HARJOT BAINS HONORS 161 GOVT SCHOOLS WITH “BEST SCHOOL AWARD”
• Hands-over cash prizes worth Rs. 11-CR
• These schools to be role model for others, says Education Minister
• State-level Best School Awards to be launched in coming session, announces Bains
Chandigarh, March 7:Inculcating competitive skills and improving the performance of the government schools in the state, Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, on Friday, honored a total of 161 government schools with the “Best School Award” carrying a total prize money of Rs 11 crore.
Addressing the gathering during the award function held at MC Bhawan here, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that 92 primary, middle, high and senior secondary schools for the session 2023-24 and 69 middle, high, and senior secondary schools for the session 2024-25 have been awarded today. He further informed that primary schools have been awarded with Rs. 2.5 lakh cash prize each, middle schools with Rs. 5 lakh each, high schools with Rs. 7.5 lakh each and senior secondary schools with Rs. 10 lakh each.
He said that these schools have been selected through a merit base criteria focusing on the strict parameters including students performance, attendance, community participation and maintenance of school infrastructure.
Extending the heartfelt congratulations to all the award winning schools, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that these schools would be role models for others to follow their footsteps to excel in the field of education. He asked the school heads to further act as catalyst of change in the educational revolution brought by the AAP led Punjab Government. He also conveyed his best wishes to the heads and entire school staff of award winning schools for their remarkable feat. He mentioned that the government is also mulling to introduce the state-level Best School Awards from the coming session.
Underlining the role of school heads in transforming the schools, S. Bains urged the award winning school heads to boost the student enrollment in government schools promoting the initiatives taken by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government in providing the best quality education and necessary amenities in the schools, besides equipping the government school teachers with latest teaching methodologies by sending them to renowned institutions like University of Turku (Finland) for training to ensure the world-class standards education in the state government schools.
Mr. Bains also congratulated Secretary School Education Ms. Anindita Mitra and all the women teachers and staff on the eve of Women’s Day. While citing that Punjab Government has been promoting women empowerment, he said that a large number of schools are being headed by women principals.
Meanwhile, quoting the Iconic leader Nelson Mandela’s famous line, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” the Secretary School Education Ms. Anindita Mitra encouraged the teachers to be a change-maker in shaping a progressive society. She also extended her best wishes to the heads and staff of the award winning schools.
Prominent amongst others Special Secretary School Education Rajesh Dhiman, Punjab Development Commission member Anurag Kundu, Director School Education (Secondary) Paramjeet Singh were also present during the event.
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YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH: ANTI-DRUG AWARENESS COURSE TO BE INTRODUCED IN PUNJAB SCHOOLS AND HOTSPOTS
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— PUNJAB POLICE INKS MoU WITH PUNJABI UNIVERSITY AND EMRC TO DESIGN STRUCTURED DRUG AWARENESS PROGRAM
— 10-HOURS COURSE TO INCLUDE LECTURES, AUDIO-VISUAL CONTENT, AND INTERACTIVE SESSIONS COVERING ALL ASPECTS OF DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION: DGP GAURAV YADAV
— COURSE IS EXPECTED TO BE LAUNCHED IN THE NEXT ACADEMIC SESSION, SAYS ADGP ANTF NILABH KISHORE
CHANDIGARH, March 7:In a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at saving young generation to fall prey to drugs amidst the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ anti-drug campaign launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police has collaborated with Punjabi University Patiala and Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMRC) to introduce a comprehensive 10-hour anti-drug awareness course at schools and identified drug hotspots across the state.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between ADGP Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Nilabh Kishore, Registrar Punjabi University Prof (Dr) Sanjiv Puri and Director EMRC Patiala Daljeet Ami in the presence of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav at Punjab Police headquarters.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that this strategic partnership, part of state’s broader anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, will drive a structured drug awareness program to safeguard youth and communities.
He said that the 10-hours course, designed to be both engaging and informative, will include lectures, audio-visual content, and interactive sessions covering all aspects of drug abuse prevention.
