Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan condoles the demise of renowned Punjabi comedian Jaswinder Bhalla
Chandigarh, August 22:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan expressed grief over the untimely demise of renowned Punjabi comedian Jaswinder Bhalla and shared a picture of Jaswinder Bhalla with Bal Mukand Sharma, his wife Gurpreet Kaur Sandhwan and daughter Sophia Kulreet Kaur at his house, Chandigarh.
He said, Jaswinder Bhalla, great comedian who spread the fragrance of laughter through his art, has silenced forever. Jaswinder Bhalla not only made people laugh through comedy and used the skill of words to eliminate social evils, but also contributed to the prosperity of the farming profession through Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. He will always live in the hearts of us and his fans. We will always be grateful for his art.
Speaker Sandhwan said that he is deeply saddened to hear the news of his passing away and he pray to the God to grant peace to the departed soul. Almighty may give strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss in this hour of distress.
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Malout MLA & Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur announces development grants worth ₹12 crore for Malout constituency
Over ₹10 crore sanctioned for major projects to beautify Malout city
Government schools upgraded, wheelchairs distributed to the needy
Chandigarh, August 22:Taking forward the holistic development agenda of the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Cabinet Minister and MLA from Malout constituency Dr. Baljit Kaur has announced development grants worth nearly ₹12 crore for Malout constituency. She said that the government is releasing grants strictly as per public needs and without any discrimination.
Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that to upgrade village grain markets for the upcoming paddy procurement season, steel sheds are being constructed at a cost of ₹1.71 crore. Similarly, an additional grant of ₹20 lakh has been released for the renovation of Panchayat Ghars in village Theri, raising the total assistance for the project to ₹26 lakh.
The Minister stated that major projects worth ₹10.12 crore have been initiated for the beautification of Malout city, including laying interlocking tiles in streets and installation of 2,000 streetlights.
Highlighting the government’s priorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the focus is on making daily life easier for the common people. Upgradation of healthcare facilities, improving the quality of education, better road infrastructure and adequate street lighting remain the top priorities so that every family may experience tangible benefits.
She further said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the vision of a “Rangla Punjab” is becoming a reality. This vision goes beyond development projects—it represents new opportunities for youth, modern technology in agriculture, and revival of Punjab’s cultural vibrancy. With active public participation, Punjab will once again emerge as a prosperous, progressive and colourful state.
During her visit, Dr. Baljit Kaur also inaugurated newly-installed air-conditioners in the Government School of village Tarkhanwala, ensuring comfort for students. On this occasion, wheelchairs were also distributed to the needy.
The Minister was accompanied by her Personal Assistants Arshdeep Singh Sidhu and Shinderpal Singh, along with village Panchayat members, school staff, and a large gathering of local residents.
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LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS RELATING TO OBTAINING PERSONAL DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING AADHAR CARDS, VOTER CARDS, PAN CARDS RECEIVED
— PERSONS VISITING VILLAGES TO ENTICE LOCAL RESIDENTS TO GIVE PERSONAL DOCUMENTS UNDER ALLUREMENT OF ENROLMENT IN GOVERNMENT SCHEMES
— COMPLAINTS OF COLLECTING MONEY (COMMISSION) BY INDIVIDUALS CLAIMING TO BE FROM A POLITICAL PARTY TO GET WORK DONE FROM GOVERNMENT
— PEOPLE ARE ADVISED TO USE SEWA KENDRAS SET UP BY PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO GET THEIR GOVT WORK DONE, AND NOT TO PAY COMMISSION TO ANYONE
— INFORM POLICE IF ANY SUCH ILLEGAL CAMP IS SETUP IN YOUR AREA
CHANDIGARH, August 22:In last 24 hours, Punjab Police has received complaints that some people, claiming to be from a particular political party, are not only collecting personal data of individuals, but are also collecting money from people in the nature of commissions to get their work done from the government.
A Punjab Police spokesperson stated that some citizens have also complained that they had given their bank account numbers to the persons who contacted them and that their bank accounts have been emptied of all money subsequently.
The spokesperson added that all such complaints are being examined and strict action will be taken as per law. We urge the public to stay away from such anti-social elements and not to give any personal data to anyone as the same could be misused. People should also not approach any such private illegal people to get their government work done. Government has set up many ‘Sewa Kendras’ across the Punjab. People may approach any ‘Sewa Kendra’ or any Punjab government office for their government work. People should not pay any commission or dalali to anyone from any political party for any government work.
