— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

— POLICE TEAMS NOW INTERROGATING ARRESTED DRUG PEDDLERS TO IDENTIFY BIG FISH IN NARCOTICS TRADE: DGP GAURAV YADAV

— CPs/SSPs ALREADY DIRECTED TO MAP AND CATALOGUE SUPPLIERS FUNNELLING DRUGS IN THEIR JURISDICTIONS WITHIN 7-DAYS

— DGP GAURAV YADAV ANNOUNCES TO FORM MOHALLA COMMITTEES IN URBAN AREAS SIMILAR TO VDCs IN BORDER VILLAGES

— PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 4142 DRUG SMUGGLERS AFTER REGISTRATION OF 2384 FIRs IN 27 DAYS; RECOVERS 146KG HEROIN, 85KG OPIUM AND ₹5.83-CR DRUG MONEY

CHANDIGARH, March 27:With the street supply of drugs witnessing a drastic reduction following intensive crackdown as part of the ongoing war against drugs ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police has now shifted focus to dismantling high-level drug networks by targeting big fish including drug suppliers and kingpins fuelling the narcotics trade in the state, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

"We are not stopping at street-level arrests of drug peddlers/smugglers. Punjab Police teams are now rigorously questioning all the arrested drug peddlers/smugglers to trace and identify the big fish in narcotics trade in the state,” said the DGP, while addressing a press conference here at Punjab Police Headquarters here. He was accompanied by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Headquarters Dr Sukhchain Singh Gill.

The development came close of heels of the DGP Punjab directing all the the Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) to identify and catalogue the main drug suppliers/peddlers in their respective districts within seven days.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched by the Punjab Government on March 1, 2025, has resulted in arrest of 4142 drug smugglers after registration of 2384 first information reports (FIRs) across the state and led to recovery of 146.3 kg heroin, 85.3 kg opium, 19.95 quintals poppy husk, 7.69 lakh intoxicant tablets/capsules, 1 kg ICE and Rs 5.83 crores drug money from the possession of drug smugglers.

He revealed that the ongoing crackdown has led to a drastic reduction in street-level drug availability, prompting police to now pursue the big fish behind the supply chain.

He said that all the CPs/SSPs have already been mandated to personally oversee the mapping exercise to prepare details of the suppliers funnelling drugs in their respective areas and catalogue them on the basis of interrogation reports, public tips, intelligence inputs, data from the Safe Punjab Helpline and backward and forward linkages unveiled in criminal investigations under the NDPS Act.

MOHALLA COMMITTEES IN URBAN AREAS TO KEEP VIGIL AROUND DRUG SMUGGLERS

The DGP further said that taking a cue from the success of Village Defence Committees (VDCs), the Punjab Police is now set to form Mohalla Committees in urban areas as part of its intensified war against drugs. Notably, VDCs, comprising of trusted and prominent persons of the border villages, have been working as eyes and ears of the Police and supplementing the efforts of Punjab Police to wipe out drugs from the state.

"Just as VDCs strengthened rural policing in border areas, Mohalla Committees will empower urban communities to fight the drug menace collectively,” said DGP Gaurav Yadav, while emphasising that citizen involvement is crucial to eradicate drug menace from the state.

The DGP also thanked citizens of the state for their support to Punjab Police in making this drive against drugs successful, and urged them to make maximum use of Safe Punjab Anti-Drug Helpline ‘9779100200’ to report drug traffickers anonymously.

======================================

Cabinet Minister Barindar Kumar Goyal confronts Pratap Singh Bajwa on Seechewal Issue

Chandigarh, March 27:In the Punjab Legislative Assembly, Cabinet Minister Brindar Kumar Goyal today strongly rebutted the LoP Pratap Singh Bajwa's unnecessary comments against the renowned environmentalist Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal.

Speaking during the zero hour, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that the Congress Party and its leaders, making disrespectful remarks about Baba Seechewal, should remember that it was the Congress Party's own government which, on December 29, 2018, issued a notification appointing Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal as a member of the Punjab State Pollution Control Board.

Strongly confronting the Congress members, he questioned why they did not raise questions about Sant Seechewal's capabilities at that time. He said that these leaders are now raising doubts about Baba Seechewal's credentials merely to gain cheap publicity, while the entire Punjab and the world acknowledges Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal's environmental vision and capabilities.

