LED BY CM, CABINET GIVES NOD TO AMEND THE PUNJAB RIGHT OF CHILDREN TO FREE AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION RULES, 2011

MOVE AIMED AT ENHANCING PARENTAL AS, WELL AS COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES

Chandigarh, March 21:In order to increase the parental participation in the management of government schools to further enhance quality of education, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday gave its nod to amend the Punjab Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Rules, 2011.

A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of the Council of Ministers held here under the chairmanship of Chief Minister at his office in Punjab Civil Secretariat I.

Divulging the details, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the amendment aims at enhancing parental as well as community participation in the School Management Committees to enable holistic development of academics in government schools across the State. This amendment proposes to enhance the number of members in the School Management Committee of Government schools from existing 12 to 16, which includes 12 members from parents of students and four other members from allied fields such as Education, Sports and Extra-curricular activities. This will provide specific expertise and increase parental participation and community involvement in subject specific activities.

GIVES CONSENT TO AMEND TRANSFER OF PRISONER ACT 1950

In another significant decision, the Cabinet also gave its consent to amend Transfer of Prisoner Act 1950 to transfer the under-trial prisoners from one state to another. This process will be carried out with the consent of both the states, where the under-trial prisoners are currently lodged and the state to which they are to be transferred and after approval of the trial court. This step will be helpful in easing the situation of overcrowding in jails of Punjab.

OKAYS CREATION OF NEW RULES FOR GROUP A OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY, WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

The Cabinet also gave nod for creating new rules for Group A of the Social Security, Women and Child Development Department in the larger public interest. This will help in streamlining the functioning of the department thereby immensely benefitting the weaker and underprivileged sections.

APPROVAL TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENTS

The Cabinet also gave approval to the terms and conditions for appointment of Chairman and Members of Punjab Tirath Yatra Samiti and Advisor to Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board.

While reiterating the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government's commitment to welfare of journalists and support the journalism, S. Harjot Singh Bains highlighted the importance of the press lounge, emphasising the importance of a free and independent press in a democratic society,

The Press Lounge is expected to serve as a hub for journalists covering various government departments, state government activities and functions. It is anticipated to facilitate greater access to information, enhance communication, and foster a collaborative environment for media professionals.

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FM Cheema & IPRM Bains Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Press Lounge to Empower Journalists with Enhanced Working Environment

• The hi-tech facility to provide greater access to information, enhance communication & foster collaborative environment for journos, says Harjot Bains

• Bains reaffirms CM Mann led Punjab Govt’s commitment to welfare of journalists & support journalism

Chandigarh, March 21:Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema and Information and Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, on Friday, inaugurated state-of-the-art Press Lounge, designed to provide journalists with a modern and conducive working environment. Located at 2nd Floor, in Punjab Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh, the facility has been renovated after two decades with the concerted efforts of Punjab Vidhan Sabha Press Gallery Committee.

OSD (Media) to Chief Minister, Punjab Mr. Adil Azmi, Secretary IPR Mr. Malwinder Singh Jaggi, Director IPR Mr. Vimal Setia, Additional Director IPR (Admin) Mr. Sundeep Singh Garha, Joint Director (Press) Mr. Harjit Singh Grewal, President of Punjab Vidhan Sabha Press Gallery Committee Mr. Ashwani Chawla, Vice President Mr. Amit Panday, Secretary Deepak Sharma and other senior journalists were also present on the occasion.

The newly inaugurated Press Lounge is equipped with cutting-edge technology and essential amenities, reflecting the Punjab Government’s commitment to fostering a robust and independent media ecosystem.

The facility features high-speed internet, desktops, printers, and comfortable seating arrangements, ensuring journalists have the tools and resources they needed to effectively carry out their vital role in dissemination informing to the public.

