All posts by admin

CM BATS FOR LAUNCHING A MASS MOVEMENT TO PRESERVE WATER AND ENVIRONMENT IN THE STATE

IEP SAS Nagar (Mohali), June 5

Underlining the need for providing a sustainable environment to the future generations, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday gave a clarion call for launching a mass movement to preserve water and environment in the state.

The Chief Minister, while chairing a state level function to mark World Environment Day, expressed deep concern over the depleting ground water table and polluting environment in the state. He said that immediate remedial steps are required to save the only precious and scarce natural resource of Punjab in terms of water along with checking the environmental pollution. Bhagwant Mann said that this cannot be done by the government alone but people’s participation is must by launching a vigorous mass awareness campaign to sensitize them about its significance especially in wake of global warming.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab is a sacred land of great Gurus and saints, who have shown us the way to preserve the environment. While quoting the Gurbani, he said that the verse ‘Pawan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat’ explains how our great Gurus have equated air (pawan) with teacher, water (paani) with father and land (dharat) with mother. Unfortunately, Bhagwant Mann said that the words of the great Gurus have not been honoured by us, as we have polluted all these three, he added. 

The Chief Minister said that now the time has come when we must imbibe the teachings of Gurbani in letter and spirit to restore the glory of the state. While slamming the opposition parties for blatantly ignoring the environmental issues, He said that as water, air and land had no votes so these leaders ignored them. Bhagwant Mann said that due to this massive pollution and degradation of these natural resources took place thereby causing an irreparable loss to the society adding that after the formation of the AAP government in the state steps have been taken to save the environment.

Showing deep concern over the gravity of the emerging situation following the fast depleting water table, the Chief Minister said almost all the blocks in the state are in the dark zone as far as the groundwater is concerned. Bhagwant Mann said that it has happened due to reckless pumping of water in fields adding that the trend needs to be checked immediately so that our future generations do-not have to strive for water.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is taking massive steps for optimum utilisation of the canal water to save the groundwater. He said that at present Punjab is using only 33%-34% of its canal water adding that this will be enhanced in the coming days. Bhagwant Mann envisioned that if Punjab can enhance the canal water utilisation to 60% in first phase then nearly four lakh tubewells out of total 14 lakh can be stopped thereby helping in saving water.

The Chief Minister also cited the example of Telangana for water conservation and said that it is a revolutionary model that is aimed at recharging the water table holistically. He said that the Telangana government has constructed small dams in the villages for conserving the ground water across the state. Bhagwant Mann said that as a result of this the ground water level has increased upto four metres in the villages.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister dedicated the newly constructed ultra-modern building having world class instrumentation to the Punjab Biotechnology Incubator (PBTI) in Knowledge City. He envisioned that the unique facility will be extensively used for testing of food, agri, water, environment and health sectors for pesticides residues, heavy metals, food additives/adulterants etc. Apart from this, Bhagwant Mann also flagged off a Mobile van for onsite testing of food and water samples, developed by PBTI under Mission Tandrust Punjab.

In addition, an amount of Rs. 50 Crore for undertaking various Eco-Restoration Works was also allotted by the Chief Minister to the Department of Local Government (Rs. 45.45 Crore), Department of Rural Development & Panchayats (Rs. 3.92 Crore) and Department of Punjab Pollution Control Board (Rs. 63 Lacs). He also virtually inaugurated the Electricity Gallery at Pushpa Gujral Science City, Kapurthala and a Paddy Straw based Palletization Unit, Patiala developed with the technical and financial support of Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST).

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also conferred first edition of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Punjab State Annual Environment Award today to four organizations namely Gram Panchayat, Village Balloh, District Bathinda in the category of “Gram Panchayat”; Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar in the category of “Institution”; ITC Ltd (Foods Division), Kapurthala in the category of “Industry” and Kheti Virasat Mission, Jaitu, District Faridkot in the category of “NGO/Social Organization”. The Award included a cash prize of Rs. 1 Lac, a certificate of appreciation and silver plate memento to each organization. Bhagwant Mann also felicitated six grass root level innovators involved in development of low cost indigenous technologies and processes with their own ingenuity and know-how and also.

