LED BY CM PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA UNANIMOUSLY REJECTS ANTI-FARMERS DRAFT OF NATIONAL POLICY FRAMEWORK ON AGRICULTURAL MARKETING

BHAGWANT MANN SAYS DRAFT POLICY IS AN ATTEMPT TO BRING BACK THE CONTENTIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE THREE FARM LAWS REPEALED IN 2021 BY GOI

Chandigarh, February 25:Led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab assembly on Tuesday unanimously rejected the anti-farmers draft of National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing.

Winding up the debate on the resolution moved by the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian to reject the draft, the Chief Minister said that the state government has already opposed this draft tooth and nail through a written reply which was sent to the Union government. He said that this draft was out rightly rejected by the state government as it is totally against the interests of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that though the Prime Minister Narendra Modi boasts a lot about the initiatives taken by his government for food growers but by heart he and his government are inimical to farmers especially from Punjab.

The Chief Minister said that this is why the MSP for the farmers has not been announced by the Prime Minister, who had promised it to the farmers. He said that the Union government is adopting step motherly treatment with the state largely because the farmers of Punjab had spearheaded a campaign against draconian farm laws after which the Union government had to bow. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the hatred against Punjab is largely because the centre had to take back this law, which was an unprecedented action in the last more than 10 years of Modi rule.

The Chief Minister said as per the Constitution, Agricultural marketing is a State Subject as our founding fathers had realized that these activities depend on the geographical conditions of a region which differ from State to State. Therefore, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the founding fathers had rightly put this subject in the State list to ensure that policies are made according to the specific needs, conditions and challenges of a State as they are better positioned to understand the local factors such as crop patterns, status of infrastructure, region specific requirements of the farmers and others. He said that framing of this Policy by the Government of India is against the spirit of the Constitution.

The Chief Minister said that for farmers of Punjab, procurement of Wheat and Paddy at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is the most crucial issue. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the draft Policy is totally silent about this adding that at the time of the farmers' agitation in 2020, one of the main issues was the apprehension of the farmers that Government of India has the ultimate objective of doing away with procurement of wheat and paddy at MSP. He said that the total absence of any reference to procurement at MSP in this draft Policy has again given rise to the same apprehensions in the minds of the farmers of the State.

The Chief Minister said that this Draft policy is an attempt to bring back the contentious provisions of the three farm laws repealed in 2021 by Government of India after a long protest by the farmers. He said that since this issue is a State Subject as per the constitution of the Country, the Government of India should not come up with any such policy. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this subject should be left to the wisdom of the States to frame suitable policies on it as per its concerns and requirements.

The Chief Minister said that this draft will not only be opposed and rejected but the state government will continuously follow it so that the Union government does not succeed in its nefarious designs. He said that the state government has hired the best legal brains to safeguard the interests of the state and no stone will be left unturned for it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is duty bound for serving the people of the state and securing their rights in an able manner.

The Chief Minister said that despite our limited natural resources the farmers of the state have put their sweat and toil to make the country self-reliant in food production, that too at the cost of overexploitation of the only available natural resources of the state. He reiterated that the state has no spare water to share with any other state and there is no question of sharing even a single drop of water with anyone. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as most of the river resources of the state have dried up, so it needs more water to cater to its irrigation needs.

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BRING YOUR OWN MLAs TOGETHER IF YOU CAN: CM MAAN DARES BAJWA

CM SLAMS CONGRESS LEADERS FOR MAKING BASELESS STATEMENTS

ADVISES THEM TO STOP DAY DREAMING AND KEEP ITS FLOCK TOGETHER

SAYS rhetoric that AAP MLAs are in touch with them is Bajwa’s gimmick to hog media limelight

Chandigarh, February 25:Assailing the Congress leaders especially the Leader of opposition Partap Singh Bajwa for making baseless statements, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said that instead of day dreaming to get support of MLAs of ruling AAP the Congress should focus on keeping its flock together.