The minister criticized the opposition for their unnecessary and disrespectful comments, highlighting the inconsistency in their current stance compared to their earlier actions of appointing Seechewal to an important environmental board.

=========================================

Deputy Speaker Rouri Holds Special Meeting with College Students During Budget Session

Chandigarh, March 27-Sardar Jai Krishan Singh Rouri, Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, held a special interaction with students of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College, Mahilpur, Garhshankar (Hoshiarpur), who visited the Punjab Assembly to witness the proceedings of the Budget Session.

Addressing the students, Rouri elaborated on the significance of the Vidhan Sabha and its functioning. He underscored the importance of responsible citizenship, urging them to stay away from drug addiction and contribute to the progress of their families, society, and the state.

He also spoke about the contributions of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, encouraging students to adopt their values in nation-building.

Later, Rouri interacted with the principal and faculty members of the college, emphasizing the role of education in shaping Punjab’s future.

=======================================

Warm farewell by Information & Public Relations Department to Malwinder Singh Jaggi on the eve of his retirement

speakers lauded commendable contribution of Mr. Jaggi for the department, described him as an efficient officer

Special honour given to Mr. Jaggi by the Public Relations Department

Chandigarh, March 27:Secretary, Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab and a 2005 cadre IAS officer, Mr. Malwinder Singh Jaggi was given a warm farewell party by the officers and employees of the Public Relations Department on the eve of his retirement. Mr. Jaggi is set to retire on March 31, 2025 after rendering 33 years of distinguished service.

Mr. Jaggi started his administrative career in 1992 as a PCS Civil Officer and elevated as a 2005 batch IAS officer.

In a simple but effective function organized by the department at Punjab Bhawan, various speakers shared their views and spoke about the personality of Mr. Jaggi and shared their personal experiences and described him as an efficient and dedicated officer.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Malwinder Singh Jaggi thanked all the officers and employees of the department for their cooperation and said that he enjoyed working in the Information and Public Relations Department. He said that the officers of this department are always ready for duty, which is rarely seen in other departments. He wished that the department shall continue to work in same spirit and dedication in the future also.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister's OSD (Media) Adil Azmi said that he had learned a lot from Mr. Jaggi and expressed hope that he would continue to guide him in the same way in the future as well. He wished Mr. Jaggi a healthy life ahead and said that he would continue to work with full dedication for the people of the country and the state in the future as well.

Director Information and Public Relations Vimal Kumar Setia said that Mr. Jaggi has soared like a falcon in his life and has always taught us all how to overcome obstacles and achieve goals while working. He mentioned the unparalleled work done by Mr. Jaggi during his tenure in Faridkot.

Additional Director Admin Sandeep Singh Garha said that it was a privilege to work with Mr. Jaggi. He said that working with him, he realized that no goal is impossible to achieve and how to work on new goals.

Meanwhile, Additional Director Randeep Singh Ahluwalia said that Mr. Jaggi played an important role in modernizing the department which led successful adoption of the online tendering process. Additional Director Harjit Singh Grewal also praised his administrative skills and said that the department will always remember the work done by him.

On this occasion, Joint Director Preetkanwal Singh thanked everyone while Deputy Director Manvinder Singh formally welcomed the distinguished guests and said that during Mr. Jaggi's tenure, the department touched new heights and made the uphill tasks possible.

On this occasion, the department also honored Mr. Jaggi. The stage was conducted by Public Relations Officer Navdeep Singh Gill.

On this occasion, Chief Minister's Director Communication Anil Kumar Saini, DCFA of the department, all Public Relations Officers and Assistant Public Relations Officers, Superintendents, Section Officers and other employees were present.

=======================================

Meet Hayer flags issue of Mecca of Hockey Sansarpur village in Parliament

Laying of Astroturf in Sansarpur still in limbo so far due to nom-issuance of NOC by Indian Army

Sansarpur produced 14 hockey Olympians and clinched seven medals in Olympics

Chandigarh/New Delhi, March 27:Member Parliament from Sangrur Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer on Thursday raised the issue of Sansarpur village in the Parlianent during the zero hour highlighting the lack of astroturf in hockey’s Mecca Sansarpur so far.

