Category: Punjab

CM LED CABINET WITHDRAWS DECISION OF CONGRESS GOVERNMENT TO DEPLOY CISF AT BHAKRA DAM

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO BRING RESOLUTION IN ENSUING ASSEMBLY SESSION TO VEHEMENTLY OPPOSE THE MOVE TO DEPLOY CISF

APPROVES CREATION OF 3600 POSTS OF SPECIAL EDUCATOR TEACHERS AT PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LEVEL

Chandigarh, July 7-

In a significant decision, the Punjab Cabinet led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday decided to withdraw the decision of the Congress government to deploy the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Bhakra Dam.

A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of the Council of Ministers held here under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister at his office in the Punjab Civil Secretariat I.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Cabinet bemoaned that the Congress government had arbitrarily given the nod to deploy CISF on Bhakra Dam through its decision on July 23, 2021. This anti-state stance was a sheer humiliation for the state as the Punjab Police was fully capable of guarding the dams. Turning the tables, the state Cabinet today withdrew this decision in the larger interests of the state adding that a resolution against the move to deploy CISF at Bhakra Dam will be passed in the ensuing session of the state assembly.

The Cabinet vehemently opposed the decision to deploy the outsourced CISF at the Dam adding that the state government will not pay a single penny for deployment of this force. It was opined that previous Congress government had jeopardized the interests of the state by giving this consent to deploy the force whereas Punjab Police has a glorious legacy of safeguarding the border state. The Cabinet wondered that when the well equipped Punjab Police can deftly maintain law and order in the state, where was the need to allow CISF to secure the dams.

GREEN SIGNAL TO PUNJAB PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS (PUNJAB AMENDMENT) ACT 2025 AND THE PUNJAB PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS (CONDUCT OF BULLOCK CART RACE) RULES, 2025

In another significant decision, the Cabinet also gave green signal to the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Act 2025 and the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Conduct of Bullock Cart Race) Rules, 2025. Pertinently, Bullock cart racing was an integral part of the rural sport events throughout the state but it faced numerous hurdles due to one or other reasons.

So, to regulate the animal sports events in the State of Punjab, “The Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Conduct of Kila Raipur Rural Sports Event and Fair) Rules, 2025” has been approved. The main objectives of these rules are safety measures for animals taking part in sports with adequate animal veterinary supervision, safety standards, registration/ documentation and penalty for violations. This will also help saving indigenous cattle breeds of Punjab besides promoting the traditional sports in the villages.

APPROVES CREATION OF 3600 POSTS OF SPECIAL EDUCATOR TEACHERS AT PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LEVEL

The Cabinet also gave nod for creation of 3600 posts of Special Educator Teachers at Primary and Secondary level. As per decision 1650 posts of Special Educator Teacher (Master Cadre) and 1950 posts of Special Educator Teacher (Primary Cadre) have been approved. This decision will benefit 47979 Children with Special Needs studying in Government Schools across Punjab. These posts are being converted from vocational teacher, Art and Craft teachers and ETT posts and will be filled in a phased manner over three years.

GIVES GREEN SIGNAL TO PROVIDE SECURITY OF TENURE TO 22 EMPLOYEES

The Cabinet, while reviewing the decision taken by the Council of Ministers on 05.12.2016, provided Security of Tenure to the 22 individuals who are working against the 37 permanent posts created for the Rural Institute for Vocational Training, Badal. As per the advice of the Finance Department and Personnel Department, it will help the Department/ Government to get relief from the legal complications that have been persisting for a long time. Similarly, this will also secure the future of these 22 employees working in the institute.

GIVES CONSENT TO INTRODUCE OTS BY AMENDING PUNJAB STATE DEVELOPMENT TAX ACT 2018

The Cabinet also gave consent to amend the Punjab State Development Act 2018 by defining the term Salary in the Act. This move will widen the tax base and ensure the comprehensive coverage of taxpayers across the state. Against the monthly tax liability of Rs 200 of the Taxpayer, he will be given one more option to opt for Lump Sum payment of tax Rs 2200 for the full financial year by April 30th of the new financial year.

This will simplify tax compliance and improve the collections and efficiency. The consent was also given to make an OTS settlement mechanism in the Act by inserting new sections and provisions were proposed to address the tax liability in cases of death, Company, Amalgamation or Liquidation.