Tearing the opposition while speaking on floor of Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the Chief Minister slammed its leaders for making castles in air that few MLAs of the ruling party are in their contact and will switch soon. He said that these power mad politicians neither have contact with their own cadres nor with masses due to which they were ousted by the people of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders unabatedly issue such irrational statements but have never raised the issue of the Punjab before the Union government adding that the rhetoric that AAP MLAs are in touch with them is Bajwa’s gimmick to hog media limelight.

The Chief Minister said that the Congress Chief Ministers were the most inaccessible, corrupt and inefficient leaders due to which they were rejected by the people. He said that people of state of seen their previous Chief Minister only on few occasions in the state as the epicurean monarch was either busy in his personal works or was glued to his chair in palace. Bhagwant Singh Mann challenged the Congress leaders that rather than worrying about AAP MLAs, they should keep their flock together as even their seven MLAs in the current assembly cannot assemble and work together.

Listing the pro-people initiatives of the state government, the Chief Minister said that more than 51000 jobs have been given to the youth of the state purely on the basis of merit. He said that the state government has taken several path breaking initiatives for the well being of the common man. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that till now 18 Toll plazas have been closed in the state adding that with the closing of these toll plazas Rs 63 lakh is being saved from the pocket of the common man in Punjab daily.The Chief Minister said that the state government is making strenuous efforts to use the canal water for irrigation purposes to save the groundwater. He said that revolutionary changes are in the pipeline to implement and improve MGNREGA scheme in the larger interest of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is laying major thrust on the development of health, education, power, employment and infrastructure development sectors.

The Chief Minister further said that the state government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against the scourge of drugs . He further said that the drug smugglers are being dealt with a heavy hand and those involved in this crime are not being spared. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that war against drugs is being transformed into a mass movement with the proactive support and cooperation of the general public.

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CM SLAMS MODI GOVERNMENT FOR STEP MOTHERLY TREATMENT WITH PUNJAB

ASSERTS THAT PUNJAB IS NOT BEGGAR AND WE KNOW HOW TO TAKE OUR RIGHTS

ASSAILS UNION GOVERNMENT FOR TRYING TO WEAKEN THE FEDERAL STRUCTURE OF THE COUNTRY BY USURPING THE RIGHTS OF THE STATE

EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER CORPORATIZATION OF POLITICS

Chandigarh, February 25:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday slammed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led BJP government for meting out step motherly treatment to the state thereby trying to jeopardise development and progress of Punjab.

Taking part in discussions on the floor of Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the Chief Minister, while Citing the stalling of funds of RDF, said that it reflects the discriminatory attitude of the Union government against Punjab and Punjabis. He said that the centre government leaves no stone unturned to defame Punjab and recent landing of US planes carrying deportees in Amritsar despite the fact that most of them were from other states is an example of it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he had vehemently opposed it and sole motive was to tarnish the image of state the plane carrying deportees is being landed here without any rationale.

The Chief Minister said that if the plane carrying former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Shiekh Haseena can be landed at Hindon airport then why can’t this plane be taken to any other part of the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that illegal immigration is not only the problem of Punjab but it is a national problem whereas projection is being made that Punjab is severely affected by this so only Punjabis were being deported from the United States. He said that such an attitude towards the state is intolerable, unwarranted and undesirable as we cannot compromise with the dignity and pride of the state.

The Chief Minister reminded the Union government that Punjab had played a key role in the national freedom struggle as more than 80% of freedom fighters who were martyred or exiled hailed from the state. Similarly, he said that Punjab is the sword arm of India and the hard working and resilient farmers of the state had played a key role in making the country self-reliant in food production. Bhagwant Singh Mann categorically said that Punjab is not beggar and we know how to take our rights, for which relentless struggle will be made.

The Chief Minister said that the ongoing situation in the country is very dismal as the Union government is continuously trying to weaken the federal structure of the country by usurping the rights of the state. Expressing concern over corporatization in the political arena, he said that the Union government has become a puppet in the hands of the affluent businessmen, who are being extended largesse. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the assets of the country are being sold at meager prices to the friends of the Union government which is very unfortunate.

