*Governor of Punjab Prorogues 12th Session of 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha*
Chandigarh 1 June 2026:The Punjab Legislative Assembly, which was adjourned sine-die at the conclusion of its sitting held on the 1st May, 2026, has been prorogued by an Order of the Governor of Punjab, dated the 31st May, 2026.
=================================
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Cabinet clears amendment to Election Department Service Rules to ensure smooth SIR of electoral rolls*
*Bhagwant Mann Govt removes administrative bottlenecks in Election Department; paves way for filling crucial vacancies*
*Cabinet approves Annual Administrative Report of Water Resources Department for 2025-26*
CHANDIGARH, 1st June 2026:The Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday took a key step to strengthen the state’s election machinery ahead of the forthcoming Punjab Legislative Assembly elections by approving an amendment to the Service Rules of the Election Department. The decision removes long-pending administrative bottlenecks, facilitates the smooth and hassle-free Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and paves the way for filling crucial vacancies to ensure adequate manpower for election-related work. The Cabinet also approved the Annual Administrative Report of the Department of Water Resources for 2025-26.
The decisions were taken during a meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann here today.
Sharing details of the decision, the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Cabinet has approved an amendment to the Service Rules of the Election Department by reducing the experience required for promotion from the post of Election Kanungo to Election Tehsildar from 15 years to 12 years.
The amendment was necessitated due to the existence of seven vacancies for the post of Election Tehsildar in the department. With the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the upcoming Punjab Legislative Assembly elections, the services of Election Tehsildars are required immediately to ensure smooth election-related work.
None of the presently serving Election Kanungoes are eligible for promotion under the existing rules, which require 15 years of experience. The Department has proposed reducing the required experience to 12 years so that eligible Election Kanungoes can be promoted in the near future and the vacant posts can be filled to strengthen the election machinery.
*Annual Administrative Report of Water Resources Department approved*
Meanwhile, the Cabinet also approved the Annual Administrative Report of the Department of Water Resources for the year 2025-26.
The approval of the report will facilitate the documentation and review of the department’s administrative functioning and achievements during the financial year.
=============================
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann secures major HPCL investments in Punjab; refinery, biofuel and biogas projects to boost economy & create jobs*
*Punjab emerging as North India’s preferred investment destination due to strategic location, robust infrastructure & investor-friendly policies: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*There was time when investors faced unnecessary hurdles & undue demands; Today, Punjab Govt is working solely for welfare of Punjab & Punjabis and is committed to ensuring transparent, investor-friendly ecosystem: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*HPCL keen to invest in refinery & biogas sectors; projects will generate employment & strengthen Punjab’s economy: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Expansion of HPCL-Mittal Energy’s biofuel & biogas initiatives will help tackle agricultural waste and benefit farmers: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
CHANDIGARH, 1st June 2026:Punjab’s emergence as a preferred investment destination received another major endorsement on Monday as Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann secured significant investment commitments from Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), with the energy major announcing plans to expand its footprint in the state through investments in refinery, biofuel and biogas sectors.
During a meeting with HPCL Chairman Vikas Kaushal, the Chief Minister highlighted Punjab’s robust infrastructure, strategic location, investor-friendly policies and transparent governance framework, which have helped position the state as North India’s most attractive investment hub. The meeting also saw HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) announce further expansion of its operations in Punjab, including biofuel and biogas projects that are expected to generate employment, strengthen the rural economy, support industrial growth and provide a sustainable solution for agricultural waste management.
During the meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann showcased Punjab’s position as North India’s preferred investment destination, highlighting the state’s strategic location, seamless connectivity to the National Capital Region and major ports, strong industrial clusters, uninterrupted quality power supply, skilled workforce and progressive policy ecosystem. The Chief Minister also apprised the HPCL delegation about Punjab’s governance and regulatory reforms, including the Fast Track Punjab single-window system offering more than 173 government-to-business services, auto-deemed approvals, PAN-based business identifiers and amendments to the Punjab Right to Business Act that enable time-bound in-principle approvals.
During this, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The vision of the Punjab Government is simple and clear. We want to make Punjab a preferred destination for global industry by offering stability in policy, speed in decision-making and a governance system that respects the time and trust of investors.”
