Punjab government sets deadline of three months to make Punjab drug free state

CM Chairs meeting to launch decisive crusade against drugs

No subsidy to drug peddlers and their family under various government schemes

Multi pronged strategy finalized to combat the menace

Curriculum to be introduced in schools for making students aware against drugs

Special courts to be set up for speedy trial of drug smugglers

CPs, DCs and SSPs directed to work in tandem with each other

Police to identify drug hotspots, snap supply line and crackdown on drug peddlers

Property of drug peddlers to be confiscated and demolished

DCs asked to transform war against drug into mass movement

District level campaigns to be initiated on war footing

Chandigarh, February 28-Announcing a crusade against the menace of drugs, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state in coming three months.

Taking part in deliberations in a meeting with Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police, the Chief Minister said that this is a historic moment as the state government has adopted zero tolerance policy against drugs and is launching a crusade against this menace. He said that Punjab Police has a long and glorious history of tackling with the hostile law and order situations adding he expressed hope that the Police will uphold its glorious tradition and make the state completely drug free with the active support and cooperation of general public. Bhagwant Singh Mann also said that the state government will set up special courts to ensure speedy trial of drugs cases and ensure conviction of the culprits.

The Chief Minister said that there is no dearth of funds for this and assured fulsome support and cooperation to the Police and civil administration for this noble cause. He said that preventive measures should be taken in the school and colleges so that youth doesn’t fell prey to the scourge of drugs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the supply line of drugs should be snapped and those selling the drugs should be put behind the bars adding he said that the state government will also ensure that the drug peddlers and their families do not get any sort of subsidy in terms of free power, water and others by the government so that it acts as a deterrent for the criminals.

The Chief Minister said that the necessary formalities regarding it will be finalized soon adding that if any further amendment in the NDPS act, to ensure exemplary action drug peddlers, will be required they will be flagged with the Union government. He said that the war against drugs should be transformed into a mass and social campaign for which the officers must plan a big action. Citing example of Narangwal village where illegal property of drug smuggler was razed on Thursday evening, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that library will be constructed over the Shamlat land where the house was razed.

The Chief Minister said that the place from where drugs were sold will be transformed into a place of knowledge sharing to make the youth aware against drug menace. He assured the field officers that they will not face any sort of problem in giving a severe blow to drug menace. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab had already won war against militancy in the past and now also all the officers will play a major role in curbing the menace of drugs.

The Chief Minister said that war against drug has to be won by planning and execution at the micro level for which the officers have to play a proactive role. He said that the state government is already making concerted efforts to channelize the unbounded energy of youth in a positive manner. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is an extraordinary war and out of the box initiatives and steps are required by the state government in general and every officer in particular.

The Chief Minister asked the Police officers including the Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSPs) that within three months there should be no availability of drugs and after a month evaluation of each SSP will be made on progress in anti drug programme in the district adding that all the officers will be accountable and action will be taken against non-performers. He said that registration of cases should be done against Drug Traffickers adding that ANTF has already supplied the list for this. Bhagwant Singh Mann asked the officers to ensure that bails of arrested accused in big / intermediate quantity cases are opposed tooth and nail.

The Chief Minister also batted for timely submission of challans in NDPS cases along with on time submission of chemical reports in NDPS cases. He said that comprehensive inquiry and action in all cases of Drug overdose deaths in the districts should be undertaken. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that intensive checking of vehicles to prevent ferrying of drugs both during day and nights should be ensured.

Dwelling on another issue, the Chief Minister directed strict action against police officials involved in consumption / promotion of drugs. Likewise, he said that property of convicts in drug smuggling should be seized with immediate effect adding that 100% properties should be seized in commercial quantity cases. Similarly, Bhagwant Singh Mann asked that 100% demolition should be done of illegal properties in commercial quantity cases.

The Chief Minister further asked the CPs and SSPs that identification of the drug hotspots should be done vehemently and CASO Operation should be done every fortnight by senior officers in every Hotspot area and in the Jails on weekly basis. He also said that extensive domination drive day and night (24x7) should be carried in Hotspot areas with the focus on recoveries of Narcotics. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that if any drug smuggler misbehaves with the police then it should be dealt with very severely.

