Be the harbingers of revolutionising education in state: CM to Finland returned teachers

•Interact with the teachers after their return to the state

Exhorts teachers to groom students well for transforming them into assets for country

Hopes that this marks new beginning in education sector of the state

Chandigarh, December 13:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday called upon the teachers who have recently returned from training in Finland to be the harbingers of revolutionising education system in state.

Interacting with the teachers at his official residence, the Chief Minister said that it is a historic day as these teachers have returned from Finland by acquiring world class training abroad. He called upon the teachers to become role models for students adding that they were sent to Finland for a social cause. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the teachers have been bestowed the responsibility of giving firm foundation for the country adding that these teachers who have acquired skill will now be an asset for the state and nation.

The Chief Minister called upon the teachers to groom the students of government schools well thereby enabling them to be an active partners in socio-economic progress of the state. He expressed hope that the students who will be taught by these teachers will be able to compete well with their convent educated peers. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisioned that these teachers will share their expertise with the students and their colleagues thereby giving much needed impetus to the education sector.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab has achieved another milestone in education system as our 72 primary teachers had undergone professional training in Finland. He said that this was not merely a journey to a new country but it was an opportunity to explore new techniques, best practices, and innovative ways of shaping the future of education in Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Education forms the backbone of any society and in Punjab, the state government been striving to continuously improve the education system, to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, gets access to high-quality learning.

The Chief Minister said that Finland was chosen because it was globally renowned for having one of the most effective education systems. He envisioned that the enhanced and enriched expertise of these teachers will help in grooming the future of the students in view of their interests. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a red letter day in the history of the state adding that the state government has started this program with an aim to rejuvenate the education system in the state on one hand and to ensure a bright future for the students on the other.

The Chief Minister said that this program of imparting training to tech arts aims at enhancing the professional skills of the teaching fraternity, so that they can deliver the best quality education to the students. Bhagwant Mann said that this initiative will open doors of quality education for the students of government schools. He reiterated that teachers are the nation builders who can uplift the level of education, so the state government has decided to upgrade their teaching skills by ensuring quality training to them.

The Chief Minister said that this training will further widen the horizon of the teachers by equipping them with state-of-the-art teaching practices, leadership skills and others.

He envisioned that this path breaking initiative will prove to be a milestone for reforming the education system in the state adding that the day is not far when with these efforts Punjab will soon become a front runner state in the field of education. Bhagwant Singh Mann exhorted the teachers to make this training a seed that will grow into a tree of knowledge, benefiting not just individual students but entire communities.

The Chief Minister said that the government of Punjab is committed to support them in applying the skills they learn abroad adding that the state government will create platforms for them to share their knowledge with other teachers and build a culture of continuous improvement in our schools. Bhagwant Singh Mann called upon teachers to take pride in being part of this transformative initiative as they are not just traveling for training but they are carrying the dreams and aspirations of millions of children. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Education is the most powerful tool that they have for the progress of our state and our country adding that it marks the beginning of a new chapter in Punjab’s education story.

The Chief Minister said that teachers and parents must have faith in the capacities and capabilities of their kids as they can excel in any field. He said that the students should not be forced to adopt a particular stream rather he should be encouraged to go by his choice. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this will help in enabling the students to achieve their desired goals in life and carve a niche for themselves in every arena.

On this occasion, Education Minister Harjot Bains has announced an exciting opportunity for students, who will soon get to visit the prestigious Indian Institute of Science and the iconic Google Head Office. This unique experience aims to inspire and educate students, providing them with valuable exposure to cutting-edge technology and innovation.

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Cabinet Minister Appeals to Elected Sarpanches, Panches and Dignitaries to Take Strict Measures Against Drug Prevention in Villages

Strict Action Will Be Taken by Government Against Drug Dealers: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Sri Muktsar Sahib/Chandigarh, December 13-Strict action will be taken by the Punjab Government against those selling drugs and their accomplices. This was expressed by Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today in Malout while appealing to elected sarpanches, panches and dignitaries to take stringent measures to prevent drugs in villages.

