SECURITY REVIEW: CM MANN CHAIRS HIGH LEVEL MEETING
KEEPING STRICT VIGIL TO MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER IN THE STATE: CM
CM ASKS FOR DETAILS OF PUNJABIS STUCK IN J&K HOTELS
Chandigarh, April 23:Condemning the unfortunate incident of terrorist attack in Pahalgam (Jammu and Kashmir), the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday said that state is on high vigil and is according top priority to maintain law and order in Punjab.
Interacting with the media persons after a high level meeting with officers of Civil and Police administration, the Chief Minister said that this terrorist attack on innocent tourists is a barbaric and inhuman act. He said that this incident has once again proved that the terrorists do not have any religion and their sole aim was to spread terror amongst the masses. Meanwhile, reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to maintain peace and communal harmony in the state, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that they were fully ready to meet any sort of challenge and no one will be allowed to disturb hard earned peace in the state.
The Chief Minister said that checking and patrolling has already been intensified on the interstate and inter district points especially at the vulnerable areas. He said that the Punjab is fighting the nation's war against drugs and terrorists and is in constant touch with the Jammu and Kashmir government to bring back tourists from the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a nexus of smugglers, gangsters and terrorists is trying to disrupt the hard earned peace of state through the drones adding that soon the state government will rope in anti drone techniques to check the smuggling of weapons and drugs through the drones.
The Chief Minister said that security has been beefed up in the state and strict vigil is being kept across Punjab to ensure that no one violates the law. He said that Punjab Police is fully capable of foiling any such attempt and a perfect coordination is being ensured between Army, BSF and Punjab Police. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab has a strong second line of Defence in form of the state Police which is committed to maintain the law and order in the state.
The Chief Minister further said that security at Tourist places has been enhanced in Punjab and no one will be allowed to disturb law and order in the state. Meanwhile, he said that this attack is a dastardly act as no religion allows such a heinous crime adding that that this senseless violence was an outrage against humanity and deserves to be condemned in the strongest possible words by everyone, regardless of religion, region, nation or any other persuasion. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab has a border with Pakistan and Jammu & Kashmir so the state is on high vigil and an eagle eye is being kept against anti-national forces.
The Chief Minister said that due to the proactive and sustainable vigil of Punjab Police the conspiracies of such forces inimical to state have been foiled. He said that Punjab has unleashed war against smugglers, gangsters and terrorists adding that they will not be allowed to succeed in their evil designs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is committed for preserving the hard earned peace of Punjab for which no stone is being left unturned.
The Chief Minister said that borders of the state have been already sealed and a red alert has been issued to the cops. He also said that vigil has also been enhanced in more than 160 institutes where students from Kashmir are studying. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is fully capable of dealing with any such proxy war unleashed by the Pakistan sponsored anti-Punjab and anti-national nexus of criminals.
The Chief Minister emphatically said that peace, harmony and brotherhood were on the top of his government’s agenda. He appealed to the people to maintain peace, amity and communal harmony at all cost in this hour of crisis, as preached by our great gurus, seers and prophets. Bhagwant Singh Mann also exhorted the people to exercise restraint in these circumstances by displaying the ethos of religious tolerance, unity and brotherhood.
On the occasion, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav and others were also present.
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CM’s GUARNATEE TO CONTRACTORS ; NO ONE WILL DARE TO ASK FOR BRIBE
I ASSURE YOU ZERO CORRUPTION ; YOU ASSURE ME 100% QUALITY : CM TELLS CONTRACTORS
TELL US IF SOMEONE ASKS FOR BRIBE; WILL TAKE STRICT ACTION : CM
Chandigarh, April 23:Setting the wheels in motion for construction of high quality link roads, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday launched first of its kind initiative for construction of quality roads to facilitate the people of the state.
Addressing the gathering during an interactive session Sadak Dhaancha Vikas Milni here at local Tagore Theatre, the Chief Minister said that such function is being organized for the first time in the history of the state and is aimed at ensuring quality construction of roads. He said that there is a stretch of 64878 kilometers link roads in the state and the Punjab government is starting a project of repair and upgradation of 18944 kilometers long link roads on which Rs 3459.95 crore is being spent. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the main motive of the campaign is to facilitate the people as these Link Roads act as a catalyst in commuting and smooth transportation of the goods and services to people.
