*Dr. Baljit Kaur Intensifies Punjab's Fight Against Child Begging; 39 Children Rescued Under Project Jeevanjyot*

*82 Special Rescue Drives Conducted Across 195 Hotspots to Restore Childhood, Dignity and Hope*

*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Government Committed to Ensuring Every Child Grows Up Safe, Educated and Free from Exploitation; Public Urged to Report Cases on Child Helpline 1098*

Chandigarh, September 8:Reaffirming the Punjab Government's unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and future of every child, Punjab's Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today said that the State has further intensified its campaign against child begging under Project Jeevanjyot, with focused efforts to rescue children from the streets, rehabilitate them and reconnect them with education and a life of dignity.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is working tirelessly to ensure that no child is deprived of a safe childhood or forced into begging. She said Project Jeevanjyot is being implemented effectively through District-Level Task Forces to rescue vulnerable children, protect them from exploitation and provide them with opportunities for care, education and holistic development.

Sharing details of the intensified campaign carried out over the past few days, Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that the Department conducted 82 special rescue operations across 195 identified hotspots throughout the State. The operations led to the rescue of 39 children, all of whom were produced before the respective Child Welfare Committees for appropriate care, protection and rehabilitation.

The Minister said that after due verification of documents and family credentials, 27 children were reunited with their parents on the spot, while the remaining 12 children have been placed in Child Care Institutions. These children will be restored to their families only after proper verification of their relationship, ensuring that the safety and best interests of every child remain paramount.

Highlighting the Government's rehabilitation-focused approach, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that efforts are already underway to integrate the rescued children into the mainstream. Admission formalities have been initiated for six children in schools, while another six children are being enrolled in Anganwadi Centres to ensure access to early childhood care, nutrition and quality education.

She further informed that the highest number of rescued children during the campaign were from Tarn Taran (10), followed by Amritsar (9), Ludhiana (7) and S.A.S. Nagar (5).

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government firmly believes that every child belongs in a classroom and a caring family environment—not on the streets. She reiterated that the Government will continue to strengthen rescue, rehabilitation and educational interventions until child begging is eradicated from the State.

Appealing to the people of Punjab to become partners in this humanitarian mission, Dr. Baljit Kaur urged citizens to immediately report any child found begging or any child in need of care and protection to the District Child Protection Unit, the Child Welfare Committee, or the Child Helpline 1098.

She said that every timely intervention can save a child from exploitation, restore hope and open the doors to a brighter future. Together, we can ensure that every child enjoys the childhood they rightfully deserve.

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*PILBS MOHALI IN COLLABORATION WITH ‘THE ART OF LIVING’ TO ORGANISE BLOOD DONATION CAMP ON SEPTEMBER 12*

*— DIRECTOR DR VIRENDRA SINGH URGES CITIZENS TO PARTICIPATE AND HELP SAVE LIVES*

CHANDIGARH/MOHALI, September 8: The Punjab Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (PILBS), Mohali—a premier tertiary care super-speciality— in collaboration with ‘The Art of Living’ is organising its 1st Voluntary Blood Donation Camp on September 12, 2026 (Saturday). The camp will be held from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Director of PILBS, Dr Virendra Singh, stated that the walk-in blood donation drive will take place at the institute’s state-of-the-art Blood Centre, located on the 1st Floor of the New Diagnostic Block at premises of PILBS at Sector 60 in Mohali.

Highlighting the vital significance of the initiative, Dr Virendra Singh emphasised that a single blood donation can save up to three lives. He noted that lifesaving blood and its components are required on a daily basis for routine procedures, ongoing medical treatments, complex hepatobiliary surgeries, and the institute's successfully established liver transplant programme.

Dr Virendra Singh shared that the Department of Transfusion Medicine has been fully functional since receiving its license, housing advanced infrastructure and modern equipment for blood collection and component separation.

Exhorting eligible citizens to turn out in large numbers, the Director urged the community to step forward for this noble cause and make a meaningful impact through voluntary blood donation.

