Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Holds Meetings with 3 Employee Unions
Assures Resolution of Legitimate Demands
Chandigarh, August 18-Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, who also serves as the Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee formed to address the issues and demands of government employees, on Monday held meetings with the representatives from the Powercom & Transco Contractual Employees Union, the Punjab Ayurvedic Medical Services Association, and the Homeopathic Medical Officers Association to discuss their concerns in detail.
During a meeting at the PSPCL Guest House with the Powercom & Transco Contractual Employees Union, Finance Minister Cheema was joined by Power Minister Harbhajan Singh E.T.O and PSPCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director A.K. Sinha. The Finance Minister was briefed on the actions taken so far by the department in the direction of resolving the union's legitimate demands.
Finance Minister Cheema directed department officials to prepare a proposal regarding these demands and discuss it with the Finance and Personnel Departments to facilitate further action. He assured the union leaders that the Punjab government is committed to resolving their legitimate demands. The union was represented by State President Balihar Singh, General Secretary Tek Chand, and Press Secretary Inderpreet Singh.
Earlier, at his Civil Secretariat office, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema held separate meetings with the Punjab Ayurvedic Medical Services Association and the Homoeopathic Medical Officers Association. He engaged in detailed discussions regarding their demands and instructed both departments to prepare proposals for a quick resolution and submit them to the Finance Department. The union leaders thanked the Finance Minister for his sympathetic consideration of their demands.
Attendees from the Ayurvedic Medical Services Association included Patron Dr. Sanjeev Goyal, President Dr. Amanpreet Singh, and General Secretary Dr. Rajiv Mehta. The Homoeopathic Medical Officers Association was represented by Patron Dr. Rajiv, President Dr. Balwinder Kumar, General Secretary Dr. Harinder Pal Singh, and Vice President Dr. Richa.
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Punjab to commemorate 350th Martyrdom of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji on large scale: Sond
- Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs designated as the nodal department for conceiving, planning and organizing events
- Minister Sond completes review meetings at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Sri Amritsar Sahib, Baba Bakala and Patiala for successful execution
Chandigarh, August 18:Punjab’s Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, today announced that the Punjab Government will commemorate the unparalleled martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji with grand events across the state. He said that the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the Ninth Guru, revered as Hind Di Chadar, will be observed through large-scale commemorative programmes.
Sond informed that in this regard, review meetings with district administrations and key stakeholders have already been completed at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Sri Amritsar Sahib, Baba Bakala, and Patiala. He added that the state government has designated the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs as the nodal department for all planning and arrangements. He, along with the department’s advisor, Deepak Bali, held consultations with MLAs, officials, councillors, trade representatives, and prominent citizens of the concerned districts.
The Minister announced that the commemorative programmes will be held between November 19 and November 25, 2025 at the state level. He said Punjab is blessed with 135 historical sites associated with Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, out of which 35 are located in Patiala district alone. “The sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji is unparalleled in the history of humanity, and under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is committed to spreading the Guru’s eternal message of courage and faith to every corner of the world with the support of the Sikh sangat,” Sond stated.
Highlighting the developmental aspect, the Minister said that besides organising state-level commemorative events at all sacred sites related to Guru Sahib, the government will also undertake large-scale development projects in these towns and villages. He shared that four religious processions (yatras) will commence from different locations and culminate at Sri Anandpur Sahib, passing through almost all major districts and cities of Punjab.
Unveiling further details, Sond said that at Virasat-e-Khalsa in Sri Anandpur Sahib, Sri Akhand Path Sahib will commence on November 23, 2025, with participation from eminent personalities and religious leaders from across India and abroad. For the convenience of pilgrims, a Tent City will be set up for accommodation, and e-rickshaws will be arranged to facilitate travel to various holy sites. Additionally, the four major cities- Sri Anandpur Sahib, Sri Amritsar Sahib, Baba Bakala, and Patiala- will be illuminated with grand decorative lighting.
