CM’s humble bonanza of around Rs 350 crore to residents of holy city

Dedicates newly constructed roads, upgraded link roads, six new libraries to people at Amritsar

Amritsar, July 5:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday gave a humble bonanza worth around Rs 350 crore to the people by dedicating and laying foundation stone of ambitious projects.

Bowing his head at the sacred land, the Chief Minister said that projects worth ₹346.57 crore are being dedicated to the residents of Amritsar. He said that ₹56.36 crore has been spent on construction of new roads,₹287.01 crore has been spent on upgrading road infrastructure and ₹3.20 crore has been spent on construction of Six new libraries. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in Amritsar district, the Punjab Mandi Board and Public Works Department have inaugurated new surfaced roads at a cost of ₹56.36 crore, and upgraded roads at ₹287.01 crore.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab government is repairing and upgrading rural link roads across the state. He said that There are a total of 64,878 km of link roads in Punjab, and until now they have been repaired every six years. Now, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that another historic decision has been made to include ongoing maintenance for the next five years along with the repairs to these link roads.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that Six libraries are being inaugurated across various Assembly constituencies of Amritsar. He said that these libraries have been built by the Municipal Corporation at a cost of ₹3.20 crore. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in the Amritsar West Assembly constituency, two existing libraries viz. Chehrata Library and Old DC office library have been renovated at a cost of ₹32.58 lakh and ₹31.41 lakh respectively.

The Chief Minister said that Additionally, one library each has been established in the North, Central, East, and South constituencies of Amritsar, with each costing ₹64 lakh. He said that These modern infrastructure libraries are equipped with computers, internet access, quality literature, and study materials for competitive exams. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisioned that these libraries will instil fresh hopes in students to realize their dreams as now students can access world-class knowledge through books adding that these libraries will play a crucial role in raising the intellectual level of students and achieving their cherished goals.

===========================================

CM announces to constitute Joint Committee to Resolve Biogas Plant Issue in Akhara Village

Sets Timeline for Report Submission

Government to Act on Committee’s Recommendations

CHANDIGARH, July 5:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday announced the formation of a joint committee of villagers and experts to find a permanent solution for setting up a biogas plant in Akhara village of Ludhiana district.

A decision to this effect was taken during a meeting held here today at the Chief Minister’s official residence.

The Chief Minister apprised a delegation led by Gurtej Singh, Representative of the Akhara Sangharsh Committee, that this committee will carefully consider each and every concern raised by the villagers. He said that after thorough examination, the committee will submit its recommendations, upon which the government will take necessary action. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that the committee will submit its report within the scheduled timeframe.

The Chief Minister assured that the government will not allow any violations, and that no action will be taken without first safeguarding the interests of the villagers. He reiterated the state government’s firm commitment to pollution control in Punjab and affirmed that there will be zero tolerance for any violation of pollution norms. Bhagwant Singh Mann made it clear to the villagers that the plant will be completely pollution-free, and that no one will be permitted to violate the rules.

The Chief Minister further said that strict action will be taken against any rule-breakers. On the occasion, Bhagwant Singh Mann also cited the case of Ghungarali village biogas plant—which was set up with the consent of villagers—as an example. During the meeting, representatives from Ghungarali village shared their experience of operating the plant.

=======================================

Will Ensure Exemplary Punishment for the Big Fishes Involved in Drug Trade: CM

Says the ‘Jarnails’ Responsible for Pyres of Youth Will Be Held Accountable

Slams Union Government for Withholding State’s Share of RDF

Lists Several Pro-People Initiatives Taken by the State Government

Chandigarh, July 5 :Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said that exemplary punishment will be ensured for those who have ruined the lives of the youth by selling drugs.

Addressing a gathering after dedicating roads and libraries worth around ₹350 crore to the residents of the holy city, the Chief Minister, accompanied by senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, said that the Jarnails who had patronised the drug trade have already been put behind bars. He said that no one had previously dared to arrest these affluent leaders, but now his government has done so and they will pay price for their sins. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured the people that exemplary punishment will be ensured for these leaders so that no one ever dares to commit this sin again.

The Chief Minister said the state government has launched a campaign titled ‘Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh’ (War Against Drugs) to combat the drug menace. He emphasized that the boundless energy of the youth is being channelised in a positive direction. Highlighting the grave loss of manpower Punjab has suffered due to drugs, he said the campaign has been launched with the active support of the people to eradicate this scourge from the state.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government will not remain a silent spectator while smugglers flourish at the cost of victims. He said the supply lines of drugs have already been disrupted and major players involved in this heinous trade have been arrested. For the first time, the illegally acquired properties of drug smugglers are being confiscated or demolished, to act as a deterrent, added Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister also announced the launch of a massive road network project, covering 19,000 kilometers of link roads, with a total cost of ₹3,500 crore. He criticised the Union Government for withholding ₹6,000 crore of the state’s share in the Rural Development Fund (RDF), asserting that if released, every road in the state could be built. Despite this, he said the state is optimally utilising available funds to improve infrastructure.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the state government is making strenuous efforts for the welfare of all sections of society. He said public celebrations and events of joy had disappeared under previous governments that neglected development and prosperity. Those regimes, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, deceived the people for decades, stalling the state’s growth.

