GURMEET KHUDIAN LAUNCHES IPD SERVICES AT SIX VETERINARY POLYCLINICS IN PUNJAB
• Animal Husbandry Minister inaugurates In-Patient Department (IPD) ward in Government Veterinary Polyclinic at Badal village
* Surgeries, post-operative care, lab tests, X-rays & ultrasound services to be offered in these Polyclinics
Chandigarh/ Lambi, April 17:Ensuring the best possible healthcare services and well-being of pets and animals in a comfortable settings, Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, on Thursday, inaugurated the state-of-the-art In-Patient Department (IPD) ward at the Government Veterinary Polyclinic in Badal village of Sri Muktsar Sahib district. This marks the start of In-Patient Department (IPD) services for livestock at six Veterinary Polyclinics across the state.
Addressing the gathering during the inaugural event, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated that all necessary equipments have also been provided to start indoor services at Veterinary Polyclinics in Patiala, Amritsar, Sangrur, Gurdaspur and Ludhiana. These polyclinics will offer a range of services for pets and animals, including acute illness management, surgeries, post-operative care, routine check-ups, diagnoses (lab tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds), and other services.
Highlighting the importance of the new IPD services launched today, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that these polyclinics will greatly benefit livestock owners by providing much-needed care and treatment for their animals. Earlier, the lack of indoor facilities at veterinary polyclinics presented challenges for livestock farmers, particularly after major animal surgeries. The risk of damaged stitch lines, opened stitches, toxaemia, and even animal death was a significant concern. Farmers often lacked suitable means to get their animals treated.
To address these issues, the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has established IPD wards in the veterinary polyclinics of six districts in the state, allowing for the admission of animals until their complete recovery. These polyclinics will offer specialised care, including observation wards and rehabilitation programs, he added.
S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian also appealed to livestock owners to get their animals immunised against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), informing them that the state government has initiated a statewide inoculation drive against FMD to immunise over 65 lakh livestock. He further said that the Animal Husbandry department has formed over 1600 teams to accomplish the task by the end of May 2025. He also appealed to the public to get their animals inseminated with sex sorted semen so that the best germ plasm would be available in the state to resolve the problem of stray animals.
Dr G S Bedi, Director Animal Husbandry Punjab highlighted the initiatives being taken by the Department under the guidance of Principal Secretary Mr. Rahul Bhandari, which includes anti snake venom treatment facility in 97 tehsils and 22 polyclinics, free deworming drive in the state under ASCAD scheme, Free anti tetanus injection for equine of the state, activation of bovine breeding authority and registration of pet shops and breeders in Punjab. He appealed to the public to get maximum benefits from the scheme launched by the Department for the welfare of animals.
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Punjab Sikhya Kranti- Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond inaugurates shooting range in government school
Also dedicates infrastructure development projects worth Rs 71.15 lakh in five government schools under Khanna constituency
Chandigarh/Khanna, April 17-The students in government schools now have the chance to excel in shooting sports, as Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond inaugurated a shooting range at Raghvir Singh Freedom Fighter PM Shri Government High School, Amloh Road Khanna, on Thursday as part of the Punjab Sikhya Kranti program. The five-target shooting range was constructed at a cost of Rs 5 lakh. This is the first shooting range built inside a government school in Ludhiana District.
In addition to the shooting range, infrastructure development projects totalling Rs 71.15 lakh have been dedicated to five government primary and high schools within the Khanna constituency.
Minister Sond expressed that Punjab’s shooters have been achieving accolades at the international level. By establishing shooting training at the school levels, the young athletes will be better prepared to win more medals both nationally and internationally. He highlighted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is working tirelessly to enhance the infrastructure of government schools throughout the state. The government is prioritizing every need of these schools to ensure that students excel, not only in academics but also in sports and cultural competitions.
Under the "Punjab Sikhya Kranti" initiative, the Cabinet Minister inaugurated infrastructure development projects worth Rs 71.15 lakh across five government schools in Khanna, Ludhiana. At Raghvir Singh Freedom Fighter PM Shri Government High School, a shooting range room was constructed for Rs 5 lakh, two classrooms were built for Rs 19.10 lakh, and Rs 2.28 lakh was allocated for students’ educational tours. Government Primary School No. 5 saw development works completed at a cost of Rs 1.60 lakh.
