Raakhi Jagga is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Ludhiana. With over two decades of experience, she is a leading voice on the socio-economic and political pulse of Punjab, particularly the Malwa region. Professional Background Specialization: She is widely known for her extensive on-ground coverage of agrarian distress, the 1971 war history, and the industrial challenges of Ludhiana (often called the Manchester of India). Key Coverage Areas: She has been at the forefront of reporting on the Farmer Protests, the impact of drug addiction on Punjabi youth, and the intricacies of the state's rural governance (Zila Parishads and Panchayats). Reporting Style: Her work often bridges the gap between high-level policy (like the MGNREGA or central farm laws) and their raw, grassroots impact on farmers and small-scale industrialists. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her reporting in late 2025 has focused heavily on rural elections, administrative controversies, and environmental policy: 1. Rural Governance & Politics "Punjab Zila Parishad polls: How candidates are placed and funding sources" (Dec 11, 2025): A comprehensive "Explained" piece breaking down the mechanics and financial structures of the 2025 rural body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailed reporting on the AAP's dominance in the recent local polls. "Before criticising VB-G RAM G, explain Punjab's MGNREGS work days" (Dec 19, 2025): Covering the political back-and-forth between the BJP and the AAP regarding the state’s employment guarantee performance. 2. Education & Labor Protests "Why experienced teachers in Punjab are protesting against govt-mandated bridge course" (Dec 22, 2025): Reporting on the friction between the state government and veteran educators over new training mandates. "Punjab government cancels recruitment drive for psychologists" (Dec 21, 2025): Investigating the abrupt cancellation of a recruitment drive in favor of outsourcing. 3. Agriculture & Industry "Anti-stubble-burning move backfires: Paddy waste left to rot in Fatehgarh Sahib" (Oct 24, 2025): An investigative report on the failure of supply chains intended to move stubble to biomass power plants. "Punjab farmers forced to buy other products with subsidised urea" (Oct 16, 2025): Detailing the persistent issue of "tagging," where farmers are coerced into buying unwanted products to get essential fertilizers. "Diwali 2025: Amid date confusion, here’s when industries will celebrate" (Oct 18, 2025): A localized report on how Ludhiana's massive industrial sector navigates holiday calendar discrepancies. 4. Crime & High-Profile Incidents "Ex-Punjab IPS officer IG Amar Singh Chahal shoots himself after cyber fraud" (Dec 22, 2025): Covering the tragic fallout of a massive ₹8.10 crore cyber fraud targeting a retired high-ranking...

August 15, 2025 04:14 IST
Originally with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Sandhu began his political career in 2007 with the Youth Akali Dal.
Fri, Aug 15, 2025
August 14, 2025 17:48 IST
The Fazilka deputy commissioner has asked village panchayats to use funds received under the 15th Finance Commission to drain the rainwater, but panchayats cite a lack of resources.
Thu, Aug 14, 2025
August 14, 2025 08:24 IST
Government, management blamed for public inconvenience; black flag protest on Independence Day planned
Thu, Aug 14, 2025
August 13, 2025 11:09 IST
Jagmohan Singh Patiala, general secretary of BKU-Dakaunda, added that if the notification is formally cancelled by then, the event will turn into a “victory rally”; otherwise, farmers will call for a march to Chandigarh.
Wed, Aug 13, 2025
August 12, 2025 10:41 IST
KMM had planned a mahapanchayat on August 20 in Jalandhar outside the PUDA office and is yet to decide whether it will be cancelled.
Tue, Aug 12, 2025
August 12, 2025 09:50 IST
Meanwhile, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has called an emergency meeting on Tuesday to decide the next course of action.
Tue, Aug 12, 2025
August 11, 2025 10:05 IST
With the regular staff absent, engineers have been deputed at grid stations in Punjab to manage operations.
Mon, Aug 11, 2025
August 10, 2025 14:25 IST
Panchayats, meanwhile, have been directed to use funds from the 15th Planning Commission for emergency works — “without any delay”, officials said.
Sun, Aug 10, 2025
August 10, 2025 12:42 IST
Sepoy Harminder Singh, aged 27, soldier of the 19 Rashtriya Rifles, paid the ultimate price during Operation Akhal in Kulgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on August 8 when militants lobbed a grenade amid intense gunfire. He was enrolled in army in December, 2016.
Sun, Aug 10, 2025
August 08, 2025 16:02 IST
Residents say it's a wait-and-watch situation as the monsoon is still at its peak. But the government says the situation is under control.
Fri, Aug 08, 2025
August 04, 2025 08:59 IST
Farmers, Opposition, and a section of AAP opposed to a controversial land-pooling policy under which the government aims to acquire 65,000 acres of land from 164 villages
Mon, Aug 04, 2025
August 01, 2025 16:33 IST
Farmers from 32 of the 44 Ludhiana villages affected by the land pooling policy are participating in the protest outside the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority office.
Fri, Aug 01, 2025
August 01, 2025 09:42 IST
In Sunam, Nayab Singh Saini also addresses locals, with his frequent Punjab visits aimed at boosting BJP and sharpening his OBC image.
Fri, Aug 01, 2025
July 30, 2025 19:34 IST
Local residents say they don't need permission to place these boards on their own land and threaten to take action if officials attempt to remove them.
Wed, Jul 30, 2025
July 30, 2025 14:18 IST
The Punjab Government’s land pooling policy, which aims to build townships, has drawn sharp criticism from the farming community, who see it as a threat to their livelihood and identity.
Wed, Jul 30, 2025
July 30, 2025 09:17 IST
On Tuesday, H S Bawa, a Ludhiana resident, submitted a consent letter to the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) for his land.
Wed, Jul 30, 2025
July 29, 2025 10:23 IST
Tapinder Singh, a resident of Jodhan village in Ludhiana, announced his resignation through a Facebook post written in Punjabi, stating, “First religion is farming.”
Tue, Jul 29, 2025
July 28, 2025 21:26 IST
The Punjab Government recently introduced the land pooling policy to build townships by acquiring land from farmers through pooling.
Mon, Jul 28, 2025
July 27, 2025 22:06 IST
Issued in the name of the ‘Zamin Bachao, Punjab Bachao Sangharsh Committee’, the posters reflect growing grassroots anger against the government’s urban development plans.
Sun, Jul 27, 2025
July 27, 2025 08:47 IST
The agreement promises duty-free access to UK markets for several sectors that form the backbone of Punjab’s economy, including textiles, cycle parts, auto components, sports goods, and agribusiness.
Sun, Jul 27, 2025
July 26, 2025 11:20 IST
On Friday, Akashdeep Singh’s parents, accompanied by members of BKU (Sidhupur), held a protest march in Faridkot that culminated in a sit-in demonstration inside the district administrative complex.
Sat, Jul 26, 2025
July 25, 2025 18:02 IST
Sixteen farmer union leaders detained in May were still behind bars, the protesting farmers and farm labourers said on Friday.
Fri, Jul 25, 2025
July 25, 2025 02:05 IST
Says in 2027, the ruling AAP will collapse 'like a pack of cards' as people want change
Fri, Jul 25, 2025
July 24, 2025 15:48 IST
AAP's grassroots workers struggle to defend the Punjab government's land pooling policy as village residents plan several protests.
Thu, Jul 24, 2025
July 23, 2025 13:45 IST
According to the Punjab Police, the inmates of Sangrur de-addiction centre reportedly assaulted the on-duty staff with steel plates during dinner time and fled the facility.
Wed, Jul 23, 2025




