facebook

NSA Ajit Doval conferred D.Litt at Central University in Bathinda

NSA Ajit Doval conferred D.Litt at Central University in Bathinda National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was on Tuesday honoured with D.Litt at the Central University of Punjab here. Doval, who has made a significant contribution to the nation during his decades-long illustrious career in national security, was honoured with the degree at a convocation event. He was conferred D.Litt (honoris causa) by the university vice-chancellor in the presence of former President Ram Nath Kovind. Addressing the gathering, Doval said, ''It is a privilege for me to be here. I extend my warmest thanks and greetings to the university, vice-chancellor and chancellor for conferring this award which is a matter of great pride and honour for me.'' ''I also take this opportunity to congratulate my younger friends who are going to make a great career ahead,'' he said on the occasion. Doval told the students at the convocation that ''it is for you to decide what are you going to do with this nation. It is very important... it is not only what this nation has contributed for your growth, your self-actualization, for your education and profession. What is more important is the expectations of this country for you to lead a better India hereafter.'' ''All of you are very lucky, you are members of that generation who are going to see a very powerful, a very prosperous and a very progressive India, which in the comity of nations will have a very great place,'' he said.

devdiscourse 19 Mar 2024 2:10 pm

CPI hopes to get at least 15 seats in 8 states as part of INDIA

NEW DELHI: The Communist Party of India (CPI) has identified at least 15 constituencies in eight states including Bihar, Assam, Manipur and Jharkhand, where it wants to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections under electoral pact of opposition parties as part of Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). The general secretary of the CPI, D Raja said that the party might soon announce its nomination for the identified seats subject to its negotiation with INDIA bloc members mainly with the Congress. The Left party has zeroed in one seat each in Manipur, Telangana, Maharashtra, Punjab, Assam and Jharkhand under the electoral alliance from the Congress. The CPI has already announced its candidate for one of the two seats in Manipur. It has fielded partys senior member and state unit general secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) Laishram Sotinkumar Singh in the Inner Manipur constituency. Miffed over Wayanad, CPI says Congress must keep coalition dharma In Telangana, it is seeking Warangal Lok Sabha seat. In Maharashtra, it is expecting Shirdi constituency, Bathinda in Punjab and Jharkhands Hazaribagh. Notably, its state leadership in Jharkhand last week announced to go alone and to contest in eight seats in the state. We have decided to contest the Lok Sabha polls on our own, CPI state secretary Mahendra Pathak told PTI. In west Bengal, the CPI is staking claim to three seats including Ghatal and Medinipur from which it has been winning in the past. Raja further stated that talks are underway for three constituencies in Bihar too. The probable seats are Banka, Begusarai and Madhubani. Raja said that our state leaders are holding talks with their counterparts of political parties including Congress, which are part of the alliance and he is optimistic about a positive outcome. He added that hopefully the Congress would demonstrate maturity like what Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK president MK Stalin showed in the state while sparing seats for coalition partners. Discussions pertaining to the identified seats are being held at state level. In case, something is to be conveyed to the national leadership or my intervention is required, I will talk. Seat sharing in Tamil Nadu has already been finalised and the CPI will be contesting on two seats in the state. Stalins seat-sharing arrangement illustrates maturity and understanding of prevailing political situations. The Congress should also be accommodative to each member of the alliance because the target is to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said Raja. As part of the Left Democratic Front (LDF), the CPI got four seats to contest in KeralaWayanad, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur and Mavelikkara.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 9:53 pm

AAP Candidate List 2024: Check state-wise candidate name and constituency

Here is the full list of candidates: Punjab cabinet ministers Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Laljit Singh Bhullar, Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, and Balbir Singh have been nominated for the Amritsar, Khadoor Sahib, Bathinda, Sangrur, and Patiala constituencies respectively

Mid Day 18 Mar 2024 1:35 pm

Slain Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala's parents welcome baby boy

BATHINDA: The parents of late Punjabi singer Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, popularly known as Sidhu Moosewala, on Sunday welcomed a baby boy, nearly two years after the artiste was shot dead in Punjab's Mansa district. Balkaur Singh, Moosewala's father, announced the birth of the newborn on his Facebook page saying he and his wife Charan Kaur were blessed with Moosewala's younger brother. With the blessings of lakhs and crores of people who love Shubhdeep, the Almighty has blessed us with Shubh's little brother, Balkaur posted in Punjabi. The family is healthy and I am grateful for the immense love of all well wishers, he added. In his post, Balkaur also shared his picture holding the baby in his arms along with a welcome cake and Moosewala's photo in the background. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jindal Heart and IVF Bathinda (@jindal.heart.ivf) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Balkaur Singh (@sardarbalkaursidhu) In an Instagram post, Balkaur posed with the staff of the medical facility where the baby was born. According to sources, Balkaur, around 60, and Charan Kaur, 58, had opted for the IVF technique. There were reports that Moosewala's parents were expecting a child, but days ago Balkaur had asked fans to not believe in rumours. We are grateful to Sidhu's fans who are so worried about our family. There is a lot of speculation going on about my family. I request you not to believe all these rumours. Whatever news there is, the family will share it with all of you (sic) he had said in a social media post. Moosewala was shot dead in Punjab's Mansa district on May 29, 2022. The singer-rapper had unsuccessfully contested the Punjab Assembly elections in 2022 on a Congress ticket from Mansa. Home Ministry designates mastermind of Sidhu Moosewala murder Goldy Brar as terrorist under UAPA

The New Indian Express 17 Mar 2024 5:56 pm

Lok Sabha polls 2024: Politically influential Malwa belt holds key in Punjab

As far as the parliamentary polls are concerned, eight seats - Ludhiana, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Faridkot (SC), Fatehgarh Sahib (SC), Patiala, Anandpur Sahib and Sangrur fall in the Malwa region. Two seats - Hoshairpur (SC) and Jalandhar (SC) - are in the Doaba region. The Majha region broadly comprises three parliamentary seats - Gurdaspur, Amritsar and Khadoor Sahib.

