Bhagwant Mann Announces CM Rakshak Padak for Four Cops Who Saved 11 Lives in Bathinda
Felicitates the Police Officers for Exemplary Service
Chandigarh, July 25:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday felicitated four police personnel who saved the lives of 11 people after a car fell into the Sirhind Canal in Bathinda on July 23.
The Chief Minister honoured the PCR team comprising ASIs Rajinder Singh and Narinder Singh, along with Constables Jaswant Singh and Harpal Kaur, for their exemplary service. Interacting with the officers at his residence, he commended their bravery, stating that they had upheld the glorious legacy of the Punjab Police in serving the people with utmost dedication and commitment. Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that as soon as the cops received information about the mishap, they immediately sprang into action to save the victims — including five children.
Highlighting the courage displayed by the cops, the Chief Minister said that ASI Narinder Singh jumped into the canal to rescue the families in car. He added that Constable Jaswant Singh, who did not know how to swim, still followed Narinder Singh into the water, risking his life to save others. Bhagwant Singh Mann also praised the rest of the PCR team and members of the public who proactively assisted in evacuating the victims.
Calling it a rare display of heroism and professional commitment, the Chief Minister congratulated Senior Superintendent of Police Avneet Kaundal and her entire team for this extraordinary act of humanity. He announced that these cops will be conferred with the CM Rakshak Padak for their bravery during the upcoming state-level Independence Day celebrations. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that their courageous example would inspire other officers to serve the state and its people with similar zeal and commitment.
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CM ASKS ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERT COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE BAGGA KALAN AND AKHAARA CBG PLANTS
ASKS COMMITTEE TO GIVE REPORT IN TIME BOUND MANNER
REITERATES ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
Chandigarh, July 25:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday asked the environmental expert committee to thoroughly examine the Bagga Kalan and Akhaara CBG plants and submit its report in a time bound manner.
The Chief Minister, while interacting with the villagers from the both the village in Ludhiana, said that the expert committee comprising representatives from pollution control board, universities and others should meet the villagers and assess all the points related to setting of these plants. He reiterated that the committee and villagers will carefully examine each and every concern being raised by the local residents. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the committee should submit the report pertaining to the plants in a time bound manner so that adequate action can be taken on it.
The Chief Minister assured that the government will not allow any violations, and that no action will be taken without first safeguarding the interests of the villagers. He reiterated the state government’s firm commitment to pollution control in Punjab and affirmed that there will be zero tolerance for any violation of pollution norms. Bhagwant Singh Mann made it clear to the villagers that the plant will be completely pollution-free, and that no one will be permitted to violate the rules.
The Chief Minister further said that strict action will be taken against any rule-breakers adding that the state government is committed to preserve the water and environment of the state. Citing the instance of Ghungarali village biogas plant—which was set up with the consent of villagers—as an example, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that for the first time in history of state decisions are being taken with consent of people. Meanwhile, he also said that the Punjab government will leave no stone unturned to safeguard the interests of the state and its people.
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Punjab to Be Developed as Semiconductor Hub of the Country: CM
Says Punjab Government Committed to Building a Robust Semiconductor Ecosystem
Chandigarh, July 25 :Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday said that the state government will make every possible effort to develop a robust semiconductor ecosystem in Punjab.
Chairing a meeting with representatives of the semiconductor industry here today, the Chief Minister emphasized the vital role semiconductor chips play in modern technology, stating that they are essential components in virtually all electronic devices. He added that semiconductors enable a wide range of functionalities — from basic computation to advanced technologies. Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted the vast potential of the semiconductor industry, noting that it is currently experiencing an impressive annual growth rate of 20–23% within the national economy.
The Chief Minister pointed out that semiconductors are critical to several sectors including consumer electronics, automotive, industrial automation, telecommunications, aerospace and defence, energy and power, medical devices, data centers and cloud computing, smart devices, artificial intelligence, and more. He said that India is rapidly emerging as a major hub for semiconductors with growing capabilities in foundries, chip design, Electronic Design Automation (EDA) services, and related areas. Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that Punjab holds tremendous potential in this sector, and the state government is determined to harness it to place Punjab on a high-growth economic trajectory.
The Chief Minister assured the industry of full support and cooperation, including the establishment of a dedicated semiconductor park in and around Mohali. He said Punjab offers a conducive industrial environment, a skilled workforce, and ample resources — making it an ideal destination for semiconductor investments. The industry, Bhagwant Singh Mann noted, will not only spur industrial growth but also create significant employment opportunities for the youth.
Also present on the occasion were Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, Secretary Industries KK Yadav, CEO Invest Punjab Amit Dhaka, and other senior officials.
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SALE OF SPURIOUS SEEDS TO BE NON-BAILABLE OFFENCE: CM LED CABINET GIVES NOD
The Seeds (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025
Chandigarh, July 25:In a historic decision, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday gave its consent to introduce The Seeds (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025 to make sale of spurious seeds a non bailable offence.