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt’s Tax Crackdown Exposes ₹22.53 Crore Tax Evasion, Recovers ₹9.50 Crore Cash On-Spot: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Bogus Input Tax Credit networks face strict action as Bhagwant Mann Govt intensifies technology-led tax enforcement: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Honest taxpayers will always find smooth sailing, but Bhagwant Mann Govt vows zero tolerance on tax evasion: Harpal Singh Cheema*

CHANDIGARH; 8th September 2026:Issuing a stern warning to tax evaders, Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday disclosed the unearthing of a massive ₹22 crore GST (Goods and Services Tax) evasion racket. He announced that the State Taxation Department’s intelligence-led operation against a Mandi Gobindgarh-based firm has already resulted in a staggering on-the-spot cash recovery of ₹9.50 crore, marking a significant victory for the Bhagwant Mann Government's technology-driven, zero-tolerance policy against tax fraud.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, "The department has initiated strict proceedings against M/s Jagat Metals Pvt. Ltd. Through meticulous data analysis, our taxation officials discovered that this company had wrongfully claimed Input Tax Credit (ITC) amounting to approximately ₹22.53 crore. We found that these massive claims were directly linked to suppliers whose GST registrations had already been cancelled suo moto by the concerned authorities."

The Finance Minister further explained that the deeper the department dug, the more apparent it became that the entire supply chain was built like a house of cards. He said, "Our investigation exposed that intermediate suppliers in this transaction chain had themselves availed substantial ITC from cancelled dealers. This raised serious red flags regarding the genuineness of the transactions and indicated that the actual physical movement of goods was highly suspicious."

Detailing the swift enforcement action, he emphasised that the taxation teams were burning the midnight oil to secure the state's revenue. He shared, "Acting on these ironclad inputs, our department conducted a rigorous inspection at the firm’s business premises in Mandi Gobindgarh on September 7, 2026. The search continued late into the night. Realizing that the game was up and they were cornered by our evidence, the concerned party deposited ₹9.50 crore as SGST in cash right on the spot."

The Minister proudly said that this immediate deposit speaks volumes about the sheer effectiveness of Punjab's intelligence-based enforcement mechanism. He said, "We are increasingly relying on cutting-edge data analytics and technology-driven investigations to separate the wheat from the chaff and identify bogus billing networks early on."

While highlighting the initial recovery, Harpal Singh Cheema made it clear that the department is leaving no stone unturned to recover the remaining dues. He stated, "The total tax evasion involved is approximately ₹22 crore, and we expect the balance to be deposited during the ongoing proceedings, strictly by the book. To get to the bottom of this network, our teams are currently scrutinizing the actual receipt of goods, the authenticity of tax invoices, corresponding e-way bills, vehicle records, weighment slips, banking transactions, and the complete financial trail."

Reaffirming the Bhagwant Mann Government's commitment to safeguarding the state exchequer, the Minister issued a final ultimatum. He said, "The Punjab Government maintains an uncompromising policy of zero tolerance towards tax evasion and fraudulent ITC transactions. Honest and compliant taxpayers will always find smooth sailing and receive our full support. However, those who attempt to pull the wool over our eyes will inevitably have to face the music and face strict action in accordance with the law.”

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*INVEST IN THE BEST: AMAN ARORA HOLDS BACK-TO-BACK MEETS WITH UAE BUSINESS TITANS TO BRING INVESTMENT TO PUNJAB*

*•Aman Arora pitches Industrial & Business Development Policy-2026 and Single-Window System to Top UAE Conglomerates including Lulu, GEMS, Sharaf, Apparel Group*

*•Industries Minister assures time-bound facilitation & end-to-end handholding through Invest Punjab*

*•Punjab's objective is not merely to attract investment but to build long-term partnerships that create jobs and accelerate economic growth: Aman Arora*

Chandigarh/Dubai, September 8:In a major push to attract global capital, Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Mr. Aman Arora pitched the state’s investor-friendly Industrial & Business Development Policy-2026 and single-window clearance system before top UAE business conglomerates and assured time-bound facilitation, responsive governance and dedicated handholding through Invest Punjab.

Earlier, Dr. Emmadi Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, Consul General of India in Dubai, hosted Mr. Aman Arora over breakfast to discuss investment promotion in Punjab, enhanced investor engagement and measures to further strengthen investor confidence.

