PUNJAB TO RECRUIT 5500 HOME GUARDS FOR BEEFING UP VIGIL & STOP CROSS BORDER DRUG SMUGGLING: CM

BORDER WING OF PUNJAB HOME GUARD TO STRENGTHEN SECOND LINE OF DEFENCE AT THE BORDERS

THESE JAWANS WILL BE DEPLOYED IN SEVEN BORDER DISTRICTS OF THE STATE TO ASSIST BSF

Chandigarh, April 24:In order to strengthen the second line of defence over more than 500 kilometre border in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday gave nod for recruiting 5500 jawans in the border wing of Punjab Home Guards.

A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister here at his official residence today.

Taking part in the meeting, the Chief Minister, in the wake of recent terrorist attack at Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir), underscored the need for setting up an effective second line of defence to check nefarious designs of forces inimical to the state. He said that 5500 jawans in the Border Wing of the Punjab Police will be deployed in the seven border districts of the state to enhance the security cover in Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this proposal to set up a second line of defence behind the BSF will help to latch on to any element that escapes the BSF net at the international border.

The Chief Minister said that considering the enormity of the task, the state government will certainly need assistance from the center for which he will soon meet the Union Home Minister. He said that the state has the manpower, courage and competence adding that for additional resources the Government of India (GoI) will be approached. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Police has the willingness, the experience and the professional competence to answer the need for such an impregnable fortress-wall to block any kind of invasion, open or disguised.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that apart from these 5500 Home Guards, more than 400 jawans will be recruited across the state. He said that these jawans will be deployed in Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF), State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) and others. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is imperative to ensure the safety and security of the people on one hand and provide jobs to the youth on the other.

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Another Industrial friendly move by CM led Punjab Cabinet

Gives consent to constitute an appellate authority for cancelled plots of PSIEC

Chandigarh, April 24:In a major move aimed at facilitating the industrialists of the state, the Punjab cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday gave its consent to constitute an appellate authority for cancelled plots of Punjab State Industrial Export Corporation (PSIEC).

A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of the Council of Ministers held here under the chairmanship of Chief Minister at his official residence o today evening.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Cabinet gave consent to constitute an appellate authority for Cancelled plots due to various reasons in PSIEC. Appellate Mechanism will address the long pending cases of allottees and also address the demands of various associations. It will also decrease the litigations between Govt./ PSIEC and allottees.

This policy will take effect from the date of notification by the Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Punjab, with a deadline of 30.09.2025 for appeals related to existing cancellations or six months from the date of cancellation for fresh cases. It aims to establish a structured, transparent, and efficient mechanism for filing, reviewing, and deciding appeals against the cancellation of plots by PSIEC, ensuring compliance with legal principles, including Audi Alteram Partem (right to be heard), and fostering stakeholder confidence.

Any plot holder whose plot was cancelled (except those already resumed or re-allotted) by PSIEC, upon substantiation of their claim with relevant documents or evidence. Applicants shall submit a written appeal in the prescribed format (Format-A) either physically or via email to appeal.psiec@gmail.com. The appeal must be submitted by 30.09.2025 for already cancelled plots and within six months from the date of cancellation orders for future cases. Delays may be condoned by the BOD in exceptional circumstances with valid reasons.

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LED BY CM CABINET GIVES NOD FOR FACELIFT OF STATE UNDER RANGLA PUNJAB VIKAS SCHEME

CONCURRENCE TO GUIDELINES OF SCHEME WORTH RS 585 CRORE

Chandigarh, April 24:In order to give impetus to the development of the state, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday gave nod to the guidelines of the “Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme”.

A decision to this effect was taken by the Council of Ministers in its meeting held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister here at his official residence today evening.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that under the Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme, the funds have been provided for important local every day development needs of the people in the districts of the State. An allocation worth Rs 585 crore has been made under the scheme in FY 2025-26 and these funds will be administered by the Deputy Commissioners and will be spent based on the recommendations of the MLA’s, Community Organizations, Citizen Groups and public spirited citizens. The works recommended/ proposed will be approved as per the Guidelines of the scheme.

