CM AND ARVIND KEJRIWAL FLAG OFF BAAJ AKH- ANTI DRONE SYSTEM TO CHECK SMUGGLING DRUGS AND WEAPONS FROM ACROSS THE BORDER

PUNJAB BECOMES THE FIRST STATE IN THE COUNTRY TO DEPLOY THIS SYSTEM AT THE INTERNATIONAL BORDER

THIS MARKS ANOTHER GLORIOUS CHAPTER IN ONGOING CRUSADE AGAINST DRUGS- ASSERTS KEJRIWAL

SAYS SIX MORE SUCH SYSTEMS TO BE DEPLOYED ACROSS THE STATE IN COMING DAYS

THIS SYSTEM WILL BE DEPLOYED ALONG THE INTERNATIONAL BORDER FROM PATHANKOT TO FAZILKA AS A SECOND LINE OF DEFENCE- SAYS CM

ADS WILL ASSIST THE SECURITY FORCES IN COMBATING THE SMUGGLING OF DRUGS AND WEAPONS FROM ACROSS THE BORDER

Tarn Taran, August 9:In a path breaking initiative to check supply of drugs from across the border, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convener of AAP Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday flagged off Baaj Akh- Anti Drone System (ADS) after which Punjab became the first state in the country to deploy this system at the international border.

Interacting with the media, the National Convener of AAP said that another glorious chapter has been added in the crusade against the drugs. He said that previous regimes hobnobbed with the drug smugglers due to which this curse flexed its muscles in the state. However, Arvind Kejriwal said that now a massive crackdown has been launched against drugs and big fishes involved in this trade have been put behind the bars.

The National Convener of AAP said that drugs have been supplied to Punjab from across the border and to check them this anti-drone system has been launched. He said that three ADS have been launched and six others will be launched very soon to make Punjab free from this scourge. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state government has strictly implemented a zero-tolerance policy against drug traffickers.

The National Convener of AAP said that properties acquired by drug smugglers through the illegal drug trade are being demolished. He further said that the most notorious and feared drug lord has been put behind the bars by an honest government in the state led by Bhagwant Singh Mann. Arvind Kejriwal said that these smugglers, who celebrate with luxuries at home while poisoning society, are the real enemies of our people and the state government will not spare them at any cost.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that under the “War Against Drugs” (Yudh Nasheyan Virud) campaign, Punjab has today launched a battle to stop drug smuggling from across the border. He said that Punjab shares a 553-kilometer border with Pakistan, which is considered one of the most sensitive zones for the smuggling of narcotics and weapons. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that to strengthen border security and tackle the challenges posed by drone-based smuggling, nine anti-drone units are being set up along the international border.

The Chief Minister said that an amount of ₹51.4 crore is being spent on these units. He said that although our country’s armed forces and BSF have already been using such systems, Punjab is the first state in the country to deploy anti-drone systems at the international border. He said that the anti-drone system will give a strong response to drug smugglers from across the border adding that anti-national elements always use technology for anti-social activities. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the enemies of the country have turned drones into weapons to destroy Punjab’s youth, and drones are being used for drug smuggling from across the border.

Extending congratulations to the security forces, the Chief Minister lauded them for working tirelessly to stop this cross-border drug trafficking. He said that in 2024, a total of 283 drones loaded with heroin, weapons, and ammunition were seized adding that in 2025, so far, 137 drones have already been recovered. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the anti-drone system will be deployed along the border from Pathankot to Fazilka as a Second Line of Defense.

The Chief Minister said that with this, any drone entering the state through the border can be immediately neutralized. He said that the Second Line of Defense refers to the deployment of Punjab Police in the border districts, who work behind the BSF stationed at the international border. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the anti-drone systems will assist the security forces in combating the smuggling of drugs and weapons.

The Chief Minister said that these systems will be deployed at those specific border points where high drone activity has been observed. He said that previously, Punjab Police did not have any such system to neutralize drones, but now, Punjab Police has become capable. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the anti-drone system is equipped to accurately detect the drone’s position and its ground control stations.

The Chief Minister said that these systems come with automated alert technology, which immediately notifies authorities upon detecting drone movement, thus eliminating the need for manual monitoring. He said that to ensure the successful implementation of this advanced system, coordination will be maintained with BSF, the Indian Air Force, the Indian Army, and other agencies. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that anti-drug curriculum has been already introduced in Schools under “War Against Drugs” with an aim to make 8 lakh students aware against the menace of drugs.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab’s war against drugs has now reached a crucial stage and as part of the third phase of the state government’s campaign “Yudh Nashean De Virudh” (War Against Drugs), a special syllabus has been introduced in all government schools for students from classes 9 to 12. He said that through this syllabus, 8 lakh students from 9-12 classes will be made aware of the dangers of drug abuse and encouraged to stay away from narcotic substances. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this anti-drug program will involve 3,658 schools and renowned scientists will also take part in raising awareness among students.

