*OTS-2025 gets overwhelming response; ₹167.23 Cr deposited, ₹534.54 Cr relief given so far: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Punjab Government extends OTS-2025 deadline to Sept 30, 2026 as one last chance for taxpayers to avail major tax relief: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*9,782 applications received as of July 30, 2026, addressing a total tax demand of ₹437.51 crore: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*9,386 remaining eligible taxpayers urged to utilise the extension for a 100% waiver on interest/penalties and tiered principal tax relief: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Over ₹12.39 crore recovered through stern enforcement proceedings, driving many defaulters to adopt OTS scheme post-action: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*13 auction proceedings lined up for August 2026 to recover roughly ₹48.48 crore in outstanding dues: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*September 30, 2026 strictly final deadline, after which bank account freezes and property auctions under the Punjab Land Revenue Act will escalate: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Support for Supreme Court’s SAMADHAN Initiative; Amicable resolution achieved for 12 major tax disputes, with four more slated for settlement, reinforcing Punjab Govt’s commitment to ease of doing business: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Punjab Government Balancing business welfare with firm, non-negotiable recovery actions against persistent tax evaders: Harpal Singh Cheema*
Chandigarh, 31st July 2026-Punjab Finance, Excise, and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced on Friday that the Punjab One-Time Settlement (OTS-2025) Scheme for pre-GST tax dues has received an overwhelming response, with ₹167.23 crore deposited by taxpayers and ₹534.54 crore granted in tax, interest, and penalty relief so far. Citing strong demand from taxpayers, the Finance Minister said, “The Punjab Government is offering one final opportunity and has decided to extend OTS-2025 from July 31, 2026 to September 30, 2026, to enable remaining eligible taxpayers to settle long-pending disputes and avail significant statutory relief.
Giving details about the scheme's performance in a press communique issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “As of July 30, 2026, the Excise and Taxation Department has received 9,782 applications involving a total tax demand of ₹437.51 crore. Against these applications, taxpayers have deposited ₹167.23 crore, while the state government has provided substantial relief amounting to ₹534.54 crore through waivers. These figures reflect the strong confidence reposed by taxpayers in the government’s transparent and business-friendly policies, aimed at helping local enterprises start afresh without the weight of legacy tax disputes.”
The Excise and Taxation Minister emphasised that while the state government remains fully dedicated to welfare-oriented initiatives, it is equally firm on safeguarding public revenue from persistent defaulters. He said, “The Taxation department has simultaneously intensified recovery operations against habitual VAT defaulters through property attachments and auctions. Over ₹12.39 crore has already been recovered through these enforcement proceedings, with many taxpayers opting to settle their dues under the OTS Scheme immediately after recovery or auction actions were initiated against them.”
Addressing the remaining 9,386 eligible taxpayers, the Excise and Taxation Minister Cheema urged them to take immediate advantage of the extended deadline before September 30, 2026, to secure a 100 percent waiver on interest and penalties, alongside significant principal tax waivers depending on their applicable slab. He clarified that voluntary compliance is the most economical route for businesses, adding a strong reminder that this extension is strictly final and no further grace period will be granted. “Once the extended window closes, the department will aggressively enforce coercive recovery measures under tax laws and the Punjab Land Revenue Act, including bank account freezes and property auctions”, he warned.
To demonstrate the ongoing enforcement drive, the Excise and Taxation Minister disclosed that the department has already scheduled 13 auction proceedings for August 2026, targeting outstanding dues of approximately ₹48.48 crore, and strongly advised the concerned taxpayers to settle via the OTS scheme prior to their auction dates.
Minister Cheema further added, “The department's active alignment with the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India's SAMADHAN initiative, under which 12 tax disputes have already been amicably resolved and over four more are slated for resolution. This dual approach of voluntary dispute settlement and decisive enforcement underscores Punjab's commitment to ease of doing business, responsible administration, and the protection of state revenues.”
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*Mental Health Leaders Give A Boost to Punjab’s War on Drugs; applications for second cohort of fellows to open in early August*
*_LMHP fellows are strengthening Punjab’s mental healthcare system and ensuring compassion is at the centre of Punjab’s fight against drugs_*
Chandigarh, July 31:Reinforcing its commitment to tackling drug addiction through a comprehensive approach, the Punjab government launched India’s first fellowship against substance abuse, the Leadership in Mental Health Programme (LMHP) in February 2026. Thirteen fellows from the first cohort of the programme are now working across Punjab to strengthen mental healthcare services.
