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Punjab

On CM’s instructions, a campaign for revolutionary reforms in Government Schools continues on a large scale

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IEP Chandigarh, January 17

To strengthen the infrastructure and take new initiatives to provide quality education to the students of the state in Government Schools, On the instructions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the action plan of SAMAGRA Sikhya Abhiyan Authority was approved for the next two academic sessions.

          In a meeting of the executive committee of the authority under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Mr. Anurag Verma, the action plan approved in principle for two years includes strengthening the infrastructure of Government Schools, boosting commerce and science education, environmental initiatives, Free uniforms and books, libraries and sports being given priority.

          Divulging the details of the meeting, Chief Secretary Mr. Verma said that education is the top priority of the State Government. On the instructions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, revolutionary reforms are being carried out in Government Schools. He said that in the next two academic sessions, commerce is being started in 35 schools and science in 10 schools, the list of which will be finalised by the Chief Minister. Similarly, 1096 new classrooms at a cost of Rs. 92.70 Crore and the renovation of 360 classrooms at Rs. 14.85 Crore are proposed in the next two years.

          The Chief Secretary further informed that 2623 toilets for girls will be repaired at a cost of Rs.18.35 Crore and 215 toilets will be constructed for girls at a cost of Rs.2.72 Crore. Also, 876 toilets will be constructed for children with special needs at a cost of Rs.17.52 Crore and solar panel will be installed too. To give a boost, an action plan has been made to install 2190 solar panels at the cost of Rs. 29.58 Crore.

          Giving more information, Mr. Verma said that in the next two years, Rs. 182.06 Crore has been proposed to be spent on giving free uniforms to 30 lakh students and Rs. 44.86 Crore to give free books to 14 lakh students. Similarly, an action plan of Rs. 32.91 Crore for Libraries and Rs. 20.90 Crore for Sports and Physical Education, Rs. 18.66 Crore for Rani Lakshmi Bai self-defence and Rs. 1.47 Crore for the education of adolescent girls has been made for the next two years.

          Similarly, all 19,120 Government Schools will be provided internet facility in a phased manner to boost digital education and strengthen the Eduset system while presiding over the meeting of the Board of Governors of PICTES. In this regard, the MoU has been signed with BSNL. The Chief Secretary said that 6300 Government Schools will be provided with internet in the first phase.

          Apart from this, the action plan was also approved for boys’ toilets, rainwater harvesting, Science lab, Art Craft room, Library room, Transport, in service teacher training and ICT.

          The meeting was attended by Special Chief Secretary Social Security and Women and Child Development Raji P Srivastava, Principal Secretary Employment Generation Jaspreet Talwar, Principal Secretary Finance AK Sinha, Secretary Education Kamal Kishor Yadav, Secretary Planning Amit Dhaka, Director General School Education Vinay Bublani, Director Rural Development and Panchayat Kanwalpreet Kaur.

Punjab

THREATS CAN’T DETER ME FROM SERVING THE PEOPLE, AS I AM CUSTODIAN OF PEACE, PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY OF THE STATE: CM

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IEP Chandigarh, January 17

Unfazed by threats of some radical forces to his life, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday categorically said that he is the custodian of peace, progress and prosperity of the state and intimidations cannot stop him from this noble task.

Interacting with the media persons here on the sidelines of a function to hand over job letters to youth, the Chief Minister said that such threats are a natural outcome of the zero tolerance policy adopted by the state government to foil the nefarious designs of anti-Punjab forces. He said that these people are trying to disturb the hard earned peace of the state but his government will not allow these fissiparous forces to succeed in their evil designs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab being a border state is hostile to such challenges both from within and outside the state adding that they will face it valiantly by not succumbing to such threats.

The Chief Minister said that the masterminds of such anti-Punjab stances have taken shelter in countries abroad but we are trying to bring them back and punish them for their sins. He said that the countries that are haven to such dreaded criminals should also send these hardcore criminals back to the state in the larger interest of world peace. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Indian government should also take steps to bring such dreaded anti-national criminals back to the country and punish them as per the law of land.

Taking a jibe over Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, the Chief Minister described him as a ‘fugitive’ who ran away from discharging duty when he was offered the charge of Power minister. He said that now when the state government has started a reverse trend by purchasing a private Thermal Power Plant, Sidhu is making baseless and misleading statements. Bhagwant Singh Mann reminded the Congress leader that ‘little knowledge is dangerous’ adding that the former MP must verify his facts before giving any statement.

