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Haryana

Chief Minister lays foundation stone of 153 projects valued at Rs 2024 crore from Hisar 

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IEP Chandigarh, January 24

In a commitment to fostering uniform development across the state, Haryana Chief Minister, Sh Manohar Lal today inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a total of 153 projects valued at Rs 2024 crore at a state-level function conducted through video conferencing at Lala Lajpat Rai Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Hisar district. The development initiatives comprise the inauguration of 76 projects, collectively costing Rs 686 crore and the foundation stone laying for 77 projects with a combined value of Rs 1338 crore.

In a symbolic gesture, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 10 major projects, amounting to Rs 784 crore. The remaining of the projects saw inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremonies carried out by Union Ministers, Haryana Cabinet Ministers, MPs, and MLAs in various districts. The Chief Minister also inaugurated the administrative building and Embryo Transplant Lab for animal breed improvement at Lala Lajpat Rai Veterinary and Animal Sciences University.

He said that the economic vitality of any state or country hinges on robust infrastructure, and our government continuously strengthening the infrastructure in the state, contributing to the overall economic health. The Chief Minister highlighted that prior to this occasion, development projects have been initiated and foundation stones laid seven times across the entire state via digital platforms, resulting in the dedication of 1459 projects with an approximate value of Rs 15500 crores to the public. Today marks the eighth such program, reinforcing the commitment to continuous progress and development.

A new era begins from January 22, 2024

Sh Manohar Lal said that, in addition to physical development, our government places significant emphasis on cultural and social development. He highlighted the historic significance of January 22, a day when Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi presided over the grand consecration program of the Ram Temple. The Chief Minister noted the widespread joy and happiness that permeated the entire nation on that momentous day.

He further shared that preceding the consecration, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi observed an 11-day fast, a testament to his spiritual strength. This extraordinary undertaking set the stage for a new era that commenced on January 22, infusing fresh energy and enthusiasm among the people. We will move forward with new hopes and happiness.

The opposition’s statement on unemployment is only political propaganda

Taking a dig at statements being made by the opposition regarding unemployment, Sh Manohar Lal dismissed their claims, stating that figures ranging from 9 percent to 35 percent are being inaccurately cited. He clarified that the actual self-declared unemployment rate on family identity cards is about 8.5 percent, discrediting the opposition’s assertions of up to 34 percent as mere political propaganda.

Highlighting the state’s progress in terms of ease of doing business, Sh Manohar Lal underscored that Haryana has become a preferred destination for investment. Over the past nine and a half years, the government has successfully provided employment opportunities to 30 lakh people. Additionally, efforts have been made to facilitate self-employment by making loans available to individuals through banks.

Ensured uniform development across the state

Sh Manohar Lal reflected on the commitment made in 2014 to ensure comprehensive development, encapsulated in the vision of “Haryana Ek – Haryanvi Ek.” This vision aimed at equitable development across all districts and areas, tailored to the specific needs and demands of each region. The government has diligently worked on projects based on demand and mapping, exemplified by the establishment of one college within a 20-kilometer radius, resulting in the opening of 70 new colleges without any demand. Not only this, now state government will provide sports facilities on the basis of sports interests. As of now, there are 307 villages where there are no sports facilities within a radius of 10 kilometers. Work will start in such areas this year.

He also highlighted the government’s systemic changes to combat corruption, particularly in recruitment and transfer processes, leading to increased transparency. The government has streamlined processes to ensure that citizens now enjoy the benefits of various schemes and facilities at their doorstep, marking a significant shift in governance.

Over the past 9.5 years, 40,000-Kilometer Road Network established

The Chief Minister said that in earlier governments there was regionalism and development work was done in specific areas. Whereas our government has ensured equal development in all sectors. Over the past 9.5 years, substantial progress has been made in enhancing the state’s infrastructure, with the improvement of 33,000 km of existing roads and the construction of approximately 7,000 km of new roads. Currently, every district in the state is seamlessly connected to the National Highway network. Apart from this, Haryana’s own airport is being built in Hisar. Now there is a huge demand for setting up industries around it. The construction of the airport will lead to all-round development of this area.

