CM CONTINUES MISSION ROZGAR, MORE THAN 55,000 GOVERNMENT JOBS GIVEN TO YOUTH TILL NOW
EXHORTS TEACHERS TO PLAY A PIVOTAL ROLE IN YUDH NASHEYAN VIRUDH BY MAKING STUDENTS AWARE AGAINST THE MENACE
SLAMS TRADITIONAL PARTIES FOR DEPRIVING THE YOUTH FROM JOBS DURING THEIR REGIMES
QUIPS THAT NOW YOUTH ARE GETTING JOBS BUT THOSE WHO HAVE RUINED THEM ARE UNEMPLOYED
VOWS TO CARVE OUT RANGLA PUNJAB WITH ACTIVE SUPPORT AND COOPERATION OF PEOPLE
Chandigarh, April 1:Continuing Mission Rozgar, the Punjab government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday set a new benchmark by giving government jobs to more than 55,000 youth in the state in around 36 months of its tenure.
Addressing the gathering in a function to mark handing of appointment letters to more than 700 teachers, the Chief Minister congratulated all the newly recruited teachers on this historic occasion and expressed hope that they will discharge their duty sincerely. He said that youth have got the job after a lot of hard work and dedication as his government has laid major thrust on ensuring jobs to youth in a transparent manner. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that an era of Education Revolution has been heralded in the state as major infrastructure revamp has been introduced in the schools.
Likewise, the Chief Minister said that focus has been laid on imparting quality education to the youth due to which several path breaking initiatives have been taken. He reiterated that the state government fills all the posts as soon as they are vacant in the department. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a foolproof mechanism has been adopted for the entire recruitment process due to which not even a single appointment out of these more than 55,000 jobs have been challenged so far in any court.
The Chief Minister said that it is a proud moment for the government of Punjab that these youth have been given government jobs completely on the basis of merit. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that transparent recruitment has increased the faith of youth in working for the state government due to which they have shunned the idea of moving abroad and are preparing for government jobs here. He said that it is on record that contrary to the earlier trend of moving abroad, the educational institutions in the state are witnessing a huge surge in admissions by the youth.
The Chief Minister bemoaned that the previous governments had deprived the youth of the state from jobs during their long rule. However, he said that those who had denied jobs to the youth were then ousted by the people of the state for their anti-people stance. Bhagwant Singh Mann quipped that it is ironic that now youths are getting jobs but those who have ruined their future are unemployed and sitting out of power.
The Chief Minister said that the previous rulers had plundered the state mercilessly besides bruising the psyche of Punjabis emotionally and patronizing several mafias in the state. He said that the state government is cleaning the mess created by the previous regimes and now the focus is on carving out a Rangla Punjab for which no stone is being left unturned. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a complete overhaul is being witnessed in all the sectors of the state so as to give a major push to development of Punjab.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has been sending the teachers abroad and even to prestigious national institutes to upscale their teaching skills. He said that the well trained staff has helped in enhancing the rate of admissions in the government schools of the state adding that Punjab is witnessing education revolution across the state as the state government has laid major thrust on it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now the teachers and Principals are focusing only on education as for all the rest of work, the required staff has been recruited by the state government.
Exhorting the teachers to play a major role in ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ by making the students aware about the menace of drugs, the Chief Minister said that the teachers are the nation builders and they must inspire the youth to channelize their unbounded energy to fight against drugs. He said that it is imperative to save the generations of the state from scourge of drugs as Punjab has already suffered a huge loss of manpower due to this menace. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has already snapped the supply line of drugs and big fishes involved in this heinous crime have been put behind the bars adding that the property of the drug smugglers are being destroyed/ confiscated.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is organizing Parents Teachers Meeting (PTM) in the government schools across the state. He said that lakhs of parents across the state are enquiring about the studies, atmosphere, curriculum and other things being offered to their kids. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it will also provide an opportunity to teachers for explaining the performance of students in the schools.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against corruption and none of the corrupt officers is being tolerated. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every corrupt officer will be nailed and strict action will be taken against them. He said that the state government is working zealously to bring transparency, effectiveness and responsiveness by providing citizen centric services to people at their doorsteps.
The Chief Minister said that now these youth have become integral part of the government adding that now should serve the people with missionary zeal. Bhagwant Mann hoped that the new recruits will use their pen for helping the needy and underprivileged sections of society. He said that the newly recruited youth should ensure maximum welfare of the public so that every section of society is benefited from it.
