All posts by admin

Punjab

Mining & Geology Dept refutes misleading statement of LoP

Leave a comment

IEP Chandigarh, February 1

          The Punjab Government has taken strict actions to stop the illegal mining in the state with the intervention of the latest technical mechanism.

          Giving further details, the official spokesperson of the Mining and Geology department said that all the mines are geo-tagged and geo-fenced by the department before the starting of the mining operations. Currently, geotagging or geofencing of mines located in the state of Punjab has already been completed are also available in the public domain through department portal.

          The spokesperson said that pre mining survey has been done with the help of drones on all the mining sites, allotted by the department,  so that illegal mining can be stopped.

          A provision for online complaints has also been made in the Mining Portal (Mineral Sale Management and Monitoring System) https://minesandgeology.punjab.gov.in. An ‘android application (Punjab Sand)’, has been available on the Google Play Store which can be downloaded by any person, for the purpose of making complaints about the illegal mining along with the coordinates and pictures in any area in the State.

          It is worth bringing to the notice that up till October 31, 2023, a total 5366 cases have been registered by Police Department against illegal mining in the State.

          The Department of Mines and Geology has also constituted a ‘District Level Task Force’ to curb illegal mining in the State as per NGT orders.

          In compliance with NGT orders, a total of 110 FIRs have been filed, and 156 vehicles have been seized in Ropar District. Additionally, in instances of illegal mining in Ropar District, the Department has cancelled the registration of 13 crushers.

          He said that the mining and geology department is in the process of signing MoU with the IIT Ropar with the objective of sustainable management and monitoring of riverbeds and other mining sites using satellite data.

          Refuting the misleading statement of the leader of opposition Pratap Singh Bajwa, the spokesperson of the Mining and Geology department clarified that the allegations regarding mining activities in Punjab are categorically incorrect and contrary to the claims of LoP as the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF) issued comprehensive guidelines in 2020, emphasizing the use of geo-fencing and geo-tagging for mining sites.

          The spokesperson further added that the Punjab government has diligently implemented these guidelines by creating Keyhole Markup Language (KML) files for all mining sites, utilizing GPS coordinates. These files serve as robust tools for geofencing and geotagging, enabling anyone to easily identify mining areas on platforms like Google Earth. It’s worth noting that every Mine Plan is accompanied by a mandatory KML file, and each Environmental Clearance (EC) application includes this essential documentation.

          He said that the department is currently at the final stage of obtaining 40 Environmental Clearances (ECs).

          He said that a few years ago, mining activities were conducted without the necessary ECs and permissions. However, under the present government, strict adherence to legal protocols is maintained, ensuring that mining operations are only permitted in areas where ECs or permissions from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) have been obtained. The state government is committed to upholding the law and safeguarding the environmental integrity of our region, he added.

Punjab

CM CONTINUES MISSION ‘EMPLOYMENT’, HANDS OVER 518 JOB LETTERS TO YOUTH

Leave a comment

IEP Chandigarh, February 1

Continuing the mission to empower the youth of the state by giving them government jobs, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday handed over 518 more job letters for the government jobs to the youth in the department of Education, Higher Education, Finance, GAD, Cooperation, Power and others.

Addressing the gathering during a function to handover the appointment letters to the youth, the Chief Minister said that the state government fills all the posts as soon as they are vacant in the department. He said that a foolproof mechanism has been adopted for the entire recruitment process due to which not even a single appointment out of these more than 40,000 have been challenged so far in any court. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a proud moment for the government of Punjab that these youth have been given government jobs completely on the basis of merit.

The Chief Minister said that he had vehemently raised voice against the illegal travel agents during his stint as MP adding that ever since assuming charge his government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against illegal travel agents who dupe the people and carry on human trafficking. He said that apart from taking exemplary action against such travel agents the state government has also started a major awareness drive to make the people aware about these dubious travel agents. Bhagwant Singh Mann also said that necessary amendments have also been made in the Immigration Act to ensure severest of severe action against such travel agents.

The Chief Minister also exhorted the youth of the state to exercise restraint and not get swayed away by the misleading propaganda by the divisive forces. He said that these anti-Punjab want to derail the development and progress of the state due to which they are spreading venom in the state. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the wise youth of the state will not prey to such an agenda and they will give a befitting answer to them.

The Chief Minister said that the sole aim of giving jobs is to ensure that the youth of the state become an active partner in the social economic growth of the state and don’t fall in clutches of the illegal travel agents. He said that this venue has witnessed a number of such events in which youth have got jobs in various government departments. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this reflects the commitment of the state government to ensure the well being of youth and opening new avenues of employment for them.