The Chief Minister asked the Deputy Commissioners, CPs and SSPs to work in tandem with each to implement De-addiction and Prevention strategies. He asked the Deputy Commissioners to inspect all the de-addiction, Rehabilitation and OOAT Centers both Government and Private regularly. He said that these centres must be equipped with Adequate Manpower (Including Psychiatrist, Counselor and others) and infrastructure including Testing Kits, Medicines, Security (Security Staff / CCTVs), Hygiene and others. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that DCs should prepare for exigencies that may arise due to increased patient lead and ensure regular checking of chemist shops.

The Chief Minister also asked the DCs to ensure that SDMs/Field officials visit the house of victims in case of Drug Overdose death and families of addicts in general to wipe out the menace. He also announced the introduction of courses against drug addiction in the School syllabus for which necessary steps will be taken by the Education department. Bhagwant Singh Mann asked the DCs to ensure that relief from CM Relief Fund is provided in each case of Drug overdose death.

The Chief Minister further directed the DCs to ensure families of addicts are provided counseling and support besides starting a massive outreach and mass contact program. He asked the DCs to coordinate the roles of School Education, Sports, Health, Employment and Skill Development Department at district level in effectively controlling the menace of drugs. Bhagwant Singh Mann asked the DCs to ensure that every month a mass communication programme against Drugs in form of Public meetings/ camps, Seminars, Cycle Rallies, Human chains, Sports events, Skill Development events against Drugs are organised in their respective district.

On the occasion Cabinet Ministers Harpal Cheema, Aman Arora, Dr Balbir Singh, Tarunpreet Singh Sondh and Laljit Singh Bhullar were also present.

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BJP-AKALI & CONGRESS GOVTs PUSHED YOUTH OF PUNJAB IN DRUGS FOR THEIR OWN BENEFIT: HARPAL CHEEMA

Harpal Singh Cheema Issues Final Warning to Drug Traffickers: Give Up Drug Trafficking or Leave Punjab

War against Drugs; Cabinet Sub-Committee to Work Round the clock to ensure strict action against drug peddlers: Harpal Singh Cheema

Mann Government seizes property worth Rs 612 crore of drug smugglers in mere 3 years compared to Rs 142 crore during the 5-year Congress Regime: Aman Arora

BJP led Central Government should own responsibility for drugs problem as 50 km area along international border under BSF jurisdiction: Aman Arora

Cabinet Ministers slam Akali-BJP alliance and Congress party of pushing Punjab's youth towards drugs

Chandigarh, February 28-Punjab Finance Minister Advoacte Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday issued a stern and final warning to drug traffickers in Punjab to either give up drug trafficking or leave the state. He gave this warning in the presence of his co-member in the cabinet sub-committee Aman Arora, Dr. Balbir Singh, Tarunpreet Singh Saund, and Laljit Singh Bhullar, and Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha and DGP Gaurav Yadav during a press conference held at Punjab Bhawan.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasized that the Punjab government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, launched a major campaign over the past three years to eradicate drugs from the state. The newly formed Cabinet Sub-Committee aims to intensify efforts, working round the clock with civil and police administration to ensure strict action against drug peddlers across Punjab. He said that in the War against Drugs as per the vision of AAP Superemo Arvind Kejriwal, the campaign is in final stage, with bulldozers targeting the houses of drug peddlers, ensuring that no individual involved in the drug trade, regardless of their position or influence, will be spared.

Accusing the Akali-BJP alliance and the Congress party of pushing Punjab's youth towards drugs during their respective tenures from 2002 to 2022, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema cited the unholy alliance between political leaders, drug smugglers, and police officers that patronize the drug trafficking in the state. He said that during the 2017 assembly elections, Captain Amarinder Singh had taken an oath with Gutka Sahib in his hand at Talwandi Sabo that his government, if formed, would completely eradicate drugs from the state, but after coming to power, nothing was done.

Highlighting the achievements of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that around 12,000 FIRs have been registered under the NDPS Act in the recent past, with only 24 individuals granted defaulter bail—a significant improvement from previous governments where political influence often led to defaulter bail for drug smugglers. Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Aman Arora said that AAP Government seized property worth Rs 612 crore of drug smugglers in just 3 years compared to Rs 142 crore during the 5 years regime of Congress. He said that there is a 600 percent increase in heroin seizures, with 1128 kg seized under the current government compared to 197 kg during the Congress rule. “The conviction rate in NDPS cases has risen to 85 percent, the highest in the country, from 58 percent before 2022”, said Arora.