The Economic Times 17 Mar 2024 11:32 am

Lok Sabha polls: Politically influential Malwa belt holds key in Punjab

CHANDIGHAR: The Malwa belt in Punjab is always considered the biggest and politically influential region particularly during assembly elections, where if a party secures maximum assembly seats in this belt, it can easily form the government in the state. Punjab can broadly be divided into three regions Malwa, Majha and Doaba. Beyond the Sutlej river, it is called the Malwa region, the Doaba region falls between the Beas and Sutlej rivers, while Majha falls between the Ravi and the Beas rivers. As far as the parliamentary polls are concerned, eight seats Ludhiana, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Faridkot (SC), Fatehgarh Sahib (SC), Patiala, Anandpur Sahib and Sangrur fall in the Malwa region. Two seats Hoshairpur (SC) and Jalandhar (SC) - are in the Doaba region. The Majha region broadly comprises three parliamentary seats Gurdaspur, Amritsar and Khadoor Sahib. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the Congress won eight parliamentary seats in Punjab, bucking the pro-Modi trend seen across northern and central India in that general election. It won Ludhiana, Anandpur Sahib, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Faridkot from the Malwa region, and Amritsar and Khadoor Sahib in the Majha region. It also won Jalandhar which is in the Doaba region. However, in the 2023 by-election, AAP wrested the Jalandhar seat from the Congress. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) won from Bathinda and Ferozepur, which are in the Malwa region. AAP managed to win the Sangrur seat, which is also in the Malwa belt. The BJP won the Hoshiarpur (Doaba) and Gurdaspur (Majha) seats. However, in the 2022 by-elections, SAD (Amritsar) won the Sangrur Lok Sabha seat while AAP won the Jalandhar seat in 2023 by-election. The Malwa region has 69 assembly seats out of total 117 in the state. This region's sway over Punjab politics can be gauged from the fact that many leaders like Parkash Singh Badal, Amarinder Singh, Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, Beant Singh, Bhagwant Mann who became chief ministers of the state hailed from this belt. The Malwa belt was the epicentre of the farmers' agitation in 2020-21 against the now-repealed Centre's three farm laws. In the 2022 assembly polls, AAP swept the Malwa belt by winning 66 out of 69 seats in this region. The Majha region is also significant as far as politics is concerned. It is called the Panthic' belt. This belt is home to the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The Doaba belt has a sizeable population of the scheduled caste (SC) community. The SC community constitutes around 32 per cent of Punjab's population which is the highest in the country. Maximum non-resident Indians (NRIs) in Punjab also come from this region.

The New Indian Express 17 Mar 2024 11:28 am

Slain farmers ashes taken to Hry border from Bathinda

The Times of India 16 Mar 2024 5:29 am

2 gangsters involved in multiple crimes arrested in Punjab: Police

2 gangsters involved in multiple crimes arrested in Punjab: Police The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of the Punjab Police has arrested two members of a gang that is allegedly involved in multiple crimes, officials said on Friday. Two pistols and 10 live cartridges were seized from the possession of the arrested men, they added. A preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused were carrying out criminal activities on the directions of two absconding gangsters, police said. ''In a major breakthrough, #AGTF, #Punjab has arrested two associates of Gurpreet Lehmbar and Jassa Nurwala gang: Jagdeep Singh @ Rinku and Balwinder Singh @ Babbu. The gang is involved in multiple heinous crimes such as murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, extortion in the areas of #Ludhiana, #Jagraon, #Moga, #Bathinda and #Sangrur,'' Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said in a post on X. He said the arrested accused have a criminal history. ''Rinku was a proclaimed offender in an attempt-to-murder case registered in Moga. The other accused, Babbu, in June 2023 had fired upon an STF team at Neelon, Ludhiana and was absconding since,'' the officer said. The preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused were carrying out criminal activities on the directions of absconding gangsters Lehmbar and Nurwala, he added. Two pistols and 10 live cartridges have been seized from the possession of the accused, police said.

devdiscourse 15 Mar 2024 10:09 am

AAP releases list of 8 candidates for Lok Sabha election in Punjab, includes 5 cabinet ministers

Chandigarh, Mar 14: The Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday released a list of eight for the Lok Sabha election in Punjab, fielding five cabinet ministers. Cabinet minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal has been fielded from Amritsar, Laljit Singh Bhullar from Khadoor Sahib, Gurmeet Singh Khudian from Bathinda, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer from Sangrur and Balbir Singh [] The post AAP releases list of 8 candidates for Lok Sabha election in Punjab, includes 5 cabinet ministers appeared first on Northlines .

The Northlines 14 Mar 2024 5:13 pm

AAP Announces Initial 8 Punjab Candidates For Lok Sabha

AAP unveiled its debut list for Punjabs Lok Sabha elections, featuring eight nominees, including current Punjab ministers. These nominees include Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal from Amritsar, Laljit Singh Bhullar from Khadur Sahib, Gurmeet Singh Khudia from Bathinda, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer from Sangrur, and Dr. Balbir Singh from Patiala. AAP primarily... The post AAP Announces Initial 8 Punjab Candidates For Lok Sabha appeared first on HW News English .

News View 14 Mar 2024 4:19 pm

Kuldeep, Gurmeet in AAP's candidates list of eight for Punjab

AAP unveiled 8 candidates for Punjab's Lok Sabha polls, featuring Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Gurmeet Singh Khudian, and Dr. Balbir Singh. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal is set to contest from Amritsar, meanwhile Gurmeet Singh Khudian will contest from Bathinda.

