Tarn Taran bye-election: CEO Sibin C reviews arrangements with DC and SSP Tarn Taran
• Directs to strictly enforce the Model Code of Conduct and to dispose of complaints in a time-bound manner
• Also instructs to keep strict vigil till the completion of election process as Tarn Taran is a border district
• CEO directs to install cameras at all polling stations; six inter-district checkpoints already operational
Chandigarh, October 10:Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Punjab, Sibin C, on Friday reviewed the preparations for the Tarn Taran Assembly bye-election with the Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer, Rahul, SSP Dr. Ravjot Grewal, and other district officials through video conferencing.
During the meeting, the Chief Electoral Officer directed that, since the Tarn Taran constituency lies along the international border, strict vigilance must be maintained throughout the election process, particularly during the 72, 48, and 24 hours preceding the poll. He instructed that the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) must be implemented strictly and all complaints of MCC violations should be disposed of in a time-bound manner.
Sibin C directed the District Election Officer (DEO) to ensure adequate arrangements and security at polling stations, counting halls, and strong rooms. He also instructed that facilities like drinking water, waiting areas, toilets, and wheelchairs for PwD voters should be provided at polling stations to facilitate voters’ convenience. He also instructed the DEO to ensure 100% webcasting by installing cameras and to intensify SWEEP activities to increase voter participation.
The CEO directed the SSP to increase strictness and maintain surveillance at check-posts with the help of CCTV cameras to curb the illegal trafficking of drugs, liquor, cash, and other goods. He further stated that immediate action should be taken against anyone attempting to distribute cash or other items (freebies) to lure voters during the elections. He also instructed to spread maximum awareness about the c-VIGIL app so that voters can register complaints without fear.
The District officers informed that a total of 222 polling stations (60 urban and 162 rural) have been set up at 114 locations for voting. Out of these, 100 polling stations have been declared vulnerable so far. Additionally, more than a dozen polling stations have been set up in villages near the international border, where stringent security arrangements will be made. They further informed that 1435 police personnel and other security forces have been deployed so far.
The district officials stated that to strengthen security arrangements, 6 check-posts have been established at the borders connecting with Kapurthala and Amritsar districts, and they are operational round-the-clock to monitor all activities closely. The helpline number 1950 has been activated round the clock for registering any type of complaint. They also informed that 6 Flying Squad teams with technically equipped vehicles are patrolling the roads 24 hours to monitor any activity in the constituency.
They affirmed that the bye-election would be conducted in accordance with the Acts, Rules and guidelines of the Election Commission of India. 9 Model Polling Booths and 3 all Women managed Polling Booths will be established in the constituency. It is notable that the total number of voters in the Tarn Taran constituency is 1,93,742, which includes 1,01,494 male voters and 92,240 female voters.
Joint CEO Sakattar Singh Bal, Returning Officer Gurmeet Singh (SDM Tarn Taran), and other officials from the CEO's office and the district were present in the meeting.
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PESCO Celebrates 47th Raising Day; Reaffirms Commitment to Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare
Chandigarh, October 10:The Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation (PESCO) celebrated its 47th Raising Day in Chandigarh with great enthusiasm and dignity. Senior officers and employees were specially present on the occasion. PESCO continues to play a significant role in providing employment opportunities to ex-servicemen across Punjab.
Addressing the gathering, Maj. Gen. Harmandeep Singh (Retd.), Managing Director, PESCO, lauded the commitment and discipline of all officers and employees of the Corporation. He stated that under the leadership and guidance of Defence Services Welfare Minister Shri Mohinder Bhagat, PESCO has been continuously striving for the welfare and employment of ex-servicemen.
He further informed that during the past year alone, PESCO has provided employment opportunities to over 6,000 ex-servicemen, reflecting the Punjab Government’s strong commitment to the welfare and rehabilitation of veterans. He added that PESCO will continue its dedicated efforts to create more employment avenues for ex-servicemen and to work for the welfare of their families in the years ahead.
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WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY: DR BALBIR SINGH UNVEILS PUNJAB STATE MENTAL HEALTH POLICY
— Punjab's Landmark Policy Guarantees Access to Mental Health Care for All, says Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh
CHANDIGARH, October 10:In a landmark move to enhance the psychological wellbeing of its citizens as desired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Friday unveiled the pioneering “Punjab State Mental Health Policy” to mark the World Mental Health Day. This transformative initiative aimed at promoting mental well-being and ensure access to quality mental health care for all in Punjab.
“On World Mental Health Day, Punjab is taking a historic step toward ensuring that mental well-being truly becomes everyone’s right,” said Dr Balbir Singh, while adding that the Punjab State Mental Health Policy, together with the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, is the proof of Punjab government’s commitment to the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of every person in Punjab.
