Dr. Baljit Kaur Reviews Departmental Schemes, Emphasizes Delivering Government Benefits to the Public

Minister directs officials to ensure transparency in implementation of government schemes

Says Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Government is Committed to Making Punjab a ‘Rangla Punjab’

Chandigarh, March 4:Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women, and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, conducted a high-level review meeting with senior officials of the department today. She directed the officials to ensure the efficient implementation of all government schemes so that every eligible beneficiary can avail of the benefits.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on various schemes run by the Department of Social Security, Women, and Child Development, including the Old Age Pension Scheme, Widow and Destitute Women Pension Scheme, Disability Pension Scheme, Financial Assistance for Dependent Children, and the Ashirwad Scheme. While reviewing these schemes, Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted the Punjab government's commitment to uplifting marginalized sections of society. She instructed officials to streamline processes and eliminate obstacles to ensure the prompt delivery of social security benefits.

Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur also urged officials to maintain transparency in the implementation of departmental schemes. She emphasized that any negligence in executing these schemes would not be tolerated.

Reaffirming the Punjab government’s commitment under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the government is dedicated to realizing the vision of a "Rangla Punjab." She stressed the need for the effective implementation of all social security and women and child development schemes at the grassroots level to maximize public benefits.

The meeting was attended by Special Chief Secretary of the Department of Social Security, Women, and Child Development, Raji P Shrivastava, Special Secretary (Social Security, Women, and Child Development) Keshav Hingonia, Director Shena Agarwal, and other senior department officials.

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Vigilance Bureau arrests middleman accepting Rs 3 lakh bribe for Police officials

Chandigarh, March 4, 2025 – The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption, has arrested a private individual, Dharampal, a resident of Village Asmanpur, Pehowa in Haryana, red handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 3 lakh.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the ccused has been arrested on the basis of a complainant lodged by a resident of the same village.

He further added that the complainant has approached the VB and alleged that he was being harassed and repeatedly summoned to the Patran Police Station due to a false complaint filed against him by a resident of Patran. The above said accused, Dharampal, was acting as a middleman between the complainant and certain police officials. The complainant revealed that he was being coerced into paying Rs 2 lakh as a bribe to police officials through accused Dharampal. Further demands were made for an additional Rs 4 lakh, which was later negotiated to Rs 3 lakh.

The spokesperson added that after a preliminary verification of the complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which accused Dharampal has been arrested red-handed while accepting the bribe amount of Rs 3 lakh from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a FIR has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act against the accused at VB police station Patiala range and further investigation is currently underway.

He stated that the involvement of concerned police officials in this case would be thoroughly investigated, and necessary action would be taken against those found guilty.

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Vigilance Bureau nabs Patwari red-handed accepting Rs 4,000 bribe for mutation

Chandigarh, March 4, 2025 Stepping up its crackdown on corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested Patwari Amandeep Singh, posted at Revenue Circle Boha, Tehsil Budhlada, District Mansa, for accepting a Rs 4,000 bribe to process a land mutation entry in revenue records.

A spokesperson of the VB stated that the case was registered based on a complaint filed by a resident of Boha. The complainant informed the VB that his sister had purchased 21 marlas of land in 2023 and got the sale deed registered but the mutation was yet to be recorded in official records. When he approached Patwari Amandeep Singh to process the mutation, the accused had demanded Rs 4,000 as a bribe, which the complainant recorded on his mobile phone.

The spokesperson added that following an initial inquiry into the allegations, the VB laid a trap during which the accused Patwari was caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 4000 in the presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard a case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act at the VB Police Station, Bathinda range. Further investigation to uncover any wider network of corruption is in progress, he added.

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Ensure Effective Implementation of Welfare Schemes for Ex-Servicemen and Martyred soldiers’ Families: Mohinder Bhagat to officials

Minsiter holds meeting to review departmental progress

Chandigarh, March 4:Punjab Defence Services Welfare Minister Mr.Mohinder Bhagat held a review meeting at his office in Chandigarh to assess the ongoing welfare schemes for martyrs’ families, ex-servicemen and their dependents.

During the meeting, the minister reviewed the implementation of various government schemes aimed at the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families. He also discussed the agenda for the upcoming events and took stock of the quarterly District Sainik Board meetings being conducted under the respective Deputy Commissioners across Punjab.

