Punjab Intensifies Recovery of Excise Arrears inherited from previous SAD-BJP and Congress Governments: Harpal Singh Cheema"
Rs. 1.85 Crore Recovered in Current FY; 27 Properties Valued at Rs. 20.31 Crore to be Sold
Auction of 14 Properties in Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, Mansa in First Two Weeks of September
Excise Department Aims for Substantial Revenue Recovery from 67 Pending Arrears Cases
Highlights AAP Govt's Commitment to Transparent Governance vs. Past SAD-BJP Regimes
Chandigarh, August 24-In a determined push to reinforce fiscal discipline and maximize revenue realization, Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced today that the Punjab Excise Commissionerate has intensified efforts to recover long-pending excise arrears inherited from previous SAD-BJP and Congress governments. The department has already recovered Rs. 1.85 crores in the current financial year 2025–26, and permission has been granted to sell 27 properties with a combined base value of Rs. 20.31 crores (at Collector Rate), marking a significant step toward financial accountability.
Revealing this in a press communique issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the auction process for these properties is now underway. "As part of this recovery drive, 14 properties located in Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, and Mansa districts will be auctioned during the first two weeks of September", he added.
Providing further details, Cheema stated that six properties in Mansa and Bathinda districts—comprising agricultural and commercial/residential land with a base price of Rs. 5.4 crores—will be auctioned on September 4. On September 8, four agricultural properties in Sri Muktsar Sahib with a total base price of Rs. 4.89 crores will go under the hammer. Another set of four agricultural properties in Sri Muktsar Sahib and Fazilka, valued at Rs. 1.99 crores, will be auctioned on September 11.
The Finance Minister also announced that eight additional properties will be auctioned later in September, ensuring sustained momentum in the recovery campaign. He emphasized that the government anticipates substantial revenue recovery from 67 pending arrears cases within this financial year alone. This initiative, he said, is part of a broader strategy to streamline legacy dues and unlock stalled revenue.
Highlighting the contrast with previous SAD-BJP and Congress regimes, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema asserted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, license fees are being recovered on time, leaving no room for arrears. He described the recovery of long-pending dues as a vital move toward strengthening Punjab’s fiscal health and underscored the government’s commitment to compliance and accountability. Reaffirming the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab Government’s dedication to transparent and efficient governance, Cheema said the ongoing efforts reflect a clear resolve to uphold financial integrity and public trust.
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Punjab Government provides financial assistance of ₹4,000 per child for economically weaker and orphan children: Dr. Baljit Kaur
A total of 5,475 beneficiaries have benefitted so far under the Sponsorship Scheme: Dr. Baljit Kaur
Chandigarh, August 24:Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is working tirelessly for the overall development of children across Punjab. At the same time, special priority is being given to the care and upbringing of children from economically weaker families and orphans. This was disclosed by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.
Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that under the Sponsorship Scheme, the Punjab Government provides financial assistance of ₹4,000 per child per month to economically weaker, destitute and orphan children. This assistance is meant for wards belonging to families unable to provide proper care due to financial constraints, as well as for orphaned children living with their relatives.
She further said that this assistance is provided until the child attains the age of 18 years, and so far, a total of 5,475 beneficiaries have already received support under this scheme.
Highlighting the objective of the initiative, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the scheme is not merely about financial aid but also about providing children with a brighter future. With this support, children are able to continue their education, pursue their dreams and integrate into the mainstream of society.
Reiterating the Punjab Government’s commitment, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the ultimate aim of the government is to ensure that every child becomes educated, self-reliant and a responsible citizen contributing to the progress of society and the state. Special efforts are being made for the holistic development of those children who have been left out of the mainstream of society.
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HERITAGE STREET TO COME UP IN SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB, ANNOUNCES BAINS
• 1st phase to see ₹25-CR investment to transform Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib route into tranquil pedestrian zone, free from vehicular traffic, says Harjot Singh Bains
• Education Minister greets people on 1st Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Chandigarh, August 24:On the auspicious occasion of First Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, who represents the Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency, has announced a major project to develop a majestic Heritage Street, stretching from the main Gurudwara Sahib to Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, the holy place where 10th Sikh Guru Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa Panth.
Extending warm greetings to the Sikh Sangat living across the globe on the auspicious occasion of 1st Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the Heritage Street project aims to create a serene spiritual oasis by transforming the sacred route with exquisite marble work, meticulous landscaping and enchanting lighting to enhance the overall spiritual experience.
