PUNJAB GEARS UP TO ENSURE SMOOTH PADDY PROCUREMENT
• Gurmeet Khudian reviews preparedness for procurement with Agriculture, Food Supply & Mandi Board officials
•Agriculture Minister also reviews situation in flood-affected districts through VC with CAOs
Chandigarh, August 28:Gearing up for the Kharif procurement season, the Punjab Government is making a comprehensive arrangements to procure every single grain of paddy from grain markets across the state, said S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Punjab.
S. Khudian, along with Punjab Mandi Board Chairman S. Harchand Singh Barsat, reviewed the state's preparedness for smooth Kharif crop procurement with senior officials from Agriculture, Food & Civil Supplies, and Punjab Mandi Board at Kisan Bhawan here, on Thursday.
S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government would install Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) calibrated moisture meters in all grain markets to standardise moisture measurement, besides ensuring necessary infrastructure, such as cleanliness, potable water, sheds and electricity, in mandis and procurement centres to facilitate smooth paddy procurement.
During the meeting, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian also reviewed the situation in flood-affected districts through a video conference with Chief Agriculture Officers (CAOs). Administrative Secretary of Agriculture department Dr. Basant Garg directed the CAOs to take proactive measures to support farmers during this challenging time.
He also emphasised the need to sensitise farmers to bring dry crops to mandis so that they won’t have to face any hardship to sell their produce.
The Secretary Punjab Mandi Board Mr. Ramvir informed that the Board's field staff has been deployed to ensure adequate facilities in grain markets, including electricity, sheds, toilets, and clean drinking water, to support farmers during the procurement season.
Director Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Mr. Varinder Kumar Sharma apprised the meeting that out of the required 5.40 lakh bales of Bardana, approximately 3.50 lakh bales have been received, with the remaining bales expected to be delivered by mid-September.
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Punjab Govt Major Initiative in e-Governance: 8 New Services to be Launched for Urban Citizens
Chandigarh, August 28:Taking a significant step towards strengthening e-Governance and improving citizen-centric services, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has decided to launch eight new online services under the Local Government Department. This initiative is aimed at streamlining administrative processes, enhancing transparency and improving the efficiency of government employees.
Divulging further, Local Govt Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh said that the major services will include online application and issuance of pet licenses for urban residents, a digital platform for the management of rent and lease agreements, online approvals for advertisements and hoardings, e-challaning for traffic and other violations and online payment of garbage collection fees by citizens.
Dr. Singh said, “Punjab is already one of the leading states in providing e-Governance services. With these new initiatives, our objective is to further take urban services to the next level. These eight services will not only enhance the efficiency of local government institutions but will also ensure convenient and transparent access to essential services for citizens.”
He said that automation and digitization will significantly reduce processing time, increase employee efficiency and introduce real-time updates and tracking capabilities for citizens. He said that the digital platforms will enable government employees to focus on high-priority tasks, thereby improving overall service delivery and productivity.
Reiterating the Punjab Government’s commitment to innovation and good governance, Dr. Ravjot Singh said that continuous efforts are being made to leverage technology for better administration.
He expressed confidence that these new services will substantially improve the citizen experience and set a benchmark for other states in modern urban governance.
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DIRECTOR LAND RECORDS DEPLOYED AS NODAL OFFICER FOR STATE FLOOD CONTROL ROOM AT JALANDHAR
REVENUE MINISTER HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN DIRECTS TO ENSURE SWIFT COORDINATION AND TIMELY RELIEF
Chandigarh, August 28:Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Department has appointed Director Land Records S. Gulpreet Singh Aulakh as the Nodal Officer for the State Flood Control Room established at Jalandhar to further strengthen coordination and accelerate relief operations in flood-affected areas.
Informing this, Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that the State Flood Control Room has been playing a pivotal role in coordinating round-the-clock with the Deputy Commissioners, Army authorities, NDRF, SDRF and other concerned departments to ensure seamless disaster response and relief measures. He said that with the deployment of a dedicated Nodal Officer, better monitoring, quick decision-making and effective liaison with field officers would be ensured. The Director Land Records will maintain constant communication with field staff and concerned officials, while providing regular updates to the State Government for timely action. The Revenue Minister also directed the nodal officer to ensure proper coordination and timely relief work.
