Teachers hail CM for transforming education sector

Interacts with CM and Education Minister before going to Finland

New Delhi/ Chandigarh, October 18:-Giving an affirmative response to the efforts of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to send to upgrade education system by sending the teachers to abroad for training, the teachers today hailed this initiative of the state government.

During interaction with Chief Minister and Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains here at Punjab Bhawan, Vinay Shatna from Ferozepur said that he has been in service from last 23 years very happy to have got this opportunity

Gurpreet singh from Patiala profusely thanked the chief minister for this opportunity. He said that he had never imagined that they will get such chance for upgrading their expertise. He said that for the first time he had got the chance to meet the Chief Minister and Minister in his entire life.

Sunita from Pathankot said that the present government has brought revolutionary changes in the education sector. She said that for the first time they have got chance to exhibit their talent for welfare of the students. She expressed hope that more such initiatives will be taken for the welfare of teachers and more such golden chances will be given to them.

Vandana from SAS Nagar said that due to the efforts of the state government now the number of students have enhanced in the government schools. She said that to students and teachers have high regard for the Chief Minister as he had given a fillip to the education sector. She said that this transformation is unprecedented and a welcome step.

Gurinder Kaur from Jalandhar thanked the Chief Minister for giving such a huge opportunity for them. She lauded the Chief Minister for taking several historic initiatives for rejuvenating education system.

Bhala Ram that the Chief Minister deserves accolades for recruiting the teachers in a free, fair and transparent manner. He said that he is thankful to the Chief Minister for giving such a big chance to them by going abroad.

Lovejeet Grewal From Fazilka Also thanked the Chief Minister for granting this opportunity of foreign training for the welfare of students. He said that education sector is witnessing a major revamp during the current regime. He said that the massive efforts of the state government will certainly prove a boon for the common man.

===========================

Bhagwant Mann government sets new benchmark by sending more than 500 teachers to abroad and nationally

Move aimed at creating a systemic impact of cross learning, high motivation and better teaching learning processes

Chandigarh, October 18:As a part of the commitment of the state government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to upscale the skills of teachers of state for imparting quality education to students in government schools the state government has sent more than 500 teachers to acquire training at Singapore, Finland and even in prestigious IIMs within country too.

“The single motive is to enable the students acquiring education in the government schools to compete with their convent educated peers globally”, said the Chief Minister, while underlining the need for teacher training program.

The Chief Minister said that competence and ability of teachers and school heads directly reflect on the quality of learning of their students and performance of their schools. He said that in this backdrop, the state government envisioned that the concept of exposure visits of school teachers and school heads to a foreign nation would create a systemic impact of cross learning, high motivation and better teaching learning processes in the educational institutes. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that for this purpose "International Education Affairs Cell (IEAC)" has been established in SCERT to provide international-level training to teachers, school heads, and school education administrators working at different levels in the Education Department of the State.

The Chief Minister said that objective of the Cell is to take the education system to the next level by providing exposure and educational training to teachers, school heads, and school education administrators. He said that likewise trips have been organised in countries like Switzerland, Singapore, Finland and institutes like Harvard and Oxford on government expenses to apprise the teachers about best education practices prevalent in these countries. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab government has sent six batches of 202 principals/education officers for a five day Leadership Development Programme to Singapore.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that a batch of 72 of brightest primary teachers have embarked on a journey to Finland for professional training on Friday. Similarly, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that three batches of 152 Headmaster/ education officers was sent to IIM Ahmedabad for getting state of the art academic training.

He said that the motive is to ensure that students of the state get world class education in Punjab thereby excelling in every field.

The Chief Minister said that these endeavors are solely aimed at reversing the trend of brain drain in the state and channelize the unbounded energy of youth in a positive direction. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the motive is to ensure that the comprehensive development of the youth is ensured in every field so that they can scale new heights in every fields. He said that the youth of state has a huge potential and they can excel in any field if they are given right direction adding that this training will act as a catalyst in this direction.

The Chief Minister said that during the training these teachers are equipped with modren teaching practices prevalent abroad. He said that after their return these teachers share the practices with students and their colleagues thereby ensuring that students get acquainted to the pattern of study on foreign shores. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is a path breaking initiative which is rejuvenating the entire education system of state for well being of students.

The Chief Minister said that these teachers are acting as agent of change in the education sector in the prevalent times by ensuring quality education to students. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this out of box idea is bringing the much needed qualitative change in the education system of the state by benefitting the students. He said that the state government will continue such efforts to ensure the well being of the students and to give boost to the education sector in the state.