Earlier, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries on the occasion.
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NEWLY RECRUIT TEACHERS HAIL CM FOR GIVING JOBS TO THEM IN A TRANSPARENT MANNER
Chandigarh, April 1:The newly recruited teachers in the Education department on Tuesday hailed the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for providing them jobs completely on the basis of merit.
Simranjit Sharma from Sangrur thanked the Chief Minister and said that her husband had got the appointment letter in 2023 and now she has realized the dream of her grandfather by getting this job. She said that entire credit goes to the Chief Minister, who has ensured the recruitment in a complete transparent way.
Gagandeep Singh from Mansa said that he was working privately and had been trying for the job since long. He said that prior to this none of his family members had government jobs for which he will ever remain indebted to the Chief Minister and the state government.
Ram Phal Singh Virdi said that he and his friend had lost hope of government jobs during previous regimes but due to the Chief Minister he has got a job today. However, he said that during the current government he has got a third job which is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for him.
Sandeep Kaur from Rupnagar said that it was her parents' dream that she should get a government job. She said that this dream has been fulfilled because of the Chief Minister as earlier her husband has also got a job during this regime.
Harpreet Singh from Mansa said that he got a job in Punjab Police during the current regime only but now he has again got the job as teacher. He said that the entire credit for it goes to the Chief Minister.
Golo Kaur from Sangrur thanked the Chief Minister for giving jobs to the youth by creating new ones and illuminating the lives of the common man. She said that she, along with many others, has got second jobs within ten days which is a remarkable and unprecedented achievement.
Ravneet Kaur from Patiala thanked the Chief Minister for realizing the dream of the millions of Punjabis. She said that she will ever remain indebted to the Chief Minister and his government for giving her this job.
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PUNJAB ACHIEVES HISTORIC EXCISE REVENUE MILESTONE, EARNS RS 10743.72 CRORE IN FY 2024-25: HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA
CROSSES RS 40,000 CRORE ANNUAL REVENUE MILESTONE FROM VAT, CST, GST, PSDT, AND EXCISE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY
FINANCE MINISTER HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA ATTRIBUTES GROWTH TO TRANSPARENT POLICIES AND TAXPAYER-FRIENDLY INITIATIVES
SAYS, TAX REVENUE FUELS 'BADLDA PUNJAB' BUDGET FOR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
PLEDGES CONTINUED GROWTH WITHOUT ADDITIONAL TAX BURDEN ON CITIZENS
Chandigarh, April 1-Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday announced that the state's Excise and Taxation Department has reported a record-breaking Excise revenue of Rs 10,743.72 crore for the financial year 2024-25, marking an impressive annual growth rate of 16.36 percent compared to the previous fiscal year. He said that the state’s total revenue collection from VAT, CST, GST, PSDT, and Excise during FY 2024-25 stood at Rs 42289.97 crore, showcasing a growth rate of 12.47 percent crossing the Rs 40,000 crore threshold for the first time in the state's history.
Disclosing this in In a press communiqué issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema attributed the remarkable growth in Excise collection to the successful excise policies implemented by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government. He said that the state witnessed a notable rise of Rs 598.72 crore in Excise revenue, surpassing the target of Rs 10145 crore for FY 2024-25. In March 2025, Punjab achieved a remarkable 30.67 percent growth rate in Excise revenue, collecting Rs 1477.04 crore, a significant increase from Rs 1130.37 crore in March 2024. He said that this achievement marks the first time the state has crossed the five-digit mark in Excise revenue.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema further revealed that the state has also witnessed a net annual growth rate of 12.99 percent in Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections, with a net annual collection of Rs 23,642.15 crore compared to Rs 20,923.37 crore in the previous fiscal year. “In March 2025, the state recorded a net GST collection of Rs 1,913.82 crore, reflecting an 8.63 percent growth compared to Rs 1,761.70 crore in March 2024”, said the Finance Minister while adding that Punjab has also achieved an annual collection of Rs 7,353.32 crore from Value Added Tax (VAT), up from Rs 6,975.3 crore in the previous fiscal year, registering a growth rate of 5.42 percent.