Notably, in accordance with the directions of the Chief Minister, a dedicated Control Room for flood prevention was established at Circuit House, Jalandhar (Phone No: 0181-2240064). This facility is operating round-the-clock to ensure prompt response and coordination during flood-related emergencies.
The Control Room is working under the supervision of Sh. Aman Arora, Minister for Good Governance and Information Technology, while Dr. Himanshu Agarwal, Deputy Commissioner Jalandhar and Sh. Deepak Bali, Advisor, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department are providing comprehensive support to ensure the effective functioning of this critical facility.
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Registrar Cooperative Societies directs usage of Video Conferencing facility for Cooperative Institutions’ Meetings
Chandigarh August 28:In order to maximize participation, reduce costs, and ensure timely conduct of proceedings, the Registrar Cooperative Societies (RCS) Girish Dayalan has issued directions permitting the use of Video Conferencing (VC) for all meetings and proceedings of Cooperative Institutions across the State.
The step follows the successful use of VC mode by Union and State Governments as well as Constitutional Courts, and draws legal backing from the Information Technology Act, 2000, which accords recognition to electronic records and signatures.
The main features of the new guidelines will be that VC option will be available for all meetings. The notice for meetings of Boards, Committees, General Bodies/AGMs, and personal hearings shall include VC access details also.
Giving further details, the RCS said that the VC facility is an additional option and does not alter legal requirements regarding quorum, notice, or voting.The Roll-call, VC logs, and authenticated participant lists will ensure transparency.
Agendas may be circulated electronically; voting and decisions can be recorded through VC and thereafter confirmed in the minutes.
Mr. Dayalan also said that the Institutions may record VC proceedings (fully or in part) for internal record-keeping and where systems exist, personal hearings may also be conducted through VC, while court appearances will follow the respective forum’s rules.
He also clarified that Provisions of the Punjab Cooperative Societies Act, 1961, the Rules, and institutional by-laws will continue to apply in full.
This initiative removes the financial and logistical burden of convening large gatherings, encourages broader participation—including from those unable to travel—and ensures compliance with statutory requirements.
The Registrar has directed all Apex Cooperative Institutions, Cooperative Banks/Societies (State, District, and Primary levels), authorities, and field formations to implement these directions with immediate effect.
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Jasvir Singh Garhi Issues Strict Instructions to Officials; Ensures Effective Implementation of SC/ST Atrocities Prevention Act
Order to Appoint Nodal Officers and Establish Helpline for SC Community Complaints
Chandigarh, August 28-Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman Mr. Jasvir Sing Garhi today directed Punjab government officials to prioritize addressing the complaints and concerns of people belonging to the Scheduled Castes. Mr. Garhi was presiding over the 26th meeting of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission held today. He emphasized the Commission’s commitment to protecting the rights of the state’s Scheduled Castes.
At a review meeting in Punjab Bhawan, Chairman Garhi reviewed the status of SC/ST cases and gathered information regarding cases registered under the Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989. He instructed police officials to expedite the resolution of these cases to ensure timely justice for complainants.During the meeting, Mr. Garhi directed the police department to appoint SP-level nodal officers in every district to manage cases registered under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989, ensuring swift resolution of complaints related to atrocities.He also recommended establishing a special helpline number, allowing Scheduled Caste individuals to register complaints with the police by phone.
Additionally, he instructed that guards be appointed to ensure the safety of devotees at prominent shrines of the Bhuriwale Gurgaddi (Garib Das) sect—Sri Rakba Sahib (Ludhiana) and Sri Jhandian Dham (Ropar)—as well as for the security of Tap-Ashan and Charan Chhoh Ganga at Sri Khuralgarh Sahib.
Mr. Garhi also directed officials of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department to expedite the construction of Ambedkar Bhawans in Barnala, Fazilka, Malerkotla, Pathankot, and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar. He urged acceptance of the land proposal for Ambedkar Bhawan in Barnala and called for the acceleration of incomplete construction work in Tarn Taran district. He instructed the immediate release of Punjab’s pending 40% share of the post-matric scholarship scheme funds for 2017 to 2019 to the concerned colleges and educational institutions, assuring efforts to resolve remaining issues regarding the Centre’s 60% share and outstanding amounts through the National Scheduled Castes Commission.
