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Punjab

AWARENESS AGAINST DRUGS: 282 DRUG CONSUMERS PLEDGED FOR REHABILITATION UNDER SECTION 64-A OF NDPS ACT

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IEP CHANDIGARH, January 23

With Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government has been focusing on bringing the people trapped in vicious drug menace back into the mainstream, more drug consumers are coming forward to avail the provision of section 64-A of the NDPS act by pledging to undergo the rehabilitation treatment, said Inspector General of Police (IGP) Headquarters Dr Sukhchain Singh Gill here on Tuesday.

 “In just 20 days, the Hon’ble Court has confirmed 237 cases where the order has been passed under section 64-A NDPS act, and as many as 282 drug consumers have been undergoing the treatment of de-addiction and rehabilitation,” he said.

Pertinently, the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Prevention and Rehabilitation— to eradicate drugs from the state. As part of the strategy, the Punjab Police has been promoting and creating awareness about section 64-A of the NDPS act, which provides an opportunity to a drug consumer—caught with a few grams of heroin or narcotic powder— for rehabilitation.

The IGP, however, said that the crackdown against big drug smugglers is also ongoing, with Punjab Police arresting 141 drug smugglers/suppliers including 31 big fish after registering 109 first information reports (FIRs) in the last week, and recovering 19.4-Kg Heroin, 8.3-Kg opium, 25.23 quintals of poppy husk, and 4201 tablets/capsules/injections/vials of Pharma opioids besides recovering Rs 1.40 lakh drug money from their possession.

He said that with six more Proclaimed Offenders (POs)/Absconders in NDPS cases arrested in the last one week, the total number of arrests reached 1260 since the special drive to arrest POs/absconders was started on July 5, 2022.

Giving details on disposing-off drugs under the NDPS act from January 1, 2024, to January 15, 2024, IGP Sukhchain Gill said that different field and special units of Punjab Police have destroyed over 523Kg heroin, 79.92 quintals of Poppy Husk, 298Kg Ganja and 17.57 lakh narcotic pills/capsules under the supervision of High-Level Drug Disposal Committees of contraband by burning them in a incinerators following proper procedure.

He said that Punjab Police have also forfeited 263 properties worth Rs 111 crores of big smugglers since the formation of the government, while, 9 more proposals to forfeit properties worth Rs 3.60 crores are pending with the competent authority.

Apart from this, IGP Sukhchain Singh Gill said that the Punjab Police have not been leaving any stone unturned to improve the law and order situation in the state.

The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), since its formation on April 6, 2022, has succeeded in busting 312 gangster/criminal modules after arresting 951 gangsters/criminals and neutralising 10, after 963 weapons and 208 vehicles used in criminal activities, he said.

Punjab

ISRAEL TO PROVIDE LATEST TECHNOLOGIES IN HORTICULTURE SECTOR IN PUNJAB

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IEP Chandigarh, January 23

Punjab Horticulture Minister S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra, on Tuesday, met a high-level delegation from Israel to explore opportunities for collaboration in advancing agricultural technologies in Punjab. Building on the existing partnership in horticulture projects, the meeting emphasized the need for a digital revolution in farming.

During the meeting with Ms. Hadas Bakst, Political Domestic Advisor Embassy of Israel New Delhi, at his office here at Punjab Civil Secretariat, Cabinet Minister S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra stated that the underground water in Punjab is depleting rapidly, a critical issue that needs urgent attention. He asked the Israel delegation to provide high-yielding and disease/virus-free horticultural varieties requiring less water. The Cabinet Minister also called for providing farm-to-market technology to facilitate the marketing of all Kinnow produce in the event of a bumper crop in the state.

He highlighted key areas for collaboration, including digital solutions for pest control, climate and soil monitoring systems, AI for crop yields, decision support systems, drones for harvesting and sprays, as well as precision farming software solutions. The discussion also touched upon the potential of year-round cultivation in greenhouses and hydroponic farming to address the increasing demand for food.

