Success of Excise Policies: Punjab's Excise Revenue Rises From ₹6254 Crores (2022-23)To Over ₹10200 Crores(24-25)-Harpal Singh Cheema

Target of ₹10145 Crores for FY 2024-25 Likely to be Exceeded, says Finance Minister

E-Tendering Process for 25-26 Receives Overwhelming Response; 179 retail liquor groups allotted, fetching ₹8681 crores and an additional ₹871 crores as premium

Criticizes Previous Governments for Failure to Boost Excise Revenue

Says, Congress regime from 2002 to 2007 saw excise revenue decline by 6.9%

During SAD-BJP Rule Excise Revenue Dropped in 2016-2017 Due to Flawed Excise Policy

ongress Regime From 2017 to 2022 Witnessed Excise Revenue Stagnation and Hooch Tragedy

Chandigarh, March 22-Attributing remarkable milestone in the state's excise revenue growth to the success of the Excise Policies implemented since the Aam Admi Party (AAP) led Punjab Government assumed office in 2022, Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday announced that state's excise revenue has seen an unprecedented cumulative growth over the past three years, rising from ₹6254 crores to over ₹10200 crores. He said that for the first time in Punjab's history, the excise revenue would surpass the five-digit mark, with the target of ₹10145 crores for the financial year 2024-25 likely to be exceeded.

Addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema lauded the Excise department's achievements, stating that the success of the tendering process has set the stage for a fourth consecutive year of remarkable growth for the Punjab Excise Department. He said that the Excise Department has received overwhelming response in its ongoing e-tender process for the allotment of retail liquor licenses for the fiscal year 2025-26. He revealed that the department had set a reserve price of ₹9017 crores for 207 Retail Liquor Groups. As of March 20, 179 of these groups, accounting for 87% of the total, have been successfully allotted, fetching a discovered price of ₹8681 crores along with an additional ₹871 crores as premium against reserved price of Rs 7810 crore.

The Finance Minister expressed confidence in achieving the ambitious target of ₹11020 crores for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26. He said that the tremendous response to the e-tendering process suggests that the department is likely to surpass this target, potentially reaching approximately ₹11800 crores, which would represent a 16% increase over the previous year's excise revenue.

Minister Cheema also took the opportunity to criticize the previous governments led by the SAD-BJP alliance and the Congress for their failure to boost excise revenue. He said that during the Congress regime from 2002 to 2007, excise revenue declined by 6.9%, falling from ₹1462 crores in 2002 to ₹1363 crores in 2007. He further highlighted that during the decade-long SAD-BJP rule, the term "mafia" became synonymous with governance, and excise revenue dropped from ₹4796 crores in 2015-16 to ₹4400 crores in 2016-17 due to an Excise Policy designed to benefit cronies. He further added that the Congress regime from 2017 to 2022 followed a similar trajectory, with excise revenue stagnating for first three years of regime and reached at just ₹6200 crores by FY 2021-22. He also recalled the tragic hooch incident during the Congress tenure, which claimed the lives of 128 economically disadvantaged individuals.

Concluding the press conference by reaffirming the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government's commitment to transparency, efficiency, and progressive policies, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that this growth in excise revenue is a testament to the success of the excise policies which have been instrumental in driving the state's excise revenue to unprecedented heights. He said that the AAP led Punjab government is committed to increase the state revenue to ensure its financial stability besides using this revenue for the betterment of every section of society.

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Health Revolution

Punjab Government to spend Rs 2.10 crore to revamp CHC Singhowal Dinanagar

MLA Sherry Kalsi and Chairman Raman Bahl laid the foundation stone of CHC Singhowal's repair, renovation and upgradation project

Mann government provides quality health services to people near their homes - Sherry Kalsi

With the repair, renovation and upgradation project of CHC Singhowal, Dinanagar city and 200 villages in the area will benefit in the field of health services - Chairman Raman Bahl

Chandigarh/ Dinanagar/Gurdaspur, March 22-Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is continuously improving the infrastructure of health institutions in the state under the Health Revolution. Due to these efforts, the Punjab government will spend Rs 2.10 crore to renovate CHC Singhowal (Dinanagar). The foundation stone of the repair, renovation and upgradation project of CHC Singhowal was laid today by MLA and Aam Aadmi Party State Working President Mr. Aman Sher Singh Sherry Kalsi, Chairman Punjab Health Systems Corporation Mr. Raman Bahl, MLA Dera Baba Nanak Mr. Gurdeep Singh Randhawa and Mr. Shamsher Singh Dinanagar.

Addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone of the repair, renovation and upgradation project of CHC Singhowal (Dinanagar), MLA Mr. Aman Sher Singh Sherry Kalsi said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government is making major improvements in the health sector. He said that the state government has started Aam Aadmi Clinics across the state and provided free and quality health services to the people near their homes. Referring to the 'War Against Drugs' launched by the Punjab government, MLA Mr. Sherry Kalsi said that the state government is committed to the complete eradication of drugs and the people should also support this campaign to win it. He said that now drug traffickers have no place in Punjab and drug traffickers should be ready to face the consequences of their actions. He said that the Mann government will definitely fulfill the dream of 'Rangle Punjab' and prosperous Punjab by eradicating drugs.

On this occasion, the Chairman of Punjab Health Systems Corporation Mr. Raman Behl said that the Bhagwant Mann government has started the repair, renovation and upgradation project of CHC Singhowal, fulfilling the decades-old demand of the residents of Dinanagar, on which Rs. 2.10 crore will be spent. He said that under this project, CHC Rs 91.31 lakh will be spent on the renovation of Singhowal building, while Rs 9.25 lakh will be spent on public health, Rs 26.39 lakh on medical gas pipeline, Rs 70 lakh on fire fighting and Rs 15.70 lakh on electrical works. He said that this entire project will be completed in the next 6 months. He said that with the upgradation of this CSC, Dinanagar city and 200 nearby villages will get benefits in the field of health services.

Chairman Mr. Raman Bahl said that Punjab Health Systems Corporation is continuously working to improve the infrastructure in government hospitals and health institutions. He thanked Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh for this Singhowal project.

On this occasion, Dera Baba Nanak MLA S. Gurdeep Singh Randhawa also appreciated the health revolution of the Punjab government and said that this has given great relief to the common man. He said that patients are being treated free of cost in Aam Aadmi clinics and hospitals and other health institutions are being renovated. He said that the Mann government has fulfilled its promise to the people by making major improvements in the health sector.

Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party District Urban President Mr. Shamsher Singh Dinanagar thanked the Punjab government for repairing, renovating and upgrading Singhowal CHC. He said that CHC Singhowal provides health services to the people of Dinanagar city and surrounding areas but no attention was paid to it by the previous governments. He said that the Aam Aadmi Party government has finally heard the call of this CHC, which was neglected by the governments of traditional parties. He said that today the foundation stone of the repair, renovation and upgradation project of CHC Singhowal has been laid and in the next 6 months this CHC will be completely transformed. He said that the people of the area have got a great relief after the Mann government took over this health institution.

On this occasion, SDM Dinanagar Mr. Jaspinder Singh Bhullar, IAS, Civil Surgeon Dr. Bharat Bhushan, Sarpanch Gurnam Singh Singhhowal, Sucha Singh Multani, Gurjeev Singh Sarpanch Babbri, Ranjit Singh Block President, Talwinder Singh, Sukhwant Raj, SMO Dr. Sushil, Medical Officer Dr. Mohit, Dr. Inderjit Rana and other dignitaries of the area were present.

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‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: ON DAY 22, PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 75 DRUG SMUGGLERS; 5KG HEROIN, 10KG OPIUM, ₹2.2L DRUG MONEY RECOVERED

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

— OVER 250 POLICE TEAMS LED BY 98 SP/DSP RANK OFFICERS CHECKED 601 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA

CHANDIGARH, March 22: With the war against drugs “Yudh NashiaVirudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state entered 22nd day, Punjab Police on Saturday arrested 75 drug smugglers and recovered 5.2 kg heroin, 10 kg opium and ₹2.2 lakhs drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 2613 in just 22 days.

