IEP Chandigarh, September 21

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday launched his new Whatsapp channel with an aim to further get directly connected with the people and make them equal partners in the socio-economic growth of the state.

Launching the channel https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va42I695fM5iIFathJ0Q  the Chief Minister described it as a citizen centric decision aimed at ensuring better connect with the masses. He said that people can join the channel through the link and get the updates about the pro-people and development oriented policies of the state government. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this noble initiative will go a long way in making the people of the state an integral part of the governance in the state.

The Chief Minister said that this out of the box idea will help in cementing the bond between state government and people by having direct interface with them. He said that in today’s era of technology this initiative will go a long way in making people an equal partner in governance of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it will also help in facilitating the people with the latest information about the development in the state and the new initiatives of the Punjab government for their well being.

Meanwhile, the first post of the channel highlights the School of eminence, which was recently dedicated by the Chief Minister to the people of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisioned that the school is a revolutionary step in the field of education as it will ensure the access of quality education to the students of the state. He urged the people of the state to join the whatsapp group for regular updates about the various pro-people initiatives being taken by the state government.

IEP Chandigarh

With a aim to provide unparalleled firsthand experiences to foster a sense of responsibility towards the environment among the youth, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has organized a transformative initiative that offered an exceptional opportunity for NSS volunteers and students of Government Girls College, Sector 11 to learn about source segregation firsthand in the field.

Under the guidance of the team Chandigarh Challengers, the students were immersed in an inspiring day dedicated to Swachhata. They had the privilege to witness and learn about the Swachhata ke Chaar rang and challaning drive, gaining insightful knowledge on building a cleaner and greener future.

The highlight of the activity was a visit to the MRF (Material Recovery Facility) located in Industrial Area, Phase 1. This field trip offered an immersive experience, allowing the students to delve into the intricacies of source segregation and witness its profound impact firsthand.

The hands-on involvement proved to be invaluable for the participating youth. Not only did they gain practical knowledge, but it also ignited a renewed dedication to actively contribute towards the vision of a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

While elaborating about the initiative, Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh said that empowering the youth with experiential learning is essential in shaping a brighter future. The Swacchta Pakhwara serves as a platform for them to understand and engage in sustainable practices, instilling a sense of responsibility towards our environment, she said.

She said that through this initiative ‘Swachhata Diwas- Swachhata hi Seva’, MCC Chandigarh aims to empower the younger generation to actively contribute towards building a cleaner, greener future. MCC remains committed to championing sustainability and encouraging active participation from the youth. Together, they continue to shape a brighter future, one step at a time, added the Commissioner.

IEP Chandigarh

Inner Wheel Club of Chandigarh City Beautiful today distributed vegetables at the Institute for the Blind in Sector 26 under their project for support to the differently abled.

Virender Kaur, President of the Club, while giving the information said vegetables were distributed to over 172 student beneficiaries and the distribution ceremony was attended by staff members.

“During our visit to the Blind School, we donated 50 kg of potatoes and 25 kg of onions. Approximately 10 kilograms of spinach, peas, tomatoes, brinjal, cauliflower, cabbage , bottle gourd and other vegetables, she added.

Members of the club who were present included Sukhpreet, Meenu Kaushal, and Nancy

IEP Chandigarh

According to the World Alzheimer’s Report 2022 released earlier this year, Alzheimer’s and dementia affect approximately 55 million people worldwide. It’s a staggering statistic that underscores the urgent need for awareness, support, and research to combat this debilitating condition

Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder, widely recognized as one of the most prevalent forms of dementia, said Dr Pallav Jain, neurologist at Max Hospital. This ailment impairs brain cells, leading to memory alterations and erratic behaviours, and, in severe cases, the loss of various bodily functions, he informed.  

He further informed that scientists believe that a combination of genetic, behavioural, and environmental factors over time is responsible for the development of Alzheimer’s in most individuals. While specific genetic anomalies predispose less than 1% of cases, the majority are influenced by these multifaceted factors.

Hallmark signs of Alzheimer’s, especially in its early stages, is the forgetfulness of recently acquired information, opined Dr Jain.

Patients may also struggle to remember important dates or activities, often repeating the same questions. The disease can disrupt a person’s ability to plan and execute tasks, impairing their cognitive functions and sense of time, he maintained.

