CM FLYING SQUAD ENSURING QUALITY IN RURAL LINK ROADS UPGRADATION & REPAIR WORK: GURMEET SINGH KHUDIAN
• AGRICULTURE MINISTER WARNS OF STRICT ACTION AGAINST ANY COMPROMISE ON QUALITY
• CM Flying Squad teams active on the ground and covered seven districts so far
Chandigarh, October 31:Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Friday said that the CM Flying Squad, constituted by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to ensure the best quality of roads being repaired & upgraded by Punjab Mandi Board & PWD, has been rigorously monitoring the ongoing upgradation and repair work of rural link roads across the state.
This monitoring is part of the state government's massive project to upgrade and repair 19,491 kilometres of link roads at a cost of Rs 4150 crore.
Affirming that the finest quality of material is being used to lay, upgrade & repair the roads, the Agriculture Minister issued a stern warning that strict action will be taken against any contractor found compromising with the quality of material.
S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian informed that the CM Flying Squad teams are actively on the ground and have already covered seven districts, including Faridkot, SBS Nagar, Tarn Taran, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Jalandhar, Patiala and Gurdaspur.
S. Khudian said that there are total 30,237 Link Roads in Punjab with a total length of 64,878 kilometres adding that 33492 kilometres are under Punjab Mandi Board and 31, 386 kilometres are under the Public Works Department (PWD). He said that the Punjab Government is now starting a project to repair and upgrade 7,373 link roads with a total length of 19,491.56 kilometers.
He said that the project will cost Rs 4,150.42 crore, which includes five years of maintenance adding that Rs 3,424.67 crore will be spent for repair and upgradation whereas Rs 725.75 crore will be spent for five year maintenance. An Artificial Intelligence (AI) survey conducted for these roads resulted in savings of Rs 383.53 crore, he added.
The Agriculture Minister said that to ensure public safety during foggy or dark conditions, a special road safety project is being implemented on the repaired and upgraded link roads at a cost Rs 91.83 crore. A three inch wide white strip will be painted on both sides of the link roads to make travel safer during fog or darkness, he added.
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Punjab Government Committed to Preservation of War Memorials
Mohinder Bhagat Directs Officers to Expedite Development Works of Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum
Chandigarh, October 31, 2025:Defence Services Welfare Shri Mohinder Bhagat has directed officers to expedite the ongoing development works of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum in Ludhiana. He issued these directions while chairing a departmental review meeting at the Punjab Civil Secretariat.
The Minister instructed the concerned officers to ensure the early completion of the museum’s development projects so that this historic site can further inspire visitors with the glorious legacy of the great warrior Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
He emphasized that the museum should be aesthetically enhanced and meticulously maintained to educate future generations about the state’s rich military history.
Shri Bhagat stated that the Punjab Government is formulating special plans for the preservation and restoration of heritage sites. He assured that adequate budgetary provisions would be made to ensure timely completion of these projects.
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THREE OPERATIVES OF SFJ HELD FOR WRITING PRO-KHALISTAN SLOGANS ON SCHOOL WALLS IN BATHINDA
— FOUR MOBILE PHONES, ONE DONGLE DEVICE RECOVERED
— EVIDENCE INDICATES THEY WERE RECEIVING FOREIGN FUNDING FOR THESE UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV
CHANDIGARH/BATHINDA, October 31:In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence Bathinda, in a joint operation with Bathinda Police, apprehended three operatives of the banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) for writing pro-Khalistan slogans on the walls of schools in villages Bhissiana and Mananwala, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.
New York-based SFJ— backed by mastermind Gurpatwant Singh Pannun— is designated as an Unlawful association by the Indian Government.
Those arrested have been identified as Navjot Singh alias Jota (24) and Gurpreet Singh (26), both residents of village Kaliaewala in Ferozepur; and Harjinder Singh, a resident of Mananwala in Bathinda. The Police teams have also recovered four mobile phones, one dongle device from their possession.
As per the information, Pro-Khalistani slogans were found written on the walls of two schools— including a School at village Mananwala on the intervening night of October 19 and 20, 2025 and PM Kendri Vidyalaya at village Bhissiana on the intervening night of October 26 and 27, 2025.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused painted inflammatory slogans aimed at inciting public unrest and promoting anti-national sentiments. Evidence indicates they were receiving foreign funding for these unlawful activities, he said.
The police teams acted swiftly and ensured that no anti-national activity goes unchecked, said the DGP, while adding that the Counter Intelligence Bathinda and Bathinda Police jointly carried out the investigation in a professional and scientific manner to bring the culprits to justice.