The Chief Minister said that due to concerted efforts of the Punjab government reverse migration has started in the state. He said that instead of going abroad in search of green pastures, the youth of the state are now working hard here to get the jobs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that even youth who had gone to other countries earlier are now coming back and getting jobs by working hard.

The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for him that all the youth have been selected for these posts purely on the basis of merit. He said that this is not a first function as the state government has handed over job letters to youth in the state as already several such functions had taken place. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is making strenuous efforts for restoring the pristine glory of Punjab by making youth a partner in this noble cause.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab is a blessed land as every second village of the state has footprints of great Gurus and the state has produced valiant sons who had laid their lives for the country. He said that Punjabis are born entrepreneurs and leaders due to which they have proved their mettle across the globe. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the hard work and resilience of the Punjabis is unmatched owing to which they excel in every sphere.

The Chief Minister said that this spirit of Punjabis can be duly used for taking the state ahead adding that the state government is fully committed to it. He said that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that girls are outnumbering the boys in every field and even today the majority of jobs have been bagged by the girls. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is the need of hour to give wings to the girls for excelling in each and every field thereby enabling them to script new success stories.

Training his guns at his predecessors, the Chief Minister said that these leaders had built huge palaces by amassing whopping wealth by misusing their official positions. He said that the walls of these palatial palaces were high and the gates usually remained closed for the people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders remained inaccessible to the people due to which they were ousted by the masses.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is making concerted efforts for the welfare of the youth of the state. He said that the focus of his government is to ensure that youth become job givers instead of job seekers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is the need of hour to carve out a progressive and prosperous Punjab by proactive involvement of the youth.

The Chief Minister quipped that a former Finance Minister of state chanted rhetoric of ‘empty state exchequer’ for nine long years thereby demoralizing the youth of Punjab. However, he said that now the state government is providing jobs to youth of Punjab on every passing day due to which younger generations are becoming active partners in socio-economic development of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this massive campaign will be further carried in the coming days to empower more and more youth.  

The Chief Minister said that now complete transformation is being witnessed in the state as new hospitals, schools and new medical colleges are coming up for the well being of the common man.  He said that these decisions are being taken only by those who are aware about the problems of the people at grass root levels. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the traditional political parties have ruined the state and now they are shamelessly making huge talks of morality.

Taking a jibe over the Punjab Bachao yatra of Akali Dal, the Chief Minister dared the Akali leaders to explain that after looting the state for 15 years, from whom they are trying to save the state from. He said that Akalis have plundered the state mercilessly besides bruising the psyche of Punjabis emotionally and patronizing several mafias in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that people are well aware of the dubious character of the Akalis and Badal family due to which their theatricals won’t work now.

The Chief Minister also said that the state government is opening eight hi-tech centres for imparting training to the students for competitive exams. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these centres will provide quality training to youth for clearing the UPSC exams and sit on coveted positions in state and country. He said that the target of the state government is to ensure that youth sit in high offices and serve the country.

Punjab

VB registers corruption case against PSPCL Meter Reader for taking bribes from consumers

Leave a comment

IEP Chandigarh February 1

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has registered a corruption case against Navdeep Singh, posted as meter reader in PSPCL sub-division Ferozepur city for taking bribes by threatening the power consumers.

          Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said this case has been registered against the said accused on an online complaint lodged by Raghbir Singh, a resident of Kirti Nagar, Ferozepur city on the Chief Minister anti corruption action line.

          He further added that the complainant has alleged in his complaint that the above said meter reader has been demanding bribes from him by threatening that the electricity meter installed in his house is tempered. He further alleged that the above mentioned accused had already obtained Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000 as bribes from him and his sister-in-law respectively in this regard.

          The spokesperson further added that the complainant has even made a detailed complaint to the concerned SDO of PSPCL  in this regard but nothing happened to redress his grievances. The complainant’s niece has also made recording of conversation while the said accused was demanding bribes and submitted to the VB as an evidence.

          In this regard the VB range Ferozepur has investigated the complaint and found the allegations as true and correct. On the basis of this report, a case under Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the said accused at VB police station Ferozepur range. Further investigation of this case was under progress, he added.

Punjab

VB registers case against revenue Patwari for taking Rs 1,500 bribe

Leave a comment

IEP Chandigarh February 1

          The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has registered a corruption case against revenue Patwari Subash Chander, posted at revenue halqua Mulianwali, Fazilka district for accepting bribe of Rs the 1,500.

          Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said this case has been registered against the said accused on an online complaint lodged by Jagjit Singh, a resident of Fazilka on the Chief Minister anti corruption action line.

          He further added that the complainant has alleged in his complaint that the above said Patwari has been demanding bribe money of Rs 500 to issue copy of mutation of his land. He further alleged that the accused Patwari had already obtained Rs 1,500 as bribe from him to issue copies of Fard in this case. The complainant has also made recording of demand raised by the said Patwari to take bribes and submitted to the VB as an evidence.

          In this regard the VB range Ferozepur has investigated the complaint and found the allegations as true and correct. On the basis of this report, a case under Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the said accused at VB police station Ferozepur range. Further investigation of this case was under progress, he added.

Punjab

Balkar Singh conducts a review meeting on various projects in the presence of MLAs

Leave a comment

IEP Chandigarh, February 1

          The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, will complete various ongoing projects across the state on time. Punjab Local Government Minister Balkar Singh stated that the state government is committed to completing all projects on time.

          In the presence of MLAs from various constituencies and senior departmental officials, a review meeting was held at Municipal Bhawan today for Municipal Council/Nagar Panchayat Garhshankar, Garhdiwala, Hariana, Mukerian, Dasuya, Urmur Tanda, Talwara, Sham Chaurasi, Mahilpur, Nawanshahr, Banga, Rahon, and Balachaur. Cabinet Minister received detailed information about various development projects and discussed issues raised by the MLAs with departmental officials, urging prompt resolution.

          During the meeting, Minister for Local Government Balkar Singh discussed projects under various schemes, such as the Land availability of Sewerage treatment plants and water treatment plants. In addition of this, Tranche-3 AMRUT, and MDF/PIDB. After an in-depth discussion on ongoing development projects, officials were urged to ensure a high level of quality in the works.

          He emphasized that in case of any local-level problems in development works, the MLA of the concerned constituency should be informed, and issues should be resolved promptly in coordination with the district administration. Any delay in development projects will not be tolerated.

          Balkar Singh assured officials that the government has ample funds for development works. If a Municipal Council/Nagar Panchayat needs additional funds, they should contact their MLA, send a complete proposal with an action plan to the Head Office in Chandigarh. Officials were also instructed to share comprehensive information about development works with the MLA of their constituency for alignment with local needs.

          Highlighting the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government, Local Government Minister Balkar Singh emphasized the importance of working with sincerity and mutual cooperation to make the state “Rangla Punjab.”

          In attendance at the meeting were MLAs Karambir Singh Ghuman, Jasvir Singh Gill Raja, Dr Ravjot Singh, Malwinder Singh Jaggi,CEO of Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board,  Deepti Uppal CEO of PMIDC, Uma Shankar Gupta Director of Local Government Department, Commissioner of Municipal Corporation Hoshiarpur, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development) Hoshiarpur, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Halka Incharge along with various Municipal Councils/Nagar Panchayats.

Punjab

Punjab Government released Rs. 46.89 crore for honorarium of Anganwadi workers and helpers

Leave a comment

IEP Chandigarh, February 1

          The Punjab government has released an amount of Rs. 46.89 crore for the payment of honorarium to Anganwadi workers and helpers.

          Divulging in this regard,  Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the state government will continue its efforts for the welfare of needy women and children of Punjab.

          The Cabinet Minister stated that an amount of Rs 46.89 crores has been released for the payment of honorarium to Anganwadi workers and helpers from November 2023 to January 2024 under the ICDS scheme. She said that under this scheme, services like supplementary nutrition, immunization, health check-up, referral services, nutrition and health education and pre-school are being provided to children aged 6 months to 6 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

          The Social Security Minister said that  Rs. 1.83 crore to Pathankot, Rs. 1.94 crore to Tarn Taran,  Rs. 1.61 croreto Sri Muktsar Sahib,  Rs. 1.54 crore to SBS Nagar,  Rs. 1.62 crore to Moga,  Rs. 1.64 crore to Mansa,  Rs. 3.70 crore to Patiala,  Rs. 36.96 lakh to Sangrur,  Rs. 1.63 crore to Kapurthala, Rs. 3.08 crore to Jalandhar, Rs. 4.01 crore to Hoshiarpur, Rs. 2.18 crore to Ferozepur, Rs. 1.71 crore to Fazilka, Rs. 1.32 crore to Fatehgarh Sahib, Rs. 97.32 lakh to Faridkot, Rs. 1.73 crore to Bathinda, Rs. 1.33 crore to Barnala, Rs. 3.31 crore to Amritsar,  Rs. 4.71 crore to Ludhiana,  Rs. 1.76 crore to Rupnagar, Rs. 1.22 crore to SAS Nagar and Rs. 3.58 crore to Gurdaspur have been allocated.

