Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan greets the people of Punjab on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi
Chandigarh April 13:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan extended millions of greetings to the people of Punjab on the holy festival of Khalsa Panth Sajna Diwas and Baisakhi. He prayed to God to shower His choicest blessings on the people of Punjab and also wished for their happiness, prosperity, peace and spirit of service. He added that nature be kind to the farmers during the harvesting of Rabi crop.
=================================
SIGNIFICANT COST SAVINGS THROUGH TRANSPARENT GOVERNANCE IN PWD : HARBHAJAN SINGH ETO
Chandigarh, April 13:Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Public Works Department has achieved remarkable results through its ongoing campaign for transparent administration and anti-corruption measures, said Cabinet Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO in a press communique issued here.
Recent statistical analyses clearly show that contractors are now submitting tenders with increasingly higher rebates, resulting in substantial cost reductions that benefit the state's economy, informed the Cabinet Minister.
While disclosing impressive year-over-year improvements in rebate percentage across various project categories compared to 2021-22, S. Harbhajan Singh ETO said that Plan road works saw rebates increase from 3% to 19.73%, NABARD project works showed improved rebates from 8.56% to 24.91%, National Highway works rebates rose from 19.2% to 27.42% and CIRF projects rebates advanced from 2.8% to an impressive 27.69%.
He said, these improvements have resulted in total savings of Rs.234.78 crore during the financial year 2024-25 at the time of tender allotment. The rebates have been showing an increase over pas few years,adding that this is generating growing public trust and people's confidence in the Aam Aadmi Party government and we are committed to transparency and effective governance.
===============================
In Presence of Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema, Aman Arora and Barinder Goyal, Prof. Jasvir Kaur Shergill Assumes Office as Chairperson of Market Committee Dirba
Chandigarh/Dirba/Sangrur, April 13-Prof. Jasvir Kaur Shergill officially assumed office as the Chairperson of the Market Committee Dirba, here today. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Punjab Cabinet Ministers Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, Aman Arora, and Barinder Kumar Goyal, along with a host of political, social, and religious dignitaries.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema extended his heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Shergill, highlighting her dedication as a hardworking member of the Aam Aadmi Party and her active involvement in the Dirba constituency. He said that her clean working style and dedication were key factors in her appointment by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. Finance Minister Cheema expressed confidence that under Prof. Shergill's leadership, the Market Committee's management would reach new heights, benefiting farmers, aartiyas, laborers, transporters, and other stakeholders.
Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party State President Aman Arora also conveyed his best wishes to Prof. Shergill. He acknowledged the value of hard work within the party and emphasized the importance of honesty and active public service in her new role. Cabinet Minister Arora also expressed optimism that Prof. Shergill would excel in her responsibilities, particularly during the ongoing wheat procurement season, setting a benchmark for dedication and efficiency.
Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal joined in congratulating Prof. Shergill, commending her integrity, loyalty, and ability, which have earned her respect in the region over the past decade. He expressed confidence in her capacity to implement the government's welfare schemes effectively at the grassroots level.
In her address, Chairperson Prof. Jasvir Kaur Shergill expressed gratitude to the dignitaries and attendees for their support. She pledged to fulfill her responsibilities with unwavering dedication, further enhancing the reputation of the state government and the Aam Aadmi Party.
==============================================
BARINDAR KUMAR GOYAL HONOURS WINNERS OF SPEECH AND WRITING COMPETITIONS
STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO DRAW INSPIRATION FROM DR. AMBEDKAR'S LIFE
CABINET MINISTER ATTENDED EVENT DEDICATED TO THE BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF BHARAT RATNA DR. BHIM RAO AMBEDKAR
Chandigarh/Lehragaga, April 13:Punjab Cabinet Minister Sh. Brindar Kumar Goyal today honoured outstanding students who excelled in speech and writing competitions organized to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution.
Presiding as the chief guest at the commemorative event held in village Rajalehri of Lehragaga constituency, Sh. Goyal exhorted the students to draw inspiration from Dr. Ambedkar's remarkable life journey and achievements. The competitions, organized by the Sri Guru Ravidas Committee in collaboration with the Gram Panchayat, saw enthusiastic participation from local school students.
