Punjab Portal to ensure investors receive all necessary approvals within 45 days of application. He said Punjab, known for its courage, enterprise, and resilience, is now poised to lead India’s industrial resurgence. Over the past three years, the state government has launched several initiatives benefiting all sections of society, and this momentum will continue in the future, he added.

In his address, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted Jalandhar’s legacy of producing exceptional athletes who have brought international acclaim to the country, particularly in hockey. He pointed out that many players of India’s national hockey squad hail from the district, with three generations of athletes having emerged from its grounds. However, the Chief Minister said that political mismanagement over the years caused Punjab to fall behind in sports.

Bhagwant Singh Mann stressed that the state’s lost glory in athletics would be restored through committed and strategic efforts. Reviving sports is a central pillar of Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh, he said that it aims to channel the youth’s energy into positive avenues. The Chief Minister also announced that historic Burlton Park would be renamed after a legendary Punjabi athlete, shedding its colonial legacy.

The Chief Minister added that international cricket stadiums would soon be developed in Jalandhar and Amritsar, following the one in Mullanpur. Bhagwant Singh Mann proudly noted that the captains of India’s men’s and women’s cricket teams, as well as the football team skipper, hail from Punjab. He asserted that Punjab would soon become the number one state in sports, and the government would leave no stone unturned in upgrading infrastructure and promoting athletic excellence.

The Chief Minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to the holistic development of Punjab and its people. He said that pristine glory of the state will be restored by all means and no stone will be left unturned for it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the day is not far away when Punjab will lead the country in every sphere.

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From Jalandhar to London: Arvind Kejriwal and CM Mann Flag off shipment of 25,000 Rugby Balls for Global Matches

It’s a Proud Moment for Punjab that Jalandhar-Made Rugby Balls will Be Used in World Cup : Arvind Kejriwal

Sports Industry is Fueling Thousands of Jobs, Making Punjab a Global Manufacturing Force : CM Mann

Jalandhar, June 11 :In a proud and historic moment for Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday flagged off a shipment of 25,000 rugby balls destined for global matches, in the prestigious 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Speaking on the occasion, both leaders expressed immense pride in being present at the heart of India’s sports manufacturing hub—Jalandhar. They emphasized that it is a matter of great honor for Punjab that rugby balls manufactured by Savi International, a Jalandhar-based company, will be used in an international sporting event of such magnitude. They said, “It’s a proud moment for Punjab that Jalandhar-made rugby balls will be used in the World Cup.

Both the leaders added that the sports industry is playing a vital role in fueling thousands of jobs and positioning Punjab as a global manufacturing powerhouse. Highlighting the global reputation of Jalandhar’s sports industry, the leaders lauded the hardworking, resilient, and visionary manufacturers who have consistently delivered world-class products. They reaffirmed the Punjab government’s commitment to giving a strong impetus to this vibrant sector.

“Punjab has always been a land of courage, enterprise, and resilience and today, it is poised to lead India’s industrial resurgence with that same spirit.” They added. For the first time in the state’s history, the leaders noted, Punjab’s industrial policies have been specifically designed in consultation with industrialists, ensuring a truly facilitative and business-friendly environment. They emphasized that the government has efficiently delivered on all the major demands of the industry.

Both leaders highlighted that Punjab currently boasts one of the best law and order situations in the country, which is further attracting significant industrial investment. They said that the state has already secured investments worth over ₹1.05 lakh crore, with the potential to generate employment for around 5 lakh youth. They said that Leading companies such as Tata Steel and Sanatan Textiles are making a beeline to invest in Punjab, taking full advantage of the state’s business-friendly environment, robust infrastructure, reliable power supply, skilled workforce, and strong industrial work ethic.

Commending Savi International for its contribution, the leaders said the company exemplifies how Punjabis, with their hard work, commitment, and vision, continue to make their mark on the global stage. They noted that Punjabis are truly global citizens, renowned for their spirit of resilience and enterprise. Extending their heartfelt congratulations to the industrialists for this remarkable achievement, both Kejriwal and Mann expressed confidence that they would continue to raise the bar in the industry. They also assured full support and cooperation from the state government to help the sports manufacturing sector achieve even greater heights

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From Shambles to Glory: Burlton Park Set for Complete Transformation

CM Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal Lay Foundation Stone of Ultra-Modern Sports Hub Worth ₹78 Crore

Jalandhar, June 11 :In a major push to revamp sports infrastructure in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the transformation of Burlton Park into an ultra-modern Sports Hub.