The Chief Minister reiterated that the Punjab Government is fully committed to encouraging investments and creating a conducive environment for industry. “It is encouraging that HPCL has shown keen interest in investing in key sectors such as refinery and biogas in Punjab. These investments will significantly benefit the state. Apart from giving a major boost to economic activity, these projects will open new avenues of employment for the youth of Punjab,” he stated.
The Chief Minister further noted, “It is heartening that HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited is further expanding its operations in Bathinda by working on 2G technology. This initiative has immense potential to strengthen the biofuel sector while creating value from agricultural residue.”
He further informed that the company is in the process of establishing ten biogas plants across Punjab, of which five have already become operational. “These biogas projects will go a long way in ensuring effective management of agricultural waste in the state. This will not only help address environmental concerns but will also immensely benefit farmers,” added CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Assuring full support and cooperation to the HPCL delegation, the Chief Minister said that the Punjab Government remains steadfast in its commitment to attracting investment and facilitating industrial expansion. “Investors are true patriots who serve the nation by making large investments, creating jobs for youth and ushering in an era of unprecedented progress and prosperity. The Punjab Government stands firmly with every investor who wishes to contribute to the growth of the state,” asserted CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
He further assured the delegation that the business environment in Punjab has undergone a complete transformation. “There was a time when investors faced unnecessary hurdles and undue demands. Today, the Punjab Government is working solely for the welfare of Punjab and Punjabis and is committed to ensuring a transparent, investor-friendly ecosystem,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Ravi Bhagat, Secretary Industries Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Secretary Rural Development Ajit Bala Ji Joshi and other senior officers were also present during the meeting.
==============================
*Punjab Clears 100% Sugarcane Dues for First Time; Bhagwant Mann Govt Pays ₹695.36 Crore to Farmers During 2025-26 Crushing Season*
*Record procurement of 167.20 lakh quintals of sugarcane; farmers hail CM Bhagwant Singh Mann's decision to clear all pending payments*
*Bhagwant Mann Govt's Direct Transfer of Sugarcane Dues Encouraging Farmers to Shift beyond Wheat-Paddy Cycle: Pal Singh, Farmer*
*Historic Decision by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann to Clear Sugarcane Payments in Full Brings Massive Relief to Farmers: Lakhbir Singh, Farmer*
CHANDIGARH; June 1:Under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab has achieved a major milestone in strengthening the agricultural and cooperative sectors, with the Punjab Government clearing 100% dues of sugarcane farmers during the 2025-26 crushing season. Sugar mills across the state procured a record 167.20 lakh quintals of sugarcane and released payments worth ₹695.36 crore, ensuring that farmers received their dues in full.
The achievement reflects the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s continued commitment to farmer welfare, crop diversification and rural prosperity. By encouraging farmers to move beyond the traditional wheat-paddy cycle and adopt sugarcane cultivation, the government has created new opportunities for agricultural growth while strengthening the rural economy.
Sugarcane cultivation and sugar mills play a vital role in generating employment and supporting thousands of farming families. To further encourage cultivation, cooperative sugar mills have undertaken several farmer-centric initiatives, including the supply of quality seed, subsidised agricultural machinery, fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides, soil-testing facilities, awareness camps and training programmes. These efforts have contributed to higher productivity and growing farmer confidence in sugarcane cultivation.
The Bhagwant Mann Government has also prioritised timely payments to farmers. During the 2025-26 crushing season, all payments for procured sugarcane were released, providing substantial financial relief to growers and reinforcing their faith in the government’s agricultural policies.
*Bhagwant Mann Govt's Direct Transfer of Dues Has Renewed Farmers’ Faith in Sugarcane Cultivation: Pal Singh*
Pal Singh, Sarpanch of village Huthian and a farmer associated with Batala Sugar Mill, welcomed the government’s decision and said, “I have been cultivating sugarcane for the last 30 years and currently have 20 acres under sugarcane cultivation. We are associated with Batala Sugar Mill, and the mill under the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Government has ensured that payments have reached farmers’ accounts. Some farmers received ₹20 lakh, some ₹10 lakh and others ₹15 lakh directly into their accounts.”
