Aid to Afghanistan, Why Hesitation in Helping Flood Hit Punjab: Harpal Singh Cheema
*Asks for Timely Assistance to Punjab's Flood-Affected Citizens*
*Welcomes Reduction in GST Rates in Consumers’ Favour, Says AAP Demanding it From Beginning*
*Says, New 2-Slab GST Rate Benefits Should Reach Common People*
*Also Bats for Continuation of GST Compensation*
Chandigarh, September 4-Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday called upon the Government of India to demonstrate the same humanitarian spirit towards Punjab as it has shown in extending aid to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. He questioned the Union Government's priorities, asking why relief materials were swiftly dispatched to Afghanistan, while flood-affected Punjab is facing delays in receiving financial and humanitarian assistance.
In a press communiqué issued here, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasised that Punjab, a state that has consistently contributed to the nation’s food security and economic strength, deserves timely and adequate assistance in its hour of need. “If humanitarian aid can be sent across borders, then why the hesitation in helping our own people?” he questioned.
The Minister urged the Centre to prioritise the welfare of flood-affected citizens and expedite the release of relief packages, infrastructure support, and rehabilitation measures. He reiterated the Punjab Government’s commitment to opt every measure in providing relief to flood-ravaged people. Giving a call to all to donate generously to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, the Finance Minister assured the transparency and accountability in utilising any aid received, ensuring that every rupee reaches those who need it most.
Meanwhile, welcoming the reduction in GST rates in favour of consumers, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was demanding it from the outset. He said the benefits of the new 2-Slab GST rate structure should be passed on to the common people, making it more relatable and impactful, besides ensuring that those struggling with inflation can get relief. Punjab Finance Minister also recalled that when the GST system was first introduced, all states supported it on the condition that the Centre would compensate them for any revenue loss until their economies stabilised. "The economies of the states are still not stable, and the latest GST rate cuts will have a further impact on them," said Finance Minister Cheema.
Calling on the Union government to continue providing GST compensation, as promised, to states, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema argued that this support is crucial for ensuring fiscal stability, especially given the challenges and disasters many states are currently facing. Finance Minister Cheema specifically added that Punjab is experiencing its worst floods in four decades and urged the Union government to provide both continued GST compensation and quick financial aid for flood victims.
=======================================
CROSS-BORDER SMUGGLING RACKET BUSTED; THREE HELD WITH 2.02KG HEROIN, ₹3.5L DRUG MONEY, 4 PISTOLS
— GANG HAD AN ACTIVE PRESENCE IN BORDER AREAS OF PUNJAB: DGP GAURAV YADAV
— RECOVERED DRUG MONEY WAS MEANT TO BE ROUTED VIA HAWALA: CP ASR GURPREET SINGH BHULLAR
CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, September 4: In a coordinated crackdown based on timely intelligence amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has arrested three individuals involved in cross-border organised arms and hawala network, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.
Those arrested have been identified as Harpreet Singh (23), a resident of village Kot Mehtab in Amritsar, Gurpal Singh (21), a resident of village Sursingh in Tarn Taran and Ranjodh Singh (33), a resident of village Viring in Tarn Taran. Police teams have also recovered 2.02 kg heroin, four pistols— including one Glock and three .30 bore pistols and Rs 3.5 lakhs hawala money, besides, impounding their motorcycle.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the gang was using drones to smuggle heroin and weapons from Pakistan and had an active presence in border areas of Punjab. Preliminary investigation has revealed the arrested accused, Harpreet Singh and Gurpal Singh, who earlier went to Malaysia, are linked with cross-border smugglers, he said.
The DGP said that a case has been registered at Police Station Gate Hakiman, and further investigation is underway to establish forward and backward linkages in this case to expose the complete nexus.
Sharing operation details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that accused Harpreet and Gurpal were earlier arrested with 220 gram of heroin along with motorcycle. Further on disclosure of arrested accused Harpreet and Gurpal, police teams have recovered 1.8 kg more heroin along with two .30 bore Pistols from the pinpointed spot, he said.
He said that probe has revealed that accused Harpreet went to Malaysia in 2023 and returned after 7 months, while Gurpal went in 2022 and returned in 2023. They were not known to each other in Malaysia but they had common Pak-based smuggler in contact, and on latter’s directions they had received the consignments.
================================================
NATIONAL FOOD BOWL IN PERILS AS 4L ACRES SUBMERGED, GURMEET KHUDIAN SEEKS IMMEDIATE RELIEF FROM CENTRE
• Agriculture Minister accompanies Shivraj Singh Chauhan to flood-ravaged areas in Amritsar, Gurdaspur & Kapurthala districts
•Khudian showcases devastating impact on Agriculture, Rural Economy
• Demands massive financial package to address devastating impact of floods & enhanced compensation to support affected farmers
Chandigarh, September 4:With the India's agrarian heartland passing from unprecedented times, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian urged Union Agriculture Minister Sh. Shivraj Singh Chauhan for an immediate relief and massive financial package to address the devastating impact of floods, besides, demanding enhanced compensation to support affected farmers after over four lakh acres of state’s agricultural land submerged, threatening both state and national food security.