During his Dubai engagements, Mr. Aman Arora also held one-on-one meetings with top business leaders including President & CEO of Sharaf Group Mr. Shyam Kapur, President Energy of Mount Meru Group Mr. Atul Mittal, Chairman, Al Dobowi Group Mr. Surendra Singh Kandhari, Mr. Jacky Panjabi of Jacky's, Chairman Apparel Group Mr. Nilesh Ved, Group Director – Global Operations, LuLu Retail Holdings PLC Mr. Salim M.A., and Founder and Chairman, GEMS Education Mr. Sunny Varkey among others, to explore sector-specific investment opportunities, B2B partnerships, technology collaboration and enhanced UAE participation in Punjab's growth story.

Highlighting the salient features of the Industrial & Business Development Policy-2026, the Industries Minister said it aims to build a competitive and investor-friendly ecosystem, accelerate industrial growth, boost ease of doing business and drive employment-generating investments, with Invest Punjab acting as a single-point facilitation hub for approvals, clearances, land assistance and end-to-end project handholding.

Mr. Aman Arora said Punjab offers a strategic location, excellent connectivity, skilled manpower, a robust industrial base, entrepreneurial talent and access to a large domestic market and invited UAE companies to tap into the State’s liberal policy support and vibrant business ecosystem.

Mr. Aman Arora said Punjab offers a strategic location, excellent connectivity, skilled manpower, a robust industrial base, entrepreneurial talent and access to a large domestic market and invited UAE companies to tap into the State’s liberal policy support and vibrant business ecosystem.

Punjab is targeting investments across food processing and agro-based industries, logistics and warehousing, education and skill development, manufacturing, IT, renewable energy and other emerging sectors, with the Industries Minister assuring investors of time-bound facilitation, streamlined approvals, responsive governance and dedicated support through Invest Punjab.

Meanwhile, Mr. Aman Arora also met Sh. Deepak Mittal, IFS, Ambassador of India to the UAE, at AIM Dubai. The meeting focused on exploring sector-specific opportunities for collaboration in skill development, agriculture and food processing. Mr. Arora highlighted that Punjab provides attractive incentives to attract investments, promote entrepreneurship, generate employment and build a globally competitive industrial ecosystem.

Sh. Aman Arora said Punjab's participation in AIM Dubai reflects the sustained efforts of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led State Government to engage global investors and showcase the opportunities emerging from its revamped investment ecosystem.

“Our objective is not just to bring in investment, but to forge long-term partnerships that generate employment, strengthen industry and accelerate Punjab’s economic growth,” he said.

The Punjab delegation led by Mr. Aman Arora, comprising CEO Invest Punjab Mr. Amit Dhaka, Director Industries and Commerce Mr. Jaspreet Singh and MD Punjab Financial Corporation Ms. Senu Duggal, is continuing its meetings with global and UAE-based investors and business houses to identify concrete investment proposals and facilitate partnerships with the State.

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*Vigilance Bureau nabs ASI red handed accepting bribe of Rs 40,000/-*

Chandigarh, 8 September 2026:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has apprehended ASI Jindal Lal posted as Police Post Incharge of Eldeco Estate, Police Station Salem Tabri, Ludhiana red handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 40,000/-.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a resident of village Bhattian Bet district Ludhiana.

He informed that the complainant wife had a fight with his neighbour. In this connection, a case was registered at police post Eldeco Estate, Ludhiana on the basis of medical reports and the investigation officer was accused ASI Jindal Lal. Accused ASI already received a bribe money of Rs. 50,000/- from the complainant to get compromise with his neighbour.

He further informed that accused ASI registered a case against complainant's wife despite getting bribe money of Rs.50,000/-. He added that accused ASI further demanded a bribe of Rs. 40,000/- from the complainant to get the cross case registered against the other party. Complainant recorded the entire conversation for demanding bribe.

Unwilling to pay the illegal gratification, complainant approached the VB Ludhiana. Acting on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused ASI was arrested red handed while accepting bribe money of Rs 40,000/- from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Ludhiana and further investigation into this case is under progress.

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*Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan Attends Prize Distribution Function As Chief Guest at Majatri, SAS Nagar*

*Encourages students to set high goals; releases model of the new 'Insaniat' building*

Chandigarh, 8 September, 2026:The Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha, S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, today attended a ‘Prize Distribution Event’ as chief guest at Guru Nanak Dev B.Ed. College, Majatri, district SAS Nagar. The event was organized by the social service organization ‘Insaniat’ to honor students from local schools who secured top marks, with the ultimate aim of promoting higher education in the region. During the function, the Speaker also unveiled the model of the organization's upcoming new building. Former Chairman of the Punjab SC Commission, Jasvir Singh Garhi, also graced the occasion.