This approval will be given by the District Level Committee constituted under the Chairpersonship of Deputy Commissioner, with the concurrence of the Minister In-charge for the district, as appointed by the Chief Minister. Subsequently, the District Level Committee will get the work executed by appropriate authority and ensure proper supervision and timely completion. The Deputy Commissioner will be competent to accord administrative and financial sanctions for the approved works.

Nod to shift villages from Patiala to SAS Nagar

In order to facilitate the people of eight villages including Manakpura, Khera Gajju, Urna, Changeera, Uccha Khera, Gurditpura, Haripura and Lehlan, the Cabinet also gave nod to transfer them from Sub Division/ Tehsil Rajpura (Patiala) to Sub Division/ Tehsil Banur (SAS Nagar).

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Major investor friendly decision of CM led Punjab Cabinet

Nod to Third party certification/ self certification for approval of buildings plans of the factories

Will reduce the days for clearing the building plans from 45 to 30

Chandigarh, April 24:In a major investor friendly initiative, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday gave approval to third party certification/ self certification for approval of buildings plans of the factories.

A decision to this effect was taken in the meeting of Council of Ministers held here under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister here at his official residence.

Divulging details a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that as per factory Act 1948 the building plan of any factory was approved as per building bye laws and factory Act. Due to this process a lot of time, money and energy was waisted in the approval process. When any factory is established outside the Municipal Area then the labour department passes these plans.

In order to streamline this process the Cabinet has gave nod to introduce provision of third party certification/ self certification as per which the buildings plans can be approved by architects in consonance with the buildings bye laws. These plans will be further approved by Labour department as per this certification and on the basis of Re-verification of Conformity to the land use/master plan, Ground coverage, Set Backs, Overall height of the building and Width of the road on which the site is situated, consent/undertaking to allow widening of the road and Parking. The plans will be passed as earlier according to factories Act but move will facilitate the investors and reduce the time span of clearing the plans from 45 days to 30 days.

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CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE HOLDS EXTENSIVE DISCUSSIONS WITH EMPLOYEE UNIONS, ASSURES SWIFT RESOLUTION OF LEGITIMATE ISSUES

10 EMPLOYEE UNIONS, INCLUDING 8 FROM EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PRESENTS THEIR CASE

FINANCE MINISTER DIRECTS OFFICERS TO PRIORITIZE RESOLUTION OF ISSUES WITH SYMPATHETIC APPROACH

MINISTERS ASSURE EMPLOYEE UNIONS OF LASTING SOLUTIONS, FREE FROM FUTURE LEGAL COMPLICATIONS

Chandigarh, April 24-In a proactive move to address the concerns of employees, the Cabinet Sub-Committee comprising Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, convened meetings today with ten employee unions, including eight unions representing the education department. The extensive discussions, held at Punjab Bhawan and lasting approximately four hours, focused on considering and resolving the legitimate demands and issues raised by the employees at the earliest possible.

To find the best solutions for the issues raised, the Cabinet Sub-Committee held in-depth discussions with union leaders and the senior officials of the state government. Principal Secretary (Finance) Krishan Kumar, Secretary (Personnel) Gurpreet Kaur Sapra, Secretary (Expenditure) Dr. Vijay Namdeorao Zade, and officials from concerned departments actively participated in these deliberations.

Finance Minister Cheema expressed his appreciation for the constructive suggestions offered by the union leaders for effective resolution. Demonstrating the government's commitment to finding amicable solutions, he directed the officers of the concerned departments to prioritize the resolution of the discussed issues with a sympathetic and understanding approach towards the employees.

Furthermore, the Finance Minister directed the departmental officers to hold follow-up meetings with the respective unions. He said that the objective of these meetings should be collaboratively drafting concrete proposals for resolving the outstanding issues before the next convening of the Cabinet Sub-Committee meeting.

Reiterating the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government's unwavering commitment to the welfare of its employees, the cabinet ministers assured the union leaders that the government is serious about finding lasting solutions to their concerns. They stressed on the government's intention to resolve these matters in a manner that ensures the concerned employees do not encounter any legal complications in the future.