The Chief Minister said that contrary to this the state has created history by purchasing Goindwal power plant owned by a private company GVK Power. He said that for the first time this reverse trend has started that a government has purchased any private power plant whereas in the past the state governments used to sell their assets to the favorite individuals at ‘throw away’ prices. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has named this power plant after the third Sikh Guru Sri Guru Amardass ji.

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DELEGATION OF VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL AND TRADE ASSOCIATIONS CALL ON CM, SEEK HIS KIND INTERVENTION FOR OPENING OF TRAFFIC FROM SHAMBHU BORDER

BHAGWANT SINGH MANN ASSURES CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY TO SAFEGUARD THEIR INTERESTS

SAYS PUNJAB GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO GIVE FURTHER FILLIP TO INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OF STATE

VOWS TO MAKE PUNJAB A FRONTRUNNER IN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

Chandigarh, February 25:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday reiterated the firm commitment of the state government to give further impetus to the industrial development of the state to make Punjab a frontrunner state in industrial development.

A delegation of industrialists and traders called on the Chief Minister today at his official residence.

During the interaction the industrialists and traders hailed Bhagwant Singh Mann for taking several key initiatives to boost industrial development in the state. They said that the industrial development in the state has seen a rapid surge during the current regime adding that the state government is extending fulsome support and cooperation to them. However, they bemoaned that Punjab being a landlocked state, the blocking of traffic at Shambhu border due to farmers agitation has adversely affected the operation of business adding they sought the kind intervention of the Chief Minister for opening of traffic from this route so that business can be run smoothly.

Meanwhile, interacting with the delegation, the Chief Minister said that the state government is duty bound to safeguard the interests of the industrialists by resolving all the problems faced by them. He said that the state government is leaving no stone unturned to give impetus to the industry and commerce in Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has already taken a number of initiatives to facilitate the industry adding that he will personally take over all the issues being faced by the industrialists with the Union government and Haryana government too, to ensure smooth and hassle free operations of business.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab has complete communal harmony, peace and amity, which are mainly responsible for overall development and prosperity in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to strenuous efforts of Punjab government so far investments worth around Rs 94,000 crore have been firmed up in the state in last three years adding that leading companies like Tata Steel, Sanatan Textiles and others are making a beeline to invest in the state. He said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that companies are making optimum use of the congenial atmosphere backed by excellent infrastructure, power, skilled human resources and best industrial and work culture in the state to spread their business.

The Chief Minister said that entrepreneurs are being immensely benefited by investing in the state, which is rapidly emerging as the industrial hub of the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is always open for new ideas and innovations to boost up the industrial growth in Punjab. He assured the delegation that the Punjab government will extend a helping hand to them to boost industrial development in the state.

The delegation comprised President Focal Point Association, Jalandhar Narinder Singh Saggu, President Industry Area, Jalandhar Gursharan Singh, Industrialists Sharad Aggarwal, Tushar Jain, Nitin Kapoor, Suvinder Pal Singh, Vineet Mahajan, Sugam Jain, Romi and others.

On the occasion Advisor (Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board) Deepak Bali and others were also present.

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BOOTHS AND SHOPS TO MOTOR MARKETS IN MOHALI TO BE ALLOTED SOON: MUNDIAN ASSURED AT VIDHAN SABHA

* ALLOTMENT LETTERS WILL BE ISSUED AFTER RERA REGISTRATION

Chandigarh, February 25-The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has successfully completed the numbering draw for the allotment of booths and shops designated for motor mechanics in Sector 65, near Village Kambali, SAS Nagar. This initiative is part of GMADA's efforts to streamline the allocation process and ensure transparency in the distribution of commercial spaces.