LMHP fellows work across the state under the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Yudh Nashean Virudh initiative, supporting healthcare services and integrating a health- and community-first perspective in the state’s fight against drugs. This marks a significant milestone in strengthening the state’s mental healthcare system and ensuring that rehabilitation remains at the heart of Punjab’s fight against substance abuse.
Now, the Punjab Government plans to roll out applications for the second cohort of the programme -- 10 fellows and seven Senior Associates -- to create a robust state-wide network of trained young professionals covering all 23 districts.
Operating under the purview of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, in close collaboration with state’s Data Intelligence and Technical Support Unit, LMHP is building a team of skilled mental health leaders who can drive evidence-based prevention and rehabilitation activities across the state. LMHP fellows are professionals from diverse backgrounds, including psychology, public health and social work who have committed to supporting the state’s anti-drug campaign for a period of two years. Selected through a rigorous selection process, the Fellows undergo intensive training in psychosocial interventions, relapse prevention, programme management, community-based rehabilitation, and leadership skills. The training is delivered with the support of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, the programme’s selection-cum-knowledge partner.
Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said that the programme focuses on combining leadership with empathy to restore families and hope across the state. He added, “Yudh Nashean Virudh is not just an initiative against drugs; it is a movement to reclaim Punjab’s youth. While strict action is being taken against drug peddlers and traffickers, we are equally committed to helping every victim of drug abuse return to a life full of dignity and prevent the youth from falling into the trap of addiction. Leadership in Mental Health Programme reflects our belief that making Punjab addiction-free is possible only when enforcement, treatment, and prevention work hand-in-hand and backed by strong healthcare setup and community support.”
He further highlighted that addiction is a chronic health issue that demands sustained care. These fellows, during their tenure at various district hospitals and de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, gain hands-on experience in addressing substance-use as a social issue, not just an individual ailment. They talk with families, help mitigate family crises arising from drug addiction, connect patients with treatment, support relapse prevention and promote integrated rehabilitation. They also lay special focus on reducing stigma, strengthening community engagement and ensuring continuity of care after individuals complete de-addiction and rehabilitation programmes.
Beyond providing district-level leadership, the first cohort of LMHP fellows is playing a catalytic role by supporting healthcare workers, strengthening service delivery and institutionalizing best practices in the fight against drugs.
The inaugural cohort of the Leadership in Mental Health Programme is transforming the way the community understands and responds to substance use and addiction. In doing so, Punjab is embedding mental health at the heart of its Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign, recognising that the fight against drugs is not only about cutting off supply, but also about healing minds, rebuilding families, and restoring lives with compassion and care.
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*PPCB ISSUES DIRECTIONS TO ENSURE LEAD-FREE HOUSEHOLD AND DECORATIVE PAINTS IN PUNJAB*
*Manufacturers directed to obtain lab certification; Chairperson Reena Gupta calls it a key step to protect children’s health*
Chandigarh, 31 July:Reinforcing its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring strict compliance with environmental regulations, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has issued an order to strengthen enforcement of the “Regulation of Lead Contents in Household and Decorative Paints Rules, 2016”. The order requires all concerned field offices to incorporate specific conditions relating to lead content compliance in the consent process, with immediate effect.
These Rules notified by The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) prohibit the manufacture, trade, import and export of household and decorative paints containing lead in excess of 90 parts per million (ppm). The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has also prescribed compliance and testing procedures to facilitate effective implementation across the country.
Under the directions issued by PPCB, paint manufacturers will be required to ensure that the lead content in household and decorative paints remains within the prescribed limit of 90 ppm. Manufacturers must also obtain certification from recognised laboratories or accredited agencies confirming compliance with the prescribed standards and provide copies of such certificates to dealers and retailers to facilitate verification by regulatory authorities. These conditions will now form an integral part of the consent mechanism wherever applicable.
Chairperson, Punjab Pollution Control Board, Ms. Reena Gupta, said that lead exposure continues to pose a serious yet preventable threat to public health, particularly for children, who are significantly more vulnerable to its harmful effects. Even low levels of lead exposure can adversely affect neurological development, learning ability and overall health, making strict regulatory compliance essential.
