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Hemant Soren Pays Tribute to Guva Firing Martyrs, Recalls Jharkhand’s Struggle for Rights

By
Neha Kumari
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Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren paid tribute to the martyrs of the Guva firing incident and other heroes of the state’s movement, recalling their sacrifices in the struggle for water, forests, land and the rights of Jharkhand’s people.

Hemant Soren Pays Tribute to Guva Firing Martyrs

In a message, Soren described Jharkhand as a land that has historically witnessed struggles by its people to protect their rights, identity and natural resources. He remembered the martyrs of the Guva firing as well as the many men and women associated with the Jharkhand movement.

Recalls Jharkhand’s Struggle for Rights

Soren said that although many of those who fought for the rights of Jharkhand and its people are no longer alive, their struggle, sacrifices and aspirations continue to remain relevant. He emphasised that the legacy of these heroes would continue to inspire future generations.

The Chief Minister paid his respects to the martyrs of the Guva firing along with all other heroes who sacrificed their lives in the state’s various struggles. He described their contribution as an enduring part of Jharkhand’s history and identity.

The statement also highlighted the broader significance of the state’s movements, particularly the long-standing demand for recognition of Jharkhand’s distinct identity and the protection of its land and natural resources.

Soren concluded his tribute by remembering the martyrs of Guva and Jharkhand and reaffirming their enduring place in the collective memory of the state.

Anurag Dhanda Questions BJP Over SIR Process, Says Election Commission Responsible for Voter Roll Exercise

By
Neha Kumari
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Anurag -Dhanda
Google

AAP national media in-charge Anurag Dhanda has raised questions over the ongoing discussion surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that the process is being misused for political purposes.

Anurag Dhanda Questions BJP Over SIR Process

Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Dhanda claimed that there was a lack of transparency in the process and alleged that names could be added or removed from electoral rolls without following the required procedures.

Election Commission Responsible for Voter Roll Exercise

Dhanda alleged that the BJP was using its political influence during the SIR exercise and questioned whether established requirements and procedures were being properly followed. He called for greater scrutiny of the process and its implementation.

The AAP leader also referred to a recent statement by party leader Raghav Chadha, who had alleged that his name had been deleted from the voter list in Punjab. Dhanda said the Punjab government had no role in the matter.

According to Dhanda, the revision of electoral rolls is an exercise undertaken by the Election Commission of India, rather than the state government. He said this distinction was important while discussing allegations concerning deletion or addition of names in electoral rolls.

Dhanda also pointed to what he described as contradictions in the political debate over SIR. He argued that responsibility for the electoral roll revision should be attributed to the institution conducting the exercise.

The AAP leader’s remarks come amid a wider political debate over the SIR process and concerns regarding the inclusion and deletion of names from electoral rolls. Opposition parties have raised questions over the manner in which the revision is being conducted, while the Election Commission has maintained that electoral roll revision is part of its constitutional mandate.

Bhagwant Mann Conducts 558 Raids, Arrests 311 in Statewide Gangster Crackdown

By
Neha Kumari
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Bhagwant- Mann
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Bhagwant Mann, in coordination with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab, has intensified its statewide operation against gangster networks, conducting 558 targeted raids and arresting 311 individuals as part of the ongoing ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign.

Bhagwant Mann Conducts 558 Raids

According to Punjab Police, the latest operation involved raids at identified and mapped locations across the state as authorities continued efforts to disrupt organised criminal networks.

Arrests 311 in Statewide Gangster Crackdown

During the operation, police also apprehended five proclaimed offenders and recovered two weapons, according to the department’s update.

The latest figures have taken the total number of arrests made since the launch of the campaign to 68,699, highlighting the scale of the police operation against gangster-linked activities.

The Punjab Police said the coordinated action with AGTF is focused on identifying and dismantling criminal networks and taking action against individuals involved in gangster-related activities.

The targeted raids were carried out across multiple locations as part of the continued statewide strategy. Police said such operations are intended to strengthen enforcement against organised crime and prevent criminal networks from expanding their activities.

The department reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order and creating a safer environment for residents across Punjab.

Punjab Police has also appealed to citizens to share information related to gangster activities. The department said information can be provided anonymously through its Anti-Gangster Helpline at 93946-93946.

