Punjab Excise Department Earns Record-Breaking discovered price of Rs. 9,878 Crores in Online Auction of Excise Groups for FY 2025-26: Harpal Singh Cheema
Total Excise Revenue for the year 25-26 is set to cross 11500 Cr
The Auction resulted in 9.5% Increase Over the reserve price of Rs. 9,017 crores for FY 2025-26
All 207 Retail Excise Groups Allotted for FY 2025-26
Says, Progressive and Stakeholder-Centric Approach of Excise Policy 2025-26 Drives Success
Chandigarh, April 3-Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced the successful completion of the allotment process for 207 Retail Excise Groups for the financial year 2025-26. The process, which commenced on March 5, 2025, and concluded on April 2, 2025, has yielded unprecedented revenue, generating an annual license fee of Rs. 9,878 crores, surpassing the projected target of Rs. 9,017 crores. This represents a 9.5% rise over the set Reserve price, marking a historic achievement for Punjab's Excise Department.
Revealing this in the press communiqué issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Excise Department has allotted 207 retail groups successfully through online Auction and the whole process saw a very spirited response from the stakeholders. The Finance Minister attributed this outstanding success to the progressive and stakeholder-centric approach embedded in the Excise Policy 2025-26, which was designed to foster a transparent and well-regulated liquor trade.
Emphasizing that the total Excise Revenue for the year 25-26 is set to cross 11500 Crore, the Finance Minister said that the Punjab Excise Department's consistent year-on-year success is a direct result of strategic policy formulation, which defines revenue expectations, establishes market routes, and streamlines supply chain management. He said that Punjab’s dynamic excise policy ensures the availability of high-quality liquor at competitive prices, reinforcing the state's commitment to balancing revenue growth with consumer welfare.
The Finance Minister further commended the dedicated efforts of Excise officers and officials in combating the illicit liquor trade and smuggling (both intra- and inter-state). “By leveraging cutting-edge technology for monitoring and enforcement, and maintaining seamless coordination with Civil and Police Authorities, the department has successfully strengthened trust among stakeholders and ensured a transparent and supportive ecosystem for the liquor trade”, he added.
Reaffirming Punjab's position as a leader in Excise Management, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Excise and Taxation Department remains steadfast in its mission to enhance revenue generation while upholding regulatory integrity and consumer welfare. He said this year’s milestone achievement sets a new benchmark, further cementing Punjab’s status as a frontrunner in excise sector modernization and transparent governance.
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Meet Hayer raises issue of increasing commission of arhtiyas & more specials for Punjab, in Parliament
· During zero hour, demands immediate redressal of matter to ensure hassle free procurement of crops
Chandigarh/New Delhi, April 3:The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP from Sangrur Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer during the zero hour today raised the issues pertaining to the procurement of crops, in the Parliament. The MP put forward the demand of fixing the commission of Arhtiyas (Commission Agents) payable on wheat and paddy at the two and a half percent of the MSP as was the case earlier. He also demanded the increase in specials for Punjab in order to accelerate the lifting of paddy from the godowns. Seeking speedy redressal of the issues, Meet Hayer said that an early solution is necessary with a view to ensure a hassle free procurement season.
Divulging more, Meet Hayer said that till 2019-20, the commission of Arhtiyas on Wheat & Paddy was fixed at two and a half percent of the Minimum Support Price (M.S.P.). The same rate of commission continues since then whereas the inflation has soared in between that time period which is why the arhtiyas staged a demonstration thus directly impacting the procurement of crops in Punjab.
The MP from Sangrur also raised the issue of sheller owners and demanded increasing the number of specials in case of Punjab. He said that earlier, the paddy used to be lifted from Punjab till March-April but now even after 6 months the same has not been done. This has led to the aggravation of the storage situation causing loss of the produce worth Crores. Resultantly, the sheller owners have to bear the brunt causing lots of shellers to shut shop.
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Punjab Government Committed to the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Persons with Disabilities; ₹9.14 Crore Disbursed to 522 Beneficiaries – Dr. Baljit Kaur
Says CM S.Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Government is Continuously Working to Make Marginalized Communities Socially and Economically Self-Reliant
Chandigarh, April 3:Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Persons with Disabilities, the Punjab Government has disbursed a loan amount of ₹9.14 crore to 522 beneficiaries during the financial year 2024-25. This includes a subsidy of ₹1.46 crore. Punjab’s Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, shared this information today.
Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is consistently striving to empower marginalized and underprivileged sections of society through education, financial support, and social upliftment. She emphasized that the Punjab Scheduled Castes and Persons with Disabilities Finance and Development Corporation is providing concessional loans to help these sections of society pursue self-employment and higher education.
The Cabinet Minister further explained that under various schemes run by the state government, any individual from the Scheduled Caste community aged between 18 and 55 years, with an annual income of up to ₹3 lakh, is eligible to avail of loans for self-employment or higher education. Similarly, persons with disabilities aged between 18 and 60 years, with at least 40% disability, regardless of their caste, are also eligible for these loans.
Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that the Punjab Government is taking new initiatives to uplift socially and economically weaker sections, ensuring equal opportunities in employment and education.
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SC Commission intervention resolves cheque bounce case against student's father
Chandigarh, April 3 :Through the intervention of Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman S. Jasvir Singh Garhi, a college management has withdrawn its cheque bounce case against a student's father.
Providing details on the matter, S. Garhi said that Ramanjit Singh, son of Balwinder Kumar from Janta Nagar (Dhuri) filed a complaint with the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission on March 25, 2025. The complaint stated that Ramanjit had enrolled in B.Tech. Civil Engineering at Gurukul Vidyapeeth Institute of Engineering and Technology (Banur), attending regularly through the third semester. However, due to his father's surgery, he was unable to take his fourth semester examinations.
As per the complaint, the college administration never issued any formal notification regarding his absence during the fourth semester, yet continued to collect fees from Ramanjit Singh until 2018 (through the eighth semester).
Subsequently, Ramanjit Singh visited the campus multiple times in 2022 to retrieve his academic documents but was consistently denied access. When he approached Gurukul Director Manmohan Garg to collect his records, Ramanjit Singh was subjected to verbal abuse and threats.
The college management then initiated legal proceedings over a bounced cheque that Ramanjit's father had provided as security. Court proceedings commenced with a verdict expected on April 2, 2025. Seeking justice, Ramanjit Singh appealed to the Commission for assistance.
Taking prompt action, the Commission summoned college officials on April 1, 2025 and directed them to withdraw the case against Ramanjit Singh's father. The college management complied by submitting a formal withdrawal request to the court today, thereby safeguarding the future of both the student and his Scheduled Caste family.
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HARBHAJAN SINGH ETO DIRECTS TO IMPROVE STATE'S ROAD NETWORK
Says, officials should ensure quality during road construction
Orders high-level meeting to resolve issues related to Forest Department to obtaining approvals for road projects
Chandigarh, April 3:Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO today instructed department officials to further enhance the state's road network.
While chairing a meeting with Public Works Department officials regarding the budget allocated by the Punjab Government for the fiscal year 2025-26, S. Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is continuously working to foster comprehensive development to set the state on a path of progress, adding that a superior road network is essential for accelerating development projects across the state.
The Cabinet Minister stressed that special attention must be paid to the quality of all roads being constructed in the state to ensure they don't require repairs for an extended period. The Public Works Department Minister categorically directed to complete necessary processes regarding the Amritsar-Tarn Taran route, construction of a bridge on the Mubarakpur-Dhakoli road in Dera Bassi, the Garhshankar-Sri Anandpur Sahib route and expedite completion of the village Meerthal route. He directed that process pertaining to construction work of Chittiwind Bridge be completed within two months so that work on this bridge can commence at the earliest.
The Cabinet Minister also instructed department officials to conduct a high-level meeting with Forest Department officials at the earliest to resolve obstacles related to obtaining approvals for road projects from the Forest Department. He directed officials to swiftly complete work related to the state's planned roads.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Secretary PWD Dr. Ravi Bhagat and various other officials.
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Mohinder Bhagat Listens to Grievances of Freedom Fighters’ Families, Directs Officials for Immediate Redressal
Punjab Government Committed to Welfare of Freedom Fighters and Their Families
Chandigarh, April 3:The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the concerns of freedom fighters and their families. In line with this, Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat met with several family members of freedom fighters to hear their grievances and ensure swift resolution.
