Latest news with #JagmohanSingh
Hindustan Times
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Punjab: Not MSP, low input cost is Ugrahan group's focus now
Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta-Ugrahan), a farm body based in Malwa belt of Punjab that has the largest support base in the state, has sidestepped from seeking a hike in the minimum support price (MSP) for all crops. Now, Joginder Singh Ugrahan-led BKU is seeking reduction in input cost, such as fall in prices of diesel, agro-chemical, pesticides, seeds and the other key inputs for agriculture. A former vice-chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, who didn't wish to be named, said, 'The change is cause of concern because the farm bodies which have been at the forefront are backstepping.' The BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan) had led a year-long farm protest on Tikri (Haryana-Delhi) border in 2020 against the now-repealed three farm laws because of its sheer strength and the rest of the farm bodies were at Singhu borders. During another year-long protest by BKU (Ekta-Sidhupur) led by Jagjeet Singh Dallewal and Kisan Mazdoor Sangarsh Committee led by Sarwan Singh Pandher at Shambu and Khanauri border points, the BKU (Ugrahan) though offered support from outside but stayed away from active participation. At both the protests, increase in the MSP remained the key focus. Since AAP government took over in the state in March 2022 Ugrahan-led farm body has held a series of meetings with chief minister Bhagwant Mann for acceptance of farmers' demand. The central theme of the meeting was MSP on all crops and as a legal guarantee. According to Ugrahan, beyond a point, the increase in MSP can't be sought as it will lead to increase in prices of foodgrain, making it out of the reach of poor and marginal classes. According to the farm bodies other than the BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan), the fall in prices of inputs for agriculture is next to impossible as the central government has no direct control over petrol/diesel, agro chemicals and pesticides, as corporate control these inputs. BKU (Dakounda) Jagmohan Singh general secretary has said the demand of the farm bodies has always been MSP hike on all crops and any deviation means back stabbing the farmers. 'All factions should stick to the demand for hike in MSP as per MS Swaminathan's recommendation for 50% profit over the input cost,' said Jagmohan Singh. Meanwhile, Ugrahan justified his group's stand, stating, 'Not only farmers, we have to think about all the sections of society, particularly the poor. In case there is an increase in MSP, it will lead to inflation. So to benefit the farmers, the cost of agriculture inputs should be kept under check.' On being asked about the changed stance of the BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan), he said the scenario has changed. 'We have to adjust to the changing scenario, but we will continue to fight for the farmers' welfare,' he added. The BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan) has been maintaining a low profile for about two years and is only engaged in symbolic protests. 'We will soon come out with a plan for a long drawn protest for the rights of the farmers,' the group stated.
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Hoshiarpur: 6 police recruits fail dope test, dropped from training batch
Six Punjab Police recruits undergoing basic training at the Police Recruits Training Centre (PRTC) in Jahan Khelan here failed the dope test in a major embarrassment to the force, which is spearheading the 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' campaign across the state. Following the failed test, the names of the recruits have been struck off from the training, officials said. PRTC commandant Jagmohan Singh confirmed that six recruits have been found positive for drugs in a dope test. 'These recruits were undergoing basic training at PRTC, Jahan Khelan, and after the test report, have been reverted to their respective districts. They were part of batch number 270, and these recruits were subjected to the dope test after they showed suspicious behaviour,' Singh said. The tests were conducted on the complaint of the chief drill instructor of the training centre. 'A report from Hoshiarpur civil surgeon confirmed that all the six recruits used drugs,' Singh added. He said following the report, the names of these recruits have been struck off from the training programme. 'Intimation has been sent to the respective police commissionerates and districts. The trainees belonged to Ludhiana, Patiala and Tarn Taran,' Singh said. PRTC officials have requested a de-addiction programme for the said trainees.
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Time of India
Punjab man arrested in passport racket after France returnee caught at IGIA
New Delhi: A 35-year-old man from Punjab has been arrested in connection with a passport fraud racket, following the detention of a passenger at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport who returned from France with mismatched travel records. The accused, identified as Gagan Sharma, a resident of Gurdaspur, was allegedly part of a network that facilitated illegal travel to Europe through forged passports and case came to light on April 29 when a 19-year-old man arrived at the IGI Airport from France using an emergency travel certificate. During immigration clearance, officials discovered that there was no record of his departure from India on his original passport, raising suspicions of unlawful travel. He was detained and later arrested under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Passports Act, according to DCP (IGI) Usha Rangnani.A subsequent investigation revealed that the youth had travelled to France in 2022 on a fake passport under the name 'Tanu Vaid'. He reportedly got involved in the scheme through a friend and was introduced to the main agent, Jagmohan Singh, at a gurdwara in Punjab. A deal was struck for Rs 12 lakh, after which he was taken to Delhi and provided with a forged identity. A passport with fabricated details was issued, and a Spain visa was obtained, DCP Rangnani youth travelled to Abu Dhabi via Mumbai in March 2022 and then entered France with the help of agents. Upon arrival, he claimed the agents destroyed all his forged documents and abandoned the death of his grandmother in April 2025, he applied for an emergency travel certificate and returned to India. Immigration authorities flagged discrepancies in his travel history upon arrival, leading to his the probe, another agent, Rohit Vaid, was arrested in Delhi. Based on information gathered from him, police traced Gagan Sharma to Batala city in Punjab. After conducting multiple raids and surveillance operations, Sharma was taken into custody. He confessed to collecting payments and facilitating visa and travel arrangements on behalf of Jagmohan are ongoing to trace and apprehend Jagmohan Singh, the alleged kingpin of the racket.
