Punjab Government to Launch Online Portal for Transparent Registration of Play-Way Schools – Dr. Baljit Kaur
Mandatory Registration of All Private Play-Way Schools and ECCE Institutions with the Department of Social Security, Women, and Child Development Within Six Months
MoUs Signed with Two Leading Institutions for Early Childhood Education and Holistic Development of Children
Chandigarh, March 17:The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is continuously working to enhance the early education and overall development of children in the state. Providing this information, Social Security, Women, and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that to ensure the transparent registration of private play-way schools and its effective implementation at the ground level, an online registration portal will soon be launched.
Further elaborating, Dr. Baljit Kaur mentioned that all private play-way schools and Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) institutions in the state must mandatorily register with the Department of Social Security, Women, and Child Development within six months. She added that district program officers have been directed to ensure the registration process of private play-way schools on the online portal.
The Cabinet Minister also highlighted that to improve the quality of early childhood education, the Punjab Government has approved new guidelines for regulating private play-way schools. She stated that under this initiative, a standardized, play-based curriculum will be implemented to ensure the holistic development of children aged 3 to 6 years.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further emphasized that to provide quality educational services to children in Anganwadi centers and expand access to Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), the Department of Social Security has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with two leading institutions, Pratham and Rocket Learning, to introduce a unified curriculum in the state.
The Cabinet Minister added that this initiative aims to ensure quality education and better learning outcomes for children across Punjab while integrating private and public early education institutions under a unified framework.
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Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan writes a D.O letter to Dharmendra Pradhan, Education Minister GoI pertaining to urgent corrections required in NCERT "Punjabi Primer" Textbook
Chandigarh, March 17:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan has written a demi-official letter to Dharmendra Pradhan, Education Minister Government of India and brought his attention about the the numerous errors in the Punjabi text book "Punjabi Primer" (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਕਾਇਦਾ) published under the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), New Delhi. This book is designed for Balvatika/Anganwadi-level children and adult literacy programs, contains significant spelling mistakes and factual inaccuracies, particularly in the representation of the Punjabi alphabet.
He pointed out that one of the most glaring errors in that book which incorrectly starts the Punjabi alphabet with "ਅ" instead of the correct " ਓ ". Such fundamental mistakes not only misguide young learners but also undermine the effectiveness of literacy initiatives for adults. It is imperative that educational materials, especially those meant for foundational learning, maintain the highest standards of accuracy and authenticity, Sandhwan said.
He also urged the Education Minister, Government of India to initiate an immediate review and revision of this textbook by qualified Punjabi linguistic experts and scholars to ensure that learners receive correct and reliable content. Furthermore, he said that it is crucial to establish a strict editorial and quality-checking process for all future publications to prevent such errors.
Speaker Sandhwan highlighted that ensuring error-free learning materials is essential for the success of foundational education and literacy programs in our country. He also requested him to urgently intervene in addressing this matter at the earliest
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LAUNCHED UNDER DIRECTIVES OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN, PUNJAB POLICE’S ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN ‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’ RATTLES PAKISTAN’S ISI, FORCES SMUGGLERS TO RETREAT
— DRUG COURIERS/SMUGGLERS HESITANT TO PICK CONSIGNMENTS DROPPED BY PAK-SMUGGLERS, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV
— PUNJAB POLICE WON'T ALLOW PAK-ISI TO DISTURB PEACE AND HARMONY OF PUNJAB: DGP GAURAV YADAV
— HEROIN SUPPLY FROM ACROSS BORDER DECLINES SHARPLY AS PUNJAB POLICE INTENSIFIES WAR AGAINST DRUGS
— PUNJAB POLICE ONLY TARGETTING ACTUAL DRUG SMUGGLERS, VICTIMS ARE BEING SENT TO DE-ADDICTION CENTRES FOR TREATMENT: DGP PUNJAB
— PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 2575 DRUG SMUGGLERS AFTER REGISTRATION OF 1651 FIRs IN 17 DAYS; RECOVERS 95KG HEROIN, 52KG OPIUM AND ₹64L DRUG MONEY
— PUNJAB POLICE LAUNCHING DISTRICT-LEVEL MAPPING INITIATIVE TO ERADICATE DRUG MENACE: DGP GAURAV YADAV
— FROM CPs/SSPs to SHOs, ALL OFFICERS TO BE GIVEN QUANTIFIABLE TARGETS TO ENSURE RESULT-DRIVEN DRIVE AGAINST DRUGS
— MORE PEOPLE COMING FORWARD TO GIVE TIPS ON SAFE PUNJAB ANTI-DRUG HELPLINE ‘9779100200’
CHANDIGARH, March 17: With the ongoing anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has rattled Pakistan’s-ISI, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Monday categorically said that Punjab Police will not allow anyone to disturb the hard-earned peace and harmony of the state. Intelligence inputs have also indicated that the campaign’s success has rattled Pakistan’s-ISI, which is now devising strategies to destabilise the border state Punjab to disrupt this ongoing drive against drugs.