During the interaction, the family members apprised the Minister of various challenges they have been facing. Minister Bhagat attentively listened to their concerns and resolved several issues on the spot. He assured the attendees that their remaining legitimate concerns would be addressed at the earliest. He also instructed the concerned officials to expedite the resolution of grievances without unnecessary delay.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohinder Bhagat emphasized that the sacrifices of India’s great freedom fighters can never be forgotten. He stated that their families deserve utmost respect and care, reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to safeguarding their rights and welfare. He assured them that the state government stands firmly with them at all times.
The Minister reiterated that the Punjab Government duly acknowledges and honors the sacrifices of freedom fighters and remains dedicated to providing all possible assistance to their families.
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Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar announces EV Buses and Promotion of Eco-System in Punjab
Directs officials of Transport and LG departments to jointly conduct survey
In first phase, 425 EV buses to ply across Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, SAS Nagar and Patiala
Chandigarh, April 3:The Punjab Government has taken a step forward to introduce electric buses and promote an eco-system throughout the state. This initiative will not only help provide a pollution-free environment but also offer better environmental conditions and transportation facilities to citizens.
While chairing a meeting at the Punjab Civil Secretariat here today, Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar directed the officials of Local Government and Transport Department to jointly conduct a survey regarding the operation of EV buses and promotion of the eco-system. Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is committed to making the state pollution-free and providing citizens with a clean environment, said the Cabinet Minister, adding that the time has come to introduce EV buses in Punjab. He asked the concerned officials to take immediate action toward this objective.
The Transport Minister said that in the first phase, a proposal will be formulated to operate EV buses in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, SAS Nagar and Patiala. He said that 100 EV buses to be plied in Amritsar, 75 in Jalandhar, 100 in Ludhiana, 100 in SAS Nagar and 50 buses in Patiala.
S. Laljit Singh Bhullar also instructed PRTC and Punjab Roadways/PUNBUS officials to review the de-clubbing of bus route permits and find solutions in accordance with the law.
The Cabinet Minister informed that 450 large buses, 100 mini buses from PRTC and 312 new buses from PUNBUS will be soon added to the Punjab Transport Department's fleet, with the necessary procedures already underway.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Additional Chief Secretary Transport Mr. D.K. Tiwari, State Transport Commissioner S. Jaspreet Singh, Director State Transport Mr. Rajiv Gupta along with senior officials from the Local Government and Transport Departments.
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Punjab Roadways/PUNBUS and PRTC Contract Workers' union calls off strike following assurances from Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar
Chandigarh, April 3:Punjab Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar today assured the Punjab Roadways PUNBUS/PRTC Contract and Outsourcing Workers' Unions that swift action in accordance with the law is being taken to regularize the services of employees, standardize their salaries and implement appropriate salary increases. Following this meeting, the representatives of Punjab Roadways/ PUNBUS and PRTC Contract Workers' Unions postponed their strike scheduled from April 7 to 9.
While presiding over the meeting with union representatives at the Punjab Civil Secretariat today, S. Bhullar said that the regularization of contractual and outsourced employees' services will be implemented in a phased manner following legal procedures and issues regarding salary standardization and increases will be resolved in a time-bound manner. He said that next week, he will personally raise this matter with the Advocate General and the Finance Minister.
He also directed officials to promptly resolve the issue of contractors' delays in depositing EPF and ESI contributions to the respective institutions. He also instructed to ensure that contractors do not engage in such negligence in the future that would cause difficulties for employees in receiving their salaries.
The Cabinet Minister said that other demands of the employees are also being considered expeditiously, adding that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is ensuring the welfare of every section of society.
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Lal Chand Kataruchak initiates Wheat Procurement in Punjab from Rajpura Grain Market
- Punjab secures a cash credit limit of ₹28,894 crore; wheat to be procured at an MSP of ₹2,425 per quintal
- Assures farmers of seamless procurement across 1,865 mandis and additional temporary centers
Chandigarh/Rajpura, April 3:Punjab’s Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak today officially launched the government procurement of wheat in the state from Rajpura Grain Market.
Marking the commencement of the procurement season, Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak personally oversaw the auction of wheat brought in by Harwinder Singh, a farmer from village Bhapal, and extended a warm welcome to farmers on behalf of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. On the occasion Rajpura MLA Neena Mittal, Department Secretary Rahul Tiwari, Director Varinder Kumar Sharma, and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav, among other officials were also present with the Minister.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak announced that Punjab has received a cash credit limit of ₹28,894 crore from the Reserve Bank of India, ensuring smooth procurement of wheat at a MSP of ₹2,425 per quintal.