S. Khudian accompanied Union Agriculture Minister to flood-affected areas in Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Kapurthala districts, showcasing the devastating impact on agriculture sector. Upon arrival at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar, S. Khudian received Sh. Chouhan, who was visiting the state to assess the damage and meet with affected farmers.
Highlighting the extensive damage caused by floods, Punjab Agriculture Minister informed that standing crops at over 4 lakh acres of farmland have been inundated according to preliminary assessments. With paddy fields being the worst affected, just weeks before harvesting season, he said that this devastation has resulted in significant losses for farmers and the state's agricultural economy. The impact on the rural economy is further exacerbated by substantial damage to livestock.
“Punjab's contribution to the nation's food security cannot be overlooked," said S. Khudian while adding that as an agrarian state Punjab plays a pivotal role in contributing to the central food pool. However, the recent floods have brought unprecedented devastation to crops, agricultural infrastructure and rural economy. The state's economic backbone is under immense strain, necessitating immediate support to revive the sector and mitigate the suffering of farmers, he added.
Expressing concerns over the current compensation for flood victims, Punjab Agriculture Minister said that crop damage compensation stands at Rs 6,800 per acre, which is insufficient considering the extent of losses incurred by farmers. He urged the Central Government to increase this compensation to at least Rs. 50,000 per acre.
S. Khudian has also demanded the immediate release of Rs 8,000 crore of Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Market Development Fund (MDF) stalled by the Centre Government. Apart from this, Punjab requires a special package to mitigate the impact of the floods and support the state's economy, he affirmed.
The CP said that on further disclosure of Gurpal Singh, one more accused Ranjodh was nominated during investigation and was arrested along with two pistols and Rs 3.5 lakh drug money. This drug money was of contraband trade which was to be routed through hawala to Pakistan, he added.
In this regard, a case FIR No. 235 dated 30.08.25 has been registered under sections 21C, 27A, 27B and 29 of the NDPS Act and section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Gate Hakiman Amritsar.
===========================================
Honorary Consul General of India to the UK Visits PSIC Headquarters
Chandigarh, September 4:The Honorary Consul General of India in England Mr. J.M. Meenu Malhotra today visited the Punjab State Information Commission (PSIC) headquarters in Chandigarh. He held an insightful meeting with the Chief Information Commissioner of Punjab Mr. Inderpal Singh Dhanna and State Information Commissioner Mr. Harpreet Sandhu. They discussed the importance of international cooperation in governance and transparency in length and width.
State Information Commissioner Mr. Sandhu said that during the meeting, views were exchanged on adopting best practices and experiences from both India and the United Kingdom in the areas of governance and transparency.
The visit and dialogue between Honorary Consul General Mr. J. M. Meenu Malhotra and State Information Commissioner Mr. Harpreet Sandhu reflect a shared commitment to promoting transparency and good governance in Punjab.
Sh. Amardeep Singh Rai, Director General of Police, Punjab and Sh. Sandeep S. Dhaliwal, State Information Commissioner were also present on the occasion.
============================================
HARJOT BAINS GREETS TEACHING FRATERNITY ON EVE OF TEACHERS’ DAY
• Also appeals teachers to continue their support in flood relief efforts
Chandigarh, September 4:On the eve of Teachers’ Day, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains today extended warm greetings to the teaching fraternity and expressed gratitude to all teachers who shape young minds and future of the nation, while paying tribute to Bharat Ratna recipient and former President Dr. S. Radhakrishnan. Teachers’s Day celebrated on September 5, in honour of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan's birthday.
In his message, S. Harjot Singh Bains hailed the teaching community as the 'backbone of society', acknowledging their pivotal role in shaping students' lives and building a great nation. He also appreciated their tireless efforts in nurturing young minds with knowledge, values and skills to make them ideal citizens.
The State Teachers have transformed Punjab's education landscape and the initiatives like “School of Eminence” and “School of Happiness” underscore the state government’s commitment to further elevating the education system and empowering students for tomorrow's challenges. The Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s dedication to ensure quality education is reflected in our students' outstanding performance in competitive exams including NEET and JEE, as well as Punjab's impressive top ranking in the National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2024.
S. Bains also exhorted teachers to continue extending their support in flood relief efforts, highlighting the importance of unity in the face of natural fury. As role model and inspiration for the society, the teachers' contributions can play a pivotal role in helping Punjab overcome this challenge.