Meet Hayer mentioned that Sansarpur had given 14 Olympian to the country as well as clinching seven medals in Olympics including four Gold, one silver and two bronze medals. He pointed out that hockey legend Ajit Pal Singh, who won the World Cup-1975, also hails from Sansarpur. All the Olympians are residents of same lane and Kular community.

The Member Parliement apprised the House that after 1976 not even a single Olympian is produced from Sansarpur. He said the hockey had been played on Astroturf since 1976 itself. He said that the Sansarpur village located in Jalandhar Cantonment and the village had no appropriate land for sports stadium. The NOC is required for laying astroturfing on grassy ground for which NOC is required from the Indian Army said Meet Hayer adding that the Army authorities didn’t provide the NOC so far besides not laying the astroturf on its own.

Seeking special attention of Home Department of Union Government, Sports Minister and Anurag Thakur, the Member Parliament said that in view of colossal contribution of Sansarpur to country’s hockey the astroturf ground should be laid in the right earnest.

==========================================

"BADLDA PUNJAB" BUDGET REFLECTS PUNJAB GIOVERNMENT'S COMMITMENT TO TRANSFORMING PUNJAB- HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA

REPLYING TO BUDGET DISCUSSIONS, HIGLIGHTS FINANCIAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF AAP LED PUNJAB GOVERNMENT IN COMPARISON WITH PREVIOUS SAD-BJP AND CONGRESS GOVERNMENTS

SAYS, SUCCESS IN ELIMINATING LAND, TRANSPORT, LIQUOR MAFIA INCREASES REVENUE

ASSURES THE HOUSE THAT AAM AADMI PARTY-LED PUNJAB GOVERNMENT HAS FULFILLED 4 OUT OF 5 GUARANTEES, WORKING ON FIFTH

Chandigarh, March 27-Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, during the discussion on the “Badlda Punjab” budget for the year 2025-26 in the Vidhan Sabha, expressed gratitude to both the ruling party and the opposition for their contributions to the budget discussion. He provided detailed insights into the key issues raised during the deliberations, emphasizing the transformative journey of Punjab under the Aam Aadmi Party's leadership.

Highlighting the party's commitment to change, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Aam Aadmi Party came to power with five guarantees, and over the past three years, significant changes have been implemented across various sectors in Punjab. He said that this commitment to transformation is reflected in the naming of the budget as "Badlda Punjab" (Transforming Punjab). He assured the House that that the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government has fulfilled four out of five guarantees, and the Finance Department, Welfare Department, and other concerned departments are actively collecting data to implement the fifth guarantee of providing Rs 1,000 to women, soon.

Addressing the topic of GST revenue, he contrasted the efforts of previous governments with the current administration. He said out that when the GST system was introduced in 2017, the Congress-led government collected only Rs 21,286 crore in GST revenue without making efforts to increase it. In stark contrast, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's leadership, GST revenue has surged to Rs 64,253 crore over three years. He criticized the previous Congress Finance Minister, who has since joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, for handling financial matters through poetic expressions rather than substantive action. He challenged Congress leaders, including former Cabinet Ministers Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa and Aruna Chaudhary, to acknowledge whether they ever truly understood the budget during their regime.

Finance Minister Cheema further elaborated on the state's financial challenges, attributing them to the Congress-led government's reliance on compensation, which was counted as a loan by the Government of India. He revealed that the state still carries a debt entry of Rs 20,000 crore received as GST compensation. He argued that had efforts been made to boost GST revenue earlier, Punjab would not have needed to take loans today. He dismissed allegations of "tax terrorism" by the opposition, stating that the previous government did not make any efforts to create a tax intelligence unit or bring in reward schemes like Bill Liyao Inam Pao. He said that the state suffered huge loss due to tax evasion caused due to inaction by the Congress-led government in making necessary corrective measure for 5 years.

Discussing Excise duty, Cheema compared revenue collections during SAD-BJP and Congress regime. The Akali-BJP led government collected Rs 20,545 crore from 2012 to 2017, the Congress led government collected Rs 27,395 crore during tenure of 5 years, whereas the Aam Aadmi Party led government has collected Rs 28,000 crore in three years. He pledged to bring an additional Rs 25,000 crore to the state treasury in the next two years. He criticized the Congress and Akali-BJP governments for failing to eliminate mafias, which hindered revenue growth. He highlighted the Aam Aadmi Party's success in eliminating land mafia, resulting in increased revenue from stamp and registration, which rose to Rs 14,786 crore in three years compared to five years collection of Rs 12,387 crore under the Akali-BJP government and Rs 12,459 crore under the Congress government.

