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Chandigarh

NABARD has also played an important role in emerging Haryana as the leading state in several domains – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister

IEP Chandigarh, July 19

Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. J.P. Dalal said that National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has been instrumental in strengthening the rural infrastructure of the country. With the cooperation of NABARD, Haryana has emerged as the leading state in several domains. NABARD has stepped up as a key supporter of the animal husbandry sector, offering self-employment opportunities to the youth residing in rural areas.

        Sh. J.P. Dalal was speaking as the Chief Guest at the 42nd Foundation Day of NABARD at the NABARD Regional Office here today.

        Sh. J.P. Dalal commended NABARD for its contribution in preparing the State Focus Paper and for its efforts in computerizing Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS). He mentioned that when Haryana separated from Punjab and became an independent state in 1966, there were concerns regarding the payment of salaries to employees. However, with the support of NABARD, the farmers and employers of Haryana have propelled the state to a position of leadership in various fields, while NABARD has provided capital for rural infrastructure development.

        Sh. Dalal highlighted that approximately 7 to 8 lakh acres of land in Haryana are alkaline, and 2 lakh acres are saline, rendering about 10 percent of the land unsuitable for cultivation. However, this land can be utilized for activities like fishing and shrimp farming. Haryana alone exports shrimp worth around Rs 100 crore. He further emphasized that by collaborating, the Haryana government and NABARD can together steer the rural economy towards a new direction.

        Sh. JP Dalal said that NABARD should also come forward to form organic farmer producer groups on the same lines as NABARD is providing financial assistance to self-help groups.The demand for organic agricultural products in Gurugram and Delhi is more . The state government is exploring possibilities of setting up organic market in NCR. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, as due to his efforts United Nations has declared 2023 as Millets Year. Southern Haryana produces a great amount of  Millets  and the government purchases it at a minimum support price of Rs 2500 per quintal. NABARD stepped up to help farmers transition from the wheat and paddy crop cycles to other crops.

        He said that the Haryana Government is providing financial assistance at the rate of Rs. 7,000 per acre to the farmers for growing other crops in place of paddy. Similarly, farmers who sow paddy using DSR technology are also being given financial assistance of Rs 4,000 per acre. He called upon the officers of NABARD to come forward to support the farmers with an open mind and work as Team India to realize Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and strengthening the rural economy.

        He stated that, the Haryana Government is setting up an International Fruit and Vegetable Market at Gannaur which will cost around Rs 10 lakh. The annual turnover of this market is estimated to be 30 to 40 thousand crore rupees. Which will also  generate employment opportunities at the local level and NABARD will also cooperate in this project too.

        Country now has a strong administration working under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, and that the world has acknowledged this permanent leadership. NABARD should take advantage of the present scenario and contribute to the country’s prosperity, he added.

        Giving details of the activities undertaken by NABARD, Chief General Manager, NABARD Regional Office Smt. Deepa Guha, said that NABARD has provided Rs.13,000 crore as loan to the State of Haryana this year, out of which Rs.1200 crore has been provided for rural infrastructure, Rs.4,700 crore for long-term loan and Rs.6,800 crore for crop loan. She informed that NABARD has approved computerization of 710 PACS out of 730 PACS in the state. Rs. 4.85 crore has been sanctioned for 661 PACS. The process from PACS to NABARD is being done online. 28 states have adopted NABARD rules, Haryana being one of them. Now PACS has been designed to function as multi-purpose institutions, with plans to run more than 25 business activities such as dairy, fisheries, setting up of warehouses, LPG, petrol, green energy distribution agency, banking correspondents, CSCs, etc.

        NABARD has granted authorization certificate for Joint Liability Group (JLG) to District Central Co-operative Bank, Jind, Rewari and Sarv Haryana Gramin Bank, Rohtak. Under this, 4 women can be given a loan of up to Rs 2 lakh. So far, loans up to Rs 1 lakh are given to self-help groups.