Further elaborating on the ambitious project, the Education Minister informed that Rs 25 crore will be spent under the first phase of the project and the route will be metamorphose into tranquil pedestrian-friendly zone, free from vehicular traffic. This will enable devotees to traverse the sacred path with serenity and reverence. Moreover, the stairs leading to Takht Sahib will be tastefully renovated with exquisite marble and intricate design, thereby augmenting the site's grandeur and spiritual significance.
With the tender process now complete, S. Harjot Singh Bains shared that the project will be launched soon, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann slated to inaugurate it. This development will not only enrich the spiritual experience for devotees but also stimulate local tourism, besides, further enhancing facilities for pilgrims at the sacred land of Sri Anandpur Sahib.
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SBS NAGAR MURDER CASE: TWO SHOOTERS OF LUCKY PATIAL-DAVINDER BAMBIHA GANG HELD FROM MUMBAI
— ARRESTED ACCUSED PERSONS IN CONNIVANCE WITH USA-BASED JASKARAN KANNU RECENTLY KILLED A PERSON IN POJEWAL: DGP GAURAV YADAV
— WITH THESE ARRESTS, PUNJAB POLICE AVERTS POTENTIAL CRIMINAL ACTS
CHANDIGARH/SBS NAGAR, August 24: In a major breakthrough against organised crime amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence Jalandhar in a joint operation with SBS Nagar apprehended two shooters of Lucky Patial-Davinder Bambiha gang from Mumbai for their involvement in murder that took place in Pojewal in SBS Nagar last month, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Sunday.
Those arrested have been identified as Karan Ganger (25), a resident of village Ror Majara in Hoshiarpur and Jaskarandeep Singh alias Kallu (23), a resident of village Ramgarh Jhungian in Garhshankar.
As per the information, a person identified as Hardeep Singh alias Deepa Kulpuria was shot dead by some unidentified persons at his village Kulpur at Pojewal in SBS Nagar on July 2, 2025.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that arrested accused Karan Rormajara and Jaskarandeep Kalu, in connivance with USA-based Jaskaran Singh alias Kannu had recently killed a person in Pojewal, SBS Nagar due to their personal enmity. The arrested accused and Jaskaran Kannu are associates of Lucky Patial of Devinder Bambiha Gang, he said.
The DGP said that further investigations are ongoing to establish backward and forward linkages in this case.
Sharing operation details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) SBS Nagar Mehtab Singh said that following the murder, a special investigation team (SIT) headed by SP Investigation was constituted to probe the entire case.
He said that police teams from CI Jalandhar and SBS Nagar Police, working on human and technical investigations, zeroed in on the location of the both the accused to be in Mumbai.
Sharing more details, AIG Counter Intelligence Jalandhar Navjot Singh Mahal said that joint teams from CI Jalandhar and SBS Nagar Police were despatched immediately to Mumbai, who successfully managed to apprehend both the suspects with the help of local Mumbai Police.
He said that the arrested accused were to be provided other targets by their foreign based handlers and such potential criminal acts have been averted because of their arrest.
A case FIR no. 70 dated 03.07.2025 had been regitered under Sections 103, 191(3) and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 25 and 27 of Arms Act at police station Pojewal in SBS Nagar.
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Punjab Mandi Board Secretary Inspects Ongoing Development Works in Sangrur District
- CM Bhagwant Mann has advocated the use of AI for need-based construction of rural roads to optimize the use of public funds
- Directs Punjab Mandi Board officials to ensure high-quality work
- Statewide inspections will be carried out to maintain transparency and quality - Ramvir
Chandigarh/Sangrur, August 24 –As part of the Punjab Government’s commitment to ensuring quality and transparency in development projects, Punjab Mandi Board Secretary, Mr. Ramvir, conducted a review of ongoing development works in Sangrur district today.
He was accompanied by Mr. Dalvir Singh Dhillon, Chairman of Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation; Mr. Rajwant Singh Ghulli, Chairman of Market Committee, Dhuri; Mr. Gurinder Singh Cheema, Chief Engineer, Punjab Mandi Board; and other officials.
During his visit, he inspected the construction of the new Sub-Divisional Hospital and Mother-Child Hospital in Dhuri, various link roads, and the ongoing work of grain market in village Satauj.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has advocated the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for need-based construction of rural roads to optimize the use of public funds. He noted that smart road surveys conducted across the state have saved ₹383 crore by leveraging technology to transform sectors such as education, policing, and agriculture.