The Times of India 14 Mar 2024 1:33 pm

LS Polls: AAP releases first list of 8 candidates for Punjab, fields 5 Cabinet ministers

LS Polls: AAP releases first list of 8 candidates for Punjab, fields 5 Cabinet ministers The Aam Aadmi Party Thursday released its first list of eight candidates for Punjab, fielding five Cabinet ministers for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. According to the list, Cabinet ministers Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal has been fielded from Amritsar, Laljit Singh Bhullar from Khadoor Sahib, Gurmeet Singh Khudian from Bathinda, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer from Sangrur and Balbir Singh from Patiala. Jalandhar MP Sushil Rinku has again been fielded from the seat. The party named Gurpreet Singh GP its candidate from the Fatehgarh Sahib seat. Singh, a former Congress MLA from Bassi Pathana, had recently joined the AAP. Punjabi actor Karamjeet Anmol has been fielded from Faridkot seat.

devdiscourse 14 Mar 2024 1:29 pm

Farmers march to mahapanchayat, cops on toes

CHANDIGARH/NEW DELHI: With farmers in thousands from Punjab heading to the national capital for the kisan mahapanchayat on Thursday, the Delhi Police has said that it has given permission to the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) to hold the protests at Ramlila Ground after the umbrella organisation submitted that there would be no problem with law and order. However, the SKM said that they would hold sit-ins and block railway traffic if they are stopped from entering Delhi. DCP (Central) M Harsh Vardhan said, We have given the farmers a no-objection certificate and they have assured us that they will not get involved in activity which could create a law and order situation. They have given us an undertaking in this regard. The DCP said 5,000 people would be allowed to gather at Ramlila Maidan. No tractor-trolley, or procession will be allowed, he said, adding that the police have also sought deployment of paramilitary forces. If an inflammatory speech is made, the public address system will be turned off and speakers would be removed from the stage, the DCP said, adding that the farmer leaders have been asked to conclude their programme by 3pm. SKM leader Balbir Singh Rajewal said that thousands of farmers, agriculture workers and rural people have started marching towards Delhi to participate in the mahapanchayat. If farmers are be stopped from reaching the national capital, it could lead to sit-ins and rail roko protests, he said. The farmers have been agitating for a law on the minimum support price (MSP) among other demands. Sources said more than 50,000 farmers from Punjab are heading to Delhi to attend the mahapanchayat on buses, trucks and trains. Traffic advisory The traffic movement will be regulated from 6 am to 4 pm on Thursday on Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg, Barakhamba Road, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Tolstoy Marg, Asaf Ali Road, Jai Singh Road, Sansad Marg, Baba Kharag Singh Marg, Minto Road, Ashoka Road among other areas. 50,000 farmers Sources said more than 50,000 farmers from Punjab are heading to Delhi for the mahapanchayat in buses, trucks and trains. Farmers from Barnala, Sangrur, Amritsar and other places have boarded trains. Buses from Bathinda, Sangrur, Moga, Mansa and Patiala have left for Delhi.

The New Indian Express 14 Mar 2024 7:18 am

PM Modi Unveils 112 National Highway Projects Worth Rs 1 Trillion

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has kickstarted the development of 112 National Highway projects totaling around Rs 1 trillion in value across India. Making his way to Gurugram in Haryana for the ceremony, PM Modi not only initiated the projects but also launched the Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway, aimed at easing traffic between Delhi and Gurugram along NH-48. The Haryana segment of the Dwarka Expressway, stretching 19 kilometers and featuring eight lanes, has been constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 4,100 crore. It encompasses two sections: the 10.2-kilometer Delhi-Haryana Border to Basai Rail-over-Bridge (ROB) and the 8.7-kilometer Basai ROB to Kherki Daula. This expressway promises direct connectivity to Delhi's IGI Airport and the Gurugram Bypass. Among the major projects inaugurated by PM Modi are the 9.6-kilometer six-lane Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II)- Package 3 in Delhi, the Lucknow Ring Road in Uttar Pradesh, the Anandapuram - Pendurthi - Anakapalli section of NH16 in Andhra Pradesh, the Kiratpur to Nerchowk section of NH-21 in Himachal Pradesh, and the Dobaspet - Heskote section in Karnataka, among others. These projects, valued at Rs 20,500 crore, span various states across the nation. Additionally, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for several other National Highway projects, including the Bengaluru - Kadappa - Vijayawada Expressway in Andhra Pradesh, the Belgaum - Hungund - Raichur Section of NH-748A in Karnataka, the Shamli - Ambala Highway in Haryana, the Amritsar - Bathinda corridor in Punjab, and 39 more projects across India, amounting to Rs 32,700 crore. These initiatives are expected to significantly enhance the National Highway network, stimulate socio-economic growth, create employment opportunities, and bolster trade and commerce nationwide. PM Modi Distributes 1000 Kisan drones to 1000 NaMo Drone Didis New Elevated Highway Opens: Delhi to Dwarka in Just 30 Minutes

News Track 11 Mar 2024 2:11 pm

PM Modi holds roadshow in Gurugram, inaugurates 112 National Highway projects

PM Modi holds roadshow in Gurugram, inaugurates 112 National Highway projects Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a roadshow in Gurugram on Monday as he visited Haryana city to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of 112 big-ticket National Highway projects spread across the country worth about Rs one lakh crore. To help improve traffic flow and ease congestion between Delhi and Gurugram on NH-48, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Haryana section of the landmark Dwarka Expressway. Right before the event, PM Modi along with Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inspected the Dwarka Expressway. The 19 km long Haryana section of the 8-lane Dwarka Expressway has been built at a cost of around Rs. 4,100 crore and includes two packages of 10.2 km long Delhi-Haryana Border to Basai Rail-over-Bridge (ROB) and 8.7 km long Basai ROB to Kherki Daula. It will also provide direct connectivity to the IGI Airport in Delhi and Gurugram Bypass. Other major projects that were inaugurated by the Prime Minister include the 9.6 km long six-lane Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II)- Package 3 from Nangloi - Najafgarh Road to Sector 24 Dwarka section in Delhi; three packages of Lucknow Ring Road developed at cost of about Rs. 4,600 crores in Uttar Pradesh; Anandapuram - Pendurthi - Anakapalli section of NH16 developed at a cost of about Rs. 2,950 crores in the state of Andhra Pradesh; Kiratpur to Nerchowk section of NH-21 (2 packages) worth around Rs. 3,400 crores in Himachal Pradesh; Dobaspet - Heskote section (two packages) worth Rs. 2,750 crores in Karnataka, along with 42 other projects worth Rs. 20,500 crores in different states across the country. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for various National Highway projects across the country. Major projects for which the foundation stone will be laid include 14 packages of Bengaluru - Kadappa - Vijayawada Expressway worth Rs. 14,000 crores in Andhra Pradesh; six packages of Belgaum - Hungund - Raichur Section of NH-748A worth Rs. 8,000 crores in Karnataka; three packages of Shamli - Ambala Highway worth Rs. 4,900 crores in Haryana; two packages of Amritsar - Bathinda corridor worth Rs. 3,800 crores in Punjab; along with 39 other projects worth Rs. 32,700 crores in different states across the country. These projects will significantly contribute towards the growth of the National Highway network as well as help in boosting socio-economic growth, enhance job opportunities and promote trade and commerce in regions across the country. (ANI)

devdiscourse 11 Mar 2024 12:56 pm

PM Modi to inaugurate, lay foundation stone for 112 National Highway Projects today

