*WATER RESOURCES MINISTER BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL INAUGURATES IRRIGATION PROJECTS WORTH RS.13-CR*

*AROUND 3832 ACRES TO RECEIVE CANAL WATER FOR FIRST TIME*

*PREVIOUS DISPENSATIONS FAILED TO SAFEGUARD PUNJAB WATER SHARE: BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL*

*SAYS, MANN GOVT COMMITTED TO PROTECT GROUNDWATER AND STRENGTHEN CANAL NETWORK*

*Chandigarh/Amargarh/Malerkotla, June 8:*Punjab Water Resources and Soil & Water Conservation Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today inaugurated irrigation projects worth Rs.13 crore at villages Manakmajra and Dehleez Khurd in Amargarh Assembly constituency. He was accompanied by MLA Prof. Jaswant Singh Gajjanmajra.

Addressing the gathering, the Cabinet Minister informed that these projects will bring canal water for the first time to more than 3832 acres of agricultural land in the region. He said, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is committed to strengthening irrigation infrastructure and reducing dependence on groundwater, adding that the objective of the government is to ensure every drop of canal water reaches tail-end fields while safeguarding water resources, Punjab identity and youth from drug menace under the vision of 'Rangla Punjab'.

The Water Resources Minister said that previous governments only indulged in politics over water issues and failed to safeguard Punjab’s rightful share of water. He said that the Mann government has taken concrete steps to strengthen the canal network to provide long-term and reliable irrigation facilities to farmers.

Giving details of the projects, the Cabinet Minister informed that a new Bhasaur Minor has been constructed from Kotla Branch Canal which has been concretely lined at a cost of around Rs.4.07 crore. This will restore canal water supply to 9 villages of Malerkotla and Sangrur districts after nearly 50 to 60 years.

He added that a 7640 metre underground pipeline is being laid from Bhasaur Minor at a cost of Rs.1.73 crore for villages Darogewal and Manakmajra which will provide canal water to 1006 acres of farmland for the first time. Similarly, another 4200 metre pipeline is being laid from Bhasaur Minor at a cost of Rs.1.03 crore for villages Rustamgarh, Sangali, Sangala and Bhaini Kalan which will benefit around 980 acres of land with canal irrigation after Independence.

At Village Dehleez Khurd, the Cabinet Minister inaugurated irrigation works worth Rs.6.17 crore. He said that under these projects, a 20,149 metre modern pipeline is being laid from Bathinda Branch at a cost of Rs.5.63 crore to provide reliable canal water to villages Mehrna Khurd, Kanganpur and Rasulpur covering 1486 acres. In addition, Rs.54 lakh has been allocated to connect 360 acres of Dehleez Kalan and Dehleez Khurd with canal irrigation facilities.

Addressing the gathering, MLA Prof. Jaswant Singh Gajjanmajra said that the Mann Government is prioritizing farmer welfare and rural development. He added that modernization of the canal system is being carried out to ensure water reaches every farm and will significantly improve agricultural productivity and income of the farmers. He assured that there will be no shortage of funds for development works in Amargarh constituency.

Prominent amongst others who were present included Chairman District Planning Board Sakib Ali Raja, Chairman Zila Parishad Malerkotla Raghbir Singh Chaunda, Chairman Market Committee Amargarh Harpreet Singh Nangal, Chairman Punjab Hajj Committee Hashim Sufi, AAP leader Kewal Singh Jagowal, Halqa Coordinator Nasha-Mukti Yatra Gurpreet Singh Banbhoura (Bittu), Assistant Commissioner Mandeep Kaur, DSP Sanjeev Kapoor, XEN Harminder Singh, XEN Sangrur Atinderpal Singh Sidhu, XEN Damanjit Singh, Rajiv and Abhijot.