It will be introduced in schools and identified hotspot areas across the state, targeting students and vulnerable youth, he said, while adding that upon completion, participants will receive a certificate, recognising their commitment to staying drug-free.
Sharing more details, ADGP Nilabh Kishore said that under this MoU, digital content will be developed by EMRC and Punjabi University Patiala, while, ANTF Punjab will finalise the content and appoint an editorial board to oversee the creation, development and delivery of the content.
The ANTF will further identify subject matter experts responsible for preparing the script, he said, while adding that the content will be created in English as well as in Punjabi language.
The ADGP said that the course is expected to be launched in the next academic session and will be integrated into both formal and informal education systems.
Meanwhile, the inclusion of “Anti-Drug Awareness and Prevention” as a part of curriculum will help students to internalise information about the dangers of drugs.
On this occasion, DIG ANTF SK Rampal, Prof. (Dr.) Mamta Sharma from Punjabi University and DSP ANTF Tarvinder Singh were also present.
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PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS DRUG SMUGGLER WITH 10.5KG OPIUM AND ₹35K DRUG MONEY FROM SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS ARE ON ESTABLISH BACKWARD AND FORWARD LINKAGES IN THIS CASE: DGP GAURAV YADAV
— ARRESTED ACCUSED WAS ALSO WANTED IN 54KG POPPY HUSK RECOVERY CASE: SSP AKHIL CHAUDHARY
CHANDIGARH/SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB, March 7: In a major intelligence-led operation amidst the ongoing anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Sri Muktsar Sahib Police has dismantled a drug network with the arrest of a drug smuggler and recovered 10.5 kg opium and Rs 35000 drug money from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.
The arrested accused has been identified as Raju, a native of village Bhagwanpura and currently residing residing at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar in Malout. Apart from recovering opium and drug money, police teams have also impounded his TVS Apache Motorcycle bearing registeration number PB 08 ES 4930.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that further investigations are on to establish backward and forward linkages in this case.
Sharing operation details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sri Muktsar Sahib Akhil Chaudhary said that acting upon pinpointed information, teams from CIA Malout under supervision of SP Investigation and DSP (D) promptly acted and nabbed accused Raju after recovering 3.5 kg of opium wrapped in a transparent packet along with Rs 35,000 drug money from his possession.
He said that during questioning, accused Raju confessed that he had concealed more opium at his house. Based on his statement, police teams conducted a search at his house, leading to the recovery of an additional 7 kg of opium, he said.
The SSP said that the arrested accused is a habitual drug smuggler and was also wanted by the Sri Muktsar Sahib Police in 54 kg poppy husk recovery case registered at Sadar Police in March 2024. Further investigation is ongoing, and further revelations are expected, he added.
A case FIR No. 15 dated 06.03.2025 has been registered under section 18(B) of the NDPS Act at Police Station Sadar Malout.
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Financial Assistance of ₹20,000 to Families Under the National Family Benefit Scheme – Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur
Eligible Families Can Contact District Social Security Officers to Avail Benefits
Chandigarh, March 7: The Punjab Government provides a one-time financial assistance of ₹20,000 to families under the National Family Benefit Scheme in case of the death of the primary breadwinner of the household.
Sharing more details, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that families fulfilling the eligibility criteria can avail the benefits of this scheme in case of any kind of death (natural or otherwise). She further clarified that a woman in the household who is the primary source of income will also be considered a breadwinner, and her family will be eligible for financial assistance under this scheme.
Under this scheme, the term "family" includes the husband, wife, minor children, unmarried daughters, and dependent parents. In case an unmarried individual passes away, the assistance will be provided to their dependent younger siblings or parents.
It is important to note that the deceased breadwinner should be between 18 and 60 years of age at the time of death. Financial assistance will be granted in every case where these conditions are met.
The Minister also mentioned that, as per the 2011 Census, families classified as Below Poverty Line (BPL) or covered under the Socio-Economic Caste Census are eligible for this scheme.
