CM PRESENTS STRONG CASE OF STATE BEFORE HIGH LEVEL TEAM OF NITI AAYOG

SEEKS HELP IN PRESERVING RICH LEGACY OF STATE IN TERMS OF WATER AND AGRICULTURE

DEMANDS SPECIAL INCENTIVES FOR BORDER DISTRICTS, UPWARD REVISION OF COMPENSATION FOR LAND BETWEEN INTERNATIONAL BORDER AND FENCE, RS.2829 CRORE FOR UPGRADATION OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT TO CHECK SMUGGLING FROM BORDER, INCENTIVES FOR AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRY

DEMANDS SHARE IN INDUS WATER, REITERATES YSL

Chandigarh, June 26:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday presented a strong case of the state before the team of NITI and solicited their support to ensure comprehensive development of the state on one hand and safeguard its interest on the other.

During deliberations with the team led by Member Niti Aayog Prof. Ramesh Chand and Program Director NITI Aayog Sanjeet Singh, the Chief Minister said that it is the high time that the Aayog should generously help the state in preserving its rich legacy in terms of water and Agriculture. He said that the state shares 553 kilometers of the International Border with Pakistan and six border districts Amritsar, Tarn-Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Ferozepur and Fazilka. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann bemoaned that Special incentives to Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and J&K by the Central Government had adversely impacted the economy of border districts in Punjab.

The Chief Minister said that border districts of Punjab need to be supported on the lines of HP, Uttarakhand and J&K to revitalize the state’s trade and industrial sector. Seeking a special incentive package for border districts, he batted for establishment of Agro food processing zone in each border district of Punjab with a special focus on the Basmati rice Industry and Horticultural Produce like Litchi and others. Bhagwant Singh Mann also advocated upgradation of existing Focal Points in border districts and establishing an Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre at Amritsar.

The Chief Minister also sought PLI scheme for Agro Sector, tax benefits for Textile sector, freight Subsidy for industry and subsidized interest rate on term loans and working capital in border districts. He also underscored the need for upward revision of compensation to farmers having land between International Border and border fence asserting that more than 17,000 acres of land fall in between them. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that present compensation is given to farmers at a rate of Rs.10,000 per acre per year which should be enhanced Rs 30,000 per acre annually adding that instead of sharing between center and state, this should be totally paid by center as these brave hearts are working for making country self reliant in food production.

In order to strengthen the second line of defence in border regions, the Chief Minister also laid thrust on fortifying the Border Wing Home Guards Scheme to cover all 2107 Border Villages. He also sought enhancement of Duty Allowance from present Rs. 45 per day per jawan (fixed in 1999) to at least Rs. 655 per day per jawan adding that it is imperative for better coordination between Border Villages and BSF. Bhagwant Singh Mann also sought Rs.2829 Crore for upgradation of infrastructure and equipment, including jammers to check the smuggling of weapons and drugs through drone.

The Chief Minister said that it is important as more than 4/5th of the entire Border is without jamming systems thereby posing a major threat to unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann also batted for revision of Vibrant Village Program launched by the Union government to benefit more border villages of the state. He said that Punjab’s Border districts are heavily populated as compared to other States, with 1500 villages within 10 Km of the Border due to which only 101 villages out of total are selected under the scheme.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab needs to be incentivized so as to cater to other felt needs of the local populace in Border Villages and Towns. He further said that recent skirmishes with Pakistan have highlighted the need for making Border Districts War Resilient due to which bunkers and Air Shelters should be constructed for city population, alternate connecting routes to Border villages, Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) should be set up along with state of the art response command and Control Centre in each District, sensors for Street Lights, trauma centers in border cities should be equipped with secondary and tertiary care. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that communication equipment and secure lines for seamless communication with Air Force, Army and BSF establishments should be ensured, cyber security measures should be strengthened, resource mapping through GatiShakti and capacity building of District Civil Defence and disaster response workforce should be ensured.

Raising the issues of the industrial sector, the Chief Minister highlighted the key initiatives taken by the state government in terms of Fast Track Punjab Portal, Time Bound Service Delivery, Right to Business Act, Integration of Green Stamp Paper and others to attract investment. He said that the current share of Manufacturing sector in the state's economy was 14.4% but state government intends to escalate it to 20% by year 2030 and 25% by 2047. For this Bhagwant Singh Mann sought Freight Subsidy for Punjab being a landlocked State and introduction of a scheme on lines of Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) scheme for small manufacturers, so that they can send their goods within the country.