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CLEAN PUNJAB’; ALL CIVIC OFFICIALS ON GROUND DAILY 7 TO 8AM*

*• ADCs to EOs put on ground in 10-km city zones; surprise checks to ensure results, says Bains”*

*•Any officer can get a call from CM Mann or me at any time so all officers must carry smartphone with working camera & internet: Local Govt Minister*

Chandigarh, June 8-In a first-of-its-kind move to fix urban sanitation, Punjab Local Government Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains on Monday launched ‘Mission Clean Punjab’, a technology-driven drive that will put all civic officials, from top to bottom, on the ground daily from 7 AM to 8 AM.

Unveiling the ambitious ‘Mission Clean Punjab’ at the department’s headquarters here on Monday, S. Bains reviewed the drive’s first day through video call with field officials. He shared that the initiative will be powered by an AI-integrated mobile application, surprise checks and weekly progress reports on cleanliness.

Under the initiative, S. Bains said, every urban local body will be split into 10-km zones, each headed by a supervisory officer- ADCs, MC Commissioners, Joint Commissioners, EOs. All officers will conduct mandatory field visits daily from 7 AM to 8 AM. The Local Government Minister will also carry out surprise checks across Punjab. Supervisory officers will send daily reports. Nothing will be left to chance.

This is not a one-time big-size event. This is a daily war on dirt. Starting Today, 7 AM onwards, every officer will be on the field. No excuses. All officers must carry a smartphone with a working camera and internet connectivity, ordered S. Harjot Singh Bains, while stating, “The Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann will monitor the drive. Any officer can get a call from the Chief Minister or me at any time. Today I am at head office; tomorrow I could be in Mohali, Amritsar, Bathinda, Fazilka or Jaito.”

The Local Government Minister further revealed that an AI-powered app will track real time progress. The Officers will remain available on video calls and surprise random checks can be conducted anywhere without prior notice. He made it clear that the drive aims for visible, documented results.

From sanitation staff to MC commissioners, everyone will be on streets and lanes so people can see the impact on the ground, If it’s still not visible, tell us directly. This cleanliness drive is being executed on the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann’s directions to ensure every city and town in Punjab looks clean, he emphasised.

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*REVENUE MINISTER HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN HANDS OVER APPOINTMENT LETTERS TO 33 PATWARIS*

*AFTER COMPLETING MANDATORY 18-MONTH TRAINING AS PATWARI TRAINEES, THEY WILL NOW SERVE IN THE FIELD AS REGULAR PATWARIS*

*Chandigarh, June 8:*Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian on Monday handed over appointment letters to 33 Patwaris.

Addressing during the appointment letter distribution ceremony at Punjab Bhawan here, the Cabinet Minister congratulated the newly appointed Patwaris on joining government service. Sharing the message of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Cabinet Minister exhorted them to discharge their duties with utmost honesty, integrity and dedication at all times.

He said that while previous dispensations remained mired in corruption, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has adopted a strict zero-tolerance policy against corruption. He said, the newly appointed Patwaris have been entrusted with significant responsibilities and must carry out their duties with commitment while ensuring that public grievances and official work are addressed on priority. He categorically warned that corrupt practices by government employees would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The Revenue Minister said that these Patwaris were recruited by the Punjab Government with the objective of delivering clean, transparent and accountable public services to the people of the state. Having successfully completed the mandatory 18-month training programme, they will now be deployed in the field as regular Patwaris following the issuance of their appointment letters, he added.

Notably, after the recruitment of Revenue Patwaris in 2023, the Punjab Government had allotted districts to eligible candidates strictly on the basis of merit. In accordance with the prescribed rules, the candidates underwent one year of institutional training at Patwar Schools followed by six months of field training. The training was imparted by experienced and retired PCS officers, District Revenue Officers, Tehsildars, Kanungos and senior Patwaris.

