Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Engages with Employee Unions to Address Concerns
Chandigarh, August 6:Punjab Finance Minister Cum Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee for the Resolution of Employee Issues, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema along with the Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, today convened productive meetings with Five employee unions to discuss their demands and expedite solutions.
The meetings, held at the Finance Minister's office in the Punjab Civil Secretariat, included representatives from the Safai Mazdoor Sewermen Union (Regd.) Punjab Water Supply & Sewerage Board Barnala affiliated with Punjab Safai Karamchari Union, Fire Brigade Outsource Karamchari Union, Punjab, Fire Brigade Contract Karamchari Union, Punjab, Sewermen Union Municipal Corporation Hoshiarpur and PWD Field and Workshop Workers Union, Punjab.
During the discussion with the Safai Mazdoor Sewermen Union (Regd.) Punjab Water Supply & Sewerage Board Barnala and PWD Field and Workshop Workers Union, Punjab, the Minister gave a patient hearing to their demands and reiterated the Punjab government's commitment to addressing their legitimate demands and assured them that necessary solutions would be found promptly.
On the occasion, the Finance Minister also directed the officers of the Local Government department to prepare a detailed record of the posts in the sewerage board besides formulating a recruitment plan for recruitment to the posts of Junior Draftsman, Clerks, Pump Operators & Beldars so as to streamline the functioning at the grassroots level.
The Finance Minister also attentively heard the concerns of the Fire Brigade Outsource Karamchari Union, Punjab, Fire Brigade Contract Karamchari Union, Punjab, Sewermen Union Municipal Corporation Hoshiarpur regarding various issues put forward by them.
Among others present on the occasion included the Additional Chief Secretary (Local Government) Tejveer Singh, CEO PMIDC Deepti Uppal and Joint Director Local Government Jagdeep Sehgal, President Fire Brigade Outsource Union Amanjot Singh Mohali, General Secretary Sahib Singh Khanna, President Fire Brigade Contract Union Punjab Sobha Singh and Kashi Ram, Sonu Bhagat.
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Vigilance Bureau arrests Junior Engineer for accepting bribe Rs 7,000
Chandigarh: August 6, 2025 –The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state on Tuesday arrested Balwinder Singh, Junior Engineer, posted at PSPCL, Jalalabad(West), Fazilka district for receiving a bribe of Rs 7000.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the accused demanded bribe from the complainant Salvinder Singh r/o village Jamalgarh, tehsil Jalalabad district Fazilka.
He further added that the complainant has alleged that the above-mentioned accused had demanded Rs 10,000 as a bribe in lieu of installing a separate transformer for the motor on his land.
During verification it was found that the said Junior Engineer had demanded Rs 10,000 bribe and taken Rs 3000/- as bribe in first installment and later on demanded remaining bribe of Rs 7000 for this purpose. Complainant recorded the conversation pertaining to demanding a bribe of Rs. 7000/-.
On the basis of the enquiry a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused Junior Engineer. He will be produced in competent court tomorrow and further investigation into this case is under progress.
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Sakatar Singh Bal, newly appointed President of PCS Association today met Punjab Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO. On this occasion, Association's General Secretary Ankur Mahindru, Tejdeep Saini, Sandeep Singh Garha and Vyom Bhardwaj Vice President were also present.
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School Education Dept. extends date for submission of transfer applications
Chandigarh, August 6:The Punjab School Education Department today extended the date for submission of applications for general transfers of teachers till August 8, 2025.
Sharing this information here today, the Director Secondary Education Mr. Gurinder Sodhi said that the https://www.epunjabschool.gov. in/ portal regarding the transfer of teachers was opened for August 5 and 6, but following the request from the teachers, the date for submission of online applications for transfers has been extended till August 8, 2025.
