Punjab Government Launches Skill Development Programme for Orphaned and Abandon Children: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Punjab Government Committed to a Bright Future for Orphaned and Abandon Children

Chandigarh, March 20:Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare and empowerment of all sections of society, the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has launched a skill development programme aimed at providing vocational training to orphaned and Abandon children. Announcing this initiative, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the programme is designed to equip these children with employable skills, ensuring their financial independence by the time they turn 18 Years.

Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that under this initiative, 187 children residing in various child care institutions will receive training in beauty care, hairdressing, multi-technician skills, and mobile phone repair. This program will provide them with hands-on experience in these trades, making them self-reliant and enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities.

She further mentioned that to implement this programme effectively, the government has collaborated with reputed training institutes and industry experts. The training sessions will be structured to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure, ensuring that the children receive certification upon completion. Additionally, financial literacy and entrepreneurship training will be imparted to help them explore self-employment opportunities.

Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that apart from vocational training, the government is also focusing on the holistic development of these children. Special counseling sessions and personality development workshops will be conducted to boost their confidence and prepare them for professional and social integration. These efforts will help them become a part of the mainstream society.

Minister added that to further support these children, the government will facilitate employment opportunities in various industries and service sectors. With the collaboration of businesses and organizations, young individuals will have access to job opportunities that match their acquired skills. For those interested in self-employment, the government will provide necessary guidance and financial assistance.

Highlighting the government's dedication to the welfare of underprivileged children, the Cabinet Minister announced that ₹40 lakh has been allocated for this initiative. By equipping these children with essential skills and career opportunities, the government aims to help them lead a dignified and self-sufficient life.

Dr. Baljit Kaur concluded that this initiative reflects the Punjab Government’s strong commitment to building an inclusive and equitable society, where every child, regardless of their background, gets a fair chance at a secure and prosperous future.

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NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal holds 4th Monthly online NRI Milnee to resolve the grievances of NRI Punjabis

393 complaint cases were received during the last three Online NRI Milnees, out of these 343 complaint cases have been resolved

Chandigarh, 20 March 2025:The NRI Affairs Minister S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal held a fourth online NRI Milnee today to address the complaints and grievances of NRI Punjabis at Punjab Civil Secretariat-1 and personally heard the problems and complaints of NRI Punjabis through online Video-Conferencing.

He informed that under the dynamic leadership of S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Chief Minister of Punjab, we have started this unique initiative to resolve the grievances of NRI Punjabis. Punjab is the only state in the country which has started such type of NRI Milnee program for the redressal of NRI problems.

He revealed that 123 complaint cases were received, out of this 98 complaints were received through Email and the remaining 25 complaints were received on whatsapp number in this 4th monthly online NRI Milnee. He further highlighted that 393 complaint cases were received during the last three Online NRI Milnees, out of this 343 complaint cases have been resolved.

He directed the ADGP NRI Wing of Punjab Police Praveen K Sinha and SSPs of the concerned districts to resolve their grievances forthwith. He assured that their grievances would be resolved at the earliest.

Dhaliwal assured the NRI Punjabis that I am always at your disposal to solve your problems and concerns and we will leave no stone unturned to resolve your grievances. He asked the NRIs that they can meet him at any time as per their convenience.

The 4th monthly online NRI Milnee was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Dilip Kumar, ADGP NRI Wing of Punjab Police Praveen K Sinha and other officials of NRI Affairs Department.

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Deputy Speaker Rouri Directs Full Implementation of Public Welfare Schemes Across Punjab

Deputy Speaker Stresses Proper Utilization of Funds for Public Benefit ensuring transparency and accountability

Rouri Calls for Campaigns to Maximize Scheme Accessibility for All Sections of Society to boost public awareness

Key Punjab Departments unite to strengthen welfare programme execution

Chandigarh, March 20, 2025-Punjab Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker,Sardar Jai Krishan Singh Rouri, in his capacity as Chairman of the Estimates Committee, held a detailed discussion with the Administrative Secretaries of various Punjab government departments regarding the implementation of public welfare schemes.