Dr. Tina, Senior Vice President, Meritorious Teachers Union, Kuldeep Singh, President, Daftri Karamchari Union; Ramesh Saharan, State President, Vishesh Adhiyapak Union, Nirbhai Singh, President, Unaided Staff of Aided School Front, Gurlabh Singh, President, Beruzgar 646 PTI (2022) Adhiyapak Union, Jasvir Singh Galoti, President, Adarsh School Teaching and Non-Teaching Mulazam Union, Rakesh Kumar, President, Beruzgar PSTET Pass Art and Craft Sangharsh Union, Bhupinder Singh, Vocational Teachers Front; Bohar Singh, General Secretary, GPWSC Water Supply Pump Operator Association, and Salamdin, President, Home Guard Welfare Association (Retd.), along with colleague union members presented their cases before the Cabinet Sub-Committee.

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Dr. Baljit Kaur Extends Support to Farmers, Provide Financial Help of ₹6 Lakh

Visits Fire-Affected Farmers

Chandigarh / Sotha (Malout), April 24:“Farmers are our food providers, and under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government will never leave its farmers alone in any circumstance.” This was stated by Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur while extending solidarity with the farmer families affected by recent fire incidents in villages Sotha and Duhewala. During her visit, Dr. Baljit Kaur handed over ₹6 lakh financial assistance to affected families. This amount was raised through her two-month salary and voluntary contributions from NRI brethren. Alongside, each family was provided with approximately 5 quintals of wheat and fodder for their cattle.

Addressing a gathering at the village Gurdwara Sahib, Dr. Baljit Kaur expressed deep sorrow over the extensive crop loss faced by farmers in the fire incidents. She personally interacted with the affected families and assured them of full government support.

She said, “Farmers are the backbone of Punjab, and we stand firmly by them in every situation. Every department of the Punjab Government is committed to assist victims of such incidents promptly.”

Displaying her dedicated concern, Dr. Baljit Kaur personally handed over ₹30,000 Financial Assistance to each family. She also mentioned that a few families, in a gesture of compassion, chose to donate their share of wheat to the village committee to support other needy residents.

The Minister announced that as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the government will provide ₹18,500 per acre compensation to farmers after the completion of official crop loss assessment (Girdawari).

Later, Dr. Baljit Kaur visited the Malout-Bathinda Road Power Grid Store, where a major fire had occurred on April 21. While reviewing the site, she informed that the fire was brought under control with the help of fire brigades from district Sri Muktsar Sahib and neighbouring areas.

She expressed gratitude to the officers, staff, district administration, and Deputy Commissioners of nearby districts for their swift action. Speaking to the media, Dr. Baljit Kaur revealed that around 4,500 old transformers and 500 new transformers were damaged in the fire. She confirmed that the investigation is underway and, while initial reports suggest no foul play, strict action will be taken against anyone found responsible once the inquiry concludes.

Responding to a question about the recent Pahalgam attack, Dr. Baljit Kaur strongly condemned the incident, stating that the attackers must be awarded exemplary punishment. She added that if any foreign involvement is established, stringent action will be taken against them as well.

Present on the occasion were Mr. Jashan Brar, Chairman Market Committee Malout; Minister’s Secretary Mr. Arshdeep Singh; Mr. Gurbhagat Singh, Block President; Mr. Satnam Singh, Block President; Mr. Labh Singh; Mr. Gagandeep Singh Aulakh, and other dignitaries.

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HARJOT BAINS INAUGURATES INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS WORTH ₹76.6L IN TEN GOVT SCHOOLS OF SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB

• Significant investment in infrastructure aims to create a conducive learning environment in Govt schools, says Harjot Bains

• Sarpanch of Raipur donates 1.5 kanal of land for the construction of playground at Govt primary school

Chandigarh/ Sri Anandpur Sahib, April 24:Equipping the government schools with the state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern facilities, Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, on Thursday, inaugurated infrastructure development projects worth Rs.76.6 lakh in ten government schools of Sri Anandpur Sahib Constituency as a part of “Sikhya Kranti” program and also laid a foundation stone for development works worth Rs. 40.4 lakh at Government Primary School, Dobeta.