Concluding her statement, the Minister emphasized that this scheme is another major initiative by the Punjab Government for social welfare. Eligible individuals can contact their respective District Social Security Officer to avail the benefits.
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Departmental examination for various posts now to be held from April 1st to April 5th
Chandigarh, March 7: Due to the administrative reasons, the departmental examination of IAS/PCS officers and officers of the other departments of the Punjab Government would now be held from April 1st, 2025 to April 5th, 2025.
Divulging this, an official spokesperson said that earlier the exam was scheduled to be held from April 7th, 2025 to April 11th, 2025 at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA), Sector 26, Chandigarh.
Those candidates who have already applied need not apply again. However, applicants who have not yet applied can apply till March 16th, 2025.
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PUNJAB POLICE AVERTS TARGET KILLING WITH ARREST OF THREE OPERATIVES OF BKI; FOUR PISTOLS RECOVERED
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— PROBE REVEALS THAT TERROR MODULE WAS OPERATED BY USA-BASED GANGSTER GOPI NAWASHEHRIA, WHO IS A CLOSE AIDE OF TERRORIST HARWINDER RINDA: DGP GAURAV YADAV
— GOPI NAWASHEHRIA WITH HELP OF HIS ACCOMPLICE LAADI BAKAPURIA WAS MOTIVATING YOUTH TO CARRY OUT ANTI-NATIONAL ACTIVITIES, SAYS DGP PUNJAB
— ARRESTED ACCUSED JAGROOP SINGH IS A HABITUAL CRIMINAL, WAS EARLIER SENTENCED 3-YRs IMPRISONMENT IN MURDER CASE: AIG CI NAVJOT MAHAL
CHANDIGARH/JALANDHAR, March 7:In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence Jalandhar averted a major target killing in Punjab with the arrest of three operatives of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) backed terror module, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.
Those arrested have been identified as Jagroop Singh, a resident of Naushehra Kalan in Amritsar; Sukhjit Singh, a resident of village Mirzapur in Kapurthala; and Navpreet Singh alias Nav, a resident of village Fatehabad in Tarn Taran. Police teams have also recovered four pistols including two sophisticated pistols— .30 bore PX5 Storm (Bretta) pistol and 9MM Glock pistol— and two country-made pistols— .30 bore and .32 bore— along with four magazines and 22 cartridges from their possession.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that the module was being handled by USA-based Gangster Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi Nawashehria, who is a close aide of Pakistan-based terrorist Harwinder Singh Rinda and was working in connivance with him. Probe has also revealed that Gangster Gopi Nawashehria with the help of his Greece-based associate Laadi Bakapuria was motivating youth to carry-out anti-national activities in the state, he added.
The DGP said that further investigations are underway to trace backward and forward linkages in this case to dismantle the whole network.
Sharing operation details, AIG CI Jalandhar Navjot Singh Mahal said that following reliable inputs, an Intelligence and Human-Int based operation was launched and police teams from CI Jalandhar apprehended Jagroop and Sukhjit along with weapons, while they were waiting for their other associate in an Alto car near Underbridge at Suriya Enclave in Jalandhar. Following the disclosures of arrested accused Jagroop about the involvement of accused Navpreet, Police teams have also arrested him, he added.
The AIG said that arrested accused Jagroop Singh is a habitual criminal and earlier, he had been sentenced three years imprisonment in a murder case in Amritsar.
A case FIR No. 11 dated 02.03.2025 has been registered under sections 113(1) and 113(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 25 and 25 (1B) (A) of the Arms Act at Police Station State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Amritsar.
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Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat Presides Over State-Level Conclave on Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, Releases Informative Booklet on AIF
Punjab Achieves 1st Rank in AIF Utilization Among 35 States and UTs
Punjab Horticulture Department Hosts State-Level AIF Conclave
Chandigarh, March 7:The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and the guidance of Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat, is driving unprecedented growth in the horticulture sector. The Department of Horticulture, the nodal agency for AIF implementation in Punjab, organized a State-Level AIF Conclave at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA), Chandigarh, on Friday to review progress and felicitate top performers.