Further, Mr. Garhi directed Mr. Kulwant Singh, Director of Local Government, to collect data to expedite pending cases of compassionate employment for the families of sanitation workers who died on duty.
The meeting was attended by non-official Commission members Gulzar Singh Bobby, Gurpreet Singh Ittawali, and Rupinder Singh Sheetal; Special Director General of Police, Mr. A.S. Rai; Director of Local Government, Mr. Kulwant Singh, IAS; Director of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Nayan Jassal, PCS; and Secretary of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission.
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PUNJAB POLICE SEARCHES 138 RAILWAY STATIONS ACROSS STATE
DAY 180 OF YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH: 84 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD WITH 1.8KG HEROIN
— AS PART OF ‘DE-ADDICTION’, PUNJAB POLICE CONVINCE 58 PERSONS TO UNDERGO DE-ADDICTION TREATMENT
CHANDIGARH, August 28:Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 180th day, Punjab Police on Thursday conducted a cordon and search operation (CASO) at 138 Railway Stations across the state.
The operation was carried out in all the 28 Police districts on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav.
Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who was personally monitoring this state-level operation, said that all the CPs/SSPs were asked to ensure heavy deployment of police force under the supervision of gazetted rank officers to make this operation successful.
He said that around 1189 people were checked during the operation conducted at around 138 railway stations in the state. At least seven suspicious persons were also rounded up for questioning during the operation, he added.
Apart from this, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs with 84 drug smugglers arrested on Thursday and recovered 1.8 kg heroin, 24 kg poppy husk and Rs 5400 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 27,508 in just 180 days.
Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state.
Special DGP Arpit Shukla informed that over 120 Police teams, comprising over 1000 police personnel, under the supervision of 62 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 329 locations across the state leading to the registration of 57 first information reports (FIRs) across the state.
The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 58 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.
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PUNJAB HEALTH DEPARTMENT ON HIGH ALERT, DEPLOYS TEAMS AND AMBULANCES TO COMBAT FLOOD-RELATED DISEASES
— Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh chairs state-level meeting with Civil Surgeon, Issues Directives
— People urged to follow advisory on Prevention of Water, Food, and Vector-borne Diseases during Floods
— Six Pregnant Women Deliver Safely After Being Rescued From Flood Affected Border Districts
— Health Minister Directs Civil Surgeons for Round-the-Clock Efforts, Assures Citizens of Comprehensive Preparedness
CHANDIGARH, August 28:In response to the ongoing flood situation, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh, conducted a video conference meeting with Civil Surgeons, Principals of Medical Colleges, representatives of Indian Medical Association (IMA), Red Cross and Chemists associations of Punjab for comprehensive review of emergency medical response, prevention of water borne and vector borne diseases.
Large-scale mobilisation of medical teams and resources is underway to provide immediate care and relief to affected residents, said Dr Balbir Singh, while reaffirming the government's commitment to tackling any health-related exigency.
Speaking during the meeting Dr Balbir Singh stated, “The health and well-being of our citizens is the top priority of the Punjab government.”
He directed the Civil Surgeons to ensure that no one is left without medical help during these critical times and asked that all health facilities must be fully equipped and stocked to take in patients.
The Minister informed that on his instructions, the health department has initiated a critical mission to locate and assist pregnant women in flood-affected regions. This targeted effort has already yielded life-saving results, as teams in Ferozepur and Fazilka have successfully rescued six such women, all of whom have since given birth to healthy babies in state-run medical facilities.
He announced a massive mobilisation of healthcare resources to mitigate the crisis. The department has constituted 360 Mobile Medical Teams and 458 Rapid Response Teams, which are actively working in the affected areas.
A total of 172 ambulances have been earmarked for flood relief and are stationed 24/7. "Our teams are working on a war footing, and we are confident that the state is well-prepared to handle any medical emergency caused by floods," added Minister.