At Government Primary School No. 6, Khanna, a room was constructed for Rs 7.51 lakh and bathrooms built for Rs 2 lakh. Government Primary School No. 8 underwent room repairs costing Rs 6.26 lakh, classroom repairs for Rs 3.44 lakh, other school repair works for Rs 5.94 lakh, and ceiling repairs for school rooms costing Rs 3 lakh. Lastly, Government Primary School No. 9 had two rooms constructed at a cost of Rs 15.02 lakh.
Sond said that every need of all government schools is being fulfilled on priority basis so that the students are not only excelling in studies but also in sports and cultural competitions.
Encouraging the students, the Cabinet Minister said that they should feel proud that they are students of government schools because the facilities that the Punjab government is providing to them are better than many private schools. He said that the bar of education standard in government schools has been raised very high and efforts in this regard will continue in the coming days.
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PUNJAB SIKHYA KRANTI
ON 4TH DAY, BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL INAUGURATES DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WORTH RS.1.61-CR IN EIGHT SCHOOLS OF LEHRAGAGA
SAYS, PREVIOUS DISPENSATIONS COMPLETELY NEGLECTED CRITICAL SECTORS OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH
"WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO BRING GOVT SCHOOL STUDENTS ON PAR WITH CONTEMPORARY COMPETITIVE STANDARDS"
"OPPOSITION CAN'T DIGEST MANN GOVERNMENT'S REVOLUTIONARY REFORMS"
Chandigarh/Khanauri/Lehra, April 17:While continuing the spree of inaugurating development projects in schools of Lehragaga constituency, Punjab Cabinet Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, on the fourth day, dedicated development works worth around Rs.1.61 crore to students across eight government schools under the 'Punjab Sikhya Kranti' initiative.
Addressing the gathering, the Cabinet Minister said, "No effort would be spared in making Punjab's government school students compatible with modern times and every necessary initiative would be taken with full enthusiasm."
As part of this series, on the fourth day, the Cabinet Minister inaugurated infrastructure strengthening projects including Rs.10.25 lakh at Government Elementary School Harigarh Gehlan, Rs.35.17 lakh at Government High School Mahansingh Wala, Rs.12.07 lakh at Government Elementary School Mahansingh Wala, Rs.38.86 lakh at Government High School Bhulan, Rs.21.89 lakh at Government High School Gularhi, Rs.2.31 lakh at Government Elementary School Gularhi, Rs.10.19 lakh at Government Elementary School Thaska, and Rs.30.02 lakh at Government High School Chatha Gobindpura.
On this occasion, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said, "Previous governments had completely neglected critical sectors such as education and health," adding that now, when the Punjab government led by the Aam Aadmi Party is making serious efforts to bring revolutionary reforms in these two sectors, the opposition is unable to digest this progress. He noted that opponents are saying that our government is merely inaugurating toilets, but they forget that these facilities are essential for our daughters. "In the absence of such facilities, our daughters previously had to resort to open fields, which is extremely shameful. On what grounds can they mock us? Rather, they should feel ashamed themselves for not providing these basic facilities."
The Cabinet Minister said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government has not only strengthened the infrastructure of government schools but has also implemented various training schemes to enhance teachers' educational skills. Teachers are now being sent for training to advanced and premier institutions in India and abroad. He said that Punjab's government schools are now being equipped with every necessary facility including solar panels for generating solar energy, bus facilities for school students, security guards, watchmen and sturdy boundary walls.
DEO Elementary Balwinder Kaur, PA Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Kamal Sharma, Jagtar Singh Jagga, Karamtej Singh, Gurdial Singh, Jogi Ram Bhulan, Jeet Singh, Daria Ram, Manjit Singh Nambardar, Master Ramesh Kumar, Rishi Pal Sarpanch Village Gularhi, Tejbir Singh Thaska, Gurvinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Raj Kumar, Sarpanch Nishan Singh Chatha Gobindpura, school staff, students and leaders were present on this occasion.