Disclosing this, Housing and Urban Development Minister Mr. Hardip Singh Mundia informed the Vidhan Sabha during question hour, GMADA has applied for the registration of this project with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). The allotment letters for the booths and shops will be issued once the project is formally registered with RERA in compliance with regulatory requirements. He was responding to a query raised by MLA Kulwant Singh regarding the allotment of the Motor Market constructed by GMADA in SAS Nagar.

The Cabinet Minister informed the House that GMADA is committed to adhering to all regulatory protocols and ensuring a fair and transparent allotment process. He assured that the allotment letters will be issued promptly after the project receives RERA registration.

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AMAN ARORA SLAMS LoP ON CORRUPTION: 'BASELESS ALLEGATIONS ERODE PUBLIC TRUST'

"OUR INTENTION IS PURE, AND WE ARE OPEN TO INVESTIGATION BY ANY COMMITTEE," AMAN ARORA DARES BAJWA

•ADVISES CONGRESS TO SET ITS OWN HOUSE IN ORDER

• AMAN ARORA REAFFIRMS PUNJAB GOVT’S COMMITMENT TO ANTI-CORRUPTION MEASURES

Chandigarh, February 25:Training guns at the Congress on the issue of corruption, Cabinet Minister and president of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Punjab Mr. Aman Arora advised the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Partap Singh Bajwa to set its own house in order before pointing fingers at others.

The Cabinet Minister was referring to the news report appeared in the prominent English Daily Newspaper on Tuesday in which Retired Officer of the Enforcement Directorate has written a letter to Union Finance Minister alleging that he was not allowed to continue investigation in 2020 Tarn Taran illicit liquor case— which took lives of 130 people— after his investigation found involvement of at least 10 Congress MLAs in previous regime, a minister and some men from the coterie of then Chief Minister.

"This is a classic example of 'the pot calling the kettle black'," said Mr. Aman Arora, while daring the LoP, "Our intention is pure, and we are open to investigation by any committee."

Mr. Aman Arora was replying to the issue raised by the LoP, in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha during zero hour, who cited a complaint registered with the Vigilance Bureau.

While reinforcing the Punjab Government's unwavering stance against corruption, he emphatically stated that the current state government will not tolerate corruption in any form, irrespective of the political affiliations of those involved.

Mr. Arora cautioned political leaders against making baseless allegations without substantial evidence; as such actions erode public trust in the entire political class. He said that such allegations should not be made merely for the sake of opposition. The people lose faith in the political system when accusations are made without credible evidence.

Cabinet Minister Aman Arora assured that the complaint received by the Vigilance Bureau would be acted upon based on the report prepared by the Bureau. He refuted objections of the LoP regarding the Vigilance Bureau's jurisdiction under the state government. He asserted that adopting double standards by raising issues based on the Vigilance case while simultaneously casting doubt on the Vigilance Bureau's integrity is unacceptable.

He emphasised, “We support the formation of any assembly committee to probe corruption cases and also advocate for the establishment of such committees to investigate past corruption incidents."

Cabinet Minister Aman Arora also highlighted an exemplary instance of integrity demonstrated by Power and Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO. He recounted an incident where Minister ETO facilitated the completion of pending work for a sheller owner. In appreciation, the sheller owner offered a box of sweets and a bag of rice to Minister ETO. Minister ETO, however, graciously declined the rice, suggesting it be given to someone in need.

Furthermore, upon discovering that someone had taken bribe of Rs 7 lakh from the sheller owner for the related work, Minister ETO instructed the district SSP to ensure the immediate return of the money. Minister ETO warned that failure to return the money would result in a formal case being registered against the perpetrator.

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Punjab Vidhan Sabha passes ‘The Punjab Water Resources (Management And Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025’

Chandigarh, February 25:The Punjab Vidhan Sabha today passed the ‘The Punjab Water Resources (Management And Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025’. The bill was moved by the Water Resources Minister Mr. Barinder Kumar Goyal.

