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Major Success for Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau: Commercial Assistant (CA) Jitesh Chawla Arrested Red-Handed in Bribery Case

IEP Chandigarh

The Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau achieved significant success today as CA Jitesh Chawla from Uttar Haryana Vitran Bijli Nigam was arrested red-handed while taking a bribe of Rs 18,600.

The spokesperson of the Anti-Corruption Bureau stated that the team received a complaint alleging that CA Jitesh Chawla from the UHBVN had declined to settle the complainant’s outstanding bill of Rs 1.16 lakh and to avail the benefits of a government scheme. A bribe was demanded in exchange for releasing the new meter connection. Acting on this information, the Anti-Corruption Bureau team devised a plan to apprehend the accused and successfully arrested him red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 18,600. The entire operation was conducted impartially and with complete transparency.

In connection with this case, a formal complaint has been registered against the accused at the Anti-Corruption Bureau police station in Ambala, and the accused has been taken into custody. The Bureau’s spokesperson urged the general public to promptly report any instances where an officer or employee demands a bribe in exchange for government work to the Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau’s toll-free numbers – 1800-180-2022 and 1064. Ensure to provide accurate information for swift and effective action.”

Punjab government will organize four ‘NRI Punjabian Nal Milni’ programs in february 2024: Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal

IEP Chandigarh, January 9

Aiming to promptly address the issues and grievances of NRI Punjabis, the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is organizing four ‘NRI Punjabian nal milni’ programs across the state.

Punjab NRI Affairs Minister S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said that the ‘NRI Punjabian nal Milni’ programs will commence on February 3 in Pathankot. This event will focus on resolving the concerns and complaints of migrant Punjabis from districts such as Pathankot, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, etc.

The minister outlined the schedule, while holding a meeting that meeting on February 9 will encompass SBS Nagar, Rupnagar, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, and SAS Nagar. On February 16, issues related to NRI Punjabis from Sangrur, Patiala, Barnala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Malerkotla, Bathinda, Ludhiana, and Mansa districts will be addressed in Sangrur. February 22 will address issues of NRI concerns in Ferozepur, Faridkot, Fazilka, Tarn Taran, Moga and Sri Mukatsar Sahib at Ferozepur.

S. Dhaliwal said that NRI Punjabis can register their complaints on the department’s website: nri.punjab.gov.in and WhatsApp numberL 9056009884 from January 11 to January 30, 2024.

Mr. Dhaliwal urged NRI Punjabis to attend these gatherings in large numbers, highlighting the success of five meetings organized in December 2022, during which 605 different complaints were lodged and resolved. He also mentioned the efficient resolution of online complaints received by the NRIs police wing at 15 NRI police stations, district, and state levels.

On this occasion Principal Secretary NRI Affairs Department Mr. Dilip Kumar, ADGP NRI Mr. Praveen Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary NRI Mrs. Kanwalpreet Brar and Mr. Paramjit Singh and senior officials of the NRI department were present.

CM’s new year bonanza to youth, hands over appointment letter to 520 newly recruited clerks

IEP Chandigarh, January 9

In a New Year gift to the youth of the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today handed over appointment letters to 520 newly recruited Clerks cum Data Entry Operators in the Punjab State Cooperative Bank.

Addressing the gathering here at Tagore Theatre after handing over the appointment letters, the Chief Minister said that this is not a first function as the state government has handed over job letters to more then 40,000 youth in the state. He 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. Bhagwant Singh Mann 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.

The Chief Minister said that Punjabis are born entrepreneurs and leaders due to which they have proved their mettle across the globe. He said that the hard work and resilience of the Punjabis is unmatched owing to which they excel in every sphere. Bhagwant Singh Mann 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.

The Chief Minister said that the brave and determined Punjabis had made enormous sacrifices to remove the shackles of foreign imperialism. He said that it is on record that more than 90% of the great patriots who laid down their lives or were subjected to British tyranny in one form or another were Punjabis. Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that even today Punjabis are at forefront to safeguard the borders of the country and make the country self-reliant in food production.

The Chief Minister said that as the head of the state his every action is aimed at ensuring the progress of the state and prosperity of its people. He said that unfortunately his predecessors were never bothered about the state but they were more concerned about their vested political interests. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in dearth of any tangible issue against him, the rejected leaders of the state are baselessly criticizing him daily without any halt.