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PPSC invites applications for posts of Members (Official) & (Non - Official)
Chandigarh, April 17:The Punjab Public Service Commission has decided to invite applications from eminent persons having impeccable integrity, high calibre and administrative experience to fill up two vacancies of Member (official) and two vacancies of Member (Non-official) pertaining to the Commission.
A Search Committee headed by the Chief Secretary will shortlist the names which will then be considered by the High Powered Committee chaired by Chief Minister of Punjab. The last date for submission of applications has been fixed as on 02.05.2025, an official spokesperson disclosed this.
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Strengthening Educational Infrastructure to Empower Students is a Visionary Step – Dr. Baljit Kaur
Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur Inaugurates Various Development Projects in Government Schools of Malout Constituency
Chandigarh/Sri Muktsar Sahib/Malout, April 17:As part of the ongoing “Education Revolution” being carried out under the guidance of Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, Punjab Cabinet Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur today inaugurated various development works in government schools of Malout constituency.
These development works are a significant step towards the upgradation of schools and are being carried out under the “Punjab Education Revolution” initiative of the state government.
During her visit, Dr. Baljit Kaur interacted with students and encouraged them to pursue quality education to achieve new heights in life. She emphasized that girls are no less than anyone and, with quality education, can aspire to become doctors, teachers, engineers, pilots, and more. She stated that the Punjab government is making continuous efforts to provide quality education and urged students to follow the guidance of their teachers and parents to become responsible citizens.
Dr. Baljit Kaur inaugurated development projects worth Rs. 3 lakh at Government Primary School Sotha, Rs. 20 lakh at Government Senior Secondary School Sotha, Rs. 7.51 lakh at Government Primary School Rupana, Rs. 21 lakh at Government Senior Secondary School (Girls) Rupana, Rs. 22 lakh at Government Senior Secondary School (Boys) Rupana, and Rs. 20.75 lakh at Government Primary School (Girls) Rupana.
On this occasion, Mr. Jashan Brar, Chairman Market Committee Malout; Ashwani Bansal, DSM; Mr. Ramesh Arniwala, Coordinator Education Revolution Muktsar Sahib; Harvinder Singh Khalara, Smart School Coordinator; Jaswinder Pal Sharma, District Media Coordinator; Gagandeep Singh, Block President; school children, and other dignitaries were present.
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Forest & Wildlife Preservation Department spent Rs. 155 Crore on various works during 2024-25: Lal Chand Kataruchak
· State Government constantly engaged in increasing forest cover: Cabinet Minister
· Minister emphasizes planting of fruit trees in ‘Nanak Bagichis’ & ‘Pavittar Vans’
· Focus must be on developing infrastructure at Wildlife sanctuaries & creating environment parks
Chandigarh, April 17:The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is constantly striving to increase the forest cover in the State so as to leave a cleaner and greener environment for the future generations. Hence, the Forest and Wildlife Preservation department is undertaking various projects to ensure the achievement of the objective.
This was stated by the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak in a meeting held at Forest Complex in Sector-68 to review the projects undertaken by the department in 2024-25 and futuristic works to be taken up in 2025-26.
The Minister was apprised that approximately Rs. 155 Crore have been spent on different works during 2024-25. About the plantation works as well as the toilets constructed in the nurseries of the State for the convenience of the female employees, it was brought to the notice of the Minister that toilets were constructed in 100 nurseries during 2023-24, 78 nurseries in the 2024-25 season while toilets would be coming up during the 2025-26 season in the rest of the nurseries. The target for the present season is to plant nearly 1 crore saplings regarding which the Minister directed the officials to ensure proper care & maintenance.
Regarding the tree census, the Minister was apprised that the process is Enumeration and it is undertaken after every 5 years with respect to the trees standing on the banks of roads and canals.
The Minister directed the planting of more fruit trees in the ‘Nanak Bagichis’ and the ‘Pavittar Vans’ such as Jamun, Bohar and Amla trees and exhorted the DFOs, who were present through VC, to undertake plantation along the highways. He also said that focus should be on developing environment parks and expanding the facilities and infrastructure at wildlife sanctuaries viz. Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary, Sohian Bir area and other scenic spots such as Bamiyal.