        Chairman HARCO Bank, Sh. Hukam Singh Bhati, Chief General Manager NABARD Punjab Sh. B. Raghunath, General Manager SLBC, Haryana Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Chairman Sarv Haryana Gramin Bank Sh. Pranay  Mohanty and other officers of NABARD and DCCB.Chairman, Sh. Harkam Singh Bhati, Chairman, HARCO Bank and Sh. B Raghu, Chief General Manager, NABARD Punjab remained  present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Flood declared for the first time in the history of Haryana, will compensate for the loss of all affected areas: Hry Dy CM

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IEP Chandigarh, July 19

The Haryana government has declared flood for the first time in the history of the state. According to an official  released information on Wednesday evening, a total of 1,354 places have been flooded in 12 districts of the state. Deputy Chief Minister, Sh. Dushyant Chautala, who holds the portfolio of Revenue and Disaster Management Department, informed that flood control, relief and rescue, rehabilitation and damage compensation works are being carried out at war footing at all these places.        Deputy CM said that 12 districts of the state Ambala, Panchkula, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Kaithal, Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, Palwal and Faridabad have been flooded. A list of flood-affected areas has been issued in all these districts, according to which Ambala has been flooded at 315 places, Kurukshetra at 298 places and Yamuna Nagar at 221 places. Apart from these, floods have caused damage at 128 places in Kaithal district, 94 places in Fatehabad and 84 places in Panchkula. Furthermore, 66 places in Karnal district, 54 in Faridabad, 32 in Palwal, 25 in Sonipat, 23 in Sirsa and 14 in Panipat have been declared flood affected areas.        Sh. Chautala said that on the basis of information received at the district level, the state government, taking an important decision, has formally declared flood for the first time in the history of the state.He said that due to heavy rains from July 8 to 12 and excessive rain water from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab, have caused extensive damage to government and private properties in the state. He said that the Public Works Department has started repairing the roads damaged by the flood as soon as possible and more than Rs. 230 crore will be spent on repairing the damaged roads at about 150 places.        Repair of roads, canals, drains and buildings of other departments damaged in floods will also be done on a war footing. Apart from these, compensation of Rs. 15,000 per acre for completely damaged crops will be sent to the farmers’ accounts soon. Along with this, the loss of livestock will also be compensated and those whose houses have been damaged due to floods will also be given proper compensation as per the rules.        The Deputy Chief Minister said that in the last week he personally visited the flood-affected rural and urban areas of Panchkula, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, Palwal and Faridabad districts. He said that the life of the common people has been badly affected by the flood water and livelihood, transportation, food and potable drinking water problems have arisen for many people. The state government is making strenuous efforts to expedite the relief and rehabilitation work, he added.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab Government releases Rs. 183 cr. under post matric scholarship Scheme: Dr. Baljit Kaur

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IEP Chandigarh, July 18      

    Punjab Government released Rs 183 crore in the  SNA account of scheme Under Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for Shedule Cast Students.          Divulging in this regard, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the post matric scholarship scheme for SC the amount was released under the scheme only till 2016-17. She said that due to non-disbursement of scholarship amount from the year 2017-18 to 2019-20 by the central government, many students had to face difficulties.          Dr. Baljit Kaur further said that considering the problems faced by the students, the state government has decided to release 40%  of the fees of private and government-aided institutions for the years  2017-18 to 2019-2020.          Cabinet Minister stated that according to the guidelines of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, about 1900 institutions were audited by the Finance Department and after conducting the audit, 40% is being paid to these institutions after deducting the objectionable amount.          She mentioned that the reports regarding the payments of some institutions are ready, but as the institutions have not uploaded the undertaking as per the instructions issued by the department, the payment is being delayed. Therefore, the Minister appealed to all organizations to upload the undertaking on the Dr. Ambedkar portal according to the instructions issued by the department, so that the payment can be made to these institutions accordingly.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab Government takes concrete steps for basic facilities at Anganwadi Centres in state: Dr Baljit Kaur