The Chief Minister said that the state has created history by purchasing Goindwal power plant owned by a private company GVK Power. He said that for the first time this reverse trend has started that the government has purchased any private power plant whereas in the past the state governments used to sell their assets to the favorite individuals at ‘throw away’ prices. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as coal from Pachwara coal mine can be used only for government power plants so with purchase of this power plant this coal can be aptly utilized for producing power to provide it to every sector of the state.

The Chief Minister said that now complete transformation is being witnessed in 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.

The Chief Minister asserted that due to massive efforts made by the state government, Punjab is witnessing a massive Industrial Revolution in the state. He said that during the last 18 months some of the biggest companies like Tata Steel and others had made a beeline to invest in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is a step forward for making Punjab a frontrunner state and carving out Rangla Punjab.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that due to concerted efforts of the state government Punjab has emerged as the most preferred investment destination in the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab has so far attracted Investment of more than Rs 55000 crore which will create 2.95 lakh jobs for youngsters.  He said that more investments will be roped in during the coming days to give a boost to economic activity in the state.

The Chief Minister said that while in the last 75 years the youth were yearning for even a single job now they have got even three jobs within a year. He said that the earlier rulers had never bothered about the welfare of the state or its progress but the incumbent government is leaving no stone unturned for it. Bhagwant Singh Mann in the last 25 years only two people had ruled the state and exploited its resources for their vested personal interests.

Quoting verse ‘Pawan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat’ from Gurbani, the Chief Minister said that the great Gurus have equated air (pawan) with teacher, water (paani) with father and land (dharat) with mother. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now the time has come when we must imbibe the teachings of Gurbani in our lives for restoring the pristine glory of the state by resolving to save the environment of the state. He said that the state government will leave no stone unturned for this noble cause but for it the youth must play an important role.

The Chief Minister urged the youth not to feel proud of their achievement but to stay humble and work hard for more success. He said that confidence and a positive approach should be basic traits of everyone’s personality but there should be no pride in it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is the key to success for charting the success in every field adding that this should be implemented in right earnest.

The Chief Minister said that this spree of giving jobs will not stop and on January 18, more job letters to 590 youth will be given. He said that the motive is to make youth an equal partner in the social and economic progress of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is committed for the well being of the youth of the state along with other sections of the society.

The Chief Minister exhorted the new recruits to judiciously use their post for the welfare of the people and securing justice for them rather than harassing them. He said that the state government is committed for ensuring the well being of the people for which stupendous efforts are being made. Reiterating the firm commitment of his government to ensure welfare of the state, Bhagwant Singh Mann no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause.

Quipping on the remark made by state BJP Chief regarding tableau of state, the Chief Minister said that misinformed leaders like Sunil Jakhar are becoming a stumbling block in the progress of the state. He said these leaders have ruined two generations of the state due to which they didn’t even turn up for the debate on November 1, last year. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the wise people of the state have ousted these leaders from the political arena and sent them to oblivion.

The Chief Minister said that the traditional parties are envious of him because he hails from a common family and is working tirelessly to ensure welfare of people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders had always believed that they have divine right to rule the state due to which they are not able to digest that a common man is running the state efficiently. He said that these leaders have befooled the people for a long time but now people are not getting swayed by their misleading propaganda.

The Chief Minister said that gone are the days when the head of the state was confined to big rooms of their palaces whereas now he is always amongst the people. He said that all the promises made with the people by his government are being fulfilled in the right earnest to give boost to development of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he is easily accessible to all due to which every issue of the state is now resolved promptly to the satisfaction of people.

The Chief Minister said that the Union government has insulted the great martyrs including Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru, Shaheed Sukhdev, Lala Lajpat Rai, Shaheed Udham Singh, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, Mai Bhago, Ghadri Baabe and others by rejecting the tableau of the state. He said that the union government is trying to belittle their contribution and sacrifice of these heroes by not including their tableaus in the Republic Day parade. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this cannot be tolerated as it is the grave insult of these great patriots and national leaders adding that these leaders don’t need certificate nationalism from the BJP led Union government.