“Punjab Police will not allow Pak-ISI to destabilise the border state and will ensure exemplary punishment to anyone try to disturb the peace and harmony of the state,” said the DGP, citing that the key accused involved in the attack at Thakur Dwara Mandir in Amritsar was neutralised in a retaliatory fire by police teams in Amritsar.
While addressing the media after chairing a high-level meeting with top officials, including Special DGPs, Additional Director Generals of Police (ADGPs) and Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs), the DGP revealed that the decisive campaign against drugs has forced drug couriers and smugglers to retreat, with many refusing to pick up consignments dropped by Pakistan-based operatives, which led to sharp decline in supply of heroin from across the border.
“The impact of ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ is undeniable. Our intelligence confirms that drug couriers are now hesitant to collect heroin packets dropped by Pakistani smugglers, signalling a major disruption in the supply chain,” he said.
DGP Gaurav Yadav informed that under this campaign, Punjab Police has been targetting actual street drug peddler and smugglers, while drug victims are not being harassed unnecessarily and are being admitted to de-addiction centres for treatment. These special operations against drugs are being conducted under the supervision of Senior Police Officers of the rank of Special DGPs, ADGPs, IGPs and DIGs, who have been allotted different districts, he added.
He also lauded the efforts of cabinet sub-committee for bringing together all the departments to eradicate this drug menace from the state. Notably, the Punjab government has constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that to make this drive more effective, Punjab Police is launching a comprehensive district-level mapping initiative to ascertain the prevalence of specific drugs in each district, to accordingly implement targetted action plans to root out this menace from the state.
He said that all the officers in the field— from Commissioners of Police and Senior Superintendents of Police (CPs/SSPs) to Station House Officers (SHOs)— are being given quantifiable targets. Their effectiveness will be assessed based on the targets and parameters they were given to ensure results-driven approach to the anti-drug campaign, he added.
Sharing outcomes of the 17 days of ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, the DGP said that Punjab Police arrested of 2575 drug smugglers after registering of 1651 first information reports (FIRs) across the state since March 1, 2025. During this drive, Police teams have recovered 95 kg heroin, 52 kg opium, 1129 kg poppy husk, 13.79 kg Ganja, 7.25 lakh intoxicant tablets/pills/injections, 1 kg ICE, 1.37 kg cocaine and Rs 64 lakh drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers, he said.
He said that the newly launched Safe Punjab Anti-Drug Helpline ‘9779100200’, which allows citizens to report drug traffickers anonymously, has gained popularity among the general public, with tips on the helpline has witnessed increase in recent days.
While expressing gratitude to the people of the state for supporting Punjab Police to making this drive successful, the DGP said that without the support of public this drive cannot be successful. He said that Punjab Police has been reaching out to the public by holding meetings with people and village defence committees.
DGP Gaurav Yadav informed that certain public programmes including YUVA Saanjh and Sports initiatives are being more strengthened to channelise the energy of the youth in right way.
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SIT Expands Probe in Bikram Majithia Drug Case After Suspicious Financial Transactions Surface-SIT Member Varun Sharma IPS
Majithia to be Questioned Again in Patiala Tomorrow
Chandigarh/Patiala, March 17:The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the drug smuggling case against Bikram Singh Majithia has expanded its investigation to scrutinize financial transactions abroad, SIT member and senior IPS officer Varun Sharma said at a press conference at Police Lines here today.
Sharma stated that as per the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, Majithia has already been questioned and will be interrogated again on March 18. He further revealed that the SIT has uncovered suspicious financial transactions linked to firms associated with Majithia and his family, who are nominated in the case. Large sums of cash were reportedly deposited into these firms at the time of the alleged offenses, with transactions also traced to foreign companies.
The SIT is also pursuing three accused currently residing abroad and is making every possible effort to bring them back, including issuing Blue Corner Notices. Sharma emphasized that all financial transactions—domestic and international—are being thoroughly examined.
