Reforms Begin: Cooperative Bank to Prioritize Lending to Agriculture

CM Mann’s Big Push: Freeing Farm Finance from Defaulter Deadlock

Chandigarh, May 6:To bring major reforms in the functioning of Cooperative Banks, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today ordered to expedite the process of recovery from defaulter account holders of these banks so that there is no hindrance in lending to agriculture and allied activities.

During a meeting held today at the official residence of the Chief Minister here, while reviewing the progress of the functioning of Cooperative Banks, the Chief Minister said that defaulters are the biggest obstacle in the development of banks because the money stuck with them hampers financial assistance to other needy people. The Chief Minister said that small and medium farmers always return loans to banks on a priority basis, but it is unfortunate that large farmers are defaulters of cooperative banks. He also said that the government employees who have taken loans from Cooperative Banks to repay their dues immediately. Bhagwant Singh Mann directed the Cooperation Department to adopt an appropriate process to recover from defaulters so that complete recovery of loans can be ensured.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the recovery of crop loans being only 65 percent, the Chief Minister said this is having a very bad effect on the cooperative banking system. He said that cooperative banks offer a 3% interest rebate on timely repayment of crop loans, yet many farmers do not repay loans, resulting in not only paying higher interest but also being deprived of taking loans or other benefits in the future. The state government would not accept discrimination with our farmers.

During the meeting, it was informed that farmers in the state are given approximately Rs. 8000 crore in crop loans every year through 3523 cooperative societies via cooperative banks. This is provided at an interest rate of just 7% and if the farmer repays on time, they get a further 3% rebate in the interest rate. On the contrary, farmers who do not repay on time have to pay 2.5 % extra interest, which becomes 9.5 percent.

To encourage primary agricultural cooperative societies (PACS) with excellent crop loan recovery records, the Chief Minister directed the department to honour such cooperative societies in a special way so that they can be projected as role models in the cooperative sector. It was informed during the meeting that the cooperative societies under the Dhuri circle have a loan recovery rate of 99 percent and the Dhuri circle has emerged as a model. Bhagwant Singh Mann also instructed to organize a function to honour these societies.

Expressing concern over NABARD reducing the annual limit of concessional refinance loan for the year 2024–25, the Chief Minister said that Punjab contributes the most to the nation’s food security and such a cut in the loan limit has adversely affected the agriculture sector. Bhagwant Singh Mann said he will take up this issue with the NABARD Chairman to reinstate the loan limit to Rs 3000 crore for the financial year 2025–26.

Giving a green signal to end the dual leadership system of Managing Director (MD) and District Manager (DM) in District Central Cooperative Banks, the Chief Minister said that there should be a single officer heading the bank so that the functioning can become more effective and responsibility can be clearly fixed.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Chairman The Punjab State Cooperative Bank Ltd. Jagdev Singh Bam, ACS-cum-Financial Commissioner Cooperation Alok Shekhar, Principal Secretary Finance Krishan Kumar, Principal Secretary Food and Civil Supplies Rahul Tewari, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Ravi Bhagat and Special Principal Secretary Kumar Amit, Registrar Cooperative Societies Vimal Kumar Setia and MD The Punjab State Cooperative Bank Ltd. Harjeet Singh Sandhu were also present in the meeting.

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ECI initiates interactions with National and State political parties: Sibin C

CHANDIGARH, May 6: Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C informed that in continuation of the Election Commission of India’s emphasis on fostering greater and regular engagement with different stakeholders, ECI has initiated interactions with National and State political parties. These interactions would provide a long-felt need of constructive discussions which enable National and State Party Presidents to share their suggestions and concerns directly with the Commission.

He said that this initiative aligns with the Commission’s broader vision of further strengthening the electoral process in accordance with the existing legal framework with all stakeholders. Earlier, a total of 4,719 all-party meetings have been conducted including 40 meetings by CEOs, 800 by DEOs, and 3879 by EROs engaging over 28,000 representatives of various political parties.

