PUNJAB AND UAE EXPLORE BILATERAL TRADE OPPORTUNITIES

UAE AMBASSADOR CALLS ON CM, DISCUSSES TRADE, COMMERCE & AIR CONNECTIVITY

CM TO TAKE UP DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM AMRITSAR & CHANDIGARH TO UAE WITH GOI

Chandigarh, March 13:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann held a significant meeting with UAE Ambassador to India, H.E. Dr. Abdulnasser Jamal Alshaali, to discuss avenues for strengthening bilateral trade, investment and cultural exchange between Punjab and the UAE.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister showcased Punjab as a land of opportunities, highlighting its strong agricultural base, industrial potential and rapidly growing business ecosystem. He emphasized that Punjab and the UAE share a natural synergy in trade and commerce, which can be leveraged for mutual benefit.

CM Punjab pointed out Punjab’s stronghold in food production, dairy, and agri-processing, stating that Punjab can play a pivotal role in meeting UAE’s food security needs. He also underlined the potential for collaboration in IT, logistics, healthcare, and education, which can create new economic opportunities for both regions.

To give structured direction to future collaborations, it was proposed to establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) that will assess and explore potential areas of mutual interest and formulate strategies for enhancing trade and investments.

A key issue raised during the discussion was the need for direct air connectivity between Punjab and UAE cities. The UAE Ambassador emphasized the importance of additional direct flights from Amritsar and Chandigarh (Mohali) airports to UAE to facilitate trade, investment, and tourism.

Responding to this, CM Bhagwant Mann assured that he will take up the matter with the Union Civil Aviation Minister in the coming days, seeking approval for direct flight through UAE-based airlines. He stressed that enhanced connectivity will boost trade, tourism, and ease of travel for thousands of NRIs, businesspersons, and professionals from Punjab.

The Chief Minister further stated that better air connectivity would not only strengthen economic ties but also reduce the logistical challenges faced by travelers, who currently have to travel to Delhi for UAE-bound flights. He expressed optimism that resolving this issue will unlock greater economic potential between Punjab and the UAE.

The meeting concluded with a shared vision for expanding economic engagement and deepening Punjab-UAE relations, focusing on long-term trade and investment partnerships.

The meeting was attended by Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Additional Chief Secretary Tejveer Singh, CEO Invest Punjab Amit Dhaka, and other senior officials of the Punjab Government.

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Led by CM, Cabinet approves summoning of Budget session from March 21

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Punjab Govt to streamline environmental Clearances in mining sector: Brinder Kumar Goyal

Mining and Geology Minister presides over urgent meeting with State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority, Punjab Pollution Control Board and Mining Department officials; directs to streamline and timely approvals*

*Mann government committed to revitalizing the state's brick kiln industry: Brinder Kumar Goyal

Chandigarh, March 13:Punjab Mining and Geology Minister Sh. Brinder Kumar Goyal said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government will simplify the process of environmental Clearances in the mining sector to ensure easy availability of minor minerals for the state residents.

Sh. Brinder Kumar Goyal, while presiding over an urgent meeting with officials of the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) and Mining Department, directed to complete the necessary processes at the earliest.

While stating that the farmers face hassles in obtaining environmental clearances from these three departments to excavate soil from their land, the Cabinet Minister instructed officials to ensure that environmental clearancess for farmers to level fields or remove soil are provided before crop harvesting, allowing them to excavate soil or level fields immediately after harvest and sow the next crop on time.

Sh. Goyal said this approach would also help revitalize the state's brick kiln industry through local soil availability. He said that the brick kiln industry plays a vital role in the state's infrastructure development as bricks are essential for all types of construction. "This decision would also ensure that state residents have access to bricks at affordable prices", he added.

The Mining and Geology Minister further directed officials to eliminate all unnecessary conditions that waste time for farmers and brick kiln owners and to implement an online system for all type of approvals.

The Cabinet Minister said that directions have also been issued to regularize 104 new mining sites in the state and implement transparent policies for the crusher industry. He said the Mann Government is committed to reduce brick kiln owners' dependence on other states for soil. This would not only provide soil to brick kiln owners at affordable rates but also make bricks available to the state's residents at lower prices, said the Cabinet Minister.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Secretary Mining S. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority Chairman Mr. Jatinder Kumar, Punjab Pollution Control Board Chairman Dr. Adarsh Pal Vig.