The public is urged to immediately inform police if any such illegal camps are set up in their area.
The spokesperson stated that after receipt of credible reports that certain persons are illegally collecting personal data of local residents, the State Government had urged the citizens not to share their personal information with unauthorised persons or agencies, as the same may be misused at any stage. Citizens have been advised to remain vigilant and immediately report any such incident to the concerned authorities.
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Compounding Fees collection by Legal Metrology wing increases by 121 percent
· Wing collects Rs. 1.10 Crore from April to July in present year
Chandigarh, August 22:The Legal Metrology Wing of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Punjab, has been on upward trajectory on the multiple parameters such as compounding fees collected, inspections and the verifications carried out this year from April to July when compared with the same period last year.
In terms of the Compounding Fees, the Legal Metrology Wing has collected Rs. 1.10 Crore whereas during the same period last year the wing collected Rs. 49.68 Lakh. Hence, the increase amounts to a whopping 121 percent. The wing carried out as many as 5753 inspections while this time the figures of inspections stand at 11,035. In the matter of cases registered, the number stood at 587 last year while during the present year, the numbers have reached 1531. Similarly, 41625 verifications of the commercial establishments were carried out last year whereas this year 42733 establishments have been inspected.
Reviewing the functioning of the Legal Metrology Wing here today at Anaj Bhawan, the Food, Civil Supplies and the Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak appreciated the hard work put in by the officers of the department and exhorted them to work with even more zeal and dedication.
The Minister was apprised during the meeting that the wing has department owned standard laboratories at Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Patiala while new labs are proposed at Sirhind and Khanna.
With regard to the restructuring of the wing as well as the need for modernized equipments, Mr. Kataruchak asked the officers of the wing to send detailed proposals so as to enable him to study them thoroughly and take necessary measures at the earliest.
The main objectives of the Legal Metrology Wing is to safeguard the interest of the consumers by ensuring that goods sold and bought are correct in quantity and volume as claimed.
Among others present on the occasion included the Principal Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rahul Tiwari, Additional Secretary PUNGRAIN Kamal Kumar Garg and Controller, Legal Metrology Wing Manohar Singh.
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HIGHER EDUCATION DEPT ELEVATES 27 PROFESSORS TO PRINCIPALS
•Harjot Bains congratulates newly promoted faculty & exhorts them to embrace new role with utmost dedication to inspire excellence in higher education
Chandigarh, August 22:In a significant development to further strengthen & uplift the standards of the higher education in the state, the Punjab Higher Education department has promoted 27 Associate Professors/ Professors to the position of Principal (College Cadre), informed S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of Higher Education, Punjab.
Notably, all the promotional quota seats are now filled, following these promotions. The recently conducted DPC has cleared a total of 27 names, of which, 13 faculty have been elevated with immediate effect, while, remaining 14 will be promoted according to the seat availability by December 2025. S. Bains said that the direct quota posts of Principals will also be filled soon.
Extending his heartiest congratulations to the professors for their well-deserved elevation, S. Harjot Singh Bains exhorted them to embrace their new role with utmost dedication, commitment and integrity to inspire excellence in higher education.
S. Harjot Singh Bains expressed confidence that these promotions would bring positive change and excellence to their new roles, while emphasising that they were expected to lead by example and contribute to the growth and development of the state's higher education system.
Meanwhile, Administrative Secretary Higher Education Ms. Anindita Mitra also congratulated the newly promoted faculty and wished them success and all the best on their new responsibilities.
Ms. Anindita Mitra directed them to submit their joining reports to the Director Higher Education, Punjab within 10 days, while cautioning that non-compliance would lead to the promotion being considered null and void and a two-year debarment from future promotions. She also specified that the promoted Principals would serve a one-year probation period, during which their performance would be closely monitored.
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Sond Expresses Grief over the Demise of Jaswinder Bhalla
Chandigarh, August 22:Punjab’s Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of renowned Punjabi comedian and actor Jaswinder Bhalla.
