JALANDHAR
: Punjab Revenue, Housing, and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian has directed government departments to intensify efforts under the Punjab Government’s flagship anti-drug initiative, Yudh Nashian Virudh, aimed at eliminating the drug menace from society.
Chairing a review meeting on the progress of key government programs, Mundian, accompanied by Punjab Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat, MLAs Balkar Singh, Raman Arora, Inderjit Kaur Mann, Jasvir Singh Raja Gill, Mayor Vineet Dhir, and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal, called upon the police and health departments to adopt a multi-pronged strategy to curb both the supply and demand of drugs. He stressed the need for a coordinated approach among various government agencies to ensure the success of this campaign.
Commissioner of Police Dhanpreet Kaur briefed the Minister about Jalandhar Commissionerate Police's recent crackdown under Yudh Nashian Virudh, which led to the arrest of over 45 drug peddlers. Similarly, SSP Jalandhar Rural Gurmeet Singh highlighted the rural police’s efforts, while the health department presented a detailed report on the state's de-addiction programs. The Minister urged officials to transform this campaign into a mass movement by actively involving elected representatives and the public.
Reviewing the revenue department’s performance, Mr. Mundian announced that the Punjab Government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has planned to establish model sub-registrar offices similar to Passport Sewa Kendras. These modernized offices will enhance service delivery and improve the property registration experience for citizens.
He also disclosed that a pilot project in Jalandhar has enabled 900 applicants to access revenue services online, reducing the need for in-person visits to government offices. Under this initiative, applicants receive SMS alerts at every stage of their application process. The Minister assured that this system would be replicated across Punjab to streamline revenue-related services.
Additionally, Jalandhar district led the state last year in processing over 1.08 lakh mutation cases. The 'Mera Ghar Mere Naam' scheme was set to granted property rights to residents in 980 villages, and the department has replaced manual Girdawari with a Digital Crop Survey.
During the review of the Housing and Urban Development Department, Mr. Mundian revealed that development projects worth Rs. 37.34 crore had been initiated. The department has generated Rs. 110 crore revenue through auctions, with properties worth Rs. 200 crore set for future auctions.
Jalandhar Municipal Corporation officials informed the Minister that civic works worth Rs. 33 crore were nearing completion. Mr. Mundian also assessed the progress of various government schemes, including MGNREGA, Aajivika Mission, water supply and sanitation program, self-help groups, road construction, waste management, and preparations for the upcoming wheat procurement season.
Emphasizing timely project completion, the Minister directed officials to engage MLAs in planning and implementation to ensure quality and efficiency. He also called for proposals for new development projects to elevate Jalandhar’s status as a model district.
Concluding the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal assured the Minister that all the ongoing projects will be completed timely. He also ensured proper coordination among departments for better results.