Sharing operational details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bathinda Amneet Kondal said that following technical leads, Police teams had managed to apprehend two accused persons— Navjot alias Jota and Gurpreet Singh—, who are main accused in writing slogan at the PM Kendri Vidyalaya at village Bhissiana.
She said that following the further investigations, police teams of Counter Intelligence Bathinda have also arrested accused Harjinder Singh, who wrote slogans at wall of a School at village Mananwala.
The SSP said that during questioning, arrested accused persons has revealed that they had written the slogans on the walls following the directions of foreign-based individual identified as Pawanpreet Singh alias Deep Chahal, who is close aide of Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, in lieu of money.
Sharing more details, AIG CI Bathinda Avneet Kaur Sidhu said that arrested accused Harjinder has revealed that accused Navjot had introduced him to Pawanpreet Singh alias Deep Chahal, who directed him to write the slogan for which he was paid Rs 2000.
In this regard, two separate cases— FIR no 197 dated 23/10/25 under section 197 (1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 3 of the Punjab Prevention of Defacement Property Ordinance Act at Police Station Rama in Bathinda and FIR no. 242 dated 27/10/25 under sections 197 (1) and 3 (5) if the BNS and section 3 of the Punjab Prevention of Defacement Property Ordinance Act at Police Station Nehian Wala in Bathinda— have been registered.
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PUNJAB DECLARES “ROHU” AS STATE FISH TO BOOST AQUATIC BIODIVERSITY
• Punjab’s Fish farming sector thrives with 2 Lakh MT annual production from over 43K acres, says Gurmeet Singh Khudian
• Rohu contributes 42,353 MT making 21.18% of Punjab's total fish production: Fisheries Minister
Chandigarh, October 31:In a significant move to conserve and promote the state's aquatic biodiversity, Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian declared Rohu (Labeo Rohita) as the State Fish of Punjab, today here at his office.
Highlighting the state's rich aquatic resources, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian informed that Punjab's aquatic sector is thriving, with 43,683 acres dedicated to fish farming, yielding 200,000 metric tonnes of fish annually. Rohu is a significant contributor, accounting for 42,353 metric tonnes (21.18% of total production) and fetching Rs 160-200 per kg. This prized fish can grow up to 45 kg in natural habitats, distinguished by its fusiform body and large cycloid scales.
He further highlighted that Rohu fish is a nutritional marvel, rich in proteins, vitamins A, B & D, and Omega-3 fatty acids, making it a sought-after delicacy not only in Punjab but also across other states.
S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian congratulated the Fisheries Department and stakeholders on declaring Rohu as the State Fish, acknowledging their role in the sector's growth, while highlighting the importance of Indian Major Carps (IMCs)- Rohu, Catla and Mrigal.
Principal Secretary Mr. Rahul Bhandari said that designating Rohu as the State Fish will enable targeted policy formulation to augment its population in water bodies and scale up aquaculture production, thereby bolstering the state's economy. He further informed that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has provided self-employment opportunities to 637 beneficiaries in fish farming, with a subsidy of Rs 30.63 crores, promoting large-scale fish farming under PMMSY scheme. This initiative aims to supplement agriculture and boost the state's economy. Director Fisheries Mr. Gurpreet Singh and other senior officials of the department were also present in the occasion.
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Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Engages with 15 Employee Organizations
Assures that many of their demands are being considered sympathetically
Chandigarh, October 31-Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, who also serves as the Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to resolve employee issues, today held extensive meetings with 15 different employee organizations, including seven from the Education Department, as well as unions from the Water Supply and Health Departments, and joint organizations representing the common interests of employees, including the Theka Mulazam Sangharsh Morcha and the Purani Pension Bahal Sangharsh Committee.
The deliberations, which lasted for nearly five hours, were conducted to thoroughly discuss their demands and issues to find appropriate solutions.The concerns of unions related to the Education Department mainly revolved around anomalies in pay and seniority, the regularization of services, and the timely conduct of the Punjab State Teachers Eligibility Test (PSTET).
Finance Minister Cheema directed the Education Department to refer issues concerning pay and seniority anomalies to the dedicated Anomaly Committee. Furthermore, he instructed them to coordinate with the Advocate General's office, the Department of Personnel, and the Finance Department to resolve matters related to the regularization of services and other service-related issues as soon as possible. He also issued clear instructions to conduct the PSTET at the earliest.