PM Modi to inaugurate, lay foundation stone for 112 National Highway Projects today Continuing his whirlwind campaign across 12 states over 10 days, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will, on Monday, arrive in Haryana's Gurugram, inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for 112 National Highway projects spread across the country worth about Rs 1 lakh crore on Monday. To help improve traffic flow and ease congestion between Delhi and Gurugram on NH-48, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the Haryana section of the landmark Dwarka Expressway, the PMO stated in an official release. The 19-km-long Haryana section of the 8-lane Dwarka Expressway has been built at a cost of around Rs 4,100 crore and includes two packages of 10.2 km long Delhi-Haryana Border to Basai Rail-over-Bridge (ROB) and 8.7 km long Basai ROB to Kherki Daula. It will also provide direct connectivity to the IGI Airport in Delhi and the Gurugram Bypass. Other major projects that will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister include the 9.6 km long six-lane Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II)- Package 3 from Nangloi - Najafgarh Road to Sector 24 Dwarka section in Delhi; three packages of Lucknow Ring Road developed at cost of about Rs. 4,600 crores in Uttar Pradesh; Anandapuram - Pendurthi - Anakapalli section of NH16 developed at a cost of about Rs 2,950 crores in the state of Andhra Pradesh; Kiratpur to Nerchowk section of NH-21 (2 packages) worth around Rs. 3,400 crores in Himachal Pradesh; Dobaspet - Heskote section (two packages) worth Rs. 2,750 crores in Karnataka, along with 42 other projects worth Rs. 20,500 crores in different states across the country, the PMO stated. Prime Minister Modi will also lay the foundation stone for various National Highway projects across the country. Major projects for which the foundation stone will be laid include 14 packages of Bengaluru - Kadappa - Vijayawada Expressway worth Rs. 14,000 crores in Andhra Pradesh; six packages of Belgaum - Hungund - Raichur Section of NH-748A worth Rs. 8,000 crores in Karnataka; three packages of Shamli - Ambala Highway worth Rs. 4,900 crores in Haryana; two packages of Amritsar - Bathinda corridor worth Rs. 3,800 crores in Punjab; along with 39 other projects worth Rs. 32,700 crores in different states across the country, the statement added. These projects will significantly contribute towards the growth of the National Highway network as well as help boost socio-economic growth, enhance job opportunities and promote trade and commerce in regions across the country, the PMO added. (ANI)

devdiscourse 11 Mar 2024 8:31 am

Train traffic hit in Punjab as farmers squat on tracks

In Punjab, farmers sat on railway tracks at many locations in 22 districts, including Amritsar, Ludhiana, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Firozpur, Fazilka, Sangrur, Mansa, Moga and Bathinda. Because of the disruption of train services, passengers experienced inconvenience.

Rediff 10 Mar 2024 11:58 pm

PM Modi to participate in 'Sashakt Nari-Viksit Bharat' programme in Delhi on Monday

PM Modi to participate in 'Sashakt Nari-Viksit Bharat' programme in Delhi on Monday Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the 'Sashakt Nari-Viksit Bharat' programme and witness agricultural drone demonstrations conducted by 'Namo Drone Didis' at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute here on Monday. Namo Drone Didis from 11 different locations nationwide will also participate in the demonstration simultaneously. During the programme, Modi will also hand over drones to 1,000 Namo Drone Didis, a statement by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said. The 'Namo Drone Didi' and 'Lakhpati Didi' initiatives are integral to the prime minister's vision of fostering economic empowerment and financial autonomy among women, especially in rural areas, the statement said. To further this vision, Prime Minister Modi will felicitate 'Lakhpati Didis', who have achieved success with the support of the 'Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission' and are supporting and motivating other self-help group members for their upliftment. The prime minister will also disburse around Rs 8,000 crore in bank loans to self-help groups (SHGs) at subsidised interest rates through Bank Linkage Camps set up by banks in each district, the statement said. He will also disburse about Rs 2,000 crore Capitalization Support Fund to SHGs. On Monday, Modi will also visit Gurugram in Haryana. Around 12 noon, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of 112 National Highway projects spread across the country worth about Rs 1 lakh crore, another PMO statement said. To help improve traffic flow and ease congestion between Delhi and Gurugram on NH-48, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway. The 19-km-long Haryana section of the eight-lane Dwarka Expressway has been built at a cost of around Rs 4,100 crore and includes two packages of 10.2-km-long Delhi-Haryana Border to Basai Rail-over-Bridge (ROB) and 8.7 km long Basai ROB to Kherki Daula. It will also provide direct connectivity to the IGI Airport in Delhi and Gurugram bypass. Other projects to be inaugurated by Modi include the 9.6-km-long six-lane Urban Extension Road-II Package 3 from Nangloi-Najafgarh Road to Sector 24 Dwarka section in Delhi; three packages of Lucknow Ring Road developed at cost of about Rs 4,600 crore in Uttar Pradesh; Anandapuram-Pendurthi-Anakapalli section of NH16 developed at a cost of about Rs 2,950 crore in Andhra Pradesh; Kiratpur to Nerchowk section of NH-21 (2 packages) worth around Rs 3,400 crore in Himachal Pradesh and Dobaspet-Heskote section (two packages) worth Rs 2,750 crore in Karnataka along with 42 other projects worth Rs 20,500 crore in different states. Prime Minister Modi will also lay the foundation stone for various National Highway projects across the country. Major projects for which the foundation stone will be laid include 14 packages of Bengaluru-Kadappa-Vijayawada Expressway worth Rs 14,000 crore in Andhra Pradesh; six packages of Belgaum-Hungund-Raichur Section of NH-748A worth Rs 8,000 crore in Karnataka; three packages of Shamli-Ambala Highway worth Rs 4,900 crore in Haryana and two packages of Amritsar-Bathinda corridor worth Rs 3,800 crore in Punjab along with 39 other projects worth Rs. 32,700 crore in different states. These projects will significantly contribute towards the growth of the national highway network as well as help boost socio-economic growth, enhance job opportunities and promote trade and commerce in regions across the country, the statement said.