The Chief Minister highlighted the significant infrastructure projects underway in Haryana, including the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor spanning 72 km and the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor extending 506 km. These corridors are poised to bring substantial benefits to the state. Additionally, the construction of the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor, in conjunction with the KMP (Kundli-Manesar-Palwal) project, is in progress. Furthermore, the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) rail line is being established from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Karnal, promising improved connectivity. The completion of these initiatives is anticipated to yield considerable advantages for the residents of the region. Notably, a Rail Coach Factory, spread over 161 acres in Sonipat, will manufacture new coaches for the Metro Rail. He said that wherever RoB-RuB is not available on National Highway, State Highway and district roads in the state, RoB-RuB will soon be constructed. Approval for this has been received from the Railway Ministry.

The Chief Minister highlighted the transformative efforts in the healthcare sector, adding that in 2014, there were only 6 medical colleges with 700 MBBS seats. However, due to the persistent efforts of the current government, the number of medical colleges is on track to reach 26, significantly increasing the available MBBS seats to 3500.

Moreover, the Chief Minister emphasized that the double-engine government is not solely focused on infrastructure but is also actively engaged in bringing about positive changes in the social sector and enhancing the overall ease of living. This multifaceted approach is aimed at ensuring the happiness and well-being of society at large.

Commitment to Farmers: our government introduces new schemes for Agricultural Welfare – Animal Husbandry Minister JP Dalal

During the event, Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Animal Husbandry Minister Sh JP Dalal expressed that Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal consistently strives to achieve Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi’s vision of augmenting farmers’ income.

Sh JP Dalal highlighted the crucial role of the animal husbandry sector in elevating farmers’ income. Despite consistently ranking first or second in per capita milk production, there is a collective effort to further improve this standing. Drawing from a recent delegation’s visit to Brazil, the Minister pointed out the substantial difference in milk yield, with Gir cows in Brazil producing about 65 liters compared to the 35 liters in Haryana. Efforts were also started by the scientists of this university for animal breed improvement.

Sh JP Dalal emphasized the Chief Minister’s dedicated focus on cow welfare, citing a substantial increase in the budget for the Gau Sewa Aayog. The budget has been augmented from Rs 40 crore to Rs 400 crore, reflecting a tenfold increase. The government’s primary objective is to eliminate abandoned animals on the roads by implementing measures such as tagging and providing proper care. He further highlighted the state’s proactive approach in safeguarding animals from foot-and-mouth disease. Haryana pioneered the creation of a single vaccine for this disease, successfully eradicating it from the state. After that the Prime Minister has implemented this vaccine of Haryana in the entire country.

He also highlighted the Chief Minister’s efforts in facilitating financial support for small farmers. Through the Kisan Credit Card initiative, around Rs 1500 crore has been extended to small farmers at a nominal interest rate of 4 percent. This initiative has not only provided crucial capital to farmers but has also helped liberate them from the clutches of moneylenders. Additionally, Sh Dalal mentioned the Animal Insurance Scheme, where animals can be insured for just Rs 100. Under this scheme, cattle farmers have received claims totaling Rs 60 crore, providing a safety net for them. He said that there is no better trade than animal husbandry in providing employment in villages.

Urban Local Bodies Minister Dr. Kamal Gupta, MP Mr. Brijendra Singh, MLA Mr. Jogiram Sihag, Vice Chancellor of Lala Lajpat Rai Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Mr. Vinod Verma, district administration officials and distinguished guests were present in the ceremony.

Haryana

State-level Voter’s Day to be celebrated in Kurukshetra on January 25

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IEP Chandigarh

In Haryana, efforts are being made to encourage the registration of new youth and women as voters. As a result of special revision to the voter list during this initiative, a total of 5,25,615 persons have been registered as new voters. Among them, 1,41,290 youth voters aged 18-19 have been registered, marking a record. These voters will be honoured on National Voters’ Day on January 25, 2024, by the Haryana Chief Secretary, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal.

Haryana Chief Electoral Officer, Sh. Anurag Agarwal, stated that a state-level Voter’s Day will be celebrated in Kurukshetra on January 25. He stated that all voters aged 18-19 and all female voters who applied for voter registration from October 1, 2023, to December 9, 2023, have been selected through a draw.