The Chief Minister also sought extension of PLI to bicycles, E-bikes and their components, R&D Facilities for innovative product design and materials for bicycles and expansion of existing High - Tech Valley Industrial Park at Ludhiana in SPV mode and developing the cluster as Bicycles Export Zone. He also advocated development of Sports Goods Export Zones in Jalandhar, support for State’s Mega Sports Initiative to boost demand by developing playgrounds and indoor gyms in every village of Punjab and demanded a Special Economic Zone for promotion of sports industry. Bhagwant Singh Mann also demanded R&D Facilities for innovative product design and materials of automobiles, skill development programs tailored to cater the need of auto and EV technologies and development of dedicated Auto & Auto components Export Zones in Mohali.

The Chief Minister also demanded a special economic package for the state comprising Rs 2,000 Crore for Special Economic Zone, development of Industrial Corridors (Global Manufacturing Hub) along the Bharat Mala Project, extension of Semi Conductor Lab (SCL) in Mohali, expansion of Software Technology Parks (STPI) in Mohali and development of dedicated Sector-Specific Export Zones in Punjab- including Amritsar for Food Processing, Ludhiana for Textiles and Mohali for Automobile Parks. Talking about the agriculture sector, he recalled the stellar role of hard working and resilient farmers of the state in making country self reliant in food production. Bhagwant Singh Mann reminded that Punjab produces about 12% of country’s and two percent of world’s Rice adding that Punjab government has been making consistent efforts to promote crop diversification in the state.

The Chief Minister solicited the support of the Union government to promote crop diversification, by encouraging alternative crops to paddy which consume less water. He said that during Kharif 2025 Government of Punjab launched a pilot project in six districts to promote the Kharif Maize in the State by providing a cash incentive of Rs. 17500/- per ha. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Government of India should support this initiative by providing funds for payment of cash incentive @Rs. 17500/- per hectare, to all maize growers across the State under the existing CSS “Crop Diversification Programme”.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that Cotton is an important kharif crop in south-western districts of the state and is mainly cultivated in the districts Bathinda, Mansa, Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib adding that to encourage cotton cultivation and shift area from paddy new seed technology, resistant to pink bollworm (PBW), should be developed and commercialized on priority basis as pink bollworm is one of the major threat to cotton and cost on insecticides has increased to manage the insect-pest. He said that until new seed (resistant to pink bollworm) is commercialized, assistance shall be provided to cotton growers for Mating Disruption Technology (MDT) for the management of PBW. Bhagwant Singh Mann also said 20 more AI based PBW pheromone trap, which are real-time early warning system, to alert for the infestation of pink bollworm in cotton should be installed in the state as done earlier by Central Institute of Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur, GoI.

The Chief Minister said that Labour cost is one of the prominent costs incurred to farmers in cotton cultivation as it costs about 14 percent of total value of the produce. Therefore, he said that scope of mechanization in cotton farming should be evaluated in the northern zone/Punjab adding that the Government of India should also extend support by providing cotton seed to farmers at subsidized rates. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the major reason behind shifting of area from cotton to paddy is less profitability in cotton whereas Cotton is a water saving crop and can replace area from paddy to save the depleting groundwater.

Therefore, the Chief Minister said that farmers should be incentivized for cotton cultivation on acreage basis. Raising another important issue, he reiterated that Punjab has no surplus water for any state. Asserting that in wake of grim situation of water in the state Yamuna-Sutlej-Link (YSL) canal should be considered for construction instead of the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers are already in deficit and water should be diverted from surplus to deficit basins.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab has repeatedly requested to be included in negotiations for the allocation of Yamuna waters as a pact for Yamuna-Sutlej-Link Project was signed between the erstwhile Punjab and Uttar Pradesh on March 12, 1954 which entitled the erstwhile Punjab to two-thirds of the Yamuna waters. He said that this agreement did not specify any particular area to be irrigated by Yamuna waters adding that before the re-organization, the Yamuna River, like the Ravi and Beas flowed through the erstwhile State of Punjab. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann bemoaned that while apportioning the river waters between Punjab and Haryana, the Yamuna waters were not considered, whereas the waters of Ravi and Beas were duly taken into account.