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Chief Minister Punjab and Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha extend warm welcome to the Governor of Punjab Gulab Chand Kataria in Punjab Vidhan Sabha

Chandigarh, 21 March 2025-S. Bhagwant Singh Mann Chief Minister of Punjab and S.Kultar Singh Sandhwan Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha today extended a warm welcome to Gulab Chand Kataria Governor of Punjab on his arrival at Punjab Vidhan Sabha. Governor of Punjab has arrived at Punjab Vidhan Sabha to address the first day of the budget session.

S. Bhagwant Singh Mann Chief Minister of Punjab and S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha presented a glass framed replica of Sri Harmandir Sahib and a Lohi to the Governor of Punjab.Gulab Chand Kataria Governor of Punjab felt highly delighted with this warm welcome extended to him.

On this welcome occasion, Jai Krishan Singh Rouri, Deputy Speaker, Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Dr. Ravjot Singh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Punjab , K.A.P. Sinha, Chief Secretary Punjab, Ashwani Sharma of BJP, Nachhatar Pal of Bahujan Samaj Party and Manpreet Singh Ayali of Shiromani Akali Dal were also present.

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Vigilance Bureau arrests Forest Guard taking Rs 20000 bribe

Chandigarh, March 21, 2025:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, on Friday, arrested Harjit Singh, a Forest Guard, posted at Malerkotla, for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the arrest was made following verification a complaint filed by a resident of Malerkotla. He further added that the complainant has approached the VB alleging that he had built a marriage palace at village Dilawargarh, near Kup Khurd village and the aforementioned accused had demanded a bribe of Rs one lakh to allow passage to the palace from the main road.

The spokesperson further informed that during verification of the complaint the VB team laid a trap during which the above said accused has been arrested while he was accepting Rs 20000 as a first instalment of bribe from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the aforementioned accused at the Economic Offences Wing, VB, Police Station, Ludhiana. 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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Harbhajan Singh ETO bats for speed up construction of Makhu Railway Over Bridge

Says; work to commence within a week

Chandigarh, March 21- Punjab Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Friday said that the construction of the much-awaited Railway Over Bridge (ROB) on the Harike-Jira-Bathinda section of NH 54 in Makhu will begin within a week. The Minister made this announcement in response to a question raised by MLA Naresh Kataria during the ongoing session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

Mr. Harbhajan Singh ETO stated that all necessary land acquisitions for the project have been completed and the construction contract has been awarded. He assured that the work will commence within a week, marking a significant step towards improving connectivity and safety in the region.

In response to another query by MLA Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar regarding the construction of fourth leg of Chatiwind Canal, the Minister informed that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, has granted approval under the CRIF Scheme (2024-25) on January 5. Administrative approval was issued on March 10 and the tender process will be initiated shortly. Funds will be released in accordance with the progress of the work, he added.

Responding to a query by Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh regarding the construction of new chambers for lawyers in the Amritsar Court Complex, the Minister clarified that the proposal for constructing new chambers is to be undertaken by the lawyers themselves as per the Punjab Government Revenue Department’s notification dated November 11, 2002. The expenses for the construction will be borne by the Bar Association. The Minister assured that the matter will be taken up with the Revenue Department.

Responding to the query of MLA Karambir Singh, Mr. Harbhajan Singh ETO informed that the widening of a 23.65 km stretch from Sahaura Kandi to Pandori Atwal (Nangal Ghodewaha) from 10 feet to 18 feet, along with the installation of crash barriers along the canal side, has been awarded to a contractor in January 2025 at a cost of Rs. 1951.22 lakh. The necessary approvals from the Forest Department are being processed since August 2024 and the work will be completed within the stipulated time once approvals are secured.

Apart from this the Minister stated that the repair of a 15.00 km road from Mukerian Hydel Talwara to Sahora Kandi and a 22.60 km road from Pandori Atwal to Bassi Maruf is under consideration for inclusion under the Special Repair Program, with proposed execution in the fiscal year 2025-26.

The Minister reiterated the Punjab Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and ensuring timely completion of projects for the benefit of the people.

