"Women Helpline 181 Proves to Be a Boon for Needy Women: Dr. Baljit Kaur"

Says prompt action is taken by the department upon receiving calls from women in need

Punjab Government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, is committed to women's welfare

Chandigarh, March 3:The Department of Social Security, Women, and Child Development, Punjab, is running the Women Helpline 181 to provide immediate and emergency assistance to women in need across the state. This helpline has proven to be a boon for women facing distress.

Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Security, Women, and Child Development, stated that the Punjab government has launched this initiative to offer round-the-clock emergency assistance to women affected by violence. She emphasized that any woman facing any form of violence or harassment can seek help by calling the Women Helpline 181.

The Cabinet Minister further shared that nearly 150 calls are received daily from women seeking help. She added that approximately 4,000 to 5,000 women benefit from the helpline every month.

She assured that any distressed woman, regardless of her location in Punjab, can reach out to the helpline for assistance. Immediate action is taken through the One Stop Centers and other departmental offices established across the state to provide necessary support. She also mentioned that the government plans to expand the helpline's reach by integrating it with newly established District Hubs dedicated to women's empowerment.

Dr. Baljit Kaur reaffirmed that the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is fully committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of women.

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Ban contractual system for sanitary workers by enacting law: Grewal urges President of India

Seeks kind intervention of President to end exploitation of safai Sewaks

Chandigarh, March 3:

Chairman of Punjab State Safai Karamchari Commission Mr. Chandan Grewal has sought kind intervention of the President of India to end contractual system of jobs for sanitary workers by enacting a law.

In a letter to the President of India Mrs. Droupadi Murmu, the Chairman has lauded her for taking several initiatives to safeguard the interests of the weaker sections of society. Drawing her attention towards the plight of poorest of poor strata of the society, he said that the safai sewaks have been hitherto ignored by successive governments at centre. Mr Chandan Grewal sought kind intervention of President for safeguarding the interests of the ambassadors of cleanliness- the sanitary workers of the country.

The Chairman said that this class of society works hard round the clock for the health and hygiene of the entire society. However, he bemoaned that unfortunately the rights of safai sewaks are not safeguarded by anyone. Mr Chandan Grewal said that some forces inimical to this section of society has introduced the contractual system of jobs amongst the sanitary workers.

The Chairman said that due to which they are regularly being exploited and in absence of regular jobs they are getting meagre salaries and there employment is insecure. He said that though Punjab has banned contractual system of jobs for sanitary workers but the situation in other parts of country is dismissal. Mr Chandan Grewal urged the kind intervention for directing the Government of India to introduce a law in the parliament of India to ban the contractual system of jobs for the sanitary workers so that their interests are secured.

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PUNJAB POLICE’S CYBER CRIME DIVISION ARRESTS MASTERMIND BEHIND FAKE WEBSITE OF MINING DEPARTMENT

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

— ACCUSED CREATED FAKE WEBSITE TO GENERATE FORGED MINING RECEIPTS, CAUSING HUGE LOSS TO STATE EXCHEQUER: DGP GAURAV YADAV

— ONE MORE ACCUSED IDENTIFIED, POLICE TEAMS ON MANHUNT TO NAB HIM: ADGP CYBERCRIME V NEERAJA

CHANDIGARH, March 3:Amidst the ongoing crackdown against cybercrime as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police’s State Cyber Crime Division has arrested the prime accused running a fake website impersonating the official website of the Punjab Government’s Mining Department to generate counterfeit receipts and forms, facilitating the movement of vehicles involved in illegal mining, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Monday.

The accused, identified as Gaurav Kumar of Kharar in SAS Nagar, has created the exact replica of the original official website of Mining Department ‘minesgeologypunjab.gov.in', thereby impersonating it as, ‘minesgeologypunjab.in'. The accused had created a fake website in November, 2024, which remained operational till January, 2025.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the fake slips even consisted of a Bar/QR Scanner code on the lines of official mining website which helped the vehicles in passing all security checks to curb illegal mining. Initial investigation revealed that the accused, in connivance with a person from Ferozepur, generated over 2000 fake mining receipts causing an estimated loss of around Rs 40-50 Lakhs to the Punjab Government exchequer, he said.

The DGP said that the website backup, along with data containing details of fake receipts, images of vehicles, mining material sources and destinations, and the computer systems used in the offence, has been recovered. Further investigation is underway to uncover the full nexus, he added.

Sharing more details, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Cybercrime Division V Neeraja the investigation began after a complaint was filed by the Chief Engineer of the Mining Department, alleging that the official website had been compromised and a fake website was being used to facilitate illegal mining activities.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the fake website was registered and hosted on GoDaddy, a US-based domain provider, she said, while adding that the Cybercrime officials, in coordination with GoDaddy’s legal authorities and various Internet Service Providers, traced the website’s creation to accused Gaurav Kumar.

She said that police teams led by DSP Cybercrime Simranjit Singh further obtained the information regarding IP Addresses and mobile numbers of the accused and conducted raids at different places leading to the arrest of accused Gaurav Kumar. Police teams have also identified the other accused person involved in this scam and raids are being conducted to nab him, she added.

