AAP Government Strikes Hard: Rs. 1,549 Cr Bogus Transactions Busted: Harpal Cheema
Congress, BJP & Akali Dal Exposed: They used to protect tax evaders : Harpal Cheema
Chandigarh, May 12-The Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, announced on Monday that the investigative wings of the state's Taxation Department have detected transactions worth Rs. 1549 crore involving bogus billing or paper transactions and have successfully blocked fraudulent Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims amounting to Rs. 108.79 crore in the current fiscal year.
Addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema provided details on the enforcement actions undertaken by the state Taxation Department. He revealed that the department has blocked ITC worth Rs. 21 crore by exposing fake invoices of Rs. 900 crore in gold transactions in Ludhiana. Additionally, ITC worth Rs. 12 crore was blocked after detecting fraudulent invoices amounting to Rs. 226 crore in coal transactions across Mohali, Kharar, and Kotkapura. Further enforcement actions led to the blocking of ITC worth Rs. 75.79 crore by uncovering bogus transactions totaling Rs. 423 crore in Ludhiana and Mandi Gobindgarh. In another major seizure, authorities intercepted a vehicle traveling from Ranchi to Ludhiana carrying 2 kg of gold without an invoice, and the investigation into this case is currently ongoing.
Emphasizing the significance of these enforcement actions, the Finance Minister highlighted the landmark statewide operation conducted on May 19. As part of this operation, 195 GST-registered firms, including 156 centrally registered firms and 39 state-registered firms, were physically verified, revealing fraudulent paper transactions amounting to Rs. 423 crore and resulting in the blocking of ITC worth Rs. 75.79 crore. A majority of the implicated firms were located in Ludhiana (100 firms) and Mandi Gobindgarh (72 firms).
Highlighting Punjab's significant enforcement actions under the GST regime, the Finance Minister revealed that the department has made notable arrests, including a high-profile case where an individual was apprehended for masterminding a racket involving fake invoicing and fraudulent ITC claims worth Rs. 29.50 crore. The firm in question had made inward supplies of Rs. 163 crore across FY 2023-24 and 2024-25 from over 60 bogus and cancelled firms.
Finance Minister Cheema credited the department’s success in carrying out these enforcement drives to the 15 modules developed under an agreement with IIT Hyderabad, along with crucial inputs from the ‘Bill Liyao Inaam Pao’ scheme. He announced that seven more such modules would be activated soon. So far, 4880 consumers have collectively won Rs. 2,89,15,295 by uploading their purchase bills on the ‘Mera Bill’ app. Meanwhile, discrepancies found in submitted bills under the GST Acts have led to the imposition of penalties totaling Rs. 9,07,06,102 and the successful recovery of Rs. 7,20,92,230.
Mentioning the year-on-year growth in GST collection, the Finance Minister underscored the achievements of the AAP-led Punjab government, which has collected Rs. 62,733 crore in three years. He compared this to the Rs. 63,042 crore collected by the Congress-led state government over five years, stating that these figures speak for themselves. He asserted that while the AAP government has fostered trade growth and implemented stringent checks against tax evaders, previous administrations focused solely on amassing wealth for themselves.
Taking a firm stance against opposition parties, Finance Minister Cheema criticized the Congress, BJP, and Akali Dal for their unfounded claims against the government’s enforcement activities. He said that these parties were colluded with tax evaders in the past to siphon off the hard-earned money of honest taxpayers. He said that now that the government has tightened its grip on tax evasion, these parties are desperately trying to shield their allies from scrutiny.
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Strong roads, firm determination: Corruption free road mission of AAP government
- Glaring example of transparent development: 18900 kilometer roads will be constructed under scrutiny of people: Tarunpreet singh Sond
Chandigarh, May 12:In a major move aimed towards strengthening rural road network of the state, the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has launched a mega project for the construction of 18,900 kilometers of rural link roads across the state.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond announced that following the recent budget announcements, the first phase of the project has been initiated with tenders floated for 828 kilometers of rural link roads. These roads span the districts of Barnala, Faridkot, Pathankot, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, directly benefiting residents in these districts.
Minister Sond detailed that tenders have been issued for roads in the assembly constituencies of Bhadaur, Mehal Kalan, Faridkot, Kotkapura, Jaitu, Balachaur, Banga, Nawanshahr, Bhoa, Pathankot, and Sujanpur. He added that tenders for another 12,500 kilometers of roads will be floated by May 30, and all remaining tenders will be completed by June 15.
Emphasizing transparency and accountability, Sond said that for the first time, the contractors awarded these projects will also be responsible for the maintenance of the roads for a period of five years. If any road deteriorates during this period, the contractor will be liable for repair and reconstruction. This marks a shift from previous governments where poor quality roads often required repeated patchwork, leading to wastage of public funds and increased corruption.