The Chief Minister reiterated that Punjab will emerge as a lighthouse by giving all the 13 seats of Lok Sabha to them in the coming general polls. He said that the state government has done marvelous work for the welfare of the people, so the masses will once again stand with them. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that history will be created in the state by 13-0, where 13 seats will be verdict in favor of pro-people policies of the state government and the opposition will be badly renounced by people for their anti-Punjab stance.

Punjab

PUNJAB CM DOES MARATHON MEETINGS  TO BRING INVESTMENT IN PUNJAB WITH FORIEGN DIPLOMATS

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IEP New Delhi/ Chandigarh

Due to concerted efforts of the state government led by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Ambassadors of the various countries on Wednesday evinced keen interest in making huge investments in the state.

During the meetings with the Ambassadors, the Chief Minister showcased Punjab as a land of opportunities and invited them to encourage the companies of their respective countries to invest in the state. He said that companies will be immensely benefited by investing in the state, which is rapidly emerging as the industrial hub of the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab has complete communal harmony, peace and amity, which are mainly responsible for overall development and prosperity in the state.

The Chief Minister said that the foreign companies should make optimum use of this congenial atmosphere backed by excellent infrastructure, power, skilled human resources and best industrial and work culture to spread their business. Extending a red carpet welcome to the companies, he said that the state government was always open for new ideas and innovations to boost up the industrial growth in Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the day is not far away when Punjab will emerge as the industrial hub of the country.

In a meeting with Australian Ambassador Phillip Green, the Chief Minister underlined the need for mutual cooperation in varied fields to further boost economy of Australia as well as that of Punjab. He said that there is a huge potential of investment in agriculture, sports industry, cattle feed, education and others in Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann invited the Australian companies to invest in the state adding that it will be mutually beneficial for Australia and Punjab.

During meeting with Ambassador of United Kingdom Alex Ellis, the Chief Minister said that there was a huge scope of mutual growth between Punjab and UK in Agri-Food Processing sector in terms of Processing for poultry, pork, value added dairy products, fruit Juice concentrate manufacturing, potato Processing, food Packaging and ready to Eat/Confectionary Items. Likewise, he said that both UK and Punjab can also be benefitted from strategic tie ups in Pharmaceuticals, Engineering, Information Technology and Chemical sectors adding he invited the UK universities to set up their campuses in Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann also reminded the Ambassador about the pivotal role being played by Punjabis in socio-economic development of United Kingdom adding he also flagged the issue of providing Direct flight connectivity between UK and Punjab to facilitate the passengers.

In a meeting with Ambassador of Brazil Kenneth H. da Nobrega, the Chief Minister said that there was a huge scope of investment by the Brazilian companies especially in sectors like Agro Food Processing, New and Renewable Source of Energy, Logistics, Information and Technology and Chemicals. He said that Brazilian companies can be immensely benefitted by investing in the state as apart from fertile land the state has a pool of skilled and hard working manpower which can be of immense use for them. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured that the state will provide fulsome support and cooperation to the Brazalian companies desirous of investing in the state.

During deliberations with Ambassador of Spain José María Ridao, the Chief Minister apprised him that Punjab exports major products like basmati rice, bulk drugs, products of steel and iron, auto components, agro-chemicals, cotton fabrics, madeups and others to Spain and the total value of these exports was Rs 510.35 crores. He said that there is further a huge scope of investment in sectors of Agro food processing, Aerospace and Defence, New and Renewable Source of Energy, Information and Technology and Auto/ Automobile components. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Spain is the 16th largest Foreign Direct Investor (FDI) in India and Punjab can also be immensely benefitted from it.

In a meeting with Malaysian Ambassador Dato Muzafar Shah Mustafa, the Chief Minister apprised him that Punjab has emerged as a most preferred Tourist destination and state government is already promoting tourism on a large scale. He said that strategic tie up between Punjab and Malaysia especially in Tourism and diaspora can be immensely beneficial for both. Likewise, he also said that there is a huge scope of investment in the state in sectors like Manufacturing, Information and technology, Energy and Agriculture and Food Processing.