The Minister emphasised that Civil Surgeons must act in liaison with Deputy Commissioners for distributing chlorine pellets for potable drinking water and conducting door-to-door campaigns to ensure every household has access to safe drinking water. He asked for a coordinated response by working closely with IMA, Red Cross, Chemist Association and NGOs to ensure safety of the people in flood affected areas.
Director Health and Family Welfare, Dr Hitinder Kaur, provided an on-the-ground report of the department's initiatives. “Our teams are on the ground, providing treatment and distributing essential supplies. Medical camps are being organised daily in the affected areas, and in District Kapurthala, one camp is operating 24/7. We are also rigorously undertaking spraying and fogging to prevent vector-borne diseases.”
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Setting up of a new Greenfield Steel Plant in Punjab with a capex of Rs. 2500 crore including Solar Plant, Says Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora
Sachit Jain from Vardhman Special Steels Limited (VSSL) in collaboration with Aichi Steel Corporation (ASC), Japan to set up this Plant in Ludhiana district
Direct employment for over 1500 people along with significant indirect employment and business opportunities for MSMEs
This project will serve as a milestone in Punjab's industrial growth
Chandigarh, 28 August 2025:Aiming to make Punjab as a major industrial hub and paying the way for providing ease of doing business, Punjab Cabinet Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora today informed that Vardhman Special Steels Limited (VSSL) in joint venture with Aichi Steel Corporation (ASC), Japan is setting up a new Greenfield Special & Alloy Steel Plant in Ludhiana district, Punjab. This project reflects our commitment to establish a sustainable, technologically advanced and globally competitive steel manufacturing facility in the state.
Speaking to the media about this project, Sanjeev Arora said that total investment for this project is ₹2500 crores. In this context, installed capacity of 5 Lakh Tonnes Per Annum (TPA) of Alloy & Special Steel is a Plant Capacity & Steelmaking will cater to both domestic and global automotive requirements. Production through the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) route will ensure energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and clean steel production.
He further informed that solar power plant will also be set up with an outlay of Rs. 500 crore capax. This plant is being set up in collaboration with our associated partner to ensure the use of renewable energy for plant operations. This investment of ₹500 Crore is over and above the estimated ₹2000 Crore Greenfield plant cost, he added.
It is worth mentioning here that this project will facilitate employment generation in Punjab. Direct employment for over 1500 people along with significant indirect employment and business opportunities for MSMEs, suppliers, and service providers across Punjab, he said.
Sanjeev Arora believed this project will serve as a milestone in Punjab's industrial growth, reinforcing the state's position as a leader in advanced and sustainable steel manufacturing. He also seeks the kind support and guidance of entrepreneurs to make this initiative a landmark success for Punjab's economy and industry.
Sharing more details, Sachit Jain Vice Chairman and Managing Director of VSSL said that focus has been on producing green steel through melting of steel scrap by using energy efficient technologies and utilization of renewable energy which aligned with global sustainability practices and India's net zero vision. It will reduce dependence on fossil fuels and minimize carbon footprint.
Sachit Jain said that this is a joint venture & technology transfer project. This plant will be set up in collaboration with Aichi Steel Corporation, Japan, a world leader in special steel for automotive applications. ASC will provide continuous support and technical expertise which will help in producing world-class clean steel. This plant will be developed on the Toyota way layout ensuring operational excellence, safety, efficiency and world class plant layout.
He further revealed that state-of-the-art technology will be used in this project. This project will incorporate the latest energy-efficient and productive technologies to enhance competitiveness while minimizing environmental footprint. This facility will be equipped to meet stringent global OEM standards, positioning Punjab as a hub for special steel exports leading to increased export competitiveness.
Furthermore, he said that the project will also generate a strong multiplier effect across ancillary industries, forging units, logistics, service sectors and provide a boost to the Industrial Ecosystem.
Secretary Industries and Commerce Kamal Kishor Yadav was also present during the press conference.
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Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan to donate his one month's salary for flood affected people in Punjab
Speaker appeals public to provide daily necessity items for flood affected persons
Chandigarh 28 August 2025:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, who is associated with welfare organizations like Bhai Ghanaiya Cancer Prevention Service Society and Good Morning Welfare Club, Kotkapura which strive for the welfare of humanity, has announced to donate his one month's salary to help flood affected victims in Punjab. He said that the inspiration to hold someone's hand in times of sorrow has been inculcated by our Gurus. Our Government will leave no stone unturned to help the flood affected persons and reach out to every nook and cranny of Punjab to facilitate needy persons.