Among others present on the occasion included the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) Dharminder Sharma, APCCF cum CEO, PUNCAMPA Saurav Gupta and APCCF (Administration) Basanta Raj Kumar.
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PUNJAB SIKHYA KRANTI TO HELP RAISE EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS IN STATE: LALJIT SINGH BHULLAR
CABINET MINISTER INAUGURATES PROJECTS WORTH OVER RS.1.10-CR IN VARIOUS GOVT SCHOOLS OF PATTI
Chandigarh/Tarn Taran, April 17:"Punjab Sikhya Kranti will help elevate the educational standards in the state and the improved facilities in government schools will boost student morale", said Punjab Cabinet Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, after inaugurating infra projects worth crores at various government schools of Patti constituency.
S. Bhullar said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is transforming government schools and continuously strengthening their infrastructure to provide students with better education, adding that the initiative to provide all kind of facilities to students in government schools will continue in future.
He said that the Mann Government has allocated a significant portion of the budget to education to bring about a major change in this sector, enabling students to secure their future through modern education.
He further mentioned that teachers were sent abroad for training to equip them with modern educational practices, allowing them to combine their own experience with international teaching methods to deliver high-quality education to our students.
S. Laljit Singh Bhullar today inaugurated development projects worth over Rs.1.10 Crore at Government Elementary School Panngota, Government High School Paringri, Government Elementary School Ratta Gudda, Government High School Burj Puhla, Government High School Marhana and Government High School Khara.
Chairman S. Dilbag Singh, DEO Elementary Education Jagwinder Singh Lehri, In-charge Jaswinder Singh, School Management Committee Chairpersons, parents, teachers and students were present on this occasion.
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Vigilance Bureau unearths scam involving bribes for issuing fake dope test reports
Arrests two employees of civil hospital for taking Rs 10000
Chandigarh, April 17, 2025 – The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has uncovered a corruption scam at Civil Hospital Bholath in Kapurthala district, where employees were taking bribes to issue false negative dope test reports. Acting on a complaint filed on the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line, the VB arrested two accused – Manpreet Singh alias Sonu, a ward attendant, and Bholu alias Ismail, a contractual computer operator, for accepting Rs 10000. The role of Dr. Mohitpal, posted in the said hospital and a contractual laboratory technician, Maan Singh, is under investigation.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said investigation has revealed that the aforementioned accused had demanded and accepted Rs. 10,000 from the complainant to issue him a negative dope test report. Further probe indicated that the accused were routinely accepting bribes to manipulate dope test results, which were then used for arms license applications or during renewals. The complainant provided evidence of the bribe demand and both the positive and falsified negative reports.
He further added that in this regard a case FIR No. 19 dated 17/04/2025 has been registered under Sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 61(2) of the BNS at the VB police station, Jalandhar range. The VB range Jalandhar is also examining the involvement of other staff members and the full extent of this scam to expose the corrupt practices in this regard, he said.
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Punjab Sikhia Kranti-a massive transformation: Dr. Ravjot Singh
Local Government Minister inaugurates development works completed at a cost of Rs 33 lakh in 4 schools of Sham Churasi assembly constituency
Chandigarh / Hoshiarpur, April 17:Under the ‘Punjab Sikhia Kranti’ campaign of Punjab government, Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh today inaugurated different development works completed at a cost of about Rs 33 lakh in 4 government schools of Sham Churasi assembly constituency.
Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh said that ‘Sikhia Kranti’ is not just a campaign, but a major transformation in schools in terms of infrastructure and other facilities. The Minister inaugurated new classrooms built at a cost of Rs. 7.51 lakh in Government Elementary School Pandori Khajur, classrooms built at a cost of Rs. 7.51 lakh in Government Elementary School Chakkowal Brahmana, boundary walls built at a cost of Rs. 4 lakh in Government Elementary School Kathe Adhikare, a modern science laboratory built at a cost of Rs. 11 lakh in Government Senior Secondary School Sandhra and other development works costing Rs. 2.5 lakh in the same school. He said that the goal of Punjab Government is to ensure facilities to students of Government schools at par with private school . He said that education is the real strength of a nation and it is our bounden duty to provide equal opportunities to every child.
