Rs.20 Crore Releases Under Ashirwad Scheme; 3,922 Beneficiary Families to be Benefitted: Dr. Baljit Kaur
Punjab Government Provides Financial Assistance of Rs. 51,000 Under Ashirwad Scheme
Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government Committed to Welfare of Economically Weaker Section, Scheduled Castes and Backward Sections: Dr. Baljit Kaur
Chandigarh, March 29:The Punjab Government has released an amount of Rs. 20 crore under the Ashirwad Scheme for the beneficiary families belonging to Scheduled Castes. This was disclosed by Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities.
Sharing further information, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that during the current financial year 2024-25, an amount of Rs. 20 crore has been released after processing 3,922 applications received from 12 districts under the Ashirwad Scheme. She added that under this scheme, financial assistance of Rs. 51,000 is provided for the marriage of girls belonging to economically weaker families.
The Cabinet Minister elaborated that the amount has been disbursed to beneficiaries from 12 districts, including 1,476 beneficiaries from Amritsar, 56 from Barnala, 111 from Faridkot, 389 from Ferozepur, 84 from Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, 188 from Fazilka, 216 from Kapurthala, 767 from Ludhiana, 96 from Mansa, 152 from Sri Muktsar Sahib, 89 from Rupnagar and 298 from SBS Nagar.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further said that to avail benefits under the Ashirwad Scheme, the applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab, belong to Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes or other Economically Weaker Sections, and the annual income of the family should not exceed Rs. 32,790. She added that financial assistance can be availed for the marriage of up to two daughters in one family.
She emphasized that the financial assistance is transferred directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to ensure complete transparency and timely disbursal.
Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann is fully committed to the welfare and upliftment of economically weaker sections, Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, and is making continuous efforts to make them self-reliant and economically empowered.
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Major Crackdown by Batala Police Under ‘War Against Drugs’ Campaign
Raids Conducted in Sheikhupura and Other Affected Areas Led by SSP Suhail Qasim Mir
110 Cases Registered and 175 Smugglers Arrested in March – SSP Batala
Batala/Chandigarh, March 29-In a major crackdown under the Punjab Government’s “War Against Drugs” campaign, Batala police today conducted raids in drug-affected areas, including Village Sheikhupura. The operation was led by SSP Suhail Qasim Mir, with teams comprising SPs, DSPs and SHOs carrying out extensive searches and interrogating suspects.
Addressing mediapersons, SSP Mir said the drive was undertaken as per the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav. He said 110 cases were registered and 175 smugglers arrested in March alone.
SSP Mir further informed that apart from taking action against smugglers, efforts were being made to rehabilitate drug addicts. He said that 15 drug victims had been admitted to de-addiction centres, where they were undergoing treatment. Additionally, they would be provided skill development training to help them become employable.
Issuing a stern warning, SSP Mir urged drug smugglers to abandon the trade and join the mainstream or face strict legal action. He also informed that proceedings have been initiated to attach properties acquired through drug money.
During the operation, SP (D) Gurpreet Singh Sahota, DSP (Narcotics) Harish Behal, DSP Parmveer Singh, along with other senior officers and police personnel, were present.
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BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL LAYS FOUNDATION STONE FOR NABIPUR DRAIN LINING PROJECT
- Punjab Government to spend Rs.7.18-CR on Nabipur Drain project: Cabinet Minister
- Announces extension of Nabipur Drain lining project by 4kms up to village Khokhar
- Work will also be undertaken on cleaning and relining of Shakki drain
Chandigarh/Gurdaspur, March 29:Punjab Water Resources Minister Mr. Barinder Kumar Goyal, on Saturday, while giving the gift to the folks of the Gurdaspur, laid the foundation stone of Rs.7.18 crore lining project of the Nabipur Drain that passes through Gurdaspur city. The Cabinet Minister was accompanied by Punjab Health Systems Corporation Chairman Mr. Raman Behl, Aam Aadmi Party State Working President and Batala MLA Mr. Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi, Dera Baba Nanak MLA S. Gurdeep Singh Randhawa and AAP District Urban President Mr. Shamsher Singh Dinanagar.
Speaking to reporters after laying the foundation stone, Mr. Barinder Kumar Goyal informed that the 3.50 kilometer section of this drain, which was constructed in 1960, falls within Gurdaspur city. Being an earthen drain, it has not only caused flooding for city residents during rainy seasons but has also contaminated the groundwater in surrounding areas.