The Health Minister, who was accompanied by Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul, emphasised that the profound stigma in our society often forces individuals to suffer in silence, allowing conditions to deteriorate. To combat this, we are decisively integrating mental health services within our primary healthcare framework, ensuring help is available at the very first point of contact, he said.
Dr Balbir Singh further underscored the policy's dedicated focus on vulnerable groups, with a particular emphasis on women's mental health. “We recognise that women often bear a disproportionate burden of societal and domestic pressures, which can severely impact their psychological well-being. Our policy, therefore, mandates a gender-sensitive approach, ensuring that women have access to safe, confidential, and empathetic mental health services. Prioritising the mental wellness of women is not just a health imperative, it is foundational to building a resilient and equitable society,” he said.
Highlighting this year’s theme, ‘Access to Service: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies’ the Minister stated, “Our state has resilience, having confronted severe emergencies like Operation Sindoor and the recent devastating floods. These catastrophes inflict deep psychological scars through the tragic loss of life and livelihood, making robust mental health support not just a service, but an absolute necessity.” He said that this policy is specifically designed to fortify the state’s response to such crisis-induced trauma.
Dr Balbir Singh said that the State Mental Health Policy is grounded in principles of equity, justice, and evidence-based, integrated care, and will increase the utilisation of mental health services through increasing the number of trained mental health professionals in the state. The Policy also aims to reduce risk and incidences of suicide and promote inclusion of persons with mental health problems, he added.
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NO MORE QUEUES, NO REPEATED DOCUMENTS: PUNJAB ALL SET TO BRING 848 GOVT SERVICES ON UNIFIED CITIZEN PORTAL
• DGGIT inks landmark MoU for Unified Portal for fastest-ever service delivery via Web, Mobile & WhatsApp: Aman Arora
• Good bye to paperwork, auto-fetching of documents to eliminate need for repeated submissions of documents, says Aman Arora
Chandigarh, October 10:In a major stride towards creating a digitally empowered, transparent and corruption-free state, the Punjab will become a first state to launch a Unified Citizen Portal— a single-window platform that will provide seamless access to a wide range of government services across various departments, announced Mr. Aman Arora, Minister of Good Governance and Information Technology (GGIT), Punjab here on Friday.
While addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, Mr. Aman Arora informed that Department of Good Governance and Information Technology (DGGIT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth Rs 13 crore with E-connect solutions Pvt. Ltd. for the comprehensive designing, developing, implementing and maintaining the new Citizen Portal.
He further informed that the portal would be launched within six months to ensure maximum accessibility, efficiency and accountability in the delivery of government services. The Citizen Portal will be accessible via web, mobile app, Sewa Kendras and WhatsApp to bring governance to citizens' fingertips.
Mr. Aman Arora stated that the new Citizen Portal will be a single, unified digital gateway for all government services, catering to citizens' needs throughout their lifecycle. A key feature is the auto-fetching of documents, eliminating the need for repeated submissions of documents. Once a citizen uploads documents for any kind of service, they will be automatically retrieved for future applications. This will streamline services and enhance citizen experience.
The Good Governance & IT Minister said that the integrated Citizen Portal would offer a one-stop solution for all government services, eliminating the need to visit multiple websites. With AI-driven workflow engines, it will ensure faster decision-making and reduced service delivery timelines to making governance more citizen-centric.
Mr. Aman Arora informed that, with this initiative, the Punjab Government is set to revolutionise the digital governance by migrating around 600 offline services to online platforms. With 848 services have been notified under the Punjab Transparency and Accountability in Delivery of Public Service Act 2018, and 236 services already live on the Connect portal, this initiative will benefit approximately one crore applicants annually. Citizens will enjoy easy access to government services from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need to visit government offices.
Reaffirming Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government's commitment to governance reform, Mr. Aman Arora stated that technology-driven solutions will provide efficient, transparent and seamless services to all residents. The AI-powered Citizen Portal will enable faster decision-making and reduced waiting periods to ensure proactive and accountable governance.
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• BAINS & CABINET COLLEAGUES DIRECT DISTRICT ADMINS TO ENSURE COMPREHENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR 350TH MARTYRDOM DAY OF SRI GURU TEGH BAHADUR JI
HARJOT SINGH BAINS CHAIRS REVIEW MEETINGS AT GURDASPUR & AMRITSAR
PWD MINISTER HARBHAJAN SINGH ETO, RURAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTER TARUNPREET SOND & TOURISM ADVISOR DEEPAK BALI ACCOMPANY BAINS
LIGHT & SOUND SHOWS, NAGAR KIRTANS AND HISTORIC VIDHAN SABHA SESSION PLANNED AT SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB
Chandigarh/Gurdaspur, October 10:Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains and his cabinet colleagues today issued detailed directions to district administrations of Amritsar and Gurdaspur for ensuring flawless arrangements and timely completion of Infrastructure development works ahead of the 350th Martyrdom Day commemorative events of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.