He added, “The payments deposited into our accounts have greatly increased farmers’ enthusiasm. Earlier, payments used to arrive in smaller instalments over time. Now farmers have received their dues directly in their accounts, which has encouraged many of us to move beyond wheat and paddy and expand sugarcane cultivation.”
*Bhagwant Mann Govt's Timely Payments Have Brought Relief & Encouraged More Farmers to Join Sugarcane Cultivation: Lakhbir Singh*
Lakhbir Singh of village Alowal, who has been associated with the mill since its inception, said, “Ever since CM Bhagwant Singh Mann came to power, payments have improved considerably. The decision to release the entire payment has brought immense happiness to farmers associated with the Batala mill. Landowners received their dues and are extremely satisfied.”
He added, “If sugarcane payments continue to be made in this manner, farmers will be highly motivated to cultivate more sugarcane and remain associated with the mills. The mill has brought tremendous relief and strengthened the confidence of farmers.”
Appreciating the contribution of the mill staff, Lakhbir Singh said, “The officers and employees of the mill have worked with great dedication and helped make it one of the best-performing mills. Their efforts have played a major role in achieving these results.”
Praising the Chief Minister’s initiative, he added, “CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has provided tremendous relief to farmers by ensuring that payments reach them directly and on time. This has strengthened farmers’ trust and encouraged them to continue cultivating sugarcane.”
-==========================
*Punjab Surpasses National Average with 14.59% GST Growth in May 2026, Backed by Major Enforcement Breakthroughs: Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Gross GST Collections Witness Impressive Surge of Over ₹305 Crore: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*State Revenue Base Outpaces National Trends with Strong Compliance Drives: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Enforcement Machinery Recovers Over ₹178 Crore in Targeted Crackdowns: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Major Fake Billing Racket Uncovered Leading to Arrest of Firm Director: Harpal Singh Cheema*
Chandigarh, 1 June 2026:Reaffirming Punjab’s path of strong fiscal performance, Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced on Monday that the state has recorded a robust growth of 14.59 percent in Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections during May 2026. Finance Minister Cheema said, "The Gross GST Collection for the month reached ₹2,400.52 crore, marking a significant increase of ₹305.71 crore compared to the ₹2,094.81 crore collected during May 2025".
The Finance Minister emphasised that this impressive surge reflects sustained economic activity, improved tax compliance, and the effective execution of enforcement measures by the Excise and Taxation Department.
Revealing this in a press communique issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted that Punjab’s GST performance compares exceptionally well with national trends, vastly outperforming the country’s gross GST revenue growth of approximately 3.2 percent over the corresponding month of the previous year. The Finance Minister said, "While Punjab’s cash collection growth stood at 6.57 percent, the State’s gross GST collection growth reached a much higher 14.59 percent, illustrating a strengthening state revenue base, enhanced compliance levels, and highly effective tax administration measures".
Turning to enforcement achievements, Finance Minister Cheema said, "The State Intelligence and Preventive Units (SIPUs) across Punjab delivered notable results by imposing penalties amounting to ₹182.69 crore and recovering ₹178.76 crore during May 2026 alone." He said that these substantial recoveries were driven by extensive data analytics, intelligence-based investigations, targeted verification exercises, and well-coordinated field operations conducted across the state.
Revealing a major breakthrough against tax evasion, Finance Minister Cheema said, "The Punjab Taxation Department successfully busted an ₹85.4 crore fake billing racket during May 2026 and arrested the director of a Ludhiana-based firm for allegedly availing fraudulent Input Tax Credit (ITC) amounting to ₹15.56 crore through bogus transactions". He said that investigations by SIPU exposed the use of non-existent firms, fake invoices, fraudulent debit notes, and fabricated transportation records to facilitate tax fraud, leading to the director's arrest under the Punjab Goods and Services Tax Act and the subsequent recovery of approximately ₹3 crore from beneficiaries linked to the fraud.
Concluding his statement, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reiterated that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government remains firmly committed to safeguarding public revenue and ensuring a level playing field for honest taxpayers by leveraging advanced data analytics, e-way bill scrutiny, FASTag verification, and intelligence inputs. The Finance Minister reemphasised the Government’s strict zero-tolerance policy towards fake billing and organized tax evasion networks, pledging that the Excise and Taxation Department will continue to protect the interests of genuine taxpayers through a balanced approach of facilitation, rigorous monitoring, and uncompromising enforcement.