The Local Government Minister said that the newly constructed rooms are equipped with smart class facilities and modern educational technologies, which will significantly improve the education level of children. He said that this initiative will not only strengthen the education system but also help in making students self-confident and self-reliant in education.
He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, 118 Schools of Eminence have been established in the state. Teachers are being trained at foreign shores so that the children could get best education. He said that the shortage of teachers in government elementary schools is being sorted out shortly as 600 new teachers have been sent in Hoshiarpur district, of which 125 are posted in Sham Churasi.
Dr. Ravjot Singh appealed to the residents of the area to enroll their children in government schools in maximum number so that they can get the benefit of modern institutions along with quality education.
On this occasion, Senior District Education Officer (S) Dheeraj Vashisht, Raj Kumar, Onkar Singh, Sanjeev Kumar, Dr. Vijay, Sarpanch Gurmukh Singh, Bakhshinder Singh, Jaswant Singh, Ajit Singh, Sarpanch Santosh Singh, Balvir Singh, Anish Kumar, Jasvir Singh, Kulwinder Ram, Shingara Singh, Kulwant Singh, Sukhdev, Satnam Singh, Sarpanch Anil Kumar, Sarpanch Baljit Kaur, Chandra Mohan Verma, Sarpanch Jaswinder Singh, Nirmal Kaur, Kewal Singh, Harjinder Singh and other dignitaries were also present.
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‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’ CONTINUES ON DAY 48 AS PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 97 DRUG SMUGGLERS AFTER 471 RAIDS
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— DAY LONG OPERATION LEADS TO REGISTRATION OF 60 FIRs, RECOVERY OF ₹40.9L DRUG MONEY, 261 GRAMS HEROIN
— OVER 150 POLICE TEAMS LED BY 84 SP/DSP RANK OFFICERS CHECKED 502 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA
CHANDIGARH, April 17: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 48th day, Punjab Police on Thursday conducted raids at 471 locations leading to the arrest of 97 drug smugglers after registration of 60 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 6402 in just 48 days.
Police teams have also recovered Rs 40.9 lakhs drug money, 261 grams heroin, 699 grams opium and 1997 intoxicant tablets/pills from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.
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 150 Police teams, comprising over 1200 police personnel, under the supervision of 84 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 502 suspicious persons during the day long operation.
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 six persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.
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Family members of late Sahib Sri Kashi Ram honour Jasvir Singh Garhi
Chandigarh, April 17-The family members of late Sahib Sri Kashi Ram, the hero of the Bahujan movement, honoured Jasvir Singh Garhi, Chairman of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission, at the Punjab Civil Secretariat here on Thursday.
The family members, including Sri Kanshi Ram’s brother Harbans Singh, sister-in-law Bibi Bhupinder Kaur, nephew Balwinder Singh and Kiranjit Kaur, along with social workers Master Rampal Viyana, Jagtar Singh Tibba Tapprian and Rakshapal Ropar, stated that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has bestowed a great honour upon the Dalits of the state by appointing a true Bahujan leader as the Chairman of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission.
They said that S. Jasvir Singh Garhi has been working diligently to make Dalit people aware of their rights and duties towards the country and now with holding this position, he will play a crucial role in securing justice for Dalit communities.
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MASSIVE BRIDGE INFRA DEVELOPMENT IN SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB CONSTITUENCY WITH OVER RS. 87.75 CRORE: HARJOT BAINS
• Five bridges on Bhakra canal to be constructed, announces Bains
• ₹17.56-cr tender issued for repair of Algran bridge over Swan Nadi
Chandigarh, April 17:Punjab School Education Minister and MLA from Sri Anandpur Sahib, S. Harjot Singh Bains, announced landmark bridge infrastructure projects worth over Rs. 87.75 crore for his constituency on Thursday. These projects aim to bolster rural development and improve connectivity, particularly during monsoon season.
"These transformative projects will revolutionise transportation networks in the region, connecting hundreds of villages and boosting economic opportunities for thousands of residents," said Harjot Singh Bains, while adding that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is committed to building state-of-the-art infrastructure that serves the daily needs of the people while also supporting religious tourism to the state's sacred sites.
