PunjabENews

Category: Punjab

  • AAP to expand Punjab Cabinet after Ludhiana West win; Sanjeev Arora likely to become minister

    AAP to expand Punjab Cabinet after Ludhiana West win; Sanjeev Arora likely to become minister

    Ludhiana: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is preparing to expand the Punjab Cabinet following its victory in the Ludhiana West by-election. Newly elected MLA Sanjeev Arora is expected to be inducted as a minister, party sources said.

    Arora’s elevation will also mean he will resign from his current Rajya Sabha position, clearing the way for a senior party leader to be nominated to the Upper House of Parliament.

    Though the exact department Arora will be allotted remains undecided, there is speculation that at least one current minister may be asked to step down and a cabinet reshuffle could follow.

    AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal had publicly promised during the campaign that Arora would be made a minister if he won. The party is reportedly planning to carry out the cabinet expansion “very soon.”

    Arora, a prominent industrialist, secured a convincing win in the Ludhiana West bypoll, which was seen as a prestige battle for the AAP following the death of sitting MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi. The victory comes at a crucial time for AAP, which had recently suffered a setback in the Delhi Assembly elections held earlier this year.

    Senior AAP leaders, including Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain, campaigned extensively in Ludhiana West. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal also participated in multiple roadshows and public meetings, with Mann’s wife, Dr Gurpreet Kaur, also joining the outreach efforts.

  • Punjab minister Harjot Bains slams Sukhbir Badal, accuses him of misleading people

    Punjab minister Harjot Bains slams Sukhbir Badal, accuses him of misleading people

    Chandigarh: Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has hit out at Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal, accusing him of misleading the public for personal gain. In a sharp statement, Bains criticised Badal’s remarks on the functioning of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in the state.

    “Sukhbir Badal should name one state in the country where the chief minister also serves as the chairman,” said Bains. He accused the SAD leader of mortgaging Punjab’s interests for personal benefit. “The man who sold Punjab’s rights by trading his hotel, farmhouse, land, and ministry is now questioning the AAP government,” Bains said.

    He further alleged that Badal built hotels for personal profit while compromising the honour of Punjab. “Such a person has no moral authority to target a government that is working day and night for Punjabis and Punjabiyat,” he added.

    Reiterating the AAP government’s commitment to development, Bains said the only dream of the present administration is to build a vibrant and prosperous Punjab. He advised Badal to focus on managing his hotels and allow the government to work for the welfare of the people.

  • FIR registered against IAS officer Babita Kaler, husband in Jalandhar firing case; gunman arrested

    FIR registered against IAS officer Babita Kaler, husband in Jalandhar firing case; gunman arrested

    Jalandhar: An FIR has been registered against senior IAS officer Babita Kaler, her husband and Aam Aadmi Party leader Stephen Kaler, and their gunman in connection with the shooting of a plot owner in the posh Baradari area near PIMS Hospital on Saturday morning. The FIR was lodged late Saturday night at Division Number 7 police station.

    The incident reportedly took place following a dispute over soil dumping between the Kalers and the owners of an adjacent plot.

    During the altercation, gunman Sukhkaran Singh allegedly opened fire, injuring the victim’s brother. The bullet, fired from a government-issued weapon, struck the man in the thigh—entering one leg and exiting through the other. He is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital.

    Police have arrested the gunman and seized the weapon used in the incident. A letter has also been sent to the department seeking Sukhkaran’s suspension. He will soon be produced in court and taken on remand for interrogation.

    “We will question the gunman to ascertain whether the firing was done under pressure or if there was any immediate threat,” said ADCP Harinder Singh Gill. “Based on the remand interrogation, Babita Kaler and her husband will also be brought into the investigation. If they fail to cooperate, they will be arrested.”

    The case has been registered under various sections, including provisions of the Arms Act. Police said notices will soon be served to both Babita and Stephen Kaler as part of the investigation process.

  • Punjab Cabinet meeting scheduled for Saturday

    Punjab Cabinet meeting scheduled for Saturday

    Chandigarh: An important meeting of the Punjab Cabinet is scheduled to be held on Saturday at the residence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who will preside over the session.

    While the official agenda is yet to be released, sources indicate that a significant issue may be discussed during the meeting. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding the matter so far.

  • ETO directs officials to Plan International Study Tour for Sustainable Road Development in Punjab

    ETO directs officials to Plan International Study Tour for Sustainable Road Development in Punjab

    Chandigarh: June 20

    Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO has directed the officials to draft a proposal for an international study tour for department officers to enhance their expertise. The directive was given during a high-level meeting of the Punjab State Road and Bridges Development Board (PRBDB) held here today.

    1. Harbhajan Singh ETO asked officials to draft a proposal for an international study tour, specifically to countries renowned for road construction and safety. The tour would enable officers to gain insights into best practices in sustainable road development and maintenance.

    The PWD Minister instructed PRBDB officers to provide a comprehensive report on pending government fees related to service roads for petrol pumps and commercial establishments linked to state highways by June 30, 2025,

    He also directed officials to expedite rectification work on identified black spots on state roads and to coordinate with the Punjab State Road Safety Council to address related challenges.

