PUNJAB REVENUE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION CONTRIBUTES RS.10 LAKH TOWARDS CM RELIEF FUND
REVENUE MINISTER HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN LAUDS THEIR HUMANITARIAN INITIATIVE FOR FLOOD AFFECTED PEOPLE
Chandigarh, September 12:In a noteworthy gesture of compassion, Punjab Revenue Officers Association handed over a cheque of Rs.10 lakh to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for providing assistance to the flood-affected families in the state.
The contribution was presented to Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian at his office here at Punjab Civil Secretariat by the office-bearers Tehsildar Sukcharan Singh Channi, Tehsildar Harminder Singh Gholia, Naib Tehsildar Harjot Singh, Naib Tehsildar Pawan Kumar on behalf of their association.
Lauding their humanitarian initiative, the Revenue Minister said that the Association has set an inspiring example of social responsibility by extending a helping hand to those in distress. He said that such collective contributions will ensure crucial relief and rehabilitation measures for the affected people of Punjab.
Prominent amongst others who were present included Punjab State Small Scale Industries Chairman Sh. Neel Garg and S. Balwinder Singh, Private Secretary to the Revenue Minister.
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"Punjab Sets a National Model in Education, Social Justice and Child Welfare – Dr. Baljit Kaur"
"Push for ‘One Nation, One Scholarship’, Upgraded Model Village Scheme and Stringent Law Against Honour Killings"
Chandigarh, September 12:Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today strongly advocated major reforms during the consultative process for the Viksit Bharat 2047 Roadmap. She said these recommendations reflect the progressive vision and strong commitment of the Punjab Government towards social justice and inclusive development.
Commending the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Dr. Baljit Kaur said the State Government is setting new benchmarks for the country in education, social justice and child welfare. She added that Punjab’s recommendations will help shape nationwide reforms for a better and more equitable future.
Expressing gratitude to Union Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment & Minorities Dr. Barinder Kumar and ministers from other states for allowing Punjab to present its views, Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the concept of ‘One Nation, One Scholarship’ must be strengthened through a pan-India online portal to ensure students do not face delays in verification while seeking admissions in other states.
She further recommended increasing awareness about Post-Matric Scholarship schemes and adopting a uniform income criterion to ensure no deserving child is deprived of education. Specifically, she urged the Centre to raise the income ceiling for SC Post-Matric Scholarships from the current ₹2.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh, enabling more students to benefit.
Highlighting the need to revamp and upgrade the Adarsh Gram Yojana, Dr. Baljit Kaur proposed increasing the allocation under the scheme from ₹20 lakh to ₹1 crore per village to ensure comprehensive and impactful development of model villages, particularly benefitting Punjab’s large Scheduled Caste population.
Raising concern over honour killings, the Minister urged the Government of India to enact a stringent national law to curb discrimination and violence against inter-caste marriages. She also demanded an increase in the financial assistance provided under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, raising compensation for cases of murder and rape from ₹8.5 lakh to a higher amount and enhancing relief under other categories as well.
Dr. Baljit Kaur called for promoting modern livelihood projects such as nursing and elderly care training instead of conventional tailoring and beauty courses, to create sustainable employment opportunities for youth.
Sharing Punjab’s remarkable achievement in eradicating child begging, Dr. Baljit Kaur said over 700 children have been rescued under various Acts and Supreme Court guidelines, with DNA tests conducted to identify exploiters, and the rescued children rehabilitated into schools. “Today, you will not find a child begging on the streets of Punjab – this model must be replicated across all states,” she asserted.
Dr. Baljit Kaur also urged that hostels for SC/BC students should not carry caste-based labels, as this could lead to discrimination. Instead, a neutral environment must be created for students’ holistic development. She further recommended that the successful Punjab model for eradicating child begging be adopted nationally.
“Through these suggestions, Punjab has once again demonstrated its resolve to lead the nation in social justice, education, and child welfare,” Dr. Baljit Kaur concluded.
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BALJINDER DHILLON ASSUMES OFFICE AS CHAIRMAN OF PUNJAB AGRO FOODGRAINS CORPORATION IN PRESENCE OF AMAN ARORA
• Aman Arora congratulates new chairman and exhorts him to work zealously in achieving CM Mann's vision for 'Rangla Punjab'
Chandigarh, September 12:In a significant development for Punjab's agricultural sector, Mr. Baljinder Singh Dhillon today assumed the office as Chairman of Punjab Agro Foodgrains Corporation Ltd. in the presence of Mr. Aman Arora, Cabinet Minister and President of Aam Aadmi Party, Punjab.
Extending best wishes to Mr. Dhillon on taking over the office as chairman, Mr. Aman Arora expressed confidence that the Corporation under the leadership of Mr. Dhillon, will become a powerful engine for economic growth, creating new opportunities for youth and further strengthening the agriculture sector, the backbone of the Punjab. He exhorted the Chairman to work zealously in achieving Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government's vision for 'Rangla Punjab'.