Cabinet Minister Aman Arora said that before the Akali-BJP coalition government in 2007, synthetic drugs were virtually unheard of in Punjab. He said that who does not know about Jagdish Bhola and the person he named in this case. Mentioning media reports and former Enforcement Directorate officer’s statement implicating individuals close to Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh including a minister and 10 MLAs in a case involving 130 deaths due to hooch tregedy in Tarn Taran, Cabinet Minister Arora said that these political parties contributed drastically to Punjab's drug problem.

Regarding actions against drug smugglers, Cabinet Minister Arora said that the state government has formed Anti-Narcotic Force and over 30,000 cases under the NDPS Act have been registered in the past three years. He further mentioned the arrest of over 6,500 major and 4,500 minor drug smugglers, the detention of over 100 police personnel involved in drug smuggling, and the transfer of more than 10,000 police personnel. He also mentioned the capture of 294 drones bringing drugs from across the border and that over three lakh drug victims are undergoing treatment in OOAT centers, with committees formed in about 12,500 villages to combat drug smuggling.

In response to a query regarding the unauthorised sale of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs by chemists, Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said that the state government has already written to the central government to include certain OTC drugs—which are legal but not currently listed under Schedule H1—in the scheduled drugs list. “In the meantime, we have imposed restrictions on the quantity of such drugs that retailers and wholesalers can stock. Retailers are not permitted to keep more than 20-30 capsules, while wholesalers cannot hoard more than 500 capsules. Similar limits have been applied to suppliers and manufacturers across the state,” he said, while emphasizing that the health department has been actively enforcing these regulations to curb the unauthorized sale of OTC drugs.

Addressing another question about the monopoly of a few individuals in operating de-addiction centers, the Health Minister revealed that the Punjab Government is introducing a new Mental Health Policy. Under this policy, individuals will be restricted to opening only a limited number of drug de-addiction centers. Additionally, the policy will ensure that each center has an adequate number of psychiatrists and staff members. Dr Balbir Singh warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found operating more de-addiction centers than the permitted limit.

Talking about approaching the Central Government demanding a complete check on drug smuggling from across the border, the Cabinet Minister Aman Arora said that despite the area up to 50 km along the border being under the jurisdiction of BSF, drug smuggling from across the border has not been stopped till now. He said that the BJP led Central Government owed to hold responsibility of cross border drug smuggling rather than illogically holding state responsible for the same. The Cabinet Sub-Committee reiterated that in order to make state ‘Rangla Punjab’ again, strict action will be taken against drug smugglers, and OOAT centers will be further strengthened in the state for the treatment of drug victims.

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Backfinco Chairman Sandeep Saini Felicitates AGM Amarjeet Singh on His Superannuation

Lauds His Proficiency and Dedicated Service

Chandigarh, February 28:Punjab Backward Classes Land Development and Finance Corporation (Backfinco) Chairman Sandeep Saini felicitated Amarjeet Singh, who served as Assistant General Manager (Administration), on his superannuation, acknowledging his nearly three decades of dedicated service.

Speaking at the farewell ceremony held at Chandigarh, Chairman Saini highlighted Amarjeet Singh’s unwavering commitment and contributions, which have played a crucial role in Backfinco’s growth. He commended Singh’s dedication to financial management and employee welfare, emphasizing that his efforts will always be valued.

Extending his warmest congratulations, Sandeep Saini wished Amarjeet Singh a successful and prosperous post-retirement life. He also motivated other fellow employeesto follow his example and make valuable contributions in their respective duties.

Amarjeet Singh, a native of Gurditpura, Nabha (Patiala), joined Backfinco in 1996 as an Auditor and played a key role in strengthening the corporation.Expressing his gratitude, he said, “It has been an honor to serve Backfinco. I retire with cherished memories and immense pride in our shared achievements.”

During the farewell ceremony, Sh. Sandeep Hans, IAS, Executive Director, Backfinco; Dr. Sona Thind, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Fatehgarh Sahib and S. Parminder Pal Sandhu, IAS, Commissioner, MC, SAS Nagar were present.

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₹15-CR RELEASED TO PURCHASE BOOKS FOR SCHOOL LIBRARIES: HARJOT SINGH BAINS

• Move aims at inculcating reading habit in school students to enhance their knowledge, says School Education Minister

•State-level committee of experts to curate list of books for purchase

•Bains also asks teachers to motivate students for reading maximum books

Chandigarh, February 28:With an aim to inculcate reading habit in government school students for their holistic development, Punjab Government has released a grant of Rs. 15 crore to purchase the books for the government school libraries.