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PUNJAB GOVT DISBURSES ₹4.34-CR TO 9500 FARMERS UNDER DSR SCHEME TO PROMOTE WATER CONSERVATION

CM Mann led Govt committed to save precious ground water, says Gurmeet Singh Khudian

•Remaining amount of DSR scheme to be transferred within this month, says Agriculture Minister

Chandigarh, March 13:Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has transferred Rs. 4.34 Crore into the bank accounts of over 9500 farmers under the first phase of the Direct Sowing of Rice (DSR) initiative for the Kharif 2024 season.

Disclosing this here today, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that during kharif 2024, over 24000 farmers have registered 2.53 lakh acres on the DSR portal. After the verification done by concerned district officials, the Agriculture department transferred Rs. 4.34 crore into the bank accounts of over 9500 beneficiary farmers under the first phase.

S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has been encouraging farmers to adopt DSR to save depleting groundwater. The state government has been providing an incentive amount of Rs 1500 per acre for the farmers who would sow paddy directly (without transplanting). This amount has been directly transferred to the farmers' accounts through Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT).

S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the remaining amount of DSR will also be transferred into the beneficiary farmers’ bank account within this month.

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Punjab Government Releases ₹19.65 Crore for Beneficiaries from Scheduled Castes: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Benefits to Reach 3,853 Beneficiaries in 16 Districts Under Ashirwad Scheme

Financial Assistance of ₹51,000 Provided to Beneficiaries Under the Scheme

Chandigarh, March 13:The Punjab Government has released ₹19.65 crore under the Ashirwad Scheme for 3,853 beneficiaries from Scheduled Castes during the ongoing financial year 2024-25. This was announced by the Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur.

Providing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that applications from 3,853 beneficiaries belonging to Scheduled Castes were received through the Ashirwad Portal from 16 districts, including Barnala, Bathinda, Faridkot, Ferozepur, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Mansa, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Patiala, Pathankot, SAS Nagar, Sangrur, Malerkotla, and Tarn Taran. To cover these beneficiaries, a total amount of ₹19.65 crore has been released.

The Social Justice Minister informed that the financial assistance has been distributed as follows: 121 beneficiaries from Barnala, 75 from Bathinda, 89 from Faridkot, 105 from Ferozepur, 108 from Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, 554 from Gurdaspur, 325 from Hoshiarpur, 220 from Jalandhar, 142 from Mansa, 235 from Sri Muktsar Sahib, 198 from Patiala, 230 from Pathankot, 147 from SAS Nagar, 131 from Sangrur, 23 from Malerkotla, and 1,150 from Tarn Taran.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further stated that under the Ashirwad Scheme, the Punjab Government provides financial assistance of ₹51,000 for the marriage of girls belonging to low-income families in the state.

The Cabinet Minister emphasized that to avail of the benefits under the Ashirwad Scheme, the applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab, belong to a family living below the poverty line, and be from the Scheduled Caste, Backward Classes, or other economically weaker sections. The total annual family income from all sources should not exceed ₹32,790. Each eligible family can avail of this benefit for up to two daughters.

She further mentioned that the financial assistance is directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts. She reiterated that the Punjab Government is working rapidly to improve the living standards of all sections of society and strengthen them economically.

Dr. Baljit Kaur affirmed that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government remains committed to the welfare of all communities, especially the Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and economically weaker sections.

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PUNJAB INKS MOU WITH IOC FOR SUPPLYING DIESEL TO GOVERNMENT BUSES IN PRESENCE OF TRANSPORT MINISTER LALJIT SINGH BHULLAR

AGREEMENT TO SAVE RS.90-CR OVER FIVE YEARS: LALJIT SINGH BHULLAR

SAYS, MANN GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO ENSURE SAFE, SECURE AND COMFORTABLE TRAVEL FOR PASSENGERS

Chandigarh, March 13:In a significant step towards fiscal prudence and efficient resource management, the Punjab Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), in the presence of the Transport Minister S Laljit Singh Bhullar, for the supply of diesel to Punjab Roadways/PUNBUS buses for the next five years.