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IN WAKE OF FORTHCOMING I-DAY, PUNJAB POLICE CONDUCTS SEARCH OPERATION AT 213 BUS STANDS ACROSS STATE
— YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH CONTINUES AS POLICE ARREST 91 DRUG SMUGGLERS ON DAY 158; RECOVERS 1.1KG HEROIN
— AS PART OF ‘DE-ADDICTION’, PUNJAB POLICE CONVINCE 52 PERSONS TO UNDERGO DE-ADDICTION TREATMENT
CHANDIGARH, August 6: As part of the ongoing special operations to ensure peaceful celebrations of forthcoming Independence Day as desired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police on Wednesday conducted a cordon and search operation (CASO) at and around 213 Bus Stands across the state.
The operation was carried out in all the 28 Police districts on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav.
Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who was personally monitoring this state-level operation, said that all the CPs/SSPs were asked to ensure heavy deployment of police force under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (SP) rank officers to make this operation successful.
He said that as many as 2224 suspicious persons were checked during this operation and three first information reports have been registered. Apart from this, police teams have also checked vehicles stationed at different parkings adjoining to the bus stands, issued 541 challans and impounded 16 vehicles.
Apart from this, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs on Day 158th, and conducted raids at 344 locations on Wednesday leading to the arrest of 91 drug smugglers after registration of 61 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 24,865 within 158 days.
The Special DGP said that the raids have resulted in recovery of 1.1 kg heroin, 20 kg poppy husk and 9122 intoxicant pills from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.
He informed that over 150 Police teams, comprising over 1000 police personnel, under the supervision of 71 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 366 suspicious persons during the day long operation.
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 52 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.
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Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak conducts surprise raid at gas agencies' godowns
Takes strong notice of discrepancies in weighing scales
Directs strong action as per norms of Department
Won't tolerate defrauding of gas consumers: Lal Chand Kataruchak
Chandigarh/Fatehgarh Sahib, August 6:The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak today conducted surprise raids at the godowns of various gas agencies at Sirhind and found glaring discrepancies in the weighing scales thus taking strong notice of the matter. Terming it as the sheer exploitation of the gas consumers, the Minister warned that malpractices of any kind simply won't be tolerated by the Punjab Government.
The Minister also said that the State Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has given strict directions against the undue harassment and financial loot of the gas consumers. If any gas agency owner is indulging in such nefarious activities then severe action would be initiated as per the rules.
Taking strong note of the bypassing of the rules by some gas agencies' owners with regard to the Weighing scales of the gas cylinders, Mr. Kataruchak cautioned that there is zero tolerance against such bunglings. He directed the DFSC concerned to initiate departmental proceeding against the gas agencies violating rules and tolerate no laxity in this regard.
The Minister also appealed to the gas consumers to get their gas cylinders weighed in at the time of gas supply so as to ensure no malpractice. He further revealed that it is mandatory for the Suppliers of gas but it is sometimes seen that this rule is given a go by which is a clear violation of norms. At some places the Weighing scales are not Government authorized, said the Minister. He got the gas cylinders weighed in his presence at some of the spots and took feedback from the gas consumers in connection with the working of gas agencies and behaviour.
On the occasion, Controller from Headquarters Manohar Singh and DFSC Meenakshi were present too.
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SUBMIT BI-WEEKLY REPORT ON CONDITION & PROGRESS OF COTTON CROP, GURMEET KHUDIAN DIRECTS FIELD STAFF
• Agriculture Minister directs officials to complete DSR field verification by August 10
Chandigarh, August 6:Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian has ordered the Chief Agriculture Officers (CAOs) in the Cotton Belt to submit bi-weekly reports on the progress and condition of the ‘White Gold’ crop, besides directing the field officials to ensure completion of Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) fields verification by August 10, 2025 so that an incentive of Rs. 1,500 per acre can be directly transferred into the bank accounts of the eligible farmers.
These directions were issued during a high-level video conference meeting with all CAOs and senior officials of the department, on Wednesday.