Lead has been identified globally as one of the World Health Organization's chemicals of major public health concern. Studies indicate that there is no safe level of lead exposure, with children absorbing lead at significantly higher rates than adults, resulting in irreversible impacts on brain development and other vital organs.
The Punjab Pollution Control Board reiterated that the objective of the latest directions is to ensure effective implementation of the existing legal framework through strengthened regulatory oversight at the ground level. By integrating these compliance requirements into the consent process, the Board aims to improve regulatory compliance, encourage responsible manufacturing practices and safeguard public health while supporting the transition towards safer, lead-free paints across Punjab.
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*Punjab Police Busts Haryana-Based Cheating Syndicate, We Will Not Allow Anyone to Defame State’s Education System: Harjot Singh Bains*
*•Haryana’s Bhiwani Has Become Factory of Cheating; Haryana Nurtured Paper Leak Mafia That Murdered Dreams of Thousands of Youth: Harjot Singh Bains*
*•Bhiwani-Based Mastermind Exposed as Punjab Police Cracked the BFUHS Faridkot Pharmacy Cheating Case: Harjot Singh Bains*
*•Haryana CM Is Busy Setting Political Agendas in Other States but Has No Time to Protect Future of Students in His Own State: Harjot Singh Bains*
*•Bhagwant Mann Govt Transformed ‘Udta Punjab’ Into ‘Pardha Punjab’: Harjot Singh Bains*
*•Punjab Police Cracked Pharmacy Exam Cheating Racket; This Isn't Paper Leak Case but Highly Organised, Technology-Driven Cheating Racket: IGP Nilambari Jagdale*
CHANDIGARH; July 31:Punjab Police has exposed a Haryana-based inter-state cheating syndicate led by a Bhiwani mastermind that allegedly used sophisticated technology to facilitate cheating in the BFUHS Faridkot pharmacy examination, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said on Friday, asserting that the operation had exposed Haryana’s organised cheating network and put to rest allegations of a paper leak. Pointing out that the Haryana Government allowed the racket to flourish for years, he said the Bhagwant Mann Government would not allow anyone to defame Punjab’s education system, which has transformed from “Udta Punjab” into “Pardha Punjab.”
Addressing a press conference at the PEDA Complex here, Minister Harjot Singh Bains said Punjab’s education system is built on transparency and merit, whereas Haryana had failed to curb organised examination fraud despite the racket operating there for years. “The Haryana Chief Minister is busy setting political agendas in other states, but has no time to protect the future of students in his own state,” he added.
The Punjab Education Minister stated, “The Haryana Police failed to act against the cheating syndicate. It was Punjab Police that cracked the BFUHS Faridkot pharmacy examination cheating case, whose trail led to a Bhiwani-based mastermind. Despite this, attempts are being made to defame Punjab.”
Calling Bhiwani the epicentre of the organised cheating network, Minister Harjot Singh Bains stated, “Bhiwani is not just a city, it has become a factory of cheating. They destroyed the dreams of thousands of young people in Haryana who deserved jobs, admissions and placements. After ruining the future of their own children, they came to Punjab to expand their illegal business. This is the model of the Saini Government, destroy your own and then poison others.”
The Education Minister said the racket had been operating from Haryana by filling forms for competitive examinations and using highly sophisticated gadgets to facilitate cheating. He said the accused used modified Kechaoda (K33) phones converted into micro-chip devices, hidden communication equipment and other advanced gadgets to run the network. “The mastermind belongs to Bhiwani, Haryana. These handlers operated there for years. When their own state failed to act against them, they crossed into Punjab to expand their operations,” he said.
Highlighting Punjab’s progress in education, Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the state’s performance has consistently surpassed several better-known education hubs. “Haryana claims Gurugram is its number one education city. But Punjab’s lowest-performing district, Patiala, performs better than Gurugram. Punjab has also surpassed Kerala in primary school education. While they are busy doing politics, we are focused on policy,” he said.
The Education Minister said Punjab’s education reforms have delivered measurable results. “In 2026, 361 students cleared JEE (Main) and 64 qualified JEE (Advanced). In NEET, the number of successful students increased from 437 in 2024 to 882 in 2026, registering more than 100 percent growth in just two years. From fewer than 80 successful students in 2022 to 882 students today from every district, this is what educational integrity delivers,” he said.