During a meeting with Ambassador of Netherlands Mrs. Marie Louisa Gerards, the Chief Minister said that it is heartening to know that Netherlands is the fourth largest Foreign Direct Investor (FDI) in India. He said that companies from Netherlands have already invested in Punjab and he had also performed the groundbreaking ceremony of De Heus factory at Vividha Industrial Park, Rajpura in October 2023. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Centre of Excellence for Potato crop is an Indo-Dutch Project is running successfully and the Dutch government, in collaboration with Dutch organizations Solidaridad, PUM (an organization founded by VNO-NCW and Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs) is working with textile finishing cluster in Ludhiana adding he said that there is a huge scope of investment in several other sectors like Food Processing, Logistics, Alloys and Steels, Pharmaceuticals and Information Technology.

Chandigarh

Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra: Centre Govt reaches out to people at grassroots level, says PIB ADG Rajinder Chaudhry

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IEP Chandigarh

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Chandigarh organized a “Vartalaap” media workshop today in Chandigarh, with Sri Rajinder Chaudhry, Additional Director General (ADG) of PIB, presiding over the event. Shri Yashu Deep Singh, IFS, Protector of Migrants, Chandigarh, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. This gathering marked a pivotal moment as PIB Chandigarh extended invitations to regional beneficiaries who have been invited to participate in the Republic Day parade 2024.

The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Shri Rajinder Chaudhry and Shri Yashu Deep Singh, symbolizing the illumination of progress and prosperity. Following this, ADG Sh Rajinder Chaudhry delivered an insightful presentation, highlighting the achievements of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY). He underscored the government’s commitment to reaching the last mile and ensuring that services are provided effectively. “VBSY has been a journey of empowerment, where the government has reached out to people at the grassroots level. The emphasis has been on inclusivity, ensuring that the benefits of various schemes reach every corner of the nation,” he stated. The elaborate presentation detailed how the government’s efforts have touched the lives of over 15 crore individuals, a testament to the success of the initiative in fostering inclusive development.

Underscoring the remarkable achievements of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY), ADG Sh Rajinder Chaudhry shed light on the multifaceted impact of the journey. He revealed that during the Yatra, there were more than 1.2 lakh drone demonstrations, showcasing the government’s innovative approach to public engagement. Additionally, an impressive number of over 11 crore people actively participated in the Sankalp pledge, demonstrating a collective commitment to the nation’s progress.

Choudhary further highlighted the substantial efforts in healthcare, sharing that more than four crore people were screened in Health Camps, showcasing the government’s proactive stance on public health. The issuance of approx two crore Ayushman Bharat cards was another significant milestone, providing citizens with access to essential healthcare services.

In the Vartalap, Sh. Yashu Deep Singh, IFS, Protector of Emigrants, Ministry of External Affairs, Chandigarh, unveiled an alarming trend wherein overseas job seekers are increasingly falling victim to unscrupulous recruitment agents deploying deceptive practices. Singh emphasized the severity of the situation, revealing, “We have observed a significant surge in cases where overseas job seekers are being swindled by unregistered recruitment agents through the use of counterfeit job offers, coupled with exorbitant overcharging ranging from Rs. 2 to 5 lakhs or more.”

Singh outlined the prerequisites for a legitimate job offer, including transparent terms and conditions, salary details, and the provision of a proper employment or work visa. In an effort to safeguard emigrant workers, Singh strongly encouraged them to exclusively seek services from registered recruiting agents, identifiable by prominently displayed license numbers. Prospective emigrants were advised to cross-verify the authenticity of recruiting agents through official government channels or by visiting the dedicated website www.emigrate.gov.in or PBSK Portal at www.pbsk.gov.in/home .” Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to worker protection, highlighting the mandatory requirement for registered agents to purchase Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) for migrant workers. This insurance provides various benefits, including a Rs. 10 Lakh sum assured on death cases. He called upon the media to play a vital role in generating awareness among the public and underscored the importance of the Helpline 1800113090, urging people to report any complaints promptly.

PIB Chandigarh has called regional beneficiaries who have been invited to participate in the Republic Day parade 2024. The beneficiaries, including Tania Singla under PM Fasal Bima Yojana, Sunil Kumar under PM Krishi Shichayi Yojana, Jaswinder Kaur under PM Awas Yojana Rural, Sheela Bhoj under PM Vishwakarma Yojana, Raj Bahadur under PM Vishwakarma Yojana, Kiran under PM Vishwakarma Yojana, Vishal Kumar under PM Vishwakarma Yojana, and Vinod under PM Vishwakarma Yojana, shared their experiences with the media, elaborating on how these government schemes have positively impacted their lives.