During the training period, the candidates were provided detailed instruction in accounts and land measurement, land records management, surveying, record preparation, election-related duties, land consolidation, agriculture and computer applications. Special emphasis was laid on election management and agriculture. Under the election module, trainees were taught the preparation and maintenance of electoral rolls. The agriculture component covered Rabi and Kharif crops, pesticides, fertilizers and seed management. Practical training was also imparted on the Integrated Land Management System (ILMS), including data entry of Jamabandis, mutation registration, Roznamcha maintenance and preparation of Fard Badar records.

S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that the departmental examination for eligible candidates was conducted twice in phases during 2025. A total of 512 candidates successfully qualified the examination. Out of these, 464 candidates have already been serving as regular Patwaris in the field, while the 33 Patwari trainees, receiving appointment letters today, will also be posted as regular Patwaris.

Additional Chief Secretary-cum-Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. Anurag Verma formally welcomed the newly appointed Patwaris to the department.

He said that at the village level, a Patwari serves as the face of the government and therefore must ensure that the government's achievements and commitment to good governance reach the people effectively. He added that the deployment of highly qualified Patwaris would further strengthen the implementation of citizen-centric reforms such as Easy Jamabandi and Easy Registry at the grassroots level.

He further said that the recruitment of new Patwaris aims to streamline the functioning of the Revenue Department and ensure that citizens receive hassle-free, transparent and time-bound services without unnecessary delays.

Prominent amongst others who were present included Special Secretary-cum-Director Land Records Mr. Paramvir Singh and other senior officers.

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Punjab Emerging as a Preferred Destination for Industry and Investment: Aman Arora

Power Cuts Will Soon Be a Thing of the Past in Punjab: Tarunpreet Singh Sond

Industry and Power Ministers Inaugurate 66 kV Grid Substation at Mubarikpur; Major Relief for Industry and Residents

Chandigarh/ Derabassi, June 8:Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister S. Aman Arora and Power Minister S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond today inaugurated and dedicated the newly commissioned 66 kV Grid Substation at Focal Point, Mubarikpur, to the people of the region.

Constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 9.60 crore, the 66 kV Grid Substation has been established to strengthen the power infrastructure of the rapidly growing industrial and residential areas of Mubarikpur, Derabassi and Lalru. Equipped with a capacity of 40 MVA, the grid will significantly improve the reliability of power supply, reduce load on the existing network and benefit industries located in PSIEC Focal Point Mubarikpur, adjoining industrial units and nearby residential areas.

Addressing the gathering, Industries and Commerce Minister S. Aman Arora said that no state can progress without industrial growth and that the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government has made Punjab a promising destination for industry and investment through progressive policies and industry-friendly initiatives. Expressing confidence that Punjab would surpass its investment target of Rs 65,000 crore during the current fiscal, he assured industrialists of resolving their pending issues on priority. He announced that a decision regarding industrial plots would be taken in the coming week, while approval for the Focal Point gate has already been granted. He further assured that the issue of mapping the Labour Inspector with Derabassi instead of Zirakpur and the renovation of Ramgarh Road would also be addressed on priority.

Power Minister S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond highlighted several landmark initiatives undertaken by the Punjab Government for industrial development, including the OTS scheme for regularisation of industrial plots, establishment of an Appellate Authority for plot-related matters, provisions for clubbing and de-clubbing of plots, conversion of leasehold plots to freehold, amendments to building byelaws and infrastructure upgradation of 26 industrial focal points with facilities such as lighting, CCTV surveillance, drinking water, STPs and surplus power availability. He said the government is upgrading Punjab's power infrastructure on a war footing to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply and added that power outages would soon become a matter of history in the state.

MLA Derabassi S. Kuljit Singh Randhawa thanked both ministers for dedicating the project to the people and said that the construction of the substation had commenced in 2023 and its successful commissioning marks an important milestone for the region.

The ministers stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is continuously strengthening the state's power infrastructure to provide reliable, quality and uninterrupted electricity supply. They emphasized that robust power infrastructure is essential for industrial growth, investment promotion and employment generation. Appreciating the dedicated efforts of PSPCL engineers, officers and staff in completing the project, they expressed confidence that the new grid substation would significantly contribute to the economic and industrial development of the Derabassi region.

