Under Ashirwad Scheme, Punjab Government Releases Financial Assistance of Rs. 301.20 Crore for SC and BC Beneficiaries: Dr. Baljit Kaur
38,922 Scheduled Caste and 20,136 Backward Class Beneficiaries Receive Aid
Welfare of SCs and BCs is the Top Priority of the Government: Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur
Chandigarh, March 12:The Punjab Government has released financial assistance worth Rs. 301.20 crore to beneficiary families belonging to Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes under the Ashirwad Scheme during the financial year 2024–25. This was disclosed by Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities.
Sharing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that out of the total amount, Rs. 198.51 crore was disbursed to 38,922 beneficiaries from Scheduled Castes, while Rs. 102.69 crore was provided to 20,136 beneficiaries from Backward Classes.
Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that under the Ashirwad Scheme, financial assistance of Rs. 51,000 is provided for the marriage of girls, and the benefit can be availed for a maximum of two daughters. The amount is directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer), ensuring transparency and timely assistance.
She added that to avail the benefits of the scheme, the applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab with an annual household income of less than Rs. 32,790. Moreover, the applicant should belong to a Scheduled Caste, Backward Class, or Economically Weaker Section.
In conclusion, she said that such schemes run by the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government are not just limited to financial assistance, but are major steps toward realizing the vision of a ‘Rangla Punjab’.
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26 CADETS OF MRSAFPI MAKE IT TO NDA; 10 CADETS SECURE POSITIONS IN TOP-100 IN ALL INDIA RANKING
• Aman Arora wishes the cadets all the best for their training & career ahead
• 170 alumni of the Institute commissioned as officers in the Defence Services
Chandigarh, April 12:The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI) in SAS Nagar (Mohali) continues to excel, with 26 more cadets made it to the UPSC All India Merit List for the National Defence Academy (NDA)-154 Course, set to begin in June 2025. Cadet Aryan Sofeth from Patiala has secured 9th rank in the All India Ranking, while 10 cadets from the Institute have secured positions in the top 100.
Notably, the Institute’s 26 cadets have cleared the SSB out of the 34, who had passed the written exam for the NDA-154 Course. Now, these cadets are awaiting their joining letters.
Apart from Aryan Sofeth, 25 cadets, who have secured merit positions include Anhad Singh Khatumria, Mohanpreet Singh, Armaanvir Singh Adhi, Bhaskar Jain, Manjot Singh, Nimit Soni, Harkanwal Singh, Udhaybir Singh Nanda, Prjveer Singh, Aditya Mishra, Ranbir Singh, Ishmeet Singh, Ishaan Sharma, Samarvir Singh Heer, Balraj Singh Heera, Abhay Pratap Singh Dhillon, Bhuvan Dhiman, Harmanpreet Singh, Sahib Singh Dhaliwal, Divanshu Sandhu (all from the 13th Course of MRSAFPI) and Bhavik Kansal, Gurvanshbir Singh, Ojas Gaint, Shiven Tayal, and Gagandeep Singh (all from the 12th Course of MRSAFPI).
Congratulating the cadets, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that these Cadets are the pride of Punjab. He also wished them all the best for their training and career ahead.
Mr. Arora also congratulated cadet Gunjot Singh (7th Course at MRSAFI) and Cadet Aryan Dutt (8th Course) on their selection for the Officer Training Academy (OTA), Chennai for the Short Service Commission (Technical) 64th Course. Cadet Gunjot hails from Patiala district and his father works at Thapar University, while Cadet Aryan Dutt belongs to SAS Nagar district and his father retired as a Commander in the Indian Navy.
The Director of the Institute Major General (Retired) Ajay H. Chauhan, VSM, said that this Institute has the highest number of cadets for the NDA-154 course commencing in June 2025. As on date, a total of 255 cadets of this Institute have joined various Service Training Academies since inception the Institute and 170 alumni of the Institute have been commissioned as officers in the Defence Services.