During the meetings with organizations such as the Theka Mulazam Sangharsh Morcha, Gram Panchayat Jal Supply Pump Operators Association, Contract Multipurpose Health Worker Female Union, United Nurses Association of Punjab, and the the Purani Pension Bahal Sangharsh Committee, the Finance Minister listened to the issues raised in detail. He immediately directed the senior officials of the concerned departments to resolve the issues that could be addressed at the departmental level. Regarding matters with financial implications, the Finance Minister assured the union leaders that many of their demands are already being considered sympathetically by the government.
Union representatives Balihar Singh, Hakam Singh, Jaspreet Singh from Theka Mulazam Union; Jasvir Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Vikramjeet Singh from Purani Pension Bahal Sangharsh Committee; Kuldeep Singh, Parveen Kumar and Jagmohan Singh from Sarv Samagra Sikhya Abhian (Mid Day Meal) Daftri Karamchari Union; Rahul Kamboj, Jaswinder Singh and Harjeet Kaur from PSTET Union, Ranjit Singh, Rajesh Kumar and Onkar Singh from ETT Adhiyapak Union; Gurpreet Singh, Surinder Pal Singh, Parampal Singh from Punjab Sikhya Vibhag Manisterial Staff Association; Samarjeet Singh, Sukhdeep Singh, Harmal Singh from TET Pass Kachhe Adhiyapak Union; Tajinder Kaur, Tajinder Kaur, Rajwinder Kaur, Kirandeep Kaur from AIE Kachhe Adhiyapak Union; Beant Singh, Bohar Singh, Mehar Singh from Gram Panchayat Jal Supply Pump Operators Association; Sarabjit Kaur, Amrik Singh from Contract Multipurpose Health Worker Female Union; Arati Bali, Harwinder Singh, Baljeet Singh from United Nurses Association of Punjab and their colleagues presented their demands and issues during the meetings.
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THREE OPERATIVES OF SFJ HELD FOR WRITING PRO-KHALISTAN SLOGANS ON SCHOOL WALLS IN BATHINDA
— FOUR MOBILE PHONES, ONE DONGLE DEVICE RECOVERED
— EVIDENCE INDICATES THEY WERE RECEIVING FOREIGN FUNDING FOR THESE UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV
CHANDIGARH/BATHINDA, October 31:In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence Bathinda, in a joint operation with Bathinda Police, apprehended three operatives of the banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) for writing pro-Khalistan slogans on the walls of schools in villages Bhissiana and Mananwala, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.
New York-based SFJ— backed by mastermind Gurpatwant Singh Pannun— is designated as an Unlawful association by the Indian Government.
Those arrested have been identified as Navjot Singh alias Jota (24) and Gurpreet Singh (26), both residents of village Kaliaewala in Ferozepur; and Harjinder Singh, a resident of Mananwala in Bathinda. The Police teams have also recovered four mobile phones, one dongle device from their possession.
As per the information, Pro-Khalistani slogans were found written on the walls of two schools— including a School at village Mananwala on the intervening night of October 19 and 20, 2025 and PM Kendri Vidyalaya at village Bhissiana on the intervening night of October 26 and 27, 2025.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused painted inflammatory slogans aimed at inciting public unrest and promoting anti-national sentiments. Evidence indicates they were receiving foreign funding for these unlawful activities, he said.
The police teams acted swiftly and ensured that no anti-national activity goes unchecked, said the DGP, while adding that the Counter Intelligence Bathinda and Bathinda Police jointly carried out the investigation in a professional and scientific manner to bring the culprits to justice.
Sharing operational details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bathinda Amneet Kondal said that following technical leads, Police teams had managed to apprehend two accused persons— Navjot alias Jota and Gurpreet Singh—, who are main accused in writing slogan at the PM Kendri Vidyalaya at village Bhissiana.
She said that following the further investigations, police teams of Counter Intelligence Bathinda have also arrested accused Harjinder Singh, who wrote slogans at wall of a School at village Mananwala.
The SSP said that during questioning, arrested accused persons has revealed that they had written the slogans on the walls following the directions of foreign-based individual identified as Pawanpreet Singh alias Deep Chahal, who is close aide of Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, in lieu of money.
Sharing more details, AIG CI Bathinda Avneet Kaur Sidhu said that arrested accused Harjinder has revealed that accused Navjot had introduced him to Pawanpreet Singh alias Deep Chahal, who directed him to write the slogan for which he was paid Rs 2000.
In this regard, two separate cases— FIR no 197 dated 23/10/25 under section 197 (1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 3 of the Punjab Prevention of Defacement Property Ordinance Act at Police Station Rama in Bathinda and FIR no. 242 dated 27/10/25 under sections 197 (1) and 3 (5) if the BNS and section 3 of the Punjab Prevention of Defacement Property Ordinance Act at Police Station Nehian Wala in Bathinda— have been registered.