Emphasizing effective execution of schemes, Mr. Bhagat directed officials to ensure that government welfare schemes reach the beneficiaries efficiently at the grassroots level. He also instructed measures to improve the quality of Sainik Rest Houses across the state.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Defence Services welfare J.M. Bala Murugan, Director of Defence Services Welfare, Brig. Bhupinder Singh Dhillon and Deputy Director (Headquarters) Commander Baljinder Singh Virk among other senior officials.

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War Against Drugs:

Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond Warns Drug Traffickers to Leave Punjab

Sond criticizes previous governments for failing to take action against drugs.

Over 6,500 major and 45,000 minor drug traffickers arrested so far, with ₹612 crore worth of property confiscated.

Administrative officers in Fatehgarh Sahib directed to prepare a roadmap for complete eradication of drugs in the district.

Appeal to all officials to provide full support to the Punjab Government’s declared war on drugs.

Chandigarh/Fatehgarh Sahib, March 4:Under Punjab Government’s mission “War Against Drugs”, Cabinet Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Industry and Commerce, Investment Promotion, Labour, Tourism, and Cultural Affairs, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, held a special meeting with the Fatehgarh Sahib, district’s civil and police administration officials at the Bachat Bhawan today.

Addressing the meeting, Minister Sond stated that Punjab has no place for drug traffickers who are destroying the youth. He directed officials to create a master plan to eradicate drugs from the land of martyrs, Fatehgarh Sahib, and launch an extensive awareness campaign in schools and colleges to educate youth about the harmful effects of drugs, ensuring that future generations do not fall into its grip. He also instructed officials to launch a district-level drug helpline number.

Before the meeting, Cabinet Minister Sond paid obeisance at Gurdwara Sahib and prayed for the success of the war against drugs.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Sond highlighted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has arrested over 6,500 major and 45,000 minor drug traffickers in the last three years, registering more than 30,000 cases under the NDPS Act since 2022. To break the nexus between police officers and drug traffickers, over 10,000 police personnel have been transferred.

He also revealed that the current government has seized ₹612 crore worth of drug traffickers’ property, compared to just ₹142 crore confiscated by previous governments. Additionally, 1,128 kg of heroin has been recovered so far, whereas the previous government had seized only 197 kg.

Minister Sond criticized previous governments for allowing drugs to spread and even facilitating their distribution. He assured that to curb drug smuggling from Pakistan, the Punjab Government will hold meetings with senior BSF officials to dismantle this network.

He urged district officials to treat drug eradication as their social responsibility and assured them of the government’s full support. He encouraged them to act fearlessly in the fight against drugs.

Furthermore, he directed that village panchayats should be involved in this mission, and awareness should be spread among people to report drug traffickers without fear, with full confidentiality of their identity.

Among those present at the meeting were MLAs Advocate Lakhbir Singh Rai (Fatehgarh Sahib), Rupinder Singh Happy (Bassi Pathana), and Gurinder Singh Gary Baring (Amloh), along with Deputy Commissioner Dr. Sona Thind, SSP Shubham Agarwal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Surinder Singh Dhaliwal, SP (D) Rakesh Yadav, SDM Amloh Chetan Bangar, SDM Bassi Pathana Harbir Kaur, SDM Khamano Manreet Rana, and officials from various departments.

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Punjab Becomes the First State in India to Implement a Digital Mining Management System: Barinder Kumar Goyal

Punjab Government Signs Historic MoU with IIT Ropar

Illegal Mining Will No Longer Be Tolerated in Punjab: Barinder Kumar Goyal

Historic Mining Reforms by Punjab Government to Bring Major Economic Benefits: Mining and Geology Minister

Chandigarh, March 4 Under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar in the presence of Mining and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal. This MoU aims to establish a Centre of Excellence for Mining and Geology in Punjab.

Disclosing this in a press communique Mr. Barinder Kumar Goyal, Mining and Geology Minister said that this Centre of Excellence will play a crucial role in strengthening the scientific assessment and monitoring of mining activities in the state. He said that by utilizing advanced technologies like SONAR and LiDAR, the center will assist in accurately determining the quantity of minor minerals and conducting pre- and post-mining surveys. Additionally, it will aid the department in conducting surveys before and after the monsoon season, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of riverbeds and mining sites.

