15/11/2025
GREEN SIGNAL TO CREATE A SEPARATE CADRE OF 2458 EMPLOYEES TO BE POSTED IN BBMB
The Cabinet gave green signal to create a separate cadre of employees to be posted in Bhakra Beas Management Board. It was witnessed over time, a large number of Punjab quota posts remain vacant in BBMB due to which the board filled up posts of Punjab quota with its own cadre. The Cabinet has given nod to create 2458 posts for this recruitment for the various departments and adopt rules in respect of posts of various departments.
05/11/2025
Today is ਸ਼੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ birthday, a momentous occasion to honor and contemplate the profound wisdom of one of the greatest spiritual leaders and founders of Sikhism. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings continue to inspire millions with their timeless message of equality, devotion, and righteous living.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s core philosophy is wonderfully encapsulated in the principles of ਕੀਰਤ ਕਰੋ, ਵੰਡ ਚਕੋ, ਨਾਮ ਜਪੋ —which mean “earn an honest living,” “share with others,” and “remember and meditate on God’s name.” These three pillars serve as a guide for the spiritual and practical life of his followers.
The principle of ਕੀਰਤ ਕਰੋ teaches the importance of hard work and earning a livelihood through honest means without exploitation or deceit. It uplifts the dignity of labor and advocates for a life based on integrity and self-respect.
The second principle, ਵੰਡ ਚਕੋ , urges people to share not only material wealth but also love, compassion, and support with others in the community, particularly the needy. This cultivates social harmony, generosity, and removes greed and selfishness.
The final principle, ਨਾਮ ਜਪੋ , emphasizes constant remembrance and meditation on God’s name or divine qualities as a way to achieve spiritual clarity, inner peace, and resilience in life. This meditation energizes the soul and imbues one’s actions with divine purpose.
Central to Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message is the concept of ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਚੜਦੀ ਕਲਾ ॥ ਤੇਰੇ ਭਾਣੇ ਸਰਬੱਤ ਦਾ ਭਲਾ ॥ , which means living in a state of unbreakable optimism and spiritual high (Chardi Kala) while constantly wishing and praying for the welfare of all beings (Sarbatt da Bhalla). Chardi Kala is a state of rising spirits and enduring positivity despite life’s challenges, achieved by deep meditation and trust in divine will. Sarbatt da Bhalla promotes universal goodwill transcending barriers of religion, caste, or nationality.
He explains that Chardi Kala is akin to a heightened state of consciousness where one’s spiritual energy (often linked to the awakening of the Kundalini energy along the spine) rises and sustains a powerful, vibrant life force. This practice helps one meet hardships with courage and grace rather than despair or helplessness.
Notably, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was not only a spiritual master but also deeply connected with the land and its people as a farmer. His life exemplified the dignity of manual labor and harmony with nature. His appreciation for farming is a reminder that spiritual and physical work go hand in hand, and one must nurture both the body and spirit.
ਸ਼੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ ਸਿਰਫ ਇੱਕ ਧਾਰਮਿਕ ਆਗੂ ਹੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਸਨ, ਸਗੋਂ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੇ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੇ ਅਸਲ ਮਤਲਬ ਨੂੰ ਸਿੱਖਾਇਆ। ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਸਿੱਖਿਆ “ਕੀਰਤ ਕਰੋ, ਵੰਡ ਚਕੋ, ਨਾਮ ਜਪੋ” ਸਾਡੇ ਲਈ ਸੱਚੀ ਜਿੰਦਗੀ ਦਾ ਰਾਹ ਹੈ। ਚੜਦੀ ਕਲਾ ਵਿਚ ਰਹਿਣਾ ਤੇ ਸਭ ਦੀ ਭਲਾਈ ਦੀ ਕਮਾਨਾ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੇ ਪ੍ਰਮੁੱਖ ਸਿਦਾਂਤ ਹਨ। ਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਨੇ ਖੇਤੀਬਾੜੀ ਨਾਲ ਜੁੜੇ ਰਹਿ ਕੇ ਸਿਖਾਇਆ ਕਿ ਇਮਾਨਦਾਰੀ ਅਤੇ ਮਿਹਨਤ ਅਸੀਂ ਆਪਣੀ ਆਤਮਾ ਦੀ ਪੋਸ਼ਣ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਾਂ।
Progressive Engineer Forum extends warm and heartfelt greetings on the sacred occasion of ਸ਼੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ ਦਾ ਗੁਰਪੁਰਬ. May his divine teachings of ਕੀਰਤ ਕਰੋ, ਵੰਡ ਚਕੋ, ਨਾਮ ਜਪੋ —honest living, sharing with others, and meditation on the divine—guide us all towards a life filled with truth, compassion, and spiritual strength. Let us celebrate this day by embracing his philosophy of ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਚੜਦੀ ਕਲਾ ॥ ਤੇਰੇ ਭਾਣੇ ਸਰਬੱਤ ਦਾ ਭਲਾ ॥ , living in eternal optimism and praying for the welfare of all humanity.