During the meeting, the Deputy Speaker directed all departmental heads and management officials to ensure the full execution of these schemes across all sectors. He emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns so that every section of society can avail the benefits of these pro-people initiatives on time.

Ensuring proper utilization of public funds Deputy Speaker Rouri stressed that the allocated funds for these welfare schemes should be strictly utilized for public benefit only. He also urged departments to maintain transparency and accountability while implementing these schemes.

Departments in attendance Administrative secretaries from various key departments participated in the meeting, including Administrative Secretary Department of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, Department of Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, Department of Cooperation, Department of Education, Excise and Tax Department, Food and Civil Supplies Department, Health and Family Welfare Department ,Industry and Commerce Department, Information and Public Relations Department ,Water Resources Department, Labor Department, Local Government Department, Public Works Department, Rural Development and Panchayat Department, Social Security and Welfare Department, Tourism and Cultural Department Vigilance Department, Forest Department , Administrative Reforms Department, Housing and Urban Development Department, Medical Education Department, Social Justice, Empowerment & Minorities Department, Prominent Attendees apart from Deputy Speaker Rouri several other officials and legislators were present at the meeting, including:

Dr. Nachattar pal, MLA (Member) ,Sardar Rupinder Singh, MLA (Member) ,Sardar Jeevan Singh Sanghowal, MLA (Member), Shri Ram Lok, Secretary, Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Sh Gurkirat Singh, Committee Officer and Tarsem, Committee Superintendent.

The meeting reinforced the Punjab government's commitment to ensuring the effective execution of public welfare programs for the benefit of the people.

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Bulldozer Action on Properties of Two Drug Peddlers in Fazilka

• 111 drug traffickers arrested in the last 19 days in Fazilka

Chandigarh/ Fazilka, March 20-Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has launched a decisive campaign against drugs. As part of this initiative, property belonging to two individuals involved in drug trafficking was demolished in the district today. The local residents appreciated this strict action taken by the government against those spreading the menace of drugs.

Leading the operation, SSP Varinder Singh Brar stated that the demolition was carried out in Mandi Arniwala in the presence of the civil administration team. The individuals, identified as Rani and Bagga, were reportedly engaged in drug trade in the area and had multiple cases registered against them. Their illegal constructions were demolished as part of the crackdown. Notably, Rani had three drug-related FIRs registered against her.

SSP Varinder Singh Brar highlighted that the War Against Drugs campaign is now turning into a mass movement, with active participation from the public. He mentioned that people are now fearlessly providing information about drug traffickers to the police. The identity of informers is being kept confidential, and each tip-off is being thoroughly investigated, ensuring swift action against the culprits. He reiterated that those engaged in drug trafficking will face severe consequences.

Providing further details, SSP Brar stated that since the launch of the campaign on March 1, 2025, a total of 76 cases related to drug trafficking have been registered in various police stations across the district. 111 accused have been arrested and sent behind bars. The police have seized 2.383 kg of heroin, 575,585 Pregabalin capsules, 23,279 intoxicating tablets, 7.5 kg of poppy husk, and ₹52,000 of drug money.

Apart from today's demolition, a similar action had already been carried out earlier against another drug trafficker in the district.

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Vigilance Bureau nabs PSPCL JE red-handed accepting Rs 10000 bribe

Chandigarh, March 20, 2025: The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, has arrested Jarnail Singh, posted as Junior Engineer (JE) of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), Sub-division office, Kotkapura in Faridkot district red-handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 10000.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the VB stated that the case was registered based on a complaint filed by a resident of Kothe Chahal Singh, in Faridkot.

“The complainant has approached the VB alleging that the aforementioned JE has demanded Rs 20000 to shift his tubewell connection and installation of a domestic power meter at the residence of his acquaintance. Upon the complainant’s request, the JE agreed to accept the bribe in two instalments”, he said.

The spokesperson further added that following verification of the complaint, a vigilance team from Ferozpur range laid a trap during which the above said accused has been caught red-handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 10000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard a case under Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the JE at VB Police Station, Ferozpur Range. The accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow, and further investigation was under progress, he added.