The Chief Minister said that these link roads are the arteries of economic growth in the state as they help the people residing in rural areas to commute on one hand and give impetus to trade and business on the other. Bhagwant Singh Mann underlined the need for construction of these roads at the earliest as majority of them have remained unattended even after passing their life of six years. He said that the company constructing the road will be responsible for the maintenance of these roads for five years.
Taking a jibe on the rampant corruption prevalent earlier in construction of roads, the Chief Minister said that this is unwarranted and undesirable. He said that earlier there was a share of those in higher and lower echelons of power in the tenders for construction of roads. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in such a dismissal situation the contractors had to compromise with the quality of roads.
However, the Chief Minister said that now this corrupt practice has come to an end so the contractors must focus on the quality of roads to be constructed. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his predecessors never paid heed to words of public because they only listened to their relatives, adding that he has full knowledge of grass root level. He announced that a coordination committee will be constituted amongst the Mandi Board, PWD Department and contractors so as to resolve all the issues in construction of roads.
The Chief Minister said that if any officer indulges in corrupt activity then strict action will be taken against them. He asked the contractors to construct the roads in missionary mode as these roads were the lifeline of the people residing in rural areas. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Panchayats will be asked to ensure proper width of the roads to facilitate construction of these roads.
The Chief Minister said that for the first time in history of the state his government has introduced Artificial Intelligence in the working of the state government adding that due to its usage the government has saved Rs 226.89 crore merely in estimates of roads as 540 kilometres of roads which existed only on paper have been detected. He said that the work of laying the sewerage system and wires should be completed well before constructing the roads. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that to ensure proper quality check over the construction of roads Third Party Techno Financial Audit will be conducted.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has enhanced the width of 78 link roads used for Mining from 10 feet to 18 feet and Rs 266.27 crore will be spent on construction and widening of these 389.17 kilometre roads. He said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that the marketing system of the state is considered best across the state. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann bemoaned that the Union government had stalled funds worth Rs 6857 crore under the Rural Development Fund as the previous government had diverted the funds under the scheme.
The Chief Minister said that they are vehemently flagging this case with the Government of India, which has also reduced the Marketing Development Fee from 3% to 2%. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that at the time when he had assumed the charge of office only 21% canal water was being used in the state for irrigation purposes. However, he said that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that today 75% of the canal water is being used for irrigation purposes and the target is to take it to 80%.
Likewise, the Chief Minister said that after assuming charge his government has revived 15947 water courses in the state due to which water has reached at the tail ends even in remotest villages. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is making concerted efforts for rejuvenating the health and education system in the state. He said that hitherto sending his child to government school was the compulsion of the common man but now it will be his wish to do so as the education system is being revamped.
The Chief Minister said that the state Government has launched first of its kind initiative in the country, a dedicated Sadak Surakhya Force to ensure enhanced security and to save precious lives on the state and National Highways. He said that specially trained, freshly recruited 1597 personnel including girls are acting as the backbone to this force, who have been provided with the latest, fully equipped 144 vehicles and since its launch in February last year the state has witnessed a 48.10% reduction in casualties due to accidents. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that several other states and even the Government of India has hailed this out of the box initiative of the state government.
On the occasion Cabinet Ministers Gurmeet Singh Khudian and Harbhajan Singh ETO, Chairman Punjab Mandi Board Harchand Singh Barsat, Secretary Mandi Board Ramvir, Secretary Agriculture Basant Garg and others were also present.
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Zero tolerance against corruption : VB flying squad nabs JE red handed taking bribe
Chandigarh, April 23, 2025 - The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption under the zero tolerance policy adopted by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab government, on Wednesday, arrested Jasmel Singh, Junior Engineer, posted at Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) sub-division Roomi, in Ludhiana district red handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs. 30,000.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the PSPCL official has been arrested based on a complainant lodged by a complainant of village Deharka, in Jagraon sub-division.
He further added that the complainant has approached the VB alleging that the aforementioned Junior Engineer had demanded a bribe of Rs 30,000 to install power connection at his dairy farm.
The spokesperson further added that after a preliminary verification of this complaint a VB team from flying squad laid a carefully planned trap during which the said accused was caught red-handed accepting Rs 30,000 as a bribe from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case has been registered against the accused under Prevention of Corruption Act at the VB Flying Squad-1, police station Punjab at Mohali. The accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow and further investigations are underway, he said.