The Agriculture Minister also directed CAOs to regularly visit cotton fields to monitor and manage pest attacks, including pink bollworm, whitefly, Jassid, thrips and other insects. He also asked them to inspect paddy fields for the Rice Dwarf Virus and guide the farmers on effective management and control measures to mitigate its impact.
Expressing concern over rainwater-logged fields in Fazilka and Kapurthala districts, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian directed the Agriculture Department officials to conduct regular inspections of the affected fields and collaborate with other departments and district administration to ensure prompt water drainage to mitigate crop damage. He emphasised that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting and supporting the state's farmers for ensuring their welfare and interests are safeguarded in every situation.
Meanwhile, Dr. Basant Garg, Administrative Secretary Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, instructed the field staff to vigilantly monitor fertiliser dealers to prevent hoarding and ensure urea is exclusively used for agricultural purposes, curbing its diversion to industrial sectors.
Director Agriculture Mr. Jaswant Singh apprised S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian that eight pest infestation hotspots in cotton fields had been identified in Fazilka and Bathinda districts. The department officials had advised the farmers in these areas to use PAU-recommended insecticides and pesticides. He assured that the infestation was well under control and below the economic threshold level.
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STATE-WIDE CONTROL ROOMS WORKING 24x7 WITH EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAMS ON STANDBY: BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL
REITERATES, PUNJAB FULLY PREPARED TO TACKLE FLOOD-LIKE SITUATIONS
Chandigarh, August 6:Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today said that Punjab is fully prepared to address any flood-like situation. He said that district-level control rooms are fully operational and accessible for emergency assistance, following heavy rainfall in hilly regions over recent days.
He said that the state government has implemented robust flood mitigation measures and comprehensive preparedness protocols to tackle every potential scenario, with flood defence infrastructure and emergency response mechanisms fully mobilized across the state.
The Minister informed that control rooms are active statewide, with emergency response teams on alert and continuous real-time monitoring of rivers and drainage systems across vulnerable flood zones. Advanced flood forecasting systems and early warning mechanisms have been deployed to ensure swift response capabilities. District-wise control rooms are operational under Junior Engineer-level supervision for immediate flood response coordination.
Divulging details of control Rooms, he said that Ropar control room number is 01881-221157, Gurdaspur control room is 01874-266376 and 18001801852, Pathankot control room is 01862-346944, Amritsar control room is 01832-229125, Tarn Taran control room is 01852-224107, Hoshiarpur control room is 01882-220412, Ludhiana control room is 0161-2520232, Jalandhar control room is 0181-2224417 and 94176-57802, SBS Nagar control room is 01823-220645, Mansa control room is 01652-229082, Sangrur control room is 01672-234196, Patiala control room is 0175-2350550 and 2358550, Mohali control room is 0172-2219506, Sri Muktsar Sahib control room is 01633-260341, Faridkot control room is 01639-250338, Fazilka control room is 01638-262153 and 01638-260555, Ferozepur control room number is 01632-245366, Barnala Control Room No. is 01679-233031, Bathinda Flood control room Nos. are 0164-2862100 and 0164-2862101, Kapurthala Control Room no. is 01822-231990, Fatehgarh Sahib flood control room no. is 01763-232838, Moga flood control room no. is 01636-235206 and Malerkotla flood control room no. is 01675-252003.
Providing information about reservoir water levels, the Cabinet Minister said that current water levels in major dams remain within safe parameters, with Bhakra Dam standing at 1637.40 feet against maximum capacity of 1680 feet, Pong Dam at 1373.08 feet against maximum capacity of 1390 feet and Ranjit Sagar Dam at 1694.64 feet against maximum capacity of 1731.55 feet.
He said that the Water Resources Department has executed comprehensive flood mitigation strategies, including desilting and cleaning of 4,766 kilometers of drains and watercourses, completion of embankment reinforcement projects, procurement of 8.76 lakh sandbags for flood control with 3.24 lakh sandbags already filled and strategically positioned and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping of sandbag locations for rapid deployment during emergency situations.