While expressing gratitude towards CM Mann and AAP National Convener Sh. Arvind Kejriwal, Mr. Baljinder Singh Dhillon outlined a visionary roadmap focused on farmer prosperity, sustainable practices and establishing Punjab as a leader in food processing sector across the country. He further said that their primary focus is to serve the “Annadaata” by bridging the gap between farm and fork, ensuring better remuneration for the state farmers through crop diversification, cutting-edge technology adoption and creating robust infrastructure for food processing.
MLA Samana Mr. Chetan Singh Jauramajra, MLA Patiala Mr. Ajit Pal Singh Kohli, MLA Shutrana Mr. Kulwant Singh Bazigar, Chairman Punjab Water Supply & Sewerage Board Dr. Sunny Singh Ahluwalia, Chairman Punjab State Farmers' and Farm Workers' Commission Dr. Sukhpal Singh and other senior govt officials were also present on the occasion.
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Ensure adequate medical facilities & hygenic conditions in mandis of flood ravaged areas: Lal Chand Kataruchak
Arrangements being made for procuring 190 LMT of paddy during Kharif Marketing Season 2025 - 26
Chandigarh, September 12:Exhorting the officers and employees of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department to burn midnight oil in view of the upcoming Paddy procurement season, the Minister Incharge Lal Chand Kataruchak averred that considering the flood situation in the State, attention must be paid to ensure adequate medical facilities in the mandis falling in the flood ravaged areas.
The Minister was apprised during a review meeting at Anaj Bhawan with top brass of the department and video conferencing with the DFSCs that arrangements are being made for the procurement of 190 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of Paddy while the target fixed by the Department of Food Production and Distribution, Government of India is 173.13 LMT.
The number of rice mills in the State stands at 5049 while the Minimum Support Price (MSP) has fixed at Rs. 2389 Per Quintal.
Furthermore, as part of its strenuous efforts to ensure ample storage space for storing of rice, the State Government is regularly taking up the issue with the FCI/Government of India for movement of atleast 10 LMT of wheat per month for the next 3 months. Also the Custom Milling Policy 2025 - 26 has been notified on September 8th, 2025 and the process of allotment of rice mills & linking of rice mills with mandis is underway.
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ALL SET TO PROCURE EVERY SINGLE GRAIN OF PADDY IN PUNJAB: BARSAT
• Punjab Mandi Board Chairman reviews arrangements to ensure seamless procurement
Chandigarh, September 12:Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is all set to procure every single grain of paddy from the mandis, stated Punjab Mandi Board Chairman Harchand Singh Barsat, while reviewing the arrangements made to ensure smooth and efficient procurement operations for the upcoming Kharif season commencing from September 16, 2025.
S. Barsat, along with Secretary Mandi Board Mr. Ramvir, held a high-level meeting with District Mandi Officers to review the preparedness of the Board.
Complying with the directions of Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, the Mandi Board Chairman directed officials to ensure all 1,822 mandis and procurement centres should be well-maintained and equipped to handle the paddy crop to ensure seamless experience for farmers, Arhtiyas, labourers and traders.
He asked the officials to ensure comprehensive arrangements including cleanliness, uninterrupted electricity supply, drinking water facilities, restroom access and shaded seating areas.
He also directed the officials to ensure adequate shaded areas and seating arrangements for laborers working in mandis, ensuring their comfort and well-being during the procurement process.
He instructed the District Mandi Officers and head office officials to personally visit mandis, conduct ground-level assessments and maintain continuous monitoring during the procurement season to address any issue and concerns immediately.
The Chairman also emphasised on creating a supportive and conducive environment for farmers to ensuring that they can sell their produce without any difficulty.
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ECI holds One-day workshop for Media and Communication Officers of CEO offices
- Emphasis on telling Facts and Countering Misleading Information
- Punjab Additional CEO Harish Nayar attended the workshop
Chandigarh, September 12:The Election Commission of India (ECI) organised a one-day Workshop for Media and Communication officers of the offices of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all 36 States and Union Territories at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi today.
51 Media Nodal Officers (MNOs) and Social Media Nodal Officers (SMNOS) participated in the programme. Punajb Additional CEO Harish Nayar attended the workshop.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, addressed the participants in the inaugural session.
It was emphasised that in light of the growing threat of misinformation, it is imperative to clearly communicate that elections in India are conducted strictly in accordance with the Constitution and to keep countering misleading information with facts.
Sessions were held to strengthen the communication ecosystem of CEO offices to disseminate timely factual information with the media and other stakeholders.
The Workshop had dedicated sessions on the Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls from the perspective of media and social media. An expert session on the various tools, techniques and strategies to counter misinformation was also organised.
The Workshop marked the third such interaction. Orientation programmes were earlier held for the Media and Communication officers of the CEO offices at IIIDEM on April 9, 2025, and June 5, 2025, in New Delhi.