Briefing the media persons here at Punjab Bhawan after the signing of MoU ceremony, S. Laljit Singh Bhullar informed that this agreement would save the state exchequer approximately Rs.90 crore over its duration.

The MoU was formally exchanged between Sh. Rajiv Kumar Gupta, Director State Transport-cum-Managing Director of PUNBUS and Ashutosh Gupta, Executive Director and State Head of IOC, in the presence of Punjab Transport Minister Sh. Laljit Singh Bhullar.

S. Bhullar informed that the agreement has increased discount and IOC has offered price in tune of Rs.2550 per kilo litre. This is an increase of Rs.570 per kilo litre compared to the previous agreement signed in 2019, which provided a discount of Rs.1980 per kilo litre.

The Cabinet Minister said that the agreement will save Punjab Roadways approximately Rs.9 crore annually. A similar MoU is soon to be signed with Punjab Road Transport Corporation (PRTC), which will result in an additional annual saving of Rs.9 crore, bringing the total annual savings to ₹18 crore. And, this saving will be Rs.90 crore in five years, he added.

S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said that this decision of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is reflecting our focus on fiscal responsibility and efficient utilization of resources. "We are dedicated to providing high-class, passenger-friendly services while saving public funds", he categorically added.

Mr. D.K. Tiwari, Additional Chief Secretary, Transport said that this MoU is a result of extensive discussions and negotiations, which will save huge amount in next five years.

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Yudh Nashian Virudh; 1259 FIRs filed, 1758 persons arrested so far- Harpal Singh Cheema

Bulldozer runs over illegal properties of 29 drug smugglers

Narcotics including 81 kg heroin, 970 kg poppy husk, 51 kg opium and 7,06,714 banned drugs seized

Cabinet Sub-Committee to Meet on March 14 to Review & Further Enhance Effectiveness of Yudh Nashian Virudh Campaign

Chandigarh, March 13-Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign and Punjab Finance Minister, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, announced today that the state's crusade against drugs has yielded significant results. He said that 1259 FIRs have been filed and 1758 individuals have been arrested since March 1 as part of the campaign launched by the Punjab government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to deal a final blow to drug trafficking.

Addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the authorities have also demolished the illegal properties of 29 drug smugglers using bulldozers, sending a strong message against the illicit drug trade. He said that a significant amount of drug money, totalling Rs 60 lakh, has been successfully recovered so far under the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign.

“In addition to the monetary seizures, a substantial haul of narcotic substances has been confiscated, including 81 kg of Heroin, 970 kg of Poppy Husk, 51 kg of Opium, 10 kg of Ganja, 4 kg of Charas, 1 kg of Ice, and 7,06,714 banned pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, 22 two-wheelers, 4 cars, 12 pistols, and 8 mobile phones have also been recovered from the individuals apprehended in connection with these cases”, said Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.

Emphasizing the need for collective societal effort, Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign is not just limited to enforcement but also emphasizes community engagement and preventive measures. He said that a concerted drive to involve students and village panchayats has been launched. A total of 1028 meetings with students and 122 SAMPARK meetings with community members have been conducted to raise awareness and foster active participation in combating drug abuse.

As part of the strategic planning to enhance the effectiveness of the campaign, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced an upcoming meeting of the Yudh Nashian Virudh Cabinet Sub-Committee. Scheduled to take place on March 14. He said that this meeting will focus on evaluating ongoing efforts and devising measures to make the campaign even more impactful and swift.

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Punjab Government To Strengthen Regional Spinal Injuries Centre

Mohali-Minister Dr Baljit KaAssures immediate release of Rs 3 Crore for construction of SecondFloor of the Centre

Minister Dr Baljit Kaur Visits Regional Spinal Injuries Centre, Mohali

Chandigarh/SAS Nagar, March 13, 2025:Punjab Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr Baljit Kaur said that as per the commitment of Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the State Government will strengthen the Regional Spinal Injuries Centre, Sector 70, Mohali by equipping it with more facilities.

