PunjabENews

Category: Punjab

  • PUNJAB POLICE & UIDAI COLLABORATE TO SENSITIZE OFFICERS ON SECURE AADHAAR USAGE IN POLICING

    PUNJAB POLICE & UIDAI COLLABORATE TO SENSITIZE OFFICERS ON SECURE AADHAAR USAGE IN POLICING

    PUNJAB POLICE & UIDAI COLLABORATE TO SENSITIZE OFFICERS ON SECURE AADHAAR USAGE IN POLICING

    — WORKSHOP FOCUSED ON LEGAL PROVISIONS, PRIVACY NORMS & VERIFICATION MECHANISMS AS PER AADHAAR ACT, 2016

    CHANDIGARH, June 24:

              To strengthen the understanding of Aadhaar regulations and its lawful integration with policing services, Punjab Police’s Community Affairs Division (CAD), in collaboration with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) Regional Office, Chandigarh, organised an awareness workshop to sensitise police officers on the secure use of Aadhaar in governance and law enforcement.

              The session was guided by the team of UIDAI Regional Office led by CMDE Dhiraj Sarin DDG Chandigarh, in the presence of Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Community Affairs Division Gurpreet Kaur Deo and ADGP TSS Ram Singh to ensure responsible and secure usage of Aadhaar in governance and law enforcement. The session also witnessed the active participation of around 100 field police officers from across all districts of Punjab.

              The workshop covered key provisions of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, data privacy and security norms, and the scope of Aadhaar usage within the limits defined by law. Special emphasis was laid on Section 33 of the Aadhaar Act, which deals with legal provisions regarding information sharing and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding residents’ privacy.

              The UIDAI team provided hands-on training on Aadhaar verification tools, including the M-Aadhaar app, and clarified legal boundaries to prevent misuse during police investigations.

              Speaking on the occasion, Special DGP Gurpreet Kaur Deo said that this session marked a step forward in strengthening coordination between UIDAI and law enforcement agencies while ensuring adherence to statutory and privacy standards. Our officers are now better equipped to handle Aadhaar-related verification processes without compromising data security, she said.

              Meanwhile, the UIDAI team also clarified how police officers could verify Aadhar credentials using the M-Aadhar App and discussed legal issues and privacy concerns related to Aadhar.

  • Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Conducts Surprise Inspection at Excise and Taxation Department Headquarters in Patiala

    Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Conducts Surprise Inspection at Excise and Taxation Department Headquarters in Patiala

    Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Conducts Surprise Inspection at Excise and Taxation Department Headquarters in Patiala

    Records of multiple branches seized, officers directed to speed up file disposal

     

    “Delay in file disposal is also a form of corruption,” says Cheema

     

    Strict action ordered against absentee staff and those bypassing protocol

    Chandigarh/Patiala, June 24

    Punjab Finance, Excise, and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema today carried out a surprise inspection of the head office of the Excise and Taxation Department in Patiala. The Minister arrived at the department immediately after lunch, accompanied by Excise Commissioner Jatinder Jorwal, and inspected various branches of the office.

    During the surprise check, the Minister reviewed the attendance of officers and employees, scrutinized the files on desks, and assessed the general pace of work. Expressing strong concern over delays in the disposal of cases and files, he declared that “unwarranted delays will be treated as a form of corruption.”

    Cheema and the Excise Commissioner seized several documents during the inspection and compiled a list of files that will be subject to further scrutiny and action.

    The Minister also evaluated the functioning of the department’s e-office system, emphasizing that all official work must be disposed of promptly. “Even a day or two of unnecessary delay in official work is unacceptable,” he said. “Every officer has the right to submit a report based on facts, whether positive or negative, but intentional delay will not be tolerated.”

    He also summoned superintendents and other officers from various branches and checked the attendance records, particularly identifying those absent without recording their movement in the official register. Action has been directed against officers who left their workplace without permission or due procedure.

    Speaking to the media after the inspection, Finance Minister Cheema said, “Those who delay official work are equally responsible for corruption. We are committed to delivering a transparent, honest, and time-bound administration under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.”