A decision to this effect was taken by the Council of Ministers in its meeting held here under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister today.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Cabinet gave its consent to introduce The Seeds (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025 to ensure supply of high quality seeds to the farmers of Punjab. There has been no amendment in Section 19 of the Seeds Act 1966 since inception due to which the fines and penalties have no deterrence. So the Cabinet gave the nod to enact a Bill to amend the Seeds act and insert Section 19A for contravention of Section 7 of Seeds Act (Regulation of sales of seeds of notified kinds or varieties), enhancing the fine and penalty, making it cognizable and non-bailable.
As per the provision, the first offence by the company will invite punishment of one to two years and fine of Rs 5 to 10 lakh whereas punishment of two to three years and fine of Rs 10 to 50 lakh for repeated offence. Similar misdeed by Dealer/ Person will invite punishment of 6 months to one year and fine of Rs 1 to 5 lakh for first offence and a term of 1 to 2 yrs and fine of Rs 5 to 10 lakh for repeated offence. Pertinently, earlier, fine was Rs 500 for first offence and for repeated offence fine was Rs 1000 and term upto 6 months.
MAJOR RELIEF TO INDUSTRIALISTS FOR EVOLVING A MECHANISM TO PROVIDE LAND PARCELS
The Cabinet also gave concurrence for evolving a mechanism to provide land parcels (on sale or lease basis) for promoting industrial/business investment in the State. The move is aimed at further giving impetus to the investment in the state. Pertinently, there was a lack of formalized, time bound mechanism for identifying and provisioning land parcels for investors seeking land. So, a comprehensive mechanism has been given nod with features like bi-Annual digital land pool, Investor Facilitation for investment above Rs 200 crore, feasibility check, reserve price fixation, e-Auction process, Lease option, Auction timelines and others.
UPPER AGE FOR GROUP D RECRUITMENT ENHANCED TO 37 YEARS FROM 35 YEARS
In a major relief to the aspirants of the group D posts, the Cabinet also gave approval to Amendment in rules 5 (b) and 5 (d) of the Punjab State (Group D) Service Rules, 1963 thereby enhancing the upper age limit of existing 35 years to 37 years. The age limit for appointment in Group ‘D’ services in Punjab was 16 to 35 years, while for Group A, B and C posts, as per PCS Rules 1994 was 18 to 37 years. For uniformity, the Punjab State Group-D Service Rules Rule 5(b) has been amended to keep the date on age of appointment between 18 to 37 years. Educational qualification under Rule 5(d) has been modified from ‘Middle’ to ‘Matriculation’.
GIVES NOD TO INTRODUCE OTS FOR INDUSTRIALISTS
The Cabinet also gave nod for introducing a One-Time Settlement Scheme (OTS) scheme for the settlement of loans under interest-free loans, seed margin money, Punjab State AID to Industries Act, 1935, and the integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP). As per this there will be a complete waiver of principal and interest for loans under IRDP and Punjab State Aid to Industries Act, 1935 (PSAIA). The eligible units will be required to avail of the scheme and to clear their dues within 180 days of publication of notice in the newspaper.
EX-POST FACTO APPROVAL IN TIME FRAME TO INVITE BIDS IN RE- TENDER FLOATED
The Cabinet also gave ex-post facto approval of relaxation in time frame to invite bids in re- tender floated for purchase of 46000 LDPE Black Polythene Covers for RMS 2025-26. For ensuring safe storage, maintenance and preservation of wheat worth Rs 30,000 crores during Rabi Marketing Season 2025-26, ex-post facto approval is sought for relaxing the period of tender from T+21 days to T+14 days for procurement of LDPE covers. It was necessitated to ensure fumigation before onset of monsoons and to safeguard open stocks from vagaries of nature.
PUNJAB DISTRICT MINERAL FOUNDATION RULES REVISED
The Cabinet also gave approval to revise Punjab District Mineral Foundation (DMF) rules as per revised GOI guidelines under PMKKKY, 2024. These revisions will ensure transparency in implementation of projects, powers, duties and responsibilities such as five year perspective planning, high priority sectors for utilization of DMF funds, restriction on fund transfer from DMF. These guidelines aim to make the functioning of DMFs more transparent and efficient.
NOD TO AMENDMENTS IN ADVISORY MANAGING COMMITTEE OF SHRI KALI DEVI JI/SHRI RAJ RAJESHWARI JI TEMPLE, PATIALA
The Cabinet gave its consent for amendments in the Advisory Managing Committee of Shri Kali Devi Ji/Shri Raj Rajeshwari Ji Temple, Patiala thereby authorizing the Chief Minister to nominate the Chairman and Members of the Advisory Managing Committee. Likewise, the go ahead was given for changes in Financial powers of the Chairman, Secretary, Members and Management Committee.
NOD TO AMENDMENT IN THE PUNJAB VALUE ADDED TAX RULES, 2005
The Cabinet also gave its concurrence for Amendment in the Punjab Value added Tax Rules, 2005 thereby stipulating that that Chairman and other members of Punjab VAT Tribunal will be entitled to HRA and DA at such rates which are applicable to officers of Punjab.
