Punjab to Become a Beggar-Free State; Children to Be in Schools – 2 Children Rescued in Faridkot: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Under CM Bhagwant Mann’s visionary leadership, Project JIWANJYOT brings children from streets to schools

People urged not to give alms to children, instead inform Child Helpline 1098: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Chandigarh, October 12:Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has further intensified its efforts to make the state free from child begging. In this context, two children found begging in Faridkot were rescued.

Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that she personally noticed these children near the Faridkot railway crossing and immediately informed the District Child Protection Team. Acting swiftly, the team rescued both children and produced them before the District Child Welfare Committee. After verification of their details, the children have been temporarily shifted to a children’s home for care and protection.

Dr. Baljit Kaur lauded the efforts of all District Child Protection Units across the state, appreciating their prompt and dedicated response in implementing the government’s child protection policy and ensuring the success of Project JIWANJYOT. She said these teams are playing a vital role in protecting the rights of children and transforming lives at the grassroots level.

The Cabinet Minister added that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision is to ensure that no child is seen begging on the streets of Punjab. The government is committed to rehabilitating such children and connecting them with education through Project JIWANJYOT, which has already started yielding encouraging results.

Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that child begging is not only a social evil but also a violation of child rights. She issued a stern warning to parents and gangs involved in exploiting children for begging, stating that strict action will be taken against anyone found indulging in such activities.

In conclusion, Dr. Baljit Kaur appealed to the citizens of Punjab that whenever they see a child begging, they should avoid giving alms and instead inform the Child Helpline Number 1098 to help the government eradicate this social menace from the state.

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MC LUDHIANA RECORDS 48% DROP IN WATER CONTAMINATION COMPLAINTS: DR. RAVJOT SINGH

-COMPLAINTS FALL FROM 608 (2022-23) TO 318 IN 2025; OVER 20 KM NEW SUPPLY LINES LAID THIS YEAR AFTER 12.6 KM IN 2024

-ALL WATER CONTAMINATION COMPLAINTS RESOLVED; NEW PROJECTS UNDERWAY TO ENSURE POTABLE WATER FOR EVERY HOUSEHOLD: LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER

Chandigarh, October 12:Committed to ensuring potable water supply to every household across the city, Municipal Corporation Ludhiana has achieved significant progress in curbing incidents of water contamination, informed Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh here today.

The exercise, aimed at improving the water distribution network, has started yielding positive results with complaints of water contamination dropping from 608 in 2022-23 to 318 in 2025, till date. He affirmed that all the complaints have been resolved permanently.

Dr. Ravjot Singh stated that providing safe drinking water to residents remains a top priority for the Local Government Department. He shared that 12.6 km of new supply lines were laid in 2024, while over 20 km of new water supply lines have been installed in 2025 by replacing old and damaged pipelines. These projects have ensured a steady improvement in water quality and reliability across the city.

The Cabinet Minister informed that major works were carried out in Dhandari Khurd, Jamalpur Awana, Issa Nagri, Sherpur Khurd, Shanti Nagar, Tagore Nagar, Jawaddi, Sunet, Punjabi Bagh, Karamsar Colony, Khud Mohalla, Sekhewal, Jain Colony, Mayapuri, Mohar Singh Nagar, Dhandari Kalan, Dugri Phase-2, Vikas Nagar among other localities.

He pointed out that while the civic body continues to replace old supply lines, instances of contamination often arise from rusted private connections and illegal sewer linkages, which are now being identified and rectified on priority.

“Our mission is to ensure that each household in Ludhiana receives potable water without interruption and wherever required, new projects are being initiated to achieve this target,” Dr. Ravjot Singh added.

The Local Government Minister further said that all the complaints received by the civic body related to water contamination have been resolved permanently and the officials have been directed to ensure that each and every household in the city gets potable water supply. Wherever required, more projects are also being taken to install new water supply lines to achieve the target.

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Nomination Process for Tarn Taran Bye-election to Begin from October 13: CEO Sibin C

- Polling to be held on November 11 from 7 AM to 6 PM

Chandigarh, October 12:The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the bye-election to the 21-Tarn Taran Assembly Constituency in Punjab. Giving details, Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, Sibin C informed that the nomination process will begin on October 13, 2025, with the issue of Gazette Notification. The last date for filing nominations will be October 21, followed by scrutiny on October 22, and withdrawal of candidature allowed till October 24. Polling will take place on November 11, and counting of votes will be held on November 14. The entire election process will be completed before November 16, 2025.

Sibin C stated that polling will be conducted from 7 AM to 6 PM. Nomination papers can be filed with the Returning Officer between 11 AM and 3 PM on any working day (except public holidays) from October 13 to 21. Nomination papers are to be submitted in Form 2B, available with the concerned Returning Officer.

He further informed that a candidate must be a registered elector of any constituency within the State and should produce a certified copy of the relevant entry in the electoral roll. Each candidate must also make and subscribe to an oath or affirmation before the concerned Returning Officer or an officer authorized by the Election Commission of India after filing the nomination papers and before the date of scrutiny.

The Chief Electoral Officer clarified that October 18 (Saturday) is not a holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, and nomination papers can be presented on that day. However, October 19 (Sunday) and October 20 (Monday, Diwali) are holidays under the same Act, and nomination papers cannot be presented on those dates.

Sibin C added that the Model Code of Conduct came into force on October 6, 2025, following the announcement of the bye-election, and will remain effective till the completion of the election process.

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