The Chief Minister stated that the people of Punjab have rejected political parties that played musical chairs with power every five years to loot the state. The current government, he said, has been given a mandate to serve, and it is committed to fulfilling people’s expectations. Bhagwant Singh Mann added that opposition leaders criticize him because they are envious of the pro-people decisions made by his government.

The Chief Minister expressed pride in the fact that over 54,000 jobs have been provided to the youth, purely on the basis of merit, without corruption or nepotism. He said this has made youth active participants in the socio-economic development of Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann pointed out that upon assuming office, his government scrapped multiple pensions for MLAs, thereby saving significant public funds.

Additionally, the Chief Minister said that 17 toll plazas have been closed, resulting in daily savings of ₹64 lakh for the common people. He said that Since the launch of free power guarantee in 2022, 90% of households are receiving free electricity and have zero bills, significantly easing the financial burden on families. Bhagwant Singh Mann also highlighted that, in addition to domestic consumers, farmers are receiving free and uninterrupted power, ensuring their vital role in the economy is supported.

Speaking on irrigation, the Chief Minister said that when he assumed office, only 21% of canal water was used for agriculture, whereas today it has increased to 75%, ensuring water supply even to tail-end farmers and conserving groundwater. He announced that Punjab has launched the country’s first dedicated Sadak Surakhya Force (Road Safety Force) to improve highway safety. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that force includes 1,597 freshly recruited, specially trained personnel, including women, equipped with 144 fully modern vehicles.

The Chief Minister said that since its launch in February last year, the state has seen a 48.10% reduction in road accident fatalities. Bhagwant Singh Mann said several states and even the Government of India have praised this initiative. He further mentioned that the government has amended rules to change physical criteria for recruiting women in fire services, making Punjab the first state in India to do so adding that previous governments ignored such progressive reforms.

The Chief Minister said that earlier governments divided people along religious lines and were indifferent to their well-being. He cited the example of taxes being levied on vehicles carrying holy scriptures, a practice his government has since abolished. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that Punjab enjoys communal harmony, peace, and unity, which are crucial for development.

The Chief Minister noted that, due to the government’s efforts, investments worth more than one lakh crore have been secured in the last three years, with companies like Tata Steel, Sanatan Textiles, and others choosing to invest in the state. He said that these investments are backed by Punjab’s excellent infrastructure, skilled workforce, and business-friendly environment. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is making every effort to put Punjab on the

On this occasion, Cabinet Ministers Harbhajan Singh ETO and Gurmeet Singh Khudian, among others, were also present.

===========================

DAY 126 OF YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH: 139 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD WITH 6.9KG HEROIN, 6.1KG OPIUM

— POLICE TEAMS IN SIX DISTRICTS ALSO CHECK 195 PHARMACEUTICAL SHOPS

— AS PART OF ‘DE-ADDICTION’, PUNJAB POLICE CONVINCE 53 PERSONS TO UNDERGO DE-ADDICTION TREATMENT

CHANDIGARH, July 5: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 126 days, Punjab Police on Saturday arrested 139 drug smugglers and recovered 6.9 kg heroin, 6.1 kg opium and Rs 1.19 lakh drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 20,594 in just 126 days.

The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 200 Police teams, comprising over 1400 police personnel, under the supervision of 92 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 451 locations across the state leading to the registration of 91 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 460 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added.

The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 53 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Meanwhile, Police teams have also conducted checking at as many as 195 pharmaceutical shops in six districts including Commissionerate Amritsar, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Batala, Amritsar Rural and Tarn Taran to ensure that they are not selling intoxicant tablets or any other habit-forming drugs, and are adhering to the prescribed norms and regulations regarding the sale of medicines.

======================================

Strategic intervention needed to accelerate pesticide-free basmati export from Punjab

Chandigarh, July 5: The Punjab State Farmers and Agricultural Workers Commission’s Chairman Prof. Dr. Sukhpal Singh held detailed discussions to accelerate export of pesticide-residue-free basmati from Punjab to further give a big push to crop diversification.

Stressing that crop diversification should be implemented a efficaciously in active participation of all stakeholders, the Chairman Prof. Dr. Sukhpal Singh pointed out that at least 10 lakh hectares of area could be taken out of paddy cycle. The discussions were held to formulate strategic interventions and identify the bottlenecks involved in the export of Basmati from Punjab to the European Union and the United States of America. It was also highlighted that the excess of pesticide residues was a major hinder in export.