Finance Minister Cheema attributed these achievements to the transparent excise policies implemented by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government, and the enforcement activities of the Excise and Taxation Department which successfully curbed liquor smuggling from neighboring states. He said that the department has also enhanced GST revenue by promoting tax compliance through initiatives such as the "Bill Liayo Inam Pao" scheme and by leveraging technological solutions, the Tax Intelligence Unit, and strengthened enforcement activities. He said that the department has adopted a two-pronged strategy, which encompasses providing unwavering support to honest taxpayers while simultaneously cracking down on tax evaders, thereby ensuring a fair and transparent taxation system.
The Finance Minister emphasized that these efforts to boost the state's tax revenue have enabled the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government to present a historic "Badlda Punjab" budget, aimed at ushering in an era of economic and social development for the state. He said that the state government would continue to opt for new initiatives to further improve the tax revenue without imposing any new tax burden on the people of the state.
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ECI’s biggest engagement drive with political parties
- 4,719 meetings conducted at CEOs, DEOs, and EROs level nationwide engaging over 28,000 party representatives
Chandigarh, April 1:The Election Commission of India (ECI) conducted a series of structured engagements with political parties at the level of Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), District Election Officer (DEO), and Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) across the country. In a span of 25 days and as of 31st March 2025, a total of 4,719 meetings were conducted, with 40 meetings by CEOs, 800 by DEOs, and 3,879 by EROs, engaging over 28,000 representatives of political parties nationwide.
These meetings were held in accordance with the directives issued by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Shri Gyanesh Kumar along with ECs Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi, during the Chief Electoral Officers' conference held on March 4-5 2025, at IIIDEM, New Delhi.
The engagements are aimed to resolve any pending issues by the concerned competent authority i.e. ERO or DEO or CEO within the existing legal framework of the Representation of the People Act 1950 and 1951; the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960; the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 and the manuals, guidelines, and instructions issued by ECI from time to time. An action taken report has been sought from all State/UT CEOs for further assessment and any issue, if unresolved within the existing legal framework, will be taken up by the Commission.
These engagements have been well-received by political parties, with active and enthusiastic participation across Assembly Constituencies, districts, and States/UTs.
=====================================PUNJAB POLICE BUSTS CROSS-BORDER DRUG SMUGGLING RACKET; ONE HELD WITH 3.5 KG HEROIN
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— ARRESTED ACCUSED SUKHDEV SINGH WAS IN TOUCH WITH PAK-BASED SMUGGLERS, RECEIVING DRUG CONSIGNMENTS VIA DRONES: DGP GAURAV YADAV
— MORE ARRESTS AND RECOVERIES ARE EXPECTED IN COMING DAYS: AIG CI GURSEVAK BRAR
CHANDIGARH/FEROZEPUR, April 1: Amidst the ongoing war against drugs waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Ferozepur has busted a cross-border drug smuggling racket with the arrest of a drug smuggler and recovered 3.5 kg heroin from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.
The arrested accused has been identified as Sukhdev Singh alias Sukhi, a resident of Mohan Ke Uttar in Ferozepur. Apart from recovering heroin, police teams have also impounded his Hero Splendor motorcycle (PB-05-AM-5620), which he was riding.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested accused was in direct contact with the Pakistan-based smuggler, who was using drones to drop the drug consignments from across the border. Further investigation is underway to trace the forward and backward linkages in this case, he added.
Sharing operation details, AIG Counter Intelligence Ferozepur Gursewak Singh Brar said that following a reliable input about involvement of accused Sukhdev Sukhi in smuggling activities, police teams from CI Ferozepur launched an intelligence-based operation in the area of Village Lakho Ke Behram in Ferozepur and apprehended him along with seven packets of heroin, weighing 500 grams each, kept in a plastic bag.
He said that the accused was going to deliver the consignment to someone, when police teams apprehended him. Efforts are being made to uncover the entire network of suppliers, dealers, and buyers, as well as to identify the person to whom accused Sukhdev Sukhi was to deliver the drug consignment, he said, while adding that more recoveries and arrests are likely in the coming days.
In this regard, a case FIR No. 10 dated 31.03.2025 has been registered under section 21-C of the NDPS Act at Police Station State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Fazilka. The accused will be produced before the Hon’ble Court to obtain police remand for further investigation.
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PSPCL achieves peak rated capacity at Pachhwara mine in FY 2024-25: Harbhajan Singh ETO
Coal mine revival yields Rs.950-CR savings for Punjab power sector
Chandigarh, April 1:In a major advancement toward ensuring uninterrupted and cost-effective coal supply for Its thermal power plants, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has reached a significant milestone by achieving the peak rated capacity of 70 lakh tonnes at its Pachhwara Central Coal Mine in Financial Year 2024-25, informed Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO in a press communique issued here today.
