Punjab News

Punjab Minister Dhaliwal Responds to ‘Non-Existent Department’ Controversy, Says CM Mann Can Answer

Punjab Minister Dhaliwal Responds to ‘Non-Existent Department’ Controversy, Says CM Mann Can Answer

Chandigarh (National Times): The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab is facing backlash after it was revealed that a minister had been assigned a department that did not exist for nearly 20 months. The controversy erupted after a Punjab government notification, issued on Friday, acknowledged that the Department of Administrative Reforms, allocated to Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, was “non-existent”. Following this revelation, Dhaliwal has now been officially assigned only the NRI Affairs Department. Dhaliwal’s Response: ‘I Fulfilled My Duties’ Breaking his silence on the matter, Dhaliwal defended himself, stating: "I am a soldier of the party and have carried…
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CI Amritsar Seizes 10 Kg Heroin, Arrests Key Suspect

CI Amritsar Seizes 10 Kg Heroin, Arrests Key Suspect

Amritsar (National Times): In a major breakthrough against drug smuggling, the Counter Intelligence (CI) wing of Amritsar Police apprehended an individual, identified as Harmandeep Singh, and recovered 10 kg of heroin during an intelligence-based operation in Mahal village, Amritsar, on Wednesday. According to an official statement by DGP Punjab Police, the accused was in direct contact with Pakistan-based smuggler Chacha Bawa, who was using drones to transport heroin across the Attari sector for further distribution. DGP Confirms Arrest, FIR Registered DGP Punjab Police took to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm the operation, stating: "In an intelligence-based operation, CI Amritsar apprehends…
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Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu Denied Meeting with Punjab CM, Alleges Political Vendetta

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu Denied Meeting with Punjab CM, Alleges Political Vendetta

Chandigarh (National Times): Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu on Monday alleged that he was denied entry to meet Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann at his official residence in Chandigarh. According to Bittu, he had sought a meeting with the CM to discuss concerns regarding political vendetta against BJP workers in Punjab, but his requests were ignored. Tense Exchange with Police at CM's Residence Bittu arrived at the CM’s residence but was stopped at the gate by security personnel. A heated argument reportedly ensued between the Union Minister and the police, as he demanded an explanation for being denied entry. Despite…
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Punjab Ministers Meet Deportees from the US in Amritsar

Punjab Ministers Meet Deportees from the US in Amritsar

Amritsar (National Times): Punjab’s NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal and Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO met with Indian nationals who were recently deported from the United States upon their arrival at Amritsar Airport. The second batch of deported individuals, who had allegedly migrated to the US illegally, landed in Amritsar on Sunday, February 16, 2025. This marks the second flight of deportees to arrive in Punjab since US President Donald Trump's inauguration. The group was promptly received and is now being sent to their respective home states across India. The first batch of over 100 deported individuals arrived on…
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Second US Deportation Flight Carrying 119 Indians, Including 67 Punjabis, to Land in Amritsar Today

Second US Deportation Flight Carrying 119 Indians, Including 67 Punjabis, to Land in Amritsar Today

Amritsar (National Times): Amritsar is set to receive yet another deportation flight from the United States, carrying 119 Indian immigrants who were expelled as part of the U.S. government’s crackdown on illegal immigration. This comes just days after the first U.S. military aircraft, transporting 104 deportees, landed in Punjab. The latest flight, scheduled to arrive at Amritsar airport on Saturday, includes a significant number of individuals from Punjab, with 67 of the 119 deported immigrants belonging to the state. State-wise Breakdown of Deportees: Punjab – 67 Haryana – 33 Gujarat – 08 Uttar Pradesh – 03 Goa – 02 Rajasthan…
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Punjab Cabinet Meeting Held After Long Gap, Special Vidhan Sabha Session Scheduled for Feb 24-25

Punjab Cabinet Meeting Held After Long Gap, Special Vidhan Sabha Session Scheduled for Feb 24-25

Chandigarh (National Times): After a long hiatus, the Punjab Cabinet Meeting was held on Thursday, during which several key reports were presented, and important decisions were taken regarding the state’s legislative affairs. One of the significant outcomes of the meeting was the announcement of a Special Session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on February 24 and 25. The session is set to address several pending bills, which are expected to be tabled and passed during the two-day assembly proceedings. Sources indicate that the session could witness discussions on developmental projects, governance policies, and administrative reforms. While the detailed agenda remains…
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PSEBEA Urges CM Mann to Launch Inquiry into Party Fund Allegations

PSEBEA Urges CM Mann to Launch Inquiry into Party Fund Allegations

The PSEB Engineers Association is calling for an impartial judicial inquiry into allegations surrounding demands for "party funds" to ensure accountability and justice. They have expressed strong opposition to political interference in the Punjab power sector. In a letter to Chief Minister Punjab, General Secretary Ajaypal Singh Atwal highlighted that certain influential political figures are misusing their power to disrupt the operations of power corporations and demanding money under the guise of party funds. A particularly alarming incident involved an engineer in Hoshiarpur who faced coercion to pay a so-called "party fund." This incident has raised serious concerns about ethical…
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