During the whirlwind tour, the Education Minister inaugurated a Mid-Day Meal kitchen, designed to improve the quality and hygiene of meals served to students and modernized classrooms completed with at a cost of Rs 3.05 lakh at Government Primary Smart School Raipur. Other infrastructure projects inaugurated by the Education Minister, included classrooms repaired with Rs 2.55 lakh, a boundary wall constructed with Rs 3 lakh at Government Primary School Patti, a boundary wall constructed at a cost of Rs 2.50 lakh, classrooms renovated with Rs 2.55 lakh at Government Primary School Meghpur, a boundary wall constructed with Rs 4 lakh at Government Middle School Meghpur, classrooms renovated with Rs 2.55 lakh at Government Primary School Dukli, classrooms renovated with Rs 2.55 lakh at govt primary school, FF Block, Nangal and classroom renovated with Rs 85,000 at Government Primary School, Dobeta. He also thrown open the development works worth 10 lakh at Government High School, Dobeta, including renovated boundary wall with Rs 6.6 lakh, renovation works worth Rs 3.68 lakh at Government Primary School, Nangal , an Art & Craft room constructed at a cost of Rs 7.51 lakh, a Library room constructed with 9.65 lakh and Science Lab built with Rs. 10 lakh at Government High School, Nangal Special.

On the occasion, the Sarpanch of village Raipur, Bibi Gurwinder Kaur Sekhon and her family have donated 1.5 kanal of land for the construction of a playground at the government primary school. The Education Minister promised to establish a magnificent playground for the students.

S. Harjot Singh Bains highlighted that the Government schools are now equipped with a range of modern facilities, including high-speed Wi-Fi connections, clean drinking water, separate toilets for boys and girls, boundary walls, smart classrooms, integrated science labs, interactive panels, playgrounds, and modern furniture.

This significant investment in infrastructure aims to create a conducive learning environment for students, the Education Minister said while adding that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is committed to transforming government schools into centres of excellence, emphasising their evolution into "Schools of Eminence," "Schools of Happiness," and "Schools of Brilliance." Teachers and school heads are being sent to prestigious foreign institutes for professional development and skill enhancement to further enhance the quality of education. He emphasised that the Punjab Government is not only providing high-quality education but also fostering a supportive learning environment in government schools.

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Aman Arora strongly condemns Pahalgam terror attack

• Pays obeisance at temples in solidarity with victim families, expresses sympathy with the bereaved families in this hour of grief

•Perpetrators must be eliminated at their homes, high time to eliminate nefarious design of hostile neighbour

•Nation needs 24X7 Home Minister to protect 140 crore population

Chandigarh/ Hoshiarpur, April 24:Strongly condemning the barbaric Pahalgam terror attack, Punjab Good Governance and Information Technology Minister and Aam Aadmi Party's State President Mr. Aman Arora on Thursday paid tributes to those killed in the attack besides expressing deep grief and solidarity with the bereaved families for enormous and irreparable loss caused to them.

He urged the Union Government to strike tough against terror activities to eliminate the perpetrators of Pahalgam at their homes. Terming the attack a Pakistan sponsored, Mr. Aman Arora said that it is high time to destroy the nefarious designs of the hostile neighbour and the attackers must be eliminated.

Paying obeisance at Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir and Kesho Mandir in remembrance of 26 people killed in the attack, the Cabinet Minister, accompanied by Member Parliament Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal, Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri, MLAs Jasbir Singh Raja Gill and Karambir Singh Ghuman, said that entire nation is stunned and pained over this dastardly incident. He said the countrymen are standing rock solid with the aggrieved families in this hour of grief and severe crisis, and praying god to give strength to them to bear this huge loss, besides, seeking justice for them. "We pay tributes to the civilians killed in a one of the heinous and deadliest terror attacks and prayed for peace to the departed souls" he added.

The Minister mentioned that it is high time to teach a lesson to those behind this inhumane and cowardly act of killing innocent civilians thus a befitting reply is need of the hour against this dastardly act of terrorists. Mr Aman Arora said it is the worst ever terror attack, which has been strongly condemned across the globe. The nation is in the mourning as all of us lost 26 civilians visiting the valley for tourism, he added.