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CHANDIGARH-1209.25
PUNJAB GOVERNMENT RAMPS UP FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS WITH MEDICAL AID AND INFRASTRUCTURE RESTORATION
HEALTH MINISTER BALBIR SINGH FLAGS OFF 15 NEW AMBULANCES FOR AJNALA
HARJOT SINGH BAINS ANNOUNCES CONSTRUCTION OF NEW BRIDGE WORTH RS. 1.40 CR AND EXTENSION OF CONCRETE RETAINING WALL AT BIBHOR SAHIB
LALJIT SINGH BHULLAR DISTRIBUTES ESSENTIAL RELIEF MATERIALS IN PATTI CONSTITUENCY
Chandigarh, September 12-In a unified and compassionate response to the recent floods, the Punjab government has mobilised a multi-ministerial effort to deliver swift relief, restore essential services, and ensure the welfare of affected citizens. On Friday, the Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, Education and Information & Public Relations Minister Harjot Singh Bains, and Transport and Jails Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar led from the front by deploying mobile medical units, reinforcing critical infrastructure, and distributing financial aid and essential supplies across the hardest-hit regions.
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CHANDIGARH-12.09.25
DR. BALBIR SINGH FLAGGS OFF 15 NEW AMBULANCES FOR AJNALA
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh today flagged off 15 new ambulances from Government Medical College, Amritsar, to provide crucial, uninterrupted health services in the flood-affected areas of Ajnala. This deployment brings the total number of mobile medical units to 38. These units are staffed with dedicated teams conducting health check-ups and distributing free medicines to those in need.
Dr. Singh also visited eight-year-old Abhijot Singh, a kidney disease patient, at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, presenting his family with a cheque for Rs. 50,000. The Minister assured the family that the state government would cover all of Abhijot's treatment costs and provide compensation for their flood-related losses. Later, Dr. Singh visited the village of Kot Gurbaksh in Ajnala and distributed cheques of Rs 50,000 to flood-affected families. He urged the public to dial helpline number 104 for immediate medical assistance.
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HARJOT SINGH BAINS ANNOUNCES CONSTRUCTION OF NEW BRIDGE WORTH RS. 1.40 CR AND EXTENSION OF CONCRETE RETAINING WALL AT BIBHOR SAHIB
Meanwhile, Education, and Information and Public Relations Minister Harjot Singh Bains has spearheaded efforts to restore and strengthen vital infrastructure in his constituency. In a proactive measure to prevent future damage, Minister Bains ordered the extension of the concrete retaining wall at Bibhor Sahib by an additional 400 feet to mitigate the risk of debris falling from the hill and protect the foundations of nearby homes.
Minister Bains said that he is actively visiting villages throughout his constituency, adding that the entire road network has been reconnected, traffic routes are operating normally, and electricity and water supply lines have been fully restored. He also addressed a significant issue in Pighbari village, where a large ravine had blocked the path to residents' homes. He pledged to strengthen the existing road and construct a new bridge at a cost of Rs. 1.40 crore to ensure a smooth flow of traffic for all residents.
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LALJIT SINGH BHULLAR DISTRIBUTES ESSENTIAL RELIEF MATERIALS IN PATTI CONSTITUENCY
Transport and Jails Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar today distributed essential relief materials to flood-affected families in various villages along the Sutlej river in the Patti assembly constituency. The aid included ration, tarpaulins, household and kitchen items, as well as feed and chokers for animals. On this occasion, he also personally provided financial assistance to needy families. Minister Bhullar stated that the Chief Minister of Punjab has instructed all officers to begin a special girdawari from September 13 to assess damages. This process is to be completed within 45 days, after which compensation cheques will be handed over to farmers.
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RAIN SUBSIDES, WATER LEVELS RECEDE IN RIVERS, PUNJAB GETS RELIEF
NO REPORT OF CASUALTY AND FURTHER CROP AREA AFFECTED: HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN
PEOPLE SHELTERING IN RELIEF CAMPS RETURNING HOME
Chandigarh, September 12:With rainfall subsiding and water levels in rivers receding, Punjab has started witnessing significant relief from flood havoc. The latest flood report confirms no additional loss of life and no further crop area reported damaged during the last 24 hours.
Giving further information, Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that encouragingly, people sheltering in relief camps are steadily moving back to their homes, resulting in the number of operational camps dropping from 111 on September 11 to 100 on September 12. He said there is a noticeable decrease of 460 inmates in the relief camps, pointing to gradual restoration of normalcy as families return to their homes.
He said that the cumulative figure of evacuated persons has reached 23,340 so far. Presently, 4125 people remain in government-run relief camps as against 4585 a day earlier. He said that with no more affected crop area reported as per district reports, the affected crop area has been assessed at 192380 hectares till date, with no fresh area reported damaged during the last 24 hours.
The Cabinet Minister said that one missing person has been reported from Jalandhar, while three persons are still reported missing from Pathankot.
He said that further villages have been reported affected, raising the total to 2319 villages across 22 districts, while the overall population affected stands at 3,89,036.
S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that rescue and relief operations continue under the supervision of district administrations, supported by NDRF, SDRF, Army and BSF.
As water further recedes, actual loss of livestock and infrastructure will be ascertained in coming days, he added.
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