Cabinet Minister Mr. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that Punjab has become the first state in India to implement a Digital Mining Management System. The newly established center in Ropar will ensure scientific and transparent evaluation of mineral resources, contributing to increased government revenue. He emphasized that these technological advancements will help curb illegal mining activities and prevent financial losses, making Punjab’s mining sector more structured and sustainable. The Minister said that beyond monitoring, the center will also develop district survey reports and mining plans, enhancing the efficiency of mining operations in the state. This MoU will be enforce for five years.

Mr. Goyal reiterated that today is a significant day for mining officials, the Punjab government, and the people of Punjab. He said that to combat illegal mining, the government will conduct satellite surveys, drone surveys, and ground surveys.

The Cabinet Minister further said that the system will function entirely online, with daily data updates and clear accountability for officials. The collected data will help track both legal and illegal sand extraction at mining sites. Additionally, the system will provide insights into sand deposits in dams—determining the levels before and after the monsoon.

Mr. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that with this system, the exact number of active legal and illegal mining sites will be identified. The data provided by the center will assist in managing sand deposits in rivers before the monsoon, ensuring effective flood prevention measures. The system will measure subsurface sand and gravel deposits every 20 meters, helping protect villages from flooding.

He said that dams and rivers that previously caused flooding and hardships for people will now become valuable resources for Punjab. This initiative will protect farmers’ lands from floods, providing significant relief to the agricultural community. Additionally, it will eliminate the exploitation and corruption by contractors, ensuring a fair system.

Minister Goyal has also issued clear directives to officials that these measures should not remain limited to paperwork. He instructed all officers to conduct field visits, hold regular meetings, and manage the mining sector with complete honesty and transparency.

"This agreement is a major step toward eliminating past mismanagement and ensuring that people get sand at fair and reasonable prices." added the Minister. The digital module will enhance efficiency, bring transparency to site evaluations, and ensure real-time monitoring while complying with environmental regulations.

Prominent amongst other who were present during the event included Secretary of Geology, Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh; Chief Engineer of Drainage and Mining, Dr. Harinder Pal Singh Bedi; all district mining officers; Dean of IIT Ropar, Sarang Gumfekar; and Professor Dr. Reet Kamal Tiwari.

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Legitimate demands of different employees unions to be fulfilled at the earliest, Says Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal

Chandigarh, 4 March 2025:The Cabinet Sub Committee meeting was held today at Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh to address the legitimate issues of different employees unions. This meeting was chaired by Cabinet Minister S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal. The Cabinet Ministers Hardeep Singh Mundian and Harbhajan Singh ETO were also present during the meeting.

Dhaliwal personally heard the demands of different employee unions and directed the concerned officers to make a policy for the regularization of outsourced employees after taking legal advice from the Advocate General, Punjab and release the pending salaries of outsourced employees till 31, March 2025. He asked the concerned officers to start the process for the recruitment of backlog posts of disabled persons.

The Cabinet Sub Committee meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere with different employees associations. Dhaliwal gave assurance to different employees associations that their legitimate demands would be fulfilled at the earliest and directed the officers to expedite their file work and find out where the files are lying pending.

Ajoy Kumar Sinha, Principal Secretary Power, Nilkanth.S.Avhad Principal Secretary Water Supply and Sanitation, Amit Talwar, Special Secretary Water Supply and Sanitation, Director General School Education Vinay Bublani, Paramjit Singh, Director School Education, Kiran Sharma, Deputy Secretary General Administration, Anand Sagar, Joint Secretary, Department of Social Security and Women & Child Development, Jasbir Singh, Director Administration of PSPCL and many other officers were present in the meeting.

3704 Adhyapak Union Deputy Commissioner Sangrur, Samuh Mur Bahal Kache Adhyapak Union, Meritorious Teachers Union Deputy Commissioner Sangrur, Adhyapak Union Deputy Commissioner Sangrur who have completed 10 years of service, Vishesh Adhyapak Union(SDM Mohali), Computer Adhyapak Union Punjab and Computer Adhyapak Bhuk Hartal Sangharsh Committee(SDM Mohali), Punjab Naterheen Yuvak Association(NYA) and Theka Mulazim Sangharsh Committee Punjab(Water Supply), Powercom and Transco Theka Mulazam Union were present in this meeting.