He said, the Rs.7.18 crore would be incurred to lining the portion of the Nabipur Drain that runs through Gurdaspur city and this will include the construction of three-foot pathways on both sides, adding that crash barriers will be installed along the drain's edges and beautification work will also be undertaken. Once the work of lining completed, the drain will prevent overflow issues and stop contamination of groundwater. The project would be completed by April, he added.
Cabinet Minister announced that at the request of Chairman Raman Behl, the drain lining project would be extended by four kilometers up to village Khokhar. He also stated, the Water Resources Department will initiate a project to clean and reline the Kiran/Shakki drain, directing department officials to prepare a report regarding the relining project for the Shakki drain.
Later, addressing a massive rally in Gurdaspur, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is committed to the comprehensive development of the state. Whether it's free electricity, healthcare or education revolution, the Mann government has fulfilled its guarantees and the state government has made significant improvements to the canal system, bringing water to tail-end areas after decades. He added that the Mann government has allocated special funds in this budget for cleaning village ponds. The Mann government is fully meeting the expectations of the people and state residents are satisfied with the government's performance, he added.
Punjab Health Systems Corporation Chairman Mr. Raman Behl, while expressing gratitude towards Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Cabinet Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, said that by lining the Nabipur Drain, the Mann government has fulfilled a decades-old demand of Gurdaspur residents. Due to the earthen condition of the drain, residents of surrounding colonies were living in hellish conditions but have now received relief. He also thanked the Cabinet Minister for extending the Nabipur Drain lining project by an additional 4 kms.
Addressing the rally, Aam Aadmi Party State Working President and Batala MLA Mr. Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi said that the Mann government has brought major changes to the state in the last three years. Schools of Eminence have been established as part of major educational reforms and Aam Aadmi Clinics are providing quality healthcare services close to people's homes. He noted that with the 600-unit bi-monthly free electricity facility, more than 90 percent of households are receiving zero bills. He said the Mann government is taking strong action against drug traffickers through its war against drugs and state residents should actively contribute to this effort.
Dera Baba Nanak MLA S. Gurdeep Singh Randhawa and Aam Aadmi Party District Urban President Mr. Shamsher Singh also detailed the achievements of the Mann government. Various social service organizations of Gurdaspur honoured Cabinet Minister Mr. Barinder Kumar Goyal.
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PUNJAB & CALIFORNIA COLLABORATE TO STRENGTHEN AGRICULTURAL SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION INITIATIVES
AGRICULTURE MINISTER KHUDIAN PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH COLLABORATION
Chandigarh, March 29:"Punjab government will provide all necessary assistance to support the ongoing and future research endeavours of international experts working on soil and water conservation," asserted Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian during a high-level meeting hosted by the Punjab State Food Commission.
Addressing the meeting as Chief Guest, S. Khudian said that Punjab, as predominantly an agrarian state, is eager to foster collaborations that advance agricultural sciences and practices, particularly those aimed at improving soil and water conservation in the region.
This crucial meeting, presided over by Chairman Mr. Bal Mukand Sharma, welcomed a distinguished delegation from California State University for Agriculture Science and Technology including Professor Ms. Sharon Elizabeth and Associate Professor Mr. Gureetpal Singh Brar along with their students.
The delegation's visit forms part of a collaborative effort to further agricultural research in areas vital to Punjab's agricultural sustainability and global agricultural development.
Discussions centered on innovative methods and technological advancements in soil and water conservation -increasingly critical issues in today's changing agricultural landscape. The platform enabled Punjab and California-based scholars to exchange knowledge on improving agricultural productivity while safeguarding natural resources.
Chairman Mr. Sharma reiterated Punjab State Food Commission's commitment to promoting agricultural innovation and sustainable food systems, expressing appreciation for the California delegation's focus on Punjab and noting that their research would benefit both the state and the global agricultural community.
Commission members Mr. Vijay Dutt, Ms. Preeti Chawla and Mr. Chetan Dhaliwal extended heartfelt thanks to all participants for their valuable contribution to this exchange of ideas, which has established a foundation for continued dialogue between Punjab and California in agricultural advancement.
During the meeting at the Chandigarh headquarters of Punjab State Food Commission, both the agricultural leaders from Punjab and California discussed critical challenges in soil and water conservation threadbare.
