*SPECIAL VIDHAN SABHA SESSION ON LABOUR DAY A HISTORIC STEP: SOND*
*•Labour Minister expresses gratitude towards CM Mann for calling Special Session on May 1*
Chandigarh, April 30:Punjab Labour Minister Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond today extended warm greetings to workers across the state on the eve of Labour Day, while reiterating the Punjab Government’s firm commitment towards their welfare, dignity and socio-economic upliftment.
The Labour Minister lauded the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and expressed heartfelt gratitude for convening a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on May 1 dedicated to Labour Day, describing it as a historic and worker-centric initiative.
Highlighting key welfare measures, S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that Punjab government is implementing a wide array of schemes for registered construction workers through the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board. These include stipend, shagun, ex-gratia assistance, pension, maternity benefits, medical aid, assistance for occupational diseases, funeral aid, skill upgradation and vocational education, along with financial support during natural calamities. Workers are also being provided health insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh under government schemes.
The minister informed that under BOCW Board benefits of worth Rs. 316 crore have been disbursed to as many as 1,70,958 construction workers during the tenure of their government.
S. Sond further informed that construction workers who have completed 90 days of work in a year can register through Sewa Kendras or the “Punjab Kirti Sahayak” mobile application to avail these benefits.
For industrial workers, the Punjab Labour Welfare Board is providing several welfare schemes including stipend, ex-gratia and disability compensation, maternity benefits, medical assistance, and financial support for workers’ families. He added that benefits worth Rs. 51.49 crore have been disbursed to 21,243 beneficiaries of Punjab Labour Welfare Board.
Emphasizing the welfare of unorganized workers such as gig workers, street vendors, domestic workers, small shopkeepers, and migrant labourers, the Minister urged them to register on the e-Shram portal through Common Service Centres (CSCs) to avail social security benefits, especially in cases of death or disability.
“Labour is the backbone of our economy. The Punjab Government is fully committed to ensuring the welfare, empowerment, and social security of every worker in the state,” said S. Sond.
Reaffirming the government’s pro-worker approach, the labour minister called upon all sections of society to join hands in building a progressive, inclusive, and equitable Punjab.
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*MANN GOVT SPENDING RS.600-CR ON FLOOD PREVENTION MEASURES IN STATE: BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL*
*ALL FLOOD PROTECTION ARRANGEMENTS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE JUNE 30*
*"NO SHORTAGE OF FUNDS FOR FLOOD PREVENTION WORKS, SAYS MINISTER"*
*STRICT DIRECTIONS TO OFFICIALS FOR TIMELY COMPLETION; NEGLIGENCE TO INVITE DISCIPLINARY ACTION*
*Chandigarh/Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, April 30:*Punjab Water Resources, Mines & Geology and Soil & Water Conservation Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal is undertaking a tour of the state to ensure completion of flood protection works before the onset of monsoon.
Continuing this, for the third consecutive day, the Cabinet Minister today reviewed strengthening works being carried out along the Sutlej river passing through Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district.
After inspecting flood prevention works at village Burj Tehal Das, he stated that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is spending Rs.600 crore on flood protection works across Punjab and all the works will be completed before June 30.
Notably, Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal has been visiting various districts over the past three days. After Amritsar and Jalandhar, he inspected flood protection works in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar today. Goyal said that for the first time, the Mann government is making serious efforts by spending such a huge amount on strengthening river embankments. Previous governments merely carried out superficial flood protection works, the brunt of which was borne by the people of the state.
He directed officials to ensure that all flood protection arrangements are completed before the upcoming monsoon. He further informed that after last year’s floods, a special committee led by two Superintending Engineers had identified 132 vulnerable points along Punjab’s rivers and all these locations are being strengthened on a war footing. He said there is no shortage of funds to protect people from floods and the Mann government is fully committed to safeguarding life and property during such situations.
The Cabinet Minister strictly instructed officials to complete flood protection works within the stipulated time and warned that any negligence would not be tolerated.
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*Bhagwant Mann Govt committed to ensuring strict compliance with GST laws: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Bhagwant Mann Govt's crackdown on iron & steel tax evasion, 200 vehicles detained, ₹5 crore goods seized: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Major enforcement drive in Mandi Gobindgarh & Khanna, over 1,600 metric tonnes of goods intercepted: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*SIPU executed massive operation targeting iron & steel belt to curb tax evasion & bogus billing, penalties expected to exceed ₹3 crore: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Minister Harpal Singh Cheema issued stern warning to tax evaders, urging voluntary compliance to avoid stringent legal consequences*
CHANDIGARH; 30th April 2026:Announcing a massive crackdown on tax evasion within the iron and steel sector, Punjab Finance and Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday said that the state's taxation department has detained over 200 vehicles and seized goods with an approximate market value of ₹5 crore. The Minister emphasised that this major enforcement drive targets bogus billing and the movement of goods without proper documentation, with expected penalties exceeding ₹3 crore for the violators.