The Chief Minister also distributed Allotment Letters under the internship scheme of PBTI for skilling students of life sciences stream in latest high end techniques & instrumentation facilities and under PBTI’s Incubation Scheme for boosting startup ecosystem in the area of life sciences, biotechnology and allied sectors to transforms their ideas into commercially viable solutions.

On the occasion Cabinet Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, Rajya Sabha MP Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal and others were also present.

Punjab govt to make policy against exploitation of women in abroad: Dr. Baljit Kaur

IEP Chandigarh, June 5

          Send the women of Punjab to foreign countries that the exploitation of them is being taken seriously by the state Government.  In this regard, the state Government is holding a discussion with the victims under the chairmanship of Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur on June 11 in Jalandhar to draw up a state-level policy to prevent the exploitation of women.

           Giving more information, the Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to protect the rights of women of Punjab who are willing to go abroad, have settled there or have returned.  Special attention is being given by the Punjab Government.

           She said that some agents are giving fake jobs and falsely sending the women of the state to foreign countries illegally. By making statements, they are exploited in various ways.  Efforts are being made by the Punjab Government to prepare a state level policy to overcome this situation.  She said that to listen to the tragedies of women who have suffered all kinds of exploitation in this policy and to include their suggestions in the policy, a discussion is being organized on June 11 at the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Jalandhar from 11 AM to 1 PM.

           The minister explained that incidents of exploitation of women are reported especially from America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Middle Eastern countries like Kuwait, Dubai, Oman etc.  She said that such bad behavior has been taken seriously by the state Government.

           The minister said that women who have been duped by NRI persons/agents/relatives have been given an open invitation to join this discussion.  She said that various Deputy Commissioners of the state have also written letters to such women from their districts, who have been victims of exploitation abroad, to participate in this discussion.  For more information contact phone number: 0181-2253285, 70092-39158 and Sakhi One Stop Centre, Jalandhar 90231-31010.

Cabinet Minister Anmol Gagan Mann reviews the development works of different wards of Kharar city

IEP Chandigarh, June 5

          Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Labour, Investment Promotion and Hospitality Minister Anmol Gagan Mann on Monday reviewed the development works of various wards of Kharar city.  On this occasion, the residents of Kharar informed the minister about their various problems.  Taking the problems of the people seriously, the minister solved most of the problems on the spot.  Apart from this, the officials of various departments were asked to take quick action by issuing necessary guidelines to solve the remaining problems.

          Giving more information in this regard, the minister said that efforts are being made by the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to develop the Kharar constituency. Referring to the development works of Kharar city, the minister said that adequate arrangements have been made for the drainage of rainwater in Kharar city, so that water will not enter people’s houses during the rainy season.

          Speaking about the scarcity of drinking water in Kharar city, the minister said that the project of providing canal water to Kharar city is progressing rapidly and will be completed very soon. She also mentioned that water supply to Zone A of Kharar will start soon. Furthermore, the work of setting up 5 sewerage treatment plants in Kharar city is about to begin. In addition, 6 tube wells in Kharar city, which have been running on generators for the past three years, have now been connected to the electricity. Moreover, tenders have been published for the installation of 6 new tube wells and the process is expected to be completed soon.

          She informed that more than 20,000 saplings will soon be planted by the forest department to make Kharar city greener. Minister assured that the development project will not face any shortage of funds.

          The minister appealed to the people to actively participate in the development of Kharar. She emphasized the importance of people monitoring the government’s development works to ensure that they are carried out according to the prescribed standards. She also stated that any form of corruption in development works will not be tolerated and strict action will be taken against any such cases that come to light.

          On this occasion, SDM Kharar Ravinder Singh, Executive officer of Kharar Gurdeep Singh, Chairman of the Market Committee Hakam Singh, Labour Coordinator Raghbir Singh, Avtar Singh, Daljit Singh Jhungian and other dignitaries were present.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY:

Rs 166 Crore released for Solid Waste Management and Liquid Waste management in villages of Punjab: Jimpa

IEP Chandigarh, June 05

          On World Environment Day, Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has been committed to protect the environment and has so far released Rs. 166 crore for Liquid Waste Management and Solid Waste Management in the villages of the state.