CM Yogi Adityanath to Give Fresh Push to UP Textile Sector and Women-Led Empowerment Initiatives

By
Neha Kumari
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CM- Yogi -Adityanath
Google

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath is set to launch a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening the textile sector, supporting weavers and promoting empowerment and self-reliance across the state. The programmes will be held in Lucknow and Ayodhya, with a focus on employment, investment, skills and social welfare.

CM Yogi Adityanath to Give Fresh Push to UP Textile Sector

The Chief Minister said the two-day UP Textile Conclave-2026 in Lucknow will mark an important step towards developing Uttar Pradesh as a global textile industry hub. The conclave will bring attention to the state’s established textile traditions while focusing on modern opportunities for investment and entrepreneurship.

Textile Sector and Women-Led Empowerment Initiatives

Among the initiatives to be highlighted is the ‘UP Textile Mitra’ portal, along with schemes aimed at improving the welfare of weavers, strengthening skill development and encouraging investment and enterprise in the textile sector.

The initiatives are intended to connect Uttar Pradesh’s rich textile heritage with modern capabilities and emerging opportunities. The government is seeking to create an ecosystem that can support artisans, weavers, entrepreneurs and investors while expanding the state’s position in the textile industry.

The programme will also focus on skill development, which is expected to play a key role in helping workers and young people adapt to changing requirements in the textile sector.

Meanwhile, in Ayodhya, a separate programme will focus on recognising contributions in the field of child and community welfare. Anganwadi workers, helpers, meritorious children and outstanding supervisors will be honoured during the event.

Under Bhagwant Mann Leadership Harpal Cheema Says Singapore, Finland Training Is Strengthening Punjab’s Education System

By
Neha Kumari
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Bhagwant- Mann
Google

Bhagwant Mann Punjab Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has highlighted the role of teachers who received modern training in Singapore and Finland, saying their efforts are helping bring renewed confidence to the state’s education system.

Under Bhagwant Mann Leadership Harpal Cheema Says Singapore

Cheema said the exposure to international teaching practices has helped teachers adopt new approaches in classrooms and contribute to a more positive learning environment for students across Punjab.

Finland Training Is Strengthening Punjab’s Education System

According to the minister, schools are increasingly becoming spaces where children feel encouraged to learn, express themselves and pursue their aspirations rather than viewing education as a source of fear or pressure.

He pointed to the enthusiasm shown by students to sit in the front rows of classrooms as an encouraging sign. Cheema said such enthusiasm reflects the impact that dedicated and motivated teachers can have on students.

The minister emphasised that when teachers work with commitment and dedication, the transformation goes beyond individual classrooms and can influence the overall atmosphere of a school.

He expressed pride in the efforts of Punjab’s teachers and the dedication demonstrated by students towards their education.

Cheema’s remarks underline the Punjab government’s focus on improving teaching standards and providing students with a more engaging and supportive educational environment.

The emphasis on international teacher training is also aimed at exposing educators to modern pedagogical methods and practices that can potentially be adapted to the needs of students in Punjab.

CM Yogi Adityanath Calls for Education to Reach Every Section of Society on World Literacy Day

By
Neha Kumari
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CM- Yogi -Adityanath
Google

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath extended his greetings to the people of the state on World Literacy Day, emphasising that literacy is not limited to basic reading and writing skills but also plays an important role in empowerment and creating new opportunities.

CM Yogi Adityanath Calls for Education to Reach Every Section of Society

In his message, Yogi Adityanath said education opens the way towards a more dignified life and enables people to access better opportunities for personal and social development.

Every Section of Society on World Literacy Day

The Chief Minister called upon people to collectively work towards taking the benefits of education to the last person in society. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the light of education reaches those who remain outside the formal learning system.

Yogi Adityanath’s message highlighted literacy as an important tool for social empowerment. Beyond acquiring basic knowledge, education can help individuals become more aware of their rights, responsibilities and available opportunities.

He also linked literacy with dignity, suggesting that access to education can contribute to improving the quality of life and strengthening people’s ability to participate more effectively in society.

World Literacy Day is observed globally to underline the importance of literacy and promote efforts to expand access to education. The occasion also draws attention to the need for inclusive learning opportunities for people from different sections of society.