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HARJOT SINGH BAINS KICK STARTS STATEWIDE DRIVE TO BOOST ENROLLMENT IN GOVT SCHOOLS; FIXES TARGET TO INCREASE 10% ENROLLMENT

• 23 awareness vans to cover all 228 educational blocks across Punjab to expand campaign's reach

• 189 students from government schools cracked JEE Mains examination as Govt Schools ensure quality education, says Bains

Chandigarh, March 20:To further give an impetus to enrollment drive in the state, Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains kick started a statewide campaign for boosting student enrollment in government schools at Government Primary Smart School, Phase-2, SAS Nagar, on Thursday.

To launch this campaign aimed at increasing access to quality education, S. Harjot Singh Bains flagged off a specially designed van equipped with banners and loudspeakers. A total of 23 such vans will traverse all 228 educational blocks in Punjab to amplify the campaign's reach and encourage parents to enroll their children in government schools.

He further highlighted the department's goal to increase enrollment in pre-primary schools by 10%. Last year, over 3.51 lakh students were enrolled in the state's 13,100 pre-primary schools.

The School Education Minister said that this enrollment drive would play a pivotal role in identifying out-of-school children, promoting government school admissions, and strengthening community engagement to ensure universal access to education. Local MLAs, Deputy Commissioners, SDMs, local public figures, School Management Committees (SMCs) members, panchayats, and all school heads will participate in the drive.The main objective of the campaign is to raise awareness among parents and the community about the importance of education and encourage them to enroll their children in school, he added.

Sharing the achievements of the School Education Department, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that 189 students from government schools have cracked the JEE Mains examination this year. This laudable accomplishment is testament to the quality education in government schools. He congratulated these students for their remarkable feat, while acknowledging the teachers who helped them succeed.

Underlining the initiatives taken by the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government to raising the standards of school education and infrastructure development during past 3 years; S. Bains said that all government schools have been equipped with all the essential amenities including Wi-Fi Internet connections, furniture, separate toilets for girls and boys, besides starting transportation facility for students of all Schools of Eminence and 17 schools for girls in the state. Additionally, over 10,000 new classrooms have been constructed and 6000 classrooms have been renovated, and 1300KMs of boundary walls have been constructed in 8000 government schools.

Director SCERT Ms. Amaninder Kaur Brar, Director School Education (Secondary) Paramjit Singh and other senior officials of the department were also present on the occasion.

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‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’

Batala Police demolishes drug smuggler’s house

Chandigarh/Batala, March 20- Taking action against drug smugglers under the campaign ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’ launched by the Chief Minister of Punjab S. Bhagwant Singh Mann , the Batala Police today demolished the house of the drug smuggler Jeevan Kumar, son of Gulshan Kumar, resident of Gandhi Nagar Camp, Batala, using JCB machines.

As per the instructions of the Chief Minister of Punjab, strict action will be taken against any person involved in any illegal activity; this action will continue till the people involved in drug trade come into the mainstream or they leave Punjab.

Talking to media on this occasion, Batala SSP, Suhail Qasim Mir said that cases have been registered against this drug smuggler in various police stations. He informed that three cases have been registered against drug smuggler Jeevan Kumar under the NDPS Act. He said that it is clear from the charges against him and his case history that he has been involved in the drug smuggling business for a long time.

The SSP further said that there are very clear instructions from the Chief Minister and the DGP Punjab that strict action should be taken against anyone involved in the drug smuggling business.

The SSP further said that it is very important for us to protect our children and our youth, whose life is threatened by drugs supplied such smugglers.

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RDP Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond Launches ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’ Campaign in Collaboration with Panchayats from Dera Bassi

Chandigarh/Dera Bassi (Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar), March 20-The Punjab Government’s ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’ campaign, launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, received a significant boost today as all village heads (Sarpanches) and Panchayats of the Dera Bassi constituency pledged their full support to the initiative. This commitment was made in the presence of Rural Development & Panchayat Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, following an initiative led by MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa.

While addressing the gathering, Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond emphasized that it is time for strict action to protect Punjab’s youth from the scourge of drugs. Issuing a stern warning to drug peddlers, he stated that they must either close their illicit activities or leave Punjab. He assured that drug-affected individuals would be rehabilitated and reintegrated into mainstream society. Furthermore, he declared that the government is taking legal action against drug traffickers by demolishing properties acquired through illegal drug trade, setting a strong example for others.