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DGP GAURAV YADAV LEADS 'NIGHT DOMINATION' OPERATION IN JALANDHAR & AMRITSAR TO INSPECT NAKAS, POLICE STATIONS
— PUNJAB POLICE INTENSIFIES EFFORTS TO ENSURE PUBLIC SAFETY AND CRACK DOWN ON CRIME AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— ONGOING ‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’ CAMPAIGN SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED DRUG AVAILABILITY ACROSS STATE, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV
— SPL DGP/ADGP/IGP/DIG RANK OFFICERS FROM CHANDIGARH DEPLOYED ACROSS PUNJAB TO MONITOR NIGHT DOMINATION OPERATIONS
— DGP REVIEWS SPECIAL CHECKPOINTS, INTERACTS WITH OFFICERS AND CITIZENS TO ASSESS POLICE PERFORMANCE
— DGP GAURAV YADAV SAYS PUBLIC FEELS SAFER DUE TO INCREASED POLICE PRESENCE, VOWS TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY TRUST
CHANDIGARH, April 12:In a continued push to reinforce law enforcement and public safety in the wake of forthcoming Vaisakhi festival as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday conducted surprise inspections in Jalandhar and Amritsar districts as part of the statewide 'Night Domination' operation. The late-night visits aimed to assess police preparedness, strengthen anti-crime measures, and foster stronger police-public relations.
The operation was conducted from 10 pm to 4 am simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state and Spl DGP/ADGP/IGP/DIG rank officers from PPHQ were deputed in each Police district to personally supervise the night domination operation. The CPs/SSPs were directed to mobilise maximum force to carry out this operation aimed at checking of vehicles and suspicious persons at different Nakas, searches at Railway Stations and Bus Stands, checking of patrolling parties located at strategic locations, etc.
During his tour, DGP Gaurav Yadav inspected special checkpoints, reviewed Nakabandi operations, and visited police stations to ensure effective on-ground policing.
In Jalandhar, he began his inspection near Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where he assessed vehicle checking procedures and interacted with officers and citizens. He also visited Police Division No. 7 at Urban Estate and the checkpoint near Dussehra Ground in Jalandhar Cantonment to personally oversee the operations.
Accompanied by Commissioner of Police Jalandhar Dhanpreet Kaur, the DGP gathered direct feedback from residents, who expressed greater confidence in police presence. "I am pleased to see that our heightened visibility is making citizens feel safer. Punjab Police remains committed to ensuring security while building trust through transparency and accountability," he said.
Interacting with the media, DGP Gaurav Yadav, while highlighting the Punjab’s vulnerability as a border state, said that Punjab remains vulnerable to attempts by external agencies like the Pak-based ISI to disrupt its peace and harmony.
He asserted that ever since the Punjab Government launched an aggressive campaign against drugs under the 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' initiative, cross-border drug syndicates have been making attempts to destabilise the state. "Our aggressive campaign under ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ has significantly reduced drug availability, and we will continue to eradicate this menace,” he reiterated.
The DGP later also visited Amritsar to supervise night policing efforts, motivating officers to stay alert ahead of Vaisakhi festivities. Accompanied by CP Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, he urged police personnel to maintain strict vigil around the anti-social elements.
Sharing details of the night domination operation, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that over 1000 Police teams, comprising over 6500 police personnel, led by 221 gazetted rank officers were deployed across the state. As many as 651 Strong Nakas were also established at vulnerable and strategic locations across the state, he added.
During the operation, the Special DGP said that the Police teams have registered 26 first information reports (FIRs) and arrested 48 criminals. Police teams have also checked suspicious persons and verified their credentials.
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DGP GAURAV YADAV ATTENDS CREMATION OF MARTYR SI CHARANJIT SINGH, PAYS RICH TRIBUTES
— CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN ALREADY ANNOUNCES ₹2-CR TO FAMILY OF SI CHARANJIT SINGH AS MARK OF RESPECT
— DGP PUNJAB ASSURES FULL SUPPORT FROM PUNJAB GOVERNMENT AND PUNJAB POLICE TO MARTYR SI’s FAMILY
Chandigarh/Tarn Taran, April 12:Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Saturday, attended the cremation ceremony of Martyr Sub-Inspector (SI) Charanjit Singh took place at Theh Sarhali village in Tarn Taran district and paid his respect to the brave officer, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
SI Charanjit Singh, 57, who joined the Police force as a constable in 1989 and was currently posted at Police Station Goindwal Sahib had lost his life in the line of duty on April 9, 2025. He is survived by his wife, one son and two daughters.