Keeping a detailed medication schedule and using pill organizers or medication management apps can prevent missed doses or accidental overdoses, he asserted.  Encouraging light exercises and activities fosters physical and mental health. Ensure exercise spaces are safe and obstacle-free. Providing balanced meals and monitoring fluid intake helps prevent dehydration and maintains overall health, he opined

IEP Chandigarh

Model Central Jail, Sector-51, Chandigarh has now become self-reliant and meets all its energy requirements through solar power with a total Capacity of 710 kWp (On- Site Solar Power Plant installation of 360kWp under the net metering arrangement and Off-Site Solar Power Plant installation of 350kWp at Outer parking area under Virtual Net-Metering). Earlier 150kWp SPV Power was installed under the Net Metering arrangement and 350kWp Solar Plant under the virtual Net Metering arrangement. 

The Inauguration of the 350kWp SPV Power Plant was done by Sh. Dharam Pal, Adviser to Administrator U.T. Chandigarh on 22.04.2022. During inauguration, the Adviser to Administrator and Chairman, CREST had directed CREST & Jail Authorities to make the Model Central Jail “Net Zero”. Thereafter, CREST installed an additional 210kWp Solar Power Plant under a Net Metering arrangement to make Model Central jail “Net Zero”. Now complete electricity requirement of Model Central Jail is being fulfilled through Solar Power Plants i.e. Clean and Green Energy. Now Model Jail Chandigarh is first Jail in the country which is “Net Zero Conventional Electricity Consumer”.

IEP Chandigarh

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state on Tuesday nabbed Ajay Kumar, Junior Engineer (JE) Nagar Council, Nabha, Patiala district red handed for accepting bribe of Rs 50000.

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the state VB said the above mentioned accused has been arrested on the complaint of Jagdeep Singh, resident of Nabha city. He further added that the the complainant has approached the VB and alleged that the said JE was demanding bribe of Rs 50,000 for clearing file regarding change of land use (CLU) of his shop in Nabha city.

          The spokesperson informed the the VB after a preliminary investigation of the complaint laid a trap and the accused was arrested in the presence of two official witnesses while he was taking the bribe money from the complainant.

          In this regard a FIR has been registered against the accused at VB police station Patiala range under the corruption act. Further investigation in this case was under progress, he added.

Punjab’s success with Agriculture Infrastructure Fund scheme continues: Chetan Singh Jauramajra

IEP Chandigarh, September 19

          Once again, Punjab’s farmers and agri-entrepreneurs have demonstrated their entrepreneurial spirit by enthusiastically embracing the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme, aimed at establishing various post-harvest management projects and community farming assets. Impressively, the state has received over 10,000 applications under this scheme so far.

          While sharing the latest figure, Horticulture Minister S. Chetan said that as of September 18, Punjab has received a total of 10,509 applications, of which 6,042 applications have already been sanctioned and 5,166 applications have been disbursed. He said that Punjab has maintained its position as the second-highest state in terms of applications sanctioned under the scheme. Notably, three districts have each surpassed 1,000 applications, namely Bathinda (1,286), Fazilka (1,158) and Patiala (1,087).

          The Horticulture Minister maintained that the AIF scheme provides 3% interest assistance for up to 7 years on term loans for eligible activities, with a maximum interest rate set at 9%. Beneficiaries can avail this benefit for amounts up to Rs.2 crores and each beneficiary can establish up to 25 projects at different locations.

          S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra informed that the eligible projects include Storage Infrastructure (Warehouses, Silos, Cold Stores, Cold Rooms etc.), Primary Processing Centers (Atta Chakki, Dal Mill, Oil Expeller, Rice Sheller, Spice Processing, Gur Making etc.), Sorting and Grading units, Packhouses, Ripening Chambers, Farm Machinery (minimum of 4 units), Combine Harvesters, Boom Sprayers, Balers, Cotton Ginning, Honey Processing, Silk Processing, Nurseries, Seed Processing, Vermicompost, Compressed Biogas Plants etc. He said that certain projects such as Mushroom Farming, Aeroponics, Hydroponics, Polyhouses, Greenhouses etc., can also be established by farmer groups.

          The Cabinet Minister said that solar panels on eligible projects and solar pumps can also be set up under this scheme. He said that the Department of Horticulture, which serves as the nodal agency for implementing the scheme in Punjab, has also set up a WhatsApp helpline No. 9056092906 to assist with inquiries related to the scheme.