Earlier, Special Chief Secretary to CM VK Singh welcomed the Chief Minister and exhorted the newly inducted clerks to perform their duty meticulously for the well being of common man. He said that there is a huge potential of the bank in giving a major push to the industrial development of the state for which these clerks can play a pivotal role. VK Singh said that the youth of the state can act as a catalyst in strengthening the cooperative sector in the state.

Government committed to providing basic facilities, a clean environment, and civic services to the people: Balkar Singh

IEP Chandigarh, January 9

The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to providing better civic services to the state’s people. To achieve this, the government is conducting development works across Punjab, as expressed by Balkar Singh, Minister for Local Government.

Minister for Local Government Balkar Singh reviewed the ongoing development works today at Municipal Bhawan Sector-35 Chandigarh in Municipal Council/Nagar Panchayat areas like Mansa, Boha, Budhlada, Breta, Bhikhi, Joga, Sardulgarh, Malot, Giddarbaha, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bariwala, Faridkot, and Jaito. During the meeting, officials were instructed to expedite ongoing works.

In the review meeting, the Local Government Minister assessed various projects under Swachh Bharat Mission, Amrut Mission, allocated funds, and work status. He emphasized Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s dream of making the state “Rangla Punjab,” urging officials to coordinate and work together to realize this vision.

Cabinet Minister Balkar Singh directed officials to promptly utilize unused funds under various schemes, warning of strict action against non-compliance with guidelines.

The minister urged officials to focus on sewage cleanliness and proper disposal of heritage waste for a clean, pollution-free environment. He assured adequate funds for development works and instructed officials to submit a comprehensive action plan if additional funds are needed.

Cabinet Minister Balkar Singh briefed MLAs about various works and allocated funds under different schemes, emphasizing the goal of comprehensive state development. He urged officials to share development information with MLAs, addressing any difficulties promptly.

The minister stressed the importance of ensuring quality and transparency in development works. MLAs Buddha Ram, Amolak Singh, Gurpreet Singh Bananwali, Jagdeep Singh Kaka Brar, representative of MLAs, CEO of PMIDC, Deepti Uppal, EOs of Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayats, and other senior officers attended the occasion.

Mansa bags first spot in ensuring grand success to Kharif marketing season 2023-24

IEP Chandigarh, January 9

Commending the entire department for braving numerous challenges and ensuring a successful Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2023-24, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said that this is the result of the Department staff working hard day and night and he expressed confidence that this positive trend would continue in KMS 2024-25 also. 

Presiding over a high level meeting of the department to review the Kharif Marketing Season 2023-24, the Minister the department is closely connected with the farming sector which is the backbone of the agrarian economy of Punjab. “The farmers just want two things, timely lifting of their crops and prompt payments,” said the Minister adding that it is a matter of pride that the department has fulfilled the expectations of the farmers in this respect. 

On the occasion, the Minister awarded the three Districts for showing exemplary performance in ensuring a successful Kharif Procurement Season 2023-24. The District Food Supply Controller (DFSC) Pathankot Gurinder Singh bagged the 3rd prize. The DFSC Fazilka, Himanshu got the 2nd prize while the DFSC Mansa, Mandeep Singh won the top honour.

The entire department celebrated Lohri on the occasion by dancing to the beats of Dhol.

Among others present on the occasion included the Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Director Puneet Goyal, MD PUNSUP Sonali Giri, MD Punjab State Warehousing Corporation Kanwalpreet Kaur Brar and other senior officers of the department.

Swift action being taken to fill backlog post of divyang persons: Dr Baljit Kaur

IEP Chandigarh, January 9

Swift action is being taken to complete the backlog of divyang persons. This was expressed by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, during a meeting with representatives of the Divyang persons today.

The Cabinet Minister stated that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to capacitate Divyang persons in the state. Today under the same initiative, Minister Discussions took place with to complete the backlog of divyang persons vacancies Special Chief Secretary of Social Security, Women and Child Development Mrs. Raji P. Srivastava and Deputy Director Amarjit Singh Bhullar.

Representatives of divyang persons raised demands about filling backlog posts, increasing travel allowance, providing free education facilities, hostel accommodations for college-going girls in Jamalpur, arranging free writer, increasing pensions, divyang sportspersons and reserve seats in government buses.