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"YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH" : AUTHORITIES DEMOLISHE ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTION OF NATORIOUS DRUG PEDDLERS IN BHARGAV CAMP

COMMISSIONERATE POLICE REITERATES COMMITMENT TO ELIMINATING DRUG ABUSE FROM THE CITY

Chandigarh/Jalandhar, March 21:Under the on going action against illegal encroachments made by drug peddlers, Municipal Corporation Jalandhar in coordination with Commissionerate Police Jalandhar, on Friday demolished a double storey property, an ongoing encroachment activity, belonging to three drug smugglers. The encroached structure, constructed on government land alledgely using drug money, was razed in Bhargav Camp locality as part of the on going drive to demolish illegal encroachments under "Yudh Nashian Virudh."

Divulging the details, Commissioner of Police Jalandhar Ms. Dhanpreet Kaur stated that the Municipal Corporation had received information about an illegal construction on Government land by notorious drug smugglers, Varinder alias maula, Jatinder alias Jinder, and Rohit Kumar alias kaka trio brothers, currently lodged in the Jail. The property was reportedly built using proceeds from his illegal drug trade, she added.

Acting promptly, the Municipal Corporation and Police teams swung into action and demolished the encroached structure, sending a strong message that drug-related activities will not be tolerated in Jalandhar city.

Pointing out further, She stated that the accused are habitual offender, with a total of 15 cases registered against them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, Excise Act and other criminal sections. This action marks a significant step in dismantling the financial network of drug peddlers and ensuring accountability. Varinder have seven cases against him, while Rohit and Jatinder have six and two cases against them respectively.

The operation "Yudh Nashian Virudh" continues to gain momentum, with authorities vowing strict measures against those involved in drug-related crimes. Notably, similar actions have been taken in the past, including the demolition of illegal structures linked to drug traffickers in the Phillaur area, and Dhankia Mohalla earlier this month.

The Commissionerate Police reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating the drug menace from the society and urged citizens to support their efforts in making Jalandhar drug-free.

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Sign Language Successfully Introduced in Punjab Vidhan Sabha: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Punjab Becomes the First State to Broadcast Vidhan Sabha Proceedings in Sign Language

Chandigarh, March 21:Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur announced that the speech of the Governor of Punjab was successfully broadcast in sign language during the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha session, which commenced today.

Providing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that Punjab has become the first state in the country to broadcast key legislative proceedings in sign language during the Vidhan Sabha session.

She emphasized that broadcasting the Governor’s speech in sign language is a unique initiative of the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. She added that this step will ensure that individuals who are unable to speak and hear can stay informed about government policies and legislative discussions.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further mentioned that she had recommended to the Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, to introduce sign language interpretation for important discussions. Accepting her recommendation, the Speaker ensured that today’s key proceedings were also broadcast in sign language.

Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan for their leadership in implementing this initiative, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that this decision will enable individuals who are unable to speak and hear to access government information and actively engage in the state's development.

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Proposal to Increase Minimum Wages is under consideration in Punjab: Tarunpreet Singh Sond

Increase in Base Rate is also under consideration: Labour Minister

Chandigarh, March 21: A proposal to increase the minimum wages in Punjab is under consideration of the Labour Department. This information was provided by Punjab's Labour Minister, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, while responding to a question during the Punjab Vidhan Sabha session today.

Responding to a question by MLA Kulwant Singh regarding whether there is any proposal under consideration of the government to increase the minimum wages in Punjab in view of the continuously rising inflation, Tarunpreet Singh Sond confirmed that such a proposal is indeed under consideration.

He explained that minimum wages are increased in two ways. One way is that the adjustment of minimum wages is done twice a year from March 1 and September 1, according to the increase/ decrease in the Consumer Price Index. Accordingly, the last increment/revision was on 1.9.2024 and the next increment/revision will be from 1.3.2025, which will be done in a few days, the Minister added.