Punjab's Finance Minister reaffirmed the state's commitment to uplifting marginalized communities, allocating Rs 13,987 crore to the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) for FY 2025-26, accounting for 34% of the state's total development budget. He said that a significant initiative introduced in the budget is a loan waiver scheme for individuals who defaulted on loans taken from the Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation (PSCFC) until March 31, 2020. This scheme will benefit 4,650 individuals, providing them with an opportunity to rebuild their lives

Finance Minister Cheema also provided updates on the state's financial strategies, including an investment of Rs 8,000 crore in the sinking fund for short-term loans. He outlined allocations for medical colleges, with Rs 404 crore reserved for the financial year 2025-26 and Rs 188 crore as Grant-in-Aid, totaling Rs 592 crore. He said that a budget of Rs. 5,598 has been allotted for Health and Family Welfare. The budget for education stands at Rs 17,975 crore, while Rs 979 crore has been allocated for sports. Under the war on drugs initiative, Rs 110 crore has been earmarked for anti-drone technology, Rs 150 crore for drug tests, Rs 125 crore for emergency response vehicles, and Rs 53 crore for building a headquarters. Additionally, 5,000 home guards will be deployed as a second line of defense.

Finance Minister mentioned the increased allocation of Rs 250 crore next year towards giving financial incentives to various industries, which is by far the highest allocation in Punjab’s history. He said the previous Congress government spent only Rs 53 crore towards financial incentives to industry in its five-year term and the Akali-BJP government before that spent no money at all in five years. He said that Rs 3426 crore has been alloted for Industries & Commerce.

In terms of capital expenditure, he highlighted the progress made under the current administration. During the Akali-BJP rule, Rs 14,641 crore was spent, while the Congress government spent Rs 19,356 crore. In comparison, the Aam Aadmi Party government has spent Rs 19,810 crore in three years, showcasing the state's development in infrastructure, schools, and hospitals. The Finance Minister also touched on various topics, including solar subsidies, service centers, and employee-related issues, which were previously discussed by other ministers or elaborated on in the budget speech.

In conclusion, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Cheema emphasized that the "Badlda Punjab" budget reflects the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Giovernment's commitment to transforming Punjab and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.

=====================================

PUNJAB POWERS 4238 GOVT SCHOOLS WITH SOLAR ENERGY, GENERATE 2.89-CR UNITS CLEAN ELECTRICITY ANNUALLY

•Aman Arora shares PEDA’s ambitious plan of installing 100 MW solar PV panels on Govt buildings in next two FYs

Chandigarh, March 27:In a significant step towards promoting renewable energy and reducing reliance on conventional energy sources in the state, Punjab New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Mr. Aman Arora today informed the house in Punjab Vidhan Sabha that a total of 4238 Government School buildings have already been equipped with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels with 21.19 MW installed capacity and producing 2.89 crore units clean electricity annually.

In a reply to Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, MLA from Sanour constituency in Punjab Vidhan Sabha today on repair of solar plants installed on Govt school buildings, Mr. Aman Arora explained that the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has established a five-year annual maintenance contract (AMC) with installation vendors. As per the agreement, vendors must conduct quarterly inspections and address any technical issues within 72 hours of receiving complaints.

Mr. Aman Arora categorically mentioned that a stern action would be taken against the erring vendors. He further said that the AMC of initial 880 schools will expire in May 2026 and PEDA can further extend the AMC for the remaining life of 20 years of the rooftop solar power plants subject to payment of AMC charges by the Punjab School Education Board.

He informed that the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has made significant strides in promoting renewable energy, with the installation of 34 MW capacity rooftop solar panels on government buildings. To further accelerate this effort, PEDA has placed work orders for an additional 2.70 MW under the CAPEX mode.

Moreover, PEDA has ambitious plans to set up 100 MW capacity solar PV panels on government buildings over the next two financial years. This initiative is part of Punjab's broader goal to transition to renewable energy sources and reduce its carbon footprint, he added.

