Punjab workers can avail Rs. 2k to Rs. 70k under stipend scheme for their children's education: Sond
- Punjab Abolished Two-Year Service Requirement for Stipend Scheme Eligibility: Labour Minister
Chandigarh, March 2:Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government has taken important steps for the welfare of workers in the state. Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that under the stipend scheme of the Punjab Labour Welfare Board, benefits ranging from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 70,000 can be availed for the education of laborers’ children. Along with this, the condition of two years of service of the worker to avail the stipend scheme has been abolished.
It is worth mentioning that the Punjab Labour Welfare Board stipend scheme is given for the education of the children of workers. Earlier, mandated two-year service condition for workers to qualify for the stipend scheme has been officially abolished after the initiative of Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond.
Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond stated that workers will now be able to avail the stipend benefit from the date of their contribution to the fund, rather than having to wait for two years of service. He said that the stipend scheme has an important contribution in the education of the children of the workers of Punjab. He said that the benefit of the stipend scheme can be obtained from the first class to higher education.
Under the Punjab Labour Welfare Board stipend scheme, girl students from the first to the fifth class are given Rs. 3000 and boys are given Rs. 2000 per year. Similarly, from 6th to 8th class, girls are given Rs. 5000 and boys are given Rs. 7000 per year. For boys of class 9th and 10th can avail Rs. 13,000 and girls Rs. 10,000 as stipend. Girl students of 10+1 and 10+2 are given a stipend of Rs. 20,000 and boys are given Rs. 25,000 as stipend per year.
For college students (graduation, post-graduation, ITI, polytechnic, ANM, GNM and other professional courses), girls are given a stipend of Rs. 25,000 (if student resides in hostel then Rs. 40,000) and boys are given a stipend of Rs. 30,000 (if student resides in hostel then Rs. 45,000) per year.
Similarly, for medical, engineering and other professional courses, a stipend of Rs. 40,000 is given to girls (if student resides in hostel then Rs. 60,000) and Rs. 50,000 to boys (if student resides in hostel then Rs. 70,000) per year.
===================================
AAP Government's Commitment to Transformative Changes Boosts Punjab's Tax Revenue: Harpal Singh Cheema
Says, Net collection from GST, Excise, VAT, CST, and PSDT from April-Feb reflected growth of 12.10% with 28.01% growth in net GST in Fe
Increases Tax Revenue by Broadening GST Base, Enhancing Compliance and Extending Every Help to Honest Taxpayers, Says Harpal Singh Cheema
Criticizes SAD-BJP and Congress led Previous Governments for Lack in Effective Fiscal Management and Political Will to Tighten Noose Around Tax Evaders
Chandigarh, March 2-Punjab Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday proudly announced that since coming to power in March 2022, the AAP-led Punjab Government has implemented transformative changes with unwavering honesty and transparency, resulting in a consistent increase in its tax revenue year after year. He highlighted that this fiscal year's net collection from GST, Excise, VAT, CST, and PSDT upto February reflected a growth rate of 12.10 percent compared to the same period of FY 2023-24, with an impressive 28.01 percent growth in net GST collection during February 2025.
Revealing this in a press communique issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that this fiscal year has seen a continuation of the previous years’ trend, with a notable 13.39 percent growth rate in net GST, 14.43 percent in Excise, 5.10 percent in VAT, 17.03 percent in CST, and 13.65 percent in PSDT upto February compared to the same period in FY 2023-24. He said that the total net collection from these taxes upto February this fiscal year is Rs 38272.66 crore as compared to Rs 34141.36 crore during last fiscal year registering an increase of Rs 4131.30 crore.
Highlighting the substantial growth in GST revenue for the last month, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the net GST collection during February 2025 reflected a notable increase of Rs 506.26 crore. The net GST collection for February 2025 amounted to Rs 2,313.69 crore, compared to Rs 1,807.43 crore in February 2024. Additionally, he also mentioned the commendable rise in Excise revenue, with February's collection reaching Rs 686.47 crore, an increase of Rs 30.47 crore from the Rs 656 crore collected in February last year.Pointing out the initiatives taken to improve its own tax revenue, the Finance Minister said that the Excise and Taxation department has been achieving its goals through a two-pronged approach of broadening the GST base by running drives to bring unregistered businesses under GST and enhancing compliance among registered taxpayers besides extending every help to the honest taxpayers. He said that the department has launched the Bill Liyao Inaam Pao Scheme and sought the active involvement of school and college students to spread awareness among the younger generation.