The Uttar Pradesh government has continued to emphasise education and skill development as important areas of public policy. Yogi Adityanath’s message on the occasion reiterated the need for collective efforts to make education accessible to everyone.

Bhagwant Mann Government’s Women Welfare Scheme Aims to Empower Daughters

By
Neha Kumari
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Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr Balbir Singh has highlighted the impact of the ‘Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana’, saying the financial assistance provided by the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government is bringing meaningful changes to the lives of women.

Bhagwant Mann Government’s Women Welfare Scheme 

According to Dr Balbir Singh, the financial support offered under the scheme is intended to strengthen women’s economic independence and help families provide better opportunities to their daughters.

Welfare Scheme Aims to Empower Daughters

He said the assistance can make it easier for daughters to continue their education and work towards becoming financially independent. The initiative, he added, is aimed at creating conditions where women can pursue their aspirations without having to depend entirely on others for financial support.

The minister said empowering women through financial assistance can have a wider impact on families and communities. Better access to resources, he noted, can help young women focus on education and build a more secure future for themselves.

Dr Balbir Singh also emphasised the importance of enabling daughters to achieve their goals with dignity and confidence. He said the scheme seeks to provide support that can help women move towards greater self-reliance.

The Aam Aadmi Party said women beneficiaries have expressed appreciation for the initiative and thanked the Mann government for introducing measures focused on their welfare and empowerment.

The scheme has been presented by the Punjab government as part of its broader efforts to support women and strengthen social welfare initiatives in the state.

“Our son is gone, but his eyes will still see”: Ultimate sacrifice by a family shattered by the Satya Niketan building collapse

By
Purnima Jain
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Satya- Niketan- Building- Collapse
Google

Satya Niketan Building Collapse: Arpit Jai had returned to Delhi just hours before the tragedy struck, having spent time with his family back home in Madhya Pradesh. He was staying at Hostel Daze, a PG accommodation in Satya Niketan that housed several Delhi University students. When the five-storey building came crashing down on Sunday afternoon, Arpit was among those trapped in the debris, and he could not be saved.

A Mother’s Unbearable Grief

The loss has devastated Arpit’s family. When his mother arrived to identify his body, the shock overwhelmed her, and she fainted on the spot, requiring immediate admission to AIIMS for treatment. For a family that had just welcomed their son home for a festival, the sudden reversal into grief has been almost impossible to process.

Choosing To Give Sight In The Darkest Hour

Even as they struggled with their loss, Arpit’s family chose to donate his corneas, a decision that will allow another person to see. It is a gesture that reflects extraordinary strength, turning a moment of profound personal tragedy into a source of hope for someone else’s family.

Not An Isolated Story Of Loss

Satya Niketan Building Collapse: Arpit was not alone in leaving behind a family whose lives changed forever in an instant. Fellow student Akshat Singh Yadav, just 17, also died in the collapse. His father recalled his son’s last words to him before he left home, a simple promise to make him proud one day, a promise tragically cut short.

As investigations, audits and political demands continue in the aftermath of the Satya Niketan collapse, stories like Arpit’s are a reminder that behind every statistic is a family whose world has been upended. His family’s decision to donate his corneas stands as a quiet act of grace amid overwhelming grief.

Satya Niketan Building Collapse Brings Delhi’s Student Housing Crisis Into Focus, CJP Demands Audits, Hostels and Stronger Enforcement

By
Purnima Jain
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Satya -Niketan- Building -Collapse
Google

Satya Niketan Building Collapse: The collapse occurred around 1:30 pm on September 6 at a privately run boys’ hostel in Satya Niketan, an area densely packed with paying guest accommodations catering to Delhi University’s South Campus students. The building was reportedly undergoing repair work at the time, with around 15 rooms each housing two to three students. Local residents said they began pulling survivors from the rubble with their bare hands even before emergency services arrived.

CJP Demands A Probe Into The “PG Mafia”

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the investigation must go beyond the building’s owner and examine what he called the wider “PG mafia” operating in student hubs like Satya Niketan. He called for a full criminal probe into any nexus between property owners, politicians and other influential figures, arguing that unsafe housing has persisted for years because enforcement has been repeatedly compromised.