Minister Harjot Singh Bains further said the Punjab School Education Department is exploring blockchain technology to make examinations tamper-proof and unhackable. “Punjab is investing in future-ready systems to protect the integrity of examinations. What is Haryana doing? Nothing, because its Chief Minister is busy with photo opportunities,” he remarked.
Becoming emotional during the press conference, the Education Minister said he would never tolerate any attempt to malign Punjab, its students or the state government. “If someone attacks me personally, it does not matter. I am an ordinary person. But I will not hear a word against my Punjab, my Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann or my students. For four years, the Akali Dal, BJP and Congress spread lies against us, but today the entire country knows the truth,” he said.
Issuing a message to the Haryana Government, Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, “Stop exporting paper leaks and start fixing your own backyard. Punjab has zero tolerance for cheating. We will catch every single person involved. Stop trying to defame Punjab.”
Describing education as his life’s mission, the Minister added, “Education is not merely my portfolio, it is my passion. I will protect the future of every Punjabi student, irrespective of how many conspiracies are hatched against us.”
*Punjab Police Dismantled Sophisticated Inter-State Cheating Network: IGP Nilambri Jagdale*
Inspector General of Police, Faridkot Range, Nilambri Jagdale, gave a detailed account of the operation through which Punjab Police’s Counter Intelligence wing, along with Faridkot and Ferozepur Range Police, dismantled a sophisticated inter-state cheating syndicate having deep roots in Haryana’s Bhiwani. “Let me make one thing absolutely clear. This is not a paper leak case. It is a highly organised, technology-driven cheating racket with inter-state linkages. Ten handlers have been arrested so far, along with 25 candidates who used unfair means during the examination,” said the IGP.
She said investigation has so far identified 13 handlers, including eight from Haryana and Rajasthan and five from Punjab.
Sharing details of the operation, IGP Nilambri Jagdale said that on the morning of July 19, Punjab Police received specific intelligence inputs that an inter-state gang was planning to facilitate cheating during the BFUHS pharmacy examination using advanced wireless and Bluetooth devices. “The intelligence led us to a house in Society Nagar, Faridkot, belonging to Gurmeet Singh. It had been converted into a makeshift control room equipped with wireless transmitters, modified mobile phones and handlers waiting to dictate answers,” she said.
Explaining the modus operandi, the IGP said a candidate from Bhiwani used a spy camera to capture images of the question paper immediately after the examination began. “The images were transmitted to a handler, Sajan of Bhiwani, who solved the paper. The answers were then relayed to the control room, where handlers Deepak and Manjeet dictated the answers to candidates inside examination centres through wireless devices. Before they could execute the plan, Punjab Police teams raided the control room and arrested all six handlers red-handed,” she said.
The IGP said more than 200 Punjab Police personnel were deployed across multiple examination centres, while all supervisors, controllers and observers were immediately alerted to conduct intensive frisking of candidates.
She said police recovered 38 modified Kechaoda phones, including 25 from candidates and 13 from handlers, besides 21 hidden wireless earpieces and two vehicles used in the operation. “The Kechaoda K33 phones were procured from Delhi and modified using tutorials available on YouTube. The devices were stripped of their screens, microphones and speakers before being fitted with RF frequency transmitters. The hidden earpieces fit deep inside the ear canal and are invisible to the naked eye, demonstrating how sophisticated this network had become,” she said.
Clarifying the nature of the investigation, IGP Nilambri Jagdale categorically stated that no government employee, examination official or centre supervisor had been found involved in the case. “I want to make this absolutely clear. This is neither a paper leak case nor is there any involvement of any government employee, officer or examination centre staff. The investigation has established that the cheating gang operated entirely from outside using candidates as conduits,” she said.
The IGP said the investigation is continuing and several accused are still absconding. “Three handlers and four candidates remain at large. Punjab Police teams are conducting raids across Haryana, Rajasthan and several cities of Punjab. We will not rest until every person involved in this conspiracy is brought to justice,” she said.
Reiterating Punjab Police’s commitment, IGP Nilambri Jagdale said, “Punjab Police has a zero-tolerance policy against crime, corruption and unfair means. We will continue to act firmly against anyone attempting to compromise the future of our students.”
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