Mr.Mohinder Bhagat, Minister of Horticulture, Defence Services Welfare and Freedom Fighters, graced the event as the Chief Guest, while Mr. Mohammad Tayyab, Secretary, Horticulture & Soil and Water Conservation, was present as the Guest of Honour at the event.
The AIF Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, in July 2020, aims to develop post-harvest management infrastructure across agriculture and horticulture value chains. Punjab, as a leading state in the scheme’s implementation, has made significant strides in its execution.
Horticulture Minister Mr. Bhagat released an informative booklet on the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme during the event. Presiding over the State-Level AIF Conclave, the Minister said that Punjab has emerged as a leader in the utilization of AIF funds.
Interacting with media, the Ministe explained that Punjab has attracted investments worth over ₹8,000 crore through 21,740 sanctioned projects under the AIF Scheme. He explained that loans amounting to ₹5,161 crore have been sanctioned, and out of this amount, ₹4,580 crore has been disbursed by various lending institutions. Punjab now holds the top rank among 35 states and UTs in terms of the highest number of sanctioned projects under the scheme.
He added that Ludhiana, Bathinda, Fazilka, Sangrur and Patiala are among the leading districts in Punjab benefiting from the AIF scheme. The scheme has supported the establishment of cold storage units, processing centers, custom hiring centers, warehouses, sorting and grading units and solar panels on existing agricultural infrastructure. He said that 9 out of India’s top 10 districts in terms of AIF project approvals are from Punjab.
At the conclave, top-performing districts, banks, and officials were felicitated for their contributions to the scheme’s success. Mr. Bhagat honored districts excelling in project approvals, including Ludhiana (2,305), Bathinda (2,269), Fazilka (2,165), Sangrur (2,155), Patiala (2,088), Sri Muktsar Sahib (1,631), Ferozepur (1,104), Moga (1,067) and Mansa (1,021).
Mr. Bhagat acknowledged Union Bank of India, Central Bank of India, HDFC Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, and Indian Overseas Bank for approving loans within 60 days. He specifically awarded the SBI for sanctioning ₹1,598.1 crore, which accounts for 31% of Punjab’s total under AIF, highlighting its role in the state's leadership in implementation. The Minister stated that the Mann government is committed to transforming Punjab into ‘Rangla Punjab’. He emphasized that the government is continuously providing employment opportunities to the youth so that they do not have to look towards foreign countries solely in search of jobs.
Horticulture Secretary Mohammad Tayyab reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding horticulture and promoting sustainable farming. Horticulture Director Shailender Kaur assured continued efforts in agricultural diversification, while Rakesh Arora from the CPMU, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, lauded Punjab’s key role in national agricultural transformation.
The conclave was attended by key dignitaries, including Mr. Showkat Ahmad Parray, Deputy Commissioner, Bathinda, Sumant Kumar (SLBC), Mr. Rakesh Arora (CPMU), Ms. Ambika Jyoti (GM, NABARD), along with senior government officials, banking representatives, and private stakeholders.
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"War Against Drugs" Will Continue Until the Elimination of Drugs and Drug Peddlers – Laljit Singh Bhullar
Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar warns drug peddlers to stop the drug trade and surrender
Calls for a social boycott of drug smugglers by village panchayats and the general public.
Chandigarh/ Faridkot, March 7 – The "War Against Drugs" campaign will continue until drugs and drug peddlers are completely eliminated. This was made clear by Cabinet Minister Mr. Laljit Singh Bhullar during a special meeting with civil and police officials in Faridkot district today as part of the ongoing campaign. Faridkot MLA Sh. Gurdit Singh Sehkhon and Jaito MLA Sh. Amolak Singh were also present at the meeting.
Cabinet Minister Mr. Laljit Singh Bhullar stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Police have been given full freedom to take strict legal action against anti-social elements involved in the drug trade and to work towards a drug-free society. He warned drug smugglers to immediately stop their illegal activities and surrender.