The bill seeks to amend the Punjab Water Resources (Management and Regulation Act, 2020 and carries amendments to the Section 6 of the 2020 Act. As per the amendment, No person shall serve as Chairperson or other Member of the Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority if he has attained the age of sixty five years. The Chairperson or other Members shall hold office for a term, as may be specified, but not exceeding three years at a time, from the date on which he enters upon his office provided that the said term of three years may be extended up to five years depending upon the quality of performance, management of affairs and initiatives taken by the incumbent.

Besides, as per the amended Section 9 of the 2020 act, All fees, charges and funds received by the Authority from any source(s) as may be decided by the Government, shall be deposited in the State Treasury.

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Vigilance Bureau Arrests Civil Hospital Ward Attendant Accepting Rs 30,000 bribe

Chandigarh February 25, 2025 : The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing campaign against corruption, on Tuesday, arrested Ward Attendant Ravinderpal Singh, posted in the office of the Civil Surgeon, Gurdaspur for demanding and accepting bribe of Rs 30,000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the State VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested on a complaint lodged by resident of Village Phulkey, tehsil Batala, in Gurdaspur district.

He further added that the complainant has approached the VB and alleged that he had applied for death certificate of his uncle and the said accused had demanded a bribe of Rs 40,000 for getting the death certificate issued. After persistent negotiation by the complainant, the deal has been struck at Rs. 30,000.

The spokesperson added that after a preliminary verification of this complaint the VB team laid a trap during which the accused was caught red handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs.30,000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.

He informed that in this regard a case under Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered at VB Police Station, Range Amritsar. The accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow and further investigation was under progress, he said.

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Punjab Government Distributes ₹10.97 Crore as Ex Gratia to Dependents of Martyred and Disabled Soldiers : Mohinder Bhagat

Punjab Government Committed to Welfare of Soldiers and Their Dependents

Chandigarh, February 25:Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of soldiers and their loved ones, the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has distributed ₹10,97,50,000/- as ex gratia to the dependents of 21 soldiers, including 12 martyred soldiers and 9 disabled soldiers, who made immense sacrifices in the service of the nation. This information was shared by Punjab Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat.

The Minister Mohinder Bhagat stated that Punjab has always played a pivotal role in national defense, with its youth making significant contributions to the armed forces. Punjabi soldiers have exhibited exceptional bravery in various battles, bringing immense pride to the country. The Punjab Government stands firmly with the dependents of these martyrs, ensuring they receive due recognition and financial support.

Minister further mentioned that many soldiers retire at a young age and require resettlement opportunities. Apart from them, war widows, disabled soldiers and destitute veterans of world wars also need assistance. The Department of Defence Services Welfare, Punjab, is actively working towards their rehabilitation through training, re-employment, and self-employment programs.

He reiterated that the Punjab Government remains steadfast in its duty to honor the sacrifices of its brave soldiers and will continue to support their dependents in every possible way.

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Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO Thanks Health Minister for Selecting Manawala for Establishing State Branch of NCDC

Chandigarh, February 25-Punjab Power and PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO today extended his heartfelt gratitude to the state Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh for choosing Manawala, a village in his assembly constituency Jandiala Guru, as the site for State Branch of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

The development comes a day after the Punjab Health and Family Welfare department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), New Delhi, to establish a state branch at the Community Health Centre (CHC) Manawala in the Amritsar district.

"I am thrilled that our government is prioritizing the health and well-being of our citizens," said Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, while adding that the establishment of this health facility in Manawala will greatly benefit the local community, providing them with access to quality healthcare services.

The minister said that the MoU aims to introduce essential disease control expertise directly to the state of Punjab, aligning with the 'Sehat Kranti' initiative envisioned by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The partnership will also support the state in strengthening Integrated Disease Surveillance activities, enhancing preparedness and rapid response to outbreaks and disasters, and providing logistical support and capacity building for health personnel .

"I appreciate the efforts of Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh and the entire health department for making this project a reality," added Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO. He said that this is a significant step towards creating a healthier and more prosperous Punjab.