=============================
*Punjab Government Extends Rs. 6.33 Crore Assistance to 1,241 Beneficiaries Under Ashirwad Scheme: Dr. Baljit Kaur*
*Beneficiaries from 13 Districts Belonging to Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections to Benefit*
*State Government Providing Financial Assistance of Rs. 51,000 for Marriage of Daughters from Eligible Low-Income Families*
Chandigarh, June 1:In a significant step towards strengthening social security for economically vulnerable families, the Punjab Government has released financial assistance amounting to Rs. 6.33 crore under the Ashirwad Scheme for 1,241 beneficiaries belonging to Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections during the financial year 2026-27. This was disclosed by Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.
Sharing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that applications of 1,241 eligible beneficiaries from the districts of Amritsar, Barnala, Bathinda, Faridkot, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Mansa, Patiala, Pathankot, SAS Nagar, SBS Nagar and Malerkotla were received through the Ashirwad Portal. To provide financial assistance to these beneficiaries, the State Government has released a total amount of Rs. 6.33 crore.
The Cabinet Minister informed that the released amount will benefit 546 beneficiaries in Amritsar, 19 in Barnala, 14 in Bathinda, 10 in Faridkot, 21 in Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, 129 in Jalandhar, 90 in Kapurthala and 27 in Mansa. Likewise, 39 beneficiaries in Patiala, 208 in Pathankot, 22 in SAS Nagar, 103 in SBS Nagar and 13 in Malerkotla will also receive financial assistance under the scheme.
Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that under the Ashirwad Scheme, the Punjab Government provides financial assistance of Rs. 51,000 for the marriage of daughters belonging to eligible low-income families. She said that the scheme has emerged as a vital support mechanism for economically weaker families by easing the financial burden associated with marriage expenses and promoting social security and dignity.
The Minister further informed that to avail the benefits of the scheme, the applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab, belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family and have an annual family income from all sources below Rs. 32,790. She added that two daughters from a family belonging to Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and other Economically Weaker Sections are eligible to avail benefits under the scheme.
She further said that the financial assistance is transferred directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency, accountability and timely disbursement of funds.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare and upliftment of every section of society. She reiterated that the State Government is dedicated to ensuring that no deserving family is deprived of welfare benefits and that every eligible beneficiary receives timely assistance with dignity and transparency. She added that continuous efforts are being made to empower socially and economically disadvantaged sections and ensure their meaningful participation in Punjab’s growth and development.
============================
*JAIL SUPERINTENDENTS TO BE HELD PERSONALLY ACCOUNTABLE FOR ANY VIOLENT INCIDENT INSIDE PRISONS: DR. RAVJOT SINGH*
*STRICT DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST OFFICIALS FOUND GUILTY OF NEGLIGENCE*
*SAYS, PRISONS MUST EMERGE AS CENTRES OF REFORMATION, REHABILITATION AND INMATE WELFARE*
*Chandigarh, June 1:*Sending out a strong message on accountability in prison administration, Punjab Jails Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh today announced that responsibility for any violent incident, security breach or administrative lapse occurring inside prisons would be fixed on the concerned Jail Superintendent and other responsible officials, who would face stringent disciplinary action.
Chairing a high-level review meeting with Superintendents of all prisons in Punjab at Punjab Bhawan here, the Cabinet Minister said the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government is committed to maintaining a secure, disciplined and reform-oriented prison system. He categorically said that incidents of violence inside jails would not be tolerated at any cost.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on various issues related to prison administration, security arrangements, inmate welfare and the overall functioning of the department.
Directing prison authorities to adopt a result-oriented approach, Dr. Ravjot Singh asked them to continuously assess their performance, identify shortcomings and take timely corrective measures. He stressed optimum utilisation of available resources to enhance efficiency and strengthen prison management.
The Cabinet Minister said, "a responsible officer is one who discharges his duties with integrity, commitment and professionalism while ensuring effective use of resources at his disposal." Reiterating the government's zero-tolerance policy towards violence and unlawful activities inside prisons, he warned that any act of indiscipline or negligence would invite strict action.
