GURMEET KHUDIAN INAUGURATES “PUNJAB IN FRAMES” PHOTO EXHIBITION

• Exhibition is a visual ode to Punjab’s vibrant culture & rich heritage, says Khudian

• State Information Commissioner Harpreet Sandhu dedicates his photo exhibition to World Photography Day 2025

Chandigarh, August 20:Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian unveiled a Photo Exhibition "Punjab in Frames" at Kala Sangam, Punjab Arts Council in Sector-16, Chandigarh. The exhibition, a labor of love by Mr. Harpreet Sandhu, State Information Commissioner, Punjab, showcases his captivating photographs and dedicated his passionate pictorial work to World Photography Day-2025.

While previewing the rare visuals, Punjab Agriculture Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the 'Punjab in Frames' exhibition is a unique endeavour that showcases the state's vibrant natural beauty, rich heritage and cultural legacy through visually engaging storytelling. He said that Mr. Sandhu's photographs beautifully capture the essence of Punjab, from its lush green fields to ancient monuments, sacred shrines and rural traditions. This noble gesture aims to instill appreciation, awareness and pride in society, especially among the younger generation, about Punjab's glorious heritage and natural beauty. Thoughtfully curated, the exhibition offers an immersive experience, transporting visitors through the heart of Punjab, as seen through Mr. Sandhu's lens, he added.

Meanwhile, the Chief Information Commissioner, Punjab Mr. Inderpal Singh Dhanna appreciated the remarkable initiative of Mr. Harpreet Sandhu, while applauding his sincere commitment to promoting Punjab's cultural, natural and spiritual identity through the powerful medium of photography.

Punjab Arts Council Chairman Mr. Swaranjit Savi also lauded Mr. Harpreet Sandhu's commendable service to society, while stating that his artistic capture and preservation of Punjab's essence in frames reflects a deep sense of responsibility towards the state's heritage, environment and culture. He further noted that the exhibition would provide the youth with a chance to reconnect with their roots.

The photo exhibition drew an overwhelming response, with prominent academicians, art enthusiasts and distinguished personalities visiting the event and applauding Mr. Harpreet Sandhu's concept and artistic efforts. The exhibition will remain open to the public until August 21 evening at the Punjab Arts Council in Chandigarh, welcoming students, researchers and art enthusiasts.

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More than 500 students have enrolled within two days for getting free coaching from Raj Malhotra's IAS Study Group, Chandigarh, Says Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan

Chandigarh, 20 August 2025:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan approached and motivated Raj Malhotra of IAS Study Group with an aim to provide free education and coaching to aspirants of PCS exam. In this context, Raj Malhotra of IAS Study Group Chandigarh has accepted the proposal of Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker and offered him that he will provide free coaching to all the aspiring candidates of Punjab for the preparation of PCS (Executive) Preliminary Examination-2025(General Studies and CSAT). The duration of this course will be 45 days.

Speaker said that more than 500 students across Punjab have enrolled in Raj Malhotra IAS Study Group, Chandigarh for preparation of PCS(Executive) exam within two days. For registration, students can send a WhatsApp message to 9814711661 with this slogan- Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal. Come, join this great initiative and change your destiny, he added.

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan stressed that this is not just an opportunity, but the beginning of an invincible journey to realize dreams of aspirants. Under this initiative, the hard work of Punjab’s youth will get a new direction and will set new records of success.

Speaker highlighted that many students cannot afford private coaching institution’s fees as they face a lot of domestic difficulties. But our Government wants every Punjab’s youth must get quality education and become successful in their life which will give Punjab Youth’s new heights to dreams under Free Education Revolution.

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ECI issues schedule of Special Summary Revision of electoral roll ahead of Bye-election for Tarn Taran: Sibin C

Chandigarh, August 20: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued the schedule for the Special Summary Revision (SSR) of the electoral roll in view of the upcoming bye-election for 21 – Tarn Taran Assembly Constituency.