=========================================
Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak hands over cheques worth Rs. 4 lakh each to family members of four persons losing their lives in floods
Chandigarh/Pathankot, September 4:The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of those who have lost their lives during the ongoing floods that have ravaged the State.This was disclosed by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Forest & Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today at District Administrative Complex, Malikpur while handing over cheques of financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 4 Lakh each to the family members of four persons who have lost their lives in the floods. There were total 8 such people who lost their lives.
The Minister on the occasion said that the floods have wreaked havoc not only upon the crops and the livestock but some precious human lives have also been lost. He also said that the Punjab Government is fully committed to extend any help possible to these affected families.
Divulging more, the Minister added that there are 8 families hailing from District Pathankot which have lost their near and dear ones in these floods. Out of these, 4 families namely Jagtar from village Attewal, Sahil from Dhangu Saraan, Keshav Kumar & Reshma from Rajpura lost their loved ones.
Pathankot is the first district in the entire State which has undertaken this noble initiative and the financial assistance to the rest of the four deceased persons' families would also be provided soon.
Among others present on the occasion included the DC Aditya Uppal, SDM Pathankot Rakesh Meena, District Revenue Officer Pawan Kumar, Halqa Incharge Sujanpur Amit Mantu, & Block President Sandeep Kumar
============================================
AAP Parliamentarian announce to use MPLADS funds for flood relief works
Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs standing shoulder to shoulder with people in flood-affected areas
Chandigarh, September 4:To deal with the situation caused by the devastating floods in Punjab, Members of Parliament from the Aam Aadmi Party have announced that they will use their Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) funds for flood relief works. Along with this, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs of AAP are standing shoulder to shoulder with people in the flood-affected regions.
Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sandeep Pathak visited the flood-affected areas of Ferozepur to review rescue operations and announced ₹5 crore from his MPLADS funds for flood relief. Similarly, Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha visited the flood-hit areas of Gurdaspur district and declared ₹3.60 crore from his MPLADS fund for relief works.
Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, who has been continuously engaged in relief operations in different parts of Kapurthala district for several days, also announced a grant of ₹50 lakh from his discretionary funds. In addition, he has released special helpline numbers to support flood victims at the personal level.
Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh allocated ₹30 lakh from his funds for mobile water tankers and fogging machines. Furthermore, he released ₹17.32 lakh for three boats for Ferozepur, two boats for Kapurthala, and one boat for Gurdaspur. He also announced four boats for Jalandhar.
Lok Sabha MP from Hoshiarpur Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal announced ₹50 lakh from his MPLADS funds. This amount will be used to strengthen embankments at different locations in the district.Sangrur MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, who has been engaged in relief efforts in the Ajnala area of Amritsar, announced ₹25 lakh from his MPLADS funds to the Amritsar district administration. Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal also contributed ₹20 lakh from his discretionary funds for Amritsar.
Anandpur Sahib MP Malvinder Singh Kang inspected the embankments of the Sutlej river at Bela Tajowal in Nawanshahr district as well as the erosion along the Patiala Ki Rao passing through Nayagaon in Mohali district. He immediately released ₹20 lakh from his MPLADS funds for the strengthening of the Sutlej embankment at Bela Tajowal.
========================================
Zero tolerance against corruption : Vigilance Bureau nabs private person taking Rs 20000 bribe
_Accused accepting bribe for Tehsil office Clerk, VB registers case against both_
Chandigarh, September 4, 2025 - The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), in line with the zero tolerance policy adopted by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government, has apprehended a private person Rajat Sharma, resident of Basant Nagar, Partap Singh Wala, in Ludhiana city, while he was taking Rs 20000 bribe. The said accused is an accomplice of Amaninder Singh, a Clerk, posted in Tehsil East of DC office Ludhiana who has been booked in this case also.
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 Basant Nagar, Ludhiana city on the Chief Minister’s Anti Corruption Action Line portal.
He further added that the complainant has alleged that the aforementioned co-accused Amaninder Singh Clerk had demanded Rs 50000 bribe for providing an information regarding registration of a plot in Ludhiana Municipal Corporation area.
During verification of this complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the said accused Rajat Sharma has been caught red handed while he was receiving the bribe amount of Rs 20000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. Upon questioning by the VB, the accused revealed that he is unofficially working with the said Clerk in the office and he has asked him to collect the bribe money.
The spokesperson informed that in this regard a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against both the accused at VB Police Station Ludhiana range. Further investigation into this case was underway and the main accused would be arrested soon, he said.