========================================

“Eat Right” Mela Organised at Punjab Vidhan Sabha to Promote Safe & Healthy Dietary Habits

Chandigarh, March 27: Punjab Food and Drugs Administration, on Thursday, organised an ‘Eat Right’ Mela at the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Complex to raise awareness about safe food practices, healthy diets, and sustainable eating habits.

This event, which was held on the directions of Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Health & Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, saw enthusiastic participation from self-help groups, food industry innovators, dieticians from PGI, and other stakeholders.

Dr. Balbir Singh said the focus of the mela was on promoting millets and organic foods, with dishes like millet khichri, millet shakes, and millet halwa being served. Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, along with Cabinet colleagues and MLAs, enjoyed a nutritious millet-based lunch to endorse healthy eating.

Addressing the gathering, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh emphasized the importance of safe and balanced diets for overall well-being. He stated that the ‘Eat Right’ Mela serves as a platform to educate citizens about food safety, dietary choices, and government initiatives promoting health. He also urged Ministers and MLAs to utilize the services of the Food and Drug Administration(FAD) in their constituencies for food testing, training, and awareness programs.

Highlighting Punjab’s commitment to food safety, the health minister informed that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deployed 23 mobile food testing vans across the state, equipped with sophisticated tools to test over 150 parameters in milk, water, beverages, cereals, spices, and condiments.

This was the 6th Eat Right Mela organized in the current financial year (2024-25), reflecting the state’s dedication to fostering a culture of safe, healthy, and sustainable diets. The Food Safety Wing is driving this movement under three key themes: “If it’s not safe, it’s not food” (Safe Food), “Food should nourish both body and mind” (Healthy Diets), and “Food must be good for people and the planet” (Sustainable Diets).

The mela also featured quick adulteration tests, expert dietary consultations, and information on government schemes, making it an engaging and informative experience for all attendees. Among others present at the event were Principal Secretary Health Sh. Kumar Rahul and FDA Commissioner Sh. Dilraj Singh.

The Health Minister concluded by appealing to all Punjabis to “Eat Right, Stay Healthy” and support the state’s mission for a healthier, drugs-free, and nutritionally secure Punjab.

=========================================

GYM TRAINER MURDER CASE: PUNJAB POLICE JOINTLY WITH HIMACHAL PRADESH POLICE ARRESTS FOUR ASSOCIATES OF HARPREET HAPPO GANG FROM MCLEODGANJ; TWO PISTOLS RECOVERED

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

— ARRESTED ACCUSED PERSONS WERE TASKED BY FOREIGN HANDLERS TO EXECUTE TARGET KILLING IN PUNJAB, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV

— ANOTHER ACCUSED INVOLVED IN MURDER CASE IDENTIFIED, RAIDS ON TO NAB HIM: ADGP PROMOD BAN

CHANDIGARH, March 27: In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to making Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) in a joint operation with Himachal Pradesh Police has arrested four associates of Harpreet Happo Gang for their involvement in the Gym Trainer murder case, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

As per the information, Gym Trainer identified as Gurpreet Singh alias Guri was shot dead by four assailants in Kharar on January 31, 2025.

Those arrested have been identified as Amrit of village Partapura in Phillaur; Onkar Singh alias Golu and Prince, both residents of village Pandwa in Kapurthala and Gurpreet Singh alias Guri of Satnampura in Phagwara. Police teams have also recovered two .32 bore pistols along with magazines and 20 cartridges, besides impounding their Grey Maruti Ertiga car (PB-01-D-2996), in which they were travelling.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that the arrested accused persons were working on the directions of their foreign based handlers and were tasked to carry out a target killing in the state. All the arrested accused persons have a criminal history with number of criminal cases including murder, attempt to murder and Arms Act etc, registered against them, he said.

The DGP said that further investigations are on to establish forward and backward linkages in this case.

Sharing operation details, ADGP AGTF Promod Ban said that acting on the reliable inputs, police teams under the supervision AIG Sandeep Goel and DSP Rajan Parminder launched a joint operation with Himachal Pradesh Police and successfully arrested all the accused persons from Mcleodganj in Kangra, HP. The AGTF police teams were led by Inspector Vikram and Sub-Inspector Chandar.