While honoring the meritorious students, S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan highly appreciated their academic achievements and motivated them to continue moving forward with dedication and hard work. He exhorted the students to set high goals like civil service examinations, Professional courses etc in their life and strive resolutely to attain apex positions in their careers. He distributed prices to the meritorious students and encourage their achievements in education field.

Addressing the gathering, the Speaker emphasized that encouraging student achievements and creating seamless opportunities for higher education is a collective responsibility of society. He stated that education empowers the youth to build a bright future for themselves while simultaneously enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the progress of the state and the nation. He congratulated the teachers and parents for their vital role in the success of the children.

Principals from various schools, teachers, and prominent members of the 'Insaniat' institution, included President Captain Nahar Singh Chunni, Bhupinder Singh, Master Kuldeep Singh, Dilbahar Rana, Paramjit Singh Popna, Chairman S. Tara Singh, and Balwinder Singh were also present during this function.

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We must not only produce but also know to market our products well : Gurmeet Singh Khuddian

Punjab Government gave huge boost to Self Help Groups: Tarunpreet Singh Sond

Punjab State Food Commission, Agriculture Department & PTPC hold seminar

Chairman Punjab State Food Commission Bal Mukand Sharma superannuates

Chandigarh, September 8:With centralized focus on Food Processing MSMEs, Farmers Produce Organizations (FPO) and Self Help Groups (SHG), Cooperatives, Start Ups & Societies, the Punjab State Food Commission, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department & Punjab Trade Promotion Council today held a seminar comprising multiple sessions.

The Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Mr. Gurmeet Singh Khuddian said that we have fertile land as well as hardworking people. Hence we must not only produce but also know how to market our product across the country as well as at the global platforms. Punjab is making a mark in the entrepreneurship sector and it is the need of the hour to take the State forward.

The Chairman Punjab State Food Commission (PSFC) Mr. Bal Mukand Sharma said that we are in value addition age, so it is high time that we transform agriculture into Agri Business. He further added that over 5000 schools are witnessing installation of herbal gardens where vegetables are grown organically. We must now move from Food security to nutrition security.

The Chairperson PTPC Mrs. Kanchan Sharma while welcoming the entrepreneurs, pointed out that the PTPC works to build an institutional platform for trade, investment, and industrial growth while positioning Punjab as a global business hub.

On the occasion, Mr. N.S. Brar from PAGRO shared his success story about how he ventured into exporting good quality products to Japan and Mr. Arun Grover, Founder & Chairman Amartex also shared his entrepreneurial journey. International Chef Vikas Chawla emphasized the importance of Millet Food for better nutrition.

In the 2nd session on the Cooperatives, Start Ups, Societies and Self Help Groups, various speakers underscored the significance of promoting start ups and self help groups in Punjab. Besides, the precious contributed rendered by the Markfed in the success of the Cooperative movement in Punjab also came in for special praise.

The Rural Development and Panchayats, Tourism Minister Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond revealed that when the present State Government took over in March 2022 the number of Self Help Groups was 26000 but now after four years due to the pro-entrepreneurial policies of the State Government this number has swelled to 56000.

Notably, the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Punjab are small community-based associations—primarily formed by rural women—that pool small monthly savings (ranging from Rs. 50 to Rs. 200 per member) to build microcredit funds and start income-generating micro-enterprises.

Further, Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond lauded the exceptional contributions made by the Chairman Punjab State Food Commission Mr. Bal Mukand Sharma who retired today and said that Mr. Bal Mukand Sharma undertook path breaking initiatives during his tenure to increase the awareness about the importance of nutrition security.

On the occasion, a book chronicling the life journey of famous actor Late S. Jaswinder Singh Bhalla was also released by Mr. Sond who said that Jaswinder Bhalla was an outstanding human being and a par Excellence actor whose contributions to Punjabi films especially comedy genre can never be forgotten.

An entertaining artistic depiction of Mr. Bal Mukand Sharma's life history and his special brotherly bond with Late S. Jaswinder Singh Bhalla was also presented.

The occasion also saw various entrepreneurs, FPOs and SHGs being felicitated.