Happy Gurpurab!
Dr Harinder Pal Singh Bedi
Chief Engineer
Department Of Water Resources
with
Ramandeep Bains
Davinder Singh
Navpreet Singh
Dr Rajinder Ghai
Satwinder Kang
Akash aggarwal
Tushar Goyal
Syam Verma
Amrinder Singh Pandher and others
30/07/2025
Dear Mr. Pawan Kapoor
It has truly been a pleasure working with you. Although we may not have had the chance to know each other deeply, every interaction—especially those shared over a cup of tea—was always warm and genuine. Your presence has been both comforting and valuable, and I am grateful to have had you as part of this journey.
As you move into this new and well-deserved phase of life, I wish you a joyful, peaceful, and fulfilling retirement. May the days ahead be filled with good health, happiness, and memorable moments with your loved ones.
We look forward to joining your club very soon and hope to stay connected in the future. Thank you once again for everything, and may your future be as golden as the legacy you leave behind.
Wish you a happy Retired Life
cheers.
14/12/2024
146 fully automatic with AI technology at mining sites
22/11/2024
Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
_*Another initiative towards prevent illegal mining activities*_
*Punjab Mining Minister Goyal launches 'Punjab Mines Inspection' Mobile App*
*New android application to strengthen mining regulation and curb illegal activities*
*Chandigarh, November 22:*
In a significant move towards technological integration in mining governance, Punjab Mining and Geology Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal launched 'Punjab Mines Inspection' mobile application designed to enhance monitoring and inspection of mining activities across the state.
The Android-based application, developed by the Department of Mines and Geology Punjab, will serve as a powerful tool for departmental officers to conduct and document mining site inspections efficiently. The app introduces several innovative features to strengthen mining regulation and transparency in the state.
"This application marks a significant step forward in our fight against illegal mining while ensuring transparent and efficient inspection processes," said Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, adding that the technology-driven approach would help augment state revenue by ensuring better compliance with mining regulations.
He said that the application will enable District Mining Officers, Sub-Divisional Officers and Junior Engineers to submit detailed inspection reports within a 200-meter radius of designated mining sites.
The system will automatically delineate a 500-meter monitoring zone around identified hotspots, capture geographical coordinates during inspections and allow officers to upload images and videos. A notable feature includes documentation of accompanying officers and an auto-escalation mechanism for unaddressed illegal mining activities.
The application's comprehensive approach includes action taken report submission functionality and real-time monitoring of both Public Mining Sites (PMS) and Commercial Mining Sites (CMS). This technological intervention to enforce regulations effectively while promoting sustainable mining practices and improved governance across Punjab, he added.
During the launch ceremony, MLA Rampura Phul Sh. Balkar Sidhu, Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Secretary, Mines & Geology, Punjab, Mr. Abhijit Kaplish, Director Mining and Dr. Harinder Pal Singh Bedi, Chief Engineer, Mining were also present.
21/11/2024
Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
*MINING MINISTER BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL'S CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL MINING*
*ENSURE AFFORDABLE SAND SUPPLY TO PUBLIC*
*PREVIOUS PARTIES LOOTED THE STATE*
*HEARS GRIEVANCES OF CONTRACTORS, ASSURES EARLY RESOLUTION*
*Chandigarh, November 21:*
In order to provide sand and gravel at affordable prices to people of the state, Punjab Mining and Geology Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, on Thursday, convened crucial meeting with contractors of the commercial mining sites (CMS), wherein he emphatically asked contractors to ensure sand and gravel are made available to the public at reasonable rates.