Sharing these details today, Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the government has allocated Rs. 5,000 for each primary school, Rs. 13,000 for each middle school, and Rs. 15,000 for each high and senior secondary school.

The School Education Minister said that a state-level committee of experts has been established to curate a list of books for purchase. This committee will meticulously review and select books to provide students with a high-quality and diverse range of reading materials that promote their educational growth and intellectual development.

“My goal is to make Punjab a leader in the education system across the country. I am personally visiting schools, gathering feedback from students and teachers and using that information to shape future policies”, S. Harjot Singh Bains said, while asking teachers to motivate students to read books extensively after their final examinations. He also emphasised the value of books in acquiring knowledge about literature, society, heritage, culture and the world.

He further said that the Punjab Government has been releasing grants to modernise existing school libraries and elevate Punjab's education system to world-class standards, as envisioned by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann.

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Rising Live-in Relationships a Serious Concern for Society: Raj Lali Gill

Punjab State Women Commission Chairperson Holds Lok Adalat in Patiala to Address Women's Issues

Patiala/ Chandigarh, February 28:Punjab State Women Commission Chairperson Raj Lali Gill today expressed concern over the increasing number of live-in relationship cases, calling them a worrying trend for society. Addressing a Lok Adalat at the Patiala Police Lines, she stated that not only young men and women but also some married individuals are engaging in such relationships, which are weakening the social fabric. She emphasized the need to curb this issue and announced that she would recommend legal amendments to the state government on the matter.

During the Lok Adalat, Chairperson Mrs. Gill heard around 35 cases and directed police officials to reinvestigate several complaints. She also took up new cases, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to ensuring a fair hearing and timely justice for women. She highlighted that many women are unable to visit thecommission’s office in Mohali, which is why such Lok Adalats are organized across districts.

Interacting with the media after the event, Mrs. Gill reiterated the commission’s strict stance against derogatory language towards women. She urged both public figures and ordinary citizens to refrain from using offensive remarks against women. Addressing concerns regarding political pressure on the commission, she clarified that the commission operates independently, ensuring justice for victims through mediation without external influence.

Mrs. Gill further informed that since assuming charge in March 2024, the commission has received nearly 2,500 cases, of which 70% have already been resolved. These cases primarily involved marriage disputes, property conflicts, NRI marriages, dowry harassment, exploitation of women, live-in relationships, and domestic violence.

Expressing concern over growing intolerance within families, she remarked that minor disagreements are now escalating into major disputes, leading to increased family tensions and conflicts. She also pointed out that the rising number of old-age homes is another alarming trend for society.

The Lok Adalat was attended by SP (City) Harbant Kaur, Deputy Director of the Women Commission Nikhil Arora, District Revenue Officer Navdeep Singh, DSP Manoj Gorsi, SI Gurjeet Kaur, and Sakhi One Stop Centre Incharge Rajmeet Kaur.PA Mohan Kumar was also present at the event.

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Last date for registration of plots without NoC extended till 31st August

Accepting strong demand of people, time extended for six months: Mundian

Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government committed to welfare of people

Chandigarh, February 28-In accordance with the commitment of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led State Government to ensure the convenience of the common people in availing various services, the Housing and Urban Development Department has decided to extend the last date for the facility of registration of plots without NoC to 31st August.

In a press statement issued here today, Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardip Singh Mundian said that in response to the strong demand of the people, it has been decided to extend the last date for six months. Earlier, as per the decision taken by the State Government, the time range given for registration of plots without NoC was from 1st December 2024 to 28th February 2025. Now this facility can be availed from 1st March 2025 to 31st August 2025.

Mr. Mundian said that the historic Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2024 did away with the practice of No Objection Certificate (NoC) for registration of land deeds. He further said that as per the amendment any person who up to July 31, 2024, for an area up to five hundred square yards situated in an unauthorised colony, has entered into a power of attorney, agreement to sell on stamp paper, will not require any No Objection Certificate for registration of land.

The Minister further said that this amendment aims to ensure stringent control over the illegal colonies besides giving relief to the small plotholders. This is a major reprieve for the common man as the Government aimed to overcome the problem being faced by the general public in the registration of their plots and to put a check on the development of unauthorised colonies.