The project will be developed at an estimated cost of ₹78 crore.

Describing it as a historic moment, both leaders emphasized that these new sports facilities will significantly strengthen Jalandhar’s status as the sports capital of India. Under the Smart City Mission, Burlton Park is being developed into a comprehensive Sports Hub featuring a wide range of facilities. As part of the project, a state-of-the-art cricket ground will be constructed alongside various other stadiums and modern sports amenities.

They said that Two multi-purpose stadiums are also being developed—one dedicated to handball, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and wrestling; and the other to weightlifting, judo, and kabaddi. Both leaders said that Separate stadiums for football and hockey are also planned, along with a dedicated yoga shed for yoga enthusiasts and a skating rink for young athletes. They said that in addition, cycling and jogging tracks will be constructed, and the existing lawn tennis courts will be modernized.

Both the leaders said that Sports Hub will include seating for 500 spectators indoors and 1,000 outdoors. They said that to enhance public convenience, the facility will also include amenities such as a cafeteria, shopping complex/vending zones, reliable electricity and water supply, and other necessary infrastructure. They further said that to ensure uninterrupted power, the complex will be equipped with transformers and DG sets.

Both the leaders said that park will feature three main entry gates, traffic lights for smooth traffic management, and renovated roads with aesthetic landscaping. They said that Parking facilities will accommodate over 200 four-wheelers and more than 150 two-wheelers. Highlighting Jalandhar’s rich sporting legacy, both leaders remarked that the city is globally renowned thanks to institutions like Burlton Park, Surjit Hockey Stadium, and the Sports College.

They noted that footballs, rugby balls, and other equipment made in Jalandhar are used in prestigious events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Commonwealth Games. They further added that top cricketers around the world use cricket bats manufactured in Jalandhar, and that Punjab’s sporting tradition began and flourished here. Both the leaders said that Punjab Government, they affirmed, is fully committed to advancing Jalandhar’s prominence in the field of sports adding they concluded by announcing that the project will be completed and dedicated to the public within the next year.

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Punjab Government Meets Peak Demand of 16,711 MW Without Any Power Cuts: Harbhajan Singh ETO

New Record Set for Electricity Demand in the State: Power Minister

Chandigarh, June 11:The Punjab Government successfully supplied a record-high electricity demand of 16,711 MW across the state without any power cuts on June 11, 2025. This was disclosed by Punjab Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO in a press statement issued here today.

He stated that the previous record of 16,192 MW, set just a day earlier on June 10, 2025, was surpassed within 24 hours. Prior to that, the highest peak demand was 16,058 MW, recorded on June 29, 2024.He said today new Record Set for Electricity Demand in the State.

The Power Minister emphasized that under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the officers and employees of PSPCL and PSTCL have been working tirelessly to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the people of Punjab. He lauded their efforts and said they deserve special appreciation for their dedication and commitment.

S. Harbhajan Singh ETO further informed that the state government had already made arrangements for 17,000 MW of electricity in anticipation of the summer and paddy sowing seasons. This preparedness ensured that the peak demands recorded over the last two days were successfully met without any disruptions.

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Due to efforts of Punjab Government, Punjab Transport Department collects record additional revenue of Rs. 5375.65 crore during year 2022-2025

Additional revenue received during year 2022-2025 as compared to year 2019-2022 is a testament to better administration and commitment of current Punjab Government: Laljit Bhullar

Chandigarh, June 11:Due to the commitment of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government to provide better administration, the state’s Transport Department has collected an additional revenue of Rs. 5375.65 crore during the year 2022-2025 as compared to the year 2019-2022, which is a testament to the better administration of the State Government.

Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar while sharing this information said that the non-commercial wing of the Punjab Transport Department, PUNBUS and Roadways and PEPSU have registered a significant increase in revenue collection, which reflects the efforts of the department to better its financial performance. He said that the Punjab Transport Department is committed to continue its efforts to increase revenue collection and improve its services to the public.