Divulging the details, Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C informed that the summary revision will be carried out with reference to 1st July 2025 as the qualifying date, and the process will follow the timeline given below:

I. Rationalization of Polling Stations by 28 August 2025 (Thursday)

II. Publication of integrated draft electoral roll on 02 September 2025 (Tuesday)

III. Period of filing claims & objections from 02 September 2025 (Tuesday) to 17 September 2025 (Wednesday)

IV. Disposal of claims & objections by 25 September 2025 (Thursday)

V. Final publication of electoral roll on 30 September 2025 (Tuesday)

CEO, Punjab Sibin C further informed that a detailed communication has already been issued to all recognized political parties in Punjab regarding the Special Summary Revision for Tarn Taran Assembly Constituency.

Reiterating the Commission’s commitment to ensuring maximum electoral participation, Sibin C said, “The Election Commission is dedicated to providing every eligible voter the opportunity to enrol and exercise their democratic right. The Special Summary Revision is an important step to ensure that the rolls are accurate, inclusive, and transparent ahead of the bye-election in Tarn Taran. We urge electors of Tarn Taran to actively verify their entries, file claims or objections if required, and make full use of this window for correction and enrolment.”

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PUNJAB POLICE LAUNCHES PROBES INTO ALLEGED COLLECTION OF PERSONAL DATA BY HOLDING UNAUTHORISED CAMPS

— INQUIRY TEAMS CONSTITUTED IN ALL DISTRICTS

— INVESTIGATIONS TO BE CONDUCTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW

— APPEAL TO CITIZENS NOT TO SHARE PERSONAL DATA WITH UNAUTHORISED PERSONS

— CITIZENS APPEALED TO UTILIZE GOVERNMENT SUVIDHA CENTRES FOR AVAILING BENEFITS OF GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

CHANDIGARH, August 20:The Punjab Police has formed several teams to investigate the camps which are allegedly collecting the personal information of individuals in the name of Government Schemes.

The inquiries have been instituted after receipt of complaints stating that personal data of citizens is being collected by unauthorized persons who are holding camps, making the personal data vulnerable to data thefts and bank frauds. It has also been reported that forms are being filled-up at these camps

The District Police Authorities have instructed the Inquiry Teams to join concerned persons in the inquiries, visit the alleged places of holding camps and conduct investigations in accordance with law.

A Punjab Police spokesperson has appealed to the citizens not to share their personal data, including Aadhar Cards etc. with unauthorized individuals and access the Government Schemes directly online or through authorized mechanisms.

The spokesperson added that the Government Suvidha Centres are facilitating citizens wishing to enroll themselves in Government Schemes or download beneficiary Cards, available after authentication of identity of the applicant from the database.

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Rural Sports Grounds to Realize the Olympic Dreams of Budding Players

- Punjab Government to construct 13,000 state-of-the-art sports grounds across the state

- Over 3,000 grounds to be ready in the first phase: Tarunpreet Singh Sond

Chandigarh, August 20:To empower budding sportspersons of Punjab to compete at the Olympics and other international sporting arenas, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has launched an ambitious plan to establish 13,000 modern rural sports grounds across the state.

Sharing details, Punjab Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond informed that construction work for 3,073 sports grounds in villages has already begun under the first phase of the project.

Sond said that no significant steps were ever taken in the past to develop sports infrastructure or ensure the holistic growth of youth. The Aam Aadmi Party government, however, has laid special emphasis on promoting sports. He added that creating sports grounds in rural areas will nurture a strong sporting culture, keep youngsters away from drugs, and channel their energy in a positive direction.

The Minister highlighted that with the government’s ongoing anti-drug campaign “Yudh Nashiyan Virudh”, Punjab is already witnessing a positive transformation. Once these sports facilities are fully functional, he expressed confidence that the youth will permanently shun the menace of drugs. He further said, Sports will not only ignite passion among youngsters but also safeguard them from harmful addictions.

Further, Sond reiterated that the state government is committed to providing both employment opportunities and world-class sports facilities to the youth. Promising international exposure, he announced that renowned sportspersons who have represented India globally will be appointed as coaches to train emerging talent. He assured that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government, is leaving no stone unturned to restore the state’s lost sporting glory.