The tendering process, Sond noted, has been made fully transparent with clearly defined rules and conditions. To ensure high construction standards, the quality of roads will be monitored through geo-tagging and photo-based mobile applications. Furthermore, complete project details will be made available on a public portal so that citizens can track the progress of road construction in their respective areas.
The minister warned that any contractor found negligent in their duties or delivering substandard roads will be blacklisted and barred from future projects. He further announced that construction will take place under the supervision of village Panchayats and local communities. The state government will also empower Panchayats to directly raise complaints regarding poor road quality with the government.
With this initiative, the Punjab Government aims to strengthen rural road infrastructure and ensure sustainable, corruption-free development in villages across the state.
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21,397 Needy Women Assisted Through One Stop Centres by Mann Government; Ensuring a Safe Environment for Women is Our Top Priority: Dr. Baljit Kaur
Punjab Government Continues its Fight Against Violence Towards Women, Emergency and Non-Emergency Services Available Through Sakhi One Stop Centres in Every District
Chandigarh, May 12:The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is consistently striving to provide a safe and secure environment for women in the state. In this direction, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that till March 31, 2025, approximately 21,397 needy women have been provided free emergency and non-emergency services through One Stop Centres across Punjab.
Giving further details, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that in order to prevent violence against women, Sakhi One Stop Centres have been established in every district at both private and public locations.
She added that these centres serve as a one-stop facility to combat any form of violence against women, offering free services under one roof such as emergency and non-emergency medical aid, legal assistance, police-related services, counselling, and provision of safe shelter and food.
Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the Punjab Government is continuously making dedicated efforts to provide a secure environment for the women of the state so that they can be brought into the mainstream of society.
Highlighting the significance of women’s welfare, she asserted that the progress of any society is directly dependent on the development and well-being of its women. Therefore, ensuring a safe, supportive, and enabling environment for women remains a top priority for the Punjab Government.
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TURKEY-BASED SMUGGLER BACKED NARCO-HAWALA CARTEL BUSTED IN AMRITSAR; THREE HELD WITH ₹1.06 CR DRUG MONEY, 1.10 KG HEROIN
— ARRESTED ACCUSED GURDEEP WAS OPERATING LOCAL NETWORK ON DIRECTIONS OF HIS TURKEY-BASED HANDLER NAV BHULLAR: DGP GAURAV YADAV
— FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS ARE ON; MORE ARRESTS AND RECOVERIES LIKELY IN COMING DAYS: CP ASR GURPREET BHULLAR
CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, May 12:Dealing a major blow to an international drug smuggling and hawala cartel amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign Yudh Nashian Virudh launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Commissionerate Police Amritsar busted a narco-hawala cartel linked to Turkey-based smuggler Navpreet Singh alias Nav Bhullar with the arrest of his three operatives, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Monday.
Those arrested have been identified as Gurdeep Singh alias Saab (35), a taxi driver from Amritsar, Pardeep Sharma (29), a garment shop worker from Bikaner in Rajasthan and Mani Sharma (36), a Ludhiana-based garments businessman. Police teams have recovered 1.10 kg heroin, ₹1.06 crore hawala money (₹84.02 lakh in cash & ₹22 lakh frozen in bank accounts), one cash counting machine, besides, impounding their Swift Dzire car (without number plate).
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that accused Gurdeep was operating the local network of hawala and drugs smuggling on directions of his handler Nav Bhullar, who had provided him a house to use it as a hideout in Amritsar and all the logistic support to run the cartel. Accused Nav bhullar is wanted in big hauls of drug and hawala cases by different centre and state agencies, he added.
The DGP said that further investigation is underway to trace backward and forward linkages of the cartel.
Sharing operation details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that acting on a specific intelligence input, Incharge CIA-1 Amolakdeep Singh along with the police team, strategically formed different teams and apprehended Gurdeep Singh alias Saab from near Lok Heart School, Ram Tirath Road, Amritsar and recovered the drug consignment and drug money from his possession. The operation was conducted under the supervision of DCP Detective Ravinderpal Singh, ADCP Detective Jagbinder Singh and ACP Detective Harminder Singh Sandhu.
The CP said that during interrogation, accused Gurdeep Singh mentioned about the involvement of accused persons Pardeep Sharma and Mani Sharma, and also revealed that the latter had delivered ₹5 lakh each in drug money. Following the revelations police teams have successfully tracked both the accused persons and arrested them, he said, while adding that further investigations are on.