The Cabinet Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the Pachhwara Mine, which had remained non-operational since March 31, 2015, was successfully revived in December 2022 under the proactive leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. Since its revival, the mine has supplied 115 lakh tonnes of coal to PSPCL's thermal power stations, generating estimated savings of Rs.950 crore compared to Cost of coal procured from Coal India Limited (CIL), significantly reducing power generation costs.
The Cabinet Minister said, achieving peak rated capacity at Pachhwara Mine showcased that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is committed to energy security, operational efficiency and financial prudence, adding that this milestone will enhance self-reliance in coal procurement, diminishes dependence on external sources and stabilizes power supply for Punjab.
Commenting on the achievement, Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO said, "This remarkable success at Pachhwara Mine showing department's dedication toward enhancing Punjab's energy security. By ensuring a steady and economical supply of coal, we are committed to providing reliable and affordable electricity to consumers." This achievement is expected to further strengthen the state's power infrastructure and help maintain stable electricity tariffs, he added.
The Cabinet Minister further said that with the operationalization of the mine, PSPCL has transferred its Coal India linkage to independent power producers (IPPs) at Talwandi Sabo and Rajpura under the flexi policy, eliminating the need for imported or alternative coal, which also had contributed to conserving to valuable foreign Exchange for our country. The availability of high-quality coal has significantly improved the Plant Load Factor (PLF) of PSPCL's own thermal power plants.
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Women Commission Punjab Condemns Patiala incident
* Called strict action against the accused
Chandigarh, April 1-Punjab State Women Commission Chairperson Raj Lali Gill strongly condemns the horrific crime against 12-year-old girl in Patiala as reported in the media. She expressed deep dissatisfaction by this incident and stands in solidarity with the survivor and her family in this time of distress.
As per reports, an auto driver has been arrested for sexually assaulting and impregnating a minor. An FIR has been registered under Sections 65(2) and 68 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The Commission urges the law enforcement agencies to ensure a swift and thorough investigation so that the accused is brought to justice without delay.
Chairperson of the Punjab State Commission for Women, Ms. Raj Lali Gill has taken suo motu cognizance of the case and sought a detailed report from the concerned authorities. "This is a grave violation of a child's rights and a brutal crime that cannot be tolerated in our society. We demand the strictest possible punishment for the accused. The Commission will closely monitor the proceedings to ensure that justice is served," said the Chairperson.
Additionally, the Commission is coordinating with local authorities to provide all necessary medical, psychological and legal support to the survivor. The Commission urges the public to remain vigilant and report any instances of abuse or exploitation to the authorities immediately.
Furthermore, the Commission recommends that all vehicles used for student transportation be thoroughly checked and properly documented. It is imperative that such vehicles be equipped with emergency kits, GPS tracking systems, speed monitors, fire extinguishers and emergency exits to ensure the safety of children. Additionally, all drivers operating these vehicles must undergo mandatory police verification to ensure the safety and security of students. Regular inspection and monitoring should be conducted to maintain compliance with these safety measures.
The Punjab State Commission for Women remains committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and children. The Commission calls upon all stakeholders, including the police, judiciary and civil society to work together in creating a safer environment for our children.
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Bulldozers in Action on Illegal Constructions made by Drug lords in Kapurthala
Three unauthorised houses on Panchayat land demolished in village Boot
Encroachers facing 34 cases at various police station under NDPS
Kapurthala Police Arrest 190 Drug smugglers in a month as Seizure of Properties Acquired Through Drug Trade Intensified
Chandigarh/ Kapurthala, April 1-Kapurthala civil and police administration in a joint drive, carried out a major operation in village Boot under Subhanpur police station by demolishing illegal constructions on Panchayati land by Drug lords .
Acting on the orders passed by of B.D.P.O. Dhilwan, Manjit Kaur, the civil and police administration demolished three such structures that had been illegally built on Panchayat land by drug traffickers.
The Encroachers have been facing 34 cases at various police stations under NDPS act .
SSP Gaurav Toora said that the civil and police administration demolished illegal constructions on Panchayati land in village Boot, which were unlawfully occupied by Jeona Singh S/O Gurnam Singh and his wife Bhani. Jeona singh have 5 NDPS cases registered against him, while his wife Bhani have 4 cases.
