- Chandigarh, March 19: Punjab has become the first state in India to introduce sign language in its Legislative Assembly to facilitate persons with disabilities. Sharing this information, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, has taken this unique initiative to address the concerns of persons with disabilities.
- Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that under Section 40 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, it is essential to make communication systems accessible to ensure that individuals with disabilities are aware of their human rights. In line with this, the Punjab Legislative Assembly will also be broadcast the Governor’s Address, Budget Session, and other important discussions in sign language.
- The Cabinet Minister further mentioned that she had recommended this initiative through a semi-official letter to the Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly, which has now been accepted. She emphasized that this step would significantly contribute to making legislative proceedings fully accessible to individuals who are unable to speak or hear.
- Dr. Baljit Kaur also recalled that, for the first time, Punjab celebrated International Sign Language Day in September 2024 to promote inclusivity for persons with disabilities. She urged the Assembly administration to implement this initiative at the earliest, ensuring that legislative proceedings are available in sign language. This would enable persons with disabilities to stay informed about government policies and decisions.
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Efforts of Dr. Baljit Kaur Clear the Way for a Large Grain Market in Lakhewali
Says the New Market Will Provide Better Facilities to Farmers, Commission Agents, and Agricultural Traders
Farmers from Half a Dozen Villages to Benefit from Easier Crop Sales
Chandigarh, March 19:A long-standing demand of the villages in Lakhewali zone has been fulfilled due to the persistent efforts of Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister, and MLA from Malout, Dr. Baljit Kaur. The grain market in Lakhewali will now be expanded, making it easier for farmers from half a dozen nearby villages to sell their produce and improving trade facilities in the region. Earlier, the market was quite small, but now, the Gram Panchayat of Lakhewali village has decided to donate 5 kanals and 8 marlas of Shamlat land to the Punjab Mandi Board to widen the market’s frontage and facilitate its expansion.
In this regard, the Block Development and Panchayat Officer, Sri Muktsar Sahib, informed the District Development and Panchayat Officer through an official letter that the District Mandi Officer had requested the transfer of Gram Panchayat land to the Punjab Mandi Board to resolve existing challenges in the market’s development.
Dr. Baljit Kaur made special efforts to secure government-level approval for this project. As a result, the district administration has approved the proposal under Rule 13(C) of the Punjab Village Common Lands (Regulation) First Amendment Rules, 2010.
Deputy Commissioner of Sri Muktsar Sahib, Abhijeet Kaplish, IAS, exercised his official authority to approve the inclusion of this land in the market’s expansion.
Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the establishment of a new grain market would provide improved facilities to farmers, commission agents, and agricultural traders, thereby strengthening the agricultural economy.
Expressing her gratitude to the villagers, the Gram Panchayat, and the Punjab Mandi Board, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that this significant decision would serve as a milestone in the development of the agricultural sector.
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SC/ST Act sections added to case after Punjab State SC Commission's intervention
Chandigarh, March 19: Following the intervention of Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi, the Amritsar Police have incorporated sections of the SC/ST Act in a case involving the assault and casteist abuse of a CRPF constable by Punjab Police personnel.
According to a spokesperson of the Commission, the action was taken in response to a written complaint submitted by Parminder Kaur wife of Bhushan Kumar, resident of Shaheed Udham Singh Nagar. In her complaint, she alleged that her husband, a CRPF constable, was unjustifiably beaten by ASI Jaswinder Singh and Havildar Baljinder Singh, who also hurled casteist insults at him. Despite filing a complaint at the police station, authorities had registered a cross-case against Bhushan Kumar himself.
The spokesperson informed that while police had initially registered a case against ASI Jaswinder Singh and Havildar Baljinder Singh, they had omitted sections of the SC/ST Act. Upon the Commission's directives to reinvestigate the matter and include these vital sections, the Amritsar Police complied today and have assured the Commission that the case registered against Bhushan Kumar will be withdrawn soon.
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Punjab Women Commission to Provide On-Spot Grievance Redressal at Lok Adalat in Ludhiana on March 20
Chandigarh, March 19:To address women's grievances and ensure them justice, the Chairperson of the Punjab State Women Commission, Mrs. Raj Lali Gill, along with Mrs. Gurpreet Kaur Deo, IPS, Special DGP, Community Affairs Division and Women Affairs, will hold a Lok Adalat at Police Lines, Ludhiana, on March 20, 2025, at 10:30 AM.