The ADGP said that police teams have also identified another accused person in the Gym Trainer murder case and raids are being conducted to nab him.

=====================================

Warm farewell by Information & Public Relations Department to Malwinder Singh Jaggi on the eve of his retirement

speakers lauded commendable contribution of Mr. Jaggi for the department, described him as an efficient officer

Special honour given to Mr. Jaggi by the Public Relations Department

Chandigarh, March 27:Secretary, Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab and a 2005 cadre IAS officer, Mr. Malwinder Singh Jaggi was given a warm farewell party by the officers and employees of the Public Relations Department on the eve of his retirement. Mr. Jaggi is set to retire on March 31, 2025 after rendering 33 years of distinguished service.

Mr. Jaggi started his administrative career in 1992 as a PCS Civil Officer and elevated as a 2005 batch IAS officer.

In a simple but effective function organized by the department at Punjab Bhawan, various speakers shared their views and spoke about the personality of Mr. Jaggi and shared their personal experiences and described him as an efficient and dedicated officer.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Malwinder Singh Jaggi thanked all the officers and employees of the department for their cooperation and said that he enjoyed working in the Information and Public Relations Department. He said that the officers of this department are always ready for duty, which is rarely seen in other departments. He wished that the department shall continue to work in same spirit and dedication in the future also.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister's OSD (Media) Adil Azmi said that he had learned a lot from Mr. Jaggi and expressed hope that he would continue to guide him in the same way in the future as well. He wished Mr. Jaggi a healthy life ahead and said that he would continue to work with full dedication for the people of the country and the state in the future as well.

Director Information and Public Relations Vimal Kumar Setia said that Mr. Jaggi has soared like a falcon in his life and has always taught us all how to overcome obstacles and achieve goals while working. He mentioned the unparalleled work done by Mr. Jaggi during his tenure in Faridkot.

Additional Director Admin Sandeep Singh Garha said that it was a privilege to work with Mr. Jaggi. He said that working with him, he realized that no goal is impossible to achieve and how to work on new goals.

Meanwhile, Additional Director Randeep Singh Ahluwalia said that Mr. Jaggi played an important role in modernizing the department which led successful adoption of the online tendering process. Additional Director Harjit Singh Grewal also praised his administrative skills and said that the department will always remember the work done by him.

On this occasion, Joint Director Preetkanwal Singh thanked everyone while Deputy Director Manvinder Singh formally welcomed the distinguished guests and said that during Mr. Jaggi's tenure, the department touched new heights and made the uphill tasks possible.

On this occasion, the department also honored Mr. Jaggi. The stage was conducted by Public Relations Officer Navdeep Singh Gill.

On this occasion, Chief Minister's Director Communication Anil Kumar Saini, DCFA of the department, all Public Relations Officers and Assistant Public Relations Officers, Superintendents, Section Officers and other employees were present.

========================================

Public Works Department spends over 85% of budget by february in Fy 2024-25: Harbhajan Singh ETO

Manpreet Singh Iyali misrepresented data on power generation and supply: Power Minister

Chandigarh, March 27:Punjab Cabinet Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO today informed that during the fiscal year 2024-25, the Public Works Department (PWD) has already spent over 85% of its allocated budget by February 2025.

In a press communique issued here, the Cabinet Minister said that Congress MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh had inaccurately claimed during his speech in the Legislative Assembly that the PWD had only utilized 40% of its budget so far. However, the reality is that by February 2025, the department had already expended 85% of the funds allocated for FY 2024-25, with the bills duly cleared by the Treasury Department.

S. Harbhajan Singh ETO mentioned that the pending bills for work executed by the PWD in February and March would also be processed soon.

Similarly, in response to questions raised by Akali Dal MLA Manpreet Singh Iyali regarding electricity generation and supply, Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO stated that during the fiscal year 2021-22, the peak electricity demand stood at 13431 MW, which increased to 16058 MW by 2024-25. Likewise, the total electricity demand in 2021-22 was 62589 million units, which is projected to rise to 76617 million units in 2024-25.

He said that, the installed power generation capacity, which was 13892 MW in 2021-22, has expanded to 14840 MW by 2024-25

==========================================