He further emphasized the role of de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, which are proving beneficial for the proper treatment and reintegration of drug addicts into society.
The Minister also appealed to village panchayats to socially boycott drug smugglers and their supporters and pass resolutions in this regard. He stressed that cooperation from all sections of society is essential to build a social movement against drugs.
Deputy Commissioner Madam Poonamdeep Kaur provided detailed insights into the activities undertaken by various departments under the Punjab Government’s "War Against Drugs" campaign in the district.
DIG Ashwani Kapoor and SSP Dr. Pragya Jain briefed the Minister on the actions taken by Faridkot Police, revealing that over 55 drug smugglers have been arrested in the district, and a significant quantity of drugs, including heroin, opium, and narcotic pills, has been seized.
Prominent attendees included Chairman, District Planning Board, S. Sukhjit Singh Dhilwan; Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) S. Narbhinder Singh Grewal; GA Tushita Gulati; Civil Surgeon Dr. Chandra Shekhar; Chairman, Market Committee, Amandeep Singh; Chairman, Improvement Trust, Gagandeep Singh Dhaliwal; Amandeep Singh Sandhu, Representative Speaker S. Sandhwan; District President, Aam Aadmi Party, Sukhwant Singh Pakka; and District President, Aam Aadmi Party, Gurtej Singh Khosa, along with a large number of AAP representatives, police officials, and civil administration officers and employees.
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Fire Brigade Outsource Union Submits Demand Letter to Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh
All Legitimate Demands of the Union Will Be Resolved Soon – Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh
Chandigarh, March 7-The Fire Brigade Outsource Employees Union, Punjab, submitted a demand letter regarding their concerns to the Minister for Local Government, Dr. Ravjot Singh, at the Municipal Bhawan. A detailed discussion on the union’s demands took place in the meeting hall of the complex. Additional Chief Secretary of the Local Government Department, Tejvir Singh, was also present on the occasion.
After listening to the demands of the union leaders, Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh assured them that the government is fully committed to addressing their concerns. The union’s key demands include the permanent appointment of long-serving outsourced drivers and firemen without any conditions, an increase in employees’ salaries, and financial assistance of ₹1 crore to the families of employees in case of any unfortunate incident.
Issuing directives regarding the regularization of drivers and firemen, Dr. Ravjot Singh instructed department officials to review the existing policies and reconsider their implementation. He also stated that he would bring these concerns to the attention of the government at the highest level and make every effort to ensure their regularization.
Regarding salary discrepancies, he directed district officials to investigate and resolve the issue if any employee is receiving a lower salary than others. He assured that all legitimate demands of the union would be addressed in detail, and necessary instructions had been issued to the concerned authorities. The resolution of these demands will be expedited.
On this occasion, union representatives Amanjot Singh and Sahib Singh, along with department officials and employees, were also present.
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Yudh Nashian Virudh: Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh reviews performance of Drug De-addiction Centres of Sangrur and Barnala Districts
— Will ensure employment opportunities to drug addict patients after proper treatment: Health Minister
— Village level 15 member committees to be formed, Dr. Balbir Singh
Chandigarh/Sangrur/Barnala, March 7:Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh, today, reviewed the performance of government drug de-addiction centres of Sangrur and Barnala districts amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ of Punjab Government. The minister also held meetings with the officials of district administrations and operators of private drug de-addiction centres of these districts.
Dr. Balbir Singh said that, not limiting itself to just curbing the drug menace, Punjab government has gone a step ahead and has been ensuring rehabilitation of the addicted patients by providing them skill based trainings for employment opportunities. He said that apart from this, every village will soon have 15 member committees which would make the youth aware of the ill-effects of drugs and remain vigilant about drug peddling in their respective areas.
The minister also warned the drug peddlers to stop smuggling, lest they want to find themselves behind the bars or else leave the state. He added that women addicts will be accorded separate wards so that they could be treated with dignity.
Dr Balbir Singh added that the campaign has evoked positive response from every section of the society and in the coming few months, drugs will be wiped off the state.