S. Harjot Singh Bains, along with PWD Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond and Advisor to the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Mr. Deepak Bali, reviewed preparations during separate meetings held at Gurdaspur and Amritsar.
S. Bains said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has been working meticulously for several months to pay befitting tributes to the unparalleled and supreme martyrdom of the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji and His devoted disciples Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji and Bhai Dayala Ji.
During the meetings, S. Bains directed both the Deputy Commissioners and other concerned district authorities to ensure that arrangements related to infrastructure, sanitation, lighting, sangat's accommodation, traffic and security are completed well in advance. He asked the district administrations to maintain close coordination with religious organisations and local gurdwara committees to ensure smooth conduct of all events.
The Education Minister instructed the departments of PWD, Rural Development, Local Government and Tourism to work in complete synergy to beautify the Nagar Kirtan routes, upgrade all roads, repair street lighting, improve sanitation and make available potable water and parking facilities.
“Our duty is to serve as sewadars and ensure that every aspect of these sacred and historic events is organised with utmost devotion and discipline,” categorically said S. Harjot Singh Bains, while sharing that four major Nagar Kirtans will commence from different parts of the country and will converge at Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22. The first Nagar Kirtan will begin from Srinagar on November 19, passing through Jammu, Pathankot and Hoshiarpur; the second from Gurdaspur, covering Batala, Baba Bakala and Amritsar; the third from Faridkot via Ferozepur, Ludhiana and Sri Fatehgarh Sahib; and the fourth Nagar Kirtan from Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, passing through Bathinda, Sangrur, Patiala and Mohali.
The Education Minister said Amritsar and Baba Bakala will host Kirtan Darbars and Light & Sound Shows depicting the life and sacrifice of the Ninth Guru Sahib. Similar shows will also be organised across all 23 districts from November 1 to 18. He added that beautification drives are underway around Guru Ke Mahal (the birthplace of the Ninth Guru Sahib) and adjoining heritage sites.
Highlighting the grand events, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the main events will be held at Sri Anandpur Sahib from November 23 to 25, where over one crore devotees are expected to attend the historic occasion. A Tent City “Chakk Nanki” will accommodate more than 11,000 devotees daily. The three-day celebration will feature Akhand Path Sahib, Sarb Dharam Sammelan, Virasat-e-Khalsa exhibition, a drone show on the Guru’s life and “Shahaadat di Lo.” The Punjab Vidhan Sabha will also hold a special session at Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial for the first time in history to honour the supreme sacrifice of the Ninth Guru Sahib.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meetings included Sant Baba Kashmir Singh Ji Bhuri Wale, MLA Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi, senior officers of the district administrations of Gurdaspur and Amritsar, religious leaders and representatives from Sikh organisations.
S. Harjot Singh Bains said the sacred commemorations of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s martyrdom will inspire generations to uphold the Guru’s eternal message of peace, compassion and religious freedom. He said the Punjab Government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that every devotee experiences a blend of spiritual devotion and administrative efficiency during these historic celebrations.
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Sutlej Water To Quench Nangal's Thirst: Harjot Bains Announces ₹16-CR Piped Water Project
• Nangal town’s every household to get potable river water within 18 months, says Bains
Chandigarh/ Nangal, October 10:In a groundbreaking move to persistent drinking water woes of Nangal residents, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains has announced a Rs 16 crore piped water project to supply clean drinking water from the Sutlej River to every household in the town, slated for completion within 18 months.
Divulging the details about the ambitious project, S. Bains informed that the project, for which tenders have been floated, will see the establishment of two new Water Treatment Plants and the augmentation of the capacity of existing plants of 4MLD. This infrastructure upgrade is designed to end the decades-long struggle of Nangal residents who have faced both water scarcity and severe contamination of groundwater.
S. Harjot Singh Bains stated, “I'm delighted to share that our efforts to ensure clean drinking water to Nangal's residents is becoming a reality. Within 18 months, every home will have access to pure, safe water from the Sutlej River. It's ironic that Nangal, where the Sutlej river begins its journey through Punjab, has faced water scarcity for so long."
The Education Minister pointed out that previous attempts to address Nangal's water crisis, including the Municipal Council's efforts to drill multiple borewells, have been unsuccessful in providing sustainable or safe water. The area's groundwater has been severely contaminated due to industrial pollution, posing a significant threat to public health. This underscores the need for a reliable and safe water supply solution, which the new project aims to achieve by sourcing water from the Sutlej River.
S. Harjot Singh Bains congratulated to the citizens of Nangal, stating that the residents deserved the clean water of the Sutlej River, which was always their right. The ambitious project to supply pristine Sutlej water directly to residents is poised to be a game-changer, bringing numerous benefits, including improved public health, enhanced quality of life. He also highlighted Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government's relentless efforts over the past year and a half to devise a lasting solution to Nangal's water woes.