Today, while visiting the Institute being assisted by the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Punjab, annually with a financial grant of Rs 2 Crore, she said that this institute having specialty in treatment of spinal injuries with the expertise and services of renowned spinal surgeon and Project Director, Dr Raj Bahadur, caters patients from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh. She said that around 50 surgeries in Spinal Injuries and Urology problems, done in a month besides an OPD of 100 patients daily.

Dr Baljit Kaur said that the motive of today’s visit was to explore the further improvements here by interacting with Dr Raj Bahadur, other doctors and staff and patients undergoing treatment here. She said that apart from Dr Raj Bahadur, former head of the department of Urology from Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh, Dr Vidur Bhalla also giving services here these days.

As per the demand of Dr Raj Bahadur, the Minister assured immediate release of Rs 3 Crore for starting construction of Second Floor to add more bedding capacity at the centre. Acknowledging the request of Project Director Dr Raj, the Cabinet Minister said that the enhancement in existing Rs 2 Crore annual financial support is under consideration of the State Government.

Taking a visit to the Spinal Injuries Centre, Dr Baljit Kaur inspected the X RAY and MRI Rooms besides the ICU and High Dependency Unit of the Centre. She said that the centre is working under the leadership of Dr Raj Bahadur excellently and the charges for surgery are very nominal as compared to Private health facilities. She applauded Dr Raj Bahadur and his team for hard work and care being shown towards the patients coming here across the northern region. She also interacted with the patients and took feedback from them.

The officials present there included Madhu Puri, Deputy Director Technical Facilities of the Centre, Amarjit Singh Bhullar Deputy Director, Department of Social Security, DSP Ajit Pal Singh, Tehsildar Gurwinder Kaur, District Social Security Officer, Amrit Bala.

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District Administration Demolishes House of Drug Smuggler Ajay Kumar Billi

Chandigarh/Amritsar, March 13: In a continued crackdown on drug traffickers, the district administration of Amritsar demolished the house of notorious drug smuggler Ajay Kumar Billi today. This action is part of the war against drugs launched by Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Police Commissioner S. Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, who oversaw the demolition, warned that anyone involved in illegal activities will face strict action. He said that five cases have been registered against Ajay Kumar in different police stations, including a case under the NDPS Act.

Bhullar emphasized that the district administration will continue to take action against drug traffickers until they either reform or leave Punjab. He stressed the importance of protecting the youth from the harmful effects of drug trafficking.

The demolition was carried out using a JCB machine and workers. DCP Shri Alam Vijay Singh, ADCP Shri Vishaljit Singh, and other senior police officers were present on the occasion.

This action demonstrates the Punjab government's commitment to eradicating drug trafficking and ensuring a safer environment for its citizens.

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PUNJAB CRACKS DOWN ON SUBSTANDARD AGRICULTURAL INPUTS: EXPIRED FERTILISERS SEIZED IN FAZILKA, COMPLAINT FILED AGAINST UNLICENSED SEED DEALER IN MALERKOTLA

•Samples sent to laboratory for testing and strict action to be taken under Fertiliser Control Order 1985, says Gurmeet Singh Khudian

• Notice issued to Panjawa Model Cooperative Society's Secretary, Deputy Registrar Cooperative Societies, Fazilka and concerned fertiliser companies

Chandigarh, March 13:In a major crackdown on uncertified and substandard agricultural inputs, the Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department has seized 111 bags of expired fertilisers during a raid in Fazilka district and filed a complaint against an unlicensed seed dealer in Malerkotla for violating the Seed (Control) Order 1983 and the Seed Rules 1968.

Disclosing this here today, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that a team led by the Chief Agriculture Officer, Fazilka, seized 111 bags of expired fertilisers at the Panjawa Model Cooperative Agriculture Service Society Limited. The team discovered the expired fertilisers during a raid as part of a routine inspection of the society's godown, he added.

He said that the team has sealed 25 bags of Hindustan Bec. Tech India Pvt. Ltd. (Potash Mobilising Bacteria), 45 bags of Malwa Industrial & Marketing Fertilisers & Chemicals Cooperative Society Ltd. (MIFCO) (Potash 14.5), 31 bags of HINDUSTAN Bec. Tech India Pvt. Ltd. (CorgoGypsum), and 10 bags of Malwa Industrial & Marketing Fertilisers & Chemicals Cooperative Society Ltd (MIFCO) (Mycorrhiza).