NOD TO SET UP OF A PRIVATE SELF-FINANCED UNIVERSITIES NAMELY “CGC UNIVERSITY MOHALI” AND “RAYAT BAHARA PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY” HOSHIARPUR

In a significant decision aimed at imparting quality high education to the students of the state, the Cabinet also gave approval to set up of a private Self-Financed Universities namely “ CGC University Mohali” at Jhanjeri, SAS Nagar Mohali and “Rayat Bahara Professional University” in the District Hoshiarpur under “Punjab Private Universities Policy 2010”. These self financed educational institutions will act as a catalyst in providing quality education in Mohali and Hoshiarpur besides acting as a catalyst to boost overall development of the area.

FOOLPROOF ARRANGEMENTS TO DEAL WITH ANY PROBABLE FLOOD-LIKE SITUATION: BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL

WATER RESOURCES MINISTER REVIEWS PREPAREDNESS TO PREVENT FLOOD-LIKE SITUATION

OVER RS.230-CR INCURRED FOR FLOOD PREVENTION MEASURES

DESILTING AND CLEANING OF DRAINS, RIVERS AND CHOES SPANNING 4,766 KMS

ALL RIVER EMBANKMENTS STRENGTHENED, 7.79 LAKH SAND BAGS PROCURED WITH 4 LAKH FILLED BAGS IN ALL DISTRICTS

JUMBO BAGS PURCHASED FOR THE FIRST TIME TO SWIFTLY FILL ANY POTENTIAL BREACH

TOTAL 599 PROJECTS COMPLETED UNDER SDMF, MGNREGA AND DEPARTMENTAL MACHINERY

Chandigarh, July 7:

Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, on Monday, said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government has made foolproof arrangements to deal with any potential flood-like situation across Punjab.

While chairing a high-level meeting, the Cabinet Minister reviewed ongoing flood mitigation efforts across the state, assessed the status of current flood control measures and evaluated the Water Resources Department’s preparedness to handle potential emergencies.

The Cabinet Minister was briefed on flood protection measures undertaken and detailed preparedness plans for vulnerable areas. He was informed that the government has incurred around Rs.230 crore for various flood management initiatives. A total of 599 projects have been completed under various financial heads including SDMF, MGNREGA and departmental machinery. These include activities such as desilting and cleaning of drains, rivers and choes spanning 4,766-kms with departmental machinery and through contracotrs, as well as strengthening of river embankments.

The Cabinet Minister was informed by the officials that in addition to this, a total of 1,044 check dams and 3,957 soak pits are also being constructed. 53,400 bamboo plantations have been done and vetiver grass has also been planted over a length of 294 km.

The Minister was informed that the department has procured 7.79 lakh sand bags, of which around 4 lakh have already been filled and strategically positioned in all districts to provide immediate response capability in case of flooding emergencies. Besides this, the department the first time has purchased jumbo bags that will enable teams to quickly fill any potential breach in embankments or flood barriers.

During interactions with field officials and engineers, the Cabinet Minister gathered information to assess real-time water levels in major rivers, drains and choes along with the progress of flood protection works including cleaning and desilting of drains, strengthening of embankments and departmental machinery operations.

He stressed the critical need for strict vigilance, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas, to ensure timely response to any emerging threats. Directives were issued to ensure that control rooms remain fully operational and emergency response teams are deployed with adequate machinery and materials in high-risk zones.

While taking stock of real-time water levels in major rivers and drains, the Cabinet Minister assured that the Mann government is closely monitoring the situation and is fully prepared to manage any eventuality during the monsoon season. He categorically said that lessons learned from the critical situation of 2023 have been incorporated into current planning.

Principal Secretary Mr. Krishan Kumar informed that weekly meetings were being conducted regularly with district and circle officials to monitor the progress of completed and ongoing works.

The Minister also commended the dedication of ground staff and urged them to continue their committed service during the monsoon season.

Chief Engineer (Drainage-cum-Mining) Mr. Hardeep Singh Mendiratta and senior officials of Water Resources Department attended the meeting.

Explore possibility of a pilot project of planting huge saplings of flowery variety on highways: Lal Chand Kataruchak

Shiv Kumar Batalvi memorial poetry contest to be held on July 23rd in Batala with Protection of trees & environment as main theme, reveals Forest & Wildlife Preservation Minister

 

‘Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Haryaval Sankalp’ to envisage planting of 3.50 Lakh saplings in each District during 2025-26

 

Agro Forestry concept needs to be given boost: Lal Chand Kataruchak

 

Van Mahotsav to be celebrated in each District

Chandigarh, July 7:

The Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department, Punjab is chalking out novel initiatives & plans in respect of 2025-26. Of the paramount importance among these is exploring the possibility of a pilot project of planting huge saplings of flowery variety along the highways especially at Sangrur, Jalandhar to Amritsar road, Pathankot to Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib and at village Khatkar Kalan on Phagwara – Chandigarh Road.