Dr. Baljit Kaur assured the representatives that their legitimate demands would be addressed soon. She mentioned that the Punjab government is diligently working to fill the backlog of posts reserved for the Divyang persons in various departments. The Minister instructed officials of Social Security, Women and Child Development Department to coordinate with the Department of Employment Generation and Training to organize a special job fair, so that expediting the process related to the backlog of divyang posts.

She directed officials to conduct regular meetings with all departments and take actions regarding the backlog.

Government will convey their concerns regarding ‘hit & run’ law to center; Cabinet sub-committee assures transporters

IEP Chandigarh, January 9

The cabinet sub-committee comprising Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema and NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Tuesday assured the transporters of the state that the State Government would share their concerns regarding provision contained in the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) prescribing punishment for causing death in a hit and run cases with the Union Government.

During a meeting with the representatives of truck and taxi unions of the state here at Punjab Bhavan, the Cabinet Sub-Committee discussed in detail the provision of punishment under Section 106 (2) of BNS for causing death due to rash and negligent driving, and escaping without reporting it to a police officer or a Magistrate soon after the incident. The main concern of the representatives of the transport unions was the manhandling of the driver of the commercial vehicle and damaging the vehicle by the mob after the accident.

The Cabinet Sub-Committee assured the unions that while sharing their concerns with the Union Government regarding this law, the Punjab government would pressurize to make necessary arrangements to ensure the safety of the driver in such cases. He also directed the state police department to ensure that action should taken against the culprits in the cases of beating up a driver by the mob after the accidents.

Regarding the demand made by the Union to take strict action against the commercial use of illegal vehicles involved in commercial activities, the Cabinet Sub-Committee directed the transport and the police department to take strict action against such vehicles immediately. Apart from this, the cabinet sub-committee also asked the transport department to give its suggestions after studying the demand of the representatives of the taxi unions regarding bringing change in the tax system according to the sitting capacity of the vehicle.

Secretary (Transport) Dilraj Singh, State Transport Commissioner Monish Kumar, ADGP (Intelligence) Jaskaran Singh, other senior officials of Transport and Police Department, and representatives of various transport and taxi unions of the state were present in the meeting.

Jauramajra warns of stern action against officials involved in illegal mining, not collecting royalties

IEP Chandigarh/Amritsar, January 9

Stating that illegal mining will not be tolerated under any circumstances, Punjab Water Resources, Mining & Geology and Soil and Water Conservation Minister S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra on Tuesday categorically said that stern action will be initiated against the officials involved in illegal mining and those are not collecting royalties.

During a marathon meeting with MLAs from Majha and officials from the water resources, mining & geology and soil & water conservation departments in Amritsar, the Cabinet Minister said that royalties of soil being used for major projects should be ensured to be deposited in the government treasury. He highlighted that despite the construction of hundreds of kilometers of national highways in the state; their actual royalties have not been collected and asked officials for vigilance and proper attention to these projects. In a firm tone, he warned of departmental action against any officer showing negligence in addressing issues related to illegal mining and royalty.

While reviewing the supply of canal water to fields during the last Kharif season, S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is dedicatedly working towards preserving groundwater for future generations. He emphasized that utilizing canal water is crucial for this endeavour and insisted that no laxity will be tolerated in addressing this issue.

S. Jauramajra pointed out that previous government had consistently overlooked this critical issue, resulting in near destruction of the entire canal water infrastructure. Assuring corrective measures, he announced that the upcoming Kharif season would witness the restoration of the canal water system, ensuring its availability to tale end and every field.

The Cabinet Minister also instructed that during the off-season when water flows into the canals, caution must be exercised as excess water can be detrimental to crops. He asserted that impeccable plans should be devised to utilize the water for recharging groundwater. He ordered that department officers should promptly address pending tasks and, for those beyond their jurisdiction, maintain consistent communication with higher officials to ensure timely canal water distribution to every field.

Regarding canal and drain cleaning, the Cabinet Minister said that the government has acquired ten large machines for the task. He said that if the need arises, additional machinery will be purchased to complete the work. He said that earlier the governments used to get this work done by outsourcing but now by purchasing the machines, 60 percent of the cost has been saved while amplifying the efficiency of the work.