GIVES NOD TO "THE PUNJAB FOOD GRAINS TRANSPORTATION POLICY 2025”
The Cabinet also gave nod to the "The Punjab Food grains Transportation Policy 2025” and 'The Punjab Labour & Cartage Policy, 2025” for the smooth and hassle free transportation of Food grains in the state of Punjab. Pertinently the Government of Punjab through its State Procurement Agencies and FCI procures food grains from various designated centres/ mandis. As per the policy during the year 2025, food grain transportation works will be allotted through a competitive and transparent online tender system.
EXTENSION TO SERVICES OF 479 VETERINARY PHARMACISTS AND 472 SAFAI SEWAKS IN 582 VETERINARY HOSPITALS
In order to provide better health facilities to Livestock owners, the Cabinet also gave nod to extend the services of 479 Veterinary Pharmacists and 472 Safai Sewaks working in 582 Veterinary hospitals across the state as service providers from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.
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MANN GOVERNMENT'S JIWANJYOT 2.0 RESCUES 168 CHILD BEGGARS IN JUST ONE WEEK : DR BALJIT KAUR
88 VULNERABLE CHILDREN SHIFTED TO SAFE GOVERNMENT HOMES; CRACKDOWN ON CHILD EXPLOITATION INTENSIFIES
PUNJAB MOVES TOWARDS A BEGGAR-FREE FUTURE WITH SCIENTIFIC RESCUE, REHAB AND DNA VERIFICATION DRIVE
Chandigarh, July 25 :Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Government’s flagship initiative ‘Project JIWANJYOT 2.0’ has successfully rescued 168 child beggars from the streets across the state in just one week. This was announced today by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur during a press conference held at Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh.
She said that the project, initially launched nine months ago, has now been relaunched in an upgraded and intensified format as ‘JIWANJYOT 2.0’, focusing not just on rescue operations but also on scientific identification, rehabilitation, and long-term integration of these children into the mainstream. The revamped project includes social investigation reports, DNA testing, psychological counselling, and strict legal follow-up.
125 Special Raids, 168 Rescued, 88 in Child Care Homes
The Minister informed that 125 coordinated rescue raids were carried out across major cities during which 168 children were rescued. Among them, 80 children were identified and reunited with their parents, after due verification and counselling to ensure they are not forced into begging again.
However, 88 children whose parents or guardians could not be traced have been placed in secure government-run child care institutions, where they are being provided with nutrition, education, emotional support and medical aid as per JJ Act norms.
Scientific Approach: DNA Tests, Reports and Interstate Coordination
Dr. Baljit Kaur added that 25 social investigation reports have already been prepared to understand the background, vulnerabilities and needs of rescued children. For 16 children, DNA identification is being undertaken – 13 samples have been collected and sent to authorized labs for parentage confirmation.
She highlighted that among the rescued children, 10 are from other states. Necessary coordination is underway to facilitate their safe repatriation in consultation with concerned state governments.
From Rescue to Rehabilitation: Beyond Shelter
“Project JIWANJYOT is not just about pulling children off the streets; it's about rebuilding their futures,” Dr. Kaur emphasized. Many of these children have now been admitted to schools and linked with welfare schemes. 30 children have been formally reunited with their families, and follow-up monitoring is ongoing. Meanwhile, 58 children remain under government care, with efforts ongoing to trace families or identify long-term guardians.
Action Against Parents, Traffickers & Organized Gangs
The Minister issued a stern warning to parents or guardians found forcing children into begging. Such individuals will be declared “unfit guardians” under the law, and legal action will be initiated. She also reiterated the government's firm stance against organized gangs or traffickers exploiting minors, promising strict police action under relevant IPC provisions.
New Homes for Adult Beggars Coming Up
To address the issue holistically, Dr. Kaur announced that the Punjab Government will soon establish ‘Aasra Centres’ for adult beggars in major cities including Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Mohali and Bathinda. These centres will provide shelter, counselling and skill training to ensure adult beggars are not forced to push children into street begging.
Appeal to Citizens: Call 1098
Dr. Baljit Kaur appealed to the public and media:
“If you see a child begging anywhere in Punjab, immediately call Child Helpline 1098. Timely reporting can change a child’s life.”
She concluded by saying that Project JIWANJYOT 2.0 aims to build a Punjab where every child belongs in a school, not on the street — and the Mann Government is committed to making this vision a reality.
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’YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: ON DAY 146, PUNJAB POLICE CONDUCTS RAIDS AT 414 SITES; 103 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD
— OPERATION LEADS TO REGISTRATION OF 69 FIRs, RECOVERY OF 21KG HEROIN, 1KG OPIUM, ₹1.62L DRUG MONEY
— AS PART OF ‘DE-ADDICTION’, PUNJAB POLICE CONVINCE 81 PERSONS TO UNDERGO DE-ADDICTION TREATMENT
CHANDIGARH, July 25:Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 146th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 414 locations on Friday leading to the arrest of 103 drug smugglers after registration of 69 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 23,377 in 146 days.
The raids have resulted in recovery of 21.17 kg heroin, 1 kg opium, 8859 intoxicant tablets/pills/injections and Rs 1.62 lakh drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.
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 180 Police teams, comprising over 1300 police personnel, under the supervision of 86gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 453 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 81 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.