BECOME AN INTEGRAL PART OF YUDH NASHEYAN VIRUDH- THE CRUSADE AGAINST DRUGS- CM EXHORTS PUNJABIS

SAYS IT IS IMPERATIVE TO ERADICATE THE CURSE OF DRUGS FROM STATE

ISSUES WHATSAPP HELPLINE NUMBER 9779100200 FOR SHARING INFORMATION RELATED TO DRUG SMUGGLERS

Chandigarh, March 30:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday sought active support and cooperation from the residents of the state in transforming the war against drugs- Yudh Nasheyan Virudh into a mass movement.

In an audio message, the Chief Minister said that the Punjab government has launched a major crackdown against the menace of the drugs in the form of Yudh Nasheyan Virudh. He unequivocally said that the curse of drugs spread its tentacles in the state due to open patronization of the previous regimes. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government has started a crusade to make a drug free Punjab for which no stone is being left unturned.

The Chief Minister categorically said that this war can be only won with the proactive support of the common man. He said that the state government has issued a whatsapp helpline number 9779100200 for seeking the support of the people in this war. Bhagwant Singh Mann asked the people to share any information pertaining to the drug smugglers operative in their area or city on this whatsapp number.

The Chief Minister said that the identity of the caller will be kept secret and will not be disclosed to anyone. He said that fulsome support and cooperation of the people is imperative in this ambitious war against drugs due to which people should support this move in a big way. Bhagwant Singh Mann urged the people to pick up their phone and call on the helpline number and become an integral part of this ambitious campaign.

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PUNJAB POLICE BUSTS CROSS-BORDER DRUG CARTEL; TWO HELD WITH 6KG HEROIN

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

— ARRESTED ACCUSED WERE IN CONTACT WITH PAK-BASED SMUGGLERS, WHO WERE USING DRONES TO PUSH DRUGS ACROSS THE BORDER: DGP GAURAV YADAV

— ENTIRE NETWORK OF DRUG SUPPLIERS, DEALERS, AND BUYERS WILL BE TRACED: DIG FEROZEPUR RANGE HARMANBIR SINGH GILL

CHANDIGARH/TARN TARAN, March 30:In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing war against drugs waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Tarn Taran Police has dismantled a drug trafficking cartel with the arrest of two drug smugglers and recovered 6 kg heroin from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Sunday.

Those arrested have been identified as Hardeep Singh alias Deep and Harjeet Singh, both residents of Village Thathi Sohal, Tarn Taran. Apart from recovering heroin, police teams have also impounded their Swift car being used for the purpose of drug smuggling.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that arrested accused persons were in direct contact with Pakistan-based smugglers identified as Billa and Shah, who have been delivering consignments of drugs from across the border. Probe revealed that consignments were being dropped with the help of drones, he added.

The DGP said that further investigations are going on to establish backward and forward linkages in this case. More arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days, he added.

Deputy Inspector of General (DIG) Ferozepur range Harmanbir Singh Gill said that efforts are being made to uncover the entire network of suppliers, dealers, and buyers, as well as to ascertain the total quantity of drugs received by the arrested accused so far.

Sharing operation details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tarn Taran Abhimanyu Rana said that acting on reliable inputs about the involvement of accused Hardeep and Harjeet in drug smuggling, a police team from CIA Staff Tarn Taran under the supervision of DSP (D) Rajinder Minhas and DSP Gurinderpal Singh Nagra conducted a targeted operation and apprehended them in the area of Village Bhusse in Tarn Taran and recovered the contraband.

A case under FIR No. 27 dated March 29, 2025, has been registered under sections 21(c) and 29 of the NDPS Act at Sarai Amanat Khan Police Station in Tarn Taran.