On this occasion, MLA Mr. Sherry Kalsi, MLA S. Jasbir Singh Sandhu, Chairman Mr. Raman Bahl, Mr. Jagrup Singh Sekhwan, Mr. Sukhjinderraj Singh Lali Majithia, Chairman Mr. Baldev Singh, Chairman Ranjit Singh Cheema, Chairman S. Balbir Singh Pannu, Mr. Samsher Singh Dinanagar, Mr. Gurdeep Singh Randhawa and other senior leaders participated in the meeting and shared the issues of their respective areas with the Cabinet Minister.

Meanwhile, all the MLAs and leaders commend the proactive initiative taken by the Cabinet Minister in addressing crucial departments, marking a significant milestone after a long time. They expressed their wholehearted support.

Punjab Power minister directs PSPCL to make advance arrangements to meet summer challenges

IEP Chandigarh, January 9

  Punjab Power Minister Mr. Harbhajan Singh ETO on Tuesday directed the Punjab State Power Corporation (PSPCL) to make advance arrangements to meet summer challenges so that should not face any difficulty in ensuring uninterrupted power supply to the people of the state.

          During a three-hour long meeting with the PSPCL officials here, the Power Minister asked the management to complete the tender process for the procurement of the required infrastructure and equipments as soon as possible to meet the possible increase in demand for electricity during upcoming summers. He said that all the formalities in this regard should be completed on time so that PSPCL does not have to face any kind of problem in meeting the peak demand of power during summers.

          Meanwhile, while reviewing various parameters related to the performance of PSPCL, Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO directed the concerned officials to speed up the delivery of services to the people besides making special efforts to reduce the losses. He said that the settlement of average bill cases related to faulty meters should be ensured within one month.

          The Power Minister also directed the Chief Engineers of the Department to hold monthly review meetings with the concerned Divisional Officers so that further improvements could be encouraged in their performance. He also said the in future Chief Engineers would conduct cross visits to review the performance of divisions falling under each other.

          During the meeting, Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO congratulated the officials on the New Year expressing satisfaction that department set new records by facing many challenges during the year 2023, and expressed hope that the department will play an important role in lighting the state’s paths of progress.

          Additional Chief Secretary (Power) Mr. Tejveer Singh, CMD PSPCL Mr. Baldev Singh Sran, Director Distribution Mr. DPS Grewal, Director Generation Mr. Paramjeet Singh, and Chief Engineers were present in the meeting.

Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra Resonates with Haryana Villages, Streamlining Grievance Redressal and Health Initiatives

IEP Chandigarh, January 9

The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is making significant strides across diverse villages and cities in Haryana. As communities extend a warm welcome to the Yatra, individuals are actively communicating their concerns to MPs, MLAs, and officials, resulting in prompt resolutions. This streamlined process has instilled satisfaction among the populace, eliminating the necessity to visit district headquarters, thereby saving valuable time and resources. Furthermore, participants are capitalizing on health checkups conducted during the yatra, where health camps are conveniently set up at their doorsteps. To date, 7,23,456 individuals have undergone health checkups at various locations, and 4,98,023 people have been tested for TB, receiving free medications. The yatra has witnessed enthusiastic participation, with 40,16,294 attendees, including 23,19,454 men and 16,89,935 women registering their presence. It’s worth noting that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi aims to position India as a global developed nation by 2047, and the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ supports this vision, commencing on November 16, 2023.

Chief Minister Monitors Grievances Directly

The Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal personally oversees the grievances received during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. He engages with the public, conducts meetings, and directs officials to promptly address people’s concerns. This hands-on approach has earned the Chief Minister praise, eliminating the need for intermediaries in conveying messages to him.

Recognition for Players, Women, and Students

The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra acknowledges village-based medal-winning athletes, women excelling in diverse fields, and outstanding students. A total of 25,509 women, 43,270 students, and 6,295 athletes have been honored, along with 5,932 artists receiving awards.

Information and Benefits of Public Welfare Schemes

The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra not only informs attendees about both Central and State public welfare schemes but also facilitates immediate benefits. For instance, 1,20,411 Ayushman Bharat cards were instantly issued during yatra programs, and discrepancies in family identity cards for 1,62,239 individuals were rectified.