During this Lok Adalat, women facing any complaints or issues can directly approach Chairperson Mrs. Raj Lali Gill and Special DGP Mrs. Gurpreet Kaur Deo for redressal of their grievances.
This initiative aims to protect women's rights and provide them with a platform for swift resolution of their concerns. Police officials and officers from relevant departments will also be present to ensure effective grievance redressal.
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Punjab Takes Fight Against Drugs to New Heights: Trials Advanced Anti-Drone Technology at Naushehra Dhalla to combat cross-border narco-terrorism
• Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora and Laljit Singh Bhullar attend trial, emphasizing state's commitment to eradicating drug menace
• Trial conducted in real-time scenarios to assess effectiveness of technology in challenging border conditions, says Aman Arora
•Punjab to acquire the world’s best anti-drone technology to deal with challenge of cross-border narco-terrorism: Aman Arora
Chandigarh/ Tarn Taran , March 19:In a decisive move to combat cross-border drug smuggling and narco-terrorism amidst the ongoing drive against drugs— “Yudh Nashian Virudh”, Punjab Government on Wednesday conducted a trial of advanced anti-drone technology at ground zero in village Naushera Dhalla, located near the Indo-Pak border in Tarn Taran district. This demonstration, held in the Sarai Amanat Khan area—a hotspot for drone activity and cross-border smuggling over the past two years—marks a crucial step in strengthening Punjab’s defence capabilities.
The trial, which was attended by Punjab Cabinet Minister and the State President of Aam Aadmi Party Mr. Aman Arora and Jails Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, along with senior Punjab Police officials, is a continuation of earlier demonstrations held at SAS Nagar, Mohali, on March 4 and 5, 2025.
While addressing the media on the sidelines of the trial, Mr. Aman Arora said that the event was aimed at analysing cutting-edge anti-drone systems designed to counter the growing threat of drone-based smuggling of arms, explosives, and narcotics.
He emphasised the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab government has been taking concrete steps to eradicate the drug menace, a crisis that previous governments failed to address. “For years, the drug trade has destroyed countless lives in Punjab, while previous governments turned a blind eye. Today, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, we are taking concrete steps to eliminate this scourge from the state,” said Mr. Aman Arora.
The anti-drone systems demonstrated by a private company featured detection, identification, and neutralisation capabilities, forming part of a broader strategy to fortify Punjab’s second line of defence. These systems are expected to play a pivotal role in preventing illegal activities by targeting drones that cross the border, a growing concern for law enforcement.
The trial was conducted in real-time scenarios to assess the effectiveness of the technology in challenging border conditions.
Mr Aman Arora said that while the primary responsibility for securing the international border lies with the the Border Security Force (BSF), the Punjab Government has been taking proactive measures to complement these efforts.
He also offered other companies from across the globe having expertise in anti-drone technology to come to the state of Punjab for demonstrations as Punjab Government is looking to acquire the world’s best anti-drone technology to deal with the challenge of cross-border drug smuggling and narco-terrorism in the border state.
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Vigilance Bureau arrests ASI for accepting Rs 3000 bribe
Chandigarh, March 19, 2025: The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, on Wednesday, has arrested Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Sarabjeet Singh, posted at police station Verka, in Amritsar district, currently posted at police station Islamabad for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 3,000.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the arrest was made following verification of an online complaint filed by a resident of Village Gilanwali, tehsil Batala, in Gurdaspur district on the Chief Minister’s Anti Corruption Action Line.
He further added that the complainant had alleged that an FIR had been registered against him at Police Station Verka, where ASI Sarabjeet Singh was the Investigating Officer (IO) in his case and he demanded a bribe of Rs 3,000 to release his car from the police custody which was confiscated as a case property.
The spokesperson further informed that during a thorough verification of the complaint and supporting evidence, it was confirmed and proved that the accused had accepted the bribe. In this regard a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the aforementioned police personnel at the VB Police Station, Range Amritsar. The accused would be produced before the competent court tomorrow and further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.
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CLASS 10 BOARD EXAMS: PUNJAB SUSPENDS TWO OFFICIALS INVOLVED IN EXAMINATION MALPRACTICES
• School Education Dept takes action after invigilator caught seeking exam answers on WhatsApp during Class-10 Board Exam in Gurdaspur
• Zero tolerance towards examination malpractice: will ensure fair education system for all Punjab students, says Harjot Singh Bains
Chandigarh, March 19:Cracking a whip to uphold educational integrity in the state, the Punjab School Education department today suspended two teachers deputed as a Superintendent and an Invigilator at Government Model Senior Secondary School (Boys), Gurdaspur (Examination Centre-241251) for their involvement in examination malpractices during the ongoing class 10 board examinations.