Seven-Point Charter Of Demands

The party’s demands include time-bound, engineering-grade structural audits of student accommodations, schools and colleges, along with sealing of illegal constructions and penalties for violating owners. CJP also wants the government to publish, within 48 hours, all records from the 13 district committees formed after an earlier building collapse in Hauz Rani, including whether Satya Niketan itself had ever been surveyed. 

Compensation And Accountability Sought

CJP has demanded ₹1 crore in compensation for the families of each deceased victim and ₹20 lakh for the injured. It has also called for direct ministerial accountability, naming Delhi’s Urban Development, Planning and Education Minister Ashish Sood.

In the aftermath, the Delhi High Court ordered a high-level MCD inquiry, and five MCD officials have already been suspended amid mounting scrutiny of building-safety enforcement in the area. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke also criticised the political response to the tragedy, questioning why student housing safety received so little attention despite recent high-profile visits to Delhi University.

’Orwellian Dystopia’ Noida DM Draws Allahabad High Court’s Ire, Student Detention Case Raises Serious Questions Over Bureaucratic Powers

By
Purnima Jain
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Noida- DM
Google

Ruling on the case of 25-year-old Aakriti Chaudhary, a Delhi University graduate and activist, along with 65-year-old journalist-activist Satyam Verma, the Allahabad High Court quashed their detention under the stringent National Security Act. Both had been detained in connection with the April workers’ protest in Noida, with police alleging Chaudhary had instigated violence during the demonstrations.

“Worthy Of Derision,” Says The Bench

A bench of Justices Atul Sreedharan and Achal Sachdev did not hold back in its assessment of DM Medha Roopam’s conduct, calling it “worthy of derision” and holding her “guilty of violating her oath of allegiance.” The court said this made it a fit case for imposing compensation on the petitioner, to be recovered from the officers responsible rather than the state exchequer.

Warning Against Bureaucratic Excess

The court held that where a police report contains only allegations without credible supporting material, a District Magistrate is expected to examine the record “threadbare” before invoking a law as stringent as the NSA. It noted that Chaudhary was a student activist with no prior criminal record and that nothing on record showed she had incited violence. The bench warned starkly that unchecked bureaucratic overreach could soon turn Uttar Pradesh into an “Orwellian Dystopia.”

Discrepancies In Arrest Timeline

The judges also flagged serious inconsistencies in the police’s account of Chaudhary’s arrest. Evidence suggested she was actually taken into custody at the Botanical Garden metro station on April 11, not April 12 as the police later claimed in court. This contradiction added to the court’s concerns about due process being sidestepped in the case.

The bench firmly defended the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, observing that preventing people from gathering in public spaces over an assumed breach of peace would amount to “throwing the baby out with the bath water.”

Mirzapur The Movie Box Office Collection Day 4: OTT Se Big Screen Tak Ka Safar Kamyab, Mirzapur Bani 2026 Ki Sabse Badi Blockbuster?

By
Purnima Jain
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Mirzapur- The- Movie- Box- Office- Collection- Day- 4
Google

Mirzapur The Movie Box Office Collection Day 4: After a spectacular opening weekend, the real test for any big-ticket release comes on the first Monday, when the festive crowd thins out, and only genuine word-of-mouth carries the film forward. Mirzapur The Movie collected ₹15.50 crore net on Day 4, a drop of nearly 57 per cent from Sunday’s ₹36 crore, which is considered a fairly standard dip for films transitioning from weekend to weekday. Importantly, the film held firm above double digits, a clear sign of sustained audience interest.

Day-Wise Journey So Far

The film’s box office run has been a steady climb since its Friday release. It opened at ₹25.75 crore, becoming Excel Entertainment‘s biggest opener ever, then rose to ₹32 crore on Saturday and peaked at ₹36 crore on Sunday. With Monday’s addition, the four-day India net collection now stands at ₹109.25 crore, while the India gross collection has touched ₹130.97 crore.

From OTT Throne To Big Screen Glory

Much of the film’s success lies in its unique journey from streaming to theatres. The Mirzapur franchise built a massive fan base over multiple seasons on Amazon Prime Video, and that loyalty has clearly walked into cinema halls. Directed by Gurmmeet Singh in his feature debut, the film reunites the original cast, including Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyenndu, Ravi Kishan, Rasika Dugal and Shweta Tripathi, giving fans the big-screen showdown between Kaleen Bhaiya and Guddu Pandit they had long awaited.