Reaffirming the Punjab government’s zero-tolerance policy against drugs under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav, Sharma assured that all NDPS Act cases are being investigated with full seriousness. “In this case as well, the SIT is conducting an in-depth probe, and further action will be taken based on the findings,” he said.
Majithia has been summoned again for questioning on March 18, and the SIT is determined to bring all accused to justice, Sharma added.
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Aman Arora Issues Stern Warning to Drug Traffickers: “Either Quit Drug Trade or Leave Punjab”
Orders to Intensify Skill Development Efforts for Rehabilitation of Drug Victims
•Calls on Panchayats, Social and Religious Organizations to Join Anti-Drug Campaign
Chandigarh/ Kapurthala, March 17:Punjab Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party State President Mr. Aman Arora issued a stern warning to drug traffickers, stating, “Either quit the drug trade or leave Punjab.”
He emphasized that under the leadership of Aam Aadmi Party Supremo Mr. Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy to eradicate the drug trade through the ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign.
Addressing the media after reviewing the progress of the anti drug campaign at the District Administrative Complex here today, Mr. Arora said that the Punjab Government’s policy to eliminate drugs has shown positive results.
He highlighted that while serious efforts are being made to curb narco-terrorism in Punjab, a three tier strategy of enforcement, prevention and rehabilitation is being implemented to eliminate both the supply and demand for drugs.
He said that under the anti-drug campaign, from March 1 to till now , 1651 cases have been registered and 2,575 drug traffickers have been arrested. Besides that 1,322 kilograms of drugs has been seized and 64.26 lakh rupees as drug money recovered.
He made it clear that the “the illegal houses built by drug traffickers with drug money under the political patronage of previous governments will be demolished”.
He added that, being a border state, maintaining peace and harmony in Punjab is a top priority and exemplary action will be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt communal harmony.
Speaking about efforts to rehabilitate drug victims, Mr. Arora said that training in various trades is being provided by the Employment Bureau to make youth who have quit drugs self-employed.
Additionally, inmates in jails are also being skilled so they can contribute to society’s progress after completing their sentences.
He further mentioned that the scope of ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan,’ a sports initiative to promote the sports culture at the grassroots level, is being expanded, with over 5.50 lakh children and youth set to participate this year.
He stated that efforts are underway to involve panchayats and social service organizations in the anti-drug campaign. He appealed to the public to support the Punjab Government’s anti-drug initiative so that collectively, Punjab can be freed from this menace.
Responding to a question about increasing police personnel in police stations, Cabinet Minister said that new 10,000 police persons will soon be deployed in the field. Additionally, 2,100 police personnel and officers are being recruited annually.
On this occasion, the Cabinet Minister also launched a helpline number, 98882-19247, prepared by the district administration, through which people can directly contact for skill development training.
Earlier, the Cabinet Minister reviewed the progress of the War Against Drugs campaign with administrative officials. He directed them to intensify the campaign to raise awareness about the ill effects of drugs in educational institutions.
Besides that Punjab Police contingent presented a Guard of Honour to cabinet minister.
Prominent amongst present in the meeting included MLA Raja Gill, Sajjan Singh Cheema, Joginder Singh Mann, Harsimran Singh Ghuman, Lalit Saklani, Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal, SSP Mr. Gaurav Toora and other senior officials.
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LAST 3 YEARS WE HAVE CLEARED THE MESS OF PAST GOVT; NOW THE GOVT WILL RUN IN SUPERFAST MODE : ARVIND KEJRIWAL
AAP GOVERNMENT FULFILLED 32 YEARS OLD DEMAND OF INDUSTRIALISTS FOR OTS: ARVIND KEJRIWAL
ASSERTS THAT WE ARE NOT AFRAID OF TAKING BOLD DECISIONS, WE HAVE DONE EXEMPLARY WORK IN THREE YEARS WHICH OPPOSITION COULD NEVER THINK
REITERATES ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY AGAINST CORRUPTION
SAYS WE ARE PRO-INDUSTRY GOVERNMENT
Ludhiana, March 17-National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that the state government has resolved a major problem faced by the industrialists from the last 32 years by introducing the One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme.
Interacting with the industrialists during a Sanatkaar Milni here today, the former Delhi Chief Minister, accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, said that the state government is solidly with the industrialists of the state. Arvind Kejriwal said that those in power during previous times used to seek share in the success of industry due to which the industrialists fled from the state. He said that he had personally convened three rounds of meetings with the industrialists in 2022, 2023 and 2025.