Cabinet Minister emphasized the necessity of protecting the younger generation from the menace of drugs, highlighting that it is the collective responsibility of everyone to support the Government's efforts in eradicating this social evil.

Appealing to the dignitaries of the villages, she urged them to report anyone involved in selling drugs to the police and district administration so that this menace can be eradicated. She further stressed that no support should be extended to those dealing in drugs and called for spreading awareness against drug abuse in society.

She assured that the Government is committed to providing treatment for drug addicts and is making every possible effort to help them recover at Government hospitals. Additionally, the treatment is being provided free of cost.

On this occasion, the sarpanches, panches and dignitaries of Vidhan Sabha Constituency Malout passed resolutions against drugs and assured the Government of their full efforts in controlling the menace in their respective villages.

Dr. Baljit Kaur instructed the police administration to take strict measures for drug prevention to safeguard the younger generation from falling prey to addiction.

Present on the occasion were S. Jagdev Singh Bam, Chairman Cooperative Society, S. Jasan Brar, Chairman, S. Manjinder Singh, Dr. Vikas Bansal, Iqbal Singh, DSP, Jaswant Singh Ram Nagar Saoke, Gurpeer Singh Saran, Block President, Gurbhagat Singh, Amarinder Singh, Kulwinder Singh Brar, Jasmail Singh, Panchayat Officer and sarpanches, panches and dignitaries from various villages.

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OP SAMPARK: PUNJAB POLICE OFFICERS HOLD 4153 PUBLIC MEETINGS IN ONE MONTH

— SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA LISTENS TO PUBLIC GRIEVANCES IN TARN TARAN, TERMS THIS PUBLIC OUTREACH PROGRAM A HUGE SUCCESS

— OP SAMPARK AIMS TO FOSTER POSITIVE AND PROACTIVE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POLICE AND COMMUNITY

— SPL DGP ALSO MAKES SURPRISE VISIT TO THREE POLICE STATIONS, HOLDS MEETINGS WITH POLICE OFFICERS, PARA MILITARY FORCES IN TARN TARAN

CHANDIGARH/TARN TARAN, December 13: One month after the launch of the public outreach program 'OP Sampark’, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla on Friday himself participated in a district level public meeting organised by the Tarn Taran district Police in Patti town to gather firsthand feedback on police performance and listen to grievances of the general public.

The OP Sampark, a brainchild of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav, was launched on November 14, 2024 with an intent to promot trust, cooperation, and collaboration between law enforcement and the public.

Special DGP Arpit Shukla, who is also a nodal officer for this program, said that as part of OP Sampark, CPs/SSPs have been directed to hold at least two public meetings at a district level in a week with educational, business, social, economic, and religious organisations. Similarly, Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) have been asked to hold meetings at sub-divisional level, while, Station House Officers (SHOs) will also conduct regular meetings to strengthen community ties, he added.

Terming the initiative a huge success, he said that since its launch on November 14, 2024, Punjab Police's community outreach program has achieved remarkable milestones with 4153 meetings were held by CPs/SSPs in their respective districts.

He said the program's primary objective is to establish a strong connection with the community, addressing concerns, and providing updates on various initiatives. To achieve this, the police will engage in regular community meetings, police-citizen interactions, youth engagement, social media engagement, and neighbourhood policing, he added.

The Special DGP, during an informal interaction with the people from different walks of life, has taken firsthand feedback from them on city's law and order situation and assured to resolve majority of their issues. He was accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tarn Taran Abhimanyu Rana.

He informed the public that the Punjab Police has also initiated a special campaign against petty crimes and drug smugglers. The Punjab Police has also launched a Safe Punjab Anti-Drug Helpline ‘9779100200’, which allows citizens to report drug traffickers anonymously, he said, while adding that all the police officers have been directed to act promptly on tips received via this Helpline, he added.

Post this public meeting, the Special DGP Punjab also held a meeting with Commandants of Border Security Force (BSF) to review the security arrangements at the border and further strengthen the second line of defence.