Worldwide Numbers Paint A Bigger Picture

Beyond India, the film continues to perform strongly overseas, pushing its worldwide gross past the ₹150 crore mark to ₹153.47 crore in just four days. This global pull, combined with its reported budget of around ₹250 crore, suggests the film still has a long way to go before recovering costs, but the current trajectory remains promising.

Can It Become 2026’s Biggest Blockbuster?

Mirzapur The Movie Box Office Collection Day 4: With momentum still strong and advance bookings for Tuesday already crossing ₹6.80 crore, trade watchers are increasingly optimistic about the film’s long-term prospects. Whether Mirzapur The Movie can go on to become the biggest Hindi blockbuster of 2026 will depend on how well it holds through the coming weekdays and its second weekend, but its start has certainly set a high benchmark for franchise-driven theatrical releases.

Anger and Grief After Pioneering Manipuri Musician Beaten to Death in Delhi Over Trivial Issue, Check

By
Purnima Jain
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Manipuri- Musician
Google

Vikram Singh stepped out of his third-floor apartment in Kilokari village after hearing loud shouting and noticed a group of men drinking alcohol and creating a ruckus outside. When he asked them to lower the noise, the situation turned violent within moments. The group allegedly rained blows and punches on him, leaving him with severe injuries. His son, Yaiphaba, rushed him to Holy Family Hospital, where doctors attributed his death to haemorrhagic shock caused by blunt-force trauma.

Who Was Vikram Singh

A recognised guitarist from Manipur belonging to the Meitei community, Singh had lived and worked as a private music teacher in Delhi for the past 17 years. He shared his home with his wife, Joshna Chongtham, and son. Singh was widely respected within Delhi‘s Northeast community for his contribution to music and mentorship of young students.

Arrests And Investigation

The Sunlight Colony police station registered a murder case after receiving a PCR call about the incident. Seven men, identified as Bharat Kumar, Pramod, Ramzan Khan, Deepanshu, Mohan Vishwakarma, Vijay and Mannu, along with a minor, were arrested. The accused reportedly worked as delivery agents and staff at nearby dhabas and food stalls in the area.

Community And Political Reaction

The North East Students’ Society, Delhi University (NESSDU) condoled Singh’s death, calling him a “respected Manipuri musician” and demanding a swift, fair and thorough investigation. Congress leader Pawan Khera blamed the government for fostering a “culture of impunity” around public nuisance and unchecked noise, arguing that years of lax enforcement created conditions for such violence.

Grief Over A Senseless Loss

Singh’s death has sparked widespread anger, with many pointing to it as another example of unchecked street violence in the capital. As investigators piece together the sequence of events, his family and community continue to mourn a man remembered for his talent, patience and decades of quiet service to music education in Delhi.

Request to Keep Women Out of Sight During Hindu Group Visit Triggers Staff Uprising, Eiffel Tower Operations Comes to a Standstill

By
Purnima Jain
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Eiffel- Tower
Google

Eiffel Tower: The controversy began on Saturday when around 100 members of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a Hindu spiritual movement, made a private visit to the Eiffel Tower. According to union representative Diane Davoine, female staff were asked to leave their workstations so that male colleagues could take their places as the delegation passed through.

Staff Anger Boils Over Into A Strike

Tensions built through the weekend, and by Monday, employees called a meeting that led to a full walkout, shutting the monument for the day. In a strongly worded statement, staff condemned what they called professional instructions that led to female employees being “sidelined, replaced and made invisible” because of their sex.

Management Admits Fault

SETE, the company operating the tower, confirmed that the delegation had asked for the visit to be arranged in a way that limited interactions with women, and admitted plainly that “these conditions should not have been accepted.” The company said the arrangement did not align with its values or the principle of equality.

Political Backlash Follows

The incident drew sharp criticism from French officials. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire called the exclusion of female workers “unacceptable” and said an investigation would begin as soon as possible. France’s Equality Minister Aurore Berge reacted angrily as well, stating that no religion stands above the law.

BAPS Responds With An Apology

Eiffel Tower: The BAPS Hindu temple in Paris issued a statement saying it took the concerns “very seriously” and apologised for any pain or inconvenience caused. The episode has nonetheless reignited debate in France over religious accommodation, workplace equality and the boundaries between private events and public institutions.

