*Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat reviews PESCO, directs officers to expand employment opportunities for ex-servicemen across state*

*Punjab Government committed to welfare of ex-servicemen and their families*

Chandigarh, May 27:Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is continuously taking proactive steps for the welfare and rehabilitation of ex-servicemen and their families.

Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat has directed officers to take concrete steps to further strengthen the Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation (PESCO) so that ex-servicemen and their wards can be provided better employment opportunities and welfare benefits.

Chairing a review meeting at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, the Minister reviewed the ongoing activities of PESCO in detail. He emphasized that the Corporation should work with greater efficiency and dedication to safeguard the interests of ex-servicemen and ensure timely implementation of welfare initiatives.

During the meeting, Principal Secretary, Defence Services Welfare Department Sumer Singh Gurjar, Managing Director, PESCO Major General Harmandeep Singh (Retd.), and General Manager (Admin) N.S. Ghuman apprised the Minister about various ongoing programmes and administrative matters of the Corporation. Detailed discussions were held on financial management, insurance coverage of employees, smooth disbursement of salaries, training of security guards, maintenance of departmental assets, employment opportunities for Agniveers and upgrading of old training institutes.

The Minister directed the officers to ensure transparency, efficiency and timely execution of all welfare measures. He further stated that ex-servicemen have rendered invaluable services to the nation and it is the priority of the State Government to ensure their dignity, welfare, and economic security. He added that every possible effort would be made to modernize PESCO and expand employment opportunities for ex-servicemen across the state.

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Legal Metrology Wing collected Rs. 39.58 Lakh from January to April 2026

· Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak appreciates good work done by Department

Chandigarh, May 27:The Legal Metrology Wing of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Punjab, has been on upward trajectory on the multiple parameters such as compounding fees collected, inspections and the verifications carried out this year from January to April 2026.

In terms of the Compounding Fees, the Legal Metrology Wing collected Rs. 39.58 Lakh from January to April 2026. The wing carried out as many as 8864 inspections in the same period. In the matter of challans done, the number stands at 870.

The Food, Civil Supplies and the Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak has appreciated the hard work put in by the officers of the department and has exhorted them to work with even more zeal and dedication.

Notably, the wing has department owned standard laboratories at Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Patiala while the new ones are slated to come up at Sirhind and Khanna.

The main objectives of the Legal Metrology Wing is to safeguard the interest of the consumers by ensuring that goods sold and bought are correct in quantity and volume as claimed.

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*Over 2.30 Lakh Visitors in 5 Months as CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Govt’s Wildlife Conservation Drive Gains Momentum: Lal Chand Kataruchak*

*Record Footfall at Chhatbir Zoo Reflects Success of Punjab Govt’s Wildlife Awareness Campaign: Lal Chand Kataruchak*

Chandigarh, May 27:The Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s sustained efforts to promote wildlife conservation and public awareness are yielding visible results, with visitor footfall at the Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, Chhatbir witnessing a significant rise. Sharing the details, Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said that in just the first five months of the present year, the zoo recorded 2,31,930 visitors, reflecting growing public engagement with wildlife preservation.

On this, Punjab’s Minister for Forests and Wildlife Lal Chand Kataruchak said, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, our government has worked consistently to sensitize people towards nurturing and preserving wildlife. The response from the public has been extremely encouraging.”

The Forests and Wildlife Minister informed, “The Chhatbir Zoo received 48,719 visitors in January alone, while 54216 people visited in February, 66377 in March, 40168 in April and in May 22450 people visited the zoo to witness the diverse species of birds and animals in the serene and well-maintained surroundings.”

Highlighting the conservation-focused initiatives undertaken at the zoo, Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said, “As part of our commitment to conservation and protection of wildlife, several pathbreaking initiatives have been implemented at the Chhatbir Zoo.” He added, “The country’s biggest and longest walk-in aviary has become a major centre of attraction. Alongside this, an ultra-modern dinosaur park has been set up to enhance the educational and recreational experience for visitors.”

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*Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan condoles demise of Raja Randhir Singh, former Indian sports administrator and sports shooter*

Chandigarh, May 27, 2026:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan expressed grief over the demise of Raja Randhir Singh, the foremost administrator of Indian sports and the first gold medal winner in shooting for the country at the Asian Games. His contribution to the world of sports will always be unforgettable and will continue to inspire generations to come.