He informed that the first major development includes two high-level bridges, funded by the Punjab Government at a cost of Rs. 34.06 crore. The first bridge, spanning 450 meters, will connect Kalittaran to Bela Dhyani/Bela Ramgarh, while the second 300-meter bridge will link Bela Dhyani/Bela Ramgarh to Plassi. He stated that these bridges will benefit approximately 100-150 villages across Kalittran, Ajauli, Brahmpur, Darauli, Bhanupali, Daunal, Nangli and surrounding areas. Additionally, the bridges will serve as an important bypass during Hola Mohalla celebrations and ensure uninterrupted traffic flow, even during monsoon seasons. The Education Minister added that tenders for this project will open on April 30, 2025, with submissions accepted until 5:00 PM on April 29, 2025.
S. Harjot Singh Bains further stated that the second significant project is a new 500-meter high-level bridge at Mahindpur-Khera Kalmot from Bhallrhi, approved at Rs. 36.15 crore. This structure will include widened approaches and connecting roads (18 feet width), benefiting residents of 150-200 villages including Bhallrhi, Bhalan, Plassi, Pasiwal, Bhanaam, Nangaran, Mojowal, Golani, Mahilwan, Mahindpur, Chhutewal, Hajipur and Sukhsal. "This bridge will create a vital connection between Ropar district and Sri Khuralgarh Sahib in Hoshiarpur district, home to the historical Minar-e-Begampura of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji, while also facilitating access to Himachal Pradesh," he said, mentioning that the re-tender process for this project will commence shortly.
The Education Minister also disclosed that the third component involves the comprehensive repair and rehabilitation of the Kalwan-Algran-Nangal bridge over Swan Nadi at a cost of Rs. 17.56 crore.
Meanwhile, he also informed that five double-lane bridges will be constructed on Nangal Hydel Channel at Brahmpur, Darauli, Bhaowal, Atari and Sirsa Nangal.
"These infrastructure investments are designed to provide year-round, all-weather connectivity, ensuring that transportation continues uninterrupted even during monsoon seasons," added the Cabinet Minister, while stating that qualified contractors and agencies interested in these projects are invited to submit online tenders according to the specified timelines and requirements.
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Punjab Sikhya Kranti: Development works worth ₹2.02 crore dedicated in Government Schools in Jalandhar
-Punjab Government’s initiatives led to massive student enrollment in Government schools : Mahinder Bhagat
MLA Balkar Singh inaugurates Works worth ₹45.77 lakh in various schools
Chandigarh/ Jalandhar, April 17: Under the ‘Punjab Sikhya Kranti’ campaign initiated by the state government with the aim of bringing a revolutionary change in the education system of the state, today development works worth ₹2.02 crore were dedicated in various government schools across the district. These include development projects worth ₹63.36 lakh in primary schools and ₹1.39 crore in upper primary schools.
As part of this campaign, Punjab Minister for Horticulture, Freedom Fighters and Defence Services Welfare, Mahinder Bhagat, inaugurated development works worth ₹2.65 lakh at the Government Primary School Basti Sheikh (Girls), which includes a modern classroom and flooring.
Speaking at the event organized at the school, the Cabinet Minister said that the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is taking large-scale initiatives to develop government schools in all aspects and provide quality, modern and timely education to students. He said that the Aam Aadmi Party government is giving top priority to education and is equipping government schools with ultra-modern basic facilities.
The Cabinet Minister also appealed to parents to enroll their children in government schools as all the facilities were being provided there.
Similarly, MLA Balkar Singh from the Kartarpur Assembly constituency inaugurated development works worth ₹45.77 lakh at Government Primary Schools in Dittu Nangal, Bisrampur, Naharpur, and Patar Kalan; Government Senior Secondary School Patar Kalan; and Government Middle School Fazilpur.
In addition, development works were dedicated in other schools across the district as well, which include classrooms, laboratories, boundary walls, science labs, library rooms, and essential repair works
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Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat Launches Wheat Procurement at New Grain Market, Jalandhar
Over 2,100 MTs Wheat Crop Procured in District; 100 Percent Payment Made to Farmers
Also hold meeting with procurement agencies to review preparedness at grassroots
Chandigarh/ Jalandhar, April 17:Punjab Horticulture and Defence Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat formally inaugurated the wheat procurement season at the New Grain Market in Jalandhar on Thursday with the arrival of the first heap of wheat.
