*Punjab Government Fully Committed to Safeguarding the Rights of SC/BC Communities: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur Holds Meeting with SC/BC Union; Assures Resolution of All Genuine Demands*

*Meeting Concludes in a Positive Atmosphere; Mann Government Taking Concrete Steps for Marginalised Sections*

Chandigarh, February 9:Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is working tirelessly for the welfare of all sections of society. Along with this, special efforts are being made to safeguard the rights of the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Backward Class (BC) communities and to ensure their social and economic upliftment. This was stated by Cabinet Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur.

A meeting was held at Punjab Bhawan between Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur and representatives of the SC/BC Union. During the meeting, the Minister listened carefully to the demands raised by the Union representatives and assured them that all genuine demands would be addressed on priority.

The Minister clarified that issues which can be resolved at the departmental level will be addressed promptly in a time-bound manner. She further stated that matters requiring decisions at the government level will be taken up with the government at the earliest to ensure appropriate resolution.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that to realise Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of a “Rangla Punjab,” it is essential that every section of society becomes an integral part of the development process. She emphasised that the dream of a vibrant Punjab cannot be fulfilled without ensuring dignity, equal opportunities and justice for the SC and BC communities. “A truly Rangla Punjab will emerge only when there is prosperity in every household, confidence in every mind and equal opportunities for every section of society,” she said.

She reiterated that the Punjab Government is fully committed to the welfare of marginalised and backward sections and is continuously taking concrete and effective steps in this direction. The meeting concluded in a well-organised and positive atmospher.

On the occasion, the meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary, Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Mr. V.K. Meena IAS, the Director of the Department, Mrs. Vimmi Bhullar, IAS and other senior officers of the department.

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*Vigilance Bureau nabs 11 persons red handed in 8 bribery cases during January*

Chandigarh, 9 February 2026:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing crusade against corruption in the state, has been able to apprehend 10 government officials and one private person red handed while accepting bribes in 8 different trap cases during the month of January.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the VB has put up its best efforts to eradicate corruption amongst public servants and others in every sphere during the period.

He informed that the Bureau had submitted challans pertaining to 24 vigilance cases in various competent courts in the last month. Apart from this, 4 vigilance enquiries have also been registered to thoroughly probe the corruption cases. He added that 12 criminal cases were also registered against 16 accused which include 11 government employees.

Giving more details, he added that different competent courts had decided seven bribery cases filed and contested by the Bureau during the last month, in which eleven persons were convicted and sentenced to 4-4 years imprisonment and fine ranging from Rs. 10,000/

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*DEVELOPMENT STORM BLOWS IN SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB WITH NEW INFRA PROJECTS: HARJOT BAINS*

*•Five bridges & critical road projects to boost connectivity and spur economic growth in the region, says Bains*

*• The projects to transform lives, not just infrastructure: Harjot Bains*

Chandigarh, February 9:–In a significant move to further accelerate infrastructure development, Punjab Education Minister and MLA from Sri Anandpur Sahib, S. Harjot Singh Bains, today announced the green-lighting of key infrastructure projects to further boost connectivity and economic growth in the region.

In a video message, S. Harjot Singh Bains congratulated the people of Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency, while revealing that five crucial bridges have been approved by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).

"Development storm is blowing in Sri Anandpur Sahib," he stated, while sharing that the approved bridge projects include Brahmpur and Daroli Bridges, these two vital replacement bridges originally built during the canal construction. These bridges will be rebuilt for modern needs. The Ganguwal double bridge is a strategic project aimed at alleviating chronic traffic congestion, especially during major religious festivals like Hola Mohalla and Viah Purb at Guru Ka Lahore. "This will ensure smooth passage for devotees traveling to Guru Ka Lahore, eliminating a major hassle," said S. Bains.

Additionally, the Attari village bridge will connect Attari village directly to the national highway, ending long detours and boosting the local economy. The Bhaowal bridge is expected to spur employment and economic activity in the area, he added.

The Education Minister said that the Sarsa Nangal Bridge project has already been tendered and the work scheduled to commence around April 14.

S. Bains also unveiled plans for two key roads including Nangal to Kalma Mod and Bhanglan to Kanpur Khuhi. The Nangal to Kalma Mod Road will be built to withstand heavy industrial traffic at a cost of Rs 10 crore, while the Bhanglan to Kanpur Khuhi Road project worth Rs 12.5 crore, will improve bus connectivity and tackle water-logging issues in Khera Kalmot, with concrete side drains. The Work on the both projects is set to begin within next two weeks.

"These projects are about transforming lives, not just infrastructure," said S. Harjot Singh Bains, highlighting potential for increased employment, improved accessibility, and fulfilment of people's long-standing demands. He reaffirmed the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government's focus on sustainable development to uplift the state's citizens.

===============================================*SC Commission seeks report from SSP Amritsar in Harbhajan Singh ETO remark case*

*Commission also seeks clarification from Partap Singh Bajwa*

Chandigarh, February 9:The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has taken suo moto notice of the remark made by Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa about Punjab Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO.

Giving information in this regard, Chairman Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission S. Jasvir Singh Garhi said that it has come to his notice through social media that Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa has used abusive language against Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO.

He said that a report has been sought from SSP Amritsar through DSP/SP level officer on 11th February 2026 at 3 pm.

He said that along with this, the Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Partap Singh Bajwa, has also been summoned on 11 February 2026 at 3 pm to give an explanation regarding this viral video.