Lambasting the previous Akali-BJP and Congress-led state governments for their inability to boost the state's tax revenue, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said they lacked effective fiscal management and political will to tighten the noose around tax evaders. In contrast, Finance Minister Cheema reiterated the AAP-led Punjab Government's unwavering commitment to honesty, transparency, and transformative changes, which have yielded remarkable achievements in tax revenue growth, ultimately strengthening the state's tax revenue without burdening honest taxpayers.
========================================
PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO Conducts Comprehensive Review of Ongoing Projects
Emphasizing on Ensuring Transparency in Tendering Process
Directs Officials to Conduct Regular Quality Checks on Ongoing Projects Without Bias or Favoritism
Chandigarh, March 2-Punjab Public Works & Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO conducted a thorough review of the works being executed by the Public Works Department (PWD), emphasizing the need for maintaining quality standards and ensuring transparency in the tendering process.
PWD Minister ETO, in the review attended by all Chief Engineers and Joint Secretary PWD Amarbir Sidhu, stressed that no carelessness on quality aspects would be tolerated and directed officials to conduct regular quality checks on ongoing projects without fear,bias or favoritism. He repeatedly stressed on the importance of complete transparency in the tendering process, adhering strictly to the prescribed procedure as per the Transparency Act.
The Minister advised Chief Engineers to amend the Standard Bidding Document as necessary, considering the changing conditions & requirements of works. He also took a serious view of delays occurring in the execution of works due to land acquisition, utility shifting, forest and other statutory clearances, directing officers to have periodic reviews of projects and address issues promptly.
PWD Minister expressed displeasure over the gap in project follow-up by Department offices and directed the officials to bridge this gap to ensure timely completion of projects. He encouraged officials to address issues through his office, if required, to ensure seamless project execution.
PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO reiterated Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government's commitment to accelerating infrastructure development and enhancing transparency in the Public Works Department.
==================================
PUNJAB GOVT INTRODUCES PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS FOR GIRL STUDENTS TO DISCOVER THEIR STRENGTH & APTITUDE
• ₹6.56-CR project to cover over 93K class 10 Govt Schools’ Girl students, says Harjot Bains
• District level committees formed to conduct psychometric tests by March 31: School Education Minister
Chandigarh, March 2:In an innovative move aimed at empowering the young women with valuable insights for future career planning and personal development, Punjab Government has introduced Psychometric tests for girl students to discover their strength and aptitude. The psychometric tests will be conducted on class 10th girl students studying in government schools.
Divulging the details about the project, Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains informed that the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has allocated over Rs. 6.56 crore to all districts for conducting psychometric tests for 10th-grade girls in government schools. This program will benefit as many as 93,819 students, with all girls to be covered by March 31st, 2025.
To ensure smooth implementation, district-level committees have been formed under the leadership of District Education Officers (Secondary) across Punjab. These committees will oversee the testing process and monitor all operations within their respective districts. The primary objective of this initiative is to analyse students' mental abilities, interests, and personality traits to guide them towards making informed career choices.
S. Harjot Singh Bains said that majority of students face the confusion after their 10th board exams regarding their future career paths. This decision significantly impacts their choice of stream in 11th grade. While private schools often provide career counselling, government school students lack this support, leading them to rely on their peers' choices. This often results in students selecting streams that may not align with their interests and abilities, ultimately hindering their career prospects.
Recognising the importance of this issue, the School Education Minister said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has introduced the psychometric test to provide government school students with the opportunities at par with private school students, enabling them to choose their careers with confidence. It will also empower them to choose paths that align with their strengths and interests.
This initiative will not only make students more confident and aware of their future but will also improve the quality and standards of education in in government schools, he added.
============================================
War Against Drugs; UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES BUILT BY DRUG SMUGGLERS RAZED IN PHILLAUR
JALANDHAR RURAL POLICE AND LOCAL ADMIN RECLAIMS ILLEGALLY OCCUPIED PANCHAYAT LAND
VILLAGE SARPANCH AND LOCAL RESIDENTS APPRECIATE EFFORTS OF PUNJAB GOVT TO WIPE OUT DRUG MENACE FROM STATE
Chandigarh/Jalandhar, March 2 :Amidst the ongoing decisive action against drug traffickers and illegal encroachments, Jalandhar Rural Police, in coordination with local authorities, have demolished unauthorized structures built on the encroached panchayat land in Khanpur and Mandi villages of Phillaur. The structures, unlawfully occupied by two individuals with a history of narcotics smuggling, were removed following due legal procedure.