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CM Mann led Punjab Govt giving wings to dreams of students: Harjot Singh Bains
EM meets students and parents at School of Eminence, Phase 11, Mohali during Mega PTM
For the first time, 189 students of Government schools cleared JEE Mains
1.5 lakh students to appear in competitive examination for 15K seats of Schools of Eminence
Ongoing Academic Session's last Mega PTM organised in 20K Govt schools of Punjab
Free books to be made available on the very first day of the new session, Rs 21 crores saved in printing of books by state
Chandigarh/Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, March 29:Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains while reviewing the last Mega PTM (Parent Teacher Meet) of this academic session at School of Eminence, Phase 11, Mohali today, said that the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann is committed to give wings to the dreams of the students studying in the government schools to achieve their goals. The minister Sai that their government is ensuring better facilities in government schools without any hefty fees like private schools.
While interacting with the students, their parents and teachers during the Mega PTM, he interacted with the students and parents as well. He said that there was a time when parent-teacher meetings were organised only in private schools, but now the Aam Aadmi Party led Punjab Government has started organising it as a festival in the Government Schools of the state. He informed that more than 21 lakh parents had participated in the Mega PTM held on October 22 last year, while during December 2023 this number was 20.55 lakh.
Education Minister Bains said that for the first time in the history of education in Punjab, 189 students of Government Schools have cleared the JEE Mains examination, which is the basis for admission to premier institutions like IITs. He said that 1.5 lakh applications have been received for 15,000 seats in the state's Schools of Eminence.
He said that 42 Schools of Eminence and 425 Schools of Happiness have been completed in the state, while 40 skill training schools have been set up to prepare business blasters. He said that a lot of improvements had been made in school education in the last three years, as a result of which 99 percent of the schools have got boundary walls. Now no student sits on the ground. There is a provision of separate clean toilets/urinals for boy and girl students. There is clean drinking water for all. "We have installed Wi-Fi connections in 17,000 schools and solar power panels in over 4000 schools. CCTV cameras have been installed in most of the schools. 250 buses are running in 125 government schools of Punjab, benefiting about 10,000 children. Government schools having enrollment 500 and more also have security guards", said Minister Bains. He further said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's Government has provided 20,000 teachers in the state. He said that more than 525 teachers have been imparted training from Singapore, Finland & IIM Ahmedabad for enhancing their teaching skills.
He said that there is no need to worry about uniforms or books of students in this government. The new session will start next week and free books will be available from the first day itself. He said that this time there has been a saving of 27 percent in the printing of books, which is about Rs 21 crore. These small savings are being used to provide better facilities in government schools.
He said that there was a time when only negative things were heard about government schools, but today the situation has changed, Government Schools are contributing in the field of education as well as personality development and inculcating sports culture among the students. He said that the Government is committed to do more work for education reforms in the next two years than in the last three years.
Special Secretary School Education Churchil Kumar, District Education Officer Ginni Duggal and School Principal Lovish Chawla were also present on this occasion.
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PUNJAB POLICE BUSTS ILLEGAL WEAPON SMUGGLING RACKET; THREE HELD WITH SIX PISTOLS
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— ARRESTED ACCUSED HAVE MULTIPLE CRIMINAL CASES, INCLUDING UNDER NDPS AND ARMS ACT: DGP GAURAV YADAV
CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, March 29:Striking yet another major blow to the illegal weapon smuggling network in amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as directed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has arrested three individuals and recovered six pistols— including one 9MM Glock, two .30 bore and three country-made .32 bore pistols— along with nine cartridges from their possession.
Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav identified the arrested accused as Gurjant Singh, a resident of Sangatpura in Amritsar, Gursharan Singh alias Gursharandeep and Abhishek alias Abhi, both residents of Lakhuwal in Amritsar.
The development came a day after CI Amritsar has busted a Pak-backed illegal arms smuggling racket with the arrest of two operatives— who were further supplying weapons to associates of foreign-based Gangsters Lakhbir Landa and Satta Naushera, and recovered five sophisticated pistols from their possession.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that Police teams from CI Amritsar received reliable inputs that some individuals are in possession of arms and ammunition and are hatching a conspiracy to commit crime at village Uggar Aulakh. Acting swiftly, CI Amritsar team conducted a raid near Village Uggar Aulakh on the Amritsar-Ajnala Road, where the accused were apprehended, he said.
The DGP said that preliminary investigations revealed that the arrested accused persons have a criminal history with cases pertaining to Arms Act, NDPS act, Excise Act, etc. registered against them. Further investigations are underway to uncover the full extent of their network, he added.
