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Chandigarh, Haryana

Must study legislative process in depth to resolve issues: Harvinder Kalyan

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Chandigarh, January 9 – Speaker of Haryana Vidhan Sabha Sh. Harvinder Kalyan has said that expanding one’s capabilities and knowledge is a continuous process in life and training helps to improve our skills and develops knowledge.

The Vidhan Sabha Speaker stated this today at the closing ceremony of the two-day capacity building programme organized for officers/employees of Haryana Vidhan Sabha at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration, Sector 26, Chandigarh.

Sh. Harvinder Kalyan said the programme was organized to further improve the working style of the Assembly. Institutions progress only due to the hard work of those working in them. We all should keep acquiring as much knowledge as possible and keep sharing it with others. The officers and employees do the work of giving feedback to the Assembly members, which is very important.
Sh. Kalyan said the Assembly has an important role in the development of the state and forming policies for the welfare of society. Training is also important because through this, officers/employees get help in understanding their responsibilities and discharging them properly.

He said such trainings will prepare us to coordinate between the MLAs and the administration with changing times and to face new challenges. We all have to work as a team and increase our leadership capacity and work efficiency. It is necessary to study the proceedings, rules and legislative process of the Assembly in depth, understand them and resolve the problems quickly. The ability to provide correct information to officers and members on time is essential for employees.

Sh. Kalyan said we should keep trying to ensure that this series of training continues. Knowledge should be acquired wherever one gets a chance to learn. The more we increase our knowledge, the more positively we will be able to complete our work. He said the programme started on January 8 which was inaugurated by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

During the training programme, former Chief Secretary Smt. Keshni Anand Arora spoke about motivation and office etiquette, subject experts of Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies, Lok Sabha gave detailed information about various activities of the Assembly. On this occasion, Director of the institute, Smt. Juby Amar, and other senior officers were also present.

Chandigarh, Haryana

This year’s Budget will focus on the welfare of every Section: Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini

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Chandigarh January 9:  Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, said that this year’s budget will be prepared with the interests of all sections of society in mind. To ensure its inclusivity, suggestions are being gathered from diverse groups.

The Chief Minister was addressing the function after inaugurating Part-II of the Agri-Tourism Center at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Hisar. During the event, he also launched a coffee-table book titled “Poshan Utsav”, which was prepared by the Deen Dayal Shodh Sansthan. The function was attended by Haryana’s Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana, and Public Works and Public Health Engineering Minister, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini emphasized that the Agri-Tourism Center, built at a cost of Rs. 5.60 crore, would serve as a valuable platform to educate the public about farming practices. He highlighted its potential in helping the people of Haryana by sharing the traditional farming methods used by previous generations.

He also praised the work of the Deen Dayal Shodh Sansthan, which operates under the ideals of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay. He recalled how Pandit Upadhyay’s vision of Ek-aatam Manavad (Integral Humanism) is being followed by the government, focusing on the upliftment of the poor and the welfare of the most marginalized individuals in society.

In line with the government’s current priorities, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of improving dietary habits to combat malnutrition, particularly among children and women. He acknowledged the efforts of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, who has advocated for greater consumption of millets at the United Nations, emphasizing that coarse grain can play a crucial role in addressing nutritional deficiencies.

Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar; Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department, Sh. Anurag Rastogi; Additional Chief Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Sh. Raja Shekhar Vundru; Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar, Vice Chancellor of CCSHAU Prof. B.R. Kamboj, along with officials from various departments and universities, were also present.

Later, while interacting with the media persons, the Chief Minister said that BJP takes every election seriously. Regarding the Delhi elections, he expressed confidence that the results would favor the BJP and that under the leadership of Sh. Narendra Modi, the party would form the government in Delhi. He criticized Sh. Arvind Kejriwal for making unfulfilled promises to the people of Delhi over the past decade.

In response to another question about local body elections in Haryana, the Chief Minister said that the party is fully prepared. He added that the party would decide whether to contest the elections with or without a symbol.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab is best for business and Industrial excellence: Tarunpreet Singh Sond

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Chandigarh, January 9:

While addressing the audience at the International Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI)’s flagship food trade show, Indusfood, held in Noida, Punjab’s Minister for Tourism, Cultural Affairs, Industry & Commerce, and Investment Promotion, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, extended an open invitation to CEOs and delegates from national and international companies to visit Punjab. He emphasized that Punjab offers an ideal environment for business and industry.