    In response to a media query, Cheema said that action is already being taken against commercial vehicles—particularly heavy vehicles—evading GST or involved in other forms of tax fraud on highways. He assured that such enforcement drives will continue with full force.

    “The Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab is determined to fulfill the promises it made to the people. Accountability, honesty, and efficient governance are at the core of our agenda,” Cheema added.

    Present during the inspection were Excise and Taxation Commissioner Jatinder Jorwal, Director (Investigation) Jaskaran Singh Brar, Additional Director Gurpreet Singh, AIG Sukhminder Singh Chauhan, and other senior officers of the department.

  • Raghav Chadha meets Punjabi singer Karan Aujla, shares pictures online

    Raghav Chadha meets Punjabi singer Karan Aujla, shares pictures online

    London: Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha recently met popular Punjabi singer Karan Aujla during a trip abroad.

    Photos from their meeting were shared on social media by both Aujla and Chadha. The two were also joined by lyricist Deep Rehan during the informal gathering.

    This marks the second meeting between Chadha and Aujla, one of the top artists in the Punjabi music industry. Their previous meeting took place in December last year.

    Chadha, who is married to Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra, also shared pictures from the meeting on his official social media account.

    Parineeti and Raghav first met at an award function in the UK, where individuals from various fields were being honoured.

    Parineeti was recognised for her work in entertainment, while Raghav was honoured for his contribution to politics. Their brief interaction at the event led to a friendship, which eventually turned into a relationship. The couple tied the knot in 2023.

  • Shops in Jalandhar to remain closed from June 26 to 29 for summer break

    Shops in Jalandhar to remain closed from June 26 to 29 for summer break

    Jalandhar: The Phagwara Gate Electrical Dealers Association has announced summer vacations from June 26 to 29, during which all electrical goods shops in the area will remain closed.

    The decision was taken during a meeting held on Monday under the chairmanship of association president Amit Sehgal.

    The association confirmed that the 13-year-old tradition of observing a summer break will be maintained this year as well.

    Shops located in areas including Luv Kush Chowk, Phagwara Gate, Chahar Bagh, Bhagat Singh Chowk, Panjpir Chowk, Jagdambe Market, Guru Nanak Market, Sidhu Market, and Milap Road will observe the closure.

  • Punjabi University bans sit-ins on campus citing court orders

    Punjabi University bans sit-ins on campus citing court orders

    Patiala: Punjabi University has announced a ban on any kind of protest or sit-in within its campus, citing recent court directives. The decision comes amid an ongoing sit-in by contractual teachers that has continued for the past few days.

    In a statement, the university authorities said that the court has explicitly prohibited any form of dharna, gathering, meeting, assembly, demonstration, or gherao within 300 metres of the university’s boundary wall.

    The administration said that such activities cannot be permitted inside the campus, and no protest should be allowed to disrupt the functioning of the university. Authorities have urged the protesting teachers to immediately end their sit-in in compliance with the court’s orders.

    Failure to adhere to the directive would amount to a violation of the court’s orders, the university warned, adding that the court could take serious note of any defiance.

  • PUNJAB WITNESSING HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION DRIVEN BY PROGRESSIVE POLICIES: FINANCE MINISTER HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA

    PUNJAB WITNESSING HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION DRIVEN BY PROGRESSIVE POLICIES: FINANCE MINISTER HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA

    PUNJAB WITNESSING HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION DRIVEN BY PROGRESSIVE POLICIES: FINANCE MINISTER HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA

     

    SAYS, PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGING EXISTING & STRIVING TO BRING NEW INDUSTRIES IN PUNJAB

     

    FASTTRACK SINGLE WINDOW SYSTEM REVOLUTIONIZED STATE INDUSTRY

     

    Chandigarh, June 23

     

    Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said that the state is experiencing a historic industrial revolution, a direct result of the progressive industrial development policies championed by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government. He further emphasised that numerous new initiatives are currently in the pipeline to further accelerate industrial growth within the state.