The Horticulture Minister, while emphasizing the introducing high-tech agricultural machinery, harvesting machines, tree shakers, cultivators, rotary mulchers and special field robots, focused on extending to sensor technology-based irrigation systems and innovative storage solutions for efficient and sustainable farming.

Addressing the need for advancements in citrus cultivation, S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra proposed the integration of By-Product Technologies to manage bio-waste effectively.  He said that on an average a single piece of Kinnow mandarin fruit contains 45-50% juice and the rest of the percentage is occupied by peel, rag and seeds, which so far of no use. So introduction of new machinery at processing units for management of bio-waste of citrus such as extraction of limonin, peel oil etc. will help a lot.

He also asked to introduce new patented citrus varieties, rootstocks resistant to pests and the cultivation of new crops like Dragon Fruit and Raspberries.

In the vegetable sector, the Minister advocated for the introduction of Parthenocarpic (seedless) varieties of melons, single-picking varieties of peas and tomatoes suitable for mechanization and brinjal varieties resistant to fruit and shoot borers. He stressed the importance of vegetables grafting with rootstock resistant to pests and diseases, as well as the development of processing varieties of vegetables, especially tomatoes.

The Cabinet Minister underlined the need for biodegradable and slow-release fertilizer technology in horticulture, along with the utilization of bio-pesticide technology to control pests and diseases. He proposed the incorporation of instant sensor-based technologies to detect nutrient deficiencies in horticultural crops.

Looking towards the future, the Minister expressed interest in adopting global trends in agricultural extension systems. Besides this, he conveyed the intention to send a delegation of 10 to 20 officers to Israel to witness firsthand the innovative technologies that could be implemented in Punjab, ultimately enhancing the livelihoods of farmers in the region.

Director Horticulture Mrs. Shailender Kaur also emphasized on integrated value chain Center of Excellence establishment in Punjab in collaboration with Israel technology to reduce Post harvest losses in horticulture crops.

Ms. Hadas Bakst said that Israel is keen to enhance technological collaboration in agriculture and horticulture sectors with the state of Punjab. She mentioned that experts level meetings will be held in February and March, which will focus on delivering the latest technology and introducing new horticultural varieties to address the state’s depleting groundwater issues. Besides this, Ms. Hadas highlighted the ongoing operation of two centers of excellence in Punjab by government of Israel, emphasizing the continued sharing of agricultural technologies.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included; Director Horticulture Mrs. Shailender Kaur, Assistant Director Horticulture Dr. Harpreet Singh, Dr. Daljit Singh and Dr. Balwinder Singh, Horticulture Development Officer Mrs. Balwinderjit Kaur and other officials.

Punjab

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER BALKAR SINGH DIRECTS OFFICIALS TO PROMPTLY UTILIZE UNUSED FUNDS FOR DEVELOPMENT WORKS

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IEP Chandigarh, January 23

Local Government Minister Balkar Singh, conducted review meeting in the presence of MLAs, with Municipal Commissioner Ludhiana, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development) Ludhiana, and EOs of Municipal Corporation/Nagar Panchayats of Jagraon, Khanna, Doraha, Mulanpur Dakhan, Raikot, Sahnewal, Samrala, Machiwara, Payal and Malod.In the review meeting, officials were instructed to promptly utilize unused funds.

During a review meeting at the Municipal Bhawan in Sector 35, Chandigarh today, Local Government Minister Balkar Singh discussed in detail the sewerage treatment plants and water treatment plants being constructed under the Swachh Bharat Mission and the AMRUT Mission, respectively, along with other development works. He directed authorities to ensure quality and transparency in these development initiatives.

Cabinet Minister Balkar Singh further stated that projects with approved DPRs should commence soon after obtaining tenders, and DPRs for pending projects should be approved expeditiously. He warned of appropriate action against officials if allocated funds are not utilized for development within specified time frames.

Balkar Singh shared comprehensive information about works under various schemes and allocated funds with MLAs, urging officials to ensure transparent communication with MLAs for public-centric development. He emphasized that the overarching goal is to comprehensively develop the state.