He emphasized that, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state government has made comprehensive arrangements to facilitate farmers during the procurement process. Punjab’s 1,865 mandis are fully equipped, and 600 additional temporary procurement centers have been set up to handle excess arrivals if required. He also assured that 5 lakh bales of gunny bags have been arranged to support the procurement operations.
Highlighting the expected bumper wheat crop this season, Mr. Kataruchak stated that the Food Corporation of India has set a procurement target of 124 lakh metric tonnes for Punjab, which is anticipated to be met comfortably.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the farming community, he urged farmers to bring their crops to the mandis at the earliest, assuring them that every single grain of wheat would be procured without delay. He also pledged that labourers and farmers would not face any difficulties, with the Food and Civil Supplies Department, district administrations, and other concerned departments working in full coordination to ensure smooth procurement operations.
On the occasion ADC Navreet Kaur Sekhon, Punjab Aarthiya Association President Ravinder Singh Cheema, District Patiala Aarthiya Association President Jaswinder Singh Rana, Grain Market President Davinder Singh Vaidwan, and other dignitaries were also present.
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YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH: DAY AFTER ARRESTED WITH HEROIN, LADY CONSTABLE AMANDEEP KAUR DISMISSED FROM SERVICE
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— POLICE TEAMS CONDUCTING THOROUGH INVESTIGATIONS INTO PROPERTIES ACQUIRED BY ACCUSED, SAYS IGP SUKHCHAIN GILL
— SSP BATHINDA DIRECTED TO CONDUCT THOROUGH INVESTIGATIONS IN THIS CASE
CHANDIGARH, April 3:Taking immediate and stern action amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Lady Constable Amandeep Kaur belt no 621/MNS has been dismissed from the service for involvement in drugs case, informed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Headquarters Dr Sukhchain Singh Gill here on Thursday.
The development came a day after teams from Sadar Bathinda Police led by Station House Officer (SHO) Sadar Bathinda Anubhav Jain arrested accused Amandeep Kaur after recovering 17.71 grams heroin from a black car Mahindra Thar, which the latter was driving. Police teams have also impounded her Thar vehicle bearing registration number PB 05 AQ 7720. The accused lady constable was temporarily posted at Police Lines Bathinda.
IGP Sukhchain Singh Gill said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has issued strict directives to dismiss any personnel found involved in drugs-related cases. Acting promptly, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mansa Bhagirath Meena has dismissed Lady Constable Amandeep Kaur from service, following due procedure, he said.
Furthermore, the IGP said that police teams are also conducting thorough investigations into the assets and properties acquired by the accused. If any illicitly acquired property found, stern action will be taken in accordance with the law, he added.
He said that SSP Bathinda Amneet Kondal has been directed to thoroughly investigate this case, tracing backward and forward linkages to uncover the full extent of the matter.
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‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: ON DAY 34, PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 52 DRUG SMUGGLERS; 5.6KG HEROIN, ₹1.93L 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 87 SP/DSP RANK OFFICERS CHECKED 449 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA
CHANDIGARH, April 3: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 34th day, Punjab Police on Thursday arrested 52 drug smugglers and recovered 5.6 kg heroin, 3.2 kg opium and ₹1.93 lakh drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 4817 in just 34 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 1200 police personnel, under the supervision of 87 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 416 locations across the state leading to the registration of 34 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 449 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 three persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.
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‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: ON DAY 34, PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 52 DRUG SMUGGLERS; 5.6KG HEROIN, ₹1.93L 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 87 SP/DSP RANK OFFICERS CHECKED 449 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA
CHANDIGARH, April 3: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 34th day, Punjab Police on Thursday arrested 52 drug smugglers and recovered 5.6 kg heroin, 3.2 kg opium and ₹1.93 lakh drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 4817 in just 34 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 1200 police personnel, under the supervision of 87 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 416 locations across the state leading to the registration of 34 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 449 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 three persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.
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Vigilance Bureau arrests Sub Inspector and his accomplice for accepting Rs 20,000 bribe
Chandigarh, April 3:Continuing its zero-tolerance policy against corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested a Sub Inspector and his accomplice private operator for accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000. The accused have been identified as Sub Inspector Sarvan Singh, police post Incharge posted at Central Jail, Ferozpur and his accomplice Pradeep Singh private operator.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said that both the above said accused were booked following a complaint lodged by Kuldeep Singh resident of Mathere village district Ferozpur.