Additionally, the team also found gypsum fertiliser stored alongside urea fertiliser in the society's second godown. The team took possession of the stock registers and collected a sample of urea fertiliser for testing at the fertiliser testing laboratory, said the Agriculture Minister, while adding that based on test reports, appropriate action will be taken under the Fertiliser Control Order 1985.

S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that Panjawa Model Cooperative Agriculture Service Society Limited, the sale of fertilisers available under the Fertiliser Control Order 1985 has been stopped and the registers have been taken into possession by the department. Apart from this, notices have also been issued to the Society's Secretary Om Prakash, Deputy Registrar Cooperative Societies, Fazilka and the concerned fertiliser companies.

Divulging details about FIR against unlicensed seed dealer, the Agriculture Minister said that another team under the supervision of the Chief Agriculture Officer, Sangrur raided M/s Sankalp Retail Store in the Grain Market, Malerkotla, based on a complaint filed by Sangrur-based farmers. In their complaint, the farmers mentioned that they had purchased 21 bags of maize seed (Pioneer 1899) at Rs 3300 per bag, but the dealer refused to provide a bill.

He said that during the checking by the teams, it was found that the firm’s seed license (No. MKT/SEED/189) had also expired on April 22, 2024, and they were selling seeds without renewing the license or providing bills, violating clauses 3 and 9 of the Seed (Control) Order 1983. The dealer has also violated clauses 18 (1) and 18 (2) of the Seed Control Order 1983 and clause 38 of the Seed Rules 1968, he added.

S. Khudian said that in view of these violations, a complaint has been filed against the firm under the Seed (Control) Order 1983 and the Seed Rules 1968, which are punishable under the Essential Commodities Act 1955. A complaint has been registered against the owner and representatives of the firm at Police Station City-1, Malerkotla.

Highlighting the actions taken under the quality control drive, the Agriculture Minister said that a total of 87 licenses of fertiliser dealers/companies were cancelled and 08 FIR's were also lodged against the fertiliser dealers/companies during 2024-25. Similarly, a total of 116 licenses of pesticides dealers/companies were cancelled and 05 FIR's were also lodged against the pesticides dealers & companies during 2024-25.

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Vigilance Bureau arrests Deed Writer for accepting Rs 15000 bribe

Chandigarh, March 13 –The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing crackdown on corruption, on Thursday arrested Pawan Kumar, a deed writer at Sub-Tehsil Goraya in Jalandhar district, for accepting a bribe of Rs. 15,000.

An official spokesperson of the VB revealed that the arrest was made based on an online complaint filed by a resident of Phagwara on the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line.

The complainant alleged that the accused had demanded and accepted the bribe on behalf of Joint Sub-Registrar of Sub-Tehsil Goraya in Tehsil Phillaur and a Registry Clerk, posted at the Sub-Registrar’s office in Goraya, in connection with the execution of a sale deed.

During the investigation, the VB found the allegations to be true, leading to the arrest of the accused deed writer. A case has been registered against him under the Prevention of Corruption Act at the VB Police Station, Range Jalandhar. He will be produced before the competent court tomorrow.

The spokesperson added that the roles of the Joint Sub-Registrar and Registry Clerk would be examined as the investigation progresses.

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’YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: ON DAY 13, PUNJAB POLICE CONDUCTS RAIDS AT 578 SITES; 147 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD

— OPERATION LEADS TO REGISTRATION OF 95 FIRs, RECOVERY OF 2.8KG HEROIN, ₹3.78L DRUG MONEY

— ADGP NRI AFFAIRS PRAVEEN SINHA LEADS OPERATION IN SANGRUR

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

— OVER 270 POLICE TEAMS LED BY 103 SP/DSP RANK OFFICERS CHECKED 917 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA

CHANDIGARH, March 13:Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 13th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 578 locations on Thursday leading to the arrest of 147 drug smugglers after registration of 95 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached 1821 in just 13 days.

The raids have resulted in recovery of 2.8 kg heroin, 7.9 kg poppy husk, 4960 intoxicant tablets/pills/injections and Rs 3.78 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.