The Transport Minister said that in the last three years, the non-commercial wing (STC) of the Transport Department has generated a total revenue of Rs. 9037.49 crore. He said that in contrast, the revenue generated during the years 2019-2020, 2022-2021 and 2021-2022 was Rs. 5825.38 crore. Reiterating the state government's commitment to better governance, he said that an additional revenue of Rs. 3212.11 crore has been collected during the years 2022-2023, 2023-2024 and 2024-2025, which is a record.

The Cabinet Minister said that PUNBUS and Punjab Roadways have collected an additional revenue of Rs. 2323.21 crore during the three years of 2022-2025 as compared to Rs. 1332.03 crore in the year 2019-2022, which is an increase of Rs. 990.91 crore.

S. Bhullar said that PEPSU Roadways Transport Corporation has collected a revenue of Rs. 2894.15 crore during the year 2022-2025 as compared to Rs. 1721.52 crore in the year 2019-2022. He said that the revenue for the year 2022-2025 is Rs. 1172.63 crores more than the previous three years.

S. Bhullar further said that this impressive performance by the Transport Department is a testament to the department's commitment to improve its revenue collection methods. He said that due to the sincere efforts of the State Government, Punjab is continuously moving forward in the direction of all-round development. He said that the government led by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has been working towards making Punjab a Rangla Punjab since the past 3 years.

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DAY 102 OF ‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: 113 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD WITH 1.5KG HEROIN

— AS PART OF ‘DE-ADDICTION’, PUNJAB POLICE CONVINCE 93 PERSONS TO UNDERGO DE-ADDICTION TREATMENT

CHANDIGARH, June 11: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 102 days, Punjab Police on Wednesday arrested 113 drug smugglers and recovered 1.5 kg heroin and Rs 15040 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 16,982 in just 102 days.

The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 200 Police teams, comprising over 1300 police personnel, under the supervision of 96 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 505 locations across the state leading to the registration of 83 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 525 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 93 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

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Poll Staff Training and hands-on-training on use of EVMs, a mock drill on EVM voting

Chandigarh, June 11:Proper and professional training of polling officials is an integral part of the preparation for elections. The primary objective of training is to equip the polling personnel with the required knowledge and skills to conduct elections strictly as per Law, Rules and instructions. For this purpose, two rounds of training are conducted in smaller groups so that there is adequate opportunity for interaction and doubt clearing. In the training programmes, hands-on-training related to their role/duties on use of EVMs is also conducted as per guidelines of the Election Commission of India.

Punjab CEO Sibin C informed that First Training of polling and presiding officers to be deployed at 194 polling stations for conducting poll on 19-06-2025 for Bye election 064-Ludhiana West was organized on 04-06-2025 at Auditorium Khalsa college for women. 1552 polling personnel in Two Shifts at morning 09.00AM and Afternoon at 02.00 PM were trained during the training programme.

As a part of hands-on-training on use of EVMs, a mock drill on EVM voting was conducted by every Presiding Officer/polling officer individually on separate machines. In the mock drill voting, 388 Presiding Officers participated.

During the mock drill, individual Presiding Officers cast at least 100 votes in EVM for dummy candidates on a random basis. After completion of mock voting, Presiding Officers personally tallied manual record of votes cast with electronic result of Control Unit and thereafter, electronic result from Control Unit with respective VVPAT slips count. No mismatch was found in manual record of votes cast, electronic result of EVM and VVPAT slips count.

The Presiding and Polling officers thanked the Election Commission for this hands-on training and came out fully satisfied and showed complete confidence in the functioning of the EVM machines.

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CEC Highlights India's Electoral Integrity, Scale and Diversity

- Gyanesh Kumar Delivers Keynote Address at the Stockholm International Conference on Electoral Integrity

Chandigarh, June 11:Highlighting India's electoral integrity, scale and diversity, Gyanesh Kumar, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, while delivering his keynote address at the Stockholm International Conference on Electoral Integrity in Sweden last evening, reaffirmed the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in capacity building programmes for Election Management Bodies (EMB) of countries around the globe. Conducting elections with utmost integrity is a testament to our national resolve, he emphasized. Over 100 participants representing Election Management Bodies (EMBs) of around 50 countries are taking part in the Conference, which is being organised by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).