He said human beings, animals, crops and all kinds of vegetation have been affected due to floods in Punjab. He appealed to the people who love humanity to contribute generously to help the flood affected persons and to donate whatever they can before 2 September such as ration, medicines, drinking water, flour bags, pulses, fodder for animals, etc.
Furthermore, he highlighted that those who want to contribute can contact Gurmeet Singh Arewala, Chairman Market Committee Kotkapura on this mobile number- 9814226862 and Mehar Singh Channi on this mobile number- 9501100225.
Chairman Gurmeet Singh and Mehar Singh Channi said that as per the earlier announcement made by Speaker, an amount of Rs. 10 lakh has also been donated for diesel service to strengthen the embankments along the river.
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5,290 People Evacuated from Flood-Affected Areas
13 Relief Camps Set Up in Ferozepur District; Over 2,000 Flood Victims Rescued So Far: Barinder Goyal
7 Relief Camps Established for 24 Villages in Kavanwali Pattan, Fazilka; 100 People Evacuated
2,000 People Rescued in Gurdaspur, 710 in Amritsar, 480 in Kapurthala
Green Fodder Being Arranged for Animals in Affected Areas
Special Girdawari to Assess Damage and Provide Compensation: Harpal Singh Cheema
Rescue Efforts Using Motorboats Continue in Tarn Taran: Laljit Singh Bhullar
Mundian Reviews Relief in Ludhiana; Harbhajan Singh ETO in Beas; Mohinder Bhagat in Sultanpur Lodhi
Chandigarh, August 28:The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is executing flood relief efforts on a war footing in response to the recent floods caused by heavy rains and mudslides in Himachal Pradesh, along with continued heavy rainfall in Punjab.
Cabinet Ministers and local MLAs have been actively present at Ground Zero, personally overseeing and reviewing ongoing relief operations. Due to these concerted efforts, 5,290 people have been evacuated from flood-hit areas, including 2,000 in Gurdaspur, 710 in Amritsar, 2,000 in Ferozepur, 480 in Kapurthala, and 100 in Fazilka.
A Punjab government spokesperson stated that, following the Chief Minister’s directives, state cabinet ministers visited affected districts today to inspect the relief efforts being carried out by local administrations.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reviewed flood relief measures at the District Administrative Complex in Sangrur. He reported that government teams have been deployed to assist affected residents in the villages of Satoj Harao, Daska, and Sangatpura. He further announced that a special Girdawari will be conducted to assess the extent of the damage, and compensation will be provided to the victims accordingly.
In Ferozepur district, 65 villages have been impacted by flooding. The district administration has established 13 relief camps, and over 2,000 flood victims have been rescued so far. Water Resources Minister Barinder Goyal visited the relief camp at Government School Barike to assess the ongoing support operations. He also inspected affected areas in Fazilka district, where 7 relief camps have been set up for 24 villages in the Kavanwali Pattan area. So far, 100 people have been evacuated from this region, and relief items including dry rations, packed food, and fodder for animals have been distributed.
In Kapurthala district, 480 families have been rescued, including 200 families in Sultanpur Lodhi, 180 in Bholath, and 100 in Kapurthala city.
In Ludhiana district, Revenue and Rehabilitation Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian reviewed the relief work in Sasrali Colony. In the Beas area, Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO supervised relief efforts.
Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat visited flood-affected areas in Sultanpur Lodhi, Baupur, and neighboring villages to evaluate ongoing rescue and relief work. In Gurdaspur, the district administration delivered relief material to flood-hit areas of Dera Baba Nanak using drones.
Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar visited several villages in the Tarn Taran district, including Gharum, Kuttiwala, Sabaran, Jalloke, Kotbuddha, Bhauwal, Radhalke, and Muthiwala. He personally led rescue efforts using motorboats and oversaw the distribution of rations, animal fodder, and other essential supplies to those in need.