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Punjab Government Invites Applications for Chairman of Punjab Public Service Commission

Chandigarh, December 13-The Government of Punjab has invited applications from distinguished individuals with impeccable integrity, high caliber, and administrative experience to fill the vacant position of Chairman of the Punjab Public Service Commission, Patiala.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of Punjab Government said that as per the eligibility criteria, the applicants must have held office for at least 10 years under the Government of India or the Government of State. Additionally, they should be less than 62 years of age on the date of issue of public notice in this regards. Candidates who have applied against the advertisement dated 26.11.2024 need not to apply again.

The interested applicants are required to submit their complete bio-data, including an undertaking, to the office of Secretary Personnel, Government of Punjab (PP-3 Branch), Room No. 14, 6th floor, Punjab Civil Secretariat, Sector 1, Chandigarh. The deadline for submission of applications is 5:00 PM on December 25, 2024.

A Search Committee headed by the Chief Secretary, will shortlist the names of eligible candidates. These names will then be considered by the High-Powered Committee, chaired by the Chief Minister of Punjab.

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The list of IAS officers deputed as Election Observers to oversee arrangements of Municipal Corporations and Municipal Councils Elections

Chandigarh, 13 December 2024:In order to oversee the arrangements for the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections to the Municipal Corporations and Municipal Councils scheduled to be held on 21.12.2024, the State Election Commission Punjab has deputed the 22 IAS Officers as Election Observers.An official spokesperson of the Punjab State Election Commission said that Ghanshyam Thori, IAS deputed as Election Observer for Municipal Corporation, Amritsar, Arvindpal Singh Sandhu, IAS for Municipal Corporation, Jalandhar, Puneet Goyal, IAS for Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana, Anindita Mitra, IAS for Municipal Corporation, Patiala, Babita, IAS for Municipal Corporation Phagwara, Hargunjit Kaur, IAS for Municipal Councils/NPs, Amritsar, Sanyam Aggarwal, IAS for Municipal Councils/NPs, Bathinda, Bhupinder Singh, IAS for Municipal Councils/NPs, Barnala, Amandeep Kaur, IAS for Municipal Councils/NPs, Fatehgarh Sahib, Upkar Singh, IAS for Municipal Councils/NPs, Ferozepur.

Similarly, Apneet Riyait, IAS deputed as Election Observer for Municipal Councils/NPs, Hoshiarpur, Amit Talwar, IAS for Municipal Councils/NPs, Jalandhar, Sandeep Hans, IAS for Municipal Councils/NPs, Kapurthala, Ramvir, IAS for Municipal Councils/NPs, Ludhiana, Daljit Singh Mangat, IAS for Municipal Councils/NPs, Mansa, Keshav Hingonia, IAS for Municipal Councils/NPs, Moga, Amrit Singh, IAS for Municipal Councils/NPs, SAS Nagar, Ravinder Singh, IAS for Municipal Councils/NPs, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Sagar Setia, IAS for Municipal Councils/NPs, SBS Nagar, Harbir Singh, IAS for Municipal Councils/NPs, Patiala, Kanwalpreet Brar, IAS for Municipal Councils/NPs, Sangrur and Sandeep Kumar, IAS deputed as Election Observer for Municipal Councils/NPs, Tarn Taran. This is for the information of the general public and candidates.

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Vigilance Bureau registers case against Patwari for taking Rs 1500 bribe

Chandigarh December 13, 2024 - The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has registered a corruption case against Revenue Patwari Vikas Soni, posted at Jagraon, in Ludhiana district for taking Rs 1500 bribe and demanding more money for providing Intkaal copy to the complainant.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said that this case has been registered against the accused based on a complaint lodged by Sukhwinder Singh, a resident of Village Leelan in Ludhiana district at the chief minister anti corruption action line.

He further added that the complaint has informed that his wife had sold land to the other persons but its inkaal was not transferred in the name of buyers. As per the complaint the said Patwari had demanded Rs 8000 bribe to issue a copy of intkaal but the deal was settled on Rs 5000. Thereafter the accused Patwari had taken Rs 1500 and was demanding the remaining bribe money of Rs 3500.