While interacting with the contractors, Sh. Goyal said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has eradicated the sand mafia which had flexed its muscles in the past, to ensure that people get cheap sand. He said that now the sand is being sold at just Rs.5.50 in public and commercial mining sites thereby giving a major reprieve to the people.
He informed that so far 73 public mining sites and 40 commercial mining sites clusters have been operationalized in the state for ensuring pit head price of sand at Rs.5.50 per cubic feet.
He informed that the total extracted quantity to date is 18.38 LMT out of the total capacity 47.19 LMT from 73 public mining sites. Whereas, 40 commercial mining sites clusters have a planned extraction quantity of 138.68 LMT, with 34.50 LMT of sand and gravel already extracted. Over 132.99 LMT of sand and gravel is still available on both PMS and CMS sites, he added.
Unequivocally slamming the previous governments for producing and patronising the sand mafia in the state, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that everyone knows that these leaders were hand in glove with sand mafia that plundered the state during their long misrule.
The Mining Minister said, crackdown has been launched against the sand mafia, which was patronised by the previous regime leaders, adding that Mann government has taken myriad of steps to eradicate the sand mafia which had flexed its muscles in the past.
The Cabinet Minister said that the Punjab government has set a target to open total of 150 public mining sites and 100 commercial mining sites in the state.
Sh. Goyal said that public mining sites allow the public to excavate and sell sand at their own, contributing to increased supply and subsequently reducing market rates.
Divulging the details of the measures taken to check the illegal mining, the Mining and Geology Minister said, "We are taking strict action against illegal mining activities and so far, 1360 FIRs have been lodged from April 2022 to October 2024 as per the provisions of mining Act and rules in the state."
The Mining Minister also carefully listened to contractors' issues and assured their prompt resolution. "People should not be harassed at any cost," the Cabinet Minister clearly stated, while urging cooperation in completely preventing illegal mining.
The Cabinet Minister said that stringent measures would be implemented on overloaded vehicles transporting mineral resources from other states and the Transport Department would be instructed to take action against overloaded vehicles, which will further ensure that contractors can continue their operations as they are providing employment opportunities for local people.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Secretary, Mines & Geology, Punjab, Mr. Abhijit Kaplish, Director Mining and Dr. Harinder Pal Singh Bedi, Chief Engineer, Mining.
12/10/2024
Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
*Punjab Government intensifies crackdown on illegal mining*
*Joint task force of mining department and police conducts raid in Ajnala, Amritsar*
*Mining and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal urges citizens to report any suspicious mining activities in their vicinity to the authorities*
*Chandigarh, October 12:*
In response to stringent directives issued by Punjab Mining & Geology Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal immediately upon assuming office, a coordinated effort to combat illegal mining activities in the state has been launched. A joint task force comprising officers from the mining department and local police executed a large-scale operation in Amritsar district.
Elaborating on the operation, Mining and Geology Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that the mining department has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining, in accordance with the mandate of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Cabinet Minister said that the operation uncovered an illicit mining site in village Dhingai, Ajnala in district Amritsar, where recent evidence of unauthorized excavation was detected.
Sh. Goyal disclosed that the team discovered operational machinery at the site, including a poclain excavator, which was promptly documented and seized by the authorities.
The raid also exposed a dubious agreement between two individuals, Harpreet Singh and Jasbir Singh, ostensibly granting permission for soil excavation. The legitimacy of this agreement is currently under investigation.
The Cabinet Minister categorically stated, "Such unauthorized activities will not be tolerated. We are resolute in our commitment to preserving our natural resources and will take decisive action against those who violate the law."
He informed that the police department has been instructed to immediately file an FIR against both the excavators and the landowner. Besides this, all machinery involved in the illegal mining operation has been impounded and placed in police custody.
Sh. Goyal urged citizens to report any suspicious mining activities in their vicinity to the authorities, adding that the campaign against illegal excavation continues with renewed vigour.