Highlighting the peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive atmosphere of Punjab, Minister Sond described the state as an unparalleled destination for businesses and industries to thrive. He stated that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and his team are working diligently and with utmost commitment to boost the state’s industrial growth.

Indusfood witnessed participation from nearly 3,500 exhibitors from 105 countries, representing the global food industry. As the Chief Guest, Minister Sond honored the CEOs and delegates of renowned companies and expressed his satisfaction at the opportunity to showcase Punjab’s industry-friendly policies to global business leaders under one roof.

While addressing the representatives of various companies, Sond announced that the Punjab Government plans to organize an International Food Festival in Punjab this November. This event will invite international companies working in the food and allied sectors to participate and explore investment opportunities.

The minister also shared insights into Punjab’s pro-business initiatives, including the single-window system facilitated by Invest Punjab to ease investment processes. He assured complete support and assistance to investors, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering industrial development.

Sond stressed that CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision is to elevate Punjab’s food sector to a global level. To achieve this, the Punjab Government is making concerted efforts to establish state brands like Verka, Sohna, and Five Rivers on international platforms. He noted the growing global demand for Punjab’s products, which reflects the success of these initiatives.

Minister Sond held separate meetings with representatives of companies interested in investing in Punjab. He also congratulated TPCI Chairman Mohit Singla for organizing the international food trade show and suggested establishing a TPCI Punjab chapter to further strengthen trade ties.

Acknowledging the encouragement received from Punjab Food Commission Chairman Bal Mukund Sharma, Sond expressed his satisfaction at motivating numerous international companies and business leaders to consider investing in Punjab.

He extended special thanks to Monica Gaur, Director of the Union Ministry of Commerce, for her significant contributions to the event.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab Leads in Agricultural Infrastructure Development: Mohinder Bhagat

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Chandigarh, January 9

The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is is actively working to boost agricultural infrastructure. To fulfill this objective, under the guidance of Horticulture Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat, Punjab is continuously leading the nation by approving over 20,000 agricultural projects under the AIF scheme to further strengthen agricultural infrastructure.

Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat shared that Punjab is leading the country in approving projects for agricultural infrastructure development. He highlighted that Punjab’s banks have approved 20,024 agricultural projects worth Rs.7,670 crore so far. In comparison, Madhya Pradesh has approved 11,135 projects, Maharashtra 9,611, Tamil Nadu 7,323, and Uttar Pradesh 7,058 projects.

He said that the Horticulture Department in Punjab is implementing the Central Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme in a significant manner to promote agricultural development and further strengthen the economy of farmers in the state.

He mentioned that the Horticulture Department of Punjab is functioning as the State Nodal Agency for implementing the AIF scheme. He added that to ensure the effective implementation of this scheme, the department has launched a WhatsApp helpline number 9056092906. He said that anyone can send a message to this number to receive detailed information about the scheme.

Chandigarh, Punjab

PUNJAB POLICE BUSTS PAK-BACKED WEAPON SMUGGLING RACKET BEING OPERATED FROM DUBAI; ONE HELD WITH THREE PISTOLS

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CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, January 9:

          In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busted a Pakistan-backed weapon smuggling racket being operated by absconding smuggler Manjot Singh alias Mannu from Dubai with the arrest of its one operative a, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

          The arrested person has been identified as Gurpreet Singh alias Kaka, a native of village Havellian in Tarn Taran and currently residing at village Saidpur in Amritsar Rural. Police teams have also recovered three sophisticated pistols— two 9MM Glock and one .30 bore China Made Pistol— along with 4 cartridges, besides, impounding his grey coloured Honda Activa scooter (PB02EF2599), which he was riding.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that following a reliable input that a foreign-based Indian individual Manjot Singh alias Mannu has been operating a weapon smuggling racket through Pakistan with the help of following his India based individuals, CI Amritsar has launched an intel-based operation and arrested the accused Gurpreet Singh at a Special Naka at village Khurmanian Amritsar on link road from village Ram Tirath, when he was going to deliver the weapon consignment.

          He said that preliminary investigation has revealed that Manjot Singh is the kingpin of this network and was using encrypted apps to contact his Pakistan-based weapon smugglers. The arrested accused used to retrieve weapon consignment dropped using drones from across the border and further supply it to the gangsters in various cities of Punjab on the directions of accused Manjot, he added.