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State Govt may transfers Block Samiti staff - Panchayat Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond

- Reshuffle of employees who have been sitting in the same seat for a long time will be considered

Chandigarh, February 25:Punjab Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, while answering a question during the session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, said that transfers of staff posted in Block Samiti offices of Punjab are also done by the government.

MLA Jangi Lal Mahajan when asked the question “Will the Rural and Panchayat Minister be pleased to state whether it is a fact that the staff posted in the offices of the Block Samitis of the State are never transferred by the Government, which promotes bribery here.” In response, Panchayat Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that reshuffle of all employees who have been sitting in the same seat for a long time will be consider soon.

He apprised the house that the competent appointment/punishment authority of the employees of the Samiti side posted in the Block Samitis is the concerned Samiti. He said that the Government, transfers of officers/employees of Samiti such as Superintendent Grade-ll, Tax Collector, Panchayat Secretary and Panchayat Officers are done at the level of Director Rural Development and Panchayat. Apart from this, cases of inter-district transfers of the employees of Samiti i.e Clerk, Peon and Driver etc. are also considered at the Govemment level. The transfers of the remaining employees of the Samiti are done by their competent authority within their district.

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Punjab Assembly unanimously passes Censure Motion condemning removal of pictures of Babasaheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh by BJP Govt of NCT Delhi

Chandigarh, February 25-The Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday unanimously passed the Censure Motion condemning the removal of the pictures of Babasaheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh by the BJP’s Delhi Government immediately after assuming the office. The motion was moved by Cabinet Minister Aman Arora, and came down heavily on the BJP Government of NCT Delhi for insulting the national heroes.

Earlier, raising the issue in the Punjab Assembly during the Zero Hour, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema called for the Punjab Vidhan Sabha to pass a resolution condemning the actions of the BJP government in Delhi and to send it to the President of the country.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema expressed his deep concerns over the actions of the BJP government in Delhi. He said that the capital of the nation has witnessed a grave insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar and the Dalit community since the BJP assumed office. The immediate removal of Babasaheb Ambedkar's pictures by the BJP government in Delhi serves as a blatant affront to the Dalits of the country, he asserted.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema also highlighted the alarming increase in atrocities committed against Dalits since the BJP came to power at Centre. He said that the instances of rape and blatant attempts to tinker with the constitution have become distressingly frequent, further fueling concerns about the BJP's intentions to alter the very fabric of the nation's constitution. The Finance Minister said that this apprehension was substantiated by the disrespect shown to Dr. Ambedkar by Home Minister Amit Shah in the Parliament, which further vitiated the atmosphere and lead to desecration of Dr. Ambedkar’s statue in Amritsar.

Drawing attention to a recent attempt to desecrate the statue of Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for swiftly apprehending the accused. He said that it reflected the government's commitment to upholding justice and protecting the dignity of Babasaheb Ambedkar's legacy. In stark contrast, he asserted that if the BJP were in power in Punjab, the accused would have been shielded from accountability.

Finance Minister Cheema also criticized the BJP's efforts to dismantle established institutions and bringing policies like One Nation One Election, which he believes undermine the democratic principles and rights enshrined in the constitution. He accused the BJP of attempting to do away with the very rights that Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar had championed for the poor and Dalit communities.

Thanking the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Partap Singh Bajwa for supporting the cause, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stressed on the importance of standing united against any such attempts to erode the rights and dignity of marginalized communities and preserving the values of justice and equality that Babasaheb Ambedkar fought for. MLAs Dr. Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi and Nachhattar Pal Singh also strongly criticized the narrow-minded attitude of the BJP Government of the NCT Delhi.

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Government Taking Strict Measures to Control Stray Dogs: Dr. Ravjot Singh

- Around 2,18,063 dogs have been sterilized in state

Chandigarh, February 25Dr. Ravjot Singh, Punjab Local Government Minister, assured the Vidhan Sabha today that the state government is actively addressing the issue of stray dogs, which has become a growing concern for residents across both urban and rural areas.