============================

Unprecedentedly investing in teachers, schools and students to herald an era of education revolution in the state: says CM

Flags off first batch of teachers for training to Finland

Urges teachers to become ambassadors of change by using training acquired in Finland

Hopes that knowledge and skills teachers acquire in Finland will further cascade into the larger educational ecosystem of Punjab

New Delhi/ Chandigarh, October 18:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday said that the for the first time since independence his government is investing in teachers, schools and students for ushering in an era of education revolution in the state.

Addressing the gathering here while flagging off first batch of teachers for training to Finland, the Chief Minister said that today marks a significant milestone in Punjab’s education system as we gather to see off 72 of our brightest primary teachers who will embark on a journey to Finland for professional training. He said that this is not merely a journey to a new country but it is an opportunity to explore new pedagogical techniques, best practices, and innovative ways of shaping the future of education in Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Education forms the backbone of any society and in Punjab, the state government been striving to continuously improve the education system, to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, gets access to high-quality learning.

The Chief Minister said that Today’s initiative, where 72 teachers from Punjab are being sent to Finland, exemplifies the state government’s commitment to this cause. He said that Finland has been chosen because it is globally renowned for having one of the most effective education systems. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is not just about the curriculum but it’s about the methodology, the philosophy of education, and a culture that fosters creativity, innovation, and a lifelong love for learning.

The Chief Minister said that Finnish education emphasizes equality, teacher autonomy, and student-centered learning—qualities that the state government aims to imbibe into its education system in Punjab. Striking an emotional chord with teachers, he described them as the architects of the future as they build not just the minds of students but also their characters, guiding them to become compassionate, responsible, and innovative citizens. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that this training will give them exposure to new teaching strategies, classroom management techniques, and holistic approaches that put the child at the center of learning.

The Chief Minister said that This will transform not only the classrooms but also the lives of thousands of students who will benefit from this global exposure. He said that Finland focuses on interactive and student-centered teaching so the teachers will learn how to encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity in students. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Finnish teachers enjoy a high degree of autonomy so the teachers will understand how to implement customized learning solutions for diverse classroom needs.

The Chief Minister also asserted that The Finnish model of education emphasizes not just academic learning but the overall emotional, social, and physical well-being of students. He envisioned that the training will enable teachers to work together with Finnish educators, share their insights, and build networks for long-term collaboration. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that when the teachers will return they will become ambassadors of change as the knowledge and skills they acquire in Finland will further cascade into the larger educational ecosystem of Punjab.

The Chief Minister exhorted the teachers to make this training a seed that will grow into a tree of knowledge, benefiting not just individual students but entire communities. He said that the government of Punjab is committed to support them in applying the skills they learn abroad adding that the state government will create platforms for them to share their knowledge with other teachers and build a culture of continuous improvement in our schools. Bhagwant Singh Mann called upon teachers to take pride in being part of this transformative initiative as they are not just traveling for training but they are carrying the dreams and aspirations of millions of children.

The Chief Minister urged the teachers to Return with knowledge, wisdom, and a renewed passion for teaching adding that the state government will continue to invest in our teachers, our schools, and our students. He said that Education is the most powerful tool that they have for the progress of our state and our country. Extending good wishes to all the teachers, Bhagwant Singh Mann hoped that it is a successful and enriching experience in Finland for them adding that it May mark the beginning of a new chapter in Punjab’s education story.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is making concerted efforts for rejuvenating the health and education system in the state. He said that hitherto sending his child to government school was the compulsion of the common man but now it will be his wish to do so as the education system is being revamped. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Schools of Eminence have been set up across the state to impart quality education to the students adding that in similar manner the government health system is also being upgraded.

The Chief Minister said that as water, air and land had no votes so these leaders ignored them and no heed was paid towards this major issues concerning the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to this massive pollution and degradation of these natural resources took place thereby causing an irreparable loss to the society. However, he said that after the formation of the AAP government in the state steps have been taken to save the environment, rejuvenate canal system and take other exemplary steps for the well being of society.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab has taken historic initiative of launching Sadak Surakhiya Force (SSF) and in eight months of its existence it has helped in reducing the number of deaths caused due to road accidents by more than 45%. He said that from February to September 2023, 1454 persons were killed on the roads of the state in accidents, whereas this year after launch of this force 794 persons have lost their lives in road casualties from February 2024 to September 2024. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 15309 injured were provided first aid treatment during this period adding that the response time of SSF in case of any casualty is merely 6-8 minutes and this force has emerged as ‘lifesaver’ for the people.