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PUNJAB'S NEW MINING POLICY: CURB ON CORRUPTION, RIGHTS OVER SAND-GRAVEL NOW DIRECTLY IN PUBLIC HANDS

LANDOWNERS CAN NOW CONDUCT MINING THEMSELVES, NO AUCTIONS-FIXED ROYALTY WILL INCREASE REVENUE, CAMERAS AND RFID SURVEILLANCE WILL STOP ILLEGAL TRADE

Chandigarh, May 6:The Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday announced that the groundbreaking new mining policy of the Punjab Government fundamentally shifts the control of sand and gravel resources directly into the hands of the people, effectively curbing corruption and significantly increasing state revenue. The Finance Minister announced this as he along with Mining & Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal unveiled standardized online application forms for Landowner Mining Sites (LMS) and Crusher Mining Sites (CRMS) on the official Punjab Mining Portal.

Addressing the media on this occasion, the Finance Minister said that the key highlight of the new policy is the empowerment of landowners as under this revamped framework, landowners will now have the direct right to mine sand and gravel on their own land without the need for auctions. Furthermore, the new mining policy incorporates robust technological measures to eradicate illegal mining activities with the mandatory deployment of cameras and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) surveillance across mining sites and transportation routes. He said that this pivotal change would eliminate the role of intermediaries and potential for monopolization, placing the power directly with the rightful owners of the land.

"We are committed to ensuring complete transparency and accountability in the mining sector, in contrast to the previous SAD-BJP and Congress regimes that patronage and encouraged the illegal mining to fill their coffers ," said Finance Minister cheema while adding that the implementation of advanced surveillance technologies would act as a strong deterrent against illegal trade, safeguarding our natural resources and ensuring that the benefits of mining reach the public, rather than a select few who seemingly profited under the old guard.

Highlighting online mining application procedures, the Finance Minister said that it exemplifies AAP government's commitment to administrative transparency, procedural simplification and technological integration. He informed that the standardized application forms are now accessible on the official portal (https://minesandgeology.punjab.gov.in) and are available to all prospective applicants with immediate effect. The landowners can now seamlessly apply for mining permissions through a user-centric interface that prioritizes accessibility and simplicity. The applications will be processed with unprecedented expediency, ensuring that eligible landowners can commence legitimate mining operations without procedural impediments.

Mining & Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal informed that this initiative features immediate application availability for sites already included in approved District Survey Reports (DSRs), alongside a streamlined pathway for landowners with mineral-bearing lands not yet included in DSRs to approach District Administration or Department of Mines & Geology through the District Mining Officer. The simplified application forms minimize documentation requirements, focusing only on essential credentials including landowner details, land particulars and mining proposals. Besides this, a comprehensive user manual with detailed procedural flowcharts is available on the portal to guide applicants through each step. Following document verification, the Department of Mines & Geology will issue Letters of Intent (LOI) to eligible applicants, he added.

Subsequently, applicants must secure mandatory clearances including Environmental Clearance from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and Consent to Operate from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). Upon submission of all required clearances, a formal mining agreement will be executed, permitting commencement of mining activities in accordance with applicable regulations, said Goyal.

The Cabinet ministers jointly announced robust applicant support mechanisms including a dedicated Complaint Cell (1800-180-2422) staffed with specially trained personnel to resolve portal-related difficulties. Besides this, Nodal Officers have been appointed at district and head office levels to facilitate application processing and environmental clearances. Regular capacity-building workshops will be conducted to familiarize applicants with portal functionalities and procedural requirements. This digital intervention will not only modernize mining operations but also foster economic opportunities for landowners while ensuring environmental sustainability through proper regulatory oversight," he affirmed.

PUNJAB DENIED FAIR OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP POTASH RESOURCES: BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL

Meanwhile, Barinder Kumar Goyal said that Punjab is facing unjustifiable treatment regarding the development of its valuable potash deposits, a mineral resource that could bring tremendous economic and agricultural benefits to both the state and the nation. Despite the discovery of substantial potash reserves near Sri Muktsar Sahib and Abohar regions, an area bordering Rajasthan where similar deposits have been found, the union government has consistently withheld necessary approvals for further exploration and development.

"Potash is a crucial mineral that is not found elsewhere in the country. Currently, India imports 100% of its potash requirements, which significantly depletes our foreign exchange reserves," said the Mining and Geology Minister.

He said that discrimination is evident in the allocation of exploration efforts. While 158 drilling sites have been established in Rajasthan's adjacent area to determine the location, quality and quantity of potash deposits, merely nine drilling sites have been permitted in Punjab. This glaring disparity was formally raised during a recent all-India Mining and Geology Ministers' conclave in Odisha.