Additionally, illegal constructions by Sher Singh and his sons Kala Singh, Mehtab Singh and Charat singh were also demolished.
Sher Singh has one case against him, while his son Kala Singh have 5, Mehtab Singh 8 and Charhat Singh have 7 NDPS cases registered against them.
Furthermore, an illegal construction by Surjit Singh on Panchayati land was demolished, with 6 cases registered against him in different police stations.
SSP further said that under the Punjab Government’s directives, a vigorous campaign under the "War Against Drugs" initiative is going on which comprises strategy includes three key aspects Prevention, Enforcement, and Rehabilitation.
He mentioned that hotspot areas of drug activities in the district have been identified and strict action is being taken against traffickers.
Simultaneously, awareness programs are being conducted to educate people about the harmful effects of drugs and special attention is being given to skill-based training to help rehabilitated addicts become self-employed.
He also mentioned that in the past month 190 drug smugglers have been arrested as 111 cases have been registered against them .
Urging the public to support the fight against drugs, the SSP said that people should come forward with information about drug traffickers, assuring that their identity will be kept confidential and strict action will be taken against the culprits.
B.D.P.O. Manjit Kaur, who is the duty magistrate , said that orders to demolish illegal constructions on Panchayati land in village Boot were issued in September 2015.
She further said that Notices were sent to the concerned individuals, asking them to vacate panchayat land but no action was taken by them.
She further added that the Panchayat Department is actively working to reclaim illegally occupied Panchayati land.
On this occasion SP Gurpreet Singh Gill, DSP Karnail Singh, and other officials were also present.
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Punjab State Women Commission Welcomes Court’s Verdict in Pastor Bajinder Case
Chandigarh, April 1-Chairperson of the Punjab State Women Commission Ms. Raj Lali Gill welcomed the court’s verdict sentencing Pastor Bajinder to life imprisonment till death in the Zirakpur rape case, calling it a significant step toward justice for women.
In a press release, the Chairperson said that this judgment sends a strong message that crimes against women will not be tolerated and the law will ensure justice.” The Commission had earlier taken suo motu cognizance of the matter.
Ms. Gill also urged other survivors of similar crimes in Punjab to come forward, assuring them of full support. “The Punjab State Women Commission is committed to providing all necessary legal, emotional and rehabilitative assistance to victims of sexual violence. If you or anyone you know needs help, please reach out to us. Justice and safety for women remain our top priority”, she added.
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PUNJAB POLICE THWARTS POSSIBLE TERROR ATTACK WITH ARREST OF PAK-ISI LINKED OPERATIVE; HAND GRENADE RECOVERED
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— ARRESTED ACCUSED JAIVEER TYAGI WAS WORKING ON DIRECTIONS OF HIS ABROAD-BASED HANDLER SEHLAM: DGP GAURAV YADAV
— FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS ONGOING TO ESTABLISH FORWARD AND BACKWARD LINKAGES
CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, April 1: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 (CI) Amritsar has averted a possible terror attack in the state with the arrest of an operative linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency and recovered one hand grenade from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.
The arrested accused has been identified as Jaiveer Tyagi alias Jawed, a native of Village Baroli in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh (UP) and currently residing in Ludhiana.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that CI Amritsar teams has received an input revealing about the Abroad-based individual identified as Sehlam, who is working for Pak-ISI agency, along with his cousin identified as Jaiveer Tyagi has been hatching a conspiracy to target the government infrastructure through terror attacks in various cities to disturb peace and harmony of the state.
The input further revealed that Jaiveer Tyagi has also retrieved the consignment of hand grenade from the area of Amritsar and is waiting for his other accomplices near Tara Wala Pul in Amritsar to commit a major crime, he said, while adding that acting swiftly on credible inputs, police teams from CI Amritsar launched an intelligence led operation and apprehended accused Jaiveer Tyagi after recovering one hand grenade from his possession.
The DGP said that further investigations revealed that arrested accused Jaiveer had been residing in Ludhiana for the last 14-15 years and was in contact with Sehlam through encrypted messaging apps. Probe has also revealed that on Sehlam’s instructions, accused Jaiveer had procured the grenade, he said, while adding that further investigations are on to establish forward and backward linkages in this case.
A case has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act, sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act, and sections 61(2) and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) in Amritsar.