devdiscourse 10 Mar 2024 7:57 pm

'Rail roko' protest: Farmers squat on rail tracks in Punjab

CHANDIGARH: Farmers on Sunday squatted on railway tracks at many places in Punjab as part of a 'rail roko' protest called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha to press the Centre to accept their demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP). Farmers raised slogans against the Centre for not accepting their demands. Because of the disruption of train services, passengers will experience inconvenience. The protest will be held from 12 noon till 4 pm. In Punjab, farmers had announced that they would sit on railway tracks at 52 locations in 22 districts, including Amritsar, Ludhiana, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Firozpur, Fazilka, Sangrur, Mansa, Moga and Bathinda. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher asked people to join the protest in large numbers. Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan), BKU (Dakaunda-Dhaner) and Krantikari Kisan Union, farmer bodies which are part of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, are also participating in the 'rail roko' agitation. Farmers protests: Tractor march in Haryana; dharnas outside residences of three Punjab BJP leaders The SKM, which had spearheaded the farmers' 2020-21 agitation, is not part of the 'Delhi Chalo' protest but has extended its support to the ongoing farmers' agitation at Shambhu and Khanauri points on the Punjab-Haryana border. The SKM (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mukti Morcha are spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' march to press the government to accept their demands. Besides a legal guarantee of MSP, the farmers are demanding the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013 and compensation to the families of the farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21. The protesting farmers from Punjab have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13, when security forces stopped them from marching towards Delhi. The farmer leaders have rejected the Centre's proposal for procurement of pulses, maize and cotton at the MSP by government agencies for five years, saying it was not in farmers' favour. Our voice curtailed more & more everyday: Haravoo on farmers' protest docu dropped from film festival

The New Indian Express 10 Mar 2024 2:53 pm

Two held in Rajasthan with 70 gm heroin

Jaipur, March 9 (IANS) Two persons on Saturday were arrested in Rajasthans Pilibanga town, the police said, adding 70 gm of heroin was seized from their possession. The arrested individuals were identified as Jajwinder Singh and Baljindra Singh residents of Punjabs Bathinda district. Superintendent of Police, Vikas Sangwan, said that a special anti-drug abuse []

bhaskarlive 9 Mar 2024 11:48 pm

HC orders judicial probe into farmers death on Punjab-Haryana border

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday ordered a judicial inquiry into the death of 22-year-old farmer Shubhkaran Singh, who lost his life at the Punjab-Haryana border in alleged police firing. A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Lapita Banerji was hearing pleas regarding farmers protest on the killing of the young farmer. The bench also constituted a three-member panel comprising a retired High Court judge and two ADGP-rank officers from Haryana and Punjab to probe the matter. Investigations cannot be given to Punjab or Haryana for obvious reasons, the bench observed orally. The bench questioned Haryana on the kind of bullets and pellets used on protesters before observing that the death was a case of excess police force. Advocate Udhay Partap Singh, who is also the petitioner in the case, said that the court ordered the judicial probe into the death of Shubhkaran Singh. The probe will be conducted by a retired high court judge and two Additional DGP rank officers from Punjab and Haryana, he said. Reacting to the high court orders, the Leader of the Opposition in Punjab Partap Singh Bajwa said that the prime focus of the committee would be to find out the jurisdiction in which Shubhkarans death took place. It would also investigate the type of weapon used in the killing of the young farmer. The AAP government is still attempting to establish that Singhs death occurred in the jurisdiction of the Garhi police station of the Jind district of Haryana. However, the narrative failed to convince the division bench. Killed during protest A native of Bathinda, Shubhkaran was killed and 12 police personnel injured in clashes at Khanauri border point on the Punjab-Haryana border on February 21. The incident took place when some protesting farmers were trying to head towards barricades.

The New Indian Express 8 Mar 2024 7:33 am

HC says 'sad state of affairs' on armed youngsters, children in farmers' protest; forms panel to probe farmer's death

HC says 'sad state of affairs' on armed youngsters, children in farmers' protest; forms panel to probe farmer's death The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday formed a panel headed by a retired HC judge to probe farmer Shubhkaran Singh's death during a clash between protesting farmers and Haryana security personnel. It also expressed anguish that youngsters were seen with weapons and women and children were ''paraded in the front'' during the protest. A division bench of Acting Chief Justice G S Sandhawalia and Justice Lapita Banerji, which was hearing petitions on the farmers' agitation, said that ''it was a sad state of affairs'' that youngsters were ''armed with lathis and at certain places with swords and spears and sharp-edged weapons'' and children were ''being exposed to violence''. The bench formed the committee headed by retired HC judge Jaishree Thakur to inquire into the various aspects of the case, saying the investigation regarding the death of Subhkaran, 21, cannot be entrusted solely either to Punjab or to Haryana for ''reasons obvious as both states have several things to cover up''. The committee will be assisted by Additional Director General of Police (Punjab) Promod Ban and ADGP (Haryana) Amitabh Singh Dhillon, according to the order. Shubhkaran, a native of Bathinda, was killed and 12 police personnel injured in clashes at Khanauri border point on the Punjab-Haryana border on February 21. The incident took place when some protesting farmers were trying to head towards barricades and were stopped by security personnel from crossing the state border and marching to Delhi. ''In such circumstances, we are of the considered opinion that the matter needs to be supervised by a Committee headed by a retired judge of this court,'' said the court. ''The committee will give a report as to whether which of the police authorities will have jurisdiction to investigate the death of Subhkaran since the place of occurrence and the death firstly has to be confirmed as one state is shirking its responsibilities whereas the other is yearning to get its hands on the investigation,'' according to the order. The cause of death of Subhkaran and from which type of weapon the bullet/pellet emanated would also be within the domain of the committee, said the order. The committee shall also examine the issue of whether the use of force was commensurate with the situation and give its report, it said. The issue of compensation to be awarded on account of the death of Subhkaran shall also be worked on. After the Haryana government showed some pictures of the protesting gatherings showing the presence of some children and women, the court said it was a sad state of affairs that children who should be studying were being exposed to violence. ''Counsel for the State of Haryana has also handed over photographs of the gathering on the various dates i.e. 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st of February, 2024 which rather go on to show that apart from the younger elements which were armed with lathis and at certain places with swords and spears and sharp-edged weapons, they were also accompanied by women and unfortunately even children were paraded in the front. ''The claim of the counsel espousing the cause of the farmers also, after perusing the photographs which are taken on record, can be seriously doubted. ''It is a sad state of affairs that children who should be studying at the schools are being taught and are being exposed to violence when they are not supposed to be. ''Young minds being exposed to violent acts would lead to have a damaging effect on the psychology of such children and apart from that the threat of being injured on account of stone pelting which was taking place in the apparent riot-like situation,' said the order. The court ordered that both Punjab and Haryana will provide all facilities to the retired HC judge and the officers shall provide full assistance to her. ''It will be the discretion of the retired judge where to hold the meetings and make site visits in order to ascertain the responsibilities which have been fixed. The state of Haryana shall provide the necessary conveyance facility, it said. The exercise is to be completed within a month, according to the order. The said retired judge will be paid remuneration of Rs 5 lakh for the period of each month which will be shared equally by both the states. ''Both the states shall also ensure that adequate security by way of one PSO each is provided to the retired high court judge,'' it said. The court has fixed April 10 as the next date of hearing. The Punjab government has already registered a murder case in a Zero FIR in the matter. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' march to press the government to accept their demands, including a legal guarantee for minimum support price for crops and a farm loan waiver. The protesting farmers have been staying at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana after their ''Delhi Chalo'' march was stopped by the security forces.