Citing a 1972 report by the Irrigation Commission, constituted by the Government of India, the Chief Minister said that it states that Punjab (post-1966, after its reorganization) falls within the Yamuna River Basin. Therefore, he said that if Haryana has a claim over the waters of Ravi and Beas rivers, Punjab should also have an equal claim on the Yamuna waters adding that these requests have been ignored adding that due to non-construction of storage structure on Yamuna River, water is going to waste. Thus, Bhagwant Singh Mann pleaded that Punjab's claim should be considered during the revision of this agreement, and Punjab should be given its due rights to Yamuna waters.

Raising the issue of bias approach of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), the Chief Minister said that the Board was constituted under the provisions of the Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966, with the mandate to regulate the supply of water and power from the Bhakra, Nangal and Beas projects to the partner States of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Chandigarh. He said that in the past Punjab has been very liberal in sharing water with the partner States to meet their drinking water and other genuine requirements as Punjab was relying upon its groundwater reserves to meet its demand of water, particularly for the paddy crop. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as a result, the groundwater level has depleted to a huge extent, so much so that 115 blocks out of 153 blocks of the State of Punjab (76.10%) are over-exploited adding that this percentage is the highest amongst all the States in the country.

The Chief Minister bemoaned that BBMB has been repeatedly playing a partisan role which is against the spirit and provisions of the law. He further said that of late, BBMB has been indulging in taking administrative actions which appear to be biased and against the interest of Punjab adding that the officers of Punjab in BBMB are being marginalised and ignored. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that traditionally, Member (Power) and Member (Irrigation) in BBMB were appointed from Punjab and Haryana due to their familiarity with local conditions but in 2022, a notification was issued to allow all-India appointments, stating that appointing members from specific states is in violation of the law, which is not advisable.

Speaking on the issue of desilting of Harike Head works, the Chief Minister said that it is located at the confluence point of Rivers Sutlej and Beas and is the main control point for supply of water to South west Punjab, Rajasthan and also controlling flow into Pakistan. He said that over the years the sedimentation of suspended silt/sand particles in the reservoir has drastically reduced the capacity of the reservoir and the backwater effect of the water required for optimal operation of canals is now being felt upto Kapurthala district adding that large swaths of agricultural land along the River Sutlej and Beas are becoming susceptible to flooding.Bhagawant Singh Mann said that there is an urgent need for carrying out De-silting of the reservoir at a cost Rs 600 crores approximately adding that as reservoir area has been declared a Ramsar Convention site and is of national importance, the Central Government and Rajasthan must share the cost of project.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that now the water of the Indus river is to be given to the states within the country, so Punjab has basic rights over it. He said that Punjab has been catering to the food needs of the country since long so it is imperative that it should be given water for its irrigational needs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the interests of the state should be safeguarded by all means and no stone should be left unturned on it.

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CM-led Punjab Cabinet’s historic decision: Big relief to Punjab’s industry as Cabinet approves industrial plot conversion

Move aimed at facilitating conversion of industrial plots into hospitals, hotels, industrial parks, and other uses

Chandigarh, June 26:The Punjab Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, on Thursday approved significant amendments to the state’s conversion policy, enabling the conversion of industrial plots into hospitals, hotels, industrial parks, and other permitted uses.

A decision to this effect was taken during a meeting of the Council of Ministers held at the Chief Minister’s official residence.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson from the Chief Minister’s Office said that earlier conversion policies were introduced in 2008, 2016, and 2021. However, industrial associations had raised concerns about certain restrictive conditions in the 2021 policy. In response, a committee reviewed the requests from industrialists and proposed a set of changes applicable to freehold plots. As per the revised policy, a conversion charge of 12.5% of the industrial reserve price will be levied.

Approval for Conversion of Leasehold Industrial Plots/Sheds to Freehold

The Cabinet also approved a policy for converting leasehold industrial plots and sheds into freehold ones, particularly for plots managed by PSIEC. These plots and sheds, originally allotted on a leasehold basis, included complex clauses related to transfer, leading to complications in property transactions. The new policy aims to streamline industrial estate management, enhance ease of doing business, and reduce litigation and uncertainty among allottees. Additionally, this conversion is expected to generate additional revenue for the state.