While addressing the gathering, the Cabinet Minister stressed on the continuous self-improvement in today's competitive environment. "To excel in the contemporary competitive era, one must constantly refine and enhance one's talents," the Minister Goyal exhorted students, adding that The foundation for future accomplishments is laid during childhood through dedicated effort. Participating in such competitions helps identify areas for improvement and fosters commitment to personal growth, he added.
The Cabinet Minister urged students to emulate Dr. Ambedkar, who rose from poverty to establish his distinct identity worldwide through his hard work, dedication and honesty.
He also vehemently condemned Gurpatwant Pannu for his derogatory remarks against Dr. Ambedkar, terming such behaviour as cowardly and reprehensible.
He commended the Sri Guru Ravidas Committee and the Gram Panchayat for organizing such event and presented commemorative mementos to the top three performers in the competitions. Following the ceremony, the Minister also inspected the ongoing construction of a new stadium in the village.
Prominent amongst others who were present on this occasion included Sri Guru Ravidas Committee President Manjit Singh, PA Rakesh Kumar Gupta, members Lakhbir Singh, Lakhwinder Singh, Jaswinder Singh, Birwal Singh, Rajveer Singh, Manpreet Singh, Block Presidents Karmjit Singh and Chamkaur Singh, Manga Singh.
======================================
VIOLENCE AT DISTRICT HOSPITAL GURDASPUR: HEALTH MINISTER DR. BALBIR SINGH DIRECTS DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION TO TAKE STRICT LEGAL ACTION AGAINST CULPRITS
— Case under relevant sections of Punjab Protection Of Medicare Service Persons And Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention Of Violence And Damage To Property) Act registered against all the culprits who caused ruckus in District Hospital Gurdaspur
— Culprits will have to pay 10 times cost of damage caused to the hospital property: Deputy Commissioner
— All the culprits have been identified and booked, raids are being conducted to nab them: SSP
Chandigarh/Gurdaspur, April 13:Taking immediate action in a violence took place at District Hospital Babbri (Gurdaspur) last night, a first information reports (FIR) has been registered against both the parties. Deputy Commissioner Gurdaspur Mr. Dalwinderjit Singh, IAS, SSP Gurdaspur Mr. Aditya, IPS and Civil Surgeon Dr. Prabhjot Kaur Kalsi visited the District Hospital today and took stock of the entire situation.
Taking strict notice of this incident, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said that the hospital is a peaceful place and any kind of violence, clashes, quarrels or vandalism will not be tolerated in the premises of the hospital under any circumstances. He said that violence against any medical personnel and damage to hospital property is a non-bailable offence and any violation of hospital protocol will not be tolerated at any cost. He has directed the district administration to take strict legal action against the culprits.
Meanwhile, talking to reporters at District Hospital Gurdaspur, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Dalwinderjit Singh said that the persons who clashed at District Hospital Gurdaspur will not be spared and a case has been registered against all the culprits. He said that the administration will make the culprits pay 10 times for all the damage caused to the hospital. On this occasion, he took all the information about the incident from the doctors and health staff of the hospital and assured to ensure the security of the hospital.
On this occasion, SSP Gurdaspur Mr. Aditya said that all the accused involved in clash at the hospital have been identified and a case has been registered against the accused persons under the relevant sections of Punjab Protection Of Medicare Service Persons And Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention Of Violence And Damage To Property) Act. He said that this dispute took place between two parties and no doctor or staff was harmed during the clash. He said that provisions were also made regarding the damage caused to the hospital during the dispute. He said that all the accused will be arrested soon. He said that no one will be allowed to create ruckus in the hospitals.
Civil Surgeon Dr. Prabhjot Kaur Kalsi said that this incident happened last night when one party in the dispute had reached the District Hospital Babbri (Gurdaspur) for treatment when in the meantime, people from the other party came to the hospital and started an arguing, which resulted in a clash between both the parties.