devdiscourse 7 Mar 2024 11:34 pm

Punjab Budget focuses on health, education

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year, totalling Rs 2,04,918 crore, was presented on Tuesday without the introduction of any new taxes. The budget prioritises education, featuring special proposals for Schools of Brilliance and Schools of Happiness. Health is another significant focus, though the anticipated financial assistance of Rs 1,000 for women above 18 years of age was not announced due to the states challenging fiscal situation. The budget encompasses numerous new initiatives, including the transformation of 100 government senior secondary schools into Schools of Brilliance and 100 primary government schools into Schools of Happiness. Cheema said that the government would not impose any new taxes and expects total revenue receipts to be Rs 1,03,936 crore in 2024-25, with Rs 58,900 crore from its own tax revenue. Additionally, the state anticipates receiving Rs 22,041 crore as its share of central taxes and Rs 11,748 crore as grants-in-aid from the Centre. The finance minister announced an allocation of Rs 16,987 crore for the education sector, which represents approximately 11.5% of the total projected expenditure. While presenting the budget, Cheema highlighted that the Aam Aadmi Party government has provided over 40,000 jobs in two years. He also mentioned that Rs 13,784 crore has been allocated to the agriculture sector and Rs 16,987 crore to the education sector. Cheema elaborated on the transformation of 118 government schools into state-of-the-art Schools of Eminence, with 14 such schools already operational. The government has allocated Rs 100 crore for this initiative in the upcoming fiscal year. He further explained the Schools of Brilliance program, aiming to elevate the quality of education and transform rural schools into learning centres for students from grades 6 to 12, with an initial allocation of Rs 10 crore earmarked for this purpose. Moreover, Cheema said that the government plans to transform 100 primary government schools into Schools of Happiness. This program will focus on providing well-ventilated classrooms, dedicated play areas, resource rooms, and activity corners, with a budget of Rs 10 crore allocated for this initiative in the fiscal year 2025. The budget allocates Rs 7,780 crore to cover zero electricity bills for domestic consumers receiving 300 units of free power. The free bus travel facility for women will continue, with a budget of Rs 450 crore allocated. Additionally, Rs 9,388 crore has been set aside for various social welfare schemes, including Rs 5,925 crore for social security pensions. The industry sector received an allocation of Rs 3,367 crore, including subsidies for power consumption. An outlay of Rs 2,695 crore has been earmarked for improving road connectivity. Cheema emphasized the governments success in consolidating the states revenue resources, achieving a 13% annual growth rate in State Own Tax Revenue. He also mentioned that the government has been providing an average of 55 jobs per day. In sports and youth services, Cheema proposed establishing 1,000 sports nurseries across all districts of Punjab for approximately 60,000 sportspersons aged 6 to 17 years. The government has also proposed the Malwa canal project, aiming to reduce reliance on groundwater and optimize the underutilized state share of Beas-Sutlej river water during the Rabi season. The new canal project aims to irrigate approximately 1.78 lakh acres, benefiting farmers in the Bathinda, Faridkot, Muktsar, and Ferozepur districts.

The New Indian Express 6 Mar 2024 7:36 am

Farmers to intensify agitation, plan to stop trains on March 10

Bathinda: Farmers will stop trains across the country from 12 noon to 4 pm on March 10 on the call of Samyukt Kisan Morcha. On March 6, farmers from various states, except Punjab and Haryana, will head towards Delhi via buses, trains and other means. Call for protest in Delhi on March 6 Farmers from [] The post Farmers to intensify agitation, plan to stop trains on March 10 appeared first on Northlines .