Divulging details to the media, Senior Superintendent of Police Jalandhar Rural Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh stated that the demolition drive was carried out following the request of the Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) Phillaur, who sought police assistance for the removal of illegal encroachments. The action was directed against Jasvir Singh alias Sheera, son of Dalveer alias Bur, resident of Khanpur, and Bholi, wife of Rampal alias Rama, resident of Mandi, both of whom had illegally occupied village panchayat land.
As per official records, Bholi is a notorious drug smuggler and has been facing multiple cases under the NDPS act, including a 1.190 kg smack recovery in 2005, a 2 kg poppy husk seizure in 2015, and a significant quantity of drugs recovered in 2022. Similarly, Jasvir Singh alias Sheera has also been named in multiple cases, including one involving a commercial quantity of charas and intoxicated injections.
SSP Khakh said that the police, along with revenue and panchayat officials, ensured that the encroachments were demolished smoothly, with adequate deployment to prevent any disruption. Authorities confirmed that the land rightfully belongs to the gram panchayat and had been unlawfully occupied by the accused.
SSP Khakh reiterated that Jalandhar Rural Police will continue its crackdown on illegal encroachments linked to criminal networks, ensuring that no individual benefits from proceeds of crime or unauthorized occupation of public land.
He further urged citizens to report such illegal activities, assuring strict and swift action against offenders.
SSP Khakh stated that local residents informed that these two drug traffickers would often intimidate and threaten the villagers.
Meanwhile, Village Sarpanch of Khanpur, Paramjit Kaur and local residents commended the action of the Punjab Government against drug smugglers. "We welcome such measures by the Punjab government to eradicate drug menace from the state," they added.
=========================================
PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS GANGSTER HARDEEP DEEPA INVOLVED IN CROSS-BORDER SMUGGLING; THREE SOPHISTICATED WEAPONS RECOVERED
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION REVEALS WEAPONS WERE SOURCED FROM ACROSS THE BORDER FOR TERROR AND CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV
— GANGSTER HARDEEP DEEPA WAS ARRESTED AFTER HOT CHASE IN AREA OF PUNJ GARAIN: AIG CI LAKHBIR SINGH
CHANDIGARH/FEROZEPUR, March 2: Amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence Ferozepur has busted a cross-border smuggling network with the arrest of smuggler-cum-gangster identified as Hardeep Singh alias Deepa of village Ghall Khurd in Ferozepur, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Sunday.
The Police team has also recovered three sophisticated weapon arsenal— one 9MM Glock pistol, one .30 MM Beretta pistol and one Pump action gun— along with three magazines and 141 assorted cartridges, and 45 grams heroin from his possession, besides, impounding his Maruti Swift car, in which he was travelling.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that these weapons were sourced from Pakistan through unidentified foreign-based entity, intended for use in terror and criminal activities in the state.
He said that the arrested accused was to supply these recovered weapons to ground operatives of terror and criminal groups. The identity and role of the foreign entity, along with its broader network, are under comprehensive investigation, he added.
The DGP said that further investigation is underway to unravel the entire network. Efforts are on to identify other members involved in this module and track the origins of the smuggled weapons, he added.
Sharing more details, AIG CI Ferozepur Lakhbir Singh said that police teams had received a reliable intel-input about involvement of accused Hardeep Deepa in weapon and drug smuggling operations and the input also revealed that the latter has recently retrieved a weapon consignment to further supply it to the criminal elements.
Acting swiftly, police teams laid a Naka near Punj Garain Morh in Kotkapura and signalled driver of the suspected Swift car to stop, he said, while adding that instead of stopping the car, the accused escaped from the spot leading to a hot chase. He said that police teams have successfully apprehended the accused in the area of village Punj Garain, when his vehicle turned turtle after he abruptly take a turn towards a small road.
The AIG said that the arrested individual has a criminal history with four cases registered against him in Moga, Ferozepur, and Fazilka under the Arms Act, attempt to murder, and other serious offences. The accused was released on bail in April 2024 and after coming out of the jail, he resumed his criminal activities, he added.
In this regard FIR no. 05 dated 01-03-2025 has been registered under sections 21 and 25 of the NDPS Act and section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Fazilka.