Local Government Minister reiterated the Punjab government’s vision, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Maan, to make Rangla Punjab. He stressed the collective responsibility to work diligently and honestly towards achieving this vision.

Cabinet Minister Balkar Singh affirmed that the state government has ample funds for development works. If a regional office requires additional funds, it should submit a complete proposal with an action plan to the head office.

On this occasion, MLAs Madan Lal Bagga, Rajinderpal Kaur Chinna, Daljit Singh Grewal, Ashok Parashar Pappi, Kulwant Singh Sidhu, Sarvjit Kaur Manuke, Jagtar Singh Dayalpura, Hardeep Singh Mundian, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Manwinder Singh Giaspura, Hakam Singh Thekedar besides Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board CEO Malwinder Singh Jaggi, Local Government Department Director Uma Shankar Gupta, Municipal Commissioner, Ludhiana, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, Senior Officers of Head Office, Constituency In-charge Aam Aadmi Party Mulanpur Dakhan and EOs of Municipal Council/Nagar Panchayats were present in the meeting.

Punjab

VIGILANCE BUREAU REGISTERS CORRUPTION CASE AGAINST DOCTOR, HIS ASSISTANT, THREE OTHERS

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IEP Chandigarh January 23

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, has registered a corruption case against five accused including a doctor and his assistant for taking bribe  in lieu of issuing a false medico legal report (MLR). In this case an accused employee of civil hospital Ferozepur has been arrested.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the state VB said in this case five accused have been booked  under section 7, 7-A of prevention of corruption act and 193, 465, 466, 471, 120-B of IPC which included Dr Shashi Bhushan, posted at civil hospital Ferozepur and his assistant Ram Prasad alias Chotu, a class-IV employee in the hospital besides three private persons namely Rekha, her father Shammi and mother Asha, all residents of Khateek Mandi, Ferozepur Cantonment.

He further informed that during the investigation of a complaint in this regard, it was found that the complainant Tarsem had a quarrel with his wife Rekha in which his right hand bone and left leg bone were broken by his in-laws on 09.07.2020. In this regard a case in police station, Ferozepur city had been registered against his wife Rekha, mother-in-law Asha, father-in-law Sammi, and brother-in-law Sonu.

The complainant informed the VB that It on 24.02.2021, he had checked through his mobile phone application, that his wife Rekha and her family members were giving bribe to the above mentioned class-4 employee Ram Prasad alias Chhotu which was to be handed over to Dr. Shashi Bhushan for issuing a false MLR so as to register a forged case against the complainant Tarsem. Chhotu was playing the role of middleman in the negotiations for accepting and further passing the bribe to accused doctor.

The spokesperson further added that on the basis of this false MLR a police case was registered against the said Tarsem and his father Rafiq. During the probe the said MLR was found to be a false according to the records obtained from the Civil Hospital Ferozepur. The complainant submitted a CD to the VB as an evidence against above said family members of his in-laws including Ram Prasad and Dr. Shashi Bhushan which established the falseness of issuing a fake medical certificate in lieu of taking a huge bribe from the said accused.

He further informed that on basis of investigation by VB range Ferozepur, this case has been registered against all the accused and arrested an employee Ram Prasad. The VB is on the hunt to arrest the remaining accused. Further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.

Haryana

Haryana Tightens Security Measures for Republic Day: DGP Shatrujeet Kapur Leads Comprehensive Review”

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IEP Chandigarh, January 23

Haryana is fortifying security measures in anticipation of Republic Day celebrations, as the police intensify surveillance on all routes leading to the venue. In a pivotal video conference, Director General of Police, Shatrujeet Kapur, spearheaded a thorough examination of law and order preparations, attended by ADGPs, IGs, Superintendents of Police, and other senior officers from across the state.

During the meeting, Mr. Kapur underscored the national significance of Republic Day and urged all police officers to meticulously study the law and order arrangements, leaving no room for negligence. Written directives emanating from Police Headquarters have been disseminated to all districts, emphasizing heightened security at designated points.