Later on interacting with the media, the Chief Minister said that the AAP has government in two states where major thrust is being laid on education. However, he said that contrary to it BJP has government in around 18 states but they have no focus on education. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the saffron party is more concerned about polarisation of votes on sectarian lines rather than focussing on health and education sector.

The Chief Minister said that for the first time mega PTMs are being held in the government schools to assess the progress of students in these schools. He said that this initiative has proved very fruitful in giving impetus to the education sector. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that more reforms are in pipeline for imparting quality education to the students in the government schools.

The Chief Minister said that at the time he assumed the charge of office only 21% canal water was being used. However, he said that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that today 84% of the canal water is being used for irrigation purposes. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the farmers must be compensated so that they don’t burn the paddy and for that union government must intervene.

The Chief Minister said that the food growers of the state who contribute immensely in national food pool must be duly compensated. He said that it is not the matter of one or two states but it is the one which haunts the entire northern region. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that for it the Union must intervene adding that on its part the state government is already making strenuous efforts to check this menace.

The Chief Minister said that lakhs of Punjabis live in Canada and they play an active role in states economy. He said that the union government must ensure friendly ties with all the countries across the globe as it is in the interest of people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjabis are global citizen so we bat for harmony with all the countries for which union government must work.

On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains welcomed the chief minister and other dignitaries.

Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains, Secretary Education KK Yadav, Resident Commissioner Punjab Bhawan Shruti Singh and others.

===============================

ECI Announces Media Awards for “Best Campaign on Voter Education and Awareness 2024”

- ECI invites entries from media houses for best campaign on voters education and awareness 2024: Sibin C

- Four Awards one each for Print Media, Television, Radio and Online/Social Media

Chandigarh, October 18 2024:The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced special media awards to recognize the outstanding efforts of media houses in promoting voter education and electoral awareness throughout 2024.

The awards will honor campaigns that have contributed significantly to increasing voter participation by raising awareness about the voting process, accessible elections, election-related IT applications, and other key election topics. The awards, which will be in the form of a citation and plaque, will be presented on National Voters’ Day, 25th January 2025.

Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C informed that the awards will be given across four categories: Print Media, Television, Radio, and Online/Social Media. He emphasized that the evaluation will be based on the quality of voter awareness campaigns, the accuracy and balance of the information presented, and the extent of the campaign’s reach.

“We are looking for campaigns that effectively highlight accessible elections, ECI’s IT innovations, and combat misinformation while making a measurable impact on public awareness,” as per the ECI letter.

A spokesperson elaborated on the key requirements for each category:

* Print Media: “Entries must include a summary of the work carried out, the number of articles published, the total print area, and any public engagement activities. A soft copy, web link, or hard copy of the relevant articles should be provided.”

* Television and Radio: “Entries should provide material on a CD, DVD, or Pen Drive, including details of the duration, frequency, and total broadcast time. Any other activities like direct public engagement should also be highlighted.”

* Online/Social Media: “We are seeking a summary of posts, blogs, tweets, or campaigns, along with relevant links or PDFs. The impact of the campaign, as well as any additional activities, must also be detailed.”

All entries must have been published, broadcast, or posted during 2024. Submissions in languages other than English or Hindi should include an English translation. “Entries should carry the media house’s name, address, and contact details, and must be submitted by 10th December 2024 to Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Under Secretary (Communication) Election Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi 110001 and email is media-division@eci.gov.in.

CEO Sibin C expressed his gratitude to media houses for their continued efforts in creating electoral awareness and encouraged them to sustain their contributions during future elections.

=================================

PUNJAB POLICE CRACKS GURPREET SINGH HARI NAU MURDER CASE WITH ARSH DALLA EMERGING AS MASTERMIND; THREE PERSONS OF RECCEE MODULE HELD

— EVIDENCE LINKING AMRITPAL SINGH OF WARIS PUNJAB DE (WPD) COMES ON RECORD; STATEMENTS INDICATE THAT THE CRIME WAS EXECUTED AT THE BEHEST OF AMRITPAL SINGH, FURTHER CONSPIRACY BEING PROBED

— WIDER CONSPIRACY TO TARGET MORE PERSONS BEING INVESTIGATED FURTHER

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

— DIFFERENT MODULES USED FOR CONDUCTING RECCEE AND EXECUTING THE MURDER TO MASK CONSPIRACY, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV

— THREE ARRESTED PERSONS ARE PART OF RECCEE MODULE BEING HANDLED BY CANADA-BASED KARAMVEER SINGH ALIAS GORA: DGP PUNJAB

— FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS ARE ONGOING AND MORE ARRESSOON

CHANDIGARH, October 18:In a significant breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police has solved the murder case of Gurpreet Singh Hari Nau, also known as Bhodi, with the arrest of three members of Gangster-turned-Terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla, who emerged as the mastermind, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

The DGP accompanied by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Headquarters Dr Sukhchain Singh Gill, DIG Faridkot Range Ashwani Kapur and SSP Faridkot Dr Pragya Jain was addressing a press conference at Punjab Police Headquarters here.

Those arrested have been identified as Bilal Ahmed alias Fauji, Guramardeep Singh alias Pontu and Arshdeep Singh alias Jhandu.

As per the information, Gurpreet Singh Hari Nau alias Bhodi was shot dead on October 9, 2024 while returning back home from the village Gurudwara Sahib on his motorcycle Hero Splendor bearing registration number PB-04U-3258.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that investigations have revealed that the murder of Gurpreet Singh was masterminded from abroad by Arsh Dalla and other persons. Different modules have been used for conducting reccee and executing the murder, with separate handlers based abroad, he said, while adding that the criminals have used cut outs to mask the conspiracy.

“The three arrested persons constituted part of the reccee module, being handled by Canada-based Karamveer Singh alias Gora. The reccee module passed on crucial information to the shooter module through their handlers and cut outs,” he said.

The DGP said that the members of the shooter module have been identified and police teams are on manhunt to nabbing them.

During investigations, evidence has come on record indicating the role of Amritpal Singh of Waris Punjab De (WPD) in the murder conspiracy. As per some statements recorded in the investigation, the murder was carried out at the behest of Amritpal Singh.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the police would investigate the case on basis of evidence in a professional manner. All angles and theories of crime would be examined threadbare and investigated in accordance with law, he said, while adding that the criminal liability of all persons figuring in the investigations would be determined in accordance with the evidence available as per law.

Sharing operation details, the DGP said that acting swiftly, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising police officials from the Faridkot district and State Special Operations Cell was constituted and separate teams assigned the tasks of visiting the scene of crime and collecting physical and digital evidences.

He said that the CCTV footage at the scene of crime was examined and teams were deputed to follow the forward and backward linkages of CCTVs to determine the entry and exit routes of the assailants. Meticulous investigations by the Faridkot District Police led to analysis of CCTV footage along a 125 km stretch, which helped the police in establishing the suspects’ movements and develop lead, he said.

He said that mobile tower dumps at strategic places were obtained and analyzed through big data analysis tools. At the same time human intelligence was also obtained and developed. A large number of persons were questioned. Contact was established with persons based abroad as well to glean intelligence.

During investigations, information relating to wider conspiracy to target more individuals has also been received and is being probed. The DGP reiterated that Punjab Police has been taking the matter very seriously and would get to the bottom of this conspiracy. No persons would be allowed to disturb the hard earned peace and harmony of the state, he added.

“Further investigations are ongoing and more arrests are likely to be made soon,” said the DGP, while reaffirming the commitment of Punjab Police to conduct professional investigation and bringing all persons involved in the crime to justice.

A case FIR No. 159 dated 10-10-2024 had already been registered under sections 103 (1), 126 (2) and 3 (5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Kotkapura.

=================================

Big push towards smart city as local bodies minister inaugurates new STP at sultanpur lodhi

4 MLD capacity STP will cater nearly 25000 population of holy city

Treated water also to be used for irrigation purposes in 55 acres

Also instructs officials to complete the smart city project on war footing

Chandigarh/ Sultanpur lodhi , October 18-In a big push towards smart city , the Local Bodies Minister of Punjab Dr. Ravjot singh today iinaugurated a STP having 4 MLD capacity worth Rs. 8.5 crore at sultanpur lodhi .

The Cabinet minister who has made his maiden inauguration of any development project after assuming the office , termed it as a big day as he got an opportunity to dedicate the project to people at holy city .

The STP will not only treat the water residue by more than 25000 population of the city , but also treat the water to be used for irrigation in 55 acres .

The cabinet minister also said that the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will ensure the holistic development of the holy city as the city has the potential to be developed as “ Religious tourism destination “ on international tourism circuit .