======================================
PUNJAB POLICE THWARTS POSSIBLE TERROR ATTACK WITH ARREST OF TWO OPERATIVES OF PAK-ISI BACKED TERROR MODULE; 2.8KG IED RECOVERED
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— MODULE WAS BEING OPERATED BY GERMANY-BASED GOLDY DHILLON, WHO IS KEY OPERATIVE OF GOLDY BRAR-LAWRENCE BISHNOI GANG: DGP GAURAV YADAV
— FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS ON TO PROBE LINKS TO THEIR TRANSNATIONAL NETWORKS AND INVOLVEMENT IN ANTI-NATIONAL ACTIVITIES
CHANDIGARH, April 13:Amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police has averted a possible targeted terror attack in the border state by busting a terror module being operated by Germany-based Gurpreet Singh alias Goldy Dhillon with the arrest of its two key operatives and recovered one 2.8 Kg improvised explosive device (IED) containing 1.6 Kg RDX along with a remote control from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Sunday. The operation was conducted jointly by teams of Counter Intelligence Ferozepur and State Special Operating cell, SAS Nagar.
Those arrested have been identified as Jagga Singh and Manjinder Singh, both resident of District Fatehgarh Sahib. Both the arrested individuals have a criminal history and were previously involved in multiple narcotics-related cases.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that National Investigation Agency (NIA) has declared Rs 10 lakh reward on accused Goldy Dhillon, who is a key operative of Goldy Brar-Lawrence Bishnoi Gang. “With busting of this module, Punjab Police has successfully foiled plans of Pakistan-based ISI to disturb peace and harmony in the region,” he said.
The DGP said that preliminary investigations also revealed that accused Gurpreet Singh alias Goldy Dhillon has recently been involved in conspiring attacks and deadly attacks on influential person in the state and at present is working at the behest of Pakistan’s ISI. Further investigations are on probe links to their transnational networks and involvement in anti-national activities, he added.
Sharing operation details, AIG CI Ferozepur Gursevak Singh Brar the police teams had received reliable inputs that accused Jagga Singh and Manjinder Singh are allegedly working on the directions of their Germany-based handler Goldy Dhillon and have recently retrieved the a consignment of explosives, which they are going to deliver to their unknown associate in their Hyundai Venue car. Acting Swiftly, Police teams from CI Ferozepur and SSOC SAS Nagar arrested both the accused persons from the Sirhind area in Fatehgarh Sahib district, and recovered IED from their white Hyundai Venue vehicle, he said, while adding that Police teams have also impounded their vehicle.
A case FIR No 4 dated 11-04-2025 has been registered under sections 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Explosive Substance Act at Police Station SSOC SAS Nagar.
=======================================
Punjab Government approves OTR policy for non-construction fee and outstanding allotment amounts for improvement trust allottees: Dr. Ravjot Singh
Says, decision to provide significant relief to allottees; interest to be waived off
Chandigarh, April 13:Giving a big relief to the Punjabis, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has approved a One-Time Relaxation (OTR) policy regarding non-construction fees and outstanding allotment amounts for allottees of the state's Improvement Trusts. This decision will provide substantial relief to allottees and waive the interest charged.
Divulging further, Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh said that keeping the public interest in mind, the Mann government has approved the OTR policy for outstanding amounts from allottees of residential and commercial properties under Improvement Trusts, which will give people an opportunity to deposit their outstanding property payments.
The Cabinet Minister said, as per certain conditions of One-Time Relaxation, which must be followed, allottees who have received allotment letters less than 15 years ago or more than 15 years ago will receive a 50 percent discount on the total non-construction fee (principal amount plus interest). Similarly, for those whose allotment period exceeds 15 years, the non-construction fee will be fixed at 5 percent of the reserve rate.
Dr. Ravjot Singh informed that this policy will provide an additional 25 percent discount on non-construction fees for senior citizens, women and legal heirs of armed or paramilitary forces personnel killed in any action, over and above the existing exemptions.
