IEP Chandigarh, October 21
The Punjab Chief Minister today emphasised on the need for smooth and hassle free procurement and lifting of the paddy during the ongoing procurement season, from the grain markets across the state. The Chief Minister, while chairing a meeting with the Administrative Secretaries of the state government here at his office, said that every single grain of the farmers must be procured and lifted without any sort of delay. Sh. Bhagwant Mann expressed satisfaction over the fact that around 50 lakh Metric Ton of Paddy has already arrived in the mandis across the state and payment worth Rs 7307.93 crore has been released to the farmers. He said that the procurement process must be completed without any sort of inconvenience to the farmers. Dwelling on another agenda, the Chief Minister said that the farmers must be sensitised for not burning the paddy straw. He said that burning of paddy straw causes a huge threat to human life besides creating environmental hazards. Sh. Bhagwant Mann said that all out efforts need to be made for checking it at all costs by making the farmers aware of its ill effects. Reviewing the functioning of the Aam Aadmi Clinics in the state, the Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the fact that daily 7500 patients are availing the benefits of these clinics. He said that these clinics are proving to be a boon for the common man by imparting quality health treatment to them. Sh. Bhagwant Mann also asked the Health department to strengthen the 400 other healthcare centres across the state. Assessing the functioning of the Sewa Kendras in the state, the Chief Minister asked the officers to take immediate action against the complaints of overcharging for the services rendered in these Sewa Kendras. He said that strict action should be taken against the erring employees indulging in this sinister move. Sh. Bhagwant Mann said that quick disposal of citizen centric services must be ensured at all the 531 Sewa Kendras across the state. Reiterating the firm commitment of his government against corruption, the Chief Minister asked the officers to ensure that no inflation takes place in estimates of the engineering wing. He said that the estimates must be realistic adding that severest of severe action will be taken against those indulging in such practices. Sh. Bhagwant Mann asked the officers to ensure physical checking and verification of the developmental works at grass root level. The Chief Minister also asked the officers to ensure judicious utilisation of the funds under centrally sponsored schemes. He said that these funds must be utilised for giving fillip to the development works in the state. Sh. Bhagwant Mann also asked the Finance department to ensure that there is no pendency of any bill at the level of government. The Chief Minister also batted for identification of the short term and long term targets to give impetus to the development of the state on one hand and provide jobs to youth on the other. He also advocated flawless interdepartmental coordination for effective implementation of the government policies and programs. Sh. Bhagwant Mann also asked the officers to perform their duty in a free, fair and transparent manner. Keeping in view the festive season ahead, the Chief Minister asked the health department to crack down on spurious sweets and milk products. He said that no one should be allowed to play havoc with the precious lives of people. Sh. Bhagwant Mann said that severe action should be taken against those who take the life of people for granted. The Chief Minister also asked the officers to ensure that the process of acquisition of land for the projects of the National Highways is completed at the earliest by duly compensating the farmers. He also asked the officers to expedite the ongoing work of constructing the roads across the state. Sh. Bhagwant Mann laid stress that the highest norms of quality must be adhered to while construction works. Sh. Bhagwant Mann reiterated the firm commitment of the well being of all sections of society adding that all the officers should discharge their duties meticulously for this noble cause.