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Mann Government will rest only after eliminating drugs from Punjab: Laljit Singh Bhullar
* Cabinet Minister reviews work being done by Mansa District Administration under "War Against Drugs" drive
* Asks district administration to intensify awareness campaign against drugs
* Mansa Police Administration directed to pursue action against drug dealers with greater vigilance
Chandigarh/ Mansa, March 7:To review the efforts being made by the Mansa District Civil and Police Administration under "War Against Drugs" drive launched by the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government to eradicate drug menace from the state, Punjab Cabinet Minister and Sub Committee member S. Laljit Singh Bhullar today reviewed the actions taken against drug traffickers and the treatment and rehabilitation of drug-affected individuals in a meeting with civil and police officials here.
While reiterating that the Punjab Government will not rest until drug traffickers and drugs are eliminated from the state, S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said that the police administration has been given complete freedom under the drive to take strict legal action against anti-social elements involved in drug trafficking and make society drug-free, while issued warning to drug traffickers to shut down their operations and surrender. Calling upon common people to openly participate in this drive, he urged them to come forward to report such anti-social elements and become part of the drive. He said that youth should be connected with sports, physical activities, culture etc., so that they can stay away from this social evil and live a healthy life.
The Cabinet Minister further said that de-addiction and rehabilitation centers are proving beneficial for proper treatment and rehabilitation of drug-affected individuals. He said that along with treatment, the Punjab Government will provide completely free training to help them secure employment opportunities or start their own businesses.
S. Bhullar said that those who have built their houses or other properties illegally by selling drugs will have their houses demolished and their remaining properties will also be confiscated according to law. He categorically said, police officers or employees who help or shelter these drug peddlers will also face severe action, while stating that the promise of the Chief Minister to create a Rangla Punjab will soon be fulfilled and cooperation from all sections of society is necessary to build a social movement against drugs.
He instructed the police administration to issue directives to scrap dealers that if they purchase anything from drug addicts or thieves, they will also face charges for being involved in theft.
The Cabinet Minister said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government will rest only after eliminating drugs from the state. He asked the district administration to intensify the campaign to raise awareness against drugs among people and also ordered the police administration to pursue action against drug dealers with greater vigilance.
S. Bhullar also appealed to the people of the district to fully support the police and administration so that, just as Punjab Police eliminated terrorism from the state with public cooperation, they can also eliminate this drug trade. "Drug peddlers who are earning money by ruining people's homes will not enjoy prosperity for long, said the Cabinet Minister, urging all panchayats in the district to call gram sabhas and pass resolutions that anyone who provides bail or helps a drug trafficker should be socially boycotted.
He said that opposition parties are also strongly praising this decision of the Mann government and congratulating Punjab Police. He directed the district administration to promptly provide information to the police administration about wrongful elements who have occupied government lands and built houses so that these illegal occupations can be removed. He directed that if the district police have requested information about properties built by drug traffickers from the district administration, it should be provided within 24 hours.
On this occasion, MLAs Sh. Vijay Singla, Sh. Budh Ram and S. Gurpreet Singh Banawali assured Cabinet Minister that the "War Against Drugs" campaign will be turned into a people's movement and the war against drug peddlers will be taken to its final conclusion. They said that this people's movement will ensure the participation of educational institutions, social organizations, common people and a large number of party workers and this social ill will be eliminated through grassroots campaigns.
During the review meeting, Deputy Commissioner S. Kulwant Singh apprised the Cabinet Minister about the efforts being made by the district administration, saying that so far 160 panchayats have passed resolutions against drug smugglers and those who help them.
Briefing performance of the District Police Mansa on this occasion, SSP Mr. Bhagirath Singh Meena said that the action against drugs has already been intensified, as a result of which there has been a large-scale increase in the recovery of drugs, drug money and arrests of smugglers. He assured the cabinet minister that they will work more diligently to achieve the target given by the government.
Giving information about the work being done by the Health Department, Civil Surgeon Mansa Arvind Pal Singh said that they were working actively as per the orders of the government.