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IEP Chandigarh, July 18     

     The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is taking concrete steps to provide basic facilities at Anganwadi Centres in the state, ensuring the all-round development of children.          Highlighting various schemes and programs of Anganwadi Centers, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit kaur, stated that the state government is continuously working to enhance the infrastructure of Anganwadi centres. She mentioned that Anganwadi centres offer services such as supplementary nutrition, vaccination, health education, health and nutrition education, referral services, and non-formal pre-school education for children aged 3-6 years, as well as for children up to 6 years of age, pregnant women, and lactating women.          Cabinet minister mentioned that the department is collaborating with the Rural Development Department to renovate one thousand buildings of Anganwadi Centres, and with the Water Supply and Sanitation Department for the construction of toilets in these centres.          She said to the District Program Officers and Child Development Project Officers to make special efforts to seek assistance from competent individuals and organizations in acquiring buildings for Anganwadi Centres, providing wall paintings, children’s furniture, toys, swings, and necessary equipment for pre-school education.          Cabinet Minister appealed to the general public, welfare organizations, Panchayats, and NRI’s to contribute towards providing necessary items and facilities in the Anganwadi Centres across the state, there by ensuring the holistic development of children.          Mrs. Madhvi Kataria, Director of the Social Security, Women and Child Development Department, stated that the department officials will select the best-performing Anganwadi Centres at the district level by August 7, 2023. Three Anganwadi Centres from the top-performing district will be chosen, and the Anganwadi workers, helpers, supervisors, and CDPO’s will be honored on August 15. The district program officers are instructed to submit their reports by August 10. Additionally, the entire staff of 10 Anganwadi centres at the state level will honored on August 15 through a live event on Facebook. 

Chandigarh

PUNJAB MINISTER GURMEET SINGH KHUDIAN BRAINSTORMS WITH DELEGATES OF CROATIA & SRI LANKA TO MAKE AGRICULTURE SECTOR PROFITABLE

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IEP Chandigarh, July 18    

      In order to make the agriculture sector profitable and boost farmers’ income in the state, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Mr Gurmeet Singh Khudian held deliberations with a delegates of Croatia and Sri Lanka, who were on a visit to Punjab.          Welcoming the delegates, Mr Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that farmers of Punjab are very hardworking and their tireless efforts has brought the title “Food Bowl of the Country” to the state but now, the state needs support of technologies, research and industry to further strengthen the agriculture economy.          Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann led Punjab government is striving hard to bring diversification in the agriculture sector to wean away farmers from the vicious cycle of two crops. The state has also been making concerted efforts to preserve and increase exports of perishable fruits and vegetables, besides ensuring marketing of these staples.          He also asked Markfed officials to prepare and issue a list of units which helps in preservation and export of perishable fruits and vegetables.          Inviting the delegation for knowledge sharing and investment in the agriculture sector of the state, Mr Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that Punjab is eager to work with Croatia and Sri Lanka to boost prosperity of farmers.          Showing keen interest in working with Punjab, President of Indo Croatian Chamber of Commerce Mr Mayank Jagwani, Vice President Ms Shweta, Mr Nikola Percic and Sri Lankan deligate Mr Jaya Kumar said that there is a huge demand of Basmati Rice, Honey and Turmeric in their countries. Croatia’s delegation said that a business delegation will visit Punjab in the month of November this year to explore the modalities for cooperation in the agriculture sector.          Farmers, who came from Africa, also shared their experiences and said that cultivation of Avocado could be very fruitful for Punjab farmers. Progressive farmer Harman Thind said that some farmers have already started cultivating Avocados in the state and there is no major difficulty in marketing of the fruit.          Vice Chancellor PAU Dr Satbir Singh Gosal said that they will research on developing nurseries of Apple and other fruits being imported from Croatia.          Special Chief Secretary Agriculture Mr KAP Sinha, Secretary Mr Arshdeep Thind, Former AMD Markfed Mr Bal Mukand Sharma and other officials were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, Punjab