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BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL STROGNLY CONDEMNED TERRORIST ATTACK IN PAHALGAM
• TERMED THIS BARBARIC ACT AS CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY
Chandigarh, April 23:Punjab Water Resources, Soil and Water Conservation Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed lives of 26 tourists.
In a press communique issued here, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal described this attack as "barbaric, coward and inhuman" and expressed deep grief over the tragic loss of innocent lives.
"I am deeply shocked and saddened by the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Such acts of violence against innocent tourists are not only cowardly but reflect the inhuman mindset of attackers. This attack on our fellow citizens and visitors to our beautiful Kashmir is an attack on humanity itself," the Cabinet Minister added.
Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with them in this difficult time. "My prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this insensible act of violence. The people of Punjab stand united with them in their hour of grief," he added.
He urged the Union Government to take immediate and decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice. "I call upon the Union Government to ensure a thorough investigation into this attack and to take all necessary steps to bring the culprits to justice. Such acts of terror must be met with the full force of law," he categorically added.
The Cabinet Minister also called for enhanced security measures to protect tourists and civilians in vulnerable areas.
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Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan express grief over the massacre in J&K
Chandigarh 23 April 2025:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S Kultar Singh Sandhwan expressed his deep sorrow on the killings of innocent tourists by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. He said no religion allows the killing of innocent people. Terrorists should be dealt with strictly so that such a type of incident could not happen in future.
Sharing the grief of the bereaved families, he said that I pray to God that such type of tragedy does not happen in future and almighty may give strength to the deceased families to bear the irreparable loss in this hour of distress.
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Punjab Govt drive against corruption : VB nabs Clerk red handed taking bribe
Chandigarh, April 23, 2025 - The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption under the zero tolerance adopted by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, on Wednesday, arrested Jaspal Singh, Clerk, posted as contractual employee in SDM office Patiala, red handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs. 8,000.
An official spokesperson of the state VB informed that the arrest has been made following a complaint lodged by a complainant of village Lang, in Patiala district.
He further added that the complainant has alleged to the VB that the aforementioned Clerk had demanded a bribe of Rs 8,000 to help him in a case registered under section 127/170 BNS.
The spokesperson further added that after a preliminary verification of this complaint a VB team from Patiala range laid a trap during which the said accused was caught red-handed accepting Rs 8,000 as a bribe from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case has been registered against the accused under Prevention of Corruption Act at the VB police station at Patiala range. The accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow and further investigations are underway, he said.
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Harbhajan Singh ETO Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Calls it "Barbaric"
Chandigarh, April 23-Punjab Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Wednesday strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, terming it as "barbaric and cowardly." He stated that terrorists, gangsters, and other anti-social elements are working hand-in-glove to disrupt peace and harmony in the region.
The Cabinet Minister said that this was the first such attack targeting tourists. He assured that the Punjab Government is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of tourists from Punjab who are currently stranded and making arrangements for their safe return.
Asserting that terrorism has no religion, the Cabinet Minister said that no faith permits such brutal attacks on innocent people. He underlined the proactive role of Punjab Police, which is acting as the second line of defence in border areas, and urged the people of the state to remain calm and vigilant in all situations.
Mr. Harbhajan Singh ETO called upon the Union Government to take stringent action against those responsible. He reiterated the Punjab Government’s commitment to maintaining peace and security while standing firmly against any forces threatening national integrity.
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'I AM A SAFETY HERO’— PUNJAB’S BOLD MOVE TO PROTECT FARMERS ON ROADS
— PUNJAB POLICE AND YARA INDIA LAUNCH ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING STATE ROADS SAFER AND SECURE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— COLLABORATION AIMS TO REDUCE TRACTOR-TROLLEY ACCIDENTS THROUGH EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION, SAYS ADGP TRAFFIC AS RAI
Chandigarh, April 23:Reinforcing its commitment to proactive policing and community safety as per the commitment of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police in collaboration with Yara India launched a special road safety awareness campaign ‘I Am a Safety Hero’ at the Punjab Police Headquarters here on Wednesday. The campaign was launched by the Traffic and Road Safety Wing of Punjab Police under the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Traffic and Road Safety AS Rai, while formally launching the campaign, said that this initiative aims to address the growing number of road accidents involving agricultural vehicles, particularly tractor-trolleys, through education, awareness, and collective responsibility.