Amendments to MSE Facilitation Council Rules – 2021

The Cabinet approved amendments to the MSE Facilitation Council Rules – 2021 under the MSME Development Act, 2006. At present, District-level Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Councils function under the chairpersonship of the respective Deputy Commissioners. However, delays were noted in the execution of awards related to delayed payments under the Act. In line with Government of India guidelines, a mechanism will now be created for the recovery of such awards as arrears of land revenue under the Punjab Land Revenue Act, 1887.

Approval of Amendments to Punjab Water Resources Department Junior Engineers (Group-B) Service Rules

The Cabinet approved amendments to the service rules governing Junior Engineers (Group-B) in the Punjab Water Resources Department. While 15% of JE posts are reserved for promotion, 10% of these are filled from among Junior Draftsmen, Surveyors, Work Mistris, Earth Work Mistris, and others. Now, Canal Patwaris and Revenue Clerks who hold the required qualifications (i.e., a diploma or degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering from a recognized institution) and relevant experience will also be eligible under this quota. This move will bring experienced personnel into the department and incentivize employees to pursue higher qualifications.

Approval to Merge Various Directorates under the Department of Finance

For enhanced administrative efficiency and cost savings, the Cabinet approved the merger of various directorates under the Department of Finance. The Directorates of Small Savings, Banking & Finance, and Lotteries will be merged and renamed as the Directorate of Small Savings, Banking, and Lotteries. DPED and DFREI will be merged and renamed as the Directorate of Public Enterprises and Financial Resources. The Directorates of Treasury & Accounts, Pensions, and NPS will be merged into a single entity: Directorate of Treasury & Accounts, Pension, and NPS. This restructuring is expected to save the state approximately ₹2.64 crore annually.

Approval for Creation of New Posts for State SNA Treasury

The Cabinet also gave consent for the creation of new posts for the State SNA Treasury established in Chandigarh, in accordance with Government of India guidelines. Under Centrally Sponsored Schemes, funds are now transferred via the SNA SPARSH system. To operationalize the State SNA Treasury, the creation of the following nine posts was approved: District Treasury Officer, Treasury Officer, two Senior Assistants, four Clerks, and one Peon.

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After Small Fish, It’s Now the Turn of the ‘Jarnails’ to Face Action for Their Role in Drug Trade: CM

Another big fish will be nabbed in the coming days – CM Mann

Says action against Majithia has exposed unholy nexus of all political parties on drugs

No question of political vendetta, as ample evidence exists against drug smugglers

Chandigarh, June 26:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday stated that following action against small-time drug smugglers, it is now the turn of the ‘Jarnails’—the big players—to face consequences for their involvement in the drug trade.

Speaking to the media at his official residence, the Chief Minister reiterated the government’s policy of zero tolerance toward drugs and the powerful individuals who have either patronized or participated in the illicit trade. He said while small smugglers acted as distributors, the real kingpins—who operated an extensive network—had long evaded accountability. “Now, their time is up,” Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted. “No matter how influential they are, those involved in the drug trade will not be spared.”

The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government has already jailed many area-specific, small-scale smugglers. “The Aam Aadmi Party had guaranteed that the perpetrators of this heinous crime would be brought to justice. That promise is being fulfilled,” he said, adding that the ongoing crackdown has broken the backbone of the drug cartel.

Bhagwant Singh Mann further revealed that substantial evidence has been collected against those arrested, including records of significant hawala transactions, which he said will serve as “the final nail in their coffin.” He promised exemplary action to serve as a deterrent to others and reiterated the government’s commitment to bringing all offenders to justice.

The Chief Minister highlighted the success of the state’s “Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh” (War Against Drugs) campaign, noting that many traffickers have fled the state.

The campaign, he said, has now become a mass movement, with widespread public support. The Chief Minister praised village panchayats for passing resolutions against drug abuse, calling it a positive step toward eradicating the menace from Punjab. Commenting on the arrest of Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that cross-party statements in Majithia’s support prove the existence of a political nexus shielding drug smugglers.

The Chief Minister added that 29 mobile phones, eight laptops, and other crucial evidence have been recovered from Majithia’s residence. “His arrest has exposed the unholy alliance among traditional political parties on the drug issue. Their actions have devastated Punjab,” Bhagwant Singh Mann said. He warned that more prominent political figures would soon face arrest and that their properties would be confiscated or demolished.