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Program ‘Aarambh’–A Unique Initiative to Engage Parents in Their Child’s Learning Journey: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Punjab Government Led By Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann is Committed to Strengthening Early Childhood Education

Chandigarh, March 30: The Punjab Government is launching the ‘Aarambh’ program, an innovative initiative aimed at encouraging parents to actively participate in their child's learning journey through simple, play-based activities. Social Security, Women, and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur shared this information, stating that this program is a significant step towards strengthening foundational education for children.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further said that in the first phase, the ‘Aarambh’ program will be implemented in eight districts: Ludhiana, SAS Nagar, Patiala, Sangrur, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Tarn Taran, Ropar, and Amritsar. This initiative is expected to commence soon and will serve as a model for future expansion across the state.

Elaborating on the program, the Minister said that ‘Aarambh’ aims to create an engaging and interactive learning environment for both parents and children. It will foster cognitive, emotional, and social development among young learners. She emphasized that this initiative highlights the Punjab Government’s commitment to strengthening early education and empowering families to play an active role in their child’s academic growth.

Dr. Baljit Kaur added that further details regarding the implementation of ‘Aarambh’ will be made public in the coming months. She urged parents and educators across Punjab to actively participate in this initiative to make early education more effective and enjoyable.

Concluding her remarks, the Minister reiterated that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is making all possible efforts to ensure the holistic development of children. She asserted that initiatives like ‘Aarambh’ will contribute significantly to realizing the vision of a ‘Rangla Punjab’.

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PUNJAB'S MEGA PTM A SUCCESS SAGA; DRAWS OVER 20 LAKH PARENTS

• MLAs visit over 100 schools to interact with parents and teachers

• EM Bains thanks CM Mann, MLAs & Education dept officials for making Festival of Education a grand success

Chandigarh, March 30:The Punjab Government's Mega Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM) concluded on a high note, with over 20.13 lakh parents actively participated in it across the state, said Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, while hailing the initiative as a major step toward fostering stronger ties between schools and families to enhance student learning.

"The massive success of the Mega PTM is a testament to the Punjab Government's commitment to creating a collaborative and supportive learning environment for all students," said Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains.

He highlighted the significant participation in the Mega PTM, noting that over 100 schools were visited by Cabinet Ministers/ MLAs, while, education department officials visited 5,849 schools. Over 1.23 lakh parents filled the feedback form.By gathering regular feedback from parents, teachers, and students, the Punjab Government seeks to continuously improve educational standards across the state and empowers the students to reach their full potential, he added.

The EM S. Bains emphasised the initiative's long-term benefits, stating that it will bridge the communication gap between parents and school teachers, fostering a better understanding of students' academic performance and allowing for real-time addressing of concerns. He highlighted the improved transparency it brought to the education system, strengthening the bond between parents and teachers. The PTMs allow parents to regularly monitor their children's progress and provide a platform for teachers to offer guidance and feedback. This interaction empowers parents to play a more active role in their children's education and enables school authorities to identify areas for improvement.

The events were met with widespread appreciation from parents and teachers alike. Many parents expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with their children's educators and to gain a better understanding of their academic journey. Teachers also welcomed the chance to connect with parents and to receive valuable feedback on their teaching practices, he added.

Terming the final Mega PTM of this academic session a historic day for the Department of School Education, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that he travelled from Mohali to Nangal to visit various schools. He witnessed overwhelming participation and enthusiasm from parents, teachers and students alike. He also appreciated the spirit of this educational movement.

The Education Minister also expressed his gratitude towards Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and the incharge of AAP, Punjab Sh. Manish Sisodia, who visited SOE Dhuri, and all his Cabinet colleagues and the MLAs, Local Representatives and Officers for wholeheartedly participating in this Festival of Education.

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Dhaliwal Inaugurates Sewerage Project in Sakianwali village

Amritsar/ Chandigarh March 30:Cabinet Minister S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal has inaugurated a sewerage project in Sakianwali village, marking a significant milestone in the development of Ajnala Halqa. This achievement is a testament to Dhaliwal's efforts, as the project had been stalled by previous governments.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dhaliwal emphasized that the Aam Aadmi Party government is committed to spending every penny of its income for the people of Punjab. He highlighted the government's focus on providing essential amenities, such as sewerage facilities, to villages that were once considered backward.