          Dr. Baljit Kaur further added that while the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to the welfare of women and children of the state, it is also taking care of the demands and issues of Anganwadi workers and helpers.

Haryana

Preliminary examination of HCS (Ex. Br) and Allied Services is scheduled for February 11

Leave a comment

IEP Chandigarh, February 1

Haryana Chief Secretary Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal has directed officials to make adequate arrangements for the upcoming HCS (Ex. Br) and other Allied Services preliminary examination on 11th Feb, in which 87,091 aspirants are appearing. He stated that Coaching Centers and Photostat shops surrounding the examination centers should be closed during the examination to prevent any unfair means.

The Chief Secretary presided over the virtual meeting regarding the arrangements of the examination, with Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police of six districts present.

Mr. Kaushal informed that about 11,184 aspirants are appearing in 39 examination centers set up in Ambala district, 21,312 candidates in 79 examination centers set up in Faridabad district, 18,456 candidates in 69 examination centers in Gurugram district, 14,664 candidates in 47 examination centers set up in Karnal district. Similarly, 10,584 candidates in 41 examination centers in Kurukshetra and 10,896 candidates will appear in 42 examination centers in Panchkula.

The Chief Secretary informed that the examination would be conducted in two shifts on Feb 11. The General Studies examination will be held in the morning session from 10 AM to 12 PM and CSAT examination will be held in the evening session from 3 to 5 pm. 317 examination centers have been set up in 6 districts including Panchkula, Ambala, Faridabad, Gurugram, Karnal, and Kurukshetra, he added.

The Chief Secretary informed that one nodal officer and coordinators have been appointed in each district for conducting the preliminary examination. The Deputy Commissioner of the concerned district will be the overall in-charge for the examination and will also ensure arrangements for electricity, water, and ambulance services during emergency situations at the headquarters level in all the examination centers. He directed the Deputy Commissioners to impose Section-144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) around all centers in the respective districts to prevent gathering and curb cheating in the test.

The Chief Secretary said that the Deputy Commissioner will ensure fair and cheating-free conduct of the examination by appointing Duty Magistrates for 4-5 examination centers. Apart from this, flying squads have been appointed to strictly check cheating and other irregularities. He directed the officers to install CCTV cameras and ensure biometric attendance of every candidate at the examination centers. He asked the officers to strictly monitor strong rooms where the exam papers are kept. He asked them to make availability of HPSC question papers on time at the examination centers.

Haryana Public Service Commission Chairman Mr. Alok Verma, Additional Chief Secretary Industries and Commerce, Mr. Anand Mohan Sharan, Principal Secretary, Transport Department Mr. Navdeep Singh Virk, HPSC Member Mrs. Sonia Khullar, Secretary Mr. Mukesh Ahuja, and senior officers were present in the meeting.

Haryana

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Chief Electoral Officer Haryana holds meeting with representatives of political parties

Leave a comment

IEP Chandigarh,  February 1

Chief Electoral Officer, Haryana, Sh. Anurag Agarwal stated that in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the final publication of the voter list was done on January 22, 2024. This list has been uploaded on the department’s website.

Sh. Anurag Agarwal shared this information while chairing a meeting with representatives from recognized national and state political parties convened at the Chief Electoral Officer’s office today.

He appealed to the representatives of political parties to carefully study the voter list of their respective areas. If any ineligible person is included in the voter list, they should fill out the prescribed form to remove their name. Similarly, if a new name needs to be added to the list, the designated form should be filled out, said Sh. Anurag Agarwal.

He said that the Election Commission has issued a helpline number, 1950, where information can be obtained. Additionally, the Commission has developed some mobile applications, including Voter Helpline, ECI Suvidha, c-VIGIL, Voter Turnout, and Election Seizure Management System, to provide voters with all the necessary information from the comfort of their homes.

In the final published voter list in the state, a total of 1.97 crore voters have been registered, including 1.05 crore male and 92.50 lakh female voters. The state has also established a total of 19,812 polling stations.

Sh. Anurag Agarwal shared that the number of voters aged 100 years or more in the state is 11,479. During the revision of the voter list, a total of 5,25,615 people were registered as voters.

He urged all eligible individuals to first ensure their voter registration and then cast their votes at their respective polling stations.