During the launch, reflective safety stickers for tractor-trolleys were unveiled, along with specially designed Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) material to support year-round awareness campaigns. Managing Director of Yara South Asia Sanjiv Kanwar and Director, Punjab Road Safety and Traffic Research Centre (PRSTRC) Dr Navdeep Asija were also present on the occasion.
The ADGP said that these materials will be distributed among the Traffic and Road Safety Education Cells across all districts and Commissionerates of Punjab Police, reaching thousands of students and community members through structured programming.
He said that to kick start this special campaign, a three-day Model Farmers’ Awareness Camp will begin at Asia’s largest grain market—Khanna Mandi— from Thursday onwards under which an air-cooled awareness booth will be set up at the Khanna Market Committee Office, featuring classroom-style seating in which at least 10 focused awareness sessions will be conducted, alongside street plays, safety gear distribution, and live demonstrations for farmers, mandi workers, and transporters. The camp will be inaugurated by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Khanna Jyoti Yadav, he added.
Citing road safety remains a top priority for the Punjab Police, ADGP AS Rai said that this campaign reflects our commitment to preventive education and community engagement, ensuring lasting behavioural change and safer roads for our farmers. “Such, initiatives demonstrate the power of collaboration between law enforcement, industry, and the community. We firmly believe that collective action will yield better and lasting results. This campaign aligns with our broader vision of building a safer Punjab through preventive education, stakeholder engagement, and behavioural change,” he said.
According to official data, between 2017 and 2022, Punjab recorded 2,048 road accidents involving tractor-trolleys, resulting in 1,569 fatalities, the majority of them being farmers. These incidents account for nearly 5–6% of all road accident deaths in the state, making rural road safety an urgent concern.
MD Sanjiv Kanwar reiterated the company's commitment to farmer well-being and said that through ‘I Am a Safety Hero’, we are bringing life-saving knowledge directly to those who need it most. “Our partnership with Punjab Police ensures this message reaches every corner of the community, helping prevent avoidable tragedies and promoting long-term behavioural change,” he added.
Dr Navdeep Asija said that Khanna is just the beginning. “We aim to replicate this model across rural Punjab, fostering local participation and innovation in road safety,” he said.
Meanwhile, the sticker campaign and awareness activities will continue across Punjab up to the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28. Thereafter, a statewide road safety awareness drive will be undertaken by the Traffic and Road Safety Education Cells under the Traffic and Road Safety Wing of Punjab Police, covering schools, mandis, and vulnerable rural routes.
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PUNJAB GOVT SCHOOLS SHINE: 260 STUDENTS CLEAR JEE(Mains)
AAP GOVT IS COMMITTED FOR BETTER QUALITY OF EDUCATION AND REALISING THE DREAM OF COMMON MAN : HARJOT BAINS
Chandigarh, April 23:Bringing laurels to the state of Punjab, as many as 260 students from the state government schools have qualified in the prestigious JEE (Mains) exam, a testament to the quality education being imparted in the government schools, announced S. Harjot Singh Bains, the School Education Minister, Punjab.
Addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan on Wednesday evening, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the qualified students will now appear in the JEE (Advanced) exam. Recognising their journey, the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government has thoughtfully arranged free coaching classes by organising summer camp in SAS Nagar to prepare them for this JEE (Advanced) exam.
Congratulating the students, their teachers, and parents for this remarkable feat, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the success of these students is a testament to the hard work and dedication of not only the students themselves but also their teachers and parents. He emphasised that the Punjab government is committed to providing quality education to all students. He further stated that the government is making concerted efforts to improve the infrastructure and resources available to government schools, so that they can continue to produce top-performing students.
The Education Minister also shared the heart-touching story of JEE (Mains) qualifier, Arshdeep Singh, a student from Shaheed Flight Lt. Mohit Kumar Garg School of Eminence, Samana, who has turned hardship into hope. Hailing from Patiala district, Arshdeep scored an impressive 97.79 percentile in JEE (Mains). After losing his father, Sukhwinder Singh, life changed drastically. His mother, Sunita Rani, is working tirelessly in a local private school to make ends meet on an income of less than one lakh annually. Despite financial struggles, she instilled in Arshdeep the value of education, hard work, and never giving up.
The support he received through the School of Eminence and the “PACE”Program made a world of difference. These initiatives didn’t just provide academic guidance—they gave him the confidence to dream bigger. Now, he is looking forward to building a better future for his family, and to someday give back to the society that shaped him, he added.