Sond stressed that boosting industrialization in Punjab would generate employment opportunities, ensuring that young people are productively engaged and do not fall into drug addiction.

Sond further announced that a statewide campaign to clean 13,236 village ponds will be launched in the upcoming financial year. Water samples from these ponds will be tested, and those deemed fit will be used for irrigation. Ponds with poor water quality will be treated using the Seechewal and Thapar models, with treatment plants being installed to purify the water.

Additionally, the minister revealed that the government will renovate and repair connecting roads in a 5 km radius of villages to improve rural infrastructure. Moreover, sports grounds will be established in every village to encourage youth participation in sports.

Minister Sond urged village heads (Sarpanches) to take proactive steps in securing financial resources for village development, suggesting collaboration with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and industrialists for additional support.

Punjab Mandi Board Chairman, Harchand Singh Barasat, lauded the efforts against drug abuse and emphasized the need for collective actions. MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa hailed the move to integrate Panchayats into the 'Yudh Nashiyan Virudh' campaign as a positive step. He noted that the Dera Bassi constituency’s 92 Panchayats have already received grants exceeding ₹9.10 crore from the state government. He informed Minister Sond that the campaign is receiving overwhelming public support in the constituency.

Providing updates on law enforcement actions, District Police, reported that 52 drug traffickers have been arrested in 21 cases across hotspots in Trivedi Camp, Dera Bassi, Dayalpura, and Zirakpur. Confiscated substances include:

15 kg of opium

1.29 kg of cocaine

3 kg of cannabis (ganja)

2.7 kg of hashish (charas)

118 grams of heroin

684 intoxicating pills

13.5 liters of illicit liquor

700 grams of poppy husk

₹3.31 lakh drug-money

Additionally, assets acquired through illicit drug trade have been seized under NDPS Act Section 27(A).

The event was attended by senior district officials including Sarpanches from nearly 85 villages.

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HARJOT BAINS SHOOTS LETTER TO SUKHVINDER SUKHU, SEEKS URGENT ACTION TO ADDRESS POLLUTION FROM HIMACHAL PRADESH INDUSTRIES

•INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS FROM HP NOT ONLY POLLUTING PUNJAB’S WATER BODIES BUT POSING SEVERE RISK TO PUBLIC HEALTH, WARNS EDUCATION MINISTER HARJOT SINGH BAINS

•BAINS ALSO WRITES TO NGT & CPCB FOR THEIR INTERVENTION TO RESOLVE THIS SERIOUS & PRESSING ISSUE

Chandigarh, March 20:Raising an alarming and emergent concerns over the pollution of Punjab's water bodies caused by industrial effluents discharged from Himachal Pradesh (HP), Punjab Education Minister and MLA from Anandpur Sahib S. Harjot Singh Bains has shoot letter to HP Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for swift and stringent action to address this environmental and public health issue.

S. Bains also reached out to the Chairperson of National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Member Secretary of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to resolve this serious matter at the earliest to safeguard public health in the state particularly in his constituency Anandpur Sahib.

In his communication, he highlighted the results of tests conducted by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), which revealed that hazardous industrial waste flowing from HP industrial zones into Swan and Barmala Khad are eventually merging into Sutlej river. He emphasised on the gravity of the situation while quoting the incident in Barmala Khad where multiple wild pigs succumbed to intoxication caused by contaminated water. This unchecked pollution is not only degrading the Sutlej river but also posing severe health hazards to the local population.

In a letter to Himachal Pradesh CM, S. Harjot Singh Bains referenced PPCB reports and numerous complaints from residents of his constituency, seeking personal intervention to halt the discharge of untreated effluents into Punjab's water bodies. He emphasised the need for immediate action to curb this environmental hazard.