He further added that the complainant said that the Sub Inspector had demanded Rs 50,000/- for helping him in the case which was registered against his brother and accepted Rs. 20000/- on the spot through his private operator Pradeep Singh. In this regard, the complainant has also recorded a video when the accused demanded the remaining amount.
He further added that in this regard a case has been registered against both the accused under Sections 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 as Amended by P.C (Amendment) Act 2018 at VB Range police station, Ferozepur. Both accused have been arrested and further investigation is underway.
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YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH: DAY AFTER ARRESTED WITH HEROIN, LADY CONSTABLE AMANDEEP KAUR DISMISSED FROM SERVICE
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— POLICE TEAMS CONDUCTING THOROUGH INVESTIGATIONS INTO PROPERTIES ACQUIRED BY ACCUSED, SAYS IGP SUKHCHAIN GILL
— SSP BATHINDA DIRECTED TO CONDUCT THOROUGH INVESTIGATIONS IN THIS CASE
CHANDIGARH, April 3:Taking immediate and stern action amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Lady Constable Amandeep Kaur belt no 621/MNS has been dismissed from the service for involvement in drugs case, informed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Headquarters Dr Sukhchain Singh Gill here on Thursday.
The development came a day after teams from Sadar Bathinda Police led by Station House Officer (SHO) Sadar Bathinda Anubhav Jain arrested accused Amandeep Kaur after recovering 17.71 grams heroin from a black car Mahindra Thar, which the latter was driving. Police teams have also impounded her Thar vehicle bearing registration number PB 05 AQ 7720. The accused lady constable was temporarily posted at Police Lines Bathinda.
IGP Sukhchain Singh Gill said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has issued strict directives to dismiss any personnel found involved in drugs-related cases. Acting promptly, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mansa Bhagirath Meena has dismissed Lady Constable Amandeep Kaur from service, following due procedure, he said.
Furthermore, the IGP said that police teams are also conducting thorough investigations into the assets and properties acquired by the accused. If any illicitly acquired property found, stern action will be taken in accordance with the law, he added.
He said that SSP Bathinda Amneet Kondal has been directed to thoroughly investigate this case, tracing backward and forward linkages to uncover the full extent of the matter.
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SIKHYA KRANTI: OVER 12K GOVT SCHOOLS UPGRADED TO BEST EDUCATION STANDARDS
•Improved learning environment to empower students to excel academically, says Harjot Bains
Chandigarh, April 3:In a major push to improve government schools to fulfil the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann's promise of world-class education, the Punjab Government has successfully upgraded over 1,2000 government schools under the “Sikhya Kranti” program. The initiative has modernized classrooms, infrastructure, and digital learning facilities to match the best educational standards.
Revealing the information about the ambitious program, Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the government schools have been equipped with all the essential amenities including Wi-Fi Internet connections, furniture, clean drinking water, separate toilets for girls and boys.
He also highlighted that under this program, 6,812 schools now have new or repaired boundary walls, covering nearly 1,000 kilometres for enhanced safety for students. Additionally, 5,399 new classrooms have been built to accommodate students better, while sanitation facilities have seen a major upgrade with 2,976 new toilets in as many as 2,934 schools and repaired 7,166 toilets across 4,889 schools.
The program has also focused on student’s comfort and well-being, 1,16,901 dual desks, tables, and chairs have been provided to schools ensuring a dedicated learning space for each student, he said, while adding that 359 school playgrounds have been developed to promote sports and physical activity among students. Furthermore, to modernise education, 2,261 smart classrooms with interactive panels have been installed in 1,886 schools, incorporating technology into education for a more engaging learning experience.
To mark the completion of these improvements, the Education Minister said that the Punjab School Education Department will hold inauguration ceremonies to be commenced from April 7 onwards, and continue until May 31st across all schools to showcase infrastructure development works, including additional classrooms, boundary walls, toilet blocks, drinking water facilities, libraries, playgrounds, smart classrooms, and other critical improvements, have been completed.
Meanwhile, this initiative underscores the state government's commitment to providing quality education for all children. The improved learning environment will empower students to excel academically, and this investment in education is expected to have a lasting impact on the future of Punjab.
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