*Minister Arora Orders Shifting of Scrapped, Abandoned and Confiscated Vehicles Lying in Police Stations Outside City Limits*

Chandigarh 18 January 2026:The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Hon’ble Local Government Minister Sanjeev Arora, has issued a comprehensive directive for the systematic removal and relocation of all scrapped, abandoned, unclaimed, and confiscated vehicles presently lying in police station premises and other government lands within city limits to designated yards outside urban areas.

This decisive step is part of the Government’s broader urban governance reforms aimed at improving public safety, sanitation, traffic management, and optimal utilization of public infrastructure.

*Vehicles to Be Shifted Within 30 Days*

The Minister informed that all such vehicles parked in police stations, traffic police yards, municipal properties, and along city roads for prolonged periods shall be shifted to identified vehicle yards located outside city limits within 30 days.

Joint teams of the Police Department, Municipal Corporations, Traffic Police, and District Administration have been directed to conduct an immediate survey, prepare a detailed inventory, and ensure time-bound execution of this order.

*Reasons Behind the Decision*

Shri Sanjeev Arora stated that the presence of large numbers of scrapped and confiscated vehicles within city limits has created multiple civic and administrative challenges.Old vehicles pose serious fire hazards due to fuel residues, electrical faults, and flammable materials, especially in densely populated urban areas. Abandoned vehicles accumulate stagnant water, becoming breeding grounds for mosquitoes and rodents, thereby increasing the risk of dengue, malaria, and other diseases.

Misuse of Critical Government Space:

Police station premises are meant for operational requirements, emergency vehicles, and public service delivery—not long-term vehicle dumping.

Traffic Obstruction & Urban Aesthetics:

Vehicles lying on roadsides and public land obstruct traffic flow and negatively impact the city’s cleanliness and appearance. Deteriorating vehicles leak oil, chemicals, and heavy metals, causing soil and groundwater contamination.

*Legal & Regulatory Framework*

The Minister clarified that this action is fully aligned with existing legal provisions: Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 – Removal of abandoned and unclaimed vehicles. Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 – De-registration and disposal of end-of-life vehicles. Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 – Safe handling and disposal of non-biodegradable waste including vehicles.

Punjab Municipal Corporation Act – Authority to remove encroachments and public hazards.

All relocated vehicles will be sent only to authorized vehicle scrap yards and recycling facilities, strictly following pollution control and environmental norms.

Procedure to Be Followed Before removal: All identified vehicles will be tagged and photographed.Notices will be affixed on vehicles.Where ownership is traceable, owners will be informed and given an opportunity to claim their vehicles as per law.Confiscated vehicles will be shifted after completing all mandatory legal documentation to ensure that judicial procedures remain unaffected.

Shri Sanjeev Arora appealed to citizens to cooperate in this citywide cleanliness and safety drive. Vehicle owners are urged to voluntarily resolve the status of abandoned vehicles with the concerned police stations and municipal authorities.

“This initiative reflects our Government’s firm commitment to safer, cleaner, and better-organized cities. Urban land is a valuable public resource and must be used efficiently for public welfare,” the Minister added.

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SC Commission summons SP(D) Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar

Chandigarh, January 18,The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has summoned the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar SP(D) to appear before the Commission for not taking action in a case.

Giving information in this regard, the Chairman of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission, S. Jasvir Singh Garhi said that the Commission had received a complaint from Mr. Dharam Chand, son of Karta Ram, village Jhungian, tehsil Balachaur, district Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. Regarding which the District Police Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar was asked to conduct an investigation and submit a report to the Commission on 14-01-2026, but no representative of the Police Department appeared on this specific date, therefore the Commission has asked that the report of facts and information regarding this complaint has been summoned by Mr. Iqbal Singh (S.P. (D)) on the specific date 20-01-2026 to appear personally at the Commission office as there has been no legal action in this matter from the year 2024 to the year 2026.

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*Punjab Government takes strict action against child begging; 1,023 children rescued: Dr Baljit Kaur*

*Weekend rescue drive: 31 children rescued, 27 shifted to child care homes*

*Zero tolerance against forcing children into begging; strict legal action to be ensured: Dr Baljit Kaur*

*From rescue to rehabilitation: children linked with education and health services*

*If you see a child begging on streets, immediately inform Child Helpline 1098: Social Security Minister*

Chandigarh, January 18:The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is fully committed to eradicating the social evil of child begging from the state. In line with this commitment, the government has intensified strict, result-oriented action against those forcing children into begging. This was stated by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur.

Sharing further details, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said that during a special statewide drive conducted over the past two days, raids were carried out at identified hotspots across all districts. As a result, 31 children found begging were rescued. After verification of documents, four children were handed over to their parents on the spot by the Child Welfare Committee, while 27 children were temporarily shifted to child care homes, where further verification and appropriate action will be undertaken as per rules.

The Cabinet Minister informed that under Project JIWANJYOT 2.0, the Punjab Government has so far rescued a total of 1,023 children from child begging. Among them, 38 children have been provided benefits under the Sponsorship Scheme, 349 children have been enrolled in schools, nine children have been linked with Anganwadi centres, and 13 children have been provided healthcare facilities under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. Children residing in child care homes are being provided education, nutrition, healthcare and other essential services to ensure a safe, dignified and secure future.

Dr Baljit Kaur said that due to these sustained efforts, a continuous decline in incidents of child begging has been observed across the state. She reiterated that the Punjab Government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against child begging and that enforcement drives will be further intensified in the coming days.

The Minister categorically warned that any individual found forcing children into begging will face strict legal action as per the law. She also appealed to the public not to encourage child begging by giving alms. If any child is seen begging on roads or public places, citizens are urged to immediately inform Child Helpline 1098, the district Child Welfare Committee, or the concerned authorities, so that timely intervention can ensure a safe and dignified future for every child.