IPR Minister Chetan Singh Jauramajra visits flood-affected villages to assess post-flood damage, assures all possible assistance

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IEP Chandigarh, July 18

          Punjab Information and Public Relations Minister S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra, on Tuesday, undertook a visit to the flood-hit villages of the Samana constituency. The Minister’s visit of village Wazidpur, Jahlan, Bishanpur Chhanna, Kourjiwala, Kalayan, Uchcha Gaon, Inderpura, Dharamkot, Kheri Mania, Dughat and Dadhera etc, was aimed to assess the extent of damage caused by the recent floods, particularly to the crops and other infrastructures in the region.

          S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra, accompanied by a team of district officials, personally inspected the affected areas and interacted with the locals to gain firsthand insights into the challenges they are facing due to the devastating floods. The floods have caused significant damage to standing crops, livestock and homes, leaving the people in distress.

          During his visit, S. Jauramajra empathized with the affected villagers and assured them of the Punjab Government’s full support in their time of need. He informed that he has conveyed their concerns to the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann, urging him to expedite the relief and rehabilitation efforts.

          Addressing the media, S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra stated, “the floods have caused immense distress to people in the area. Our government under the able leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann is committed to assisting the affected people in every possible way. We will ensure that the impact of this natural disaster is mitigated and the affected families are provided with necessary relief and assistance at the earliest.”

          The Cabinet Minister S. Jauramajra also highlighted that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann has directed the immediate commencement of a Special Girdawari to accurately assess the extent of crop loss and other damages caused by the floodwaters. He said that Special Girdawari will help the government to formulate effective relief measures and disburse aid to the affected farmers and residents promptly.

          While sharing the future strategy for flood prevention, the Cabinet Minister said, the Jhambo drain in the region, which was blocked due to falling trees and other debris would be cleaned properly, and besides widening the drain, its embankments would be strengthened and new pipes would be laid where the need arrises. He said that the natural flow of water has been blocked at many places due to the closure of the siphons built in the past, and by restoring these barriers, new siphons will also be built on the roads as per requirement so that the natural flow of water could be ensured.

          He said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann led government is fully dedicated to the welfare of its people and committed to providing all necessary support and resources to help the flood-affected area recover and rebuild.

          The Information and Public Relations Minister also urged the people to remain courageous during this difficult time and assured them that the government is working tirelessly to bring normalcy back to their lives.

          The minister was accompanied by Gurdev Singh Tiwana, Balkar Singh Gajjumajra, SDM Dr. Ismat Vijay Singh, Naib Tehsildar Pawandip Singh and other officials.

Chandigarh

Punjab Sports Minister congratulates Kanika Ahuja on being selected for the Indian Cricket team

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IEP Chandigarh, July 18      

    Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer on Tuesday congratulated Cricketer Kanika Ahuja for being selected for the Indian women’s cricket team and wished her a good performance in the upcoming Asian Games.          Meeting Kanika Ahuja at his office at the Punjab Civil Secretariat here today, Meet Hayer congratulated her on being selected for the first time in the Indian cricket team. The 20-year-old Kanika, who hails from Patiala, has previously excelled for India A, Punjab in domestic cricket and Bangalore in the WPL.          Meet Hayer said that for the past few years, the women players of Punjab have been performing very well in cricket. After Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, and Tania Bhatia, now Kanika has brought glory to the name of Punjab by securing a place in the Indian team. The State Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is making continuous efforts to make Punjab the leading state of the country in sports.          Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Kanika Ahuja have been included in the Indian team selected for the Asian Games to be held in Hangzhou, China in September-October. Harleen Deol is the stand by player. The Sports Minister extended his best wishes for a good performance in the Asian Games. Punjab has a large number of players in the Indian sports team in the Asian Games. The medal winners will be honoured with cash prizes by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.          While conversing with Kanika Ahuja, Meet Hayer discussed her beginnings in the sport and also the schedule of practice. On this occasion, Kanika’s coach Kamal Sandhu and the Director of Cricket Hub Academy Harjot Bajwa were also present where Kanika started her cricket career by starting practice.