The Local Government Minister said that the OTR policy will also apply to regularize properties allotted by Improvement Trusts, after depositing outstanding amounts as per the allotment letter. He clarified that this exemption will only apply to cases where the allottee has deposited one-fourth of the bid amount after allotment of the respective property.
The Cabinet Minister further said that under this policy, allottees can regularize their property by paying the applicable simple interest rate on the outstanding amount as per rules issued from time to time and restoration charges at 2.5% of the reserve rate for 2025-26. He mentioned that this policy provides complete exemption from penal interest.
Dr. Ravjot Singh informed that to avail benefits under this policy, allottees must ensure they send their request to the concerned Improvement Trust manually or via email by July 31, 2025 and are obligated to deposit the outstanding amount at the concerned Improvement Trust by December 31, 2025.
The Local Government Minister further said that implementation of this policy will not only improve the financial condition of Improvement Trusts through collection of outstanding amounts but will also eliminate public complaints and unwanted litigation.
========================================
As LoP, Pratap Singh Bajwa Should Act Responsibly: Harpal Singh Cheema
Bajwa Should Share Concrete Evidence If Any with Authorities for Punjab's Security: Harpal Singh Cheema
Says, Opposition and Government Share Equal Responsibility for Maintaining Peace in Punjab
Chandigarh/Dirba/Sangrur, April 13-Strongly criticizing the recent statement made by Leader of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Partap Singh Bajwa, Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday said that as a constitutional officeholder, Bajwa is duty-bound to provide any solid information he possesses to the Punjab Police to ensure the safety and security of the people of the state.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema further said that this statement also raised serious concerns about Bajwa’s links with smugglers and agencies from Pakistan attempting to disrupt peace and law in Punjab. Cheema criticized Bajwa's statement as being made in bad faith, reflecting poorly on his political thinking and judgment.
The Finance Minister has appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to initiate a comprehensive investigation into Bajwa’s statement and take strict legal action if necessary. He further urged Bajwa to act responsibly, stating, “The opposition has an equal responsibility, alongside the state government, to maintain peace and harmony in Punjab. This is a time to confront anti-Punjab forces unitedly, not to demoralize the police and the people with baseless and irresponsible remarks.”
=====================================
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Kick Starts Wheat Procurement at Dirba Grain Market
Reiterates Punjab Government's dedication to purchasing every grain besides ensuring payments to farmers within 24 hours
Chandigarh/Dirba/Sangrur, April 13-Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday kick started the government procurement of wheat at the Grain Market of Dirba while reaffirming the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government's commitment to providing comprehensive facilities to farmers in the grain markets. He assured that during the current procurement season, farmers would not face any difficulties in the grain markets.
Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasized the government's dedication to purchasing every grain of wheat besides ensuring that payments to farmers are made within 24 hours. He said that the administrative officers in Dirba have been directed to facilitate smooth procurement and lifting of grains ensuring the availability of essential resources such as bags, transportation, labor, electricity etc besides ensuring facilities like drinking water and hygienic toilets.
The Finance Minister said that all the grain markets in the sub-division are being closely monitored by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Dirba. He said that all government procurement agencies have been instructed to strictly adhere to the state government's guidelines to ensure seamless operations.
Prominent figures including Chairman Punseed Mahinder Singh Sidhu, Chairperson of the Market Committee Professor Jasvir Kaur Shergill, OSD to the Cabinet Minister Tapinder Singh Sohi and District Mandi Officer Kuljit Singh were also present on this occasion.
=====================================
‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: ON DAY 44, PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 61 DRUG SMUGGLERS; 1.3KG HEROIN, ₹91.3L DRUG MONEY RECOVERED
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— OVER 200 POLICE TEAMS LED BY 76 SP/DSP RANK OFFICERS CHECKED 417 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA
CHANDIGARH, April 13:With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state entered 44th day, Punjab Police on Sunday arrested 61 drug smugglers and recovered 1.3 kg heroin and ₹91.3 lakhs drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 5926 in just 44 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 200 Police teams, comprising over 1100 police personnel, under the supervision of 76 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 383 locations across the state leading to the registration of 50 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 417 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 three persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.