He instructed Punjab Mandi Board officials to prioritize quality in all development projects. He stressed the urgent need to strengthen and upgrade rural roads to facilitate smoother commuting for residents. The strategy for road construction has been meticulously planned, with priority given to roads that have not been repaired or rebuilt in over six years.
Highlighting the state’s shift toward smart governance, Mr. Ramvir stated that technology, transparency, and accountability are reshaping Punjab’s administration. Previously, crores of rupees were spent on road repairs without proper scrutiny. For the first time, a comprehensive AI-based survey, combined with videography, was conducted across the state, examining 3,369 roads. Of these, 843 were found to be in good condition, saving ₹383 crore. These savings will now be redirected toward public welfare projects, eliminating unnecessary tenders and corrupt practices.
He announced that similar inspections will be conducted across the state to uphold quality and transparency. He further directed that berms (sidewalks) must be constructed alongside roads to ensure safety and accessibility.
Chairman Dalvir Singh Dhillon said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has urged contractors to maintain high standards in development and construction works. Contractors are now required to maintain roads and buildings for five years after project completion, ensuring long-term accountability.
He emphasized that the Chief Minister has approved the use of AI for the strategic development of rural roads, ensuring efficient utilization of resources while delivering high-quality infrastructure. This innovative approach is set to revolutionize road construction by significantly reducing costs. He added that the state government has decided to upgrade, reinforce, and widen rural roads to enhance connectivity across Punjab.
Mr Rajwant Singh Ghulli appealed to residents to provide honest feedback on the quality of materials used in construction projects, emphasizing that public funds belong to the people.
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Punjab Department going high-tech; infrastructure of the jails will be strengthened with the installation of modern equipment in the current financial year
Installation of AI-based CCTV system in eight central jails completed
Jails will be equipped with modern jammers
Chandigarh, August 24:The Punjab Jail Department has initiated the process of purchasing ultra-modern security equipment for the jails of the state to further strengthen the security infrastructure.
Giving this information, Punjab Jail Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said that the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has always been serious about the security of the jails of the state. He said that in the current financial year, in addition to the major security equipment, full body scanners, body worn cameras, flood lights, walkie talkie sets, boom barriers, CCTV cameras, sniffer dogs, X-ray based scanners, search lights, high mast poles, non-linear junction detectors, anti-riot kits, e-carts, wire mesh in high security zones, etc. are being purchased to strengthen the security infrastructure of the jails.
S. Bhullar said that T-HCBS (Tower for Harmonious Call Blocking System) jammers have been installed in 2 jails of the state. He said that AI has been installed in eight central jails to generate alarms in case of throwing prohibited substances outside the main wall of the jail, wall scaling, rioting and use of mobiles, etc. The installation of the CCTV system has been completed and this system is also being implemented in 17 other jails of the state. He said that 19 X-ray baggage scanners have also been purchased to cover 13 sensitive jails of the state.
The Jail Minister said that 200 body worn cameras are being used to monitor the behavior of the prisoners in the jails. He said that 295 CCTV cameras are being installed to cover all the cells of the high security zones in the jails where high risk prisoners are lodged. Similarly, mobile network jamming solution is being installed at designated places in 13 sensitive jails with high security zones.
S. Bhullar further said that to save the expenses and staff incurred by the police department to produce the prisoners in the jails in the respective courts, maximum number of prisoners are being sent to VC. The department has also installed 159 VC systems in the jails and a proposal to build more than 200 VC systems and VC rooms is under consideration.
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Punjab Government taking special care of freedom fighters, provides Rs 11,000 monthly pension
Mann Government committed to welfare of freedom fighters and their families: Mohinder Bhagat
Chandigarh, August 24-The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to the welfare of freedom fighters and their families. To honour the brave heroes who made supreme sacrifices for India’s independence, the State Government is providing a monthly pension of Rs 11,000 to freedom fighters and their dependents.
Freedom Fighters Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat said that earlier the pension was only Rs 9,400 per month, but the Mann Government increased it to Rs 11,000. This step has further enhanced the dignity and respect of these families. He affirmed that the Punjab Government stands shoulder to shoulder with freedom fighters and their dependents at all times.
Mr. Bhagat stated that, in line with the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, serving and honouring freedom fighters is the foremost duty of the Government. He said that these great sons of the soil, who contributed immensely to the freedom struggle, are a source of inspiration for all of us, and paying them respect is a matter of pride.
The Minister further added that Punjabis made an unparalleled contribution to the freedom struggle against foreign powers. “It was their courage and sacrifices that secured our nation’s independence. Their legacy will continue to inspire patriotism and love for the country among generations to come,” he remarked.