DON’T REST UNTIL A SINGLE OUNCE OF DRUG IS PRESENT IN PUNJAB: KEJRIWAL TO YOUTH
SEEKS FULSOME SUPPORT AND COOPERATION OF THE YOUTH IN CRUSADE AGAINST DRUGS
SLAMS PREVIOUS REGIMES FOR MINTING ILLEGAL MONEY BY PATRONIZING DRUG TRADE
EXEMPLARY WORK DONE AGAINST DRUG MENACE IN YUDH NASHEYAN VIRUDH
Ludhiana, April 2-National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called upon the youth of the state to support a decisive war against drug menace until Punjab is made drug free.
Addressing the gathering before flagging off the awareness march against drugs, the former Chief Minister of Delhi said that the youth has a huge role to play in wiping out the menace of drugs from the state. He said that if this curse is not wiped out then it will transform into a major evil and result in major damage to the state and its generations. Arvind Kejriwal urged the youth to say no to drugs as this menace will ruin their life and that of the family.
The National Convener of AAP said that in Punjab the previous governments had patronized drug cartels in the state and even their top leaders were involved in it. He said that for the sake of minting illegal money these greedy leaders had patronized the drug menace in the state thereby ruining our generations. Arvind Kejriwal said that God and people of the state will never forgive these political leaders for this sin and they will be punished for this misdeed.
The former Delhi Chief Minister said that the state government has done exemplary work in the last 30 days adding that even the huge palaces built from drug money amassed by these smugglers are being destroyed. He said that none of the drug smugglers will be spared and they will be put behind the bars adding that severest of severe action will be taken against them. Arvind Kejriwal said that security agencies are playing a laudable role by cracking down heavily on the drug peddlers by nabbing them and cutting the supply line of drugs.
The National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party further said that properties of the drug peddlers are being confiscated/ demolished to ensure that people involved in this heinous crime get exemplary punishment. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against drugs and a crusade has been launched against this menace. Striking an emotional chord with the youth, he said that if any friend or family member of the youth is taking drugs then it should be reported to authorities for timely prevention.
The former Delhi Chief Minister said that it is imperative to check the spread of drugs amongst the youth and save our future generations. He asked the youth to take the responsibility of their respective village and locality to check the menace of drugs by calling on Whatsapp helpline number 9779100200, to inform about any movement of drug smugglers in their area. Arvind Kejriwal asked the youth to pledge that they will not take drugs, they will not allow anyone to sell drugs and they will support the campaign against drugs.
The former Chief Minister of Delhi said that in order to treat drug victims, the government is running an OutPatient Opioid Assisted Treatment Program (OOAT) for drug de-addiction services at the OPD level. He said that rehabilitation centres are being established across the state to rehabilitate the drug victims. Arvind Kejriwal said that in order to wean away youth from the menace of drugs, playgrounds and gyms are being opened in every village of the state.
===========================
ARVIND KEJRIWAL AND CM INFLICTS FINAL BLOW TO DRUG MENACE, FLAG OFF MASS AWARENESS CAMPAIGN AGAINST DRUGS
CM ADMINISTERS OATH TO THOUSANDS OF YOUTH TO FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS
WILL NOT ALLOW DRUG PEDDLERS TO PROSPER OVER PYRES OF DRUG VICTIMS: VOWS BHAGWANT MANN
Ludhiana, April 2:Inflicting final blow to drug menace, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday flagged over mass awareness campaign against drug menace after administering oath to fight against malady to thousands of youth.
“This is a decisive crusade against drugs and we all pledge that we will eliminate the curse of drugs from state” said the Chief Minister while addressing the gathering here in a march past aimed at creating awareness against the menace of drugs.
The Chief Minister said that enough is enough and now the state government will not sit idly and watch the smugglers bloom at the cost of the dead bodies and pyres of the drug victims. 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. He said that for the first time the property of the drug smugglers acquired illegally are being destroyed/ confiscated by the state government so that it acts as a deterrent for others.
The Chief Minister said that the drug problem has become serious in the state as due to the lackluster performance of the previous regimes it has now entered our veins. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that they are fortunate to have got the guidance of National Convener of the Aam Aadmi Party Arvind Kejriwal, who apart from revolutionizing several sectors, also has the credit of eradicating several maladies from Delhi. He envisioned that under the continuous guidance of former Delhi Chief Minister, Punjab will soon be free from this menace of drugs.
The Chief Minister said that war against drugs has to be transformed into a mass movement as it is not only the work of Police but entire civil society too. He said that it is heartening that people are coming forward to take part in this campaign and anti-drug resolutions are being passed in several villages. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has issued a Whatsapp helpline number 9779100200 for seeking the support of the people in this war.