    He said that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is continuously striving to establish the best road network in the state.

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  • PSCRC directs to act  against those uploading vulgar content on social media

    PSCRC directs to act  against those uploading vulgar content on social media

    Chandigarh, June 20:

    The Punjab State Child Rights Commission has directed the Additional Director General of Police (Cyber Crime) to take action against those spreading obscenity on social media.

    In a letter sent to the ADGP, the  Punjab State Child Rights Commission’s  Chairman Mr. Kanwardeep Singh directed that the action must be taken against those uploading vulgar and indecent content in social media platforms. He said that  the children were being under the strong impact of social media day by day while some people were continuously uploading vulgar content on social media just to earn money. This practice is presenting negative impact on of technology on children, which should be checked .

    The Chairman pointed out that  action should be taken besides  getting such content having ambiguous videos, videos promoting drugs and glorifying  gun culture on social media removed and banned  with immediate effect.

    He directed that a nodal officer should also be deputed at the head office to keep a close watch on such content. If such content is uploaded from abroad, said the Chairman adding then action should be taken to ban the site. He said cases should be registered against the persons who prepare clips after looking at the uploaded content and upload it on social media under the relevant sections of BNS 2023 IT Act, 2000 and POCSO Act, 2012.

    The Commission has also asked to inform the Commission in writing within 15 days about the action taken in view of the above instruction.

  • Provision of ₹6175 Crore Made for Social Security Pensions for the Elderly During Current Financial Year: Dr. Baljit Kaur

    Provision of ₹6175 Crore Made for Social Security Pensions for the Elderly During Current Financial Year: Dr. Baljit Kaur

    Provision of ₹6175 Crore Made for Social Security Pensions for the Elderly During Current Financial Year: Dr. Baljit Kaur

    ₹1539 Crore Disbursed to 34.40 Lakh Beneficiaries Under Old Age Pension Scheme Till May 2025

     

    Minister Directs Officials to Expedite Completion of ‘Saade Buzurg Saada Maan’ Survey

    Chandigarh, June 20:

    Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government continues to take concrete measures for the welfare of senior citizens, women, and children across the state. In line with these efforts, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that a provision of ₹6175 crore has been made for social security schemes during the current financial year. Out of this, ₹1539 crore has already been disbursed as regular pensions to 34.40 lakh beneficiaries up to May 2025.

    Strict Instructions to Complete ‘Saade Buzurg Saada Maan’ Survey Promptly

    While chairing a high-level meeting with senior and field officials of the department at Kisan Bhawan today, Dr. Baljit Kaur reviewed the implementation of various social security schemes. She issued clear directions to ensure that the benefits of government-run schemes are promptly extended to all eligible beneficiaries without any delay.

    The Minister further instructed officials to expedite the ongoing ‘Saade Buzurg Saada Maan’ survey and to ensure that every eligible elderly citizen receives their entitled pension. She also emphasized that during the survey, necessary action should be taken to recover any funds lying in the bank accounts of deceased beneficiaries, so that these resources can be utilized for supporting other deserving applicants.

    Approval of 43,644 New Pension Applications for 2025–26

    Dr. Baljit Kaur also shared that 43,644 new pension applications have been approved for the financial year 2025–26. She directed officials to complete this vital work with full transparency, responsibility, and within the stipulated timeframe. Any delay in processing pension applications will not be tolerated, she added.

    Monitoring at the Grassroots and Awareness Campaigns Stressed

    The Minister instructed all district and departmental officers to closely monitor the implementation of social welfare schemes at the grassroots level and to actively run awareness campaigns to ensure maximum public outreach. She stressed the need to maintain transparency and efficiency in the execution of these welfare programs.

    On this occasion, Special Chief Secretary of Social Security, Women and Child Development Department, Rajiv P. Shrivastava, IAS; Director Dr. Sheena Aggarwal, IAS; and other senior officers from the head office and district offices were also present.

  • OPS SEAL-XV: 93 ENTRY/EXIT POINTS SEALED TO KEEP VIGIL AROUND DRUG SMUGGLERS & BOOTLEGGERS IN PUNJAB

    OPS SEAL-XV: 93 ENTRY/EXIT POINTS SEALED TO KEEP VIGIL AROUND DRUG SMUGGLERS & BOOTLEGGERS IN PUNJAB

     

    — YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH CONTINUES AS POLICE ARREST 127 DRUG SMUGGLERS WITH 4.2KG HEROIN AND 3KG OPIUM ON DAY 111

     

    — POLICE TEAMS CHECK 3180 VEHICLES ENTERING/EXITING STATE’ AS PART OF OPS SEAL; ISSUES CHALLANS TO 367, IMPOUNDS 7

    CHANDIGARH, June 20:

              Amidst the ongoing anti-drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state, Punjab Police on Friday carried out a special operation ‘OPS Seal-XV’ aimed at checking all the vehicles entering or exiting the border state of Punjab to keep tab at drug trafficking and liquor smuggling.

              During the operation, conducted from 6 am to 2 pm simultaneously in all the districts on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav, all the SSPs of Border districts were directed to organise joint Naka operations at strategic places of the border districts and mobilise a maximum number of manpower to lay strong ‘nakas’ at sealing points under the supervision of Gazetted officers/SHOs.