Furthermore, Mr. Kapur stressed the imperative to impose a ban on flying drones and remote-controlled devices in the state. Emphasizing the importance of area security, he called upon police officers to conduct exhaustive investigations using drones, particularly in areas around Republic Day events. An attentive watch on tall buildings in the vicinity was also emphasized, along with the implementation of special security measures at the venue, complementing VIP duty.

In the quest for heightened security, Mr. Kapur instructed police officers to enhance visibility during nighttime, ensuring swift assistance when required. He insisted that senior officers personally visit different locations to brief the police force on security arrangements, underlining the need for robust measures at all government and public places.

The Director General emphasized the necessity for enhanced training for police force participating in the Republic Day parade. He advocated for the preparation of a tableau showcasing Haryana Police’s achievements, including cyber security initiatives, emergency response through Haryana-112, and road safety campaigns. Additionally, the tableau could spotlight the positive impacts of recent laws, namely the Bhartiya Sakshy adhiniyam-2023, Bhartiya Suraksha Sanhita, and Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita.

Delving into the state’s efforts in de-addiction, Mr. Kapur instructed police officers to view villages or wards as units and develop comprehensive de-addiction plans. He stressed the initiation of treatment for individuals struggling with drug addiction in these areas. Moreover, he emphasized involving a significant number of youth in sports activities to combat addiction, setting a target of 10 thousand youth in sports activities in each district.

Mr. Kapur also reviewed the functioning of police station feedback cells, underscoring the importance of identifying reasons for dissatisfaction. In addressing women’s safety, teams have been established in hotspot areas across all districts, including markets and transportation hubs. Mr. Kapur highlighted the proactive need to identify and monitor hotspot routes in addition to these areas. The meeting witnessed the participation of ADGP, IG, Superintendents of Police, and numerous other officers from across the state.

Chandigarh

Purohit pays tributes to Netaji on his Birth Anniversary

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IEP Chandigarh

On the Prakram Diwas, Governor Punjab and the Administrator, UT, Chandigarh, Shri Banwari Lal Purohit paid heartfelt tributes to Netaji Subash Chandra Bose.

 In a solemn ceremony organized at Punjab Raj Bhawan on Tuesday, Shri Purohit and the officials of Raj Bhawan offered floral tributes to Netaji on his birth anniversary.

Bowing in reverence and paying glowing tributes to the iconic brave leader, the Governor said that Netaji personified valour, determination and sacrifice and played an invaluable role in liberating our motherland from the yoke of British rule. Netaji’s slogans ‘Jai Hind’ and ‘Give me blood and I will give you freedom’ sparked patriotism and instilled the fervour of nationalism in the hearts of Indians during the struggle for freedom. 

Netaji Subash Chandra Bose has been honoured by our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi for his unique contribution by installing a 28-feet grand statue at India Gate, by replacing the statue of George V, and changed the name of Raj Path as Kartavya Path, by removing the symbol of slavery, said the Governor. He further said, “The nation will forever be grateful to Netaji for his enormous contribution in India’s struggle for freedom”.

Shri K. Siva Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary to Governor Punjab and other officers & staff members of Raj Bhavan, were among those who were present on the occasion.

Haryana

“Head Constable Anil Kumar Arrested Red-Handed in Bribery Scandal at Faridabad Police Station”

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IEP Chandigarh, January 23

The Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau team Today, apprehended Head Constable Anil Kumar, stationed at Sector 8 police station in Faridabad district, red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 3,000. The accused had demanded a bribe from the contractor in return for not stopping the cable laying work.

Providing information about this, the Bureau spokesperson stated that the team had received a complaint alleging that Constable Anil Kumar, stationed at Sector 8 police station, Faridabad, had demanded a bribe of Rs 5,000 from the contractor to allow the cable work to proceed. A bribe of ₹2000 had already been given by the complainant to the accused Anil Kumar. Confirming the case, the Bureau team devised a plan and arrested the accused red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹3000.

The entire operation was conducted fairly and transparently in the presence of witnesses. A case has been registered against accused Anil Kumar at the Anti-Corruption Bureau Faridabad Police Station, and he has been arrested.”