The Chief Minister asked the people to share any information pertaining to the drug smugglers operative in their area or city on this Whatsapp number. He said that the identity of the caller will be kept secret and will not be disclosed to anyone. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that fulsome support and cooperation of the people is imperative in this ambitious war against drugs due to which people should support this move in a big way.
The Chief Minister said that Punjab Police has a glorious legacy of serving the country by making countless sacrifices. He said that apart from discharging its core duty of maintaining law and order, the Punjab Police has always safeguarded the interests of the country and its people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now the Punjab Police is playing a vanguard role in wiping out the menace of drugs from the state.
The Chief Minister said that the need of the hour is that the common man plays a proactive role in the war against drugs. He said that now the time has come when everyone should rise against the scourge of drugs by decimating a handful of smugglers who are ruining the generations of the state for minting money. Bhagwant Singh Mann urged every resident to be a soldier in this war against drugs so that Punjab is made completely drug free.
==============================
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Hands Over Appointment Letters to Excise and Taxation Inspectors and Clerks
Chandigarh, April 2-Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday handed over appointment letters to two Excise and Taxation Inspectors and two Clerks in the Excise and Taxation Department, reinforcing the department’s crucial role in revenue collection
Congratulating the newly appointed officials, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema underscored the importance of integrity, dedication, and commitment in public service. He expressed confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully to the Excise and Taxation Department, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the government's revenue stream remains robust and transparent.
"The Excise and Taxation Department stands as a cornerstone of the Punjab Government's fiscal framework. These appointments reflect our commitment to strengthening our workforce with capable and diligent individuals who will help in effective revenue collection and management,” said Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.
Reiterating Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to employment generation and efficient revenue management, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that this recruitment drive not only reinforces the Excise and Taxation department but also aligns with the Punjab Government’s broader vision of providing employment opportunities to the youth. With a strong emphasis on job creation, economic growth, and empowerment, the government is actively implementing policies that foster career opportunities and sustainable development across the state, he added.
===========================
ECI issued revised schedule of Special Summary Revision of electoral roll for Ludhiana West: Sibin C
Chandigarh, April 2:Election commission of India (ECI) has issued special summary revision of electoral roll for bye election in 64- Ludhiana West.
Divulging the details, Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C informed that special summary revision w.r.t.1-4-2025 as the qualifying date shall be done as per the schedule below:
1. Rationalization of Polling Stations by 4-4-2025 (Friday)
2. Publication of integrated draft electoral roll on 9-4-2025 (Wednesday)
3. Period of filing claims & objections from 9-4-25 (Wednesday) to 24-4-25 (Thursday)
4. Disposal of claims of objections by 2-5-2025 (Friday)
5. Final Publication of electoral roll on 5-5-25 (Monday)
CEO Sibin C informed that a letter to all recognized political parties of the state has been issued regarding the Special Summary Revision of electoral roll for Ludhiana West.
=========================================
BIKRAM MAJITHIA’S SECURITY SCALED DOWN, NOT WITHDRAWN: PUNJAB POLICE CLARIFIES
CHANDIGARH, April 2:The Punjab Police on Wednesday refuted reports claiming the complete withdrawal of security for Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, clarifying that his security cover had only been scaled down based on a reassessment of threat perception.
An official spokesperson said that the adjustment was made following the latest recommendations of the Security Review Committee.
"Security for any prominent individual is reviewed periodically based on threat assessment. Accordingly, it is either increased or decreased," the spokesperson said, while adding that Bikram Majithia still retains sufficient security, including an escort vehicle and an adequate number of gunmen, ensuring his safety as per protocol.
Meanwhile, officials reiterated that such decisions are routine and based solely on threat perception reports.
=========================================
Vigilance Bureau arrests PSPCL Lineman taking Rs 10000 bribe
- Chandigarh, April 2:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Wednesday, arrested Jasveer Singh, a Lineman with Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), posted at PSPCL's North division in Patiala and residing in Jhill village of the district, red handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000.
- Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the VB said the PSPCL official has been arrested based on a complainant lodged by a resident of Patiala.
- He further added that the complainant had approached the VB after the said accused Jasveer Singh had demanded bribe to install a new domestic electricity meter at his home.
- The spokesperson informed that after preliminary verification of his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the aforementioned accused was apprehended red handed while he was accepting the bribe of Rs 10000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. The VB personnel recovered the bribe money from his possession. In this regard an ase has been registered against the accused under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act at VB police station Patiala Range. Further investigations are ongoing to ascertain if more persons were involved in the case, he said.