Dhaliwal also mentioned that the village of Sakianwali had long struggled with waterlogging, which often entered homes. He expressed his satisfaction in fulfilling his election promise while addressing the issue.

The minister also outlined the government's plans to develop village infrastructure, including drains, ponds, and playgrounds, using the Thapar model. These initiatives, made possible by the budget allocations, aim to improve the standard of living in rural areas.

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Punjab Secures 2nd Rank in National TB Elimination Campaign

— Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda bestows Punjab with Certificate

— Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh credits achievement to dedication of frontline health workers

CHANDIGARH, March 30:Punjab has achieved a significant milestone in its fight against Tuberculosis (TB) by securing the second rank nationally in the 100-Day Intensified TB Elimination Campaign— “TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan”, as announced by the Government of India on World TB Day.

The state’s relentless efforts in screening, detection, and treatment of TB cases were recognised at a grand ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, where State TB Officer Dr Rajesh Bhaskar received a certificate of achievement from Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda.

The campaign, launched on December 7, 2024, by Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh in Amritsar, aimed to accelerate TB elimination through intensified screening, early diagnosis, and improved care for vulnerable populations.

Dr Balbir Singh said that over the course of 100 days, health teams across Punjab screened approximately 28 lakh high-risk individuals, identifying 17,300 TB patients, who were then provided with timely treatment and nutritional support. The campaign also focused on preventive measures, including TB preventive therapy for contacts and at-risk groups to curb new infections, he added.

The Health Minister credited the achievement to the dedication of frontline health workers.

Meanwhile, Punjab’s success was measured on multiple performance indicators, including case detection rates, reduction in TB-related deaths, and coverage of preventive treatment.

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GLOBAL EXPERTS UNITE TO COMBAT DWINDLING SUBSOIL WATER CRISIS: PUNJAB AND CALIFORNIA FORGE WAY FORWARD

• PSFC Chairman and experts discuss strategies on water recharge

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 30:In a significant initiative to address the critical challenge of subsoil water depletion, a team from California State University, Fresno, brainstormed with Punjab’s agricultural experts to devise sustainable solutions. The high-profile delegation, headed by Dr. Sharon Elizabeth Benes and Dr. Gurreet Singh Brar along with six undergraduate and Masters’ students engaged in strategic discussions with the Punjab State Farmers’ and Farm Workers’ Commission (PSFC), stressing the urgent need for collaborative action.

With Punjab and California both have been struggling with water scarcity, which is posing serious challenges to farming and livestock economy- the meeting served as a crucial platform for knowledge exchange.

Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Chairman of PSFC, elaborated the Agriculture Policy for the state and discussed strategies with the visiting team for water recharge, while Sh. Rajesh Vashisht, former Director of Agriculture presented data on declining groundwater levels and proposed science-backed recharge strategies.

Dr. Brar, a distinguished scientist, set the tone with a compelling presentation on the future of farming amid dwindling water resources, drawing stark parallels between the two regions.

Dr. Benes shared California’s experiences, reinforcing the global nature of the crisis and the importance of shared solutions.

Dr. Gurkanwal Singh, former Director of Horticulture and key policy architect urged the global scientific community to unite in making agriculture more resilient and sustainable. Experts Dr. Ranjodh Singh Bains and Sh. Manavpreet Singh further enriched the dialogue by discussing actionable policy measures from Punjab’s draft agricultural framework.