ADGP V Neeraja further revealed that the information from the recovered records revealed that most of the fake mining forms generated belong to Navyug firm based in Ludhiana.

In this regard, a case FIR no. 2 dated 11/2/2025 has been registered under sections 318(4), 336(3), and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 66C, 66D, and 66 of the IT Act at Police Station State Cyber Crime, Punjab.

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“YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH”

Big action on illegal property of Drug Smuggler in Bathinda

Illegal structure acquired by drug money, razed

In a span of 7 days Illegal properties of 8 Drug smugglers razed State-wide

Chandigarh/Bathinda, March 3:The state government's ongoing "Yudh Nashian Virudh" initiative, spearheaded by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is intensifying efforts to eliminate the illegal drug trade across the State. In a span of 7 days Illegal properties of 8 Drug smugglers have been razed State-wide.

Providing an update on a significant operation where the police demolished an illegal property connected to drug trafficking in village Bir Talab of Bathinda, SSP Amneet Kondal, speaking to the media today said that in Bir Talab, a known hotspot for drug smuggling, in the district, an illegal construction was being carried out on government land, by Kulwinder Kaur, wife of Suraj, a drug trafficker.

"Suraj, who is currently incarcerated, has been involved in multiple drug-related offenses, with nine cases registered against him. His brother has also been stated booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act," SSP, in response to a media query. "We are committed to taking strict action within the boundaries of the law against anyone attempting to build properties in furtherance of the drug trade, and no drug smuggler will go unpunished."

SSP also appealed to the public, urging them to remain vigilant and report any drug-related activity they encounter in their vicinity. "We encourage citizens to contact us via our toll-free control room number 75080-09080 or at our WhatsApp number 91155-02252. Alternatively, individuals can reach out to our office directly. Rest assured, the identity of whistleblowers will be kept completely confidential."

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Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat Reviews Horticulture Progress, Directs Swift Subsidy Disbursal to Farmers

Chandigarh, March 3:Punjab Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat held a review meeting today in Chandigarh to assess the progress of various ongoing projects under the Horticulture Department.

During the meeting, the minister emphasized the need for transparent and timely disbursal of subsidies to farmers. He reviewed key departmental issues, including budget allocations, employee concerns and the promotion and appointment of officials.

Horticulture Director Mrs.Shailender Kaur briefed the minister on the department’s achievements and ongoing schemes. Stressing the government's commitment to strengthening the horticulture sector,

The Minister Mohinder Bhagat directed officials to enhance awareness campaigns about farmer-centric schemes. He also underlined the urgency of filling vacant posts and expediting promotions to improve efficiency of the horticulture sector.

The minister said that the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is continuously working to enhance the horticulture sector, ensuring better opportunities for farmers.

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Vigilance Bureau arrests private firm owner in Rs 40.85 lakh government grant misappropriation case

Chandigarh, March 3, 2025 –The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested an absconding accused Satwinder, proprietor of Amloh Enterprises and a resident of Amloh in Fatehgarh Sahib district, for his involvement in the embezzlement of Rs 40,85,175 in government grants. Satwinder was wanted in a case related to the misappropriation of funds meant for the Amloh block and various gram panchayats, in collusion with the then Block Development and Panchayats Officer (BDPO) of Fatehgarh Sahib, Kulwinder Singh Randhawa.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the VB said in this case an FIR No. 37 was registered on August 9, 2024, at the VB Police Station, Patiala Range, under Sections 409 and 120-B of the IPC, along with Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The case involves five accused, including Kulwinder Singh Randhawa, now District Development and Panchayats Officer (DDPO), who were charged with illegally diverting government funds to private firms and individuals.

The spokesperson further stated that two accused, Kulwinder Singh Randhawa and a private individual named Hanspal, have already been arrested. The VB continues its investigation and is actively pursuing the remaining accused.

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HARJOT BAINS & FINLAND AMBASSADOR INAUGURATE ONE-WEEK TRAINING PROGRAM FOR 2nd BATCH OF 72 PRIMARY TEACHERS

• BATCH WILL FURTHER DEPART TO FINLAND FOR TWO WEEK TRAINING AT UNIVERSITY OF TURKU ON MARCH 15

* BAINS DELIBERATES WITH FINLAND AMBASSADOR FOR STRENGTHENING COLLABORATION TO ELEVATE SCHOOL EDUCATION IN PUNJAB

•FINNISH AMBASSADOR KIMMO LAHDEVIRTA LAUDS PUNJAB’S TRANSFORMATIVE & PROGRESSIVE INITIATIVES IN EDUCATION SECTOR

•PUNJAB IMPLEMENTING “TRAIN THE TRAINER” PROGRAM TO FURTHER SUSTAIN & EXPAND THE IMPACT OF TRAINING, SAYS BAINS

Chandigarh, March 3:Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, along with the Finland Ambassador to India Mr. Kimmo Lahdevirta, inaugurated one-week training for 2nd batch of 72 primary school teachers here today.

After inaugurating the training program at Punjab Bhawan, S. Harjot Singh Bains said this batch of teachers will depart to Finland on March 15 for two-week training at University of Turku under the knowledge exchange program.