=======================================
Vigilance Bureau arrests Patwari and his assistant for accepting Rs 1000 bribe
Chandigarh, April 2: Continuing its zero-tolerance policy against corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested a revenue patwari and his assistant for accepting a bribe of Rs 1,000. The accused have been identified as Kulwinder Singh, Patwari of Halqa Waringkhera in Mukatsar Sahib district and his assistant Ashok Kumar.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said both the above said accused were booked following a complaint lodged by a resident of Waringkhera village on the Chief Minister’s Anti Corruption Action Line.
He further added that the complainant had alleged that the said patwari had demanded Rs 1,500 through his aforementioned accomplice for demarcating his land but bribe money was eventually settled at Rs 1,000.
The spokesperson informed that during verification, it was found that while the land demarcation report had been prepared by the patwari on February 5, 2025, no entry was made in the official register or daily diary for 2024-25 in this regard. The bribe transaction was captured on video by the complainant which clearly showed Ashok Kumar accepting the money.
He further added that in this regard a case has been registered against both the accused under Sections 7 and 7-A of the Prevention of Corruption Act at VB Range police station, Bathinda. Both accused have been arrested and further investigation is underway, he said.
=============================================
PUNJAB POLICE INTRODUCES QR CODE AUTHENTICATION FOR POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATES
— QR CODE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO PRESERVE DOCUMENT INTEGRITY, STRENGTHEN PUBLIC TRUST AND IMPROVE SERVICE EFFICIENCY: SPECIAL DGP
CHANDIGARH, April 2: In a significant move to prevent document fraud and enhance security as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police has launched a QR code-based authentication system for Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs). The initiative aims to provide a secure and reliable method for verifying the authenticity of PCCs, which are often required for employment, visas, and other official purposes.
Divulging details, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Community Affairs Division said that under the new system, each Police Clearance Certificate issued will feature a unique QR code. When scanned, this code will direct users to a secure online copy of the certificate, hosted on official Punjab Police servers (https://certificate.ppsaanjh.in), enabling instant and accurate authentication. This added layer of security eliminates the risk of counterfeit PCCs, ensuring that only legitimate certificates are recognised by employers and authorities.
The police have also issued a cautionary note, advising users to verify that official website (https://certificate.ppsaanjh.in) is connected for downloading the PCC upon scanning the QR code.
========================================
Jasvir Singh Garhi writes DO letter to DGP to ensure the security of Baba Sahib Ambedkar's statues
Chandigarh, April 2:Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman S. Jasvir Singh Garhi has written a D.O. letter to the state police chief to ensure the security of Baba Sahib Dr. Ambedkar's statues in the state.
S. Garhi stated that the anti-national slogans were written on the statue of Bharat Ratna Baba Sahib Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar ji in village Nangal of Phillaur tehsil, for which Gurpatwant Singh Pannu has taken responsibility by releasing a video. In view of this, a case of sedition should be registered against Gurpatwant Pannu under the SC/ST Act 1989 and a Red Corner Notice should be issued against Gurpatwant Pannu and he should be brought to India through Indian central agencies and appropriate legal action must be taken against him so that exemplary punishment should be given.
Garhi also demanded the state police for installing CCTV cameras by ensuring the security of the statues of Baba Saheb Dr. BR Ambedkar Ji located at various places in the state so that no anti-social elements cannot commit such an incident in the future. He wrote that if such incidents continue to happen in Punjab, there is a threat to communal harmony in Punjab due to which Punjab can suffer economic and social losses.
====================================
State information Commissioner Harpreet Sandhu presents Pictorial Art to UT Chief Secretary
Chandigarh, April 2:Punjab State Information Commissioner Mr. Harpreet Sandhu today Presented his Art Work to Chief secretary U T Chandigarh Sh. Rajeev Verma at UT Secretariat.
This Pictorial art paid remarkable tribute to India’s rich cultural heritage and natural splendor, symbolizing the “Pride of Peacock – Glory of India” this artistic masterpiece prepared by Sh. Harpreet Sandhu, serves as a creative endeavor to emphasize the significance of the National Bird of India and foster an intrinsic bond between humanity and nature.
The initiative aims to promote cultural exchange among different States- Union Territories of the Nation, underscoring the collective responsibility to preserve the natural heritage that binds the diverse tapestry of India.
On this occasion, Sh. Rajeev Verma acknowledged the artistic contribution of Harpreet Sandhu and stated the work as a visual representation of India’s ecological and cultural ethos. He further emphasized the relevance of such initiatives in instilling a sense of environmental consciousness and appreciation for national symbols.
On this occasion State Information Commissioners of Punjab Mr Sandeep S Dhaliwal & Mrs Pooja Gupta were also present.