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Respect and protection of senior citizens is the top priority of the Government – Dr. Baljit Kaur
Immediate and fair resolution of cases under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007
Anyone misbehaving with the elderly will not be spared – Dr. Baljit Kaur
Chandigarh, August 18:Punjab’s Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, informed that the Punjab Government has enforced The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 to safeguard the welfare and property of senior citizens in the state. If any person misbehaves or assaults the elderly, or if children attempt to usurp the property of their parents, strict legal action and punishment will be ensured under this Act to protect their dignity and security.
Highlighting a recent case, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Department took immediate cognizance of a complaint filed by senior citizen Avinash Chander Khanna, a resident of Khanna, against his son and daughter-in-law. Taking the matter seriously, she directed the departmental officials to act without delay. Acting on her instructions, the Ludhiana District Administration and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Khanna, jointly resolved the issue.
The Minister said that the District Social Security Officer, Ludhiana, along with the police, visited the complainant’s residence and heard both parties. The son and daughter-in-law were made aware of the legal provisions of the Senior Citizen Act, 2007. They admitted their mistake, tendered an apology, and assured respectful behavior towards their parents in the future.
Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is fully committed to the protection of senior citizens. “Our elders are our pride. Anyone who misbehaves with them will not be spared under any circumstances,” she said.
She added that this prompt, sensitive, and law-based resolution marks a significant step towards safeguarding the rights of senior citizens. The Minister further clarified that if any individual attempts to harass or grab the property of senior citizens, the Punjab Government will ensure strict action under The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.
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SEC issues directions to all Deputy Commissioners for updation of electoral rolls of voters for Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads Elections
Chandigarh, 18 August 2025:The general elections to elect the members of the Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads are to be held by 05.10.2025 as per Notification no. P.A.9/1994/S.209/2025/6205 dated 05.08.2025, issued by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats. For these elections, the Panchayat voter lists already published on 03.03.2025 by the Districts are to be updated. The State Election Commission has issued directions vide its letter dated 14.08.2025 addressed to all the Deputy Commissioners for updation of the electoral rolls of the voters with qualifying date of 01.09.2025, as under:-
PROGRAMME
I Draft publication of existing Electoral Rolls: On 19.08.2025.
II Filing of Claims and Objections, if any : From 20.8.2025 to 27.8.2025
III Disposal of claims and objections :By 01.09.2025
IV Final publication of electoral rolls: On 03.09.2025.
For this purpose, eligible persons may use Form-I (for inclusion of name); Form-II (for objections to inclusion of name); Form-III (objections to particulars in any entry). These Forms are available with the concerned SDMs (Electoral Registration Officers), and are readily also available for download on the Commission's website (https://sec.punjab.gov.in/ PANCHAYAT ELECTION→ STATUTORY FORMS).
All the Deputy Commissioners-cum-District Election Officers in the State have been directed to give wide publicity at local level in all the rural areas covering Zila Parishads and Panchayat Samitis constituencies, so that all the eligible persons having completed 18 years of age as on 01.09.2025, are given due opportunity to register themselves as voters to participate in the elections.
State Election Commission duly informs the general public in rural areas as well as interested eligible voters to use this opportunity to enter their names in the voter list for the ensuing Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samitis elections, or to submit application to carry out any deletions, or amendments, if so warranted.
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Power Minister meets various unions
Chandigarh, August 18:Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO met representatives of various PSPCL/PSTCL unions here today.
During the meeting, the union leaders apprised the Power Minister of their demands and expressed gratitude to the state government for the recent 10 percent salary hike announced by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann -led Punjab government.
Speaking on the occasion, Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to the welfare of state employees and assured that all their demands would be addressed soon.
PSPCL CMD Ajoy Kumar Sinha was also present at the meeting.
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SC Commission seeks report from SSP Amritsar in village Sarangara abuse case
Chandigarh, August 18:Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman S. Jasvir Singh Garhi has taken suo motu notice of a case involving the abuse of a Scheduled Caste person from village Sarangara, Ramtirth Road, under the Rajasansi constituency of Amritsar, and has sought a report from the SSP Amritsar.