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Punjab Government decides to allow granting consent at regular intervals to the industries located in the MLU areas of Ludhiana: Meet Hayer

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IEP Chandigarh, July 18

          On the directions of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the State Government has decided to allow granting consent at regular intervals to the industries located in the Mixed Land Use (MLU) areas of Ludhiana as per the policy of the Punjab Pollution Control Board.

          It was disclosed by the Environment Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer during a meeting with a delegation of the United Cycle & Parts Manufacturers Association held at his office. The delegation led by MLA Atam Nagar Kulwant Singh Sidhu today met the Environment Minister regarding the grant of consent for Industries operating in MLU areas of Ludhiana.

          After hearing the grievances of the industry, the Environment Minister said that the Chief Minister has decided to grant consent at regular intervals to the industries located in the MLU areas of Ludhiana. He said that industries have an important contribution to the progress of the state. Keeping in view the larger interests of small industries, this decision has been taken to protect them from being dislocated.

          The delegation thanked the Chief Minister for this decision.

          Prominent among others who were present in the meeting included Secretary of Science, Technology and Environment Rahul Tewari, Commissioner Municipal Corporation Ludhiana Dr. Shena Aggarwal, PPCB’s Chairman Prof Adarsh Pal Vig, Member Secretary Er. GS Majithia and CEE Er. Pardeep Gupta and CTP Pankaj Bawa, President CICU Upkar Singh Ahuja, President UCPMA DS Chawla and Charanjeet Singh Vishivkarma.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab Govt sets up control-room to provide paddy saplings to flood affected farmers

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IEP Chandigarh, July 18       

    Providing yet another relief to the farmers affected by floods, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department has set up a control-room to provide paddy saplings at free of cost to farmers, whose crop has been damaged by the floods in the state. Such farmers can dial “77106-65725” from 8am to 9.30pm to register their demand for free paddy saplings, said Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Mr Gurmeet Singh Khudian here on Tuesday.           He said that Punjab Government has been striving hard to help out farmers from this natural calamity as per the commitment of the Chief Minister S Bhagwant Mann.           The Agriculture Minister will kick start the paddy sowing on over 22 acres in Sangrur district on Wednesday, and over 3500 quintal paddy seeds is being sown by the department to provide free paddy saplings to farmers.           Asking farmers to need not to worry as the state government is standing by them, Mr Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the state has already working on strategy to fill the demand of paddy saplings. The state government is committed to provide paddy saplings where replantation is required due to floods.           Agriculture Minister also appreciated the efforts of farmers who are helping the affected farmers by providing paddy saplings free of cost. This is the high time to hold hands of each others in this difficult time, he added.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab Govt decided to increase pension of freedom fighters to Rs. 11000 per month – Harpal Singh Cheema

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IEP Chandigarh, July 18      

    Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab government has decided to increase the pension of freedom fighters from Rs 9400 per month to Rs 11000 per month. He said that this decision will be effective from August 1, 2023.          Disclosing this in a statement issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that approving the proposal received from the Freedom Fighters Welfare Department in this regard, the Finance Department has approved the annual budget required for the same. He said that this decision will directly benefit 545 beneficiaries, including freedom fighters themselves, widows of deceased freedom fighters or their unmarried and unemployed daughters and sons.          The Finance Minister said that as per the decision taken by the Finance Department in March 2020 following the recommendation of the concerned administrative department, it was decided to increase the amount of this pension from Rs 7500 to Rs. 9400 from 1st April, 2021. He said that now in the wake of increased inflation, the decision has been taken to increase it further to Rs 11000 per month.          Finance Minister Cheema said that we are proud of our freedom fighters due to whom the Punjabis are prominently mentioned among those who contributed maximum in the freedom struggle of India. He said that although we cannot payback for the sacrifices made by those patriots, the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is committed to honouring them.