Referring to a media query, Mr. Aman Arora pointed out concern over the lack of intelligence input and non-deployment of sufficient number of armed forces in the highly vulnerable places of the valley. As many as 1,80,000 posts are lying vacant in the army, said Mr Aman Arora emphasised that these vacancies must be filled to safeguard the countrymen from internal and external aggressions and terror activities. He said someone must own the responsibility of security lapses as no one could shy away by merely giving statements. It was also shocking that the family members of those killed raised questions for not responding even after one and half hour by the security forces while there should have been adequate number of forces deployed in wake of any exigency at such a major tourist spot of the country, said Mr Aman Arora, adding that the country needs a full time Home Minister as the incumbent one was busy in forming and toppling Governments in the country. Mr Arora said that it is the responsibility of the Home Minister to ensure safety and security of 140 crore population so the country requires 24X7 Home Minister for this purpose.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Mayor Surinder Kumar, Senior Deputy Mayor Praveen Saini, Deputy Mayor Ranjeet Chaudhary, Vice Chairman H.S. Bakshi, District Planning Committee Chairperson Karmjit Kaur, Improvement Trust Chairman Gurvinder Singh Pabla and others.

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GOVT DOCTORS TOLD TO ENSURE QUALITY HEALTHCARE AS HEALTH MINISTER INSPECTS HEALTH FACILITIES IN PATIALA

HM Dr. Balbir Singh reviews patient care facilities at Aam Aadmi Clinic in Urban Estate Patiala and Civil Hospital Rajpura

— Patients express satisfaction with free medicines, diagnostic tests, and improved healthcare services under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership

Chandigarh/Patiala, April 24:Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to providing quality and hassle-free healthcare facilities to its citizens, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Thursday conducted a surprise inspection at Aam Aadmi Clinic at Urban Estate in Patiala and Civil Hospital Rajpura.

During his visit, the Health Minister interacted with patients to assess their well-being and gather feedback on the facilities being provided at government healthcare centres. Patients expressed satisfaction with the medical care, acknowledging the significant improvements made under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Noting that 90-95 patients visiting the Aam Aadmi Clinic daily to avail medical facilities, Dr Balbir Singh emphasised that the government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure have restored public trust, with more people now preferring government facilities for reliable and cost-effective treatment. Notably, as many as 80 types of medicines and 38 types of diagnostic tests are being provided free of cost at 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics across the state.

“The Aam Aadmi Clinics and Civil Hospitals are transforming Punjab’s healthcare system. Our aim is to ensure that every citizen receives timely, efficient, and free medical services without any inconvenience,” said Dr Balbir Singh.

At Rajpura Civil Hospital, the Health Minister witnessed the growing public confidence in government healthcare, with a number of patients availing services. Pointing out patient rush outside the Medicine OPD and Pharmacy, Dr Balbir Singh immediately directed officials to optimise crowd management by deploying nursing and ITI students for better queue systems. He also assured additional pharma officers and support staff to further streamline operations at the facility.

Meanwhile, the Health Minister directed officials to maintain high standards of patient care and ensure that all facilities function smoothly. He reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards negligence and warned of strict action against any lapses in service delivery.

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IN STATE-WIDE OPERATION, PUNJAB POLICE CONDUCTS SEARCHES IN SALOONS, BARS, SPA CENTRES

— CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN LED PUNJAB GOVT COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE

— YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH CONTINUES AS POLICE ARREST 89 DRUG SMUGGLERS ON DAY 55; RECOVERS 2.8KG HEROIN, 3.5KG OPIUM, ₹1L DRUG MONEY

Chandigarh, April 24:In order to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police on Thursday conducted a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) at vulnerable places including Spa centres, Bars, Saloons, Satta Points and Sarais in all the 28 Police districts of the state. The operation was conducted on the directions of the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav.

Over 2500 Police Personnel were involved to carry out this operation, which was conducted in a synchronised manner from 1 pm to 5 pm across the state. All the CPs/SSPs were asked to mobilise a maximum number of police force to make this operation successful.