He further said that another way is to increase the base rate of minimum wages. He expressed optimism that this increase would take place within this year, making 2025 the new base year for minimum wages. He further highlighted that the last revision of the base rate was carried out in 2012, and now, with 2025 as the future base year, the minimum wages will be revised accordingly.

Providing further details, Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond informed that the Punjab Labour Department had adjusted minimum wages for workers/employees (Cadre wise) working in industries/factories in the state of Punjab from from September 1, 2024, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) received from the Government of India.

As per the revised wages, unskilled worker’s wages fixed Rs. 10,996 per month, Semi-skilled workers Rs. 11,776 per month, skilled workers Rs. 12,673 per month, Highly skilled workers Rs. 13,705 per month, Staff Category-A Rs. 16,166 per month, Staff Category-B: Rs. 14,496 per month, Staff Category-C: Rs. 12,996 per month and Staff Category-D Rs. 11,796 per month.

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Rationalizing canal water distribution to ensure water reaches tail-end: Barinder Kumar Goyal

•Water Resources Minister informed the legislative assembly

• Says, canal water is being provided on priority to districts with excessive groundwater usage

"Will ensure cleaning of drains before next monsoon"

• Mann Government procured 13 heavy machines and cleaning drains at one-fourth the cost

Chandigarh, March 21:Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, on Friday, said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is rationalizing canal water distribution to ensure water reaches tail-end areas and districts receiving less canal water.

The Cabinet Minister said, Mann government has increased water allowance (canal water allocation per thousand acres) by 50 percent from two cusecs to three cusecs in many districts to ensure that areas with higher groundwater extraction receive canal water on a priority.

Responding to a question of Dharamkot MLA S. Davinderjeet Singh Laddi Dhose regarding providing canal water and constructing water-courses in his constituency, the Cabinet Minister said that water allowance in many districts is 6 to 8 cusecs, while in districts like Sangrur, Barnala, Patiala and Mansa, it is only two cusecs. As a result, groundwater is being extracted in larger quantities in these districts. He said that work is being done on a priority in districts with higher water extraction to save groundwater. Funds are being allocated on priority considering the greater need for water-courses in such districts. He stated that our government is ensuring rational distribution of water allowance.

In response to MLA Dhose's question, the Cabinet Minister informed that Dharamkot constituency has a total of eight canals, of which work on six canals has been completed at a cost of Rs.5830.63 lacs, providing water to 70,000 acres of land. In Dharamkot constituency, 14 kilometers of new water-courses were constructed at a cost of Rs 2.80 crores. He mentioned that a total of Rs.17,000 crore is required for water-courses across the state and funds will be provided to Dharamkot constituency according to the ratio.

The Cabinet Minister stated that in the last two years, work on 6 important projects costing Rs.58.30 crore has been completed to ensure canal water up till fields in Dharamkot constituency. These include concrete lining of Sidhwan Branch, Kishanpura minor, Dharmkot minor, 5-R minor system, Kingwah minor, 6-R minor and 4 Minor (Rehrwan, Hashmatwah, Khanna and Nathuwah Minors). He informed that these projects have brought an additional 11,772 hectares under canal irrigation and revitalized 17,516 hectares of cultivable command area (CCA). As a result, farmers in various villages of Dharamkot constituency such as Kishanpura, Indargarh, Lohgarh, Dharmkot, Rehrwan, Pandori Araian, Baduwal, Musewal, etc. are receiving better canal water facilities. With the concrete lining of these canals/minors, farmers are being provided canal water as per their demand, which will reduce their dependence on groundwater in the future.

"WILL ENSURE CLEANING OF DRAINS BEFORE NEXT MONSOON"

Similarly, in response to a question about drains cleaning raised by MLA S. Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon from Giddarbaha, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal stated that the Mann government is already conducting thorough cleaning of drains and will ensure the quality in future.

He said that total 18 drains pass through the Giddarbaha constituency in Sri Muktsar Sahib district, of which 16 drains are associated with the office of Sri Muktsar Sahib Water Drainage Division and 2 drains to the Faridkot Water Drainage Division.