Gyanesh Kumar also informed the participants about the massive scale of the election exercise that is undertaken by the ECI, especially during the parliamentary elections, which is done under the close watch of the political parties; candidates; general, police and expenditure observers and the media who, he stated, act akin to concurrent auditors at various stages. The CEC also highlighted the scale of coordination that underpins the conduct of elections in India. With over 20 million personnel, including polling staff, police forces, observers, and agents of political parties at the time of conduct of elections, ECI becomes the world's largest organisation, surpassing the combined workforce of several national governments and major global corporations and ensures that India's nearly one billion electors are freely able to exercise their franchise.

Further, speaking at this global platform, Gyanesh Kumar traced the evolution of Indian elections over the decades, noting how the system has adapted to increasing complexity while staying rooted in constitutional values. From 173 million electors in 1951-52 to 979 million in 2024, and from just 0.2 million polling stations in the early years to over 1.05 million today, India's electoral journey has demonstrated both institutional foresight and unmatched scale. He noted that the 2024 General Elections saw the participation of 743 political parties, which comprised six national parties, 67 state parties and the other registered political parties. A total of 20,271 candidates contested elections conducted across the length and breadth of the country using 6.2 million Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), reaffirming the Commission's capability to conduct elections that are inclusive, efficient, and secure.

Gyanesh Kumar underscored the statutory sharing of India's Electoral Roll with all recognized political parties every year during revision as well as before the elections since 1960 till today, with provision of claims, objections and appeals, as one of the world's most rigorous and transparent exercises, reinforcing the accuracy and integrity of the electoral process. He noted that this robust mechanism plays a vital role in upholding electoral credibility across the country, year after year.

Reflecting on the inclusive design of Indian elections, he stated that the electoral process serves first-time voters, senior citizens aged 85+, persons with special abilities, third-gender electors, and voters in the most inaccessible regions with equal care and commitment. From polling booths with a single elector to highest altitude stations like Tashigang in Himachal Pradesh, India's commitment to leaving no voter behind was reiterated as a constitutional principle rather than a logistical challenge.

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CEC Gyanesh Kumar holds bilateral meetings with Heads of Election Management Bodies on the sidelines of the International IDEA conference in Stockholm, Sweden

Chandigarh, June 11-Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar held a series of bilateral meetings with the Heads of various Election Management Bodies (EMBs) on the sidelines of his visit to Sweden to attend the International IDEA Stockholm Conference on Electoral Integrity (June 10-12, 2025).

These engagements aim to further strengthen India's longstanding partnerships in election management and democratic cooperation. During the bilateral meetings, CEC Gyanesh Kumar held one-on-one discussions with heads and senior officials from several Election Management Bodies (EMBs), covering a wide range of global electoral experiences and innovations.

Later in the evening of Tuesday, CEC Gyanesh Kumar delivered the inaugural keynote address at the opening session of the International IDEA Stockholm Conference on Electoral Integrity.

Details of bilateral meetings:

1. Ms. Marisa Arlene Cabral Porchas, Coordinator of International Affairs and Ms. Norma Irene De la Cruz, Electoral Councilor, National Electoral Institute, Mexico

2. Mr. Mochammad Afifuddin, Chairperson, General Election Commission, Republic of Indonesia (KPU RI)

3. Mr. Purvee Delgernaran, Chairperson, General Election Commission of Mongolia

4. Mr. Mosotho Simon Moepya, Chairperson, Electoral Commission of South Africa

5. Mr. Hanspeter Wyss, Policy Advisor, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Switzerland

6. Ms. Angelica Caraman, Chairperson and Mr. Pavel Postica, Deputy Chairperson, Central Election Commission, Republic of Moldova.

7. Mr. Darius Gaizauskas, Head of Information Technology Department, Central Electoral Commission, Republic of Lithuania

8. Mr. Abdool Rahman Mohammad Irfan, Electoral Commissioner of Mauritius.

9. Mr. Vijay Rangarajan, Chief Executive, Electoral Commission of the United Kingdom

10. Ms. Anna-Karina Elbert, Head and Ms. Claudia Isfort, Assistant Head, Federal Returning Officer's Office, Germany.

11. Mr. Oleh Didenko, Chairperson and Mr. Vitalli Plukar, Deputy Chairperson, Central Election Commission of Ukraine

12. Mr. Drazenko Pandek, State Electoral Commission of the Republic of Croatia.

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