The spokesperson further added that during verification of this complaint the allegations levelled in the complaint were found correct. Subsequently a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused Patwari at VB police station Ludhiana range. Efforts were being made to arrest the accused, he said.

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AJNALA IED SEIZURE: PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS JUVENILE AMONG TWO MEMBERS OF PAK-ISI BACKED TERROR MODULE; TWO HAND GRENADES, ONE PISTOL RECOVERED

— BKI OPERATIVE HARVINDER RINDA & HAPPY PASSIA WAS RUNNING THIS PAK-ISI BACKED TERROR MODULE, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE

— ARRESTED PERSONS WERE HATCHING CONSPIRACY TO TARGET MORE GOVERNMENT ESTABLISHMENTS, SAYS AIG SUKHMINDER MANN

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, December 13: In a major breakthrough, Punjab Police has disrupted a Pakistan-ISI backed terror-module being operated by Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operative Harvinder Rinda and Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia and executed by foreign-based Gangster Gurdev Singh alias Jaisel alias Pehalwan with the arrest of its two members, who confessed to have placed an improvised explosive device (IED) at Ajnala Police Station, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

Those arrested have been identified as Jashandeep Singh alias Danny, a resident of Jandiala Guru in Amritsar and another person is 17-years-old Juvenile. Police teams have also recovered two Chinese made P86 Hand Grenades and one sophisticated Turkey-made 9MM Zigana pistol along with ammunition from their possession, besides, impounding their Black Splendor motorcycle, which they were riding.

The development came in less than three weeks after the recovery of an IED planted close to the Ajnala Police Station on November 23, 2024. Pertinently, terrorist organisation BKI had used social media platform to claim the responsibility for this act of terror.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that accused Jashandeep Singh Danny and the other arrested accused person were in touch with Gurdev Jaisal, who allured them to work for him in lieu of money and drugs. Apart from planning terror activities, Jaisal also used them for drug peddling, he added.

He said that both the arrested persons confessed to have placed an IED at Ajnala Police Station following directions of their handlers and also revealed that they had received various consignments of weapons and explosives.

The DGP said that further investigations are being conducted to unearth the entire network of Rinda, Happy Passia and Jaisal. Efforts are being made to identify and apprehend other members of this group to bring the case to a logical end, he added.

Sharing operation details, AIG State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Amritsar Sukhminder Singh Mann said that they have received a secret information that Harvinder Singh Rinda, Happy Passia and Gurdev Jaisal have mobilised their associates to carry out anti-national activities in Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Batala areas and also arranged huge consignment of weapons and explosives for them to execute the plans of targeting government establishments.

Acting swiftly on the information, the teams of SSOC Amritsar launched an intel-based operation and arrested accused Jashandeep Danny and his juvenile accomplice from the area of Amritsar after recovering arms and explosives from their possession, he said.

AIG Sukhminder Mann said that in May 2024 too, Jashandeep Danny was arrested by Batala Police for his involvement in extortion and later, after getting bail, Jashandeep again got involved in criminal activities. Similarly, the juvenile was also earlier arrested by Amritsar City police in August 2024 for stealing an Activa scooter. Being a juvenile, he was released after a few days, he added.

In this regard, a case FIR No. 69 dated 13.12.2024 has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act, sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances (Amendment) Act and sections 61 (2) and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC, Amritsar.