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Human Rights and Law and Order Naresh Arora said that keeping in view that such vulnerable places could be used to carry out illegal activities, Punjab Police has conducted this operation across the state. “We had strictly instructed all the Police Personnel to deal with every person in a friendly and polite manner during the course of this operation,” he added.

He said that police teams have carried out searches at 87 spa centres, 24 bars, 666 saloons, 25 satta points and 111 Sarai in the state.

Apart from this, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ and conducted raids at 448 locations on Thursday leading to the arrest of 89 drug smugglers after registration of 71 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 7295 within 55 days.

The ADGP said that the raids have resulted in recovery of 2.8 kg heroin, 3.5 kg opium and Rs 1.08 lakh drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

He informed that over 200 Police teams, comprising over 1500 police personnel, under the supervision of 77 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 498 suspicious persons during the day long operation.

He said that Punjab Police has devised a comprehensive strategy and such operations will be continued till the scourge of drugs eradicated from the state.

The ADGP 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 five persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.

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Australian MP Dylan Wight Meets Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan

Both countries must collaborate in Education, Health, Sports, and Agriculture, and bring cutting-edge technologies to Punjab, says Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan

Chandigarh, 24 April 2025:Dylan Wight, Member of Parliament from the Tarneit constituency in Australia, met with Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan at his residence in Chandigarh today. The two leaders discussed a wide range of important issues.

Speaker Sandhwan emphasized the need for greater collaboration between Australia and India, particularly in the areas of Education, Health, Sports, and Agriculture. He noted that such partnerships would benefit the people of both nations.

He also called for Australian universities to partner with Punjab-based institutions to share cutting-edge technologies. In particular, he proposed collaboration between Australian universities and Baba Farid University of Health Sciences to drive innovation and generate mutual benefits.

Speaker Sandhwan highlighted Punjab’s significant potential for green energy development and urged Dylan Wight to help facilitate technology transfers in this area.

In the agricultural sector, the Speaker stressed the importance of cooperation to improve productivity. He noted that by adopting new methodologies from Australia, Punjab’s farmers could boost production and strengthen the state’s agrarian economy.

To mark the occasion, Speaker Sandhwan presented Dylan Wight with a traditional Lohi and a glass replica of Sri Harimandir Sahib. He also encouraged him to visit Sri Darbar Sahib in Amritsar.

Also present during the meeting were:

M.L.A. Narinder Kaur Bharaj, Sukhmeet Singh from Melbourne, social entrepreneur Manu Singh, and Dr. Tazinder Pal Singh Nalwa.

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Perpetrators of Pahalgam Massacre Must Be Severely Punished: Mohinder Bhagat

Calls for stern action to prevent such acts of terrorism

Pays homage to victims of the heinous terrorist

Chandigarh, April 24:Punjab Defence Services Welfare Minsiter Mr. Mohinder Bhagat, today paid homage to the innocent tourists who lost their lives in the recent deadly terrorist attack at Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Strongly condemning the incident, the Minister emphasized that those responsible for this barbaric act must be brought to justice without delay.

Mr. Mohinder Bhagat asserted that swift and stringent action should be taken against the culprits involved in this tragic incident. He said such cowardly acts of terror are aimed at disturbing the peace and harmony of the nation and must be dealt with stern resolve.

Expressing heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the Minister said that the attack on innocent tourists has shaken the conscience of the entire nation. “This attack is a direct assault on the country’s spirit of unity, peace and brotherhood,” he stated, adding that in this hour of grief, the whole nation stands in solidarity with the affected families.

Mr. Bhagat said that a secure future for the nation can only be ensured through peace and unity. He stressed the need for heightened security measures at tourist destinations and reiterated that the Punjab Government is fully alert and committed to dealing firmly with anti-social elements.

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In a Significant Development, 230 BLAs Appointed Across the State: CEO Punjab

Chandigarh, April 24 -The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, has informed that a total of 230 Booth Level Agents-1 (BLA-1) have been appointed so far across the state, marking a significant step towards ensuring transparency and preparedness for the upcoming elections.

Booth Level Agents play a crucial role in the electoral process. They serve as the direct link between political parties and the booth-level electoral machinery, assisting in the verification of electoral rolls, raising objections if required, and ensuring that the polling process is conducted fairly and efficiently.