===================================
*Appeal to people residing in flood affected areas to go to safer places due to devastating floods- Harjot Singh Bains*
*Punjab Government is focussing on making strong embankments of rivers in the moment of catastrophic floods- Lal Chand Kataruchak*
*Day and night work is going on to rescue persons stranded in flood-affected areas- Hardeep Singh Mundian*
*Efforts of the Punjab Government will continue unabated till the situation improves & water recedes- Harbhajan Singh ETO*
Chandigarh, September 4:Punjab Government under the visionary leadership of S. Bhagwant Singh Mann is working round the clock to provide relief and assistance to the flood-affected persons and reach out the last mile in this hour of natural calamity. All Cabinet Ministers of the State are reaching out to various villages and flood-affected areas to provide relief materials and assistance to the people. Cabinet Ministers personally visited the vulnerable areas to strengthen the embankment of the rivers.
Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday called upon the Government of India to demonstrate the same humanitarian spirit towards Punjab as it has shown in extending aid to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. He questioned the Union Government's priorities, asking why relief materials were swiftly dispatched to Afghanistan, while flood-affected Punjab is facing delays in receiving financial and humanitarian assistance.
The Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasised that Punjab, a state that has consistently contributed to the nation’s food security and economic strength, deserves timely and adequate assistance in its hour of need. “If humanitarian aid can be sent across borders, then why the hesitation in helping our own people?” he questioned.
He reiterated the Punjab Government’s commitment to opt every measure in providing relief to flood-ravaged people.
The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Forest & Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today took stock of the temporary Bandh being constructed at Koliyan Adda, which suffered severe damage due to overflowing Ravi river, near Kathlour bridge in Bhoa constituency district Pathankot. He said that our Government is providing relief material to the flood affected people besides ensuring fodder for the animals.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains visited Mojowal, Bela Dhiani Upper, Bela Dhiani Gujjar Basti villages situated in Sri Anandpur Sahib district to review flood arrangements and appealed to the people to go to higher places so that their precious life can be saved. He appealed to some villages of Nangal and Sri Anandpur Sahib to vacate their homes and go to higher places or relief camps.
He also visited Lakshmi Narayan Mandir where some areas of the temple were damaged. He requested the people to shift to safer areas. He also appealed to residents of low-lying areas to shift to designated shelters, urged people not to believe in rumours, and prayed for the safety and well-being of all sections of society.
Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain and Commissioner of Police, inspected the Dhussi Bandh near Sasrali Colony in Ludhiana district. The Minister, along with the DC, CP, Army personnel and hundreds of area residents, worked tirelessly on-site to strengthen the embankment. He reviewed the condition of the bandh and directed officials to ensure its timely reinforcement so that people living in low-lying areas remain safe from any potential flood threat. He reaffirmed that the state government is fully committed to protect lives and property through proactive measures and close coordination with all agencies.
Meanwhile, Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal visited the embankments of the Ghaggar River in Lehra Gaga constituency to review the situation. He supervised the placement of sandbags along the vulnerable stretches of the riverbanks. The Minister also inspected several adjoining areas including Makror Sahib, Mandvi, Chandu, Anndana, Khanauri and other localities situated along the Ghaggar River.
Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond has dispatched a second truck of relief material to help flood-affected border villages of Fazilka district from Khanna.
Punjab Cabinet Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar today opened a temporary relief camp in village Bhaowal of his assembly constituency Patti, where the relief material brought in the form of service by the people will be distributed among the needy within a radius of 30-35 kilometers.
He said that anyone who wants to fill his tractor with diesel for filling soil on the embankment. Diesel will be given to them from this relief camp. He said that the needy residing near this relief camp can get groceries items, fodder for animals etc. from this relief camp.
Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh E. T. O. accompanied by Member Rajya Sabha Sanjay Singh and MLA Mr. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal today visited the villages at Halqa Ajnala near Ramdas and distributed relief materials to the flood victims at village Nisoko.
Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the state government is not allowing any shortage of funds for relief work in the flood-affected areas. She said that another tranche of worth Rs 3.5 crore has been released for Fazilka district, while Rs 1.5 crore has been released earlier for flood relief. Therefore, a total of Rs 5 crore has been given for relief work in Fazilka district. She also gave Rs 3 lakh from her discretionary quota for the purchase of boats. She said that ration, cattle feed for animals and other basic items are being provided to the affected families in the relief camps.
MLA Moga Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora today sent relief materials like rice, ration kits etc. from Moga to the needy people in the flood affected areas of Ferozepur.
Deputy Commissioner Fazilka Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu said that 3032 people have been evacuated from the affected areas so far. The number of affected villages has increased to 37 and 1937 people are living in relief camps. She added that 7585 ration kits have been distributed and 4298 bags of cattle feed have been distributed so far.
Deputy Commissioner Bathinda Rajesh Dhiman flagged off a vehicle carrying 6,000 juice packets for the people of the flood-affected area.
--------