He said that as per site requirements, the cleaning of 17 drains was executed during the 2024-25 monsoon season using departmental machinery and through agencies, with a total expenditure of Rs.49,55,055. The 7 drains were cleaned using departmental machinery at a cost of Rs.19,28,820, while 10 drains were cleaned by agencies at a cost of Rs.30,26,235. He added that the cleaning work of these drains will be carried out before the onset of the 2025-26 monsoon season.

In response to another question of the MLA, the Cabinet Minister said that the Mann government has procured 13 heavy machines and these machines were used to effectively clean the drains at a fuel cost of Rs.19,28,820. He said, if this work had been outsourced to an agency, the cost would have been four times higher, noting that previously, no government had ever purchased such machinery.

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‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’ CONTINUES ON DAY 21 AS PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 63 DRUG SMUGGLERS AFTER 493 RAIDS

— 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 47 FIRs, RECOVERY OF 573 GRAMS HEROIN, 10KG OPIUM

— POLICE TEAMS IN SIX DISTRICTS ALSO CHECK 170 PHARMACEUTICAL SHOPS

— OVER 200 POLICE TEAMS LED BY 96 SP/DSP RANK OFFICERS CHECKED 530 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA

CHANDIGARH, March 21:Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 21st day, Punjab Police on Friday conducted raids at 493 locations leading to the arrest of 63 drug smugglers after registration of 47 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 2527 in just 21 days.

Police teams have also recovered 573 grams heroin, 10 kg opium, 1470 intoxicant tablets/pills/injections and Rs 4750 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 200 Police teams, comprising over 1300 police personnel, under the supervision of 96 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 530 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 two persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, while, organised 125 awareness events across the state as part of Prevention.

Meanwhile, Police teams have also conducted checking at as many as 170 pharmaceutical shops in six districts including Commissionerate Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Batala, Pathankot, Amritsar Rural and Tarn Taran 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.

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Punjab Govt Promotes 415 Teachers as Headmasters

• EM Bains congratulates newly promoted teachers and exhorts them to work harder for fostering more robust & efficient learning environment

Chandigarh, March 21:In a significant step towards further strengthening the state's education system, Punjab Government today elevated 415 teachers as Headmasters.

Disclosing this here today, Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains said that 398 master/ mistress and 17 Block Primary Education Officers (BPEOs) have been promoted as Headmaster/Headmistress. These newly promoted Headmasters will undergo a one-year probation period. The promotion orders have been issued on the basis of the seniority list issued by the School Education department on 29-05-2024 and 05-08-2024 for the master cadre.

Extending heartiest congratulations to the teachers, S. Harjot Singh Bains urged them to work harder to fostering more robust and efficient learning environment for students. He said that these promotions would inject fresh energy and motivation into the education sector. Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is fully committed to ensuring welfare of all the state government employees

Recognising the dedication and hard work of these teachers, the department has decided to empower them to lead with greater responsibility. It will lead to improved student outcomes, he added.

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Vigilance Bureau, Health Dept seals unlicensed Soya Champ, Momos Factories

Chandigarh, March 21, 2025 – In a significant move under its ongoing "War Against Corruption" campaign, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), in collaboration with the Health and Food Safety Department, conducted surprise inspections at food processing factories and shops in Amritsar city. The operation targeted unhygienic and unlicensed establishments, particularly those manufacturing Soya Champs and Momos.

An official spokesperson for the VB stated that in line with the directives issued by the Punjab Government, a joint teams comprising VB officials and Food Safety Officers carried out raids on unhygienic factories and shops producing food items,m across various localities in the city.

“During the operation, the team inspected wholesale shops in the Rambagh area where samples of Soya Champs and Momos were collected and sealed. It was discovered that several shopkeepers had not obtained the necessary food safety licenses and were storing food items in unsanitary conditions. In response, challans (fines) were issued to the violators,” he added.