Dr. Ravjot also reviewed the progress of smart city projects alongwith Rajya Sabha MP Sant Baba Balbir Singh seechewal , AAP Leader Sajjan singh Cheema , additional chief secretary Tejveer singh , CEO PMIDC Deepti Uppal , Deputy commissioner Amit kumar Panchal and heads of various departments.

The cabinet minister has asked the officials to ensure the timely completion of smart city project like ICCC, 3 smart schools , 4 lanning of roads leading to sultanpur lodhi from Dadwindi and Mundi Morh , comprising nearly 25 KM stretch . The 4 lanning of roads will also not facilitate devotees but also ease out the traffic to Malwa region .

The minister has also asked the officials to ensure the construction of roads in city till November 5 before the Parkash Purab of Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji .

Earlier the cabinet minister paid obisiens at Gurudwara Shri Ber sahib and Nirmal kutia. A contingent of Punjab police also presented a guard of honour to the cabinet minister .

=================================

VB nabs ASI for accepting ₹10K to take action in accident case

Chandigarh, October 18: Amid its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Friday nabbed an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Bhola Singh posted at Police Station Sadar in Barnala for accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000.

An official spokesperson of the VB stated that ASI Bhola Singh was arrested based on a complaint from Jagtar Singh, a resident of Barnala district. The complainant reported that his car had collided with a tractor-trolley belonging to Lakha Singh in village Pharwahi, near City Barnala, a few days ago. After approaching the Police Station Sadar, Barnala to seek legal action against Lakha Singh, the complainant Jagtar Singh alleged that ASI Bhola Singh demanded a bribe of Rs. 10,000 to take action against Lakha Singh.

Taking action on the complaint, the Vigilance Bureau unit of the Patiala Range laid a trap and caught ASI Bhola Singh red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 10,000 in the presence of official witnesses, he added.

The spokesperson further said that an FIR has been registered against the ASI under the Prevention of Corruption Act at the Vigilance Bureau Police Station in Patiala, and further investigation into the matter is underway.

========================================

Ensure clean drinking water & sanitation services to rural area inhabitants: Hardeep Singh Mundian

· Water Supply & Sanitation Minister directs imposing fines on those wasting precious resource of water

· Terms Transparency and timely completion a key factor in implementation of projects

Chandigarh, October 18:The Punjab Government led by the visionary guidance of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stands committed to ensure clean drinking water and prioritized sanitation services especially to the inhabitants of rural areas. Hence, focus should be on ensuring the accomplishment of this objective.

Disclosing this here today in the introductory meeting of the Water Supply & Sanitation Department since taking charge as the Minister concerned, Mr. Hardeep Singh Mundian also laid emphasis on providing toilets in the Revenue Offices (Patwarkhanas) throughout the State for the female staff members as well as visitors.

Terming water as the precious resource, the Minister directed the officials to go strict on those indulging in water wastage by imposing fines on them under the Water Act so as to make sure that all the households get uninterrupted water supply. Besides, all those households (12 Lakh out of total 35 Lakh) having their own private sources of water, must be connected with the Government Water Supply sources.

Rooting for the timely completion of the 15 large scale canal water supply projects for water quality affected and water deficient areas, sanctioned at a cost of Rs. 2174 Crore, the Minister said that transparency and honesty must be the key factor in all the projects undertaken by the department. Apart from this, the Minister batted for the usage of technological advancements in the form of ‘m-Gram Seva App’ in order to effectively implement the schemes initiated by the Gram Panchayat Water and Sanitation Committees.

A comprehensive camapaign should be kickstarted with a view to spread awareness in the villages for robust management and conservation of water, added the Minister.

On the occasion, the Minister was apprised that a total of 9492 schemes are at present going on in 11467 Gram Panchayats of 153 Blocks. Besides, from NABARD XXII till XXIX, 469 schemes have been implemented in 700 villages while projects worth Rs. 160 Crore under NABARD XXX have been submitted to the Finance Department and ODF Plus status has been achieved in respect of the 963 villages in the State under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen).

The Minister also directed the enhancement of laboratory network capacity and the NABL accreditation of all 31 labs for biological parameter testing, which include one state-cum-referral lab, six regional labs, 17 district labs, and seven block-level labs.

Present at the meeting were Principal Secretary of Water Supply & Sanitation Nilkanth S. Avhad and Special Secretary of Water Supply & Sanitation Amit Talwar.