          While celebrating World Environment Day here at Punjab Bhawan, Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa said that the water supply and sanitation department has been playing a pivotal role in checking solid and liquid pollutants by opting various initiatives in the villages of the state. He said Rs 13496.33 lacs has been released so far for Liquid Waste Management in the 2950 villages of the state. “To manage the solid waste Rs. 3116.89 crore has been released for Solid Waste Management in 4374 villages”, he added.

          Stressing on the significance of waste management in protecting environment, Mr. Jimpa said that the waste produced nowadays includes non-biodegradable and inorganic elements, and if this waste is disposed of in landfills, it will decompose unnaturally and will take a lot of time. “Waste management is important as it saves the environment from the toxic effects of inorganic and biodegradable element present in waste. Mismanagement of waste can cause water contamination, soil erosion and air contamination”, he added.

          Later, Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa led the team of officials and employees of the Water Supply and sanitation department in taking the pledge to bring every possible change in their routine habits for protecting the environment besides encouraging others to follow environment-friendly practices. He said that the climate change and global warming are the main challenges before the world and mankind, and it can be tackled only with the contribution of everyone in per own capacity. He said that most people were well aware of the causes of environmental pollution, thus, everyone should contribute in the protection of the environment by bringing changes in daily activities and behaviours. He appealed to the employees of the department to set an example for the people around them by saving water, ensuring the timely repair of water leaks, proper waste management, stopping single-use plastic, and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

          Prominent amongst others, Principal Secretary DWSS Mr. D K Tiwari and Special Secretary DWSS Mohd. Ishfaq were also present on this occasion.

Jimpa directs Water Supply and Sanitation Department to complete all schemes in timebound manner

IEP Chandigarh, June 5

          Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa during a meeting with the employees of the head office of Water Supply and Sanitation Department in Patiala, gave instructions to ensure the completion all the schemes of the department in a timebound manner. On this occasion, Mr. Jimpa rejected the apprehension expressed by these employees regarding shifting of the head office of the department and entire staff from Patiala to SAS Nagar.

          During this meeting held here at Punjab Bhavan on Monday, Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa asked the employees posted at the head office to boost their performance. He said that any delay in the completion of the schemes initiated by the department to provide better services to the people of the state would not be tolerated.

          Meanwhile, reiterating the commitment towards the welfare of the employees of the department, the Water Supply and Sanitation Minister said that the employees can meet him anytime to resolve any of their issues. He noted with concern that 95 cases of the jobs at the compassionate ground were pending since long at the head office along with the cases related to the promotion of employees of C and D categories. He said the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government is committed to the welfare of every section of the society and any undue delay in such cases would not be tolerated.  He directed the employees of the head office to take swift action in all such cases.

          On this occasion, rejecting the apprehension of the employees of the head office that this office and its entire staff were being shifted from Patiala to SAS Nagar, Mr. Jimpa said that there is a proposal to build Jal Bhavan at Mohali where HoD office would be shifted. “Apart from the setting up conference hall and digital presentation of the department, arrangements will be made for important meetings with the persons visiting state capital for work related to the department in this Jal Bhawan”, he added.

          Prominent amongst others, Principal Secretary DWSS Mr. D.K. Tiwari and Special Secretary DWSS Mr. Mohammad Ishfaq were also present in this meeting.

NO SHARE IN PANJAB UNIVERSITY: PUNJAB CM MAKES CLEAR TO HIS HARYANA COUNTERPART

IEP Chandigarh, June 5

Asserting that Panjab University, Chandigarh is part of the emotional, cultural, literature and rich legacy of the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday categorically said that they need no share of Haryana in the University, which is an apex educational institute of the region. 

“Neither any college of Haryana will be given affiliation from the university nor will any attempt of Haryana for back door entry in the senate of university be allowed” said the Chief Minister while interacting with the media persons here at Punjab Bhawan.

The Chief Minister bemoaned that regular attempts are being made to change the status of the university. However, he said that the Punjab government will not allow any such move in the larger interests of the students. Bhagwant Mann said that 175 colleges of the state are affiliated with this premier university due to which generations of Punjab are emotionally attached with it.