Pertinently, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had already announced Rs 2 crore to family of the martyr SI Charanjit Singh as mark of respect. The Rs 2 crore amount includes Rs 1 crore as ex-gratia by the state government, whereas, another payment of insurance cover of Rs 1 crore will be made by the HDFC Bank.
Expressing his heartfelt condolences, DGP Gaurav Yadav assured full support and every possible help from the Punjab Government and Punjab Police to the family of Martyr SI Charanjit Singh.
The DGP paid rich tributes to the officer's immense courage and unwavering commitment to service, assuring the family that his sacrifice would never be forgotten.
Meanwhile, the financial assistance to family of Martyr SI Charanjit Singh is in consonance with the commitment of State government to ensure the well-being of police personnel and their families.
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Volleyball trials of Khelo India Youth Games now to be held on April 14 in Ludhiana
Chandigarh, April 12:The trials for selecting the Volleyball (Boys) team of Punjab in respect of the Khelo India Youth Games would now be held on April 14th at Guru Nanak stadium in Ludhiana. The Khelo India Youth Games are scheduled to be held from May 4th to May 15th in Bihar.
Disclosing this, a spokesperson of the Sports Department said that earlier the trials were to take place at Punjab Institute of Sports in Sector-63, Mohali on April 13th.
The players interested in participating in these trials should be born on either January 1st, 2007 or after.
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BIG BREAK THROUGH FOR PUNJAB POLICE; MAIN ACCUSED IN MANORANJAN KALIA CASE ARRESTED
— PUNJAB POLICE DEMONSTRATES ZERO TOLERANCE TOWARDS TERROR AS PER VISION OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS ONGOING TO UNCOVER HANDLERS, FINANCIAL BACKERS, AND FOREIGN CONNECTIONS LINKED TO THE ATTACK, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV
— TWO LOCAL ASSOCIATES, WHO PROVIDED LOGISTICAL SUPPORT, ALREADY IN POLICE CUSTODY
CHANDIGARH/JALANDHAR, April 12: In yet another major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Jalandhar Commissionerate Police, with the support of Central Agencies and Delhi Police, has successfully arrested Uttar Pradesh (UP)-based Saidul Ameen— the prime accused involved in the grenade attack at BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia’s residence, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.
As per the information, an explosion occurred at the residence of Senior BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia located in Central Town Jalandhar on the intervening night of April 7. Preliminary investigations had revealed a larger conspiracy orchestrated by Pakistan's ISI to disrupt communal harmony in Punjab.
The development came close on the heels of the arrest of two local associates identified as Satish alias Kaka alias Lucky of Bhargo Camp in Jalandhar and Harry of Garha Road in Jalandhar, who provided logistical support to accused Saidul Ameen. The plot was masterminded by Zeeshan Akhtar, a close associate of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and Pakistan-based ISI-sponsored gangster Shahzad Bhatti, while, role of Pakistan-based Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) is also being probed.
DGP Gaurav Yadav accompanied by Commissioner of Police (CP) Jalandhar Dhanpreet Kaur, while addressing a press conference in Jalandhar, said that accused Saidul Ameen, a resident of Amroha in UP, was apprehended from Delhi after an intensive multi-state manhunt. “This arrest is a testament to the seamless coordination between Punjab Police, Central Agencies, and Delhi Police in dismantling terror networks,” he said.
The DGP said that the ongoing probe has also revealed the financial link to the executors of the grenade attack under which role of Haryana-based accused identified as Abhijot, who was arrested by the Haryana Police on Friday after exchange of fire in Kurukshetra, has also come under the light. Jalandhar Commissionerate Police will bring him on production warrant for further investigations, he added.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that further investigations are ongoing to uncover handlers, financial backers, and potential foreign connections linked to the attack.