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‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: PUNJAB POLICE CONDUCTS CHECKING OF 164 PHARMACEUTICAL SHOPS

— PUNJAB POLICE RAIDS 524 SITES ON DAY 4; 69 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 53 FIRs, RECOVERY OF 1.5KG HEROIN, ₹1.33L DRUG MONEY

— OVER 250 POLICE TEAMS LED BY 101 SP/DSP RANK OFFICERS CHECKED 627 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA

CHANDIGARH, March 4:Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the fourth day, Punjab Police on Tuesday inspected as many as 164 pharmaceutical shops to ensure that they are not selling intoxicant tablets or any other habit-forming drugs, and are adhering to the prescribed norms and regulations regarding the sale of medicines.

The checking was conducted in six districts including Hoshiarpur, SBS Nagar, Jalandhar Rural, Commissionerate Jalandhar, Kapurthala and Rupnagar.

Apart from this, Police teams have continued its cordon and search operation (CASO) against drugs and conducted raids at 524 locations on Tuesday leading to the arrest of 69 drug smugglers after registration of 53 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 472 in just four days.

The raids have resulted in recovery of 1.5 kg heroin, 100 grams opium, 7610 intoxicant tablets/pills/injections and Rs 1.33 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 informed that over 250 Police teams, comprising over 1900 police personnel, under the supervision of 101 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 627 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 ‘De-addiction’ has convinced three persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, while, organised 161 awareness events across the state on Tuesday as part of Prevention.

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Anti Drug Cabinet Sub-Committee takes trial of Anti Drone Technology to combat trans border drug smuggling

Punjab Police to Get Cutting-Edge Anti-Drone Technology soon: Harpal Singh Cheema

Initiative to further strengthen the state's second line of defence: Aman Arora

Three Companies Give Demo of Their Anti-Drone Systems at PCA Stadium Mullanpur

Chandigarh, March 4-The Chairman of the cabinet sub-committee formed to run campaign 'Yudh Nashe de Virudh', Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday announced that the Punjab Police would soon be equipped with cutting edge Anti-Drone Technology to intercept transborder drug smuggling under the decisive war launched by the Punjab Government against the menace of drugs.

The announcement follows a demonstration event organized by the Punjab Police at PCA Stadium, Mullanpur, where three companies from public and private sector showcased their cutting-edge anti-drone solutions. The event was attended by Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema and Aman Arora, Director General of Police, Punjab Gaurav Yadav, and a number of senior civil and police officials.

Addressing the media on this occasion, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that all the three companies had demonstrated their cutting-edge technology designed to counter drone-based cross-border smuggling of narcotics, arms, and explosives at the challenging border with Pakistan. He that the anti-drone technologies showcased included portable, mobile, and stationary solutions, each capable of intercepting drones at varying distances. He said that these technologies are designed to disrupt the drone movement thus breaking the cross-border drug supply chain. He said that this initiative would significantly strengthen the state government's Yudh Nashian Virudh Campaign aimed at eradicating the scourge of drugs.

Expressing gratitude towards Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for authorizing the acquisition of the latest anti-drone technology from both public sector undertakings and private firms, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Punjab Police experts, in consultation with central security agencies, would soon finalize the procurement of the most effective systems.

Meanwhile, responding to a media query, Punjab Cabinet Minister and state President of the Aam Aadmi Party, Aman Arora, said that it is the primary responsibility of the Union Government to halt cross-border smuggling of drugs and arms, as the 50-kilometer area along the international border falls under the jurisdiction of the BSF, however, their past efforts have not yielded 100 percent success. He said that the aim of this initiative is to further strengthen the state's second line of defence to effectively counter the nefarious designs of cross-border terrorism, particularly narco-terrorism.

He highlighted that the state has launched a comprehensive 360-degree action plan against drug traffickers and assured that there would be no shortage of funds to ensure the safety and security of the people of Punjab. He added that the campaign to eradicate the drug trade has been launched in line with the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP Convener Arvind Kejriwal.