     

    Addressing the trade fair co-organized by HMT Industrial Park and Maya Garden Group late last evening, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted the recent implementation of a Fast-track Single Window System. “This innovative system ensures that necessary project permissions are granted within 45 days, with automatic deemed approval and accountability for responsible parties if permissions are not accorded within this timeframe”, said Cheema.

     

    Listing out the achievements of the State Government, the Finance Minister revealed that the Punjab Government has also introduced Colour Coded Stamp Paper for the issuance of registered sale deeds, which now include in-built Change of Land Use (CLU) approval. “Pre-approvals are efficiently processed through the Single Window System within defined timelines by six key departments: Revenue, Housing & Urban Development, Local Government, Punjab Pollution Control Board, Forest & Wildlife, and Labour and Factories”, he added.

     

    The Finance Minister also revealed that the Punjab government has brought forth a comprehensive policy for the clubbing and de-clubbing of plots. This policy directly addresses the long-standing demands of industrial stakeholders to merge or divide adjacent plots, thereby optimising land use and supporting project expansion. He also announced that the state government is actively planning to introduce a policy for the conversion of leasehold plots to freehold.

     

    Underlining the simplification of the CLU process by the state government, Finance Minister Cheema said that the requirement for standalone industries to obtain CLU permissions in permissible zones has been removed. He said that this significant change would reduce both the time and complexity involved in establishing new industrial units across the state.

     

    Reiterating the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to maximising industrial growth, the Finance Minister said that incentives worth Rs 180 crore have already been provided to the industrial sector during the first two months of the financial year 2025-26. He affirmed that the state government consistently endeavours not only to encourage existing industries but also to attract new enterprises to bolster the state’s industrial ecosystem.

     

    Expressing his profound gratitude to the State Government, Mr. Meghraj Garg, CMD of HMT Group, stated that the HMT Industrial Park, situated in a “Red Zone,” allows for the establishment of every type of industry. He commended the Punjab Government for fostering a conducive environment for industrial growth and ensuring speedy and timely project approvals.

     

    The HMT Industrial Park, a burgeoning hub for emerging industries, is strategically located at Lalru, offering excellent connectivity to NH 22, NH 72, and NH 73.

     

    Among the other notable dignitaries present on the occasion were Director HMT Sudarshan Singla, and CMD Maya Garden Group Satish Jindal.

    ———

  • Punjab Government Approves Additional ₹5.33 Crore for Construction of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhawan in Tarn Taran: Dr. Baljit Kaur

    Punjab Government Approves Additional ₹5.33 Crore for Construction of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhawan in Tarn Taran: Dr. Baljit Kaur

    Punjab Government Approves Additional ₹5.33 Crore for Construction of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhawan in Tarn Taran: Dr. Baljit Kaur

     

    Ambedkar Bhawans Already Completed in 17 Districts, New Buildings to Commence Soon in 5 More Districts

     

    Aimed at Providing Multiple Government Services Under One Roof for Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and Economically Weaker Sections

     

    Chandigarh, June 23:

    The Punjab Government, under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains firmly committed to the welfare and socio-economic upliftment of Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and Economically Weaker Sections. Further advancing this commitment, the State Government has sanctioned an additional grant of ₹5.33 crore for the construction of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhawan in Tarn Taran district. This announcement was made by Dr. Baljit Kaur, Cabinet Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities.

     

    Sharing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that the sanctioned amount for the current financial year will soon be transferred to the account of the Chief Engineer, Public Works Department (Buildings), ensuring swift progress of the construction work.

     

    The Minister stated that a total project estimate of ₹5.93 crore had been approved for the construction of the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhawan in Tarn Taran. Out of this, ₹60 lakh has already been released, and the remaining ₹5.33 crore will be transferred shortly to the Public Works Department’s account. She added that the construction of the boundary wall of the Bhawan has already been completed, and the remaining work will now be expedited with high quality, transparency, and within the stipulated timeline.