These beneficiaries provided firsthand accounts of the tangible benefits derived from schemes that cater to agriculture, housing, and vocational empowerment. The Vartalaap served as a platform for these individuals to express their gratitude for the transformative impact of the initiatives, demonstrating the success of the government’s efforts in reaching and uplifting citizens from various walks of life.

Punjab

BDPO ARRESTED BY VB TAKING BRIBE FROM SARPANCHES SUSPENDED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT

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IEP Chandigarh, January 13

          In line with the directives of Rural Development & Panchayat Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, the department has suspended the services of Mamdot’s Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) Sarabjit Singh with immediate effect. Sarabjit Singh was apprehended by the Vigilance Bureau yesterday for accepting bribe from sarpanches.

          During the suspension period, the employee’s headquarters will be at the office of the District Development and Panchayat Officer, Ferozepur.

          Meanwhile, asserting the commitment to ensuring corruption-free governance, Rural Development and Panchayat Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar reiterated that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government will not tolerate any form of corruption. He affirmed that action against corrupt officials will be pursued to a logical conclusion.

Punjab

RANJIT SAGAR DAM’S WATER OUTFLOW REMAIN CLOSED FOR 31 DAYS

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IEP Chandigarh, January 13

Punjab Water Resources Department has decided to close the water outflow from Ranjit Sagar Dam for 31 days for urgent work and water filling in reservoir of Shahpurkandi Dam.

Disclosing this here, the official spokesperson said that keeping in view the weather condition and status of crops, it is notified that water outflow from Ranjit Sagar Dam will remain closed for 31 days from January 15, 2024 to February 14, 2024 (both days inclusive) to complete the urgent work including plugging of under sluices and impounding of Shahpurkandi Dam. 

The notification in this regard has been issued under the Rule-63 of Rules framed under the Northern India Canal and Drainage Act, 1873 (Act No. VIII of 1873).

Punjab

MEET HAYER CONGRATULATES SIFT KAUR SAMRA FOR WINNING GOLD AND SILVER MEDALS AT THE ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

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IEP Chandigarh, January 13

Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer on Saturday has congratulated the Faridkot based Shooter Sift Kaur Samra for winning the Gold and Silver Medal at the Asian Championship being held in Jakarta. Sift won gold in the team event and silver in the individual event.

Meet Hayer said that Sift Kaur Samra has made the name of the state and the country bright with her continuous good performance. Sift won Gold and Silver medals in the Asian Games last year with a World record. She also Won a bronze medal in the World Cup. She also qualified for the Paris Olympic Games.

The Sports Minister said that the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is fully committed to uplifting the standard of sports in the State to make it regain its pristine glory on the world stage. Under the new sports policy, while cash prizes are being given to the players, cash prizes are also being given for the preparation of sports competitions.

Meet Hayer has also congratulated Sift Kaur Samra’s parents and coach for her achievements. In the ongoing Asian Championship-2024 (Rifle/Pistol) held in Jakarta, Sift Kaur Samra won the Silver medal in the individual category by scoring 460.6 points while the Gold Medal winner Korea’s Eunseo Lee scored 462.5 points. Sift won a Gold medal in the team category.

Punjab

VIGILANCE BUREAU NABS COOPERATIVE DEPT SENIOR ASSISTANT FOR TAKING RS 10,000 BRIBE

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IEP Chandigarh January 13

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, on Saturday, arrested Rajinder Singh, posted as Senior Assistant in the office of Assistant Registrar, Punjab Cooperatives Department, Kharar, district Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, for demanding and accepting bribe of Rs 10,000.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB, said the aforementioned accused official, a resident of Garden Colony, Kharar, has been arrested on a complaint lodged by Jaspal Singh, a resident of village Bagindi, tehsil Kharar, who has been working as Secretary in the milk collection society in village Seonk, tehsil Kharar.

He further informed that the complainant has approached the VB and alleged that the said accused Rajinder Singh was demanding Rs 10,000 as a bribe in lieu of clearing a file pertaining to the election of said milk collection society of village Seonk, which was pending in his office.

The spokesperson further added that the flying squad unit of VB, after a preliminary inquiry of this complaint, laid a trap and the said accused has been arrested on the spot while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the said official at police station, flying squad-1, Punjab, SAS Nagar and further investigation into this case was under progress, he added.

Haryana

Deprived individuals to receive permanent homes under Mukjyamantri Awas Yojna: CM

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IEP Chandigarh, January 13

Haryana Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal presented a government bus facility as a Lohri gift to school children during a Jan Samvad Program in Zarifabad village, part of his constituency in Karnal district. With this initiative, children from Zarifabad village will no longer need to walk to Manjura School. The facility of bus service will commence on January 16, right after the conclusion of the school holidays. In addition, the Chief Minister announced various developmental projects in Zarifabad village.