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IEP Chandigarh

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday congratulated the Indian cricket team for lifting the Asia Cup cricket by defeating Sri Lanka in a spectacular match.

In a congratulatory message, the  Chief Minister said that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that these Indian cricket team has brought laurels for the country by clinging this Cup. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Indian cricket team has created history by winning this cup for the eight time. He lauded the entire team for making country proud and extended best wishes to them for future.

The Chief Minister said that marvellous bowling by Mohammed Siraj had made the match one sided. He said that the entire cricket team deserves a pat for spectacular performance to win this cup. Extending best wishes for the coming World Cup, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the team is pride of the country.

IEP Chandigarh

Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal flagged off the Cyclothon in  Sirsa today, marking a crucial step in the “Drug-Free Haryana” campaign. During his address to participants and the public gathered at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium in Sirsa, Sh. Manohar Lal expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming public response, surpassing the previous marathon records from 2019. He stressed the growing concern about drug-related issues in Haryana and praised the Cyclothon Yatra for effectively raising awareness. The Cyclothon commenced on September 1 from Karnal and is scheduled to conclude in Karnal on September 25, spanning across 15 districts in Haryana.

In addition to highlighting the significance of the Cyclothon event, the Chief Minister acknowledged the dual importance of the day, being both the birthday of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and the celebration of Lord Vishwakarma’s birth as National Labour Day. He extended his warm wishes to workers, labourers, artisans, and all those contributing to the nation’s progress.

The participation in the Cyclothon Yatra has surged beyond two lakh cyclists, with a potential to set a world record as it progresses through Fatehabad, Ratia, Tohana, Uklana, Jind, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Ambala, Panchkula, and Yamunanagar before reaching Karnal. In comparison, the largest Cyclothon organised in Madhya Pradesh had 35000 participants, highlighting the remarkable scale of Haryana’s initiative.

The core objective of the Cyclothon Yatra is to disseminate the message of de-addiction and strive towards a drug-free Haryana. The Chief Minister expressed deep concern over the drug problem, with a specific focus on the districts of Sirsa and Fatehabad, where the issue is most acute. In Sirsa, the Yatra extended for three days to address the gravity of the situation.

The Chief Minister emphasized the pivotal role of the youth in realizing India’s potential as a global leader. He called upon them to take a stand against drug addiction and spread awareness among their peers. He outlined three critical steps for the success of the “Drug-Free Haryana” campaign: rehabilitation of drug addicts, stringent legal actions against drug traffickers, and comprehensive awareness programs targeting the youth.

As a source of inspiration, the Chief Minister cited the example of 74-year-old Kamlesh Rana from Rohtak, who is actively participating in the Cyclothon to combat drug addiction. Her journey began in 2020, and her dedication remains an inspiration to all participants. Additionally, two other elderly participants aged 75 and 76 have displayed admirable determination. He commended them for serving as a source of inspiration for all.

The event saw an electrifying atmosphere when renowned Punjabi singer Mankirat Aulakh graced the stage, captivating the audience with his performance. The presence of renowned Punjabi singer Mankirat Aulakh injected tremendous energy into the event by performing his popular songs, using this platform to convey the commitment of Haryana’s state government to a drug-free Haryana.

IEP Chandigarh

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that the sanitation workers played a vital role in making Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Mission successful. The state government has initiated several new programmes for the well-being of sanitation workers.

The Chief Minister was addressing the sanitation worker’s felicitation ceremony organized on the occasion of the birthday of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi in Sirsa on Sunday.

The Chief Minister extended his wishes for the Prime Minister’s long life. He praised the Prime Minister’s leadership, which has elevated India’s status on the global stage.

He said that the government’s continuous efforts to improve the welfare of the poor and labourers, highlighting the implementation of new schemes aimed at raising their standard of living.

The Chief Minister stated that Labour Day celebrations were underway in the state, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Lord Vishwakarma. He urged sanitation workers to pay special attention to their children’s education, assuring that the government would provide support for quality education.

He also announced plans to hire approximately 1,000 sanitation workers soon, with the goal of introducing new amenities for sanitation workers, including machinery, in line with the changing times.

Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal acknowledged Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s various campaigns, including the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, said that the state’s cleanliness campaign was inspired by these efforts. He praised the public’s wholehearted support for the cleanliness campaign, underscoring the essential role sanitation workers play in making it successful.