A case FIR No. 76 dated 06-05-2025 has been registered under sections 21-C, 27-A, 25 and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Cantonment in Amritsar.
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PUNJAB SEEKS LEGAL ACTION AGAINST BBMB CHAIRMAN FOR MISLEADING HON'BLE HIGH COURT
Chandigarh, May 12:The Punjab Government has initiated decisive legal measures against the Chairman of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) Sh. Manoj Tripathi for deliberate misrepresentation of facts before the Hon'ble Punjab and Haryana High Court.
In a strongly-worded rebuttal filed as a detailed reply in CWP PIL No.101 of 2025 against CM No.123 of 2025, the Punjab Government has vehemently refuted assertions of illegal detention concerning the BBMB Chairman.
An official spokesperson of the state government informed that during the live court proceedings on May 8, 2025, Sh. Tripathi admitted he was only surrounded by local citizens and was assisted by Punjab Police in leaving safely. However, in a subsequent affidavit dated May 9, 2025, Sh. Tripathi contradictorily alleged he was subjected to illegal detention, a claim directly conflicting with his prior in-court statement.
Consequently, the Punjab Government has invoked Section-379 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, requesting the Hon'ble High Court to initiate an inquiry into an offence under Section-215 of the BNSS, which pertains to the submission of a knowingly false affidavit.
Further, the state seeks the initiation of contempt of court proceedings against both Sh. Tripathi and Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, Director (Water Regulation) for willful disobedience of the High Court's order dated May 6, 2025.
Elaborating on the matter, the state government clarified that the Hon'ble High Court's order dated May 6, 2025, solely mandated the implementation of decisions taken during a meeting on May 2, 2025. The Punjab Government contends that no such decisions were ever formally communicated to either the state authorities or the BBMB Chairman himself.
Despite this, Sh. Tripathi misrepresented the court's order, claiming that the court had ordered the release of 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, thereby misleading the BBMB staff, the Court and stakeholders and distorting the factual matrix before the judiciary.
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BIG BLOW TO PHARMA OPIOD SUPPLY NETWORK; THREE DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD WITH 60K TRAMADOL PILLS IN FAZILKA
— INVESTIGATIONS ON TRACE BACKWARD AND FORWARD LINKAGES IN THIS CASE, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV
— ARRESTED ACCUSED WERE INVOLVED IN INTER-DISTRICT DRUG SUPPLY: SSP FAZILKA VARINDER BRAR
CHANDIGARH/FAZILKA, May 12:Striking a major blow to pharma opiod supply network amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign Yudh Nashian Virudh launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Fazilka Police apprehended three drug smugglers and recovered 60,000 Tramadol Hydrochloride (100mg) tablets, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Monday.
Those arrested have been identified as Prince Kumar, a resident of Mohkam Araiyan in Jalalabad, Sandeep Kumar alias Sanju and Jashanpreet Singh alias Jashan, both residents of Kamrewala in Jalalabad. Apart from recovering a major haul of intoxicating pharmaceutical substances, police teams have impounded their Maruti Alto car (DL-2AF-7049), in which they were travelling.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that further investigations are underway to trace backward and forward linkages in this case to dismantle the entire pharma drug syndicate.
Sharing operation details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Fazilka Varinder Singh Brar said during special naka at Jalalabad-Sri Muktsar Road near village Ladhu Wala Utar, police teams under the supervision of Incharge CIA-2 Fazilka Inspector Sunil Kumar and led by SI Amrik Singh stopped an Alto car with three occupants coming from Sri Muktsar Sahib’s side for checking.
During a search, the police recovered 60,000 Tramadol tablets concealed in cardboard boxes kept on the rear seat of the car, he said, while adding that trio accused persons have been arrested.
The SSP said that preliminary investigations have revealed that the arrested accused persons were part of an inter-district drug smuggling network and were supplying these banned pharmaceutical opioids in the region. Further investigations are on, he added.
A case FIR No. 52 dated 11-05-2025 has been registered under sections 22-C and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Vairoke in Fazilka.
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YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH: OVER 10K DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD IN 72 DAYS; 398KG HEROIN, 186KG OPIUM, ₹8.5CR DRUG MONEY RECOVERED
— ON DAY 72, 133 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD WITH 2.2 KG HEROIN, 73K INTOXICANT PILLS, ₹13.22 LAKH DRUG MONEY
CHANDIGARH, May 12:With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state completed 72 days, Punjab Police has registered 6280 first information reports and arrested 10444 drug smugglers since March 1, 2025.
Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann had asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. Since the launch of the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, Punjab Police under the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav has been conducting different operations including cordon and search operations, night domination and raids at drug hotspots acros the state.