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PUNJAB POLICE CONDUCTS SEARCH OPERATION AT 147 RAILWAY STATIONS ACROSS STATE
— YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH CONTINUES AS POLICE ARREST 40 DRUG SMUGGLERS AFTER 490 RAIDS ACROSS STATE ON DAY 32
— DAY LONG OPERATION LEADS TO REGISTRATION OF 28 FIRs, RECOVERY OF 320 GRAMS HEROIN, 500 GRAMS OPIUM
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— OVER 255 POLICE TEAMS LED BY 107 SP/DSP RANK OFFICERS CHECKED 546 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA
CHANDIGARH, April 1: 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 32nd day, Punjab Police on Tuesday conducted a cordon and search operation (CASO) at all the Railway Stations across the state.
The operation was carried out in all the 28 Police districts on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav.
Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who was personally monitoring this state-level operation, said that all the CPs/SSPs were asked to ensure heavy deployment of police force under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (SP) rank officers to make this operation successful.
He said that around 1925 people were checked during the operation conducted at around 147 railway stations in the state. Six suspicious persons were also rounded up for questioning during the operation, he added.
Apart from this, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs and conducted raids at 490 locations on Tuesday leading to the arrest of 40 drug smugglers after registration of 28 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 4690 within 32 days.
The Special DGP said that the raids have resulted in recovery of 320.5 grams heroin, 500 grams opium, 1422 intoxicant tablets/pills and Rs 7978 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.
He informed that over 255 Police teams, comprising over 1500 police personnel, under the supervision of 107 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 546 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 four persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.
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'Yudh Nashiyan Virudh'
Tarunpreet Singh Sond warns drug traffickers to either quit their trade or leave Punjab
Comprehensive efforts underway to reintegrate drug-affected individuals into the mainstream
Health Department, Barnala inspects 391 pharmacies under the campaign; action taken against 36, three sealed, and licenses of two revoked
Chandigarh/Barnala, April 1:Under the "Yudh Nashiyan Virudh" campaign initiated by the Punjab Government to make the state drug-free, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Industries and Commerce, Investment Promotion, Labour, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, held a high level meeting with Barnal district civil, police, and departmental officials at the District Administrative Complex, Barnala.
Addressing the meeting, Minister Sond emphasized that Punjab has no place for those who exploit the youth through drug trafficking. He directed all officials to continue this extensive campaign to eradicate the drug menace and to raise awareness among the youth about the harmful effects of drug abuse. Various departments also shared updates on their respective initiatives in this regard.
Deputy Commissioner T. Banith informed that 175 panchayats in the district have pledged to fight against drugs, and the district administration is actively bringing reformed addicts to the forefront to inspire others. Additionally, a Light and Sound Show against drug abuse was organized at the district level, attended by around 4,000 people, with plans to conduct street plays in villages for greater outreach.
Minister Sond instructed the administration to conduct street plays in every village and town and to install awareness boards in public places. He reiterated the government’s commitment to rehabilitating individuals trapped in drug addiction and reintegrating them into mainstream society.
On this occasion, District Police Chief Muhammad Sarfaraz Alam provided insights into police search operations and the seizure of narcotics.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Tarunpreet Singh Sond stated that previous governments did nothing to combat drug abuse, whereas under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has been taking stringent action against drugs and traffickers for the past three years. Ministers have been assigned responsibilities across districts to ensure the success of this campaign.
The district administration reported that the Health Department of Barnala, as part of this campaign, inspected 391 pharmacies, took action against 36 for violations, sealed three, and revoked the licenses of two. Additionally, drug-related cash worth one crore rupees was seized, and show-cause notices were issued to 11 pharmacies.
Significantly, Barnala Police, under this initiative, have arrested 277 accused individuals, seized 18 kilograms of poppy husk and approximately 7,500 drug capsules, and even demolished a property involved in drug trafficking.
The "Yudh Nashiyan Virudh" campaign, spearheaded by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is yielding positive results. Notably, 175 panchayats in Barnala district have passed resolutions against drugs, expressing their commitment to support the police. Minister Sond affirmed that with continued public support, this battle will be won soon.
Earlier, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond was accorded a guard of honor by the police.
Prominent attendees at the meeting included MLA Labh Singh Ugoke, Chairman of Nagar Sudhar Trust Ram Tirath Manna, Harinder Singh Dhaliwal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Anuprita Johal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Satwant Singh, SDM Gurbir Singh Kohli, SDM Harkamaljit Singh, SDM Rishabh Bansal, and officials from various departments.
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