======================================
Cyber Crime, Forensics, and Law Workshop: Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO emphasized importance of cybersecurity in digital age
Chandigarh, March 2-Punjab Power and PWD Minister Mr. Harbhajan Singh ETO emphasized the importance of cybersecurity in today's digital age, highlighting its impact on public safety and national security.
Speaking at the 'Cyber Crime, Forensics, and Law Workshop' held at Law Bhawan here today, Cabinet Minister Mr. Harbahajan Singh ETO commended the organizers, Truth Labs, Nasdeep Foundation, and Proud Legal, for hosting this workshop on technology-driven crimes and forensic investigation.
Cabinet Minister ETO acknowledged the challenges posed by cyber threats to critical infrastructure, including power grids, water systems, and transportation networks. He assured that the Punjab Government is committed to strengthening cyber resilience by implementing robust cybersecurity frameworks, investing in capacity building, and fostering public-private partnerships.
The Cabinet Minister emphasized the need for a collaborative approach, involving legal experts, technology specialists, law enforcement agencies, and civil society, to combat cyber threats. The Minister encouraged the legal professionals to develop expertise in dealing with digital evidence and emerging technologies, assuring government support for the judiciary and legal fraternity.
Encouraging students and young professionals to specialise in cybersecurity and cyber law, the Cabinet Minister highlighted the promising career opportunities and their contributions to society's safety and security. The Minister expressed confidence that the knowledge shared during the workshop would translate into concrete actions, strengthening the collective response to cyber threats.
Prominent amongst others, Former Judge of Delhi High Court Mr. Justice Talwant Singh, Senior Advocate of the Punjab & Haryana High Court Mr. P.S. Hundal, Former District & Sessions Judge Mr. Jagdeep Singh Marok, Mr. U. Rammohan IPS, Mr. Imannuel Premkumar B, Mr. Jai Mangalwadi, Mr. Manohar Vashisth, Mr. Manu Singh and esteemed legal luminaries and cyber experts were present on this occasion.
=======================================
Afforestation on 2100 hectare area to be carried out in 2025-26 period
State Government deeply committed to increase forest cover
Chandigarh, March 2:The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is deeply committed to increase the area under the forest cover in the State so as to ensure a cleaner and greener environment.
With a view to achieve the abovesaid objective, the Forests and Wildlife Preservation Department under the guidance of Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, is undertaking great efforts. Under the Punjab State Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (PUNCAMPA) scheme, the Annual Plan of Operations (APO) for the year 2025-26 has been submitted to National Authority, New Delhi for final approval after its approval by the Steering Committee of State Authority. The afforestation on 2100 hectares is proposed to be carried out during the year 2025-26. During the period 2024-25, Plantation in 1932 hectare area was done.
It is noteworthy that under the provisions of Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016 and Compensatory Afforestation Fund Rules, 2018 made by the Union Government, the Annual Plan of Operation of State Authority (CAMPA) each year is prepared and got approved from the Steering Committee and finally approved by the National Authority, New Delhi. The afforestation in only forest area is carried out as per the approved APO.
======================================
Punjab Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO Sets the Record Straight on ROB Project
Rejects Claims Made by Union Minister of State for Railways
Chandigarh, March 2-Punjab Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO categorically rejected claims made by Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu that the Public Works Department of the Punjab Government is delaying the issuing of NOC for construction of the 4-Lane Railway Over Bridge (ROB) on Doraha-Sahnewal road at level crossing 164-A over Ambala-Ludhiana Railway line falling under Ambala Division of Northern Railway.
Setting the record straight, State PWD Minister said that the requisite NOC already stands issued on 11.11.2024, so the statement of Railway Minister regarding non-issuance of NOC by State Government is devoid of facts. Sh. Harbhajan Singh further informed that the said RoB formed part of agreement between Concessionaire M/s. Atlanta Tollways & Govt. of Punjab in 2011. Though all other project components were completed, the RoB could not be completed due to change in Railways’ development plans. This unforeseen change led to the concessionaire's inability to complete the ROB, resulting in the contract's termination on August 5, 2021
The concessionaire has since moved to arbitration, challenging the contract termination and citing the increase in the ROB span on account of Railways’ development plans as the primary reason for non-completion. Notably, the concessionaire had already executed certain works of the ROB as per the previously approved General Arrangement Drawing (GAD) and has raised a claim of ₹3.28 crores for the executed works. Due to non-completion of RoB component, the concessionaire has also raised claim of Rs. 35.51 Lakh deposited with Railway authorities as Plant & Equipment charges.
PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the Railway Department has submitted a revised GAD for approval, and if approved as such, the works already executed at the site as per the previous GAD, also approved by Railways under 2011 Contract Agreement, would become a wasteful expenditure and State government will additionally be burdened with arbitration pay-outs. Accordingly, the NOC issued on 11.11.2024 has been issued safeguarding the Govt. interests.
Punjab PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO emphasized that as a Union State Minister, Ravneet Singh Bittu should be well aware that no government can accept work carried out as per earlier approved drawings being rendered wasteful. He said that attempts must be made to gainfully utilise the expenditure already incurred on the RoB. He remarked that Union State Minister should verify the facts before issuing statements just for its sake.
=====================================
Vigilance Bureau arrests ASI, Senior Constable taking Rs 50000 bribe
Chandigarh March 2, 2025 -The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its drive against corruption in the state, on Sunday, apprehended Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Jagga Singh (No. 636/Bnl) and Senior Constable Gurpreet Singh (No. 288/Bnl), both posted at Police Station Mehal Kalan, in Barnala district red handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Bureau said the aforementioned police personnel have been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a woman of Barnala city.
He further added that the complainant has approached the VB and informed that a police case had been registered at Mehal Kalan Police Station in which her brother was later nominated and subsequently arrested. She alleged that the said accused ASI and Senior Constable had demanded bribe from her to release a mobile phone, a watch, a gold chain and Rs 10,000 cash belonging to her brother.
The spokesperson informed that after verification of this complaint the VB team laid a trap during which both the accused police officials have been arrested while accepting a bribe of Rs. 50,000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case has been registered against both the accused at VB Police Station Patiala Range. Further investigation into this case is under progress, he said.
===================================
YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH: ON DAY 2, PUNJAB POLICE CONDUCTS 510 RAIDS; 43 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— DAY LONG OPERATION LEADS TO REGISTRATION OF 27 FIRs, RECOVERY OF 776 GRAMS HEROIN, 14KG OPIUM, ₹4.6L DRUG MONEY
— OVER 300 POLICE TEAMS LED BY 101 SP/DSP RANK OFFICERS CHECKED 619 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA
— AS PART OF PREVENTION, PUNJAB POLICE ALSO ORGANISING EVENTS TO SPREAD AWARENESS ABOUT DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF DRUGS
CHANDIGARH, March 2:Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the second day, Punjab Police on Sunday has conducted raids at 510 locations leading to the arrest of 43 drug smugglers after registration of 27 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 333 in just two days.
Police teams have also recovered 776 grams heroin, 14 kg opium, 38 kg poppy husk, 2615 intoxicant tablets/pills/injections and Rs 4.60 lakh drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.
The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav from 9am to 4pm simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.
Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state in coming three months. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.
Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 300 Police teams, comprising over 2000 police personnel, under the supervision of 101 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 619 suspicious persons during the day long operation
He said that Punjab Police has devised a comprehensive strategy and such operations will be continued till the scourge of drugs eradicated from the state.
The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘Prevention’ has also been organising different events to spread awareness among people about the detrimental effects of drugs and get support of the general public in fight against drugs. As many as 510 awareness events, which includes awareness camps, seminars and public meetings were organised on Sunday in all the 28 Police districts, he added.
==============================================
Voter turnout for the General Elections of Municipal Councils of Tarn Taran, Dera Baba Nanak and Talwara are 54.06 %, 73.50 % and 61.31 % respectively
Chandigarh 02 March 2025:An official spokesperson of the Punjab State Election Commission informed that the General Elections to three Municipal Councils of Tarn Taran (District Tarn Taran), Dera Baba Nanak (District Gurdaspur) and Talwara (District Hoshiarpur) were conducted today in a peaceful manner.
The voter turnout for three Municipal Councils of Tarn Taran (District Tarn Taran), Dera Baba Nanak (District Gurdaspur) and Talwara (District Hoshiarpur) are 54.06 %, 73.50 % and 61.31 % respectively, as reported by respective District Election Officers.
He further informed that a re-poll for Ward No.3 of Municipal Council, Tarn Taran has been ordered to be held on 04.03.2025 from 07:00 am to 04:00 pm followed by counting of votes on the same day. In this regard, Deputy Commissioner-cum-DEO, Tarn Taran has been directed to make all the necessary arrangements.