Haryana

Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau Nabs ASI Sudhir Kumar Red-Handed in Rs 30,000 Bribery Sting Operation

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IEP Chandigarh

As part of the ongoing campaign against corruption, ASI Sudhir Kumar, stationed at Police Station Sadar, Safidon in Jind district, was arrested red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹30,000 by the Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau team.Providing information about this, the spokesperson of the Anti-Corruption Bureau mentioned that based on the received information, the team set a trap to apprehend the accused and achieved significant success in catching him red-handed.In the filed FIR at the Sadar Safidon police station in Jind, ASI Sudhir Kumar, the accused, demanded a bribe to refrain from taking him into custody. During the investigation, the Anti-Corruption Bureau team devised a plan to apprehend the accused and successfully caught him in the act of accepting a Rs 30,000 bribe.

 The entire operation was conducted transparently in the presence of witnesses. In this case, a case has been registered against the accused in the Anti Corruption Bureau police station of Karnal and he has been arrested. The case is being investigated by the Anti-Corruption Bureau team . The spokesperson of the Bureau while appealing to the general public said that if any officer or employee demands a bribe in return for doing government work, then immediately inform about on Haryana Anti Corruption Bureau’s toll free number – 1800-180-2022 and 1064.

Haryana

75 percent subsidy is being given to farmers on solar energy pumps, under PM Kusum Yojana

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IEP Chandigarh, January 23

Online applications for solar water pumping system at 75 percent subsidy under the PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) Scheme on behalf of Haryana Government can be made on saralharyana.gov.in portal from January 19 to January 29, 2024.

The spokesperson informed that essential documents such as land records, Aadhaar card, family ID, and undertaking letter are necessary for online application. Farmers without connections to solar water pumps or electricity-based pumps on their Parivar Pehchan Patra can apply.

He informed that the state government, through the PM-Kusum scheme, aims to provide farmers with the opportunity for irrigation using solar energy. Applications are invited for solar pumps ranging from 3 HP to 10 HP under this scheme. The selection of beneficiaries for the current year will be based on the family’s annual income and land ownership. He further stated that after the selection of beneficiaries, applicants can visit the PM-Kusum portal (https://pmkusum.hareda.gov.in) to choose the company listed by the government for price determination.

He mentioned that as per the survey by the Haryana Water Resources Authority, in villages where the groundwater level has dropped below 100 feet, the installation of micro-irrigation systems is mandatory. Other farmers must install underground pipe lines or micro-irrigation systems. Farmers engaged in rice cultivation whose fields have a groundwater level below 40 meters, as per the report of H.W.R.A, are not eligible for this scheme. For more information, visit the department’s website hareda.gov.in or contact the respective district additional deputy commissioner’s office, spokesperson added.

Haryana

Primary goal of atra is to raise awareness among people about Govt schemes

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IEP Chandigarh, January 23

Haryana Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Sh. Om Prakash Yadav graced Kunjpura village in Ateli during Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, while MLA Sitaram Yadav presided over event at Sarai Mohalla in Narnaul as the chief guest. On this occasion, the citizens were administered the oath of developed India.

During the event, Minister Om Prakash Yadav emphasized that the primary goal of the yatra is to raise awareness among the general public about government schemes and ensure they reap the benefits. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between the state’s numerous eligible citizens and the available schemes. Yadav highlighted that the government has revamped the system to provide transparent governance. As part of the Sankalp Yatra, eligible citizens are receiving complimentary gas connections, and efforts are underway to process on-the-spot applications for beneficiaries who were previously overlooked.

He said that both the country and the state are advancing steadily under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi and Haryana Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal.

Yadav highlighted that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, impoverished families are being provided with housing. In addition, farmers are reaping benefits through schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Samman Nidhi Yojana.

He expressed a profound acknowledgment for the brave martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the nation, emphasizing the importance of paying tribute to their sacrifices. Yadav underscored that the joint efforts of the Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi and Haryana Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal are yielding benefits for the poorest of the poor in villages, contributing to the vision of developing India. Under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, gas connection was given to Pushpa Devi and Priyanka Devi of Kunjpura village.