Youth and women to be honoured

Sh. Anurag Agarwal said that among the youth voters, the first three voters will be given three laptops, the next two voters will be given two smart phones and 100 voters will be given pen drives. Similarly, women will also be rewarded in the same order. He said that the voters whose names have been selected for the pendrive will be honored by the concerned Deputy Commissioner during the respective district level Voter’s Day programme.

The Chief Electoral Officer stated that in the 18-19 age group, Tanu from Panipat, Promila from Fatehabad, and Arvind from Mahendragarh will be awarded laptops, while Ashish from Fatehabad and Simran from Hisar will be honored with smartphones. Apart from this, in the women’s category, Kavita from Fatehabad, Monica and Nandini from Hisar will be given laptops, and Hemanshi from Kaithal and Ganvati from Rohtak will be given smartphones.

Sh. Anurag Agarwal, said that after reviewing the data of the voter list of the state, it was found that the registration as female voters of 18-19 years of age is less considering the census. In order to address this gap and encourage their participation in the democratic process, announcements were made regarding attractive incentives.

He mentioned that all voters who applied for registration between October 1, 2023, and December 9, 2023, in the 18-19 age group was prepared using a Software, and winners were selected through a digital mode (Software). He also mentioned that the final publication of the voter list for all 90 constituencies of the state was done on January 22, 2024, at all designated places.

The Chief Electoral Officer informed that the final voter list, which includes a total of 1.97 crore registered voters, consisting of 1.05 crore males and 92.50 lakh females, has been published. The photographs of all voters are included in the list, and identity cards have been issued to all voters. Currently, there are 19,812 polling stations established in the state.

Haryana

Govt launches ‘Mission Karmayogi Haryana

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IEP Chandigarh

The Haryana Government has launched ‘Mission Karmayogi Haryana,’ a pioneering initiative aimed at training all three lakh government employees to foster greater citizen-centricity and ethical outlook in their roles.

Giving this information here today, Chief Secretary Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal said that as part of this ambitious program, Ethics Conclaves (‘Naitikata Shivirs’) will be held at Karnal and Panchkula on January 31 and February 06 respectively. These sessions, designed to be a special platform for the Karmayogi Haryana Project, target all IAS/IPS/IFS/Other Services/HCS Officers of the State Government.”

The Naitikata Shivirs will emphasize the significance of workplace ethics, integrity, and cultivating a culture of making the right decisions in the face of challenges, temptations, and adversity. Eminent dignitaries and experts have been invited to share insights and showcase practical examples. Furthermore, a comprehensive overview of the Karmayogi Modules will be presented, providing participants with a bird’s eye view of the training program. In a unique approach, Mr. Kaushal further said that the Officers of the have been categorized into two groups.

Punjab

Anmol Gagan Mann attends International Fitur Tourism Summit

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IEP Chandigarh/Madrid

          Punjab Tourism Minister Anmol Gagan Mann participated in International Fitur Tourism Conference which started on Wednesday in Madrid, Spain.

          The delegation of Punjab under the leadership of Tourism Minister Anmol Gagan Mann also participated in this tourism conference.

          On the first day of the convention, Cabinet Minister Anmol Gagan Mann inaugurated Indian pavilion at the event. Indian Ambassador to Spain Dinesh K Pathak was also attended the conference. Apart from this, Mrs. Rakhi Gupta Bhandari, Principal Secretary of Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs of Punjab and Additional Director of Department Rakesh Kumar Popli and Himanshu Jain ACEO Invest Punjab was also present.

          During the conference, Ms. Anmol Gagan Maan called on honchos of tourism industry of different countries and informed about the possibilities of tourism sector in Punjab.

          She said that Punjab has beautiful rivers, forests, mountains and congenial atmosphere blessed with different seasons. Apart from this, the most important places of Sikhism and other places with historical importance are also part of the rich heritage of the state. She also informed them that Avians from all over the world also used to came Punjab in winters.

          Ms. Mann also held deliberation with various participants and encouraged them to invest in Punjab Tourism Sector to bolster their businesses.

          It is worth mentioned here that a delegation has participated in this kind of international tourism conference on behalf of the Punjab government after long time.