Notably, the raid was monitored in real-time via body cameras affixed to the officers' uniforms. These cameras transmitted live footage directly to the state headquarters in Chandigarh, enabling government officials to oversee the operation remotely. This innovative surveillance measure ensured transparency and allowed for immediate supervision of the enforcement action from the highest levels of the administration.
29/09/2024
ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਖਣਨ ਅਤੇ ਭੂ-ਵਿਗਿਆਨ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਬਰਿੰਦਰ ਕੁਮਾਰ ਗੋਇਲ ਨੇ ਖਣਨ ਅਤੇ ਭੂ-ਵਿਗਿਆਨ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਨੂੰ ਪਹਿਲ ਦਿੰਦਿਆਂ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਦੇ ਕੰਮਕਾਜ ਵਿੱਚ ਪੂਰਣ ਪਾਰਦਰਸ਼ਤਾ ਲਿਆਉਣ ਵੱਲ ਆਪਣਾ ਧਿਆਨ ਕੇਂਦਰਿਤ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਇਹ ਵਚਨਬੱਧਤਾ ਸੂਬੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਖਣਨ ਗਤੀਵਿਧੀਆਂ ਨਾਲ ਸਬੰਧਤ ਏਕੀਕ੍ਰਿਤ ਆਈ.ਟੀ. ਉਪਾਵਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਨਵੀਨਤਮ ਤਕਨੀਕੀ ਪ੍ਰਣਾਲੀਆਂ ਸਬੰਧੀ ‘ਦਿਲਚਸਪੀ ਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਗਟਾਵਾ’ ਵਰਕਸ਼ਾਪ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਪ੍ਰਗਟਾਈ।
ਵਿਭਾਗ ਦੇ ਕੰਮਕਾਜ ਵਿੱਚ ਜਵਾਬਦੇਹੀ ਯਕੀਨੀ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਵੱਲ ਅਹਿਮ ਕਦਮ ਚੁੱਕਦਿਆਂ ਬਰਿੰਦਰ ਕੁਮਾਰ ਗੋਇਲ ਨੇ ਸਪੱਸ਼ਟ ਕੀਤਾ ਕਿ ਸਾਡਾ ਟੀਚਾ ਸੂਬੇ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਕੱਢੇ ਜਾਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਖਣਿਜਾਂ ਦਾ ਮੁਕੰਮਲ ਲੇਖਾ-ਜੋਖਾ ਯਕੀਨੀ ਬਣਾਉਣਾ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਕਾਰਜ-ਪ੍ਰਣਾਲੀ ਨੂੰ ਹੋਰ ਪਾਰਦਰਸ਼ੀ ਬਣਾਉਂਦਿਆਂ ਵੱਧ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਮਾਲੀਆ ਜੁਟਾਉਣਾ ਹੈ।
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Prioritizing the Mining and Geology department, Punjab Mining and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal focused his attention on ensuring complete transparency in the department's operations. He averred his commitment during the Expression of Interest Workshop for integrated IT solutions and advanced technical systems related to mining activities in the state. In a bold move towards accountability, Barinder Kumar Goyal declared that the government’s goal is to account for the minerals extracted in the state and make the system more transparent to boost Punjab’s revenue.