Besides, a poetry contest would be held on July 23rd in Batala in the memory of renowned Punjabi poet Late Shiv Kumar Batalvi on his birth Anniversary. The contest would be held in Primary, Middle, Secondary Schools and College student categories and would be centered on the theme of Trees & Environment Protection. The first 3 winners in each category would be given cash prizes.

In order to expand the area under Forest in Punjab, the State Government has envisaged ‘Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Haryaval Sankalp’ which would involve plantation of 3.50 Lakh saplings in every district during the year 2025-26.

While presiding over a meeting at the Forest complex in Sector 68 with regard to the plantation initiatives set to be undertaken during 2025-26, the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak was apprised by the senior officers of the Department that Van Mahotsav also be organized in each District and saplings would be made available to the people at the nominal rate of Rs. 2 per sapling.

Apart from this, plantation under Compensatory Afforestation scheme would be done in 582.252 Hectare Area. Besides, soil and water conservation projects would also be initiated in 50 Hectare Area in Pathankot District.

The Minister was also apprised that under Green Punjab Mission during 2025-26, 3.31 Lakh saplings are set to be planted in 331 hectare area in Schools, Colleges, Punjab Mandi Board & Markfed. As many as 52 ‘Pavittar Van’ would be established as part of ‘Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Pavittar Van’ scheme. Furthermore, 289 ‘Nanak Bagichis’ would be set up in the educational institutions and 93 would be established in the Industrial areas.

As far as plantation along the link roads is concerned, 2.50 Lakh saplings of Popular and Drek varieties would be planted while 3 lakh saplings of Eucalyptus variety would be planted.

The Minister while appreciating the blueprint for plantations, emphasized that the concept of Agro Forestry must be given boost as it promotes bio diversity. The Minister also called for the need to sensitize the people about environmental protection for the sake of leaving a healthy beathing space for our future generations.

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of the Forest Force) Dharminder Sharma, APCCF cum CEO PUNCAMPA Saurav Gupta, APCCF (Administration) Basanta Raj Kumar, CCF (Hills) Nidhi Srivastava, CF Shivalik Circle Mr. Kannan were among those present on the occasion.

BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL DIRECTS OFFICIALS TO ENSURE 24X7 ACCESSIBILITY FOR SWIFT REDRESSAL OF PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PREVENTION OF ILLEGAL MINING

PRESIDES OVER WORKSHOP HELD TO STREAMLINE ENVIRONMENT CLEARANCE PROCESS AND ADDRESS MINING SECTOR CHALLENGES

Chandigarh, July 7:

Punjab Mines & Geology Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today asked the officials of State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) to expedite environment clearance procedures following the liberalization of the mining sector under the new Mining Policy.

The Cabinet Minister stressed that with landowners now empowered to apply for Environment Clearances (EC) directly to SEIAA, all applications must be processed on priority basis with comprehensive support to ensure minimum processing time.

Sh. Goyal was presiding over comprehensive workshop at MGSIPA, during which extensive discussions were held regarding various procedural bottlenecks encountered by the department in obtaining Environment Clearances. SEIAA members were briefed about the significant delays hampering the EC acquisition process. The authority acknowledged these concerns and provided firm assurance of expeditious resolution along with complete cooperation in streamlining the clearance mechanism.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders including Additional Chief Secretary Mines & Geology Mrs. Jaspreet Talwar, Director Mines & Geology Mr. Abhijit Kaplish, District Mining Officers, members of State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), Coordinator Centre of Excellence IIT Ropar and other relevant officials to address critical issues pertaining to Environment Clearances and District Survey Reports.

The workshop facilitated constructive dialogue between all stakeholders, resulting in identification of practical solutions to enhance operational efficiency. SEIAA members meticulously documented all raised issues and committed to implementing corrective measures at the earliest to ensure seamless processing of applications.

In a stern directive to ensure round-the-clock vigilance against illegal mining activities, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal warns all the District Mining Officers (DMOs) and field officials that mobile phones of all officials must remain switched on throughout the night to enable immediate action against illegal mining operations and ensure 24×7 redressal of public grievances.

“Any official found with switched-off mobile phones will face strict disciplinary action. The fight against illegal mining requires constant vigilance and public grievances demand immediate attention regardless of the hour,” said the Cabinet Minister, stressing zero tolerance for negligence in duty.

The Minister further directed that all public representations must be addressed strictly as per established norms without any delay, ensuring transparent and accountable governance in the mining sector.