The Northlines 4 Mar 2024 11:39 am

Protesters to resume Dilli Chalo march on March 6

Chandigarh, March 3 (IANS) The Dilli Chalo will resume on March 6, protest leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said on Sunday. Pandher said this after the bhog ceremony of a protester, Shubhkaran Singh, in Punjabs Bathinda town. He said both the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political) have decided the farmers across the []

bhaskarlive 4 Mar 2024 12:02 am

Farmer Leaders Give Countrywide Four-hour-long 'Rail Roko' Call for March 10, to Reach Delhi on March 6

The two farmer leaders made the announcement while speaking in Bathinda's Balloh village, the native village of farmer Shubhkaran Singh, who died recently during clashes with the Haryana security personnel in Khanauri

News18 3 Mar 2024 8:09 pm

Opposition Cong MLAs raise farmers' issue, disrupt Punjab governor's speech in Assembly

Opposition Cong MLAs raise farmers' issue, disrupt Punjab governor's speech in Assembly Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit's address to the State Assembly on the opening day of the Budget session on Friday was disrupted by the opposition Congress MLAs who raised the issues of the protesting farmers and resorted to sloganeering. Amid the uproar, Purohit read out a few lines from his address and told the House that the rest of it be treated as read. As soon as the governor began delivering his address, Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring raised the farmers' issue and said that homage should be paid to Shubhkaran Singh, who died during clashes between the protesting farmers and Haryana security personnel. ''It will be good if the governor pays homage to the deceased young farmer,'' Warring said. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said that Haryana has sealed its borders with Punjab. ''You have not been able to protect your farmers,'' he said, drawing the Punjab Governor's attention on the matter. As the Congress members insisted that farmers' issues be discussed first, the governor said, ''I will request the leader of the opposition that you have ample time to discuss these things. As per the agenda and custom, I am supposed to deliver my speech. After my speech, you can raise any issue.'' ''There might be so many serious questions. I agree. But this is the time to deliver my speech. Why you are obstructing? This is not fair. I request you, this house is for debate, you will get ample time,'' Purohit said. The Assembly speaker also requested the Congress MLAs to let the governor complete his address. However, the Congress members kept raising slogans against the Centre, the AAP dispensation in Punjab as well as the Haryana government on the farmers' issue. They also sought the registration of an FIR against Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij for alleged ''atrocities'' against the protesting farmers. At this, the governor said, ''In this situation, it is difficult for me to deliver the speech. As per the rules, I am reading out the first line. This speech may be treated as read.'' While condemning the Haryana Police action against protesting farmers, the Congress MLAs of Punjab also sought registration of FIRs in injuries to farmers during clashes with the Haryana security personnel. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) are spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' march to press the government to accept their demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP for crops and a farm loan waiver. Farmer Shubhkaran (21), was killed and 12 police personnel injured in clashes at Khanauri border point on the Punjab-Haryana border on February 21. The incident took place when some protesting farmers were trying to head towards barricades. Shubhkaran's mortal remains were consigned to flames at his native place in Punjab's Bathinda district on Thursday.

devdiscourse 1 Mar 2024 12:08 pm

Chandigarh Diary | Punjab CM criticises Sunny Deols absence

During a recent Sarkaar Vyapaar Milni programme, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized Gurdaspur BJP Member of Parliament Sunny Deol for his prolonged absence from the constituency. Mann emphasised that politics entails constant service and availability to constituents, rather than adhering to a nine-to-five schedule. He remarked on Deols prolific career in Bollywood, noting the actors penchant for uprooting hand pumps in movies, contrasting it with his lacklustre performance as an MP, where he failed to even facilitate the installation of a hand pump for providing clean water. Harsimrat Kaur raises farmers concerns At the inauguration of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bathinda, Shiromani Akali Dal leader and Member of Parliament from Bathinda, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, raised concerns about the ongoing farmers protests. However, her speech was interrupted by some audience members who objected to her addressing farmers issues, insisting that she focus solely on health and AIIMS in Bathinda. Later, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, speaking virtually, advised Harsimrat that the timing and platform were inappropriate for raising additional demands. Bajwa opposes AAP-Congress alliance Following the seat-sharing agreement between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress in the INDIA bloc, Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, expressed his dissent during a visit to Patiala to meet injured farmers at Government Rajindra Hospital. Bajwa announced his refusal to campaign for AAP candidates in the areas where the Congress and AAP have formed alliances. He stated his longstanding opposition to such alliances. He further declared that he was not willing to campaign or even solicit any votes for any Aam Aadmi Party candidate in Haryana or Delhi. Harpreet Bajwa Our correspondent in Chandigarh hsbajwa73@gmail.com

The New Indian Express 1 Mar 2024 8:43 am

Farmer cremated after cops agree to register murder case

The mortal remains of farmer Shubhkaran Singh (21) were cremated in Punjab's Bathinda district after he died during clashes between protesting farmers and Haryana security personnel. The Punjab police registered a murder case and conducted a post mortem. The clashes occurred during the 'Delhi Chalo' march.

The Economic Times 1 Mar 2024 12:31 am

Punjab Budget session likely to be stormy

Punjab Budget session likely to be stormy The budget session of the Punjab Assembly beginning Friday is likely to witness stormy scenes with opposition parties set to take on the AAP government over a host of issues including farmers' stir, outstanding debt and law and order. The 15-day session will commence with the governor's address on March 1 and there will be a debate on it on March 4. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema will present the 2024-25 state budget on March 5 and a discussion on it will take place on March 6, officials said. Congress leader Raj Kumar Chabbewal said his party will raise the issue of ongoing farmers' protest and the alleged ''inaction'' by the Punjab Police over the Haryana Police's ''atrocities'' on the protesters. The SKM (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) are spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' march to press the government to accept their demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price for crops and a farm loan-waiver. Farmers have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana. Chabbewal raised question over the registration of an FIR against an unknown person in the death of farmer Shubhkaran Singh. Shubhkaran (21), a native of Bathinda, was killed and 12 police personnel were injured in clashes at Khanauri border point on the Punjab-Haryana border on February 21. The incident took place when some protesting farmers were trying to head towards barricades. The Punjab Police Wednesday night registered a murder case at a Patiala police station in the Shubhkaran death case. The Congress has been demanding that the FIR be registered against Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij and security personnel from his state. The Congress leaders have also been criticising the state government for not registering FIR over injuries suffered by farmers during the ongoing protest. Leader of opposition Partap Singh Bajwa also slammed the chief minister, accusing him of failing to protect farmers' interests. ''We will demand from (Chief Minister) Bhagwant Mann that the time has come for him to resign. You cannot protect the interests of Punjab. You are not capable of either defending farmers and or Punjab,'' he alleged. ''It is high time Mann quits on moral grounds.'' Bajwa further said, ''In the House, we will raise all issues like what promises were made to farmers, employees, women by the AAP.'' He said the party will also question the state government over rising debt, drugs and law and order. ''Nobody is feeling safe in the state,'' he claimed. The treasury benches are expected to highlight their achievements including purchase of a private power plant, opening of 'aam aadmi clinics', steps against corruption, setting up of a road safety force and providing citizen-centric services to people at their doorstep.