The Chief Minister said that that the drug menace was deliberately spread in the state after 2009 through a conspiracy backed by political leaders. However, he said that his government has acted tough against this menace through meticulous planning, putting even high-profile offenders behind bars. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that those who were hand in glove with the drug smugglers and who patronized them during their heydays of power are today behind the bars.

On the occasion Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, DGP Gaurav Yadav and others were also present.

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PUNJAB BECOMES THE FIRST STATE IN THE COUNTRY TO DEPLOY ANTI DRONE SYSTEM

BAAJ AKH- ANTI DRONE SYSTEM TO STOP DRUGS AND WEAPON SMUGGLING FROM ACROSS THE BORDER

CM MANN AND AAP NATIONAL CONVENOR ARVIND KEJRIWAL FLAGGED OF ANTI DRONE SYSTEM VEHICLES

THIS MARKS ANOTHER GLORIOUS CHAPTER IN ONGOING CRUSADE AGAINST DRUGS- ASSERTS KEJRIWAL

SAYS SIX MORE SUCH SYSTEMS TO BE DEPLOYED ACROSS THE STATE IN COMING DAYS

THIS SYSTEM WILL BE DEPLOYED ALONG THE INTERNATIONAL BORDER FROM PATHANKOT TO FAZILKA AS A SECOND LINE OF DEFENCE- SAYS CM

ADS WILL ASSIST THE SECURITY FORCES IN COMBATING THE SMUGGLING OF DRUGS AND WEAPONS FROM ACROSS THE BORDER

Tarn Taran, August 9:In a path breaking initiative to check supply of drugs from across the border, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convener of AAP Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday flagged off Baaj Akh- Anti Drone System (ADS) after which Punjab became the first state in the country to deploy this system at the international border.

Interacting with the media, the National Convener of AAP said that another glorious chapter has been added in the crusade against the drugs. He said that previous regimes hobnobbed with the drug smugglers due to which this curse flexed its muscles in the state. However, Arvind Kejriwal said that now a massive crackdown has been launched against drugs and big fishes involved in this trade have been put behind the bars.

The National Convener of AAP said that drugs have been supplied to Punjab from across the border and to check them this anti-drone system has been launched. He said that three ADS have been launched and six others will be launched very soon to make Punjab free from this scourge. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state government has strictly implemented a zero-tolerance policy against drug traffickers.

The National Convener of AAP said that properties acquired by drug smugglers through the illegal drug trade are being demolished. He further said that the most notorious and feared drug lord has been put behind the bars by an honest government in the state led by Bhagwant Singh Mann. Arvind Kejriwal said that these smugglers, who celebrate with luxuries at home while poisoning society, are the real enemies of our people and the state government will not spare them at any cost.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that under the “War Against Drugs” (Yudh Nasheyan Virud) campaign, Punjab has today launched a battle to stop drug smuggling from across the border. He said that Punjab shares a 553-kilometer border with Pakistan, which is considered one of the most sensitive zones for the smuggling of narcotics and weapons. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that to strengthen border security and tackle the challenges posed by drone-based smuggling, nine anti-drone units are being set up along the international border.

The Chief Minister said that an amount of ₹51.4 crore is being spent on these units. He said that although our country’s armed forces and BSF have already been using such systems, Punjab is the first state in the country to deploy anti-drone systems at the international border. He said that the anti-drone system will give a strong response to drug smugglers from across the border adding that anti-national elements always use technology for anti-social activities. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the enemies of the country have turned drones into weapons to destroy Punjab’s youth, and drones are being used for drug smuggling from across the border.

Extending congratulations to the security forces, the Chief Minister lauded them for working tirelessly to stop this cross-border drug trafficking. He said that in 2024, a total of 283 drones loaded with heroin, weapons, and ammunition were seized adding that in 2025, so far, 137 drones have already been recovered. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the anti-drone system will be deployed along the border from Pathankot to Fazilka as a Second Line of Defense.

The Chief Minister said that with this, any drone entering the state through the border can be immediately neutralized. He said that the Second Line of Defense refers to the deployment of Punjab Police in the border districts, who work behind the BSF stationed at the international border. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the anti-drone systems will assist the security forces in combating the smuggling of drugs and weapons.

The Chief Minister said that these systems will be deployed at those specific border points where high drone activity has been observed. He said that previously, Punjab Police did not have any such system to neutralize drones, but now, Punjab Police has become capable. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the anti-drone system is equipped to accurately detect the drone’s position and its ground control stations.

The Chief Minister said that these systems come with automated alert technology, which immediately notifies authorities upon detecting drone movement, thus eliminating the need for manual monitoring. He said that to ensure the successful implementation of this advanced system, coordination will be maintained with BSF, the Indian Air Force, the Indian Army, and other agencies. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that anti-drug curriculum has been already introduced in Schools under “War Against Drugs” with an aim to make 8 lakh students aware against the menace of drugs.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab’s war against drugs has now reached a crucial stage and as part of the third phase of the state government’s campaign “Yudh Nashean De Virudh” (War Against Drugs), a special syllabus has been introduced in all government schools for students from classes 9 to 12. He said that through this syllabus, 8 lakh students from 9-12 classes will be made aware of the dangers of drug abuse and encouraged to stay away from narcotic substances. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this anti-drug program will involve 3,658 schools and renowned scientists will also take part in raising awareness among students.