The emergency response protocol includes 24x7 surveillance maintained at vulnerable locations, continuous monitoring by Water Resources Department officials, daily situation reports submitted to headquarters and emergency evacuation plans activated across flood-prone areas. Deputy Commissioners and concerned department officials have been directed to maintain round-the-clock vigilance, with the integrated flood management approach involving coordination between Water Resources Department, Revenue Department, Police and disaster management agencies.
He urged residents near river embankments and flood-prone areas to remain vigilant during heavy rainfall periods and contact control rooms immediately for emergency assistance, follow evacuation orders if issued by authorities and avoid venturing into waterlogged areas.
The Cabinet Minister assured that Punjab's flood preparedness infrastructure and emergency response capabilities are fully equipped to handle any inundation scenario effectively and minimize potential damage to life and property through proactive flood management and swift emergency response mechanisms.
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PUNJAB EXPANDS ‘FOOD SAFETY ON WHEELS’ TO ALL DISTRICTS; PUBLIC URGED TO GET THEIR FOOD TESTED
— HEALTH MINISTER DR BALBIR SINGH WARNS AGAINST ADULTERATION, SAYS 145 CONVICTIONS IN 5 YEARS
— OVER 43K FOOD SAMPLES TAKEN SINCE CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN LED GOVT CAME TO POWER
— PUBLIC ENCOURAGED TO TEST DAILY STAPLES LIKE MILK, PANEER & SPICES IN MOBILE FOOD SAFETY VANS
CHANDIGARH, August 6:Reaffirming the commitment of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to ensure safe and healthy food to people of the state, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Wednesday exhorted the public to make maximum use of the ‘Food Safety on Wheels’ initiative, which has now expanded in all the districts.
Notably, ‘Food Safety on Wheels’ are Mobile Food Testing Vans, which are equipped for screening of adulteration among major categories of Food including Milk, paneer, water, and other daily consumables.
"These vans are a crucial tool in our fight against food adulteration—I urge every individual to get their food tested," said the Health Minister, while addressing a press conference under the slogan “if it’s not safe, it’s not food” at Punjab Bhawan here. The latter was accompanied by Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul, Commissioner Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Punjab Dilraj Singh, Director Labs Ravneet Kaur, and Joint Commissioner Food Safety Dr Amit Joshi.
He informed that since the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has came to power, a total of 18,559 enforcement samples along with 12,178 surveillance samples have been taken by the department. Additionally, over 13,000 samples have been screened for adulteration on Food Safety on Wheels so far, he said, while adding that the major categories include Paneer, Ghee, Milk, Spices, Fruits and Vegetable, Sweets, Khoa, etc.
Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh directed FDA officials to utilize these food safety vans to their full potential and create awareness among masses specifically students, while, asking them to act in a transparent manner and implement all the policies of the department in true letter and spirit. He also emphasised that only "Shudh Ann" would lead to "Shudh Mann and Swasth Tann".
He reiterated that food adulteration will not be tolerated at any cost and strict action will be initiated against anyone found indulged in such activities. He informed that the Hon’ble Court has awarded upto six months of imprisonment along with penalties in 145 cases of adulteration in last five years.
The Health Minister also highlighted that till date total 3.17 lakh Licenses & Registrations has been issued to the Food Business operators and also urged all the FBOs including Street Food Venders to register themselves with the Food and Drugs Administration.
He also emphasised the need for balanced diets and informed dietary choices, urging the FDA to intensify public education campaigns on nutrition and government health initiatives. He appealed Punjabis to adopt the "Eat Right, Stay Healthy" approach and contribute to building a healthier, and nutritionally secure Punjab.
Meanwhile, the Minister highlighted that the FDA has put around 500 awareness Camps in which over 55000 persons were trained regarding hygiene, eat right and other food safety practices. He also informed that 13 eat right melas have been organized in the state in the last three years to sensitise people on Food Safety. Also, 150 certifications have been achieved in the field of Eat Right campus, Mandis, Street Food Hubs etc.