During his field visit, Goyal said he dispelled widespread misconceptions among residents who feared their lands would be permanently acquired. He meticulously explained that potash extraction would occur approximately 450 meters below the surface, with minimal disruption to agricultural activities above. The test drilling required only a negligible portion of land. He said that as per study, by drilling at one place, potash can be extracted from an area of 25 acres beneath the earth.

The development of domestic potash resources would significantly advance national self-reliance, substantially reducing India's dependence on international markets and conserving valuable foreign exchange. "This isn't merely Punjab's parochial concern; it's a strategic imperative for national interest. Achieving self-sufficiency in potash production would represent a monumental milestone in India's resource security framework," the minister articulated.

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Mann government's big decision: Bureaucracy in tehsil offices curbed, arbitrary attitude will no longer be tolerated

Government ends furlough system, instructions to Tehsildars and Naib Tehsildars to ensure attendance from 9 am to evening

Attendance of Tehsildars, Naib Tehsildars and Sub-Registrars will be ensured through M-Seva app

Instructions to DCs to ensure presence of officers in Tehsil offices

Chandigarh, May 6-In order to stop the absence of officers and employees in Tehsil offices and to end the inconvenience to the common people, the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has taken a big decision and has given strict instructions to Tehsildars and Naib Tehsildars to be present in government offices from 9 am to evening.

Revenue and Rehabilitation Minister Hardip Singh Mundian today said this while directing the Deputy Commissioners to ensure the presence of officers in the Tehsil offices. Besides, the attendance of Tehsildars, Naib Tehsildars and Sub Registrars has also been directed to be recorded through the M-Seva app. For this, the GPS location of all the offices should be made available to the Revenue Department.

Mr. Mundian said that alternative arrangements should be made at vacant stations keeping in mind the seniority and the availability of the required staff so that no person who has come for registration has to face any problem. He also said that if any person has booked an appointment online on the website, then his registration should be ensured on the same day.

Financial Commissioner Revenue Anurag Verma also issued a letter to all the Deputy Commissioners to ensure strict compliance with the instructions issued by the Revenue Department. He said that the government's objective is that the common people should not face any problem in registering their properties.

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POSSIBLE TERROR ATTACK AVERTED IN PUNJAB; PAK-ISI LINKED TERRORIST HARDWARE RECOVERED FROM SBS NAGAR

— RECOVERED TERRORIST HARDWARE INCLUDES 2 RPGs, 2 IEDs AND 5 GRENADES

— PROBE INDICATES COORDINATED EFFORTS BY PAKISTAN’S ISI AND ALLIED TERROR OUTFITS TO REVIVE SLEEPER CELLS IN PUNJAB: DGP GAURAV YADAV

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, May 6: In a major blow to Pakistan’s ISI-backed cross-border terror networks amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police’s State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Amritsar, in joint operation with a central agency, recovered a large cache of terrorist hardware during an intelligence-led operation carried out at a secluded forested area near Tibba Nangal-Kular Road in SBS Nagar, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.

The recovered terrorist hardware includes two Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), five P-86 Hand Grenades and one Wireless Communication Set with Accessories.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the recovered consignment was deliberately concealed by hostile operatives as part of a premeditated plan to disrupt public order in the state. Probe has also indicated a coordinated effort by Pakistan’s ISI and allied terror outfits, to revive dormant sleeper cells in the state, he said.

The DGP said that these recoveries are part of Punjab Police’s sustained crackdown on terror modules sponsored by Pakistan’s ISI. Punjab Police remains firmly committed to neutralising these threats and safeguarding the state’s peace and security, he added.

The development came close on the heels of SSOC Amritsar has recovered a consignment comprising IEDs, hand grenades, sophisticated weapons, and ammunition from an area near the Indo-Pak border in the Ajnala Sector. Similarly, three weeks back, Counter Intelligence Jalandhar had also busted a terror module with the arrest of four individuals after recovering one RPG, two IEDs, 2kg RDX, one remote control, two hand grenades with detonators, three pistols along with six magazines and 34 cartridges.

Sharing more details, AIG SSOC Amritsar Sukhminder Singh Mann said that an FIR under relevant provisions of law has been registered at Police Station State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Amritsar. Further investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for concealing the recovered explosive material, he said.