He said that the Mansa District De-Addiction Center is providing full help to the drug addicts in their recovery.
He urged Cabinet Minister that the drug de-addiction center being run at Khiala village should be shifted to the District Hospital Complex as drug addicts face difficulty in getting treatment for other diseases. On this, the Deputy Commissioner assured that it would be resolved soon.
Earlier, the Punjab Police personnel welcomed the Cabinet Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar with a guard of honour.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Additional Deputy Commissioner (G) Mr. Nirmal Osepchan, SDM Mansa Mr. Kala Ram Kansal, SDM Budhlada Mr. Gagandeep Singh, Chairman Market Committee Mansa Mr. Gurpreet Singh Bhuchar, Chairman District Planning Committee Mr. Charanjit Singh Akkanwali, besides officers of various departments and village sarpanchs and panchs.
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"Yudh Nashiyan Virudh"
Punjab to become drug free soon: Tarunpreet Singh Sond
- Cabinet Minister presides over review meeting with the officers of Civil and Police Administration of Bathinda
- Instructs to prepare master plan for drug eradication
- Drug dealers must leave Punjab: Sond
- Appeals to the people of every section of the society to lend support in the eradication of drugs
Chandigarh/Bathinda, March 7:Under the "Yudh Nashiyan Virudh campaign launched by the Punjab Government to make the state drug free, the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat, Industry and Commerce, Investment Promotion, Labour and Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, in a special meeting with the officials of the civil and police administration of Bathinda district, said that there is no place in Punjab for the drug traffickers who are killing the youth of Punjab.
He instructed all the district police and civil administration officials to prepare a master plan to eliminate the scourge of drugs from Bathinda, and to launch a campaign on a large scale to educate the youth of schools/colleges about the ill effects of drugs so that our future generation does not fall under the grip of drugs.
Sond told the district officials that the challenge of eradicating drugs is huge and it can be won only if every officer gives full support considering it as his social responsibility. He also said that the cooperation of the village panchayats should be taken in the campaign launched for the eradication of drugs and the message should be given to the people that they should fearlessly inform the police administration about the drug dealers and their information would be kept confidential.
He said that the "Yudh Nashiyan Virudh campaign launched by the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to make the state drug-free would play an important role in making Punjab drug-free and appealed to all sections of the society to cooperate in the eradication of drugs. He said that the Punjab Government is making various efforts to wean drug addicts away from this menace and include them in the mainstream of society.
He appealed to the people that if any member of a house is stuck in the mire of drugs, then he should be brought to the government de-addiction center and the government promises that by saving the life of their family member, they will be given a chance to live a healthy life again.
Sond issued a stern warning to the drug dealers and asked them to either leave the drug business or leave Punjab. He said that we have to save the youth of the state and those who misguide the youth of Punjab will not be spared under any circumstances. He also said that properties built by drug dealers are also being demolished so that no one can trap the youth of Punjab in the habit of drugs again.
He also emphasized on conducting awareness plays in the villages. He said that civil and police administration should conduct activities with mutual cooperation. He said that every school should put awareness boards against drugs on the walls. Awareness boards can also be installed at all public places. He also said that a helpline number should also be issued at the district level.
On this occasion, Talwandi Sabo MLA and Chief Whip Prof Baljinder Kaur and Bathinda city MLA Jagroop Singh Gill also emphasized the need for to work together to save the youth of Punjab.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Shaukat Ahmed Parray, DIG Bathinda Range Harjit Singh, SSP Madam Amnit Kondal shared information about the efforts being made under the anti-drug campaign in the district and assured that they will leave no stone unturned in carrying out this campaign with the full support of the common people. Meanwhile, the officials and other representatives present also shared their valuable suggestions.