Providing details of the operation, the Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema informed that the State Investigation & Preventive Unit (SIPU) of the taxation department successfully executed a major enforcement drive today. He said, “This strategic action was heavily concentrated in the prominent iron and steel belt encompassing Mandi Gobindgarh, Khanna, and adjoining areas. The primary aim of this operation was to decisively curb tax evasion occurring through the movement of goods without valid documents and the illegal use of bogus billing”.
Sharing the scale of the interception, the Finance Minister revealed, “More than 200 vehicles transporting iron scrap and finished steel goods were detained for rigorous verification during the course of this special action. The total quantity of the involved goods is estimated to be over 1,600 metric tonnes, carrying an approximate market value of ₹5 crore. The preliminary scrutiny clearly indicates several consignments were moving either without proper invoices and e-way bills or were supported by suspected bogus documentation”.
Detailing the subsequent departmental actions, he said, “The proceedings under the relevant provisions of the GST law have been officially initiated against the defaulters. The resulting penalty is expected to exceed ₹3 crore, which remains subject to detailed verification and adjudication.”
To ensure the protection of the state exchequer, the Finance Minister further added, “The enforcement teams have been strictly directed to conduct expeditious verification and execute immediate follow-up action, including the swift recovery of due tax and penalties to safeguard government revenue”.
Reiterating CM Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government's firm stance while reviewing the action, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema declared that the Punjab Government is committed to ensuring strict compliance with GST laws. “Any attempt to evade tax through bogus billing or the unauthorized movement of goods will be dealt with firmly. Such enforcement drives will continue relentlessly across the State, ensuring strict action will be taken against all violators,” he asserted.
The Minister advised tax evaders to comply voluntarily, cautioning that failing to do so means they will face stringent penalties and legal consequences. He said that the Taxation department will be maintaining a fair and transparent tax regime extending every help to honest tax payers while taking decisive action against tax evasion.
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*Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora Directs Time-Bound Sewer De-silting, Strict Monitoring & Reporting to Prevent Monsoon Waterlogging*
Chandigarh, April 30, 2026:Cabinet Minister for Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion, Power and Local Government, Shri Sanjeev Arora, today directed all Municipal Corporation Commissioners and Additional Deputy Commissioners (G&UD) to ensure timely and systematic cleaning and de-silting of sewerage systems across their respective jurisdictions in Punjab.
Emphasizing preparedness ahead of the monsoon season, the Minister stated that failure to carry out proper de-silting results in severe waterlogging, sewer overflows, traffic disruptions, and public inconvenience in urban areas. He stressed that proactive measures must be taken to avoid such situations and ensure smooth functioning of drainage systems.
Shri Sanjeev Arora informed that contracts for sewer cleaning and de-silting have already been awarded, and all officers have been instructed to commence the work immediately and complete it within a stipulated timeline, well before the onset of monsoon. He directed that special attention be given to low-lying and waterlogging-prone areas.
Highlighting the key advantages of timely sewer de-silting, the Minister stated that it ensures free flow of rainwater, significantly reducing the risk of waterlogging during heavy rainfall. It prevents overflow of sewer lines, thereby maintaining hygiene and cleanliness in cities. It helps in reducing the spread of water-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, and cholera.
It improves the overall efficiency and lifespan of sewerage infrastructure by preventing blockages and damage. It minimizes damage to roads and public property caused by stagnant water. It ensures smooth traffic movement and avoids disruption to daily life during rains. It enhances public health and sanitation conditions, especially in densely populated urban areas. It reduces emergency maintenance costs by addressing issues in advance.
The Minister further directed all concerned officials to ensure strict supervision and continuous monitoring of the work. He emphasized accountability and instructed that detailed reports on progress and action taken be submitted to his office at the earliest.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to citizen welfare, Shri Sanjeev Arora stated that all departments must work in coordination to ensure that people of Punjab do not face inconvenience during the upcoming monsoon season.
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*Major Relief for Malout: Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur Launches ₹12 Crore Pipeline Project*
*Big step towards ensuring clean drinking water to every household under the able leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Dr. Baljit Kaur assures permanent solution to decades-old water problem; clean water supply within one year*
Chandigarh/Malout/Sri Muktsar Sahib, April 30:Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to providing basic amenities to the people, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today inaugurated a major project to lay a new pipeline from the Sirhind Feeder Canal to Malout Water Works at a cost of ₹12 crore. The project involves laying an approximately 8.5-kilometre-long pipeline and is aimed at strengthening the city’s drinking water supply system.