In his condolence message, the Minister said that Jaswinder Bhalla was a wonderful human being and a true pride of Punjab. He added that Bhalla brought smiles to countless faces through his unique style of comedy and acting. Remembering Bhalla’s iconic role as Chacha Chatrra, Sond said, “You, your words, and your acting will always be remembered.”
Extending heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, relatives, and admirers, Sond prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and courage to the family to bear this irreparable loss.
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CABINET MINISTERS BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL AND TARUNPREET SINGH SOND VISIT BORDER VILLAGES OF FAZILKA DISTRICT
MINISTERS INSPECT FLOOD-AFFECTED VILLAGES NEAR SUTLEJ CREEK AND LISTEN TO PUBLIC GRIEVANCES
OFFICIALS DIRECTED TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL FACILITIES TO AFFECTED RESIDENTS IMMEDIATELY
SAY, GOVT EXTENDING IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE TO FLOOD-AFFECTED POPULATION
"COMPENSATION TO BE PROVIDED AFTER CONDUCTING SPECIAL GIRDAWARI"
Chandigarh/Fazilka, August 22:Following Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann's directives to monitor relief operations in flood-affected areas and establish direct communication with residents to provide immediate essential services, Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal and Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Minister S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond today visited villages along the international border in Fazilka district to assess the impact of water influx in the Sutlej Creek.
During the visit, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal toured villages Kawanwali Pattan and Muhar Jamsher, while S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond also reached Muhar Jamsher village to inquire about the residents' challenges. After listening to the people's difficulties, they instructed the officials present on-site to immediately provide necessary facilities to the affected population.
Due to waterlogging on the connecting road to the village, both Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal and S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond travelled to Muhar Jamsher village on tractors. However, water had not entered the village premises and all houses remain secure. Sh. Goyal informed that water inflow to the dams has currently decreased, raising hopes for relief in the coming days.
The Cabinet Ministers stated that the primary objective of this visit was not only to provide immediate solutions to people's problems but also to conduct a ground-level assessment for planning permanent solutions to the issue. They also gathered information about the current situation from officials.
The Cabinet Ministers said that the government has undertaken all possible measures to assist people during this natural calamity. Medical teams and animal husbandry department teams are being deployed to all affected villages and rations will be provided as needed. They assured that electricity supply is being maintained in all villages during nighttime.
"The Mann government has deployed comprehensive teams to provide immediate assistance to residents," said the Cabinet Ministers, adding that all affected areas have been divided into sectors with designated sector officers to establish direct contact with people and provide aid to those in need. Contact numbers of residents from all villages are being collected by the administration to enable direct communication with every individual.
The Cabinet Ministers also announced that the government has already issued orders for special girdawari and compensation will be provided for all losses incurred by farmers. They said that officials have been instructed to remain stationed in villages to ensure immediate assistance to residents.
During the occasion, residents submitted a memorandum and S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond assured that he would personally deliver this memorandum to Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. He praised the courage of border area residents, noting their support to security forces in national defense and affirmed that the government stands with them during these challenging times.
MLA Sh. Narinder Pal Singh Sawna raised the issue of unregistered land in the area. On this, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that a committee is already working on this matter and the government is progressing according to people's aspirations and expectations.
Fazilka MLA Sh. Narinder Pal Singh Sawna and Baluana MLA Sh. Amandeep Singh Goldy Musafir informed that the district administration is continuously providing animal fodder to these villages as per requirements and working diligently for public welfare with full alertness. They themselves maintain direct contact with residents.
Deputy Commissioner Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu shared information about flood relief arrangements implemented in the district. SDM Veerpal Kaur, Water Resources Department's Supervising Engineer Rajan Dheengra and Executive Engineer Alok Chaudhary were also present on this occasion.
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SC Commission seeks report from SSP Jalandhar Rural in encroachment case on land of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj at village Dhaleta, Jalandhar
Chandigarh, August 22:Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman S. Jasvir Singh Garhi has taken suo moto notice of the alleged encroachment on the land belonging to Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj at village Dhaleta in Jalandhar district by the civil administration and police. He has sought a report from the Senior Superintendent of Police (Rural), Jalandhar.
Providing details in this regard, S. Jasvir Singh Garhi stated that the matter came to his notice through a newspaper report, which alleged that the land of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji had been encroached upon by the civil administration and police at village Dhaleta. Taking cognizance of this, the Commission has initiated legal action. Directions have been issued to present the facts and relevant information regarding this matter before the Commission on August 26, 2025, through the Deputy Superintendent of Police.