Responding to a notice under Rule 66 moved by Sangrur MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj, Dr. Singh acknowledged the seriousness of the problem and detailed the steps being taken to control the stray dog population and ensure public safety.

He informed the House that the government is strictly adhering to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, to manage the issue effectively. “Sterilization is the most effective solution to control the stray dog population and reduce aggression. So far, around 2,18,063 dogs have been sterilized in the state, with nearly 80,000 procedures conducted between 2022 and 2024,” he said.

Cabinet Minister Dr.Ravjot Singh further stated that under the ABC program, 14 urban local bodies have established Animal Birth Control Centers, with successful operations underway in Amritsar, Mohali, Bathinda, Patiala, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar. Additionally, eight municipal bodies have set up dog pounds for the temporary sheltering of stray animals.

Emphasizing the government’s commitment to public safety, the minister highlighted that compensation provisions have been introduced for victims of animal attacks. Under The Punjab Compensation to the Victims of Animal Attacks and Accidents Policy, 2023, families of deceased victims will receive ₹5 lakh, while those suffering permanent disability will get ₹2 lakh.

Dr. Ravjot Singh assured the House that the Local Government Department, in coordination with the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj and Animal Husbandry departments, will take further steps to strengthen sterilization infrastructure and implement strict measures to effectively curb the menace.

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PUNJAB POLICE RAIDS 1274 IMMIGRATION FIRMS ACROSS STATE; 24 FIRs REGISTERED, 7 HELD

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO PROTECT ASPIRING YOUTH FROM ILLEGAL TRAVEL AGENTS AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

— CPs/SSPs WERE DIRECTED TO ENSURE STRICT ACTION AGAINST TRAVEL AGENTS FOUND VIOLATING PROVISIONS OF PUNJAB TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS’ REGULATION ACT: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA

— SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA URGES CITIZENS TO VERIFY TRAVEL AGENTS' CREDENTIALS BEFORE ENTRUSTING THEM WITH DOCUMENTS AND MONEY

CHANDIGARH, February 25:In a bid to protect the youth aspiring to settle abroad from falling prey to illegal travel agents as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police conducted raids and carried out search operations at as many as 1274 immigration firms across the state.

The massive operation against illegal travel agents was carried out on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all the 28 Police districts from 11 am till late evening on Monday. The development came amidst the ongoing crackdown against illegal travel agents across the state in wake of the deportation of Indians from USA.

Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who was personally monitoring this daylong state-level operation, said that police teams have registered at least 24 first information reports (FIRs) against defaulter travel agents and arrested seven of them.

He said that all the CPs/SSPs were asked to constitute special police teams under the supervision of gazetted officers to carry out searches at all the immigration and travel agent firms in their respective jurisdictions.

“All the CPs/SSPs were directed to ensure strict action against those travel agents, who were found violating the mandatory provisions and procedures of the Punjab Travel Professionals’ Regulation Act, 2012 or defrauded innocent people with false promises of facilitating illegal entry into foreign countries,” said the Special DGP.

As per the provisions of The Punjab Travel Professionals' Regulation Act 2012, all the travel agents are mandated to obtain a license from the Deputy Commissioner’s office, which is valid for five years and renewable for subsequent five-year periods. Licensed agents are also required to display their license prominently, maintain records of clients and services, and inform authorities prior to advertising or holding seminars. Additionally, agents are prohibited from engaging in activities beyond their licensed services, including human smuggling or unauthorised emigration assistance. Non-compliance can result in suspension or cancellation of the license and legal action.

Special DGP Arpit Shukla said that the DGP Punjab has constituted a four member Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by ADGP NRI Affairs Praveen Sinha to investigate complaints from deportees if any and take necessary action as per law.

He exhorted citizens to be cautious and verify travel agents' credentials before entrusting them with documents and money. "Only engage agencies with a valid license issued by the Deputy Commissioner under the Punjab Travel Professionals’ Regulation Act, 2012,” he advised.

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