21/09/2024
ਮੁੱਖ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਭਗਵੰਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਾਨ ਦੀ ਅਗਵਾਈ ਵਾਲੀ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਰਵਾਇਤੀ ਖਣਨ ਸਰੋਤਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਹਟ ਕੇ ਬਹੁਮੁੱਲੇ ਖਣਿਜਾਂ ਦੀ ਖੋਜ ਸਬੰਧੀ ਯਤਨ ਤੇਜ਼ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਟੀਚਾ ਮਿੱਥਿਆ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ। ਕੈਬਨਿਟ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਚੇਤਨ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੌੜਾਮਾਜਰਾ ਨੇ ਅੱਜ ਖਣਨ ਤੇ ਭੂ-ਵਿਗਿਆਨ ਦੇ ਖੇਤਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੰਮ ਕਰ ਰਹੀਆਂ ਸਰਕਾਰੀ ਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਾਈਵੇਟ ਕੰਪਨੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਸੱਦਾ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਸੂਬੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਰੇਤ, ਬਜਰੀ, ਤੇ ਗਟਕਾ ਆਦਿ ਖਣਿਜਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਹਟ ਕੇ ਹੋਰਨਾਂ ਕੀਮਤੀ ਖਣਿਜ ਪਦਾਰਥਾਂ ਜਿਵੇਂ ਕਿ ਪੋਟਾਸ਼ ਦੀ ਖੋਜ ਵੱਲ ਉਚੇਚਾ ਧਿਆਨ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਜਾਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਸਰਕਾਰੀ ਅਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਾਈਵੇਟ ਕੰਪਨੀਆਂ ਖੇਤਰ ਦੇ ਭੂ-ਵਿਗਿਆਨੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਉਹ ਕੀਮਤੀ ਖਣਿਜਾਂ ਦੀ ਖੋਜ ਵੱਲ ਉਚੇਚਾ ਧਿਆਨ ਦੇਣ ਜਿਸ ਨਾਲ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਆਰਥਕ ਪੱਖੋਂ ਹੋਰ ਮਜ਼ਬੂਤ ਹੋਵੇਗਾ ਅਤੇ ਰਾਜ ਤੇ ਦੇਸ਼ ਦੀ ਤਰੱਕੀ ਹੋਵੇਗੀ।
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The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has set a goal to intensify efforts in exploring valuable minerals beyond traditional mining sources. Cabinet Minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra, today, urged both government and private entities operating in the mining and geological sectors to shift their focus from conventional minerals such as sand and gravel etc towards the exploration of more precious mineral resources such as potash. He stressed, geologists from both public and private sectors should prioritize the search for valuable minerals, asserting that this endeavour would bolster Punjab's economic strength and contribute to the progress of both the state and the nation.
20/09/2024
PRESS RELEASE
A one-day workshop on “Mineral exploration” was held at the Confluence Hall of Mountview Hotel, Sector-10, Chandigarh, on September 20, 2024. The workshop was organized by the Department of Mines and Geology, Government of Punjab, with Notified Private Exploration Agencies (NPEAs) in collaboration with the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) established by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India.
The Hon’ble Minister of Mines & Geology, Sh. Chetan Singh Jauramajra, graced the occasion as chief guest in the workshop. Other dignities who attended the workshop were Sh. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, IAS, Secretary, Mines & Geology, Punjab, Dr. Harinderpal Singh Bedi, Chief Engineer Mines and Geology, Dr. Shreemati Gupta, DDG, GSI, and Smt. Anju C.S., Superintending Geologist, NMET, Ministry of Mines.
The workshop's inaugural speech was given by Sh. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, IAS, Secretary, Mines & Geology, Punjab. He gave a general overview of potash exploration in the state of Punjab and the general scenario about the Department of Mines and Geology. He also said that the workshop would help in identifying and scouting potential mineral exploration agencies.
As the opening speaker, Chief Engineer Mines and Geology Dr Harinder Bedi said that the Department will generate Revenue by extracting 617 million Tonnes from district Muktsat Sahib and Fazilka. The present price in the international market is $300 per tonne. This will not only generate revenue for the state but also be a big boost for the industry and will create opportunities for employment.
Punjab Mining and Geology Minister S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra, on Friday, called for a paradigm shift in the state's mineral exploration efforts, urging both government and private entities to look beyond conventional resources like sand and gravel, etc. S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra said that potassium is mostly used for fertilizers, and 99 per cent of potassium is imported into the country. He stated that as per the research in this area, Punjab is the fourth state in the country where potassium has been discovered. The Cabinet Minister reiterated that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led the government's commitment to ensuring affordable construction materials for citizens and fostering innovation and research in the mining sector. He called upon geologists from both public and private sectors to intensify their focus on exploring high-value minerals, viewing it as a catalyst for Punjab's economic fortification and national progress.
He said that this event has been organized to move forward in this direction and conduct exploration work through private companies. NMET New Delhi ensured all help to set up an advanced chemical lab for chemical analysis of Potash.
20 September 2024.
19/09/2024
MIning Exploration of Potassium workshop at Hotel Mount View Chandigarh Tomorrow 9-5 pm .