Arvind Kejriwal said that the sole motive is to give impetus to the industry of the state for which no stone has been left unturned. He said that due to discussion and feedback of industrialists even the works pending from the last more than 30 years have been solved. The former Delhi Chief Minister said that the AAP government is cleaning the mess made by the previous regimes.
The National Convener said that the AAP government is not hesitant to take bold decisions for the sake of the welfare of the common man. Arvind Kejriwal reiterated a zero tolerance policy against corruption and said that no one involved in this heinous crime will be spared. The National Convener of AAP said that in coming 4-5 months all the public dealing services will be made online through the sewa kendras to plug the loopholes for corruption.
He further said that even efforts are being made to make the registry of land deeds corruption free. Likewise, he said that feedback mechanisms on a real time basis will be ensured so as to evaluate that the public get all the services hassle free and smooth. Likewise, he said that there was a Chief Minister of state who was most inaccessible and never came out of his house to listen to problems faced by industrialists.
The National Convener of AAP said that they are cleaning the mess created by the previous regimes but all out efforts are being made to put industry back on track. He said that initiatives like revision in Fire safety norms, introduction of green stamp papers and others have given a huge reprieve to the industry. Arvind Kejriwal said that Industrial Policy of 2022 has given a huge impetus to the industry of the state but on suggestions of industrialists a new industrial policy will be framed.
The former Delhi Chief Minister said that for this purpose industrial policies of several states are being studied and best practices will be adopted. He also asked the industrialists to become active partners in policy making by giving their valuable suggestions. Arvind Kejriwal also said that the state government is making all out efforts to revamp infrastructure in all Focal points across the state.
National Convener of AAP said that in order to give speedy clearance to the new projects all the applications received for such purpose will be cleared within 45 days failing which it will be deemed approved. He also said that exhibition centres will be set up across the state for which the state government is making relentless efforts. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state government has waged a war against gangsters and he solicited fulsome support and cooperation of industrialists in this noble cause.
The former Delhi Chief Minister urged the industrialists to immediately report the calls of extortions from gangsters to the Police so that necessary action is taken against them. He said that though the majority of these calls are bogus, but then also the state government will provide adequate security to the industrialists. Arvind Kejriwal said that 112 number is being strengthened and the response time of Police will be reduced to eight minutes from the existing 30 minutes.
The former Delhi Chief Minister said that drugs is the major problem being confronted by the state in current times and unfortunately those addicted to drugs spend Rs 3000-4000 daily for the sake of purchasing drugs. He said that to get the money for drugs the disarrayed youth indulge in crime and other acts which is posing serious problems in the state. However, Arvind Kejrwal said that the state government has formulated a foolproof strategy to wipe out this menace.
The National Convener of AAP bemoaned that the Akalis had patronised a drug cartel in the state and even their top leader was involved in it. Arvind Kejriwal said that the Congress government that succeeded Akalis did nothing for tackling this crime but the AAP government has today waged a war against drug smugglers and their property is being seized and destroyed. He said that those involved in drug smuggling will not be spared and severe action will be taken against them adding that a foolproof strategy has been formulated to snap the supply line of drugs and put smugglers behind the bars.
Former Delhi Chief Minister said that 70% of the drugs are smuggled from Pakistan across the border via drones and are subsequently supplied in the state. He said that the state government has joined hands with BSF by launching anti-drone technology to check the movement of drones. Likewise, Arvind Kejriwal said that noose is being further tightened against the Hawala racketeers to check the use of drug money.
The National Convener of AAP also said that 5000 Home guards will be deployed in the border districts of the state to check drug menace. He said that in order to wean away youth from the menace of drugs, playgrounds and gyms will be opened in every village of the state. Arvind Kejriwal said that this will help in channelizing unbounded energy of youth in a positive direction and make them an active partner in socio-economic progress of the state.
Meanwhile, the former Delhi Chief Minister renewed a pledge to bring transformative changes in every sector of the state in the coming two years by chalking out a comprehensive blueprint for this. He said that there was a time when Punjab was leader in every field, however he said then power came into hands of those who plundered its wealth. However, Arvind Kejriwal said that the AAP government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is focusing on the holistic development of the state for which no stone will be left unturned.
The National Convener of AAP announced that a major facelift will be given to the state in the coming two years and all the roads, the cities and villages will be repaired or relayed in the coming 18 months. Likewise, he said that in order to give impetus to development of cities a complete roadmap has been prepared. Arvind Kejriwal said that in166 cities the state government will ensure water supply, sewerage facility, cleanliness, roads, lights and STP in two years.
On the occasion Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh and Hardeep Singh Mundian, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora and others were also present.