In Sangrur, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) NRI Affairs Praveen Kumar Sinha joined SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal led police teams conducting raids at houses of smugglers and suspicious people in the Bazigar Basti area near the railway overbridge in Dhuri city.

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 270 Police teams, comprising over 2400 police personnel, under the supervision of 103 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 917 suspicious persons during the day long operation.

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 eight persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, while, organised 158 awareness events across the state as part of Prevention.

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PEOPLE INDULGING IN HENIOUS CRIMES TO FACE ENCOUNTERS UNDER AAP GOVERNMENT: HARPAL SINGH CHEEM

CM MANN SPOKE TO THE FAMILY OF CHILD

SAYS NO PLACE FOR SUCH PEOPLE IN PUNJAB; WILL BE DEALT WITH AN IRON FIST: BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

FAMILY & VILLAGE RESIDENTS RAISE SLOGANS IN FAVOUR OF CM, PUNJAB GOVT & PUNJAB POLICE

7-YEAR-OLD BHAVKIRAT SINGH WAS KIDNAPPED FROM OUTSIDE HIS HOUSE YESTERDAY EVENING

MOTHER JASPREET KAUR SPECIALLY THANKS PUNJAB GOVT FOR RECOVERING HER CHILD WITHIN 24 HOURS

Chandigarh/Ludhiana, March 13:Cabinet Minister S. Harpal Singh Cheema was greeted with slogans in favour of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab government and Punjab Police as he reached village Seehan Daud of Ludhiana and personally handed over kidnapped child Bhavkirat Singh to his parents.

Earlier, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann also spoke to the parents of kidnapped child Bhavkirat Singh, a Class I student, who was kidnapped by two motorcycle-borne suspects when he was playing outside his home on the outskirts of village Seehan Daud in Payal sub division of Ludhiana.

The parents thanked Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Government and Punjab Police for timely action due to which their child was saved from the clutches of kidnappers.

Bhavkirat’s Mother Jaspreet Kaur and Father Ranvir Singh said that it was only due to the timely action of Punjab government that their son is now safely back in their house within 24 hours.

Lauding the state police for reining in criminals by taking strict and speedy action, Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema warned that people indulging in such heinous crimes would face encounters as there is no place for such people in our “Rangla Punjab”.

He assured them of the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government's commitment to providing a safe environment for the people of Punjab, highlighting that the AAP government has given the police a free hand to eliminate crime and criminal elements from the state.

Earlier, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann also spoke with the parents of the kidnapped child, Bhavkirat Singh, a Class I student. In his tweet, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann shared that he spoke to Bhavjit’s father Ranvir Singh and warned that there is no place for such notorious elements in Punjab.

MLAs Manvinder Singh Giaspura and Jaswant Singh Gajjanmajra, DIG Patiala Range Mandeep Singh Sidhu, Khanna SSP Jyoti Yadav Bains were also present on the occasion.

Bhavkirat had been abducted by two suspects on a motorcycle while playing outside his home in Seehan Daud. One of the abductors was killed in a police encounter, and two others were apprehended by law enforcement.

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PUNJAB HEALTH MINISTER CRACKS WHIP ON DERELICTION OF DUTY: CIVIL SURGEON AND SMO FATEHGARH SAHIB SERVED SHOW-CAUSE NOTICE

— Patients seen waiting in queues as registration counters and OPD rooms remained closed during inspection conducted by Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh

— Dr Balbir Singh directs strict adherence to timings, warns against inconvenience to patients

Chandigarh, March 13:In a stern move against dereliction of duty, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh conducted a surprise inspection at Civil Hospital Fatehgarh Sahib, on Thursday morning, and found that registration counters and outdoor patient department (OPD) rooms were closed, leaving patients waiting in long queues. The staff responsible for managing these critical services were also found missing from their posts.

Taking immediate action, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Hitinder Kaur, on the directions of the Health Minister, has served Show Cause Notices (SCNs) to the Civil Surgeon and Senior Medical Officer (SMO) of Civil Hospital, Fatehgarh Sahib, holding them accountable for this serious administrative lapse. The officials have been directed to submit their replies by the end of the day.