The other participant in the discussions were included Dr. Sandiprao Patil, North India Zonal Manager, Dr. Malvinder Singh Malhi, Global Trainer, Byer Crop Science and Dr. R.S. Bains, Manavpreet Singh R.O. and Gagandeep R.A.

Dr. Rao also raised tge concern before the Chairman that the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare had already banned 11 pesticides which was being implemented from August 1 to September 30 terming it a welcome step. He said that some pesticides were being used for paddy crop globally with no residue problem for export in the said countries. He stressed that the Kharif maize crop is a viable alternative of paddy consuming less water than paddy.

The Chairman pointed out that the Kharif Maize Hybrid would yield atleast 35 quintals per acre, which is highly beneficial for farmers. Dr. Rao said that Bayer is working extensively on this to meet the increasing demand in view of the permissions to blend ethanol with petrol and soon the hybrid varieties could be offered for large scale adoption by the farmers of Punjab state which could reduce considerable area from paddy crop.

========================================

Punjab to impart skill education in Business & Marketing to Govt Senior Secondary Students: Harjot Bains

•Businesspersons from jury assure financial assistance to all business ideas of 10 teams

•MP Vikramjeet Sahney announces Rs. 10 lakh to first 10 teams establishing their ventures

Chandigarh/Rupnagar, July 5:Encouraging the students to set up their own start-ups during the schooling, Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Saturday announced that Punjab Government will provide skill education in business & marketing to all students of 11th & 12th class in Govt schools from next session 2026-27 under the Punjab Young Entrepreneurs Scheme.

While addressing the Business Blasters Expo 2025, S. Bains said that in a world where hundreds and thousands of applicants chase a single job, Punjab’s government has flipped the script. Under the Business Blasters Expo 2025, students are being encouraged to become job creators instead of job seekers as Punjab Government would provide all kinds of assistance as well as financial and technical to all progressive minded students.

Referring the Business Blasters Expo 2025, Cabinet Minister said that 10 student-led ventures of students, selected from Government schools across Punjab have demonstrated their business ideas in a shark tank-style showdown before government leaders, industrialists, startup founders, and educationists where all teams were successful to get financial assistance to make their dreams true. The remaining 30 teams have also showcased and sold their products at Expo stalls.

Education Minister informed that an investment of ₹17 lakh has been made to set up innovation labs, where students will now be able to develop their own products, even in collaboration with IITs.

Highlighting the Punjab Young Entrepreneurs Scheme, he said that State Government has started a new era of student entrepreneurship and this began as a pilot project in 30 schools in State, where students were asked to present and pitch their business ideas. One shining example is a girl belonging to the BPL family of Govt. Mullanpur Dakhan School, who created decorative flower pots that sold for 20 times their price in Ludhiana. Similarly a youth from my own constituency now buys T-shirts from Gurugram and resells them via Instagram, earning ₹50,000 a month.

He said that leading 10 teams of students have showcased ideas business such as electrical cycle, natural beauty products, handmade dupattas, driving simulator, artwork framing, natural ingredients masalas, safety sticks, chocolates, herbal soaps, including many other innovative products,

Speaking on this occasion, Former Deputy CM of Delhi, Mr. Manish Sasodia said that Punjab Young Entrepreneurs Scheme will be a milestone. Going forward, government school students will need to present a business idea to be eligible to pass. Students must gain practical understanding and real-world learning. Those graduating from Class 12 will leave with something they’ve created, sold, and earned money from.” Regardless of their chosen degree or diploma, every student must learn how to earn while studying.

He pointed out that, every year, 1 crore graduates pass out in India, but only 10 lakh get jobs—the rest continue searching for the private sector jobs. Between 2014-15 and 2021-22, according to a Parliament report, 22.05 crore youth applied for jobs, but only 7 lakh got them. This stark gap underscores the urgency of programs like Business Blasters.

He said that under the Business Blasters Expo 2025, it is now mandatory for students to present at least one business idea as a subject-based project. This program ensures that every student will not only gain financial literacy and independence, but also learn the essentials of marketing and entrepreneurship. This is a historic and visionary step, one that will empower and enable every student to stand tall with capability and confidence.

Mr. Vikramjeet Sahni Member Parliament announced Rs. 10 lakh to first 10 teams to establish their ventures and other business persons, industrialist and senior officer from the state government also assured the students that they will provide technical and expertise including financial assistance.

On this occasion Sh. Pramod Basin Founder of Gerpact, Sh. Anuj Kundra Member, Punjab Development Commision, Smt. Anandita Mitra, IAS

========================================