Speaker Sandhwan deeply saddened to hear the news of his passing away and he prayed to the God to grant peace to the departed soul. Almighty may give strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss in this hour of distress.

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*BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL VISITS HOSPITAL, REVIEWS TREATMENT OF PERSONS TAKEN ILL AFTER CONSUMING FOOD AT WEDDING FUNCTION*

*DIRECTS OFFICIALS TO ENSURE BEST POSSIBLE MEDICAL FACILITIES FOR ALL PATIENTS*

*Chandigarh/Moonak, May 27:*Punjab Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal today visited the Civil Hospital, Moonak and reviewed the treatment being provided to persons who fell ill after consuming food at a wedding function in the area. The Cabinet Minister personally interacted with patients admitted in the hospital and enquired about their health condition while directing officials to ensure uninterrupted medical facilities and prompt treatment for all affected persons.

Notably, several persons including women, men, children and elderly individuals had taken ill after consuming food at the wedding function in Moonak. Following the incident, the affected persons were admitted to the Civil Hospital, Moonak while some were shifted to private hospitals, where they are presently undergoing treatment.

Taking serious note of the matter, Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal directed the Civil Surgeon Sangrur, SDM and other concerned officials to immediately ensure proper treatment along with all necessary medical facilities for the patients. He further instructed that health department and administrative officials should maintain round-the-clock monitoring of the situation until every patient fully recovers.

Acting on these directions, teams from the health department and district administration reached the hospitals to supervise treatment arrangements and medical facilities. The treatment process was further accelerated and teams of doctors from different towns were called in to provide specialised medical care. Some patients were also referred to Sangrur for advanced treatment.

During his visit, the Cabinet Minister expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made at the hospital. He also obtained detailed information regarding the entire incident from officials of the health department, doctors and administrative authorities and reviewed the ongoing treatment process.

Later, while interacting with media persons, Barinder Kumar Goyal said that nearly 72 persons had been admitted to government and private hospitals after consuming food at the wedding function. He said that all patients are now out of danger. He further informed, teams of doctors from Kohrian, Sangrur, Bhawanigarh and Lehragaga are actively engaged in the treatment of the patients, adding that a specialised medical team from Patiala is also reaching Moonak Hospital. The Civil Surgeon, Sangrur is personally supervising the entire operation and discussions have also been held with the Director Health to ensure that no shortcoming remains in the treatment process. He asserted that no negligence or laxity would be tolerated in providing medical care to the patients. Three ambulances have also been kept on standby to deal with any emergency situation, he added. Patients admitted to the hospital expressed satisfaction over the medical facilities being provided.

Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said that the Union Government should enact stringent laws across the country against adulteration in milk and other food items so that such unfortunate incidents caused by food adulteration can be prevented. He added that the Punjab Government is treating the matter with utmost seriousness and appropriate action will be initiated in the case.

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Vigilance Bureau nabs ASI red handed accepting bribe of Rs 14,000/-*

Chandigarh, May 27, 2026:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has apprehended Assistant Sub- Inspector Hardeep Singh posted at police station division No 8, Ludhiana red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 14,000/-.

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 Gopal Nagar, Haibowal Kalan Ludhiana.

He said that the complainant informed that his daughter who is about 22 years old, had passed the tailoring course from Government ITI Ludhiana. She went to Government ITI Ghumar Mandi to get her result, but she did not return home till evening. Complainant searched for her at his own level, but his daughter was not found. Due to which the complainant filed a report regarding the disappearance of his daughter at police station division No.-8 Ludhiana with Duty Officer ASI Hardeep Singh. Accused ASI Hardeep Singh called the complainant to the police station and demanded a bribe of Rs. 20,000/- for taking action on his application and received Rs. 6000/- on the spot.

He further informed that after the orders of the senior officers, FIR was registered at Police Station Division No.-08, Ludhiana. Accused ASI Hardeep Singh demanded the remaining amount of Rs. 14,000/- form complainant to give the copy of F.I.R and take further action on F.I.R..

Unwilling to pay illegal gratification, complainant approached the VB Range 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 14,000/- 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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