Expressing deep concerns over the critical importance of preserving the ecological balance and ensuring the health and safety of Punjab's residents in the letter to NGT Chairperson, S. Harjot Singh Bains demanded an action against the industries responsible for pollution, besides seeking immediate closure of industries violating pollution norms. He also sought NGT’s directions to HP authorities regarding implementation of stringent pollution control measures ensuring compliance of environmental regulations. He also demanded for necessary orders to monitor and remediate the affected water bodies, including the Swan riverbed, Barmala Khad and the Sutlej river.

In a letter to Member Secretary CPCB, S. Bains sought urgent intervention to ensure a comprehensive inspection of Industrial units in the Bathari and Golthai industrial areas of HP for immediate cessation of untreated industrial discharge into the Swan and Barmala Khad stream. He requested the CPCB for strict enforcement of environmental norms and punitive action against industries violating pollution control regulations and long term remediation measures to restore water quality in the affected areas.

“The rivers are the lifelines of Punjab, and their contamination poses a severe threat to public health, agriculture, and biodiversity," S. Bains said, while adding that it is high time and imperative to act now to prevent the damage.

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PUNJAB POLICE REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING NATIONAL ASSETS IN OIL AND GAS SECTOR

— ADGP SS SRIVASTAVA CHAIRS 5TH OSCC MEETING ON BEHALF OF DGP PUNJAB GAURAV YADAV, REVIEWS SECURITY OF OIL & GAS INFRASTRUCTURES

— SPECIAL MOCK DRILLS AND OPERATIONS EMPHASISED FOR ENHANCED SECURITY OF OIL/GAS INSTALLATIONS

— PUNJAB POLICE PLEDGES FULL SUPPORT TO OIL AND GAS COMPANIES, STRESSES EFFECTIVE COORDINATION AMONG STAKEHOLDERS

CHANDIGARH, March 20:The 5th Onshore Security Coordination Committee (OSCC) meeting for the State of Punjab was held under the chairmanship of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Security SS Srivastava at Hotel Hyatt Regency in Chandigarh on Thursday. The ADGP Security was attending the meeting on behalf of DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from Punjab Police, including ADGP Internal Security Shive Kumar Verma and ADGP Cybercrime V Neeraja, Chairman OSCC by ED (O&M) GAIL RK Singh and Advisor (Security) GAIL Saurabh Tolumbia along with representatives from the various oil and gas sector, Intelligence Bureau, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and other relevant departments.

During the discussions, representatives from oil and gas companies including GAIL, IOCL, HPCL, BPCL, HMEL, Think Gas, and Torrent Gas provided an overview of their operations and highlighted the challenges faced in ensuring the security of their installations.

Key points discussed during the meeting included strengthening security measures, scaling up security protocols and leveraging advanced CCTV surveillance for enhanced vigilance.

Addressing the gathering, ADGP SS Srivastava emphasised the importance of maintaining a robust information network to tackle issues such as oil theft and pipeline leakages. He also stressed the need for regular mock drills and contingency plan updates, particularly in high-risk areas.

Reiterating the committment of Punjab Police to providing complete support to oil and gas companies, the ADGP urged stakeholders to feel-free and proactively seek assistance for any security-related concerns. He also highlighted the importance of effective coordination among all stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of national assets.

On the occasion, ADGP Shive Kumar Verma emphasised the importance of collaboration between oil and gas organisations and local police and administration. He stressed that a strong liaison is crucial for effective security and administration.

ADGP Cyber Crime V Neeraja shed light on the growing threat of cyber security breaches, which have become increasingly common. She offered comprehensive support to oil and gas companies, leveraging the expertise of the Punjab Cyber Crime Division. Additionally, she proposed sending specialised teams to assess cyber security arrangements and provide recommendations for enhancing security measures at their installations.

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’YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’ BECOMES MASS MOVEMENT AS OVER 3000 PANCHAYATS IN PUNJAB PASS RESOLUTION AGAINST DRUGS

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

— OVERWHELMING PUBLIC SUPPORT BOLSTERS ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS OF PUNJAB POLICE, WHICH HAS BEEN CONDUCTING INTENSIVE RAIDS ACROSS THE STATE, SAYS SPECIAL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA

— YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH CONTINUES AS POLICE ARREST 97 DRUG SMUGGLERS AFTER 440 RAIDS ACROSS STATE ON DAY 20

— DAY LONG OPERATION LEADS TO REGISTRATION OF 58 FIRs, RECOVERY OF 1.5KG HEROIN, ₹1.86L DRUG MONEY

CHANDIGARH, March 20:Rallying behind the state government's anti-drugs campaign “Yudh Nashian Virudh”, over 3000 panchayats across Punjab have passed resolutions to support the Punjab Police’s relentless war against drugs, marking a significant turning point in the fight to root up the drug menace.