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GLOBAL EXPERTS UNITE TO COMBAT DWINDLING SUBSOIL WATER CRISIS: PUNJAB AND CALIFORNIA FORGE WAY FORWARD

• PSFC Chairman and experts discuss strategies on water recharge

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 30:In a significant initiative to address the critical challenge of subsoil water depletion, a team from California State University, Fresno, brainstormed with Punjab’s agricultural experts to devise sustainable solutions. The high-profile delegation, headed by Dr. Sharon Elizabeth Benes and Dr. Gurreet Singh Brar along with six undergraduate and Masters’ students engaged in strategic discussions with the Punjab State Farmers’ and Farm Workers’ Commission (PSFC), stressing the urgent need for collaborative action.

With Punjab and California both have been struggling with water scarcity, which is posing serious challenges to farming and livestock economy- the meeting served as a crucial platform for knowledge exchange.

Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Chairman of PSFC, elaborated the Agriculture Policy for the state and discussed strategies with the visiting team for water recharge, while Sh. Rajesh Vashisht, former Director of Agriculture presented data on declining groundwater levels and proposed science-backed recharge strategies.

Dr. Brar, a distinguished scientist, set the tone with a compelling presentation on the future of farming amid dwindling water resources, drawing stark parallels between the two regions.

Dr. Benes shared California’s experiences, reinforcing the global nature of the crisis and the importance of shared solutions.

Dr. Gurkanwal Singh, former Director of Horticulture and key policy architect urged the global scientific community to unite in making agriculture more resilient and sustainable. Experts Dr. Ranjodh Singh Bains and Sh. Manavpreet Singh further enriched the dialogue by discussing actionable policy measures from Punjab’s draft agricultural framework.

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- Yudh Nashian Virudh: Jalandhar Rural Police and Civil Administration take stern action against drug peddler encroaching Panchayat land

Illegal construction by drug peddler demolished in Village Pasla

Strict action against drug peddlers will continue: SSP Jalandhar Rural

Information on drug activities can be reported on Punjab Government's ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ WhatsApp number 9779-100-200

Chandigarh /Jalandhar March 30:Under Punjab government's ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, the Jalandhar Rural Police, led by SSP Gurmeet Singh, has taken a decisive action against illegal encroachments by drug peddlers. In the presence of Civil Administration officials, an unauthorized structure in village Pasla, under the jurisdiction of Noormahal police station, was demolished on Sunday.

SSP Gurmeet Singh stated that Jaswinder Kaur alias Jassi, wife of Amarjeet Singh alias Rami, a resident of Pasla, had been involved in drug trafficking for a long time and was named in multiple NDPS Act cases. He revealed that the couple had illegally occupied about 3-4 marlas of panchayat land, constructing a bathroom and boundary walls. Today, with the support of the village panchayat and B.D.P.O. office staff, the illegal encroachment was removed with police assistance, he added.

The SSP listed the cases registered against Jaswinder Kaur at Noormahal police station under the NDPS Act, including FIR No. 75 (dated 10-09-2019), FIR No. 39 (dated 12-06-2021), FIR No. 70 (dated 30-08-2021), FIR No. 37 (dated 19-04-2022), and additional FIRs under IPC sections 323, 324, 307, 341, 148, 149, 302, and 325 (FIR No. 11, dated 18-02-2023) along with FIR No. 76 (dated 21-10-2024) under the NDPS Act.

SSP Gurmeet Singh emphasized that this action aligns with the Punjab government’s zero-tolerance policy against drug peddlers, and such strict measures against them will continue. He urged the public to contribute to the fight against drugs by reporting drug-related activities to the police. Citizens can provide information via WhatsApp helpline on 9779-100-200, assuring that their identity will remain confidential. He also appealed to families to educate their children about the harmful effects of drugs and encourage them toward a healthy lifestyle.

On this occasion, village sarpanch Gurvinder Singh welcomed the Punjab government's strong anti-drug drive, thanking the state government and Punjab Police for their efforts. He stated that Punjab Government's initiatives to eliminate drug abuse are commendable.