Aman Arora Woos UAE Investors at Dubai Summit; Assures Seamless Clearances, Robust Infra & Full Support

By
Harsh
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Punjab News

In a major outreach to attract global capital and boost industrial development as envisioned by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Mr Aman Arora on Monday met H.E. Abdulla Ahmed Al Suwaidi, Secretary General of the UAE International Investment Council (UAEIIC), on the sidelines of the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) in Dubai to discuss expansive opportunities for mobilising investments into the state.

During the the meeting, the Industries Minister discussed with H.E. Abdulla Ahmed Al Suwaidi about Punjab’s vast economic potential and invited UAE investors to tap into high-growth sectors through government, semi-government and private sector partnerships.

Reiterating the state government’s resolve, Mr Aman Arora assured the UAEIIC of complete administrative support, handholding and logistical facilitation from the Punjab Government for global enterprises seeking to set up or expand operations in the state. He emphasised that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab is keen to build long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships with UAE-based investors and institutional funds.

Highlighting the state’s investor-centric reforms, the Minister underscored the ease of doing business facilitated through ‘Invest Punjab’—the state’s unified single-window platform that delivers prompt statutory approvals and clearances to ensure a smooth, hassle-free investment journey.

“Punjab offers a highly conducive entrepreneurial ecosystem, excellent multimodal connectivity, skilled technical manpower, and a transparent governance framework. We invite UAE business leaders to become active partners in Punjab’s transformative economic growth story,” Mr Aman Arora said.

The UAE International Investment Council (UAEIIC), which unites the UAE’s public and private entities to channel outward foreign direct investment (FDI), welcomed the state delegation’s proactive outreach. The engagement focused on establishing robust institutional linkages to enable direct capital inflows and joint ventures between the UAE and Punjab.

Expressing confidence in the discussions, Mr Aman Arora noted that this engagement marks a significant milestone that will pave the way for deeper bilateral economic cooperation, stronger business ties and substantial investment pipelines in Punjab.

Punjab Farmers Call Off Chandigarh-Mohali Border Stir After Written Assurance From Bhagwant Mann Govt

By
Harsh
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Gurmeet Singh Khudian

Following a written assurance from the Bhagwant Mann Government accepting the core demands of the agitating farmer unions, farmers protesting at the Chandigarh-Mohali border called off their stir on Monday evening. The formal written assurance was handed over to the farmer representatives by Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian.

As per the written agreement, the Punjab Punjab Government will convene a special session of the Vidhan Sabha within a month to pass resolutions on key issues and forward them to the Centre. These include seeking reconsideration of decades-old unconstitutional water-sharing agreements, repeal of Sections 78, 79 and 80 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act to restore the State’s riparian rights, annulment of the Dam Safety Act and withdrawal of the Seed Bill, 2025.

Reaffirming the Bhagwant Government’s firm commitment to the welfare of farmers, Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the Punjab Government believes in resolving issues through dialogue and mutual understanding. “The Bhagwant Mann Government is fully committed to the welfare of our annadatas. We believe in resolving issues through dialogue and have accepted their genuine demands with full transparency in writing,” he said.

To ease the financial burden on farmers, the Agriculture Minister also announced that an One-Time Settlement (OTS) policy will be formulated for outstanding loans, particularly those availed from cooperative banks, including the Punjab State Cooperative Bank and cooperative societies. “A committee will be constituted in consultation with all political parties to formulate the OTS policy, which will be instrumental in clearing the debt burden of farmers,” he said.

On the issue of sugarcane pricing, Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian asserted that Punjab will continue to provide the highest sugarcane price in the country. He said directions had been issued to put up the file for fixing the sugarcane price on Monday itself, ensuring that the process is initiated without delay.

The Agriculture Minister further said that the Government will ensure time-bound clearance of pending dues of farmers from private sugar mills. “The ‘One Window, One Payment’ system, presently applicable to cooperative mills, will be extended to private mills as well,” he said.

For the remaining demands of the farmer unions, Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian assured that a joint committee comprising senior officers of the Punjab Government and representatives nominated by the farmer unions will be constituted. The committee will examine the outstanding matters and work towards resolving them expeditiously.

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