A case FIR No. 28 dated 05.05.2025 has been registered under sections 25 of the Arms Act, Sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act and sections 111 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC, Amritsar.

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AGRI OFFICERS DIRECTED TO INCREASE WHITE GOLD ACREAGE; MALWA FARMERS TO BE TRAINED ON MODERN COTTON FARMING TECHNIQUES

• Punjab aims to bring 1.25 lakh hectares under cotton crop, says Gurmeet Singh Khudian

•Orders officials to ensure close monitoring pink bollworm & whitefly infestation

Chandigarh, May 6:In a significant push to boost cotton cultivation in the state, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian ordered the Chief Agriculture Officers (CAOs) of eight districts of Malwa region to train and guide farmers on modern cotton farming techniques, besides ensuring strict compliance on pest control measures and enhance monitoring.

S. khudian, along with Dr. Basant Garg, Administrative Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, reviewed the block-wise progress of cotton crop cultivation across eight districts of the Malwa region including Fazilka, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda, Mansa, Barnala, Sangrur, Moga and Faridkot.

The state has set an ambitious target of bringing 1.25 lakh hectares under cotton cultivation this season, the Agriculture Minister said while reaffirming the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to strengthening Punjab’s position as a leading producer of the "White Gold."

S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the CM Mann led Punjab Government has announced a 33% subsidy on BT cotton hybrid seeds recommended by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana to reduce input cost on cotton growers, while simultaneously discouraging the cultivation of non-recommended hybrid seeds to enable farmers to adopt high-yielding and pest-resistant BT cotton hybrid seeds. Notably, the PAU has recommended 87 high-yielding, pest-resistant hybrid cotton seed varieties tailored for optimal growth in the state’s agro-climatic conditions.

To address the persistent issue of pink bollworm infestation, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian reviewed the status of managing and cleaning cotton stalks and leftover residues from the previous season, which serve as breeding grounds for the pink bollworm. He further informed that weed eradication campaign has also been initiated in the cotton belt for management of whitefly.

The campaign is carried out with the support of district administration, other departments and MGNREGA to destroy weeds standing alongside roads, canals and in abandoned sites etc.

S. Khudian asked the CAOs to ensure monitoring of pink bollworm in ginning factories and fumigation of cotton stock to control pink bollworm larvae in the ginneries.

Dr. Basant Garg apprised the Agriculture Minister that a massive outreach campaign will be launched, with 961 farmer awareness camps will be organised in the month of May to educate and motivate farmers to shift to cotton from water guzzling paddy crop. He also directed the Agriculture department officials to ensure the availability of quality seeds and fertilisers and conduct regular checking at seed and fertilisers stores. This proactive approach aims to protect farmers from potentially harmful or substandard agricultural inputs.

Director Agriculture Jaswant Singh said that the department will also establish large-scale demonstration in 1,875 hectares to showcase the best practices in cotton farming to helping farmers adopt modern techniques. A Joint Director-level officer has been designated as Nodal Officer for Cotton Crop to ensure seamless coordination and execution of policies.

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Speaker Sandhwan directs Punjabi Varsity : Submit expert committee report on ‘Mahan Kosh’ in two weeks

Discusses to reprint ‘Mahan Kosh’ soon after making corrections

Chandigarh, 6 May 2025:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan held a meeting today with senior officials of Punjabi University, Patiala and the Language Department, Punjab at Punjab Vidhan Sabha Secretariat pertaining to making corrections in the Mahan Kosh compiled by Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha. He held an in-depth discussion regarding mistakes found in Mahan Kosh with the Dean of Punjabi University and directed him to correct the mistakes as soon as possible. During deliberations, he asked concerned officials to reprint Mahan Kosh after making corrections.

Speaker Sandhwan directed the Dean of Punjabi University, Patiala to hold a meeting with the Expert Committee formed by the Punjabi University, Patiala within 15 days and send their suggestions to the Punjab Government so that Government can take appropriate action.

This meeting was attended by Girish Dayalan D.G.S.E Punjab, Dr. Narinder Kaur Multani Dean Punjabi University, Dr. Parminderjit Kaur from Punjabi University, Kuljit Singh, Advocate Jaswinder Singh, Paramjit Singh, Hashpal Singh, Dr. Khushal Singh, Rajinder Singh Khalsa, Amarinder Singh, Pyare Lal Garg and Ashok Chawla.