          Pertinently, accused Manjot is wanted by the Punjab Police in NDPS case registered against him at Police Station Sarai Amanant Khan in Tarn Taran in 2022. Moreover, the arrested accused Gurpreet Singh has also been facing criminal case under the NDPS Act at Police Station Sarai Amanant Khan.

          The DGP said that police teams have also identified his accomplice and raids are being conducted to nab him. Further investigations are ongoing to establish forward and backward linkages in this case, he added. 

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 1 dated 08.01.2025 has been registered under sections 25 and 25(1) (a) of the Arms Act and section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act at Police Station State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar.

Chandigarh, Punjab

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO CONSTRUCT 1419 ANGANWADI CENTERS FOR HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN: DR. BALJIT KAUR

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Chandigarh, January 9:

The Punjab Government will construct 1419 Anganwadi centers to promote the holistic development of women and children. These centers will be established at a cost of ₹200 crore and existing Anganwadi centers will be upgraded to improve their infrastructure. This announcement was made by Dr. Baljit Kaur, the Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development.

During a press conference at Punjab Bhawan today, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the government is committed to the overall development of women and children across the state. The plan includes constructing new Anganwadi centers, upgrading existing ones, providing improved sanitation facilities, and equipping centers with furniture and other necessary amenities. She also mentioned that grafity will be done at these centers to enhance the development of children. Dr. Kaur emphasized that this initiative is not just about building structures but about creating a conducive environment for the physical, cognitive and emotional development of children.

The Minister informed that in the first phase of this project, 1000 Anganwadi centers are being constructed. Out of these, 56 have been completed and 644 are under construction. Additionally, work on 300 centers will begin soon, as approvals for 156 of these have already been granted.

Dr. Kaur further shared that apart from constructing new centers, the Punjab Government is upgrading 350 existing Anganwadi centers across the state. A budget of ₹7 crore has been allocated for these upgrades, which will include enhanced facilities to better serve beneficiaries. The government aims to complete the upgrades promptly, demonstrating its commitment to improving basic infrastructure.

The Minister announced the construction of 2162 new toilets at Anganwadi centers, with ₹7.78 crore allocated for the purpose. Furthermore, ₹35.30 lakh has been earmarked to provide drinking water facilities at 353 centers.

Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that 100 Anganwadi centers in Moga and Ferozepur districts will be transformed into “Saksham Anganwadi Centers” with a total budget of ₹94.80 lakh. These centers will feature upgraded infrastructure, RO units, LED lighting, furniture and Poshan Vatika.

She also noted that the  Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program was launched in Punjab in 1975 from Block Nurpur Bedi in Rupnagar district and is nearing its 50th anniversary. For 21,851 Anganwadi centers in the state, ₹21.85 crore has been allocated to purchase furniture.

Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government will continue its efforts to improve the basic infrastructure of Anganwadi centers in the current year.

In response to a query, the Minister revealed that 3000 Anganwadi workers and helpers will be recruited soon. She also mentioned that last year, 5000 workers and helpers were recruited purely on a merit basis.

On this occasion, Deputy Directors of the Social Security, Women and Child Development Department, Sumandeep Kaur and Gulbahar Singh Toor were also present.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Child Rights Commission Recommends Changing Timings of Government and Private Schools

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Chandigarh, January 9

The Chairman of the Punjab State Child Rights Protection Commission, Mr. Kanwardeep Singh, has recommended to the Punjab School Education Department that school timings be changed for the convenience of children due to the severe cold and dense fog.

Providing further details, Chairman Kanwardeep Singh stated that children in the state are currently facing significant challenges due to extreme cold and dense fog. Furthermore, younger children are hesitant to attend school because of the bad weather conditions. He recommended that the timings of both government and private schools be changed to start from 10 AM until January 31 to ensure the comfort and safety of students.

He also mentioned that there have been reports of accidents involving school buses over the past two days due to dense fog. To prevent any unfortunate incidents, the commission has decided to recommend this adjustment.

Chandigarh

Sirhind Feeder to remain closed for 32 days

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Chandigarh, January 9

Punjab Water Resources Department has decided to close Sirhind Feeder for 32 days for urgent works.