Every link in the chain of drug money—both upstream and downstream—is being investigated thoroughly, the Chief Minister added. He said that Those who have accumulated vast wealth by supporting illegal activities will be held accountable. Dismissing accusations of political vendetta, Bhagwant Singh Mann maintained that all actions have been taken in accordance with the law.

The Chief Minister questioned that How can it be political vendetta when the opposition has been rejected outright by the people of Punjab? He said that the opposition is merely trying to politicize the matter in a desperate bid to protect itself. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that all such efforts will prove futile as the people of state are aware of the dubious character of these leaders.

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CM REITERATES COMMITMENT TO WIPE OUT MENACE OF DRUGS FROM STATE

Chandigarh, June 26:Punjab government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday commemorated the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by taking a historic step to intensify the fight against drugs with signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up the Data Intelligence and Technical Support Unit.

The MoU was signed between the Government of Punjab and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Medical Sciences, Mohali, and Vidyasagar Institute of Mental Health, Amritsar, in collaboration with the Ananya Birla Foundation.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that this initiative is part of the ongoing war against drugs being led by the Punjab Government adding that this unique initiative by the Punjab Government to establish the Data Intelligence and Technical Support Unit marks a significant step in combating the drug menace in the state. He said that this MoU is part of the broader efforts by the Punjab Government for drug prevention and rehabilitation. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Yudh Nasheyan Virudh has snapped the supply line of drugs adding that once this is disrupted, rehabilitating the affected individuals becomes extremely crucial.

The Chief Minister said that to support individuals in overcoming addiction and help them live a life of dignity, the government is not only establishing rehabilitation centres equipped with various facilities, but also providing medical care, education, and employment opportunities, to prevent relapse into drug use. He said that in the second phase of the anti-drug campaign, a comprehensive model of psychosocial care is being implemented through the Data Intelligence and Technical Support Unit. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this Unit will technically assist the anti-drug campaign by enhancing the capacity of medical officers, psychologists, police personnel, and frontline health workers.

The Chief Minister said that the unit will also focus on developing effective strategies to tackle rehabilitation challenges, ensure the smooth functioning of OOAT (Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment) clinics, and strengthen outreach efforts to the community. He envisioned that this Unit will play a crucial role in making Punjab a drug-free state adding that the Centralized Intelligence Unit will provide concrete data on de-addiction, rehabilitation, and OOAT patients, helping in designing and implementing informed policies. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that experts from institutions like AIIMS’ National Drug Treatment Centre, IIT Ropar, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, and PGI Chandigarh will provide timely support to this Unit.

The Chief Minister said that this Unit will work collaboratively with the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, Punjab Police, Health Department, Employment Generation, Skill Development, and Training Departments, as well as organizations and academic institutions related to mental health, rehabilitation, and data science. He said that it is heartening to learn that the Ananya Birla Foundation (ABF) will provide support for the technical capabilities and resources of this Unit. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this program will operate on a Hub and Spoke Model, based on a Centralized Technical Unit, where five medical colleges in Patiala, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Faridkot, and Mohali will act as Cluster Resource Centres.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has embarked a war against the menace of drugs and corruption adding that this drive can be successful only with the proactive support and cooperation of the people. He said that this is the fight for coming generations and cannot be won without the support of the common man. Bhagwant Singh Mann exhorted the people to extend wholehearted support for this noble cause so that Punjab can be made a progressive and frontrunner state in the country.

The Chief Minister said that war against drugs has transformed into a mass movement for which people should work hard. He said that it is pivotal to make Punjab a drug free state adding that it is the fight for the coming generations and it is the moral duty of everyone to support it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this fight will continue till the curse of drugs is not wiped out.

The Chief Minister said that the bulldozer drive to demolish the properties of the drug smugglers will be continued till logical conclusion. He said that the action is being taken as per the law of land and it is aimed at ensuring that drug trade is dealt a fatal blow. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this action will be further intensified so as to ensure that the drug is completely wiped out from the state.