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REVENUE MINISTER HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN ORDERS SPECIAL GIRDAWARI TO ASSESS FLOOD-RELATED CROP DAMAGE
SAYS, MANN GOVT IS FULLY COMMITTED TO SAFEGUARDING FARMERS' INTERESTS
Chandigarh, August 22:Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian on Friday ordered to conduct Special Girdawari in the flood-affected areas of the state to assess the extent of crop damage caused due to recent floods.
According to the directions issued to all Deputy Commissioners, the Cabinet Minister instructed that the special girdawari must be carried out immediately in flood-affected areas as soon as the water recedes. The Deputy Commissioners have been asked to prepare compensation cases in the prescribed proforma along with the requisite certificates and submit them to the government without any delay.
S. Hardeep Singh Mundian stressed that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government is fully committed to safeguarding farmers’ interests. He assured that the exercise will be conducted with fairness and transparency and strict monitoring will be ensured so that no eligible farmer is left out of the compensation framework.
Reiterating the Punjab Government’s resolve to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the farming community during this difficult time, the Cabinet Minister said that every possible step will be taken to provide timely compensation and mitigate the hardships being faced by cultivators.
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Punjab Government Commits to Boosting IT Sector, Says Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema
Chandigarh/Ludhiana, August 22-The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is actively working to promote the state's IT sector by reserving significant land for its development, said Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema today. He made the announcement while speaking as the chief guest at the "IT India Expo - 2025" held here today.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the government plans to expand the IT sector into several cities in the near future. He highlighted the growing confidence of investors, noting that industrialists have already invested over Rs 1 lakh crore in the state, with the IT sector attracting a large share of this investment.
Praising the IT India Expo 2025 and focusing on innovation, Finance
Minister Cheema commended the organizers of the IT India Expo, calling it a commendable effort. He extended his congratulations to the team for introducing new technologies to the residents of Ludhiana, particularly to students in the IT field. He noted that people from Ludhiana and other cities were participating in the exhibition, purchasing new products, and sharing their experiences.
Calling it the largest exhibition of its kind in India, Finance Minister Cheema said the event had been in preparation for nearly three years. Over 1,000 dealers and approximately 22,000 registered students from the IT sector participated, gaining valuable insights into new technologies not available online.
Replying to a media query meanwhile, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that during the current flood crisis, the central government must support Punjab. He called on the Center to release around Rs 50,000 crore to compensate for GST losses and to provide approximately Rs 10,000 crore in Rural Development Fund (RDF) to the state.
He assured that the administration and ministers are fully prepared and are working tirelessly to manage the natural disaster. He reiterated his plea to the central government to provide special grants to help flood-affected families.
On a somber note, Finance Minister Cheema expressed his condolences to the family of renowned comedian Jaswinder Singh Bhalla. He described Bhalla's passing as an irreparable loss to the Punjabi film industry, noting that his comedy had brought joy to people across the globe.