     

    Highlighting the broader vision, Dr. Baljit Kaur shared that Ambedkar Bhawans have already been constructed in 17 districts of Punjab. These centers serve as ‘single-window’ facilities where multiple government services are made available under one roof for the benefit of marginalized, backward, and economically weaker communities. In addition, the process of identifying and acquiring suitable land is underway for the construction of similar Bhawans in five other districts — SAS Nagar, Barnala, Fazilka, Pathankot, and Malerkotla.

     

    Issuing directions to the department officials, the Cabinet Minister emphasized that the construction of the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhawan in Tarn Taran must be completed with the highest quality standards, full transparency, and strictly within the approved timeframe so that the people of the region can avail of its benefits at the earliest.

    ———–

  • Vigilance Bureau arrests block samiti Patwari taking Rs. 20,000 bribe

    Vigilance Bureau arrests block samiti Patwari taking Rs. 20,000 bribe

    Chandigarh, June 23 2025:

    The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing drive against corruption, has arrested Nishan Singh, block Samiti Patwari, posted at Block Development and Panchayats Officer (BDPO) office, Gurdsapur for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. 20000.

    Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the arrest has been made following a complaint lodged by a resident of village Babari Nangal, in Gurdaspur.

    The complainant has approached the VB and stated that she is the current Panchayat member of Gram Panchayat Babri Nangal and her husband had been cultivating about 22 kanals and 11 marlas of shamlat land out of total 25 acres of land for the last 50 years and the land title (Girdawari) of this land is also registered in his name.

    She further stated that on the basis of a complaint, the BDPO office had asked her to submit a clarification in this regard. She requested the current Sarpanch of her village to resolve this issue but the said Nishan Singh Samiti Patwari has demanded a bribe of Rs. 20,000 to get the issue resolved through his department.

    The spokesperson informed that after a preliminary verification of this complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused Nishan Singh has been arrested red handed while he was accepting a bribe Rs 20,000 from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses.

    In this regard a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Amritsar range. The accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow and further investigation is underway, he said.

  • BJP’s defeat in Ludhiana West bypoll not a setback, says Union Minister Bittu

    BJP’s defeat in Ludhiana West bypoll not a setback, says Union Minister Bittu

    Ludhiana: Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu on Monday said he takes responsibility for the BJP’s defeat in the Ludhiana West by-election, but maintained that the result should not be seen as a setback for the party.

    Bittu, while congratulating Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Sanjeev Arora on his victory, expressed hope that Arora would fulfil the promises made to voters.

    “Our candidate Jiwan Gupta gave a good fight and secured over 20,000 votes. His ticket was announced late because party leaders were engaged in ‘Operation Sindoor’, which impacted our campaign,” Bittu said.

    He admitted that the delay in naming the party candidate was one of the main reasons behind the BJP’s poor performance. “The announcement came too late, which affected our overall campaign strategy,” he added.

    The minister pointed out that voter turnout was low, with only 51 per cent polling recorded. “Around 90,000 votes were cast, and the AAP candidate won with just 35,000. This clearly indicates that the anti-AAP sentiment in the constituency is stronger than it appears,” he said.

    Describing the BJP’s performance as “encouraging”, Bittu insisted that the outcome should not be viewed as a defeat for the party. “AAP was given a chance because its government still has two years left. In the 2027 Assembly elections, we are confident of winning this seat with a big margin,” he said.

  • AAP celebrates victories in Ludhiana and Gujarat bypolls; leaders call it a public endorsement of party’s policies

    AAP celebrates victories in Ludhiana and Gujarat bypolls; leaders call it a public endorsement of party’s policies

    Jalandhar News: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) registered significant victories in the bypolls held in Ludhiana West (Punjab) and Visavadar (Gujarat), prompting celebrations among party leaders and supporters.

    Nitin Kohli, in-charge of AAP’s Central Assembly constituency in Jalandhar, led a victory celebration at the party office alongside supporters.

    Speaking on the occasion, Kohli said the mandate reflected the people’s overwhelming trust in the party. “The AAP has worked hard to earn the trust of voters in Ludhiana West and Visavadar. This victory is a result of good governance and law and order,” he said.