The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 250 Police teams, comprising over 1700 police personnel, under the supervision of 98 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 536 locations across the state leading to the registration of 51 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 601 suspicious persons during the day long operation, he added.

The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced four persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.

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Punjab Government Disburses ₹16,847.83 Crore in Pensions and Financial Aid:- Dr Baljit Kaur

Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur Highlights Government’s Commitment to Welfare of All Sections

Under the old age pension scheme, ₹11,310.33 crore has been disbursed, along with ₹3,140.62 crore for widows and destitute women, ₹1,077.41 crore for destitute children, and ₹1,319.47 crore for persons with disabilities

Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated, "Our elderly are our pride, and our government is continuously striving for their welfare."

Chandigarh, March 22:The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains committed to the welfare of all sections of society, especially senior citizens, widows, destitute women, children, and persons with disabilities. Since assuming office, the government has disbursed ₹16,847.83 crore in financial aid under various social security schemes.

Providing details, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that ₹11,310.33 crore has been distributed under the Old Age Pension Scheme. In the financial year 2022-23, ₹3,651.08 crore was allocated to 21.26 lakh beneficiaries, followed by ₹3,950.68 crore in 2023-24 to 22.11 lakh beneficiaries, and ₹3,708.57 crore in 2024-25 to 22.64 lakh beneficiaries.

Dr Baljit Kaur further said that Punjab government has provided financial aid of ₹3,140.62 crore to widows and destitute women. In 2022-23, ₹1,013.07 crore benefited 5.84 lakh women, while in 2023-24, ₹1,084.92 crore was distributed to 6.11 lakh beneficiaries. In 2024-25, ₹1,042.63 crore was allocated to 6.47 lakh women under the scheme.

Additionally, the Punjab Government has provided ₹1,077.41 crore for the welfare of destitute children and ₹1,319.47 crore for persons with disabilities.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated, “Our senior citizens are our pride, and the Punjab Government is continuously striving for their well-being. These initiatives aim to build a prosperous and progressive Punjab.”

She also directed officials to ensure the transparent and efficient implementation of social security schemes so that the rightful beneficiaries receive their due benefits without any hindrance. Strict action will be taken against any negligence or irregularities in the execution of these schemes.

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Vigilance Bureau launches joint inspection drive to ensure food safety and public health

Chandigarh, March 22, 2025: In a significant move to safeguard public health and ensure food safety, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau on the instructions of Punjab Government, has initiated a joint inspection and surveillance drive in the Kharar area of Mohali district.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the VB said the operation, led by the Bureau Unit Mohali and the Food Safety Wing Mohali under the supervision of the District Health Officer, Mohali, aimed at to enforce strict compliance with food safety regulations.

During the surprise inspections, the joint team visited food manufacturing units, food vending stalls, restaurants, and hotels in Kharar. A total of five premises were inspected, resulting in the issuance of one unhygienic challan and the collection of five food samples. These samples have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Kharar for detailed analysis, he added.

He further added that the team emphasized the importance of adhering to food safety norms and maintaining hygiene standards to protect consumer health. Officials warned that strict action would be taken against establishments found violating food safety regulations.

The spokesperson added that the VB has planned further inspections and enforcement actions across the state to curb malpractices and promote safe food practices. This initiative underscores the Punjab Government's commitment to ensuring the highest standards of food safety and public health, he said.

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Vigilance Bureau conducts surprise inspection of vehicle fitness operations to curb irregularities

Chandigarh, March 22, 2025:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) Ludhiana range conducted a surprise on-site inspection to check irregularities in the vehicle fitness passing process carried out by the Transport Department in Ludhiana.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the VB stated that the purpose of conducting on-the-spot checking at the fitness passing center was to ensure strict adherence to regulations by motor vehicle inspectors and other officials.

He further revealed that during the operation, the team physically verified vehicles and closely monitored the fitness passing process. In some cases, vehicle records were also seized for further investigation. A detailed report would be prepared after an in-depth analysis of the collected data.

The surprise inspection is part of the Bureau’s ongoing efforts to ensure stricter enforcement of road safety regulations and curb irregularities in the issuance of roadworthiness certificates by Transport Department officials.