IEP Chandigarh, September 21

          The Punjab Government has declared a local holiday in Gurdaspur district on September 22, 2023 on the occasion of “Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Viah Purab”

           Giving information in this regard, the official spokesperson of the state government said that all offices, boards/corporations and government educational institutions of the Punjab government in Gurdaspur district will remain closed on Friday (September 22, 2023).  In this regard, a notification has been issued by the personnel department.

IEP Chandigarh, September 21

          Under the dynamic leadership of the Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann, all functioning of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha has been made paperless and now all business of the forthcoming Assembly session will be completely digital and paperless.

          Disclosing this here on Thursday, The Speaker, Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that for the first time the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) Project has been implemented in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, to make all the proceedings digital and bring transparency in governance and reducing vast expense for paper.

          Addressing the occasion, during the second session of the two-day training session of NeVA, Mr. Sandhwan said that a digital wing has been set up to make the functioning of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha hi-tech and to connect it with modern technology, which is the utmost need of the hour. The Speaker said that the digital wings comprises of a IT cell, NIC cell, modern training room (NeVA Seva Kendra), hi-tech control room, network control room among others.

          The Speaker said that with the use of the NeVA App, the participation of the people through live webcasting of the proceedings of the House would increase and the functioning of the Secretariat of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha would also become more streamlined. He said that documents will also be presented in the House through electronic mode and members and staff of the Legislative Assembly will get paperless facilities.

          Mr. Sandhwan lauded the efforts of NIC (IT), Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India; Department of Administrative Reforms, Punjab; Punjab Vidhan Sabha staff and said that this project has been executed due to their tireless and diligence working.

          Mr. Mukesh Kumar, Under Secretary, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India; Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, Senior Director (IT), NIC,  Mr. Rajesh Rana, Consultant and Assistant Director Mrs. Preeti Yadav were also specially felicitated on the occasion by the speaker.

          Earlier, Mr. Sanjeev, Senior Director (IT), NIC the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India highlighted the details of the NeVA project. He shared the guidelines of the project and his experiences in implementing the project in different states. During his special presentation, he gave detailed information about the NeVA app.

          Meanwhile, the MLAs were also given training on the use of the mobile app. During this workshop, mock sessions and question-answer sessions were also organised. During this workshop, NIC officials and Punjab Vidhan Sabha and NIC IT staff handed over the IDs to the members of the Legislative Assembly and informed them about logging in and using their password.

IEP Chandigarh, September 21

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

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

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

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

IEP Chandigarh

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

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

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

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

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

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

IEP Chandigarh

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

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

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

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

IEP Chandigarh

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

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

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

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

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

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

IEP Chandigarh

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

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

IEP Chandigarh

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

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

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

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

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

IEP Chandigarh, September 19

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

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

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

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

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

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IEP Chandigarh

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

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

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