===================================
Mohinder Bhagat Directs Senior Officers to Study Horticulture Sector in Neighbouring States
Various Schemes for the Welfare of Farmers Reviewed in Meeting
Fruit Tree Plantation on Panchayat Lands Discussed
Horticulture Department Officials Felicitated for Excellent Work
Chandigarh, April 2-Punjab Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat on Tuesday directed senior officers to study the horticulture sector in neighbouring states to adopt best practices for boosting horticulture in Punjab. He was presiding over a meeting in Chandigarh to review various welfare schemes being implemented by the Horticulture Department for the benefit of farmers.
During the meeting, Horticulture Secretary Mohammad Tayyab and Director Shailender Kaur apprised the Minister of the subsidies and incentives being provided to farmers under different schemes. Bhagat emphasized the need for effective execution of these initiatives to maximize their impact.
The Minister also discussed the plantation of fruit trees on Panchayat lands, highlighting the importance of promoting agroforestry to enhance green cover and provide additional income to farmers. He stressed that such efforts would not only benefit farmers economically but also contribute to environmental sustainability. In the meeting, Additional Director Rural Development Sandeep Singh provided details about the availability and utilization of Panchayati lands for these initiatives.Deputy Director Harmail Singh was also present at the meeting.
Recognizing the dedication of officials, Bhagat honored several employees of the department for their excellent work in implementing horticulture schemes. Those awarded include HDO Balwinderjit Kaur, ACFA Gurpreet Kaur, Senior Assistants Sumeet Kapoor and Rajinder Kumar, Steno Navjit Kumar, Clerks Harpreet Singh Rupinderjit Singh and other staff Mahadev Gupta and Tula Ram.
The Minister reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening Punjab’s horticulture sector through progressive policies and innovative strategies.
++++===============================
‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: ON DAY 33, PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 59 DRUG SMUGGLERS; 1.6KG HEROIN, ₹5.53L DRUG MONEY RECOVERED
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— OVER 200 POLICE TEAMS LED BY 91 SP/DSP RANK OFFICERS CHECKED 546 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA
CHANDIGARH, April 2:With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state entered 33rd day, Punjab Police on Wednesday arrested 59 drug smugglers and recovered 1.6 kg heroin and ₹5.53 lakh drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 4765 in just 33 days.
The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.
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.
Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 200 Police teams, comprising over 1400 police personnel, under the supervision of 91 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 497 locations across the state leading to the registration of 36 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 546 suspicious persons during the day long operation, he added.
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.
==================================
Meet Hayer strongly opposes the Waqf Bill in Parliament
BJP paved way for interfering in Affairs of minority religions: Meet Hayer
Why all the recommendations of Sachar Committee were ignored
This bill was brought to grab Waqf properties
Citing the example of the mutual brotherhood of Malerkotla, MP from Sangrur cautions the central government against creating divisions
Chandigarh/New Delhi, April 2-Aam Aadmi Party Lok Sabha member from Sangrur Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer today strongly opposed the Waqf Bill in Parliament. With his strong and logical arguments, he termed it as the bill that paves the way for the BJP government to loot and interfere in Affairs of minority religions. This bill has been brought to grab Waqf properties, said Meet Hayer.
He also said that with this bill, the gateway has been opened to loot minority religions. Today, there is an attack on Waqf, in future, there may be tinkering with matters of other minority religions like Sikhs, Buddhists etc. With this bill, Article 14 has been directly violated.
According to the law, how will we find out whether a person is worshipping in his private life?
Meet Hayer said that the BJP's politics of dividing the country is clearly visible in this bill. He said that the attitude of the central government towards Muslims has been visible in the last 11 years from actions and rhetorical speeches. The Home Minister calls the government serious towards Muslims, but not a single BJP Lok Sabha member is a Muslim and neither is there a Muslim MLA in Uttar Pradesh from BJP.
The MP said that the government has talked about implementing the recommendations of the Sachar Committee, but the Sachar Committee report also says that 70 percent of the Waqf Board properties in the country have been occupied and 355 are in the possession of the government. What has the government done about this? He said that many historical buildings, mosques, and educational institutions in the country are hundreds of years old, from where will they get the necessary papers?
Meet Hayer, giving an example of Malerkotla’s, which is part of his parliamentary constituency, mutual brotherhood and unity of all religions from the time of Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan's slogan of “Haa the Naara” also cautioned the central government against creating divisions on the basis of religion. He said that he would do his best to fulfil the promise made to the residents of Malerkotla and oppose this bill.
The AAP Lok Sabha member said that the Constitution of the country has been attacked by this bill. Under Article 26, they can form and run their own organization and today this very right has been attacked.
——