    He credited the win to the leadership of AAP’s national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia, and state president Aman Arora. “Their guidance and the unwavering support of the public have played a vital role in this success. I extend heartfelt congratulations to all the winning candidates and gratitude to the voters,” he said.

    Kohli added that the party has delivered on the guarantees it promised during the formation of the Punjab government — including free electricity, 24/7 power supply, reforms in government schools, establishment of mohalla clinics, guaranteed employment for youth, and corruption-free governance.

    He also mentioned that promises like debt relief for farmers, better facilities for traders, and a drug-free Punjab were actively pursued, and the public has acknowledged these efforts at the ballot box.

    He highlighted that Punjab stood firm on issues such as water rights and adopted pro-people initiatives like the land pooling policy. Kohli also mentioned the launch of the ‘Punjab Industrial Revolution’ on June 10, 2025 — a state-level industrial reform package comprising 12 major reforms aimed at simplifying processes, ensuring time-bound approvals, and promoting investor-friendly governance.

    He further said that the state government introduced a digital reform allowing citizens to complete land registration and property transfer processes via mobile applications, eliminating the need to visit government offices.

    “This victory in two states proves that the people stand firmly with the AAP government because we have lived up to their expectations,” Kohli added.

    Development and honest governance driving success: Mahinder Bhagat
    Cabinet Minister and Jalandhar West MLA Mahinder Bhagat said the win in Ludhiana West is a strong endorsement of the party’s development-focused and anti-drug policies.

    Referring to campaigns like ‘War Against Drugs,’ he said the people have recognized and supported the party’s sincere efforts. “This victory is not just about one seat; it represents a strong public mandate that motivates us to continue working better,” he said.

    Ludhiana win marks a turning point in Punjab politics: Mayor Dhir Jalandhar Mayor Vanit Dhir described the result as a defining moment in Punjab politics. “This is not just a win on one seat — it reflects public outrage against corrupt and superficial politics,” he said, adding that voters are now more influenced by real work on the ground than empty promises.

    “The broom is no longer just a symbol of cleanliness; it now represents political reform,” he said. Dhir lauded the dedication of party workers and said that their energy and passion have created a wave of change across Punjab. “The AAP leadership stands shoulder to shoulder with its workers — from the streets to the assembly,” he said.

    A mandate for trust and transparency: Rajwinder Kaur Thiara Chairperson of the Jalandhar Improvement Trust, Rajwinder Kaur Thiara, said the result is a reflection of people’s trust in transparent governance.

    “The people of Punjab have now aligned themselves with development and integrity,” she said. She credited the victory to the party’s work on education, healthcare, and drug de-addiction, and called the result a symbol of the changing mindset in Punjab.

    “This is more than just a bypoll win — it represents a shift in public thinking and gives us greater responsibility to serve the people,” she said.

    Leaders present at the celebration included:
    Punjab Cabinet Minister Mahinder Bhagat, Jalandhar Mayor Vanit Dhir, Jalandhar Improvement Trust Chairperson Rajwinder Kaur Thiara, District President Amritpal, AAP leaders Atul Bhagat, Chandan Grewal, Ramesh Mittal (Chairman of Lovely Group), Subhash Sharma (Chairman, Kartarpur Improvement Trust), Lok Sabha in-charge Ramneek Randhawa, Ludhiana Women Wing President Gurpreet Kaur, District Trade Wing President Inderwans Singh Chaddha, Atam Prakash Singh, Sanjeev Trehan, Vikas Grover, Tarun Sikka, Ajay Chopra, Naresh Sharma, Jatin Gulati, Harjeet Minhas, Ashok Sabharwal, Manish, Manjeet Rawat, Rajeev Gill, Kumkum, Amanpreet Kaur, Ravinder Kaur Ganga Devi, Punjab Joint Secretary Harcharan Singh Sandhu, Deepak Sandhu, Rupinder Singh, Roni, Romi Wadhwa, and AAP leaders Deepak Kumar, Naresh Sharma, Ajay Chopra, Gurpreet Kaur, and Jatin Gulati.