The campaign, spearheaded by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has now evolved into a people’s movement, with villages and towns across the state actively participating in the anti-drug drive.

Notably, amidst the ongoing crackdown against the drug smugglers and peddlers, the Punjab Police under the leadership of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav has also embarked on a special anti-drug awareness campaign to foster a sense of unity and collaboration among the general public in the fight against this critical issue.

Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that under this special campaign against drugs, Commissioners of Police and Senior Superintendents of Police (CPs/SSPs) have been directed to organise different awareness events including SAMPARK programmes, Meeting with Students, etc. in their respective districts to engage the general public, youth, non-government organisations (NGOs), clubs, etc in the fight against drugs.

He said that since the launch of ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign as many as 3022 panchayats across the state have passed resolutions with pledge to combat drug abuse, support rehabilitation efforts, and foster stronger police-public partnerships to root out the scourge of drugs from society.

The Special DGP said that the overwhelming public support has bolstered the enforcement efforts of Punjab Police, which has been conducting intensive raids across the state.

He said that on Thursday alone, 97 drug smugglers were arrested, and 1.5 kg of heroin, 100 grams opium, 2 kg Ganja and ₹1.86 lakhs in drug money were seized. Over the past 20 days, the total number of arrests has reached 2463, reflecting the intensified crackdown on drug networks.

Special DGP Arpit Shukla informed that over 200 Police teams, comprising over 1300 police personnel, under the supervision of 84 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 440 locations across the state leading to the registration of 58 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 478 suspicious persons during the day long operation, he added.

He 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 seven persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, while, organised 103 awareness events across the state as part of Prevention.

Meanwhile, Punjab Police has also carried out search operation at different jails in six districts— Hoshiarpur, SBS Nagar, Jalandhar Rural, Commissionerate Jalandhar, Kapurthala and Rupnagar— to check any illegal activities in the jail. “Our Police teams have thoroughly searched every nook and corner including barracks, kitchen and toilets in the jail complex,” said Special DGP Arpit Shukla.

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Forest Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak conducts surprise checking at Mattewara Jungle Depot

Fact finding Committee constituted for detailed physical verification of cut timber stock lying at all depots of Phillaur division

Chandigarh, March 20:The Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak paid a surprise visit to Mattewara Jungle depot in Ludhiana. He conducted a thorough checking of all the wooden logs stored in the said depot.

These logs were stored in the depot after felling of green standing trees from Ludhiana- Rahon Road. The felling of the trees were ordered after getting due approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India.

The PSFDC took swift measures given below as per the directions of the Forest Minister. A fact finding committee comprising of the members of Forest department and PSFDC under the chairmanship of a Chief General Manager, a senior IFS Officer has been constituted for detailed physical verification of cut timber stock lying at all depots of Phillaur division.

Due to certain anomalies found during the checking, the Minister has ordered transfer of the concerned Regional Manager and the concerned Project Officer and other field staff has been shifted from current posting and felling on the above said road has been stopped immediately. The

Inter-regional committees have been constituted for annual stock taking and strict disciplinary action shall be taken immediately for any discrepancy, if found, in physical verification.

There are two procedures to dispose off trees by the Punjab State Forest Development Corporation (PSFDC). One is

Through auction on e-procurement portal number and direct felling by the Forest Corporation if trees are standing in the block forest or the felling charges have been deposited by the concerned department which is PWD.

In case of Ludhiana Rahon road, the PWD has deposited the requisite amount.

The PSFDC disposes off most of the standing trees and cut timber through tender cum auction on Government e-procurement portal which is highly transparent and is realising highly competitive rates. The Cut timber obtained from felling of standing trees is stored in the depot before disposal.