devdiscourse 29 Feb 2024 9:53 pm

SKM was not in favour of 'Delhi Chalo' call, says farmer leader Pandher

SKM was not in favour of 'Delhi Chalo' call, says farmer leader Pandher Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on Tuesday said several meetings were held with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha over the issue of 'Delhi Chalo' call but it was not in favour of the march to the national capital. Pandher said this while responding to the SKM's claims in the media that it was neither invited nor consulted before deciding about the 'Delhi Chalo' call. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) are spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' march to press the government to accept their demands, including a legal guarantee for a minimum support price (MSP) for crops and farm loan waiver. The SKM, an umbrella body of several farmer unions, is not part of the 'Delhi Chalo' call but it has extending its support to the ongoing stir. The SKM had spearheaded the 2020-21 farmers' agitation against the now-repealed farm laws. Speaking to the media at the Shambhu border, KMM leader Pandher said 13 meetings were held with the SKM and its constituents over the issue of the march. ''When we felt that their positions were not clear, then we held talks in other states and many organisations supported us (for the 'Delhi Chalo' call),'' said Pandher. He further said that the SKM in its statement made on October 10 last year, had said that they had ''nothing to do with the 'Delhi Chalo' call''. Pandher said they wanted the 'Delhi Chalo' agitation to be held in November last year but it got delayed as the SKM did not want the agitation to be held. After talks, when all possibilities to bring the SKM on board ended, then they joined hands with the Jagjit Singh Dallewal-led SKM (Non-Political) for the march, said Pandher. A few days back, the SKM had constituted a six-member panel to hold talks with the SKM (Non-Political) and KMM for fighting unitedly to press the Centre to accept the farmers' demands. Meanwhile, the stalemate between the farmers and the Punjab government continued over the issue of registration of an FIR in Subhkaran Singh's death. Shubhkaran (21), a native of Bathinda, was killed and 12 police personnel injured in clashes at Khanauri border point on the Punjab-Haryana border on February 21. The incident took place when some protesting farmers were trying to head towards barricades. As the farmers are adamant on the registration of the FIR, the post-mortem examination of Shubhkaran has not been conducted yet.

devdiscourse 27 Feb 2024 9:14 pm

Farmer's death: Is Punjab CM Mann 'under pressure' from Centre, asks Cong

Farmer's death: Is Punjab CM Mann 'under pressure' from Centre, asks Cong The Congress on Tuesday slammed Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for not registering an FIR over the death of a farmer in police action at the state border even a week after the incident and asked whether he was ''under pressure'' from the Central government. Leader of Opposition in Punjab Assembly Pratap Singh Bajwa also asked the Central government why social media handles of farmer bodies and associations were being blocked while those spreading hatred against the farmer community were being allowed to spew venom in society. Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters here, Bajwa asked why the Punjab government was not acting against the Haryana Police which was responsible for the ''killing'' of Shubhkaran Singh after a bullet hit him during the farmers' agitation. ''The shocking thing is that today it has been seven-eight days since his death, but till now no FIR has been filed nor a postmortem has been done,'' he said. ''I want to ask Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann why no action has been taken on registering an FIR in the death of Shubhkaran Singh, as he was killed during Haryana police action on protesting farmers at the border. Is the Punjab chief minister under any kind of pressure from the BJP government at the Centre,'' Bajwa said. Shubhkaran Singh (21), a native of Bathinda, was killed in a clash in Khanauri when some protesters tried to head towards the barricades erected by security personnel. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' march to press the government to accept their demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops and a farm loan waiver. Bajwa said that during the farmers' movement against now-repealed farm laws in 2020-21, the Modi government had promised to implement MSP for crops. But sadly, even after three years, no such notification was issued and that is why the farmers want to come to Delhi to demand their rights, he said. The Congress leader also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited France President Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations. Farmers' protests are also going on in France, where President Macron himself met the protesters and listened to their demands, he said, adding that ''the Modi government should learn something from him''. Bajwa said the Congress expresses full solidarity with the protesting farmers and seeks action into the ''killing'' of the farmer at the Punjab's border. The Congress leader said the situation was quite sensitive in Punjab and the Centre was ''callously indifferent'' towards farmers and their demands. He accused the Haryana Police of using aggressive brute force against the farmers, asserting that the protesters had not crossed the Haryana border. He said despite that the Haryana Police lobbed teargas shells and fired pellets leading to injury to about 300 farmers. Referring to the death of Shubhkaran Singh, Bajwa said while the farmer was talking over the phone, he suffered a ''gun or a pistol shot'' from behind. ''But, even after a week, no FIR has been registered so far in the incident nor has any postmortem been conducted,'' Bajwa said, regretting that Mann has also not taken any action despite ''clear breach of Punjab's jurisdiction'' by the Haryana Police. The Congress leader said that the prime minister had not expressed any regret over the incident. He said the deceased farmer owned just two acres of land and had Rs 20 lakh in debt. Bajwa also condemned the attempts by some people on social media to describe the protesting farmers as anti-nationals. The Congress leader said Punjab is known primarily for defence services and farming, adding that now both of these have been made to suffer. While the farmers are facing distress, the Agniveer scheme has affected the youth who wanted to join the military, Bajwa said. He said that three Agniveers had laid down their lives for the country. When their bodies reached their native villages, there was no military honour for them, he added. Bajwa said experts have warned that if the current paddy-wheat cycle continues in Punjab, the water table will drop to an alarming level so much that the state is feared to turn into a desert in another 10-12 years. Besides, the use of pesticides and fertilisers to boost the production has led to spread of cancer in the state, he claimed.

devdiscourse 27 Feb 2024 9:12 pm

PM Modi to inaugurate six AIIMS hospitals in next six days: AIIMS Vijaypur in Jammu to be launched today; details here

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate six new AIIMS in Samba, Rae Bareli, Rajkot, Mangalagiri, Bathinda, Kalyani as part of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana. He will also inaugurate medical and nursing colleges, health facilities, ICMR labs, National Health Mission projects, and advanced food safety infrastructure projects.

The Times of India 20 Feb 2024 8:28 am