Discussing the successful completion of the first batch's training from October 21 to November 8 last year at University of Turku,the Education Minister held threadbare deliberations with the Finland Ambassador to India, Mr. Kimmo Lahdevirta and experts from the University of Turku to further enhance collaboration in the field of education between Punjab and Finland to elevate the standards of school education in the state. He emphasised on the further strengthening ties with the Finland, which is known for its world-class education system.

Reaffirming the commitment of Punjab Government to provide world-class education in the state, S. Bains expressed keen interest in learning from Finland's innovative educational practices, particularly in areas like elementary education, teacher training, and digital learning. He emphasised the importance of equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in today's competitive world.

Highlighting the role of international collaboration in achieving this goal, the Minister praised Punjab school teachers for adopting new methodologies that make learning more engaging, enjoyable, and effective, laying a strong foundation for the modernisation of education in the state.

S. Harjot Singh Bains outlined the state government's commitment to keeping updating the education standards, emphasising that the teacher training program is a crucial step in aligning Punjab's educational system with international standards. He reiterated the government's dedication to equipping teachers with the necessary knowledge, training and tools to foster a stress-free and engaging learning environment.

Finland's Ambassador Mr. Kimmo Lahdevirta lauded the Punjab Government's transformative and progressive initiatives in the education sector, while expressing Finland's unwavering support for educational collaboration with Punjab. He reaffirmed Finland's commitment to helping the state enhance its educational framework. He said that the exchange of best practices and knowledge would benefit both parties.

S. Harjot Singh Bains stated that the Punjab Government is also implementing a 'Train the Trainer' program to further sustain and expand the impact of the training initiative. This program empowers selected teachers to become trainers themselves, enabling them to share their knowledge with other educators and create a cascading effect that will benefit the entire primary school education system in Punjab. This approach aims to create a long-term, self-sustaining model for improving education across the state, he added.

Secretary School Education Mr. Kamal Kishor Yadav expressed appreciation for the Finnish experts' for continued support in making the training program a success. He highlighted the potential impact of this collaboration on the state's educational system. Director SCERT, Punjab Ms. Amaninder Kaur Brar expressed her gratitude towards the distinguished experts from Finland and emphasised the importance of this international collaboration in raising the standards of primary education in Punjab.

The School Education Minister also felicitated Mr. Kimmo Lahdevirta, Counsellor of Science and Higher Education at the Embassy of Finland Ms. Liisa Toivonen, Key Account Manager University of Turku Mr. Ari Koski, Chair of Global Educational Services, Faculty of Education University of Turku Ms. Kristiina Heikkila, Vice Principal of Rauma Teacher Training School, Finland Ms. Soili Norra and Senior Researcher of Department of Teacher Education Ms. Suvi Puolakka.

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DAY 3 OF ‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 70 DRUG SMUGGLERS AFTER MASSIVE CRACKDOWN, TWO CAUGHT AFTER EXCHANGE OF FIRE

— DAY LONG OPERATION LEADS TO REGISTRATION OF 48 FIRs, RECOVERY OF 4.63KG HEROIN, ₹1.32L DRUG MONEY

— POLICE TEAMS ALSO CONDUCT SEARCHES AT EIGHT JAILS IN PUNJAB

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

— AS PART OF PREVENTION, PUNJAB POLICE ALSO ORGANISING EVENTS TO SPREAD AWARENESS ABOUT DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF DRUGS

CHANDIGARH, March 3:With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state entered third day, Punjab Police on Monday arrested of 70 drug smugglers, including two after exchange of fire, and registered 48 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 403 in just three days.

Police teams have also recovered 4.63 kg heroin, 500 grams ganja, 100 grams opium, 1548 intoxicant tablets/pills/injections and Rs 1.32 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 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 said that Amritsar Rural police had apprehended accused Jagtar Singh and Angrez Singh on Saturday, seizing 1 kg of ICE (methamphetamine) and ₹1.4 lakh drug money from their possession. Following disclosures of Jagtar Singh, police teams were taking him for recovery when he attempted to escape from police custody near Defence drain Attari, prompting the police to open fire, injuring his right leg, he said, while adding that, the accused was recaptured and provided immediate medical attention.

He said that in another operation, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has apprehended a notorious drug smuggler identified as Sahil alias Neela of Faizpura in Amritsar, after a brief exchange of fire took place near Palm Garden Colony in jurisdiction of Sadar Police Station. Police teams were chasing the accused, when he opened fire at the police party, prompting police teams to retaliate, he said, while adding that police teams have recovered .32 bore pistol from his possession.

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 137 awareness events, which includes awareness camps, seminars and public meetings were organised on Sunday in all the 28 Police districts, he added.

Meanwhile, Punjab Police has also carried out search operation at eight different jails including Central Jail Patiala, New Jail Nabha, Open Jail Nabha, District Jails— Sangrur, Barnala, Bathinda, Mansa and Rupnagar, in the state to check any illegal activities in the jail. “Our Police teams have thoroughly searched every nook and corner including barracks, kitchen and toilets in the jail complex,” said Special DGP Arpit Shukla.

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