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VIGILANCE BUREAU BOOKS NINE ACCUSED FOR FRAUDULENT LAND REGISTRATION, ARRESTS ADVOCATE

REGISTRATION OF LAND EXECUTED AT RS 30 LAKH ONLY HAVING MARKET VALUE MORE THAN RS 6 CRORE

Chandigarh, February 28, 2025:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has registered a case against nine individuals for fraudulently executing the sale deed of 14 Kanal land in Ludhiana, belongs to an NRI residing in the USA, using forged documents. In this connection, VB has arrested Advocate Gurcharan Singh of Ludhiana, who played a key role in facilitating the fake land registration worth crores of rupees.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the VB said a surprise check was conducted by VB Range Ludhiana at the Sub-Registrar Office, Tehsil West, Ludhiana, on February 21, 2025, following intelligence inputs regarding a fraudulent land registration. Investigations revealed that a sale deed of this prime land near Loduwal-Verka bypass, had been executed on February 11, 2025, between Deep Singh (seller) and Deepak Goel of Panchkula (buyer) at a cost of Rs 30 lakh whereas its market value is Rs six crores (approximately). However, it was found that the actual owner, Deep Singh, has been residing in the USA, while an imposter had appeared at the Tehsil office for the registration.

He further stated that the original sale deed was taken into possession during the surprise check, and verification confirmed the fraud. The sale deed was executed by Tehsildar West Ludhiana, Jagsir Singh Saran, in the presence of a fake Deep Singh. On behalf of buyer Deepak Goel, an individual named Amit Gaur appeared and signed the registration documents. The witnesses, including property dealer Raghbir Singh, Advocate Gurcharan Singh, and Namberdar Baghel Singh, had identified the imposter as the genuine landowner.

Further inquiry established that the land in question, measuring 14 Kanal, is located in Village Noorpur Bet, under the jurisdiction of Police Station Ladowal, Ludhiana. The real owner, Deep Singh, aged 55, has been living in the USA since birth along with his family. However, during the fraudulent registration process, the imposter used a forged Aadhaar card and PAN card, misrepresenting his age as 39 years (born in 1985), whereas the actual Deep Singh was born in 1971.

The spokesperson added that the probe also found serious lapses on the part of revenue officials, who failed to verify the antecedents of those involved. Based on the evidence and investigation report an FIR No. 4 dated February 27, 2025, has been registered under Sections 318(4), 319(2), 336(2), 336(3), 338, 340(2), and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Economic Offences Wing, and investigation has been entrusted to VB Range Ludhiana. The accused include Tehsildar Jagsir Singh Saran, buyer Deepak Goel, Namberdar Baghel Singh, registry clerk Krishan Gopal, Advocate Gurcharan Singh, Amit Gaur, the fake Deep Singh, a computer operator, and property dealer Raghbir Singh.

On the basis of the investigation report, VB has arrested Advocate Gurcharan Singh, who had signed as a witness and identified the fake Deep Singh. He would be produced in court tomorrow. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to arrest the remaining accused, the spokesperson added.

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Centre lauds Punjab’s Agri-Infrastructure Success, Raises AIF Allocation to ₹7,050 Crore: Mohinder Bhagat

Increased Allocation Under AIF to Further Benefit State Farmers

Chandigarh, February 28:Punjab’s remarkable progress in strengthening agricultural infrastructure has been appreciated by the Central Government. Recognizing the state’s exemplary performance under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has revised Punjab’s financing facility from ₹4,713 crore to ₹7,050 crore.

Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat expressed gratitude for the Centre’s recognition, stating, “The increased allocation is a testament to Punjab’s commitment to empowering farmers.” He added that the enhanced funds would further accelerate the state’s efforts to modernize agricultural infrastructure, including the development of cold storage facilities, warehousing, processing units, and value-addition initiatives.

Minister Bhagat said Punjab, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, continues to lead in agricultural reforms, setting a benchmark for other states. He added that Punjab has emerged as a frontrunner in the effective implementation of the AIF scheme, with numerous projects already transforming the agricultural landscape. These initiatives, he said, are expected to boost farmers’ income and strengthen the overall agricultural ecosystem in the state.

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare lauded Punjab’s leadership in AIF implementation. The Centre highlighted that the state has consistently performed well, securing a top position nationwide in agricultural infrastructure project approvals.

Mr.Bhagat further explained that Punjab’s Horticulture Department functions as the State Nodal Agency for implementing the AIF scheme. To ensure its effective execution, the department has launched a WhatsApp helpline number 9056092906, where farmers can seek information about the scheme.