The Punjab government has intensified its efforts to ensure the safety of schoolchildren by carrying out statewide inspections of school buses under the Safe School Vehicle Policy. The initiative aims to ensure that vehicles transporting students comply with prescribed safety standards.

Bhagwant Mann government tightens school bus safety checks

Sharing the details, Cabinet Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said authorities have so far inspected 1,842 school buses across Punjab as part of the ongoing enforcement drive. The inspections are being conducted to verify compliance with safety norms and identify violations that could put students at risk.

1,842 vehicles inspected across Punjab

During the checking campaign, officials issued 526 challans against vehicles found violating safety regulations. In addition, three school buses were seized for serious violations, reflecting the government’s zero-tolerance approach towards lapses in student transportation safety.

The minister said the inspection drive is focused on ensuring that school buses are equipped with mandatory safety features, possess valid documents and are operated in accordance with transport regulations. Drivers and vehicle operators are also being reminded to strictly follow road safety norms while transporting children.

According to the government, the campaign will continue across the state with regular inspections to improve accountability among school transport operators. Authorities have urged educational institutions to ensure that all school vehicles comply with safety guidelines before being put into service.

The Punjab government said the initiative reflects its commitment to providing a safe commuting environment for students and preventing accidents through strict enforcement of transport rules. Officials added that similar drives will continue in the coming months to further strengthen school transportation safety across the state.

Bhagwant Mann on Monday continued its anti-drug campaign, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, by carrying out statewide operations against drug trafficking networks. As part of Day 492 of the campaign, police arrested 152 alleged drug smugglers from different parts of the state.

Bhagwant Mann arrests 152 drug smugglers on Day 492

During the operation, police recovered 15.6 kg of heroin, 499 intoxicant pills and ₹5,350 in suspected drug money from those arrested. The seizures were made during raids and checking operations conducted by teams across Punjab.

‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign

Apart from enforcement action, the campaign also focused on rehabilitation. Punjab Police said five individuals were counselled and persuaded to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment as part of efforts to reduce drug dependence and reintegrate affected individuals into society.

The anti-drug drive is being carried out by the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in coordination with district police units. Authorities said regular intelligence-based operations are being conducted to identify drug suppliers, dismantle trafficking networks and curb the illegal narcotics trade across the state.

Punjab Police reiterated its commitment to taking strict action against drug smugglers while simultaneously promoting rehabilitation for individuals battling addiction. The force said both law enforcement and de-addiction initiatives remain key pillars of the state’s strategy to tackle the drug menace.

Officials added that the campaign will continue with sustained raids, surveillance and public participation to strengthen efforts against narcotics-related crimes and ensure a safer, drug-free Punjab.

Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the Bhagwant Mann-led government is strengthening the state’s sporting ecosystem by developing modern playgrounds in villages. He said the initiative aims to revive Punjab’s rich sporting legacy while encouraging greater participation in sports among children and youth.

Bhagwant Mann government highlights push for modern sports infrastructure

According to the minister, the construction of modern sports grounds will provide young athletes with better infrastructure and opportunities to hone their skills at the grassroots level. He said improved facilities will help identify and nurture sporting talent from rural areas.

The minister noted that creating sports infrastructure at the grassroots level

Dr Balbir Singh added that these playgrounds are expected to serve as training grounds for future national and international champions. He said access to quality sports infrastructure at the village level will motivate more children to pursue sports alongside their education.

The minister noted that creating sports infrastructure at the grassroots level is an important step towards encouraging children to adopt an active lifestyle from an early age. He said regular participation in sports not only improves physical fitness but also instils discipline, teamwork, confidence and leadership qualities among youngsters.

He further said that the government’s focus is on ensuring that children, irrespective of their background or place of residence, have access to quality sporting facilities. Better infrastructure in villages will reduce the need for aspiring athletes to travel long distances for practice and training.

Dr Balbir Singh also stressed that Punjab has a long history of producing outstanding athletes who have represented India on national and international platforms. By investing in modern playgrounds and sports infrastructure, the government hopes to create an environment where more young talent can emerge and compete at the highest level.

The minister said the initiative is part of the state government’s broader vision to promote youth development through sports. Along with improving infrastructure, the government aims to encourage greater participation in various sporting disciplines, helping build a healthier and more competitive generation while reinforcing Punjab’s reputation as a powerhouse of Indian sports.