Expressing his displeasure over the situation, the Health Minister said, “It is unacceptable that patients were left waiting in queues while the registration counters and OPD rooms remained closed. Such negligence will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”

Reaffirming the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s firm commitment towards the patients welfare, Dr Balbir Singh issued strict directives to all health officials to ensure opening of registration counters at all government health facilities by 8.30 am, and OPD services must begin promptly at 9 am.

“The inconvenience caused to patients in government health institutions is completely unacceptable. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards such lapses, and strict action will be taken to ensure timely and efficient care for all patients,” the Minister added.

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Punjab Police Resolves Seehan Daud Child Abduction Case Within 24 Hours

– No place for anti-social elements in Punjab: DIG Mandeep Singh Sidhu

– Kidnapper killed in police encounter near Mandaur; ₹1 crore ransom demanded

– CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav personally supervised the operation

Chandigarh/Patiala, March 13:In a major breakthrough, Punjab Police successfully rescued 7-year-old Bhawkirat Singh from Seehan Daud (Khanna) within 24 hours of his abduction. The operation resulted in the elimination of a kidnapper in a police encounter near Mandour Khera on Nabha Road, while three police personnel sustained injuries.

Addressing a press conference at Police Lines, Patiala, DIG Patiala Range Mandeep Singh Sidhu reaffirmed Punjab Police’s commitment to public safety, stating that Punjab has no place for kidnappers and anti-social elements. He emphasized that CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav personally oversaw the operation.

In recognition of the swift action, the DGP has announced a ₹10 lakh cash reward and promotions for the personnel involved.

DIG Sidhu revealed that Khanna, Malerkotla, and Patiala Police worked in coordination to recover the child safely. He commended the officers for their professionalism, calling Punjab Police one of the most competent forces in the country.

The operation was led overnight by SSP Khanna Dr. Jyoti Yadav, SSP Patiala Dr. Nanak Singh, and SSP Malerkotla Gagan Ajit Singh, who relentlessly pursued the suspects.

He said that on the evening of March 12, two unidentified motorcycle-borne kidnappers abducted Bhawkirat Singh while he was playing outside his house in Seehan Daud, Khanna. They later demanded a ₹1 crore ransom.

Acting on intelligence, police tracked the kidnappers to village Mandour on Nabha Road. When confronted, they attempted to flee in a Fortuner SUV and opened fire on the police. In retaliatory action, Jaspreet Singh (son of Sukhwinder Singh, resident of Seehan Daud) was neutralized.

His accomplices, Harpreet Singh (son of Manjit Singh) and Ravi Bhinder (son of Dharmpal, resident of Amargarh), were arrested. A 32-bore pistol and a motorcycle used in the crime were recovered, DIG added.

DIG Sidhu acknowledged the contributions of Inspector Shaminder Singh (CIA Patiala Incharge), Inspector Binny Dhillon (Special Branch Incharge), and Inspector Harry Boparai. He said that the injured police personnel include Constable Rupinder Singh, Home Guards jawans Shivji Giri and Baljinder Singh.

DIG Sidhu reiterated Punjab Police’s dedication to public safety and swift justice. He praised the seamless coordination between different police units, ensuring the safe return of Bhawkirat Singh.

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Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak exhorts people to go in for e-KYC process by March 31st

Process completed to 75 percent extent out of total 1.55 crore beneficiaries

Chandigarh, March 13:The e-KYC process with regard to the beneficiaries of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 is currently underway

and should be completed in all respects before March 31st this year as per the guidelines of the Government of India (GoI)

so as to enable every genuine benefciary to derive benefits of subsidized foodgrains.

Disclosing this here today, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak said that the people should go to their nearest depots in order to get the e-KYC process done with regard to themselves and their family members.

The Minister further pointed out that no money would be charged from the people to get the e-KYC process done and if anybody demands money from them then the same should be immediately brought to the notice of the Department so as to take necessary action.

Divulging more, Mr. Kataruchak added that the e-KYC process regarding 1.17 crore beneficiaries out of total 1.55 crore beneficiaries i.e. 75 percent has been completed and emphasized the completion of process concerning remaining beneficiaries.

The Minister also appealed to the representatives of the people to render all possible help to the people in this regard

adding that this initiative should be made a widespread movement so as to ensure benefits to the people in a seamless and hassle free manner.