Punjab

Court dismisses regular bail application of Dr Gurprit Gill, MD of Adesh Medical College Bhatinda accused in admitting ineligible students and issuing D-Pharmacy certificates

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IEP Chandigarh January 24

          Additional District and Sessions court Ludhiana on Wednesday dismissed the regular bail plea of of accused Dr Gurprit Gill, MD of Adesh Medical College Bhatinda who has been arrested by the state Vigilance Bureau (VB) for admitting ineligible candidates and issuing D-Pharmacy degrees in a fraudulent manner in connivance with Registrars and officials of Punjab State Pharmacy Council (PSPC).

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the state VB told that in this regard the Bureau has already registered a criminal case under FIR No. 17 dated 8.12.2023 under sections 420, 465, 466, 468, 120-B of IPC and section 7, 7-A, 8, 13 (1)(a) read with 13(2) of Prevention of Corruption Act at Economic Offences Wing of VB police station Ludhiana range against former registrars and officials of PSPC including owners/principals of private Pharmacy colleges and others for committing irregularities in facilitating admissions, registration and issuing licences of D-Pharmacy to the ineligible students studying in private colleges.

          It is pertinent to mention here that Dr Gurprit Gill was arrested on 15.01.2024 and produced in court on next day but his advocate has produced his medical record of Surgery. On his plea the Ludhiana court ordered to get him examine from civil hospital Ludhiana. A medical board of the hospital comprising three specialists has referred him to PGI Chandigarh on the same day ie 16.01.2024 and he was admitted at the PGI Chandigarh, under judicial custody of VB. After examining by a board of specialists he has been relieved from the PGI on January 24, 2024.

          He further added that in this case besides above mentioned accused Dr Gurpreet Singh Gill, the VB has been able to arrest Sarabjit Singh Brar, Principal of Adesh Institute of Medical Science and Research Bhatinda, R.S. Ramakodi, Principal of Lala Lajpat Rai College, Sehna, in Barnala district in the year 2013 and Baljinder Singh Bajwa, Principal of Lala Lajpat College of Pharmacy Moga in the year 2011. In this case the VB has earlier arrested accused Parveen Kumar Bharadwaj and Dr Tejvir Singh, both former Registrars of PSPC along with Superintendent Ashok Kumar. In addition to this, 9 Pharmacists have also been nominated and arrested in this case.

          Giving more details of this case the spokesperson further added that in order to fill the vacant seats in D-Pharmacy institutions, the owners/principals of private colleges allegedly admitted students from other states in connivance with the above mentioned Registrars and officials of PSPC without obtaining mandatory migration certificates, accepting significant bribes from unsuspecting candidates. Moreover, several students obtained admission to the D-pharmacy course by possessing the requisite 10+2 educational qualifications in medical or non-medical streams privately whereas it has to be passed in regular classes and by attending science practicals.

          The said officials have been found indulged in making bribe money to owners / principals of private pharmacy colleges for getting issued forged and fabricated 10+2 certificates and D-Pharmacy certificates from different institutions and fake registration certificates from PSPC in a fraudulent manner.

          Further investigation in this case was under progress to further scrutinize the roles of other officials, employees, and clerks of PSPC, along with individuals associated with private colleges, he added.

Punjab

CM DECIDES TO RESTORE BENEFITS TO 10.77 LAKH RATION CARD HOLDERS ACROSS THE STATE

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IEP Chandigarh, January 24

          Punjab Cabinet led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced to restore benefits to 10.77 lakh Ration card holders across the state to enable them to avail the benefits of the ration being supplied under the Public Distribution System (PDS).

          A decision to this effect was taken by the Council of Ministers in its meeting held here under the leadership of the Chief Minister here at Punjab Civil Secretariat.

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that around three lakh cards were deleted during the verification process thereby depriving 10.77 lakh beneficiaries of its benefits. However, keeping in view the larger public interest, the Cabinet has decided to restore these cards. As per this decision all these beneficiaries will be able to derive the benefits of the PDS and door to delivery of ration schemes being started by the state government.

GIVES NOD TO NEW AND TRANSPARENT TRANSFER POLICY FOR THE TEACHERS

          The Cabinet also gave green signal to a new and transparent Transfer Policy for the teachers. This policy has been streamlined to ensure that the teachers contribute zealously in the teaching works rather than running pillar to post for their transfers. This policy facilitates teachers, having family members suffering from chronic diseases, to apply for the transfer throughout the year to take care of their families.