On the occasion, the Minister said that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is firmly committed to ensuring safe and clean drinking water for every citizen. She stated, “Providing clean drinking water to every household in Malout is a top priority of our government.” She emphasized that the government is continuously strengthening basic infrastructure to ensure that no citizen faces inconvenience in accessing essential services like drinking water.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further informed that projects worth around ₹25 crore are being implemented to provide a permanent solution to the long-standing drinking water issues in Malout. She expressed confidence that the ongoing works will be completed within the stipulated timeframe and residents will start receiving clean drinking water within a year.
Highlighting the impact of the project, the Minister said that it will not only provide relief from daily water shortages but will also significantly improve public health and the overall quality of life. “Access to clean water is a fundamental right, and the Punjab Government is fully committed to ensuring it for all,” she added.
She also noted that various welfare schemes of the government are being effectively implemented at the grassroots level to ensure that benefits reach every eligible individual, thereby promoting inclusive development across all sections of society.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from local residents, who welcomed the initiative and expressed their appreciation for the government’s efforts to address a long-pending public issue.
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*Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora Directs Time-Bound Sewer De-silting, Strict Monitoring & Reporting to Prevent Monsoon Waterlogging*
Chandigarh, April 30, 2026:Cabinet Minister for Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion, Power and Local Government, Shri Sanjeev Arora, today directed all Municipal Corporation Commissioners and Additional Deputy Commissioners (G&UD) to ensure timely and systematic cleaning and de-silting of sewerage systems across their respective jurisdictions in Punjab.
Emphasizing preparedness ahead of the monsoon season, the Minister stated that failure to carry out proper de-silting results in severe waterlogging, sewer overflows, traffic disruptions, and public inconvenience in urban areas. He stressed that proactive measures must be taken to avoid such situations and ensure smooth functioning of drainage systems.
Shri Sanjeev Arora informed that contracts for sewer cleaning and de-silting have already been awarded, and all officers have been instructed to commence the work immediately and complete it within a stipulated timeline, well before the onset of monsoon. He directed that special attention be given to low-lying and waterlogging-prone areas.
Highlighting the key advantages of timely sewer de-silting, the Minister stated that it ensures free flow of rainwater, significantly reducing the risk of waterlogging during heavy rainfall. It prevents overflow of sewer lines, thereby maintaining hygiene and cleanliness in cities. It helps in reducing the spread of water-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, and cholera.
It improves the overall efficiency and lifespan of sewerage infrastructure by preventing blockages and damage. It minimizes damage to roads and public property caused by stagnant water. It ensures smooth traffic movement and avoids disruption to daily life during rains. It enhances public health and sanitation conditions, especially in densely populated urban areas. It reduces emergency maintenance costs by addressing issues in advance.
The Minister further directed all concerned officials to ensure strict supervision and continuous monitoring of the work. He emphasized accountability and instructed that detailed reports on progress and action taken be submitted to his office at the earliest.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to citizen welfare, Shri Sanjeev Arora stated that all departments must work in coordination to ensure that people of Punjab do not face inconvenience during the upcoming monsoon season.
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*Mohinder Bhagat Holds Key Meeting to Expedite Restoration of Sainik School Kapurthala Building*
* No shortage of funds for restoration of building; strict watch on officials causing delays
Chandigarh, April 30:The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is working rapidly for the overall development of the state. In pursuance of this objective, Punjab Defence Services Welfare Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat today held an important meeting with officials of the Defence Services Welfare Department at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh, regarding the early commencement of restoration work of the historic Sainik School Kapurthala building.
On this occasion, Principal Secretary, Defence Services Welfare Department, Sumer Singh Gurjar, Director Brig. Bhupinder Singh Dhillon (Retd.) and Group Captain and Principal, Sainik School Kapurthala, I. Manoj Menon, were present.
During the meeting, officials briefed the Minister in detail about the present condition of the Sainik School Kapurthala building, the restoration plan, and the progress of the project. Administrative issues related to the school and budget matters were also discussed.
During the meeting, Minister Mohinder Bhagat directed the officials to immediately prepare a comprehensive plan for the restoration of the historic Sainik School Kapurthala building. He said that a detailed list of the required funds should be prepared and submitted at the earliest.
The Minister further stated that no shortage of funds required for the restoration of the school would be allowed. He directed that coordinated action be initiated with the Public Works Department for the project. He also warned that strict action would be taken against officials showing negligence or causing unnecessary delays in the work.
Officials present in the meeting assured the Minister that all works would be completed within the stipulated time and the required action would be initiated immediately.
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