Soliciting fulsome support and cooperation of people in the war against drugs, the Chief Minister said that the scourge of drugs was a blot on the face of state and it took more than two years for the state government to chalk out a strategy for wiping out this curse. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that subsequently the supply line of drugs was snapped, big fishes involved in these heinous crimes were put behind the bars, rehabilitation of the drug victims was ensured and even the property of the drug smugglers was confiscated and destroyed. He said that now the state government has launched a war against drugs in the form of Yudh Nasheyan Virudh the aim of which is to clean the state.

The Chief Minister also thanked the founder of the Ananya Birla Foundation Ananya Birla for this noble gesture to join hands with the state government.

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ECI starts proceedings to delist 345 RUPPs

Chandigarh, June 26 :The Election Commission of India (ECI), under the Chairmanship of Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, has started proceedings for the delisting of 345 Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs) which have failed to fulfil the essential condition of contesting even a single election for the last six years since 2019 and the offices of these parties could not be physically located anywhere. These 345 RUPPs are from different States and UTs across the country.

It has come to the notice of the Commission that of the over 2,800 RUPPS, currently registered with ECI, many RUPPs have failed to fulfil the essential conditions which are required to continue as an RUPP. Thus, a nationwide exercise was conducted by the ECI to identify such RUPPs and 345 such RUPPs have already been identified till now. In order to ensure that no party is unduly de-listed, the CEOs of the respective States/UTs have been directed to issue show-cause notices to such RUPPs following which, these parties will be given an opportunity through a hearing by the concerned CEOs. The final decision regarding the de-listing of any RUPP shall be taken by the Election Commission of India.

Political parties (National/State/RUPPs) in the country are registered with the ECI under the provisions of Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act 1951. Under this provision, any association once registered as a political party, gets certain privileges and advantages such as tax exemptions amongst others.

This exercise has been conducted with the aim of cleaning up the political system and de-listing of such parties which have not contested any election to Lok Sabha or Legislative Assemblies of States/UTs or bye-elections since 2019 and those which could not be physically traced as well. These 345 RUPPs have been identified in the first phase of this exercise, which shall be continued with the objective of cleaning up the political system.

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‘Roll back decision anti-democracy diktat of prohibiting protests & demonstrations’

MP Meet Hayer writes to Panjab University Chancellor & Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar

Terms dictatorial order in complete contravention of fundamental rights

Seeking an affidavit from students amounts to stifling right to peaceful protest

Such an arbitrary order severely dents Panjab University’s glorious traditions

Chandigarh, June 26:However, since past sometime, the arbitrary decisions undertaken by the Union Government with regard to the Panjab University have attempted to grossly undermine the immensely rich reputation of this great hub of academics, said the Lok Sabha MP from Sangrur Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer in a communication to the Chancellor and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar.

Citing the recent example, Meet Hayer said that the recently promulgated order demanding a written affidavit from the students about not staging protests and demonstrations in the Panjab University not just constitutes robbing them of their fundamental rights as enshrined in the constitution but is also in complete contravention of the spirit of democracy and free speech.

This decision of the dictatorial nature would in no case be accepted as in our constitution, the right to protest stands enshrined as elemental right which has come under attack by this capricious order. The recent decisions taken in the Panjab University which were completely inimical to the student community were only rolled back after protests by the students, said the MP adding that now, the students have been robbed of this basic right of theirs.

While on one hand the election of the Panjab University Council serves as the first lesson in democratic values to the students, the present decision is in total contradiction of this rich tradition. The Panjab University has given top notch names in the political sphere to the country but alas, the present decision would severely dent this glorious convention.

“Your goodself is the Chancellor of this august institution. Hence, it is my sincere appeal to you to kindly take personal interest in the matter in order to get this whimsical decision rolled back”, added Meet Hayer.

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MID-DAY MEAL STAFF GET ₹16L INSURANCE COVER: HARJOT BAINS

• School Education Dept inks MoU to cover over 44k Cook-cum-Helpers working in Govt schools, says Education Minister

Chandigarh, June 26:In a landmark initiative, the Punjab School Education department has partnered with Canara Bank to introduce a comprehensive insurance scheme to provide accidental insurance cover of Rs. 16 lakh and other benefits for the security of as many as 44,301 Mid-Day Meal Cook-cum-Helpers working in state government schools across the state, announced S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of School Education, Punjab.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Directorate of Elementary Education (Mid-Day Meal), and Canara Bank Chandigarh, in the presence of the School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains and School Education Secretary Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS, on Thursday. This collaboration aims to provide vital financial protection and security to Cook-cum-Helpers.