The Minister also convened a meeting with officials from procurement agencies, directing them to ensure seamless operations, timely lifting of produce, and prompt payments to farmers.
Divulging the details, the Minister stated that the district is expected to receive around 5.25 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of wheat this season across 79 procurement centres. To date, more than 2,101 MTs have already been procured, with 100 percent of payments cleared for the purchased crop; an achievement that underscores the administration’s commitment to farmer welfare.
Accompanied by DC Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal, Market Committee Chairman Gurpal Singh and District Mandi Officer Arvinder Singh, the Minister reiterated the Punjab Government’s resolve, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to conduct farmer-friendly procurement operations. In anticipation of a bumper harvest, over 29 temporary Mandi Yards have been arranged to accommodate the expected influx.
The Minister and DC reviewed on-ground arrangements including potable water, sanitation, shaded waiting areas, tarpaulins, and adequate availability of gunny bags (bardana). Emphasising timely payments, they instructed officials to leave no stone unturned in executing the procurement process efficiently and in line with government guidelines.
They assured that there is no shortage of bardana in mandis, ensuring a smooth procurement experience for farmers.
Meanwhile, Farmer Santokh Singh from Gakhal village, who brought in the season’s first heap of wheat at New Grain Market, expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and praised the administration for swift and efficient procurement.
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“No Leniency for Those Involved in the Drug Trade” – Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond
- Cabinet Minister chairs high-level review meeting with police and administrative officials in Sangrur
- Instructions issued to accelerate installation of CCTV cameras in urban and rural areas
- Feedback sought from local representatives for effective drug prevention
Chandigarh/Sangrur, April 17:Under the ongoing state-wide campaign ‘Yudh Nashiya Virudh’ launched by the Punjab Government, Cabinet Minister for Rural Development & Panchayats, Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion, Labour, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Tarunpreet Singh Sond held a high level review meeting with senior police and administrative officials at the District Administrative Complex in Sangrur.
During the meeting, the Minister issued clear directions to authorities to thoroughly investigate the current business activities of individuals previously involved in drug-related operations. He emphasized that if anyone is found to still be linked to the illegal drug trade in any form, strict legal action must be taken without exception.
The Minister directed the Drug Controller to ensure that any violations of government-issued guidelines by individuals or establishments are met with appropriate legal action. Expressing concern over the misuse of CCTV installations in pharmacies, he pointed out that although installation of cameras is mandatory, many pharmacists either fail to comply or install them in misleading locations. He instructed senior police and administrative officials to launch a special campaign to inspect these CCTV installations.
Sond also directed local Panchayats to pass resolutions to install CCTV cameras in villages and instructed municipal councils and committees to ensure proper surveillance in urban areas to deter anti-social elements and enable quick action when required.
Highlighting the state government’s commitment to development, the Minister noted that, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab is witnessing record investment in development works. He stated that for the first time, a government is ensuring there is no shortage of funds for welfare schemes and infrastructure projects.
During the meeting, the Minister engaged with various social representatives and reiterated that there will be no compromise when it comes to taking strict action against wrongdoers. He underlined the government’s determination to make the anti-drug campaign a resounding success.
Sond pointed out that, unlike previous governments, the current Govt has provided over 56,000 government jobs in the last three years – a record achievement.
On this occasion, Sangrur MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj said that consistent awareness campaigns are being conducted across the Sangrur constituency to combat drug abuse, with continuous efforts to rehabilitate affected individuals.
Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Rishi presented a report detailing the actions and initiatives taken in the district under the anti-drug campaign. SP Navreet Singh Virk also shared updates on police operations.
The meeting was attended by ADC Amit Bambi, ADC Sukhchain Singh Papra, and Chairpersons Dalvir Singh Dhillon, Jasvir Singh Kudni, Guninderjeet Singh Jawanda, Mahinder Singh Sidhu, Gurmel Singh Gharachon, Mukesh Juneja, along with SDMs and officers from police, health, education, and other key departments.