Underscoring the need for a modern and responsive prison administration, Dr. Ravjot Singh said that the role of prisons extends far beyond custodial confinement. He said prisons must serve as institutions of reformation and rehabilitation by creating conditions that help inmates reconnect with the mainstream of society after their release.
He further directed the prison administration to intensify efforts towards education, skill development, healthcare and psychological counselling for inmates so as to facilitate their constructive rehabilitation and social reintegration.
Senior officers of the department also briefed the Jails Minister on various reformative initiatives being undertaken across prisons in the state. Detailed discussions were held regarding healthcare facilities for inmates, food management, recruitment of staff, infrastructure augmentation and other employee-related issues.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Secretary Jails Mohammad Tayyab, ADGP Jails R.K. Jaiswal, Superintendents of all prisons in Punjab and other senior officers of the department.
===========================
SC Commission Summons Ravneet Singh Bittu on June 4
Chandigarh, June 01:The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has summoned Union Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu, to appear before the commission on June 4, 2026, to present his side regarding the case of using casteist remarks.
Sharing details about this, Jasvir Singh Garhi, Chairman of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission, stated that it came to his notice through social media that Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu had used casteist words during his Dhuri visit. A report regarding this matter was sought from the SSP Sangrur, but the commission expressed disagreement with the report presented by the police today.
========================================
*VIRASAT-E-KHALSA, BHAGWAN VALMIKI TIRATH STHAL TO GO GREEN; 18.6 MW SOLAR PLANTS FOR 661 GOVT BUILDINGS: AMAN ARORA*
*• AMAN ARORA SETS 6-MONTH TARGET FOR 3 LAKH SOLAR STREET LIGHTS*
*• PUNJAB SWITCHING TO SUN TO POWER ITS FUTURE: ARORA*
CHANDIGARH, June 1:In a major push towards clean energy, Punjab New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Mr Aman Arora on Monday announced the installation of 2 MW solar power projects on key state buildings, including the iconic Virasat-e-Khalsa at Sri Anandpur Sahib (500 KW), Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal in Amritsar (400KW) and NIBE Kapurthala (300 KW).
Chairing a review meeting to assess the progress of ongoing green energy projects here at PEDA complex, Mr. Aman Arora said that work orders for installation of 18.6 MW solar roof-top plants on 661 government have also been issued.
The New & Renewable Energy Minister set a mid-August 2026 deadline for the completion of the 2 MW solarisation of key heritage and educational buildings including Virasat-e-Khalsa, Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal and NIBE Kapurthala. He further said that work orders have already been issued for solar power plants with a cumulative capacity of 18.6 MW on 661 government buildings across the state. Solar plants with a total capacity of 1.413 MW have been installed on 34 government buildings so far.
In a separate initiative to boost rural lighting, Mr. Aman Arora directed PEDA to install three lakh solar street lights within the next six months. PEDA has already installed over 1.19 lakh solar street lights in 5,835 villages across Punjab.
“Punjab is switching to the sun to power its future. By solarising heritage sites like Virasat-e-Khalsa and 661 government buildings, we’re cutting power bills, cutting emissions and ensuring reliable electricity for our people. This 18.6 MW drive and 3 lakh street lights will save crores annually while making Punjab cleaner and energy-secure,” stated Mr. Aman Arora.
Meanwhile, New and Renewable Energy Sources Administrative Secretary Dr Basant Garg apprised Mr. Arora that installation of 2,521 solar street lights in 129 villages is currently in progress and is expected to be completed by July-end. On the farm front, he informed that over 5,000 off-grid standalone solar water pumps have also been installed during FY 2025-26.
The review meeting was also attended by PEDA CEO Mr. Abhijit Kaplish and other senior officials of the department.
===============================================
*‘BRIGHT MINDS PUNJAB’ LAUNCHED FROM RUPNAGAR; OVER 600 STUDENTS WITH ABOVE 85% IN CLASS 12 HONOURED*
*•AI education from Class 6 in govt schools, announces Harjot Singh Bains*
*• Students to access answer sheets online for transparency, says Education Minister*
*•Every district to hold “Bright Minds” sessions; Students to share visions for education system, says Bains*
*• Manish Sisodia interacts with students, teachers; says every child must have access to quality education*
Chandigarh, June 1:In a significant push to reward academic excellence, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, along with Aam Aadmi Party Punjab Affairs Incharge Mr. Manish Sisodia, on Monday launched ‘Bright Minds Punjab 2026’ programme at Virasat-e-Khalsa, Sri Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district.