APPROVES EXTENDING CM DI YOGSHALA CAMPAIGN TO 15 MORE DISTRICTS

          The Cabinet also gave nod to extend CM Di Yogshala campaign to 15 more districts including Barnala, Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Mansa, Moga, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Pathankot, Rupnagar, SBS Nagar, Tarn Taran and Malerkotla. This health oriented initiative of the state government is already getting massive response after its launch in nine cities of the state under phase I. With this pro-people initiative the scheme will now cover the entire state so approval was given for recruitment of additional trainers and other staff for the scheme.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO EX-SERVICEMEN/ THEIR WIDOWS ENHANCED TO RS 10,000 FROM RS 6,000

          The Cabinet also accorded its consent to enhance the financial assistance to Ex-Servicemen/ their widows who are above 65 years of age and took part in World War-l and World War-Il but were sent home without any pensionary benefits from existing Rs 6000 to Rs 10,000. Presently 453 beneficiaries are availing benefits under this policy of the state government. This hike will be effective from July 26, 2023 and will immensely benefit the Ex-servicemen and their widows.

APPROVAL TO SET UP SCHOOL OF EMINENCE IN THE BUILDING OF PIT

          The Cabinet also gave its approval to set up a School of Eminence in the building of Punjab Institute of Technology (PIT) located in the village Arniwala Sheikh Subhan. Earlier, the school was proposed to be set up in Government Secondary School but now due to lack of space it was decided to shift this school to PIT. The school will be a center of excellence equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, which will enhance the learning experiences of students through contemporary best school practices in the world.

DECIDES NOT TO AWARD THE CONTRACT OF LEFT OVER MATERIAL FROM MANDIS

          In another landmark decision, the Cabinet also decided not to award the contract of left over material from mandis of Punjab state from the year 2023-24. It is worth mentioning that, Punjab Mandi Board has been awarding the Contract for lifting of leftover material from the markets of the Punjab for the last 25 years. However, now this decision has been taken not to allot the contract to raise the standard of living of poor tribes/people.

APPROVES SELF-CERTIFICATION OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PLANS UP TO 500 SQUARE YARDS

          In a major relief to residents of urban areas, the Cabinet also gave approval to amend Clause 3.14.1 of the Punjab Municipal Building Bylaws-2018 thereby enabling Self-Certification of Residential Building Plans up to 500 square yards. Self-certification stipulates that the plans can be approved by the architect himself without routing the plans to any official/employee. However, checks and balances have been introduced in the system to ensure that building bylaws are followed meticulously and the documents uploaded are in accordance with norms.

          Pertinently, more than 90% of residential buildings in the state are below 500 sq. yards. Therefore, easing the approval of such types of building plans will bring great relief to the general public. Self-certification is an innovative initiative aimed at reducing the time taken for approval, increasing transparency and sensitizing citizens to comply with building bylaws.

APPROVAL TO PROVIDE MAXIMUM SAP FOR THE SUGARCANE CULTIVATORS

          The Cabinet also gave approval to ensure the payment of Sugarcane at the fixed Price (State Agreed Price) of Rs. 391/-and 381/- for Early and Mid-Late varieties, respectively. This is in consonance with the firm commitment of the state government to lead the country in providing maximum SAP for the sugarcane cultivators. During the crushing year 2023-24, out of fixed State Agreed Price (SAP) Rs. 391/- and 381/- for Early and mid-Late varieties respectively, a subsidy of Rs. 55.50/- per quintal will be directly transferred in the bank accounts of Sugarcane farmers by the Government of Punjab.

GREEN SIGNAL TO INTRODUCE FARISHTEY SCHEME IN THE STATE

          In order to lower down the mortality and morbidity rate due to injuries occurring during Road Side Accidents, the Cabinet also gave green signal to introduce the Farishtey scheme. The scheme envisages immediate and hassle free treatment to accident victims in both the Public and empanelled Private hospitals. To encourage the general public for their hassle-free participation towards helping the accidental victims, the state government will commend their deeds by offering a financial reward of Rs 2000. Apart from financial reward, a commendation certificate describing them as “FARISHTEY” will be issued to such persons and they will be provided immunity from legal complications and police inquiries.