On this occasion, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Madam Poonam Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Madam Kanchan, Chairman Agrofed Shaminder Khinda, Chairman Punjab Medium Industries Development Board Neil Garg, Chairman Sugarfed Navdeep Jida, Chairman Excise and Tax Department Anil Thakur, Chairman Punjab Forest Department Rakesh Puri, Chairman District Planning Board Amrit Lal Aggarwal, Chairman Khadi Board Inderjit Singh Maan, Punjab Khadi and Village Industries Board Director Balli Baljit, Director Punjab Water Resources Management and Development Corporation Amarjit Rajan and other senior officers of civil and police administration were present.
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OPS SEAL-IX: PUNJAB POLICE SEALS 84 INTER-STATE ENTRY/EXIT POINTS TO KEEP VIGIL AROUND DRUG SMUGGLERS & BOOTLEGGERS
— YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH CONTINUES AS POLICE ARREST 111 DRUG SMUGGLERS AFTER 687 RAIDS ACROSS STATE ON DAY 7
— DAY LONG OPERATION LEADS TO REGISTRATION OF 86 FIRs, RECOVERY OF 1.2KG HEROIN, 9.8KG OPKUM, ₹1.32L DRUG MONEY
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— POLICE TEAMS CHECK 3938 VEHICLES ENTERING/EXITING STATE’ AS PART OF OPS SEAL; ISSUES CHALLANS TO 471, IMPOUNDS 11
— OVER 250 POLICE TEAMS LED BY 108 SP/DSP RANK OFFICERS CHECKED 787 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA
CHANDIGARH, March 7:Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the seventh day, Punjab Police on Friday carried out a special operation ‘OPS Seal-IX’ aimed at checking all the vehicles entering or exiting the border state of Punjab to keep tab at drug trafficking and liquor smuggling.
During the operation, conducted from 8am to 2pm in all the districts on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav, all the SSPs of Border districts were directed to organise joint Naka operations at strategic places of the border districts and mobilise a maximum number of manpower to lay strong ‘nakas’ at sealing points under the supervision of Gazetted officers/SHOs.
Sharing details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that well-coordinated strong nakas involving over 1000 Police Personnel were set up under the supervision of Inspectors/DSPs at least 84 entry/exit points of 10 districts, which share boundaries with four border states and UT Chandigarh. The 10 inter-state border districts include Pathankot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, Ropar, SAS Nagar, Patiala, Sangrur, Mansa, Hoshiarpur and Bathinda.
He said that as many as 3938 vehicles entering/exiting the state were checked, of which 471 were challaned and 11 were impounded during the operation.
Apart from this, Police teams have continued its cordon and search operation (CASO) against drugs and conducted raids at 687 locations on Friday leading to the arrest of 111 drug smugglers after registration of 86 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 884 within a week.
The Special DGP said that the raids have resulted in recovery of 1.2 kg heroin, 9.8 kg opium, 3.3 kg ganja, 46 kg poppy husk, 7091 intoxicant tablets/pills/injections and Rs 1.32 lakh drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.
He said that informed that over 250 Police teams, comprising over 2000 police personnel, under the supervision of 111 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 787 suspicious persons during the day long operation.
He said that Punjab Police has devised a comprehensive strategy and such operations will be continued till the scourge of drugs eradicated from the state.
The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced two persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, while, organised 189 awareness events across the state on Tuesday as part of Prevention.
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Vigilance Bureau nabs ASI for demanding Rs 15,000 bribe
Chandigarh, March 7, 2025: The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, on Friday arrested Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Sukhraj Singh, posted at Police Station Civil Lines, Batala, in Gurdaspur district, for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the VB said the accused ASI was arrested based on a complaint lodged by the owner of a foundry in Gurdaspur on the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line.
He further added that the complainant had alleged that an FIR had been registered against him at Batala Police Station, where ASI Sukhraj Singh was the investigating officer (IO) in his case, and he had demanded Rs 15,000 to favor him during the investigation.
The spokesperson further informed that following the verification of the complaint and supporting evidence, the allegations were found to be true. In this regard, a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused at VB Police Station, Range Amritsar. The accused would be produced before the competent court tomorrow, and further investigation into this case is underway, he said.