              Sharing details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that well-coordinated strong nakas involving over 900 Police Personnel were set up under the supervision of Inspectors/DSPs at least 93 entry/exit points of 10 districts, which share boundaries with four border states and UT Chandigarh. The 10 inter-state border districts include Pathankot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, Rupanagar, SAS Nagar, Patiala, Sangrur, Mansa, Hoshiarpur and Bathinda.

              He said that as many as 3180 vehicles entering/exiting the state were checked, of which 367 were challaned and seven were impounded during the operation.

              Apart from this, Police teams have continued its cordon and search operation (CASO) against drugs on Day 111, and conducted raids at 505 locations on Friday leading to the arrest of 127 drug smugglers after registration of 98 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 18,372 within 111 days.

              The Special DGP said that the raids have resulted in recovery of 4.2 kg heroin, 3 kg opium, 118 kg poppy husk and Rs 11,170 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

              He informed that over 200 Police teams, comprising over 1500 police personnel, under the supervision of 101 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 543 suspicious persons during the day long operation.

              He said that Punjab Police has devised a comprehensive strategy and such operations will be continued till the scourge of drugs eradicated from the state.

              The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 78 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

  • PSFFWC COMMISSIONED STUDY ON WATER RESOURCES AVAILABILITY AND RELATED ISSUES IN STATE

    PSFFWC COMMISSIONED STUDY ON WATER RESOURCES AVAILABILITY AND RELATED ISSUES IN STATE

    PSFFWC COMMISSIONED STUDY ON WATER RESOURCES AVAILABILITY AND RELATED ISSUES IN STATE

    Chandigarh, June 20:

    The Punjab State Farmers’ and Farm Workers’ Commission (PSFFWC) has commissioned a comprehensive study on water resources availability and other water-related issues in Punjab from the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee. The findings of this report have been submitted to the Legislative Committee of 6 MLAs under the Chairmanship of Sh. Gurjit Singh Rana. This committee was constituted by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

    The Committee has highly acknowledged this report and directed the Commission to further undertake an expanded study at the micro level using Carbon Dating and Isotope technologies along with measuring seepage patterns.

    The Punjab State Farmers’ and Farm Workers’ Commission (PSFFWC) convened a high-level meeting today with 15 agenda points, bringing together leading water experts and scientists. Chaired by Prof. Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Chairman of PSFFWC, the meeting included Dr. Pushpendra Pal Singh, Dean (CAPS), IIT Ropar, Dr. Sarbjot Kaur, Leading Scientist on Radioactive Tools, IIT Ropar, Dr. Harshad Kulkarni, Assistant Professor, IIT Mandi

    Dr. Ranjeet K. Jha, IIT Mandi, Dr. Gopal Krishan, Scientist-E, National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee. The meeting was organized by Dr. Ranjodh S. Bains, Administrative Officer-cum-Secretary of the Commission. Dr. Gurkanwal Singh, former Director of the Department of Horticulture, also shared his expert opinion on the challenges being faced by the state.

    During the meeting, the experts emphasized the need for urgent interventions, including Advanced isotopic studies and carbon dating to map Punjab’s depleting groundwater resources, Heliborne surveys to identify ancient paleo-channels for enhancing recharge, A focused strategy to address South-West Punjab’s severe waterlogging and salinity issues, Feasibility studies for a reservoir on the Ujh River (with an estimated capacity of 5 BCM) to augment water supply in Central Punjab, Scientific characterization of aquifers to determine sustainable extraction limits, Exploration of innovative solutions such as heavy metal-absorbing plant species and salt-tolerant bamboo plantations, Revival of traditional water bodies and abandoned wells for groundwater recharge, Strategies to make Punjab’s agriculture more resilient to floods and extreme weather events. The experts acknowledged the pivotal role being played by the Punjab State Farmers’ and Farm Workers’ Commission in addressing critical challenges facing the agricultural sector.

    Dr. R.S. Bains stated that the recommendations from the day’s deliberations would serve as the foundation for a state-wide water conservation mission to be implemented in collaboration with leading research institutions. Dr. Sukhpal Singh stressed for the need for groundbreaking research to address the state’s water crisis and expressed confidence that the distinguished scientists present would make significant contributions in collaboration with the PSFC.

    In a key outcome of the meeting, all leading research institutes unanimously gave in-principle approval to collaborate closely with PSFC. It was also decided that a Consortium MoU would be signed immediately between IIT Ropar, IIT Mandi, NIH, and the Punjab State Farmers’ and Farm Workers’ Commission to undertake a comprehensive 15-point, state-level project focused on sustaining, conserving and preventing contamination of Punjab’s groundwater.

    This joint initiative aims to bring together the scientific and technical expertise of leading research institutions with the policy and implementation capacity of the Commission. The project will address the pressing challenges of groundwater depletion and pollution by combining advanced research, field-level interventions and strategic planning. It will include both immediate measures and long-term strategies to ensure water security for agriculture and safe drinking water across the state.

    The outcome of this study is expected to place the State of Punjab among the most developed states, comparable to developed nations.