Disclosing this here today, Spokesperson of the department said that subjected to weather conditions and status of crops, it was decided that the Sirhind Feeder will remain closed for the works of relining from January 10 to February 10, 2025 (both days inclusive). He further said that the state government has already issued notification in this regard under Rule 63 of Rules framed under the Northern India Canal and Drainage Act, 1873 (Act No.VIII of 1873).

Chandigarh, Punjab

MSP PAYMENT FRAUD: PUNJAB POLICE’S CYBER CRIME DIVISION ARRESTS FOUR INDIVIDUALS FOR MANIPULATING ANAAJ KHARID PORTAL

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CHANDIGARH, January 9

          Amidst the ongoing crackdown against cybercrime as per directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav, Punjab Police’s State Cybercrime Division has unearthed an Minimum Support Price (MSP) payment fraud with the arrest of four individuals involved in manipulating the Anaaj Kharid Portal to divert crop payments from farmers to their own bank accounts, said Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Cybercrime Division V Neeraja here on Thursday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Manish, Jasvir Singh, Angrej Singh and Balwinder Singh. Police teams have also recovered digital devices and routers used by them to commit the fraud.

          ADGP V Neeraja said that the accused used a innovative modus operandi to divert the payment of crop of the farmers to their accounts fraudulently by replacing the mobile numbers of the farmers with their mobile numbers and thereafter using the same to update bank account information of the farmers.

          To avoid detection, the accused would restore the original details immediately after the payment was processed, she said, while adding that state wide operation is being conducted to nab the other accused persons involved in the scam.

          As per the information, a complaint was received from Food and Civil Supplies Department, Punjab in which it has come to light that some farmers have not received the payment of selling their crops during the 2024 paddy season. Further verification revealed that the payment of these farmers has been credited to various bank accounts belonging to different persons.

          The ADGP said that during preliminary enquiry, IP records and other data was scrutinised and information regarding the bank accounts, which revealed the details regarding the unauthorised access of the Anaaj Kharid Portal and the diversion of the crop payment in different accounts.

          During the investigation, it was also revealed that a mobile number and a mobile device was purchased from District SAS Nagar on fake identity, which was used to obtain OTPs for altering the bank accounts of farmers on Anaaj Kharid Portal and the gang was running their operation from remote areas of Sri Muktsar Sahib, she said, while adding that an internet connection was also installed for the purpose of unauthorised access of the Portal and altering the bank records of the farmers.

          ADGP V Neeraja said that three teams from Cybercrime Division headed by Insp Jujhar Singh, Insp Deepak Bhatia and SI Ranjit used multiple OSINT techniques to establish the whereabouts of the accused, which led to the arrest of four persons from areas of District Moga and District Sri Muktsar Sahib.

          Further questioning of the arrested accused is underway to identify the involvement of more persons, she said, while not ruling out the connivance of any officials of Mandi Board or Food Supply Department and commission agents, who might have shared sensible information and technical glitches of the Anaaj Kharid portal with the masterminds of the scam. Raids are being conducted to arrest the remaining accused in the case, she added.

          In this regard, a case FIR has been registered under sections 318(4), 336(2), 336(3), 338 340(2) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 66C and 66D of IT Act at Police Station State Cyber Crime, Punjab.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Vigilance Bureau apprehends Assistant Town Planner, Architect for taking Rs 50000 bribe

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Chandigarh January 9, 2025

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its drive against corruption in the state, has arrested Jaspal Singh, Assistant Town Planner (ATP), Municipal Corporation Patiala and Anish Khanna, an Architect from Patiala while taking a bribe of Rs. 50,000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above mentioned accused  have been arrested based on a complainant lodged by Ashok Kumar, a resident of Patran, in Patiala district.

He further added that the complainant has approached the VB and alleged that the accused Jaspal Singh has been demanding a bribe of Rs 1 lakh through the said private Architect Anish Khanna for passing the plan of complainant’s hospital building. The complainant informed that the said ATP had already taken Rs 50,000 through the Architect and demanding the remaining bribe money.

The spokesperson further informed that after a preliminary enquiry of this complaint the VB team laid a trap during which the accused Architect have been arrested red handed while he was receiving the second instalment of bribe of Rs 50000 in presence of two official witnesses. Subsequently, the accused ATP was also arrested. In this regard a case has been registered against both the accused under prevention of corruption act at VB police station Patiala range. The accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow and further investigation into this case was under progress.