NOD TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S

          The Cabinet also gave nod to the Administrative reports for the year 2018-19 to 2021-22 of the Transport Department’s wings viz. State Transport Commissioner, Director State Transport and Pepsu Road Transport Corporation.

RECOMMENDS NAME OF AULAKH AS PPSC CHAIRMAN TO GOVERNOR           The Cabinet also gave a go ahead to forward the recommendation to Governor, Punjab regarding the appointment of Jatinder Singh Aulakh as the Chairman of the Pu

Punjab

Need to actively promote eco tourism in wetlands of State: Lal Chand Kataruchak

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IEP Chandigarh, January 24

          Emphasizing upon the need to promote eco tourism in the wetlands of the State, the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today said that this would lead towards generation of employment avenues at the local level.

          Presiding over a meeting of the Punjab State Wetlands Authority at the Forest complex in Sector 68, the Minister further pointed out the development of wetlands as a significant factor in contributing to the maintaining of ecological balance. Besides, the Minister also directed the officials of the department to go strict on the mining in the forest areas.

          The Minister was further apprised that as part of the Save Wetlands Campaign aimed at protecting the wetlands apart from promoting bio diversity, 1381 wetlands in Punjab have been identified out of which 414 are natural while 967 are man made and each consists of 2.25 Hectares of area. Furthermore, nearly 2300 Wetland Mitars (Volunteers) are working for the conservation of wetlands and awareness programmes are being organized to educate people about the need to preserve wetlands and their ecological importance. Not only this, collaborations have been made with WWF India, Punjab Remote Sensing Centre PAU Ludhiana, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Guru Angad Dev University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (Ludhiana) & Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to achieve wetland conservation goals in the State. 

          Besides, it was also brought to the notice of the Minister that the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has accepted the proposal of the department to declare the area of 100 Meters around the 7 wetlands of Punjab namely Ranjit Sagar Dam Conservation Reserve, Beas River Conservation Reserve, Kanjli Wetland, Harike Wetland, Ropar Wetland Conservation Reserve, Nangal Wetland and Keshopur – Miani Wetland, as Zone of Influence. It means that any activity in these areas shall be undertaken after permission of the State Forest Department. 

          The Minister also accorded approval to the proposal for organizing 5th State Bird Festival at Keshopur Chhamb in the month of February this year.

          Among those present on the occasion included the Financial Commissioner (Forests) Vikas Garg, PCCF R.K. Mishra, Chief Wildlife Warden Dharminder Sharma and other senior officers.

Punjab

Maninderjit Singh Vicky Ghanaur takes charge as Vice Chairman in Punjab Health System Corporation

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IEP Chandigarh, January 24

          Maninderjit Singh Vicky Ghanaur took charge as Vice Chairman of the newly appointed Punjab Health System Corporation, as announced by the Punjab Government today.

          Vicky Ghanaur, expressed gratitude to The Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. He assured that he would diligently fulfill the entrusted responsibilities, contributing to the progress and development of the corporation, including efforts to expedite the fulfillment of vacant positions.

          On this occasion, Information and Public Relations Minister S. Chetan Singh Jaudamajra and Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh extended congratulations, expressing optimism that the new Vice Chairman would ensure the welfare of the Punjab Health System Corporation.

          It is noteworthy that Maninderjit Singh Vicky from Ghanaur in the Patiala district is an international Kabaddi player.

          Present at the occasion were Budh Ram, M.L.A. Budhlada; Raman Bahal, Chairman Health System Corporation; Harchand Singh Barsat, Chairman Mandi Board; Dev Mann, M.L.A. Nabha; J. P. Singh, Chairman Technical Education; Inderjit Singh Sandhu, Vice Chairman Conware; Prabhjot Kaur, Chairman Planning Board Mohali; Surinder Pal Sharma, Chairman Reform Trust Nabha; Jassi Sohian, Chairman Planning Board Patiala; Megh Chand Shermajra, Chairman Reform Trust Patiala; Baljinder Singh Chonda, Chairman Reform Trust; Loves Mittal (son of MLA Nina Mittal); Rajwant Singh Ghuli, Chairman Market Committee Dhuri; Deepa Ramgarh, Chairman Market Committee Bhadson; Sukhwinder Kaur, Chairman Market Committee Amloh, among others.