During the Jan Samvad program, the female Sarpanch of the village, Santosh Devi placed several demands before the Chief Minister including the renovation of the village drain, the introduction of a government bus service for school children, the construction of a concrete road to the cremation ground, paving of the road from Panchayati land to Indra Palace in the village, renovation of the library and need for the renovation of the Chaupal. Responding to these demands, the Chief Minister pledged to address nearly all the demands presented by the Gram Panchayat. Furthermore, the Sarpanch raised the community’s request for the construction of permanent houses for underprivileged individuals in the village under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Acknowledging this request, the Chief Minister revealed that the Haryana Government is formulating the Mukjya Mantri Awas Yojna, aiming to provide permanent housing to those who may not benefit from the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

Chief Minister facilitates on-the-spot pension approvals for six eligible individuals

The Jan Samvad program brought immediate relief to six residents of Zarifabad, as Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal instructed the on-the-spot implementation of their pensions. District Social Welfare Officer Sh Satyawan Dhilod promptly executed the pension disbursement. The Chief Minister personally handed out pension certificates to the beneficiaries, namely Gurmeet Singh, Santokh Singh, Purna Singh, Maan Kaur, Karam Chand, and Nakli Ram.

District BJP President Yogendra Rana, Municipal Corporation Mayor Renu Bala Gupta, Chief Minister’s representative Sanjay Bathla, Senior Deputy Mayor Rajesh Aggi, District General Secretary Sunil Goyal, Deputy Commissioner Anish Yadav, Superintendent of Police Shashank Kumar Sawan, ADC Dr. Vaishali Sharma, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Abhishek Meena and officials of various departments were also present on this occasion.

Haryana

Educated youth are now finding a new path to ‘success’ based on merit, without the burden of any expense or favoritism

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IEP Chandigarh

The Haryana government, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal, has taken a significant stride towards transparent and merit-based employment to the youth in the state. The Haryana Staff Selection Commission has declared the written examination results for the recruitment of 13,657 posts in the CET Group-D category. Aspiring candidates can access the results on the Commission’s website, www.hssc.gov.in, by using their registration number and date of birth. The test was conducted by the National testing agency, a Government of India organization on behalf of the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC).

The recruitment process for these positions involved an ‘OMR’ based written examination conducted on October 21st and 22nd, 2023.

HSSC Chairman, Sh Bhopal Singh Khadri, said that out of the 13,84,012 candidates who registered for the examination, 8,55,221 candidates appeared in the exam. Through a merit-based selection process, a total of 13,657 candidates will be chosen for various positions, including 13,104 in the common cadre of the state government and 553 in different boards and corporations. The distribution comprises 5,875 posts for the general category, 2,730 for Scheduled Caste, 2,183 for BC-A, 1,504 for BC-B, and 1,365 for economically weaker section candidates. Advertisement for seeking willingness of candidates placed on CET result is expected to be issued by HSSC in a couple of days and the portal is likely to open next week.

He highlighted a milestone in Haryana’s history, with the introduction of the One Time Registration (OTR) facility for youth, announced by Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal on January 12, 2021. This initiative aimed to alleviate the need for repeated job applications, saving candidates both time and money. Additionally, candidates were provided with the convenience of free travel in State Roadways buses to facilitate their participation in the examination.

Over the past nine years, 110,000 youth secure government jobs, 60,000 more opportunities in the pipeline

It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Manohar Lal is committed to ensuring recruitment in government jobs in a transparent manner. Unlike previous administrations, where the practice of favoritism and unnecessary expenses hindered qualified youth from securing jobs, the government has significantly increased employment opportunities to eligible candidates during its tenure of over nine years. In the 15-year period from 1999 to 2014, only 86,067 jobs were given through the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC) and Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC). In contrast, the current government in the state has, through a transparent appointment system, provided government jobs to approximately 110,000 deserving youth from 2014 to 2023, with plans to offer around 60,000 more jobs shortly.

The government, under Chief Minister Manohar Lal, successfully reinstated numerous jobs that had been stuck in the courts since many years during the previous regime, facilitating the joining of individuals into positions such as PTI, Assistant Lineman, Canal Patwari, Clerk, Lower Division Clerk, and Professors.