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Zero tolerance against corruption : Vigilance Bureau arrests ASI taking Rs 10,000 bribe

Chandigarh, May 6, 2025:Aiming at eradicating corruption in the state under zero tolerance policy of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), arrested an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Harbinder Singh (No 115/Moga), posted at Police Station Samalpur in Moga district, red handed while he was demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000.

An official spokesperson of the VB disclosed that during the ongoing drive against corruption the said accused was arrested based on a complaint filed by a resident of Kotkapura town in Faridkot district.

He further added that the complainant has approached the VB and informed that he had got registered an FIR related to his abduction at the said police station and the aforementioned police personnel was the investigation officer (IO) in this case. The complainant further alleged that the said IO had demanded a bribe from him to proceed with the action against the accused persons.

The spokesperson further stated that after verifying the complaint the VB team has laid a trap during which said police official was apprehended red handed while he was taking Rs 10000 bribe from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case has been registered against the accused at VB police station Ferozepur range. The accused would be produced before the competent court tomorrow and further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.

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‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’: Illegal Construction by Drug Peddlers Demolished in Mandi Gobindgarh

Over 150 cases registered and more than 250 accused arrested in the last two months under the campaign – Shubham Aggarwal

Strict action is being accelerated against drug peddlers in the Amloh constituency, and no drug peddler will be spared – Garry Barring

Chandigarh/ Mandi Gobindgarh, May 6 –Under the ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ campaign led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is committed to making the state drug-free. As part of this initiative, an aggressive crackdown is underway against drug traffickers in Fatehgarh Sahib district.

Today, under the supervision of SSP Shubham Aggarwal, the district police and administration demolished an illegal construction in the Master Colony of Mandi Gobindgarh, carried out by two female drug peddlers. This action sent a strong and clear message to individuals involved in the drug trade that the Punjab Government is fully committed to eliminating this social evil and that no drug trafficker will be spared.

While reviewing the police and administrative action, MLA Gurinder Singh Garry Barring stated that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of a vibrant and prosperous Punjab is being realized through the ground-level implementation of this anti-drug campaign. He mentioned that, previously, illegal properties built with drug money in the Amloh constituency had also been demolished twice.

On the occasion, SSP Shubham Aggarwal, accompanied by SP Rakesh Kumar Yadav and police force, stated that the Punjab Government is determined to completely eradicate the drug menace, and this goal is being successfully pursued in the district. He revealed that female drug peddlers Sania and her mother-in-law Surinder Kaur — both of whom have NDPS Act cases registered against them — had illegally occupied government land. During the demolition drive, the police ensured that law and order were maintained. The illegal construction was dismantled using bulldozers.

He added that both women are currently lodged in Nabha jail under various charges, including drug trafficking. SSP Aggarwal further shared that, under the 'War Against Drugs' campaign, more than 150 cases have been registered, and over 250 accused have been arrested in Fatehgarh Sahib district so far.

He emphasized that, under the directives of the Punjab Government, the combined efforts of the police, administration, general public, and media in this campaign have yielded significant results. He appealed to district residents that if anyone has concrete information about drug traffickers, they should report it via the state helpline or the district police helpline — all such information will be kept strictly confidential.

Shubham Aggarwal also stated that, as part of this campaign, more than 50 individuals trapped in drug addiction have been admitted to de-addiction centers and are receiving proper treatment. He affirmed that the "War Against Drugs" will continue relentlessly and that no individual involved in the drug trade will be spared under any circumstances.

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Drive against corruption : Vigilance Bureau arrests ASI accepting Rs. 25,000 bribe

Chandigarh, May 6, 2025:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), in line with the zero tolerance policy adopted by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government, on Tuesday, arrested an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Ajaib Singh, incharge police post, Khasa, under police station Gharinda, in Amritsar district for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. 25,000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the arrest has been made following a complaint lodged by a resident of village Ghumanpura, in Amritsar.

He further added that the complainant had informed that a police case was registered against his cousin at the said police station and the accused ASI, being investigation officer, had demanded a bribe Rs. 50,000 for presenting record in the court and helping him in getting bail.

The spokesperson further informed that after a preliminary verification of this complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the said police personnel was apprehended accepting a first instalment of Rs 25000 bribe from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused at the VB Police Station, Amritsar Range. He would be produced before the competent court tomorrow and further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.

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