On this occasion, Chief Engineer (Drainage-cum- Mining) Mr. Hardeep Singh Mehandiratta and other officials were present.

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CM AND ARVIND KEJRIWAL DEDICATE INDIA’S BEST 15 MGD CAPACITY STP WORTH RS 145.26 CRORE AT MOHALI

 

KEJRIWAL PATS CM FOR TAKING PATH BREAKING INITIATIVE FOR WELL BEING OF PEOPLE

 

ANNOUNCES COMPLETE FACELIFT OF 166 TOWNS OF THE STATE TO START ON MISSION MODE

 

TECHNOLOGY OF THIS STP TO BE REPLICATED IN OTHER PARTS OF STATE: CM

 

QUIPS THAT AS TREES AND ENVIRONMENT HAS NO VOTES SO THEY WERE IGNORED BY SUCCESSIVE GOVERNMENTS

 

SAS Nagar (Mohali), July 7:

 

In a path breaking initiative, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party Arvind Kejriwal on Monday dedicated an ultra modern 15 MGD (Million Gallons per Day) capacity Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) worth Rs 145.26 crore to the people.

 

Interacting with the media persons after dedicating the plant, the Chief Minister said that latest technology has been used in setting up of this plant which will be further replicated in the other parts of the state soon. He said that the motive is to save the precious water of the state by ensuring optimum utilisation of the waste water also. Citing the example of Singapore, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the country is using micro filter technology to make the rain water drinkable.

 

The Chief Minister said that the state government is making similar efforts to save the water of Punjab for the coming generations. He said that as water, air and land had no votes so the traditional leaders had ignored them and no heed was paid towards these major issues concerning the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to this massive pollution and degradation of these natural resources took place thereby causing an irreparable loss to the society.

 

However, the Chief Minister said that after the formation of the AAP government in the state steps have been taken to save the environment, rejuvenate the canal system and take other exemplary steps for the well being of society.  He said that similar efforts are being made to ensure that the water is treated with the best ever available technology to save it for coming generations. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as prevention is better than cure so such steps are being taken to ensure that this precious natural resource is saved.

 

Quoting verse ‘Pawan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat’ from Gurbani, the Chief Minister said that the great Gurus have equated air (pawan) with teacher, water (paani) with father and land (dharat) with mother. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now the time has come when we must imbibe the teachings of Gurbani in our lives for restoring the pristine glory of the state by resolving to save the environment of the state. He said that the state government will leave no stone unturned for this noble cause adding that the people of state should support the state government by planting more and more trees.

 

The Chief Minister said that the Punjab government is taking benefit of the vision  of farsighted leader Arvind Kejriwal,  who has already proved mettle by giving good governance in the national capital. He said that Punjab is being immensely benefited from the expertise of Kejriwal, who has taken several path breaking initiatives in Delhi. Bhagwant Singh Mann also congratulated the officers for smooth execution of this project which will prove to be a milestone for carving out a progressive Punjab.

 

Meanwhile, senior AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that a 15 MGD (Million Gallons per Day) capacity Sewage Treatment Plant is being inaugurated today here at Sector-83 in Mohali. He said that the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has upgraded this project at a total cost of ₹145.26 crore. Arvind Kejriwal said that the plant previously had a capacity of 10 MGD, which has now been upgraded to 15 MGD.

 

Arvind Kejriwal announced that a major facelift will be given to the state in the coming few months on a Mission mode. He said that in order to give impetus to development of cities a complete roadmap has been prepared. Arvind Kejriwal said that starting from this December, the state government will ensure water supply, sewerage facility, cleanliness, roads, lights and STP in 166 cities of Punjab.

 

Arvind Kejriwal said that this plant has been upgraded using Advanced Nutrient Removal Technology adding that in addition to the 15 MGD Sewage Treatment Plant, a 5 MGD capacity Ultra Filtration Tertiary Treatment Plant has also been established. He said that this is Punjab’s first Ultra Filtration Plant and the treated water from this plant will be used for various purposes such as irrigation, road cleaning, toilet flushing, and other municipal uses. Arvind Kejriwal said that the use of treated water will reduce dependence on fresh water, thereby helping in the conservation of underground water resources.

 

Arvind Kejriwal said that to reduce electricity consumption, a 1 MW (megawatt) capacity solar power plant has also been installed at the site.  He said that keeping in view the projected population growth and urban development in Mohali over the next 20 years, GMADA (Greater Mohali Area Development Authority) has established this sewage treatment plant using a scientific approach. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state government will continue more such endeavors for the well being of the people of Punjab and no stone will be left unturned for it.

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