A case FIR no. 27 dated 8/4/2025 has already been registered under sections 109, 324(3) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act has been registered at Police Station Division number 3 in Jalandhar.
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FIR REGISTERED AGAINST BOTH PARTIES INVOLVED IN CLASH AT DERA BASSI CIVIL HOSPITAL
— Any violation of hospital protocols won’t be tolerated at any cost, says Dr Balbir Singh
— Violence against any medical personnel and damage to hospital property is a non-bailable offence
Chandigarh, April 12:In a prompt action, first information report (FIR) has been registered against both parties involved in a clash that occurred at the Civil Hospital, in Dera Bassi, informed Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh here on Saturday.
Upon learning about the clash, Dr Balbir Singh said that he immediately contacted the concerned Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of SAS Nagar, directing them to take appropriate action against both parties involved in clash.
He said that all hospitals are considered peace zones and any violation of hospital protocols or damage to public property will be met with strict action, regardless of any political affiliation. Violence against any medical personnel and damage to hospital property is a non-bailable offence, he added.
While urging the people to continue seeking medical treatment at Government Health Facilities, the Health Minister assured them that doctors and staff are dedicated to providing services to people. However, he categorically said that any violation of hospital protocols will not be tolerated at any cost.
He said that police have initiated an investigation into the matter and are currently reviewing CCTV footage and gathering statements from witnesses.
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Vigilance Bureau arrests SHO red handed taking Rs 25000 bribe - Demanding Rs one lakh bribe
Chandigarh April 12 -The Punjab Vigilance Bureau during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, on Saturday, arrested Inspector Abhinav Chauhan, posted as SHO Police station Mamdot, District Ferozepur, red-handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs. 25,000.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the aforementioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by from Surinder Singh.
He further informed that the complainant has approached the VB and alleged the accused had demanded a bribe of Rs one lakh for the settlement of the civil dispute. The spokesperson further added that after a preliminary verification of this complaint the VB team from Flying Squad -1, Punjab, laid a trap during which the said accused has been arrested while he was accepting a first instalment of bribe of Rs 25000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a Case has been registered at police station, VB Flying Squad-1 Punjab at Mohali m against the aforesaid accused. The accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow. Further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.
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Cabinet gives nod to report prepared for declaring eco sensitive zone inside area adjoining Sukhna Lake
· Punjab Government fulfilled promise made to people: Lal Chand Kataruchak
Chandigarh/Pathankot, April 12:A plan was prepared to declare all the wildlife sanctuaries in the country as eco sensitive zones. The plan was formulated as part of an eco sensitive strategy by the Wildlife Board of India in 2002. According to the plan, these were eco sensitive areas and there would be no construction within the radius of 100 Metre around these sanctuaries. Any construction whatsoever was to be done outside the 100 Metre radius. The practice was initiated in the entire country.
This was disclosed by the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister, Punjab, Lal Chand Kataruchak today during an interaction with the mediapersons.
Divulging more, the Minister said that the Punjab Government in the year 2013 readied detailed plan with regard to the 13 wildlife sanctuaries of the State and sent the same to the Government of India which declared these 13 wildlife sanctuaries as the eco sensitive zones. Hence, on this basis, any construction activity was forbidden within 100 Metre radius of these sanctuaries. But the Government of India didn’t declare the Sukhna Lake, the 14th spot which shares its borders with Haryana and Punjab, to be included in the above said category.
The Minister further said that it is already decided in case of Sukhna Lake from legal point of view that no construction can take place within 10 Km radius, neither any business activity nor any other kind can happen inside the said radius.
But recently, the Supreme Court directed that talks should be initiated with the local people inhabiting the above said area of lake. As a result, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann formed a five Member committee which conducted various meetings and listened to the grievances of the people. Accordingly, a report was sent to the Hon’ble Supreme Court and a demand was placed that an eco sensitive zone be declared in this area.
The Minister further said that the memorandum prepared as per the directions of the Chief Minister, was approved by the Cabinet. This would give a lot of respite to the people and this memorandum would also be sent to the Government of India.