Punjab

Vigilance Bureau arrests Balvir Singh, accomplice of AIG Malwinder Singh Sidhu

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IEP Chandigarh January 24

          The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested accused Balvir Singh, a resident of village Alampur, District Patiala, who was an accomplice of accused Malwinder Singh Sidhu, AIG, Human Rights, Punjab. He was wanted in a corruption-cum-criminal case registered by the VB as he used to submit complaints against employees in their departments and exhorted money by blackmailing at the behest of above said police officer.

          Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the Bureau has secured a 5-day police remand of accused Balvir Singh in order to recover the weapon always kept by him on his person as well as to identify and ascertain the involvement of more persons.

          Giving more details the spokesperson informed that in this regard the Bureau, on the basis of a Vigilance Enquiry, has registered a case FIR No. 28, dated 30. 10. 2023 under sections 7, 7-A of Prevention of Corruption Act and 384, 419, 420, 120B, 201 of IPC at police station, Vigilance Bureau, flying squad-1, Punjab at SAS Nagar. The said AIG Sidhu, his accomplice Balvir Singh and other accused were involved in this case. AIG Sidhu was already in judicial custody in the above said case.

          He further added that during the probe it was found that AIG Sidhu misrepresented himself as IGP, Vigilance Bureau, Punjab, along with above said Balvir Singh and other accused, thereby used to initiate complaints against government employees, only to subsequently withdraw these in order to blackmail them and get illicit gains. Mentionably, this police officer had never held positions of AIG or IG within the Vigilance Bureau, Punjab since 2017.

          He informed that it has came to light that AIG Sidhu had misused the government vehicle, Ertiga (PB-65-AD-1905) as fuel and other expenses were being drawn from the government account. However, he never maintained records of vehicle usage (log-book) which amounted to misuse of government property.

          The spokesperson further added that afore mentioned Balvir Singh, at the behest of AIG Sidhu used to submit complaints against employees in different departments who had presumably been recruited under the Scheduled Castes and Freedom Fighters quota in order to pressurize and blackmail them in lieu of bribes, which were shared by him, Malwinder Singh and the other accused.

          Further investigation into this case was under progress and remaining accused would be arrested soon, he added.

Punjab

PUNJAB POLICE TO ESTABLISH FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & MACHINE LEARNING LAB

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IEP CHANDIGARH, January 24

          Taking the first step towards realising the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann of having AI-driven modern policing in the state, Punjab Police inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar for the establishment of first-of-its-kind in-house Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Lab, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          The MoU was signed by ADGP Technical Services Punjab Ram Singh and Director IIT Ropar Professor Rajeev Ahuja in the presence of DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav. SP Technical Services Punjab Sandeep Kaur Sandhu and Asst. Professor IIT Ropar Dr Santosh Kumar Vipparthi were also present.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav, while thanking CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for complete support to Punjab Police in its modernisation, said that this collaboration will not only pave the way for various technological innovations but will also help in harnessing the cutting-edge technologies for predictive policing, crime pattern recognition & analysis, facial recognition and intelligent decision-making.

          He said that where AI can assist the Police in the detection of criminal activities and fraud by identifying patterns and trends in large volumes of data, on the other side, ML algorithms can help understand criminal behaviour and allocate resources accordingly. The lab will also help in optimising the deployment of manpower based on real-time data, he said.

          Sharing more details, ADGP Ram Singh said that in the present era, the rapid progress in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence holds the potential to transform the operations of law enforcement agencies.

          He said that this initiative, which is driven by the goal to leverage state-of-the-art technologies, will further help enhance law enforcement capabilities, improve public safety, and foster innovation in AI-driven security solutions. This initiative reflects the commitment to exploit the advancements in ML and AI for revolutionizing law enforcement practices and enhancing security measures throughout Punjab, he added.

          Meanwhile, the lab will also play a crucial role in automating the generation of reports and paperwork, saving time of officers and administrative staff. AI-driven dashboards can provide law enforcement agencies with real-time analytics and insights into ongoing operations and events, improving situational awareness.