This strict action was taken by the department on the directions of S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of School Education, Punjab.
S. Bains informed that the Punjab School Education Board's Flying Squad teams uncovered a serious breach of examination protocols at Government Model Senior Secondary School (Boys), Gurdaspur. During the Class-10 English examination conducted on March 17, the flying squad discovered that Invigilator Kirandeep Kaur, a Hindi Mistress, was improperly soliciting answers via WhatsApp on her mobile phone to assist students. This flagrant violation occurred under the watch of Examination Centre Superintendent Ashwani Kumar, Lecturer, who negligently permitted mobile devices inside the examination hall.
"Our government remains steadfast in its mission to provide qualitative education and ensure the sanctity of our examination system," stated Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, adding that such transgressions undermine the very foundation of fair assessment and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Consequently, both officials have been suspended with immediate effect. During their suspension period, they will report to the District Education Officer, Gurdaspur, his office has been designated as their headquarters.
The School Education Minister directed the officials of Education Department to further intensify vigilance by constituting additional special teams and increasing the number of flying squads to root out malpractices and conduct examinations with absolute transparency and fairness.
"The Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government is committed to fostering an educational environment where merit alone determines success," added Education Minister Bains. Any deviation from this principle will face strict punitive action, he added.
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War against Corruption : VB intensifies anti-corruption drive - Registers 32 cases against 70 accused in month
20 accused arrested, 12 revenue officials and 10 police personnel booked in different cases
Urges public to cooperate by reporting corruption through CM Anti-Corruption Action Line 9501 200 200
Chandigarh, March 19, 2025 - In line with Punjab Government resolute move to cleanse the governance system of corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has registered 32 cases involving 70 suspects since February 18, 2025. The ongoing drive has led to the arrest of 20 accused and among others had booked 12 revenue officials, 10 police personnel, 8 local government officials, 7 rural development and panchayat department officials and 2 power corporation officials in different cases.
Disclosing this an official spokesperson of VB revealed that the cases include 11 trap cases, 20 criminal cases, and one disproportionate assets case. The Bureau has reaffirmed its commitment to aggressively pursue the campaign in the coming months and has urged the public to actively cooperate by reporting corruption through the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line at 9501 200 200.
He further added that eradicating corruption in all its forms and ending its corrosive impact on the governance system of the state is the topmost priority of the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. To encourage citizens to come forward and report corruption in public offices, the government had already launched the CM Anti-Corruption Action Line. In this line the VB has introduced a user-friendly, Artificial Intelligence-based WhatsApp platform for the public to file complaints of illegal gratification.
“This innovative platform allows citizens to file complaints 24x7, along with relevant audio and video recordings, regarding demands for illegal gratification. The initiative aims to ensure quick and timely redressal of grievances while preventing the harassment of the general public”, he added.
The VB has also warned that any form of gratification in public places would not be tolerated and strict action would be taken against offenders. The Chief Minister’s clarion call for a corruption-free Punjab has been met with widespread public support as citizens have been encouraged to join hands with the government in this transformative initiative.
The spokesperson informed that with the VB’s relentless efforts, the CM’s unwavering resolve, and the introduction of advanced technological tools, the Punjab is poised to set a new benchmark in the fight against corruption, ensuring a brighter and more equitable future for its citizens
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- Vigilance Bureau arrests Deed Writer demanding Rs. 5,50,000 bribe for Sub-Registrar
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Chandigarh, March 19, 2025 – The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing crackdown on corruption, on Wednesday, arrested Anupam Sharma, a deed writer at Fatehgarh Sahib for demanding a bribe of Rs. 5,50,000 on behalf of Sub-Registrar, Bassi Pathana.
An official spokesperson of the VB revealed that the arrest was made based on an online complaint filed by a resident of Bassi Pathana, in Fatehgarh Sahib district on the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line.
The complainant alleged that the accused had demanded the bribe on behalf of Sub-Registrar of Tehsil Bassi Pathana in connection with the execution of registration of properties. The complainant has recorded the conversation between him with the deed writer and Sub-Registrar.
During the investigation, the VB found the allegations to be true, leading to the arrest of the accused deed writer. In this regard a case has been registered against the above said accused under the Prevention of Corruption Act at the VB Police Station, Range Patiala. He would be produced before the competent court tomorrow.