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AJNALA IED SEIZURE: PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS JUVENILE AMONG TWO MEMBERS OF PAK-ISI BACKED TERROR MODULE; TWO HAND GRENADES, ONE PISTOL RECOVERED

— BKI OPERATIVE HARVINDER RINDA & HAPPY PASSIA WAS RUNNING THIS PAK-ISI BACKED TERROR MODULE, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE

— ARRESTED PERSONS WERE HATCHING CONSPIRACY TO TARGET MORE GOVERNMENT ESTABLISHMENTS, SAYS AIG SUKHMINDER MANN

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, December 13: In a major breakthrough, Punjab Police has disrupted a Pakistan-ISI backed terror-module being operated by Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operative Harvinder Rinda and Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia and executed by foreign-based Gangster Gurdev Singh alias Jaisel alias Pehalwan with the arrest of its two members, who confessed to have placed an improvised explosive device (IED) at Ajnala Police Station, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

Those arrested have been identified as Jashandeep Singh alias Danny, a resident of Jandiala Guru in Amritsar and another person is 17-years-old Juvenile. Police teams have also recovered two Chinese made P86 Hand Grenades and one sophisticated Turkey-made 9MM Zigana pistol along with ammunition from their possession, besides, impounding their Black Splendor motorcycle, which they were riding.

The development came in less than three weeks after the recovery of an IED planted close to the Ajnala Police Station on November 23, 2024. Pertinently, terrorist organisation BKI had used social media platform to claim the responsibility for this act of terror.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that accused Jashandeep Singh Danny and the other arrested accused person were in touch with Gurdev Jaisal, who allured them to work for him in lieu of money and drugs. Apart from planning terror activities, Jaisal also used them for drug peddling, he added.

He said that both the arrested persons confessed to have placed an IED at Ajnala Police Station following directions of their handlers and also revealed that they had received various consignments of weapons and explosives.

The DGP said that further investigations are being conducted to unearth the entire network of Rinda, Happy Passia and Jaisal. Efforts are being made to identify and apprehend other members of this group to bring the case to a logical end, he added.

Sharing operation details, AIG State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Amritsar Sukhminder Singh Mann said that they have received a secret information that Harvinder Singh Rinda, Happy Passia and Gurdev Jaisal have mobilised their associates to carry out anti-national activities in Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Batala areas and also arranged huge consignment of weapons and explosives for them to execute the plans of targeting government establishments.

Acting swiftly on the information, the teams of SSOC Amritsar launched an intel-based operation and arrested accused Jashandeep Danny and his juvenile accomplice from the area of Amritsar after recovering arms and explosives from their possession, he said.

AIG Sukhminder Mann said that in May 2024 too, Jashandeep Danny was arrested by Batala Police for his involvement in extortion and later, after getting bail, Jashandeep again got involved in criminal activities. Similarly, the juvenile was also earlier arrested by Amritsar City police in August 2024 for stealing an Activa scooter. Being a juvenile, he was released after a few days, he added.

In this regard, a case FIR No. 69 dated 13.12.2024 has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act, sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances (Amendment) Act and sections 61 (2) and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC, Amritsar.

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Punjab GST Department Uncovers Massive Bogus Billing Scam involving fraudulent transactions worth Rs. 163 crores

FM Cheema Warns tax Evaders of Strict Action in Accordance with Law

Chandigarh, December 13-In a major breakthrough, the Punjab GST Department has unearthed a massive bogus billing scam in Ludhiana, involving fraudulent transactions worth Rs. 163 crores over the past two years.

Revealing this here today, Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said that the investigation revealed that M/s Monga Brothers (Unit-II), Buddewal Road, Ludhiana, was operating a complex web of fictitious firms, creating fake Input Tax Credit (ITC) and defrauding the state exchequer. He said the firm had made purchases from 60 bogus firms, which were either suspended, cancelled, or had made purchases from suspended or cancelled dealers.

The Minister said the total turnover of these 60 firms is approximately Rs. 1270 crores. He said the Punjab GST Department conducted an inspection, search, and seizure under Section 67 of the Punjab GST Act, 2017, at the business premises of M/s Monga Brothers (Unit-II).

"Based on the investigation, the Taxation Commissioner, Punjab, ordered the arrest of the partners of M/s Monga Brothers (Unit-II) under Sections 69 and 132 of the Punjab GST Act, 2017", said the Minister.

Appealing to the business community to cooperate with the department and pay due taxes, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema warned tax evaders of strict action in accordance with the law.

He reiterated the Punjab Government's commitment to curbing tax evasion and promoting a fair and transparent tax system.