Highlighting the key features of the insurance scheme, S. Harjot Singh Bains informed that it offers comprehensive benefits, including Term Insurance with Rs. 1 lakh coverage for death with natural causes, Rs. 16 lakhs for death due to accident, Air Accident Cover with Rs. 18 lakhs coverage. Furthermore, the scheme provides hassle-free banking with no minimum balance requirement, an Instant Overdraft Facility of up to Rs. 10,000 or 50% of the previous month's net salary credited into their bank accounts to ensure ease and convenience for account holders.

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PUNJAB FINANCE DEPARTMENT WORKING ON CONSOLIDATING SOME STATE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOR ENHANCED EFFICIENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY: HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA

HAILS CABINET DECISION OF MERGING VARIOUS DIRECTORATES UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

Chandigarh, June 26-Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced today that the Finance Department is actively engaged in a strategic initiative to merge various small and interconnected state government departments to significantly boost efficiency, accelerate administrative processes, and optimize the utilization of available resources.

Lauding the Punjab Cabinet Decision to merge Various Directorates under the Department of Finance, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the move is aimed at significantly enhancing administrative efficiency and achieving substantial cost savings for the state. He said this strategic restructuring is projected to save the state approximately ₹2.64 crore annually. He said that these mergers will not only streamline operations but also improve the overall functioning and strength of these vital departments. This restructuring is a key step towards a more agile and fiscally responsible administration, he added.

Adding further, Finance Minister Cheema said that the Finance Department has been working on comprehensive restructuring and merger of other such state government departments to streamline government operations, reduce redundancies, and foster a more cohesive and responsive administrative framework. “By bringing together departments with overlapping functions or shared objectives, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government anticipates a notable increase in the speed of decision-making and implementation, ultimately benefiting the citizens of Punjab through more effective and accountable public services”, said the Finance Minister.

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QUALITY CONTROL DRIVE: 7 UNDERPERFORMING CHIEF AGRICULTURE OFFICERS GET SHOW CAUSE NOTICES

• Lackadaisical attitude towards duty to invite strict action, says Gurmeet Singh Khudian

Chandigarh, June 26:On the directions of the Cabinet Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare department has issued Show Cause Notices (SCNs) to seven Chief Agriculture Officers (CAO) for failing to meet quality control drive targets.

The development came a day after Agriculture Minister ordered departmental action against districts lagging behind in the quality control drive to ensure accountability and improvement.

Dr. Basant Garg, the Administrative Secretary Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, has initiated the action against the defaulting district agriculture chiefs posted in Kapurthala, Barnala, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Tarn Taran, Sangrur and Hoshiarpur districts, while directing them to respond within seven days or face further strict action as per the rules.

Reiterating the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s zero-tolerance stance against negligence, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian categorically said that officials displaying negligence or lackadaisical attitude towards duty will face the music and accountability will be fixed

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Punjab Govt Committed to Provide World-Class Civic Amenities to Urban Residents: Dr. Ravjot Singh

SAS Nagar (Mohali) District to Be Made Clean and Green: Local Government Minister

Cabinet Minister Reviews Development Works of ULBs of SAS Nagar

Chandigarh, June 26:Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is firmly committed to provide world-class civic amenities to urban residents and special emphasis is being laid on the beautification and modernization of cities across the state, said Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh while presiding over a review meeting with senior departmental officers and officials of SAS Nagar (Mohali) district here today.

Reaffirming the resolve to make Punjab’s cities clean, green and beautiful, the Cabinet Minister said that all urban local bodies under SAS Nagar (Mohali) including Municipal Councils Kharar, Dera Bassi, Rajpura, Banur, Zirakpur, Lalru, Naya Gaon, Gharuan and Kurali will be developed into clean and aesthetically pleasing towns.

While directing the officials to carry out urban development projects in a planned and time-bound manner, Dr. Ravjot Singh stressed that landscaping, road development, beautification of villages under Mohali city, works of urban citizens' facilities and construction of buildings being constructed in the cities should be ensured under safety rules.

After reviewing the detailed status of ongoing development works, the Cabinet Minister directed that all projects must be completed within stipulated timeframes. He asserted that providing quality civic amenities to urban residents is a top priority for the Punjab Government and no negligence in this regard will be tolerated.