Over 600 students from Rupnagar district who scored more than 85% in Class 12 board examinations were felicitated at the inaugural event with certificates of achievement. The programme will be extended to all districts across the state, S. Bains informed.
Addressing students and teachers, Bains announced that Artificial Intelligence will be introduced as a subject in all government schools from Class 6 onwards, starting this academic session.
“To make our students contemporary and competitive, we must connect them with new technologies. AI will create new job opportunities while transforming traditional roles. Punjab’s children must lead this change,” Bains said.
The Education Minister said that Punjab has topped in school education in NITI Aayog’s latest ranking index, adding that technology-led reforms will keep the state ahead. He also announced that PSEB examinations answer sheets will now be available online to ensure transparency. Open access to evaluated copies will build trust and fairness in the education system.
Students actively participated by raising questions and suggesting reforms, marking a rare dialogue between policymakers and young learners, he said, while adding that ‘Bright Minds Punjab 2026’ programme will now be rolled out across all districts. The Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government aims to foster a culture of academic excellence and innovation across the state.
Meanwhile, Mr. Manish Sisodia held a direct interaction with students and teachers, seeking their opinions on further improving the education structure. He emphasised that every home and every child must have access to quality education. A nation’s progress depends entirely on its education system. Statistics show that India still faces a serious deficit in learning quality. He said that teachers and the government share a joint responsibility to ensure integrity of education system.
While stressing that academic excellence needs consistent effort and new ideas, Mr. Sisodia said, “Success can only be achieved through hard work, discipline and fresh thinking. Our students are already showing that Punjab is ready to lead.”
Administrative Secretary School Education Ms. Sonali Giri, Director School Education (Secondary) SS Bal and other senior officials of the education department were also present on the occasion
=========================================================
Plantation of 1.50 Crore saplings envisaged throughout State to ensure Greener Punjab: Lal Chand Kataruchak
Forest & Wildlife Preservation Department to undertake plantation of 6.50 lakh saplings in each of 23 Districts
Prepare action plan in consultation with Deputy Commissioners: Forest & Wildlife Preservation Minister directs DFOs
Involve eminent personalities to make environmental awareness a mass movement, emphasizes Minister
Chandigarh, June 1:With the noble aim of expanding the Forest cover and ensure a cleaner & greener Punjab for present and future generations, the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department has envisaged the plantation of 6.50 Lakh saplings under all schemes in each of the 23 Districts of the State which comes around to 1.50 Crore saplings.
The significant project in the pipeline would align with the 650th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji.
Emphasizing the visibility of on ground results in this regard, the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak in a meeting today directed the Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) to prepare an action plan in this regard in consultation with the Deputy Commissioners of their respective districts. If need be, eminent personalities from all walks of life must be involved in order to turn the environmentalist Preservation and awareness into a mass movement, added the Minister.
Advocating the identification of 2 sites in the big districts and one site in the smaller ones for the work pertaining to the plantation of saplings on both sides of state highways at 500 metre distance, the Minister exhorted the DFOs to do the needful and send the identified location by June 10th to the headquarters.
During the course of the meeting, Mr. Kataruchak was apprised that under the various initiatives such as the Green Punjab Mission, saplings would be planted on 584 Hectare land. As many as 650 Nanak Bagichis, dedicated to the birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Ravidsss Ji, would be set up also and the targeted areas would be the educational institutions, hospitals and industrial institutions. As part of the Agro Forestry initiative, about 3 Lakh saplings are intended to be planted.
The Minister on the occasion also greatly appreciated the Monitoring and Evaluation App developed by the department with a view to ensure the real time tracking of the plantation status.
Among others present included the Administrative Secretary Forests & Wildlife Preservation Kamal Kishore Yadav, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) Dharminder Sharma, CCF (Plains) Nidhi Srivastava, APCCF (Budget) Sourav Gupta, APCCF (Chief Wildlife Warden) Basanta Raj Kumar, APCCF (FCA) Pratima Srivastava and CCF (Hills) Mahavir Singh.