Representatives of the Derabassi Industry Association expressed gratitude to Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and the Punjab Government for addressing key infrastructure needs and facilitating industrial growth in the focal point area.

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*Punjab's Fight Against Drugs Gains Further Momentum Under Dr. Baljit Kaur; ₹42.95 Crore Action Plan Proposed for 2026-27*

*Mann Government Intensifies Multi-Departmental Efforts to Realise the Vision of a Drug-Free Punjab*

*High-Level Meeting Finalises State Action Plans for Drug Eradication and Senior Citizens’ Welfare*

Chandigarh, June 8:Reaffirming the commitment of the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to build a drug-free, healthy, and progressive Punjab, Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials from various departments at Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh.

The meeting focused on finalising the State Action Plans for 2026-27 under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and the National Action Plan for Senior Citizens (NAPSrC). Detailed deliberations were held on strengthening inter-departmental coordination and ensuring effective implementation of welfare and rehabilitation initiatives across the state.

Senior officials from the Departments of Home Affairs, Health and Family Welfare, AYUSH, School Education, Higher Education, Youth Services and Sports, Information and Public Relations, Punjab Skill Development Mission, Jails Department, and other concerned departments participated in the meeting.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is pursuing a comprehensive, result-oriented, and multi-pronged strategy to eliminate the menace of drugs from society. She emphasized that the government's approach extends beyond strict action against drug traffickers and focuses equally on prevention, awareness, treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration of affected individuals.

The Minister informed that a State Action Plan worth ₹42.95 crore has been proposed under NAPDDR for the financial year 2026-27. The proposed allocation will be utilised for drug prevention initiatives, awareness campaigns, life skills education, counselling services, de-addiction and rehabilitation programmes, capacity-building activities, and community-based interventions.

Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that awareness campaigns at schools, colleges, and community levels will be further strengthened to protect youth from falling prey to substance abuse. Simultaneously, sports, cultural activities, and youth engagement programmes will be promoted to channelise the energy of young people towards positive and productive pursuits.

She further highlighted that specialised capacity-building programmes will be organised for teachers, counsellors, healthcare professionals, police personnel, and other frontline workers to enhance their ability to identify and effectively address drug-related challenges.

Speaking about rehabilitation, the Cabinet Minister said that counselling, treatment, rehabilitation, skill development, and employment-oriented training opportunities for drug-affected individuals will be expanded to facilitate their dignified reintegration into society. Special attention will also be given to vulnerable groups, including women and children.

The Minister also reviewed the proposed State Action Plan under the National Action Plan for Senior Citizens (NAPSrC). She reiterated that the Punjab Government is fully committed to ensuring a dignified, secure, and healthy life for senior citizens. Welfare services, awareness initiatives, and inter-departmental coordination for the benefit of elderly citizens will be further strengthened across the state.

During the meeting, Dr. Baljit Kaur directed all concerned departments to submit their budgetary inputs and recommendations at the earliest so that the State Action Plans can be implemented in a more effective and impactful manner.

She stressed that the fight against drugs cannot be won without active participation from every section of society and asserted that the Punjab Government is determined to transform this campaign into a people's movement.

Reiterating the government's unwavering commitment, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that sustained efforts are being made to eradicate drugs, strengthen the social welfare framework, and create a safe, healthy, and prosperous Punjab. She added that the ultimate objective is to keep youth away from drugs and connect them with opportunities for growth, development, and meaningful participation in nation-building.

Among those present were Secretary, Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, IAS; Director, Dr. Sheena Aggarwal, IAS; Special Secretary, Mr. Keshav Hingonia, IAS; and Mission Director, Punjab Skill Development Mission (PSDM), Mrs. Amrita Singh, IAS, along with senior officers from various.

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