The Chief Minister said that that the drug menace was deliberately spread in the state after 2009 through a conspiracy backed by political leaders. However, he said that his government has acted tough against this menace through meticulous planning, putting even high-profile offenders behind bars. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that those who were hand in glove with the drug smugglers and who patronized them during their heydays of power are today behind the bars.

On the occasion Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, DGP Gaurav Yadav and others were also present.

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Raksha Bandhan Gift: 435 Anganwadi Helpers Promoted to Anganwadi Workers – Dr. Baljit Kaur

10th Pass Anganwadi Helpers with 10 Years’ Experience to be Promoted Soon – Cabinet Minister

Recruitment Process for 5,000 Anganwadi Helpers and Workers to Begin in September

Chandigarh, August 9:On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, announced a major gift for Anganwadi workers and helpers, promoting 435 Anganwadi Helpers to the position of Anganwadi Workers.

Providing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that departmental directions have been issued to promote 10th pass Anganwadi Helpers with over 10 years of service to the post of Worker.

She further informed that the Punjab Government is committed to addressing the genuine demands of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers. Accordingly, approval has been granted to offer compassionate appointments to dependents of Workers and Helpers who have become permanently disabled during service or are suffering from life-threatening diseases. All District Programme Officers have been instructed to settle pending compassionate appointment cases and transfer cases by August 31, 2025.

The Cabinet Minister announced that the recruitment process to fill nearly 5,000 vacant posts of Anganwadi Helpers and Workers will commence on September 1, 2025, in a transparent and merit-based manner. All district officials and Child Development Project Officers have been strictly warned that any negligence or corruption in the recruitment process will not be tolerated, and strict action will be taken upon receiving any complaint. The recruitment process will be completed by September 30, 2025.

Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that empowering women is a top priority of the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. She added that such promotions are another significant step towards this goal, enabling women to achieve economic and social empowerment and play an active role in the development of their families and society.

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Joga Singh’s Arrest Expected to Expose More Culprits in 2015 Drug Racket: Harpal Singh Cheema

Says, Decade-Long Delay in Case Due to Alleged Political Connections of Culprits with Akali Dal and Congress

‘Yudh Nashian Virudh' Campaign: 16,062 NDPS Cases, 25,177 Arrests, Major Drug Seizures so far

Chandigarh, August 9-Punjab Finance Minister and Chairman of the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ Cabinet Subcommittee, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, announced today that the arrest of Joga Singh, former security officer to MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira, is a significant step toward justice for the victims of the 2015 Gurdev Singh Debi drug racket. Cheema said that the decade-long delay in the case was due to the alleged involvement of culprits who had political connections with the Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress leadership.

Speaking at a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, the Finance Minister detailed the events leading to Joga Singh’s arrest. Joga Singh had been absconding since being nominated as an accused on September 28, 2023. His bail was denied by the session court in Fazilka in October 2023 and by the high court in January 2024. Despite numerous police raids, he remained at large. Joga Singh was finally detained by immigration authorities at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, while attempting to flee to Australia, due to a Look Out Circular (LoC) issued by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in November 2023. He was taken on transit remand and produced before the court in Jalalabad, which granted a five-day police remand.

The Finance Minister further disclosed that Joga Singh played a key role in facilitating communication between Sukhpal Singh Khaira and both Gurdev Singh, the convicted in this case, and Gurdev Singh’s UK-based sister, Charanjit Kaur. The Finance Minister said that Joga Singh used his mobile phone to arrange these calls while Gurdev Singh was a fugitive. The minister further added that call detail analysis showed multiple instances where Joga Singh and Gurdev Singh were at the same location, even in Khaira's absence.

The Finance Minister also provided an update on the state’s “Yudh Nashian Virudh” (War Against Drugs) campaign, which began on March 1, 2025. He said that since the campaign's inception, 16,062 cases have been registered under the NDPS Act, leading to the arrest of 25,177 individuals. Additionally, 178 illegal properties belonging to drug smugglers have been demolished. Major seizures include 1,044 kg of heroin, 21,309 kg of poppy husk, 365 kg of opium, and nearly 3.2 million tablets, capsules, and pills.

Reiterating the Punjab Government’s commitment to eradicating the drug menace, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that under the visionary leadership of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Convener Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab has become the first state in India to equip its police force with a drone system valued at Rs 51.41 crore to aid in the anti-drug efforts. He said that this technological advancement marks a significant step forward in enhancing the effectiveness of anti-drug operations at the international borders of the state.