Making an appeal to political parties, Punjab Chief Electoral Officer, Sibin C, said, “We urge all political parties to expedite the appointment of Booth Level Agents. Their active participation is essential for ensuring the integrity of the electoral rolls and the overall fairness of the election process. A well-informed and present BLA strengthens the very foundation of democracy.”

The appointment of BLA-1 is made at the District level, and it is mandatory for every recognized political party through its President or Secretary or any other office bearer of shall authorize one district representative to appoint Booth Level Agents (BLAs). Each BLA-1 is also responsible for appointing BLA-2 at the Booth level, further enhancing grassroots-level oversight and coordination.

The office of CEO, Punjab is working in close coordination with all recognized political parties to ensure full and timely appointment of BLAs. Parties are encouraged to complete the remaining appointments at the earliest to facilitate seamless collaboration with Booth Level Officers (BLOs), support voter awareness, and strengthen roll purification and verification efforts across the state.

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LUDHIANA’S HARSHPREET SINGH TOPS PUNJAB STATE TALENT SEARCH EXAM

•500 top ranking students to get scholarship upto 12th class

•Over 35K students appeared in the exam

Chandigarh, April 24:Harshpreet Singh, a student from Government High School, Bullepur in Ludhiana district, topped the Punjab State Talent Search Examination (Class 10th) for the 2024-25 session, scoring 165 out of 180. Komalpreet Kaur and Navjot Kaur, both from Government Senior Secondary School, Zira in Ferozepur district, secured second position scoring 159 marks and third place scoring 158 marks respectively, announced S. Harjot Singh Bains, the Minister of School Education for Punjab.

Notably, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) had conducted Punjab State Talent Search Examination on February 2, 2025, under which the top 500 students of class 10th will be awarded scholarships of Rs. 200 per month. This state-funded scheme will provide support to these students for two years i.e. till 12th grade.

The Education Minister said that the examination was held at 146 centres across the state at the Tehsil level and a total of 41,190 students were registered for the examination. Of these, 35,854 students appeared and 27,333 cleared the examination. The scholarship would be awarded to 500 students on the merit of the exam.

Extending the heartiest congratulations to the successful students, S. Harjot Singh Bains acknowledged their hard work and dedication, highlighting the significant achievement of securing a place among the top performers. He emphasised the importance of this examination in identifying and nurturing young talent within the state, providing financial support to motivate them excel in their academic pursuits. He expressed confidence that these students would continue to achieve great things in the future to make the Punjab proud.

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Punjab Government's prime focus is lifting in mandis: Lal Chand Kataruchak

Directs officers to speed up

Chandigarh, April 24:The prime focus of the Punjab Government is the lifting in mandis, revealed the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today and asked the officers to speed up the same.

In a high level meeting at Anaj Bhawan with the top brass of the department, the Minister also exhorted the officers to concentrate for the next 15 days on accelerating the lifting in mandis so as to avoid glut like situation.

During the meeting, the Minister was apprised that the Principal Secretary of the department conducts meetings with the DCs every week in order to ensure there is no let up in the lifting process especially. The target is to make sure that the daily arrival figure of wheat in the mandis touches 5 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT).

The Minister expressed satisfaction that till now over 70 LMT of wheat has arrived in the mandis out of which more than 64 LMT stands procured.

On the payments front, Mr. Kataruchak said that payments worth Rs. 10574.36 crore have been credited into the accounts of the farmers and from point of view of payments within 48 hours, the percentage stands at 109 percent. Further, the lifting percentage with regard to 72 hours of procurement has touched 59 percent.

On the issue of e-KYC, it was brought to the notice of the Minister that the process has been done regarding 1.25 Lakh people which comes around to 81 percent. The Minister emphasized achieving the cent percent (100 percent) figure in this regard and said that the e-KYC ensures that the actual beneficiaries receive the benefits entailed under the National Food Security Act, 2013.

Among others present on the occasion included the Principal Secretary Rahul Tewari, Director Varinder Kumar Sharma, Additional Director Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar, and GM Finance Sarvesh Kumar.