A case FIR No. 17 dated 29-03-2025 has been registered under sections 25 of the Arms Act and sections 61(2) and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar.
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PEDA PARTNERS WITH HPCL FOR SETTING UP CBG PROJECT TO BOOST BUDDHA NULLAH CLEANUP
• Project to process 300 tons of cattle dung daily, producing 6,400 kg of CBG per day, says Aman Arora
Chandigarh, March 29:In an environment friendly step to give further impetus to Buddha Nullah cleaning drive, Punjab Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HPCL Renewable & Green Energy Limited (HPRGE)— a wholly owned company of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited for setting up a Compressed Biogas (CBG) project in Ludhiana.
The MoU was signed by CEO Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) Ms. Neelima and CEO (HPRGE) Mr.Mohit Dhawan in the presence of Mr. Aman Arora, Minister of New and Renewable Energy Sources, Punjab.
Highlighting the significance of this collaboration, Mr. Aman Arora informed that the project will focus on the sustainable management of surplus cattle dung from the Haibowal Dairy Complex in Ludhiana. He further mentioned that the project will process approximately 300 tons of cattle dung daily, producing 6,400 kg of CBG per day. HPCL will then distribute the CBG through their existing CNG outlets for vehicle fuel.
The project is expected to be completed within two years, Mr. Aman Arora said while emphasising that it's a crucial component of the Buddha Dariya Rejuvenation Project as the project will address the current issue of dung being discharged into Buddha Nullah through the sewerage system.
Principal Secretary for New & Renewable Energy Sources, Mr. Ajoy Kumar Sinha, stated that the project, valued at over Rs. 35 crore, will be implemented under the State NRSE Policy, 2012, on a Build Own & Operate (BOO) basis. He also assured the HPRGE representatives every possible support including necessary approvals from government side to set up this project.
Director PEDA Mr. MP Singh and other senior officials of the department were also present on the occasion.
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’YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH 2.0’: PUNJAB POLICE GETS SHOT IN ARM AS 217 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD IN STATEWIDE CASO; 7.7KG HEROIN, 500KG GANJA RECOVERED
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— SPECIAL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA JOINS SSP MOHALI TO PERSONALLY LEAD OPERATION IN KEY DRUG HOTSPOTS
— PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 4484 DRUG SMUGGLERS AFTER REGISTRATION OF 2669 FIRs IN 29 DAYS; RECOVERS 169KG HEROIN, 88KG OPIUM AND ₹5.83-CR DRUG MONEY
CHANDIGARH, March 29:In a relentless pursuit to eradicate the drug menace from Punjab as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police on Thursday conducted another massive Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) at identified drug Hotspots— the points of sale of drugs and psychotropic substances— across the state as part of the Yudh Nashian Virudh 2.0, marking the 29th day of the intensified anti-drug campaign.
The CASO was conducted simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav, and Spl DGP/ADGP/IGP/DIG rank officers from Punjab Police Headquarters, Chandigarh were deputed in each Police district to personally supervise the operation.
During the daylong operation, police teams have conducted raids at 428 drug hotspots across the state leading to arrest of 217 persons after registration of 157 first information reports (FIRs). Police teams have also recovered 7.7 kg heroin, 500 kg Ganja, 10992 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 2.17 lakh drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.
Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.
Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who joined Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mohali Deepak Pareek to personally oversee the operation in drug hotspots, said that the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign launched on March 1, 2025, has resulted in arrest of 4484 drug smugglers after registration of 2669 first information reports (FIRs) across the state and led to recovery of 169.5 kg heroin, 88 kg opium, 20.5 quintals poppy husk, 8.64 lakh intoxicant tablets/capsules, 1 kg ICE and Rs 5.83 crores drug money from the possession of drug smugglers.
He said that DGP Punjab has already directed all the the CPs/SSPs to identify and catalogue the main drug suppliers/peddlers in their respective districts. “This is a sustained war—no leniency, no compromise. We will continue striking at the roots of this menace until Punjab is completely drug-free,” reiterated the Special DGP.
Other officers who went to the field includes Special DGP Railways Shashi Prabha Dwivedi, Special DGP PSPCL Dr Jitendra Jain, ADGP Anita Punj, ADGP Technical Support Services (TSS) Ram Singh, ADGP Provisioning G Nageswara Rao, ADGP Internal Security Shive Kumar Verma and ADGP State Armed Forces MF Farooqui.
Meanwhile, the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state.