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OVER 43K ACRES UNDER FISH FARMING, PRODUCING 1.81 LAKH TON FISH ANNUALLY, SAYS KHUDIAN

•14-CR quality fish seed produced from 16 Govt Fish Seed Farms

• Fisheries Minister felicitates progressive fish farmers during state-level Seminar

Chandigarh, March 30:Making a significant stride in fish farming, Punjab is producing a total of 1,81,188 tons of fish annually from natural waters, private, and panchayati ponds. Currently, 43,973 acres are dedicated to fish farming in the state, stated S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries.

He was addressing a state-level seminar organised by the Fisheries Department at a hotel in SAS Nagar (Mohali). The seminar aimed to educate fish farmers about new technologies, best practices, and innovative methods of fish farming. More than 300 farmers and officers participated in this seminar.

To further promote the fish farming sector, S. Khudian also shared that approximately 14 crore quality fish seed is produced at 16 government fish seed farms annually and distributed to farmers at subsidised rates.

In addition to fish farming, Punjab is also making progress in shrimp farming. Thousands of acres of land in the five southwestern districts – Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda, Mansa, Faridkot, and Fazilka – were previously unsuitable for agriculture due to water-logging and salinity. However, shrimp farming is now being practiced in these districts, providing farmers with a net profit of Rs 2.50 to Rs 4.00 lakh per acre, said S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian.

The Cabinet Minister also honoured two progressive fish farmers Mr. Amiteshwar Singh Gill from District Fatehgarh Sahib and Mr. Parminderjit Singh from District Kapurthala.

Director Fisheries Jasvir Singh informed that the department has disbursed more than Rs. 30 crores subsidy to 618 families in 4 years under the centrally sponsored scheme and felicitated all the district heads. He further said that under the leadership of the Minister S Khudian and guidance of the Principal Secretary, Sh. Rahul Bhandari, department is currently providing subsidy for various projects related to fisheries such as new area under fish and shrimp farming, vehicles for transporting fish products, RAS and bio-floc units, fish kiosks, mini fish feed mills, etc.

State head of Common Service Centre, Punjab Sh. Bhupinder Singh briefed the fish farmers regarding the database being prepared by the Government and made the farmers aware about the benefits of registration on National Fisheries Digital Platform. Deputy Director Sh. Gurpreet Singh and Assistant Director Fisheries Ms. Satinder Kaur apprised the farmers about the achievements of various projects under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and thanked the fish farmers for making the event a success.

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‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: ON DAY 30, PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 72 DRUG SMUGGLERS; 8.8KG HEROIN, ₹99K DRUG MONEY RECOVERED

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

— OVER 200 POLICE TEAMS LED BY 82 SP/DSP RANK OFFICERS CHECKED 435 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA

CHANDIGARH, March 30:With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state entered 30th day, Punjab Police on Sunday arrested 72 drug smugglers and recovered 8.8 kg heroin, 500 kg ganja and ₹99410 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 4614 in just 30 days.

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 1100 police personnel, under the supervision of 82 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 391 locations across the state leading to the registration of 49 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 435 suspicious persons during the day long operation, he added.

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 five persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.

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Newly appointed Advocate General of Punjab, Mr. Maninderjit Singh Bedi, taking charge at the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Punjab New Advocate General Maninderjit Singh Bedi takes charge of his office

Chandigarh, March 30:Mr. Maninderjit Singh Bedi today assumed charge as the Advocate General of Punjab at the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The Punjab Government has appointed Mr. Bedi to this prestigious position earlier in the day.

Mr. Bedi was previously serving as the Additional Advocate General of Punjab. A law graduate from Punjabi University, Patiala, Mr. Bedi has also previously held the position of Administrator General and Official Trustee of the Government of Punjab.

Upon taking charge, Mr. Bedi expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann for entrusting him with this important responsibility. He affirmed his commitment to serve the position with dedication, saying that his priority would be to effectively represent the state in legal matters to protect Punjab's rights and interests.