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YUDH NASHYA VIRUDH-

Bulldozer action in Ludhiana against drug smugglers; Total 9 illegal properties razed till date state wide

Punjab Police demolish illegal structures of two drug smugglers in Talwandi Kalan village

Houses built by encroaching railway land, Accused facing multiple drug cases

Chandigarh/Ludhiana, March 4*In a continued effort to combat drug smuggling and their illegal encroachments Under “Yudh Nashya Virudh” programme, the Ludhiana Commissionerate Police, in collaboration with railway authorities, have demolished unauthorized structures built on encroached railway land in Talwandi Kalan village of the district, by two smugglers.

The structures were illegally occupied by two drug smugglers, both of whom are facing multiple cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Jaskiranjeet Singh Teja provided details during a media briefing, explaining that the demolition was conducted at the request of the railway department, which sought police assistance to remove the illegal encroachments.

According to official records, one of the accused, Rani, is a notorious drug smuggler facing five NDPS Act cases, while Shinder Pal, also known as Nikka, is implicated in nine such drug cases.

DCP Teja stated that police, along with railway officials, ensured that the demolition was carried out smoothly, with sufficient personnel deployed to prevent any disturbances. Authorities confirmed that the land rightfully belongs to the railway and had been unlawfully occupied by the accused. The railway department has provided a list of 32 encroachments on its land in Ludhiana.

Teja reiterated Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab government’s commitment to taking strict action against individuals involved in the drug trade. He assured the public that no one would be spared until the drug menace is completely eradicated, pledging the most severe penalties for peddlers. He added that there will be no leniency for those engaged in drug trafficking.

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Jalalabad farmers get Rs.28-CR Gift, Water Resources Minister Brinder Kumar Goyal inaugurates canal and lays foundation stone of another

- Farmers to receive abundant irrigation Water

- One project stalled for 4 decades, another canal blocked for 5.5 decades

- Says, pilot project to be set up to eliminate water-logging

- Punjab Government working in public interest: MLA Jagdeep Kamboj Goldi

Chandigarh/Jalalabad, 4 March:Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government Government today presented a Rs.28 crore gift to farmers of the Jalalabad Assembly constituency as Water Resources Minister Brinder Kumar Goyal dedicated a new canal to the public and laid the foundation stone for another canal. He was accompanied by MLA Jagdeep Kamboj Goldi.

Addressing the gathering, Cabinet Minister Brinder Kumar Goyal said the Suhele Wala Rajbaha Main Branch canal, which earlier had a capacity of 11.55 cusecs, has now been increased to 36.35 cusecs. Its previous length of 3.33 kilometers has been extended to 13.96 kilometers. He said that this project was stalled for 40 years, and previous dispensations paid no attention to the farmers' major demand. However, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has completed the construction of this canal.

The Cabinet Minister informed that this canal will enable irrigation for 5500 acres across 9 villages, providing water to farmers of villages including Chak Suhele Wala, Chak Janishar, Laddhu Wala Uttar, Chak Dhab Khushhal Johian, Chak Panj Kohi, Chak Kabar Wala, Chak Ghulam Rasul Wala, Chak Balochaan and Bahmani Wala. Along with the canal's construction, facilities for underground pipelines have been provided for bridges, siphons, regulators and canal crossings, said the Cabinet Minister, adding that the state government has spent Rs.23.06 crore on the construction of this canal.

Similarly, the Cabinet Minister laid the foundation stone for the Chaudhry Minor at Village Tahliwala Bodla. This minor canal, which has been closed since 1969, will have a total length of 5 kilometers and a capacity of 18.26 cusecs. The government will spend Rs 5.18 crore on the construction of this canal, which will benefit villages like Ghatianwali Jattan, Ghatianwali Bodlan, Chahla, Tahliwala Bodlan, Singhpura and Islam Wala, providing canal water to 2,743 acres.

The Cabinet Minister lamented, "previous governments only did politics in the name of irrigation water but made no efforts to ensure water reach farms, saying that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is committed to providing full water supply to the tail-end. When canal water reaches the fields, it will also help conserve groundwater, he added.

The Cabinet Minister also informed that a project worth over Rs.27 crore has been initiated in the Arniwala area to eliminate water logging, with water logging to be eliminated from 29 villages in two years.

While addressing, MLA Jagdeep Kamboj Goldy said that Mann government is continuously making efforts in the interest of the people and projects that were pending for decades are being completed.