He further informed that additionally, the team raided two Soya Champ manufacturing factories located in Angarh. Both factories were found to be operating in extremely unhygienic conditions and without valid food safety licenses. As a result, the factories were immediately sealed, and samples of Champs and other food items were collected for further analysis.

The spokesperson further revealed that a total of five samples were collected during the joint operation. These samples have been sent to the State Laboratory in Kharar for testing. Legal action would be initiated against the violators based on the laboratory reports.

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Vigilance Bureau conducts joint surprise checks in Punjab to curb adulteration in dairy and food products

Chandigarh, March 21, 2025–In a decisive move to safeguard public health, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau, under the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has launched a statewide crackdown on the sale of adulterated dairy products and other food items. Joint teams comprising Health and Food Safety Departments and VB personnel have been formed across various districts to conduct surprise inspections of suspected dairies and shops, ensuring the safety and quality of consumable goods.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said this initiative aimed at to address the growing concern of food adulteration which poses a significant threat to public health. “During the inspections, samples of milk-based products such as paneer, khoya, sweets, and ghee were collected from various establishments in Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar districts. The checks were carried out in the presence of health department officials and government witnesses to ensure transparency,” he informed.

He further added that in Jalandhar, ‘Cake & Bake’ shop located at PPR Market, Mithapur Chowk, was immediately sealed after inspectors found unhygienic conditions in its kitchen. Similarly, in Hoshiarpur, ‘Dilbagh Milky Sweets’ was shut down on the spot due to poor cleanliness standards.

“In Nawanshahr, surprise checks were conducted at multiple shops and samples were collected, sealed and sent to the State Food Laboratory in Kharar, SAS Nagar for further analysis. Legal action would be initiated against establishments found guilty of adulteration based on the lab reports,” he added.

The spokesperson emphasized that the state government is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. Strict measures would continue to be enforced to eliminate the menace of food adulteration and hold violators accountable.

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FRESH FIR REGISTERED ON STATEMENT OF COLONEL PUSHPINDER SINGH BATH

— HIGH LEVEL SPECIAL INVESTIGATION TEAM (SIT) CONSTITUTED FOR FAIR INVESTIGATION

— CONCERNED POLICE OFFICIALS PLACED UNDER SUSPENSION AND DEPARTMENTAL PROCEEDINGS INITIATED

— CONCERNED POLICE OFFICIALS TRANSFERRED OUT OF DISTRICT PATIALA

— SECURITY COVER PROVIDED TO FAMILY OF COLONEL BATH

CHANDIGARH/PATIALA, March 21:A case FIR No. 69 dated March 21, 2025 has been registered in Police Station Civil Lines, Patiala on the statement of Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath as recorded on 14-03- 2025 regarding an unfortunate incident of assault by police officials which occurred on the intervening night of 13/14 March, 2025. The statement of Colonel Bath names the police officials who assaulted him and also gives the roles attributed to each person in the assault.

A High Level Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Sh. S.P.S. Parmar, IPS, Additional Director General of Police, Law & Order, Punjab, and, including Sh. Sandeep Malik, IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Hoshiarpur and Sh. Manpreet Singh, PPS, Superintendent of Police, Rural, SAS Nagar has been constituted by the Director, Bureau of Investigation, Punjab for conducting investigations in a fair and expeditious manner. The SIT has been directed to conduct the investigation on day-to-day basis for collection of evidences and further legal proceedings, in order to ensure that the culprits are proceeded against as per law.

A Punjab Police spokesperson stated that instructions have been issued to DIG Patiala Range to immediately transfer the concerned police officials out of District Patiala, so that investigation can be conducted in a fair manner. The Spokesperson further added that all the 12 concerned police officials have been placed under suspension and Departmental Proceedings for major punishment have been initiated against them.

The Additional Director General of Police, Security, Punjab has been directed to provide adequate protection to the family of Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath.

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