Divulging details, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who has been personally monitoring these operations, said that police teams have recovered 398 kg heroin, 186 kg opium, 117 quintals poppy husk, 8 kg charas, 135 kg ganja, 2.5 kg ICE, 1.2 kg cocaine, 23.57 lakh intoxicant pills/tablets and Rs 8.58 crores drug money from their possession.
Sharing details of outcome of Day 72, the Special DGP said that Punjab Police has arrested 133 drug smugglers and recovered 2.2 kg heroin, 54 kg poppy husk, 73000 intoxicant pills and ₹13.22 lakh drug money from their possession.
Over 250 Police teams, comprising over 1400 police personnel, under the supervision of 90 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 495 locations across the state leading to the registration of 89 first information reports (FIRs) across the state, he said, while adding that police teams have also checked as many as 503 suspicious persons during the day long operation.
\Meanwhile, 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 104 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.
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PUNJAB GOVT SETS NEW STANDARDS FOR AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION
• Punjab State Council for Agricultural Education gives nod to adopt ICAR Model Act, 2023 (Revised) for B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture
Chandigarh, May 12:In a significant step towards bringing uniformity and boosting agricultural education, Punjab Government has given a go ahead to adopt ICAR Model Act, 2023 (Revised) for B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture in the State.
This decision was taken in a meeting of Punjab State Council for Agricultural Education (PSCAE), chaired by Dr. Basant Garg, Chairperson PSCAE-cum-Administrative Secretary Agriculture and Farmers Welfare department, Punjab.
Dr. Garg informed that a detailed discussion on implementing the ICAR Model Act 2023 (Revised) for B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture in Punjab led to a unanimous decision to adopt the Act.
He said that the revised minimum standards for B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture (per 120 students/ a unit) include 35 faculty members, 43 supporting staff, and specific land requirements: 37.5 acres of total land area, with 19 acres (within a 7-KMs radius) dedicated to farm area, which can be owned or leased for 33 years, or a combination of 10 acres owned and 9 acres leased land for 10 years. Additionally, the program requires 13 laboratories equipped according to ICAR specifications.
With this decision, the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has fulfilled a long-standing demand of the Joint Association of Colleges, Punjab, he added.
Previously, the B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture program’s minimum standards for 60 students included 35 faculty members, 28 supporting staff, 40 acres of agricultural land, and 12 ICAR-prescribed laboratories.
According to Dr. Basant Garg, PSCAE was set up by the Punjab Government to oversee agricultural education in the government and private institutions. Till date, 16 colleges and universities have obtained PSCAE accreditation for their B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture program by fulfilling the required standards.
Prominent attendees at the meeting included Vice Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Agriculture Commissioner, Punjab Ms. Babita, Dean Colleges of Agriculture (PAU) Dr. CS Aulakh and ADO (PSCAE) Jaideep Singh.
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PUNJAB GOVT TAKES STRICT ACTION: SHOW CAUSE NOTICE ISSUED TO AMRITSAR MUNICIPAL COMMISSIONER
MINISTER DR. RAVJOT SINGH INITIATES PROCEEDINGS; DIRECTS TO FURNISH REPLY WITHIN 24 HOURS
NO COMPROMISE ON SANITATION, ASSERTS DR. RAVJOT SINGH
Chandigarh, May 12:Punjab Government has issued a show cause notice to the Amritsar Municipal Commissioner for dereliction of duty.
Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh informed that persistent complaints about Amritsar city's sanitation had been received over the past few months. He said that the concerned official had demonstrated significant negligence in performing his duties, necessitating to proceed this action. The official has been instructed to submit a detailed response within 24 hours, he added.
Dr. Ravjot Singh said, "We have received numerous complaints from citizens and media regarding sanitation in Amritsar, which cannot be overlooked."
"Taking the matter seriously, a show cause notice has been issued to the Amritsar Municipal Corporation Commissioner, with clear instructions to respond within 24 hours", he added.
The Cabinet Minister said that Amritsar is a sacred city requiring special attention to cleanliness. He directed all the officials across Punjab to ensure exceptional sanitation arrangements to protect people from potential diseases. With the approaching summer season, he stressed, the critical need for comprehensive city cleaning to prevent ailments like malaria, dengue and other hygiene-related health risks.
Dr. Ravjot Singh clarified that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government will not tolerate any negligence or casual approach from any official or employee, affirming that the government is committed to providing robust and efficient administration to the people of Punjab and is determined to implement this vision with strict adherence.
The Cabinet Minister made it unequivocally clear that no laxity will be tolerated during duty hours. He warned that any future instances of negligence or carelessness would be met with stringent action.
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