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पंजाब सरकार ‘डिजिटल निजी डाटा सुरक्षा एक्ट’ के अंतर्गत नागरिकों के डाटा की सुरक्षा के लिए वचनबद्ध: हरपाल सिंह चीमा
कहा, पंजाब में भाजपा सदस्यों सहित किसी भी निजी व्यक्ति को निजी डाटा इकट्ठा करने की इजाज़त नहीं
भाजपा पर कैंपों के द्वारा डाटा इकठ्ठा करके वोटर सूचियों में हेराफेरी करने और लोगों के पैसे चोरी करने की योजना बनाने के लगायेे दोष
पंजाब भाजपा को केंद्र से 60,000 करोड़ रुपए के बकाया फंड और जीएसटी मुआवज़े के लिए दबाव डालने की दी चुनौती
चंडीगढ़, 22 अगस्तःमुख्यमंत्री भगवंत सिंह मान के नेतृत्व वाली पंजाब सरकार की ‘दा डिजिटल पर्सनल डाटा प्रोटेक्शन एक्ट, 2023’ के तहत अपने नागरिकों के निजी डाटा की सुरक्षा के प्रति प्रतिबद्धता की पुष्टि करते हुए पंजाब के वित्त मंत्री एडवोकेट हरपाल सिंह चीमा ने आज यहां कहा कि भारतीय जनता पार्टी (भाजपा) के सदस्यों सहित किसी भी निजी व्यक्ति को किसी भी बहाने से जनता से निजी डाटा इकट्ठा करने की अनुमति नहीं दी जाएगी। वित्त मंत्री चीमा ने यह भी सवाल उठाया कि क्या भाजपा कैंपों के जरिए डाटा इकट्ठा करने के परिणामस्वरूप होने वाली किसी भी धोखाधड़ी की जिम्मेदारी लेगी।
पंजाब भवन में एक प्रेस कॉन्फ्रेंस को संबोधित करते हुए वित्त मंत्री हरपाल सिंह चीमा ने 2014 में केंद्र में सरकार बनाने के बाद भाजपा पर ‘वोट चोर पार्टी’ बनने का आरोप लगाया। उन्होंने चंडीगढ़ मेयर चुनाव से लेकर बिहार चुनावों में मतदाता अनियमितताओं तक चुनावी हेरफेर की कई घटनाओं का हवाला दिया। वित्त मंत्री ने आरोप लगाया कि पंजाब में भाजपा के कैंप डाटा इकट्ठा करके मतदाता सूचियों में हेरफेर करने और बेखबर नागरिकों के बैंक खातों से पैसे चुराने की साजिश हैं।
वित्त मंत्री चीमा ने जोर देते हुए कहा कि डिजिटल पर्सनल डाटा प्रोटेक्शन एक्ट नागरिकों के डाटा की सुरक्षा के लिए लागू किया गया था, और एक्ट यह सुनिश्चित करता है कि कोई भी निजी व्यक्ति सक्षम प्राधिकारी की अनुमति के बिना निजी जानकारी इकट्ठा नहीं कर सकता। उन्होंने इस बात पर भी जोर दिया कि भाजपा द्वारा इन कैंपों के दौरान आधार और वोटर कार्ड जैसे महत्वपूर्ण दस्तावेजों को इकट्ठा करना गैरकानूनी है और इसके गंभीर परिणाम हो सकते हैं।
वित्त मंत्री ने दोहराया कि भाजपा द्वारा लोकतंत्र को कमजोर करने और बाबा साहेब डॉ. बी.आर. अंबेडकर द्वारा बनाए गए भारत के संविधान के साथ छेड़छाड़ करने की कोशिशों के बारे में सभी जानते हैं। उन्होंने दिल्ली विधानसभा चुनावों में मतदाता सूची में हेराफेरी के पिछले मामलों का भी उल्लेख किया, जिन्हें ‘आप’ संयोजक अरविंद केजरीवाल और पंजाब के मुख्यमंत्री भगवंत सिंह मान ने बार-बार चुनाव आयोग के ध्यान में लाया था, और भारतीय संसद में ‘आप’ के सांसदों ने भी इन्हें उठाया था।
वित्त मंत्री चीमा ने राज्य के लोगों को भरोसा दिलाया कि पंजाब सरकार सभी सरकारी योजनाओं के लाभ अपने लोगों तक पहुँचाने के लिए समर्पित है। उन्होंने कहा कि लगभग 500 नागरिक सेवाएँ लोगों के घर-द्वार पर प्रदान की जा रही हैं, और राज्यभर में सेवा केंद्रों का विशाल नेटवर्क लोगों को नागरिक केंद्रित सेवाओं तक पहुँचने में मदद कर रहा है।
पंजाब के भाजपा नेताओं को सीधे संदेश देते हुए वित्त मंत्री हरपाल सिंह चीमा ने उन्हें चुनौती दी कि यदि वे सचमुच राज्य का भला करने का इरादा रखते हैं, तो वे जीएसटी मुआवजे के 50,000 करोड़ रुपये, ग्रामीण विकास फंड के 8,000 करोड़ रुपये और प्रधानमंत्री ग्राम सड़क योजना के 1,000 करोड़ रुपये जारी करवाने के लिए केंद्र सरकार पर दबाव डालें। उन्होंने कहा कि पंजाब के लोग, जिन्होंने तीन काले कृषि कानूनों के खिलाफ बहादुरी से लड़ाई लड़ी और जीत हासिल की, भाजपा की चालों से भली-भांति परिचित हैं।