Giving details in this regard, S. Jasvir Singh Garhi said that the matter came to his notice through social media, where a person was seen hurling caste-based abuses at a Scheduled Caste family. Taking cognizance of this, the Commission has initiated legal action.
He further stated that the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission is committed to safeguarding the rights and welfare of Scheduled Caste communities in the state and that strict action will be taken against those spreading casteism in violation of constitutional provisions.
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PUNJAB GOVT SECURES SC APPROVAL TO RETAIN 1,158 ASSISTANT PROFESSORS & LIBRARIANS TILL NEW RECRUITMENT
•EM HARJOT BAINS WELCOMES DECISION
•PUNJAB TO PUT STRONGEST CASE FORWARD TO PROTECT 1158 RECRUITMENT
Chandigarh, August 18:In a big relief for higher education in the state, the Supreme Court of India has allowed 1,158 Assistant Professors and Librarians to continue their services in government colleges until fresh recruitment takes place. This decision would ensure uninterrupted education for students in government colleges across Punjab.
Welcoming the Apex Court's decision to allow 1,158 Assistant Professors and Librarians to continue serving in government colleges, Punjab Higher Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains said that this is a big relief for higher education in Punjab, as it will enable students to pursue their academic goals without interruption. Notably, the Supreme Court's decision on July 14, 2025, had quashed the appointments of 1,158 Assistant Professors and Librarians. However, the Punjab government had promptly filed a petition, highlighting the potential disruption to education in government colleges if these professors were removed.
The Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is committed to saving the 1,158 recruitment and is actively working on filing a review petition in the Apex Court, S. Harjot Singh Bains added while stating, "We will put the strongest case forward to ensure that the rights of these dedicated educators & librarians are protected.”
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HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN INAUGURATES NEW WATER SUPPLY SCHEMES WORTH RS. 1.11 CRORE IN VILLAGES NAHARPUR AND NAROWALI
MANN GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO PROVIDING POTABLE WATER TO 100% OF STATE'S POPULATION: CABINET MINISTER
MLA RANDHAWA EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO CHIEF MINISTER AND WATER SUPPLY & SANITATION MINISTER FOR DEVELOPMENT WORKS IN THE CONSTITUENCY
Chandigarh/Gurdaspur, August 18:Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian on Monday inaugurated new water supply schemes constructed at a cost of Rs.1.11 crore in villages Naharpur and Narowali of Dera Baba Nanak Assembly constituency. He was accompanied by Dera Baba Nanak MLA S. Gurdeep Singh Randhawa and AAP District President and Chairman District Planning Committee Gurdaspur Sh. Joban Randhawa. The Cabinet Minister also planted saplings at both water scheme sites.
After dedicating both the water supply schemes to the public, Cabinet Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government is providing potable drinking water to 100% of the state's population. He informed that in village Naharpur, Rs.62.36 lakh has been spent to provide potable water facilities to 153 households. He said these facilities included a deep bore well, a 25,000-liter tank, pipeline, solar panels, chlorinator and new water connections. Besides this, 48 toilets have been constructed in the village at a cost of Rs.7.20 lakh under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Similarly, a water supply scheme has been dedicated to the public at a cost of Rs.48.68 lakh in village Narowali. He said that with the commencement of this scheme, 58 households in the village will receive potable water facilities. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, 27 toilets have been constructed in the village by incurring Rs.4.05 lakh.
While addressing the gathering, S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that the Mann Government is committed to public welfare. He said that with the facility of 300 units of free electricity per month, over 90 percent of consumers of the state are receiving zero bills. He said that the state government has provided more than 55,000 government jobs in three and a half years. Significant reforms have been made under the "Sikhya Kranti" and "Sehat Kranti" initiatives. He said that from October 2025, the Mann Government will launch the Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana for the people, under which health insurance worth up to Rs.10 lakh will be provided to every family.
Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Water Supply and Sanitation Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian, MLA S. Gurdeep Singh Randhawa said that both water supply schemes have been completed in record time, adding that since the AAP government came to power in the state, 13 water supply schemes have been implemented in Dera Baba Nanak Assembly constituency at a cost of Rs.6.82 crore. Besides this, 54 Community Sanitary Complexes have been constructed in the constituency with Rs.1.62 crore. During this period, 1,480 toilets are being constructed in the constituency at a cost of Rs.13.4 crore, of which 898 have been completed while work on the remaining 582 will be completed soon.
Prominent among others who were present on this occasion included SDM Jyotsna Singh, Chief Engineer Rajesh Dubey, SE Narinder Singh, XEN Vijay Kumar, XEN Dhaliwal, SDO Kanwarjeet Singh Rattra, SDO Rahul, Tehsildar Rajinder Singh, Chairman Balwinder Singh Haruwal, Sarpanch Narowali Hansa Singh, Sarpanch Naharpur Kashmir Singh, Sarpanch Khaddar Rajwinder Kaur and others.
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Punjab Government Launches “Rising Punjab – Suggestions to Solution” Series to Empower Industry
First event titled “Rising Punjab – Suggestions to Solution” under the Udyog Kranti will be held at Amritsar on 19 August, 2025
Chandigarh, 18 August 2025:The Government of Punjab has announced a special series of events titled “Rising Punjab – Suggestions to Solution” under the Udyog Kranti vision of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. The initiative is being spearheaded by Industries & Commerce–cum–Investment Promotion Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora. The events are designed to spread awareness about the state’s new industry-friendly policies and provide a direct platform for dialogue between the government and industry leaders. In this context, first event titled “Rising Punjab – Suggestions to Solution” under the Udyog Kranti will be held at Amritsar on 19 August, 2025.
Focus Areas
Cabinet Minister Shri Sanjeev Arora informed that the events will highlight key reforms of the Department of Industries & Commerce, PSIEC, and the Department of Investment Promotion. Stakeholders will be guided on how to benefit from Clubbing / De-clubbing Policy, Plot Fragmentation Policy, Policy for Restoration of Cancelled Plots (via Appellate Authority), Leasehold to Freehold Policy and One Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme for pending dues.
Speaking about the initiative, Industries Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora said that “Rising Punjab is not just about policies—it is about giving our industries a voice, listening to their needs, and finding real solutions together. Our aim is to make Punjab a hub of opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs, we are bringing Udyog Kranti in Punjab.”
Empowering Punjab’s Growth
The “Rising Punjab” events mark another step in revolutionizing the industrial ecosystem of Punjab, empowering businesses to expand, innovate, and create jobs. With this, the Government of Punjab reaffirms its pledge to build a progressive, investment-friendly, and growth-driven economy, he added.
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BLUE CORNER NOTICE ISSUED AGAINST INFAMOUS DRUG SMUGGLER SATPREET SATTA
CHANDIGARH, August 18:Striking a decisive blow to International drug nexus amidst the ongoing anti-drug campaign Yudh Nashian Virudh launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, a Blue Corner Notice of Infamous Canada-based drug smuggler Satpreet Singh Thiara alias Satta has been published following the meticulous efforts of the Special Investigation Team.
Following his involvement in drug trade, Satpreet Singh alias Satta, a native of village Banga in Nawanshahr, was nominated as co-accused in the NDPS Act case registered against Bikram Singh Majithia in 2021. Notably, a case FIR No. 02 dated 20/12/21 had been registered under sections 25, 27A and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Punjab State Crime, SAS Nagar.
The investigations had found that accused Satpreet Satta had regularly visited India between the years 2007 to 2013, when international Infamous Bhola drug racket was active in the state of Punjab. The accused was linked with Rs 6000 Crores International drug racket and linked to various political persons of that time.
Official Spokesperson of the Punjab Police said that following the request from the Special Investigation Team, the competent authority has issued a Blue Corner Notice against Satpreet Satta.