Sh. Anurag Agarwal emphasized the importance of each voter exercising their right for the strength of democracy.

Representatives from various political parties, including Sh. Varinder Garg from the Bharatiya Janata Party, Sh. Talwinder Singh and Sh. R.D. Saini from the Indian National Congress, Ms. Veenus Malik from the Aam Aadmi Party, and Sh. Ram Narayan Yadav from the Jananayak Janata Party, attended the meeting.

Additional Chief Electoral Officer, Smt. Hema Sharma, Joint Chief Electoral Officer, Sh. Apurv, and Sh. Rajkumar, along with other officers also present on this occasion.

Haryana

Fiber Connectivity Initiative in Haryana’s Gram Panchayats: Accelerated Installation of BSNL Connections in Government Buildings

Leave a comment

IEP Chandigarh, February 1

Haryana Chief Secretary, Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal, disclosed that enhanced fiber connectivity from BSNL will be swiftly implemented in government buildings of all Gram Panchayats in the state by April 30. Highlighting the initiative’s revenue potential, he said that Panchayats could earn about Rs 15,000 to 25,000 per month with 100 connections.

Mr. Kaushal chaired a meeting in Chandigarh focused on Haryana Telecom Service. Deputy Commissioners from all districts participated via video conferencing.

Mr. Kaushal directed Deputy Commissioners to hold meetings with BSNL officials within a week. This collaborative effort aims to ensure 100% fiber connectivity in every village. BSNL connections are being extended to village schools, depot holders, common service centers, village secretariats, e-libraries, veterinary hospitals, health centers, police stations, etc. The initiative involves laying improved cable lines.

It was informed in the meeting that BSNL is providing fiber connections to Gram Panchayats as part of the government’s plan. Additionally, Gram Panchayats are becoming partners in telecom infrastructure provision. Under this scheme, a Panchayat establishing over 100 connections in its village will see a significant increase in its income, making this initiative a sustainable revenue source. As of now, 5,608 connections have been issued in 1,213 Gram.

Haryana

Introduction of the e-Bhoomi portal has brought transparency in the land purchase: Hry CM

Leave a comment

IEP Chandigarh, February 1

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that the state government is consistently working towards development. The role of ensuring the land availability is crucial for development projects. If a government department owns available land, the project can commence promptly. The land acquisition process has shifted from direct acquisition to transparent purchasing through the initiation of the e-Bhoomi portal.

He said that farmers can now submit their land details on the portal to sell it at the collector rate and market rate. Aggregators are encouraged landowners to participate in the buying and selling of land. They are given a commission of Rs. 2000 per acre, based on collector rates, which vary across different districts. If the collector rate is higher than the market rate, relevant authorities should be informed in writing.

The Chief Minister shared this information while chairing a  meeting with the over 100 registered aggregators invited for the land purchase process on the e-Bhoomi portal held at Haryana Niwas today.

During the meeting,  Sh. Manohar Lal shared that a minimum of 100 acres of land is required under the Padma scheme, while 10 to 15 acres are needed for colleges, hospitals, schools, etc. The aggregator will give a multi-dimensional option to the farmers while obtaining their consent and will enter information about the land on the e-Bhoomi portal based on the project’s requirements, forming groups of farmers if necessary.

He stated that there should not be a difference of 10 to 15 percent between the collector rate and the market rate.

He said that where land is available in government departments, the government will transfer it from one department to another and, if necessary, will also purchase it.

Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner, Revenue and Disaster Management and Consolidation Department, Sh. T.V.S.N. Prasad apprised the Chief Minister that the new collector rates will be issued soon so that farmers can get information about the latest collector rate and market rate of their land.

Sh. T.V.S.N. Prasad said that the aggregator should ensure that there is no hightension wire, court case, dispute over ownership, pathway, drain over the land purchased from the farmer.

The Revenue Department will investigate which district needs how much land for the development project, and accordingly, the aggregator will convince the landowner and occupant to give the land for the government.

Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and  Farmers’ Welfare Department, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, Additional Chief Secretary Medical Education and  Research Department, Dr. Sumita Misra,  Additional Chief Secretary, Finance and Planning Departments, Sh. Anurag Rastogi,  Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department,  Sh. Anand Mohan Sharan, Additional Chief Secretary Town and Country Planning and Urban Estates Department, Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Director General,  Information, Public Relations, Language, and Culture Department, Sh. Mandip Singh Brar, Principal Secretary, Transport Department Sh. Navdeep Virk and other senior officials from various departments also remained present on this occasion.