The spokesperson added that the role of above said revenue officer would be examined during the further investigation.
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DAY 19 OF ‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 111 DRUG SMUGGLERS AFTER 567 RAIDS ACROSS STATE
— DAY LONG OPERATION LEADS TO REGISTRATION OF 74 FIRs, RECOVERY OF 3.5KG HEROIN, ₹52K DRUG MONEY
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— OVER 250 POLICE TEAMS LED BY 89 SP/DSP RANK OFFICERS CHECKED 652 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA
CHANDIGARH, March 19:With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state entered 19th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 567 locations on Wednesday leading to the arrest of 111 drug smugglers after registration of 74 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 2366 in just 19 days.
Police teams have also recovered 3.5 kg heroin, 1.6 kg opium, 2050 intoxicant tablets/pills/injections and Rs 52310 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. 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 1800 police personnel, under the supervision of 89 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 652 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 one person to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, while, organised 122 awareness events across the state as part of Prevention.
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Meet Hayer puts forward important demands of Punjab related to water resources in Lok Sabha
Raises issue of Punjab not getting a due share from Yamuna River
Canal water should be arranged for drinking in the Malwa region which is suffering from cancer: Meet Hayer
Demands inclusion of Punjab in Atal Bhujal Yojana and Rs. 1163 Cr under PM Krishi Irrigation Yojana
Also demanded de-silting of dams and permanent solution of Ghaggar
Chandigarh/New Delhi, March 19-Participating in the ongoing debate on demands related to water resources during the budget session of Parliament, Aam Aadmi Party Lok Sabha member from Sangrur Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer put forward important demands of Punjab. Despite being a riparian state, Punjab did not get its due share of water and after the reorganisation of the state of Punjab, Punjab did not get its due share from the Yamuna River.
Meet Hayer said that drinking water is getting polluted. He said that the entire Malwa region is struggling with clean drinking water and is suffering from cancer. The country's food banks were filled with the Green Revolution, but Punjab had to bear a huge loss. Punjab has completed the Jal Jeevan Mission of supplying water through taps, but the Malwa region needs a supply of canal water for drinking from the Bhakra Canal.
Raising the issue of the outbreak of floods in the Ghaggar River in the Sangrur region, Meet Hayer said that the Ghaggar River should be permanently managed. Work should be done to widen and strengthen the Ghaggar in an area of 17 km from Makrour Sahib to Karail. He said that since the catchment area of this river belongs to Punjab and Haryana, the Center should take the initiative so that the Sangrur region, which is under the impact of the Ghaggar floods, can be saved from it. He further said that de-silting of the dams in the Kandi region should be done, which will reduce the impact of floods by increasing the capacity of the dams and de-silting material will be useful in construction works.
Meet Hayer further said that the groundwater level in Punjab is continuously decreasing and 117 out of 153 blocks have gone into the dark zone. The Standing Committee of Parliament had recommended Punjab to be included in the Atal Bhujal Yojana in 2020-21 as it meets all the criteria, but despite the passage of five years, the state has not been included so far.
The Lok Sabha member further said that under the PM Krishi irrigation Yojana, a project worth Rs 1163 Cr was approved in 2015, under which the Sutlej Canal system was to be renovated and expanded, but so far Punjab has not received any grant under this scheme.
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IPR Minister Bains condoles demise of mother of senior journalist and father of IPRO
Chandigarh, March 19:Punjab Information and Public Relations Minister Harjot Singh Bains today expressed profound grief over the demise of Smt. Saroj Kumari, mother of Senior Journalist from ABP News Sachin Sharma.
Smt. Saroj Kumari (65), wife of late Sh. Sukhdev Sharma was unwell since last four months and was undergoing treatment in Chandigarh. She is survived by three sons.
The Cabinet Minister said that a mother is a wellspring of inspiration, who imparts valuable life lessons and the void created by her passing can never be filled.
Similarly, S. Harjot Singh Bains conveyed his heartfelt condolences over the demise of S. Kuldeep Singh, father of Information and Public Relations Officer Dr. Kuljit Singh Mianpuri.
S. Kuldeep Singh had dedicated around 40 years of service to the Health Department and had been serving as a Nambardar since 2003. He also served as the treasurer of the State Awardee Youth Welfare Club of village Mianpur for an extended period and was always forthcoming in assisting those in need. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
Extending his sincere sympathies to the bereaved families, S. Bains prayed to the Almighty to give strength to the families to endure this irreparable loss and grant eternal peace to the departed souls.