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-War on Drugs-

Accountability of private drug de-addiction centers will be fixed— Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh

Either give up drug business or leave Punjab, Health Minister to drug peddlers

Cabinet Minister Dr. Balbir Singh gave a stern warning to drug peddlers

Health and Family Welfare Minister inquired about the condition of patients admitted at the government rehabilitation center

Hold a meeting with the managers of private drug de-addiction centers

Chandigarh/Fatehgarh Sahib, March 4:The "War on Drugs" campaign launched by the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to make the state drug-free will play a decisive role in making Punjab drug-free state, and people from every section of society should also cooperate to eradicate drugs.

These views were expressed by Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh while talking to the media after holding a meeting with the managers of private drug de-addiction centers of the district at the Government Rehabilitation Center located at Brahman Majra.

Dr. Balbir Singh gave a stern warning to the drug dealers and said that they should either give up the drug trafficking or leave Punjab. He said that we have to save the youth of the state, and those who pushed the youth of Punjab on the wrong path will not be spared under any circumstances. He also said that strict action will also be taken regarding the properties built by drug peddlers so that no one can trap the youth of Punjab in drugs again.

Dr. Singh said that in the campaign to create a drug-free society, the accountability of private drug de-addiction centers will be fixed, and it will be necessary for the managers of these centers to show their report card on how many drug addicts have been rehablitated. Issuing strict instructions to the managers of private drug de-addiction centers, the health minister said that these centers are running for drug de-addiction, not to sell narcotic pills.

Dr. Singh said that he will personally keep a close eye on the functioning of these centers, and ensure time to time checking of these centers. He said that if the matter of the sale of narcotic pills outside any private drug de-addiction center comes to his notice, strict action will be taken against the managers of the concerned center. He also inquired about psychiatrists from the managers of private drug de-addiction centers.

The Health Minister said that the Punjab government has been taking several steps to de-addict drug addicts and bring them into the mainstream of society. He said that in the war against drugs campaign, the government will also provide vocational training to the drug addicts, and after the training, they will be given loans under various government schemes for their self-employment.

The health minister urged women of the state that if any member of a family is trapped in the swamp of drugs, then they should bring that him to the government drug de-addiction center, and sternous efforts will be made to bring them into mainstream for their healthy and prosperous life.

On the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Sona Thind, SSP Mr. Shubham Agarwal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Mr. Surinder Singh Dhaliwal, SDM Fatehgarh Sahib Mr. Arvind Gupta, Civil Surgeon Dr. Davinderjit Kaur, Deputy Medical Commissioner Dr. Sarita, District Vaccination Officer Dr. Rajesh Kumar, and other officials were also present.

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

Four accused arrested so far, one accused absconding

Chandigarh, March 4, 2025 – The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested an another absconding accused Rajat Jakhmi, proprietor of Rajat Enterprises Nabha in Patiala district, for his involvement in the embezzlement of Rs 40,85,175 in government grants. He was wanted in a case related to the misappropriation of funds meant for various gram panchayats in Amloh block, 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 VB police station Patiala range under sections 409 and 120-B of the IPC, along with Sections 13(1) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. In this case five accused have been involved, including Kulwinder Singh Randhawa, now District Development and Panchayats Officer (DDPO), who had illegally diverted government funds to private firms and individuals.

The spokesperson further stated that in this case three accused, Kulwinder Singh Randhawa, a private individual named Hanspal, and Satwinder, owner of Amloh Enterprises have already been arrested. Further investigation into this case was under progress and VB team is pursuing the remaining accused, he added.

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Vigilance Bureau nabs Patwari, his accomplice red-handed accepting Rs 20000 bribe

Chandigarh, March 4, 2025 –The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, on Tuesday, arrested Patwari Ashok Kumar, posted at Revenue Halqua Shamdo, Tehsil Rajpura in Patiala district, and his acquaintance Gurjit Singh for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 20000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the VB said the case has been registered based on a complaint filed by a resident of village Sheikhpura Rajputan, Patiala district. The complainant has approached the VB and alleged that aforementioned Patwari and his middleman had demanded Rs 20000 as a bribe to make corrections in ‘Jamabandi’ record pertaining to his land.

The spokesperson added that following an initial inquiry into the allegations, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused Patwari and his agent were caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 20000 in the presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard a case has been registered against both the accused under the Prevention of Corruption Act at the VB Police Station, Patiala range. Further investigation to uncover any wider network of corruption is in progress, he added.

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