It is noteworthy that Punjab is the first state in the country to extend financial assistance to players even before international competitions-an initiative that has already yielded encouraging results. With the development of rural sports grounds, Punjab is now set to achieve new milestones on the national and international sports map.

Sond expressed confidence that the government’s efforts will bear fruit, enabling Punjab’s youth to bring laurels to the state across all fields.

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Punjab Government warns unscruplous elements engaged in unlawful collection of personal data

State Government cautions people to remain vigilant & not share private info with unauthorized persons

Chandigarh, August 20:The Government has received credible reports that certain private operators are illegally collecting personal data of local residents, allegedly on behalf of political parties.

Disclosing this here today an Official Spokesperson of the Government said that under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act), any collection or use of personal data without consent is a punishable offence. The local police has been directed to take strict penal action against those engaged in such unlawful activities.

It has also come to notice that several individuals who shared their data were later targeted in scams and banking frauds, including cases where phone numbers and OTPs were misused to siphon off money.

The Government therefore strongly urges the citizens not to share their personal information with unauthorized persons or agencies, as it may be misused at any stage. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and immediately report any such illegal activity to the authorities.

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Vigilance Bureau arrests ASI for accepting Rs 1.55 lakh bribe

Chandigarh August 20, 2025 - The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state has arrested an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Om Prakash, posted at police station Sohana, district Mohali for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 1. 55 lakh.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above mentioned police personnel has been arrested following an investigation of an online complaint lodged by the complainant at the Chief Minister Anti Corruption Action Line.

He further informed that as per the complaint, a police case was registered against Gurjit Singh and his wife at Sohana police station, district Mohali. The accused ASI Om Prakash, who was involved with the said case had demanded a bribe of Rs 2.50 lakh for cancellation of case registered against the complainant and his wife. Subsequently, the accused police official had accepted Rs 1.55 lakh as a bribe for this motive from the complainant.

He added that following a thorough verification, the allegations levelled in the complaint was found to be substantiated. The VB has registered a case under Prevention of Corruption Act at VB Police Station, SAS Nagar, Punjab, at Mohali against the accused ASI Om Prakash.

A spokesperson of the VB reiterated the Punjab government's unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. This arrest demonstrates the Bureau's resolve to take stringent action against any public servant involved in corrupt practices, irrespective of their rank or position.

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RELIEF TO MANDI LABOURERS: PUNJAB GOVT HIKES MANDI LABOUR RATES BY 10%

• Revised rates will provide relief to labourers & their families, promoting fair labour practices: Harchand Singh Barsat

Chandigarh, August 20:In yet another move towards the welfare of labourers, the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has approved a 10 percent increase in Mandi labour rates. This decision was taken during a Board of Directors meeting chaired by S. Harchand Singh Barsat, Chairman Punjab Mandi Board.

Notably, the Mandi labour rate has been hiked from Rs 17.50 to Rs 19.26 per 37.5 kg bag of paddy, marking an increase of Rs 1.76 per bag.

S. Harchand Singh Barsat said that the 10% hike in Mandi labour rates is a response to Labour Unions' demands, reaffirming the Punjab Government's commitment to labour welfare under CM Mann's leadership. The revised rates will provide much-needed relief to labourers and their families, promoting fair labour practices and improving lives of those crucial to the agricultural supply chain.

During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held regarding initiatives being taken to increase the income of Punjab Mandi Board. Chairman Punjab Mandi Board stated that special plans have been formulated to boost the Board's income and work is being carried out with great enthusiasm. Vacant plots in state grain markets are being auctioned through e-auction and ATMs and Unipols are being installed in various markets.

He informed that Punjab Mandi Board has been making special efforts to provide better facilities to farmers, commission agents, labourers and the general public. Development works are underway in various markets, and robust arrangements are being made for facilities during the Kharif procurement season, keeping everyone's needs in mind.

Among others, Secretary Punjab Mandi Board Mr. Ramvir, Chairman Punjab Farmers Commission Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Special Secretary Agriculture Ms. Baldeep Kaur and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.

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