The Chief Minister said that the University caters only to the state of Punjab and its capital Chandigarh. Citing the history of the University, its constitution, its ethnic, socio-cultural and historical roots as well as its faculty and students who hail primarily from the state of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann said that it is important that the present legal and administrative status of the Panjab University should be preserved. He reminded that at the time of the reorganization of the State of Punjab in 1966, Panjab University was declared as an ‘Inter State Body Corporate’ under section 72(1) of the Punjab Reorganization Act 1966 enacted by the Parliament.

The Chief Minister said that ever since its inception, the Panjab University has been continuously and uninterruptedly functioning in the state of Punjab. Bhagwant Mann recalled that after partition it was shifted from Lahore, the then capital of Punjab, to Hoshiarpur and then to Chandigarh the present capital of Punjab. He asserted that the entire territorial jurisdiction of Panjab University lies primarily in the state of Punjab and Union territory of Chandigarh.

The Chief Minister said that as per Sub-section (4) of Section 72 of the Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966, the maintenance deficit grants to the University were to be shared and paid by the states concerned, i.e., Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and UT Administration of Chandigarh in the ratio of 20:20:20:40, respectively. However, he said that in 1970 the then Chief Minister of Haryana Bansi Lal voluntarily pulled out his state’s share from the university adding that in 1973 even the state called back its members of senate from university. Bhagwant Mann said that since then the state of Punjab and UT Administration of Chandigarh have borne the financial responsibility of paying maintenance deficit grants to the University in the ratio of 40:60 respectively.

The Chief Minister said that despite increased financial burden caused by withdrawal of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh and the creation of new universities in the state, Punjab has continued to support Panjab University to ensure that the historical and emotional attachment of the people of Punjab with the University is maintained and preserved. He said that recently also the state government has given Rs 49 crore for construction of hostels to the university, even though no demand was made for it. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government has left no stone unturned for the holistic development of the university in all possible manners.

The Chief Minister further said that every step will be taken to retain the Interstate Status of the university and no one will be allowed to make any change in it. He unequivocally said that the interests of the state are not saleable so that anyone will offer money and purchase it. Bhagwant Mann said that the Haryana government’s proposal to bear the share of grants in university is totally unacceptable and unwarranted too.

The Chief Minister, while quoting a letter written by the Additional Chief Secretary of Haryana to the Vice Chancellors of all the universities of the state, said that the Haryana government had through communiqué expressed its inability to give funds to universities. He said that in this letter the Universities were asked to manage their own resources whereas on the other hand Haryana is too eager to put a share in Panjab University which indicates some nefarious designs of the state. Bhagwant Mann said that how can any state which is not able to manage its own universities fund a university of stature of Panjab University until and unless some higher agency was not funding it in a clandestine manner.

The Chief Minister said that after assuming the charge of office he had written two letters to Union Ministers Amit Shah and Dharminder Pradhan asking them that the university is heritage of the state and any sort of change in it will not be tolerated. Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to avert any change in the nature and character of the Panjab University, he said that the Punjab government is committed to safeguard the rights of the state and its people. Bhagwant Mann said that Panjab University is a symbol of Punjab’s legacy and is synonymous with the name of the State.

The Chief Minister also said that a resolution was also passed in Punjab assembly on June 30, 2022 to retain the original status of PU to avert any sort of intrusion in the senate of university. He said that the state government is not against the people of Haryana and it is also a well known fact that 35% students in university are from Haryana. Bhagwant Mann categorically said that Haryana is free to make its university anywhere but they will not be allowed any share in the Panjab University.

Taking the Akali and Congress leaders to cudgels, the Chief Minister slammed them for backstabbing the state and its people. He said that the then Chief Minister of state late Parkash Singh Badal wrote a letter to erstwhile Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on August 26, 2008 seeking central status for Panjab University. Bhagwant Mann said that going beyond that, the Akali Dal government had issued an NOC to the Union government for converting this premier institute into a central university.

The Chief Minister said that on what grounds the Akali leaders are thumping their chest when everyone knows that they have worked overtime against the interests of the state and its people. He said that granting NOC for the central university was a treacherous move aimed at weakening the claim of state over the university. Bhagwant Mann said that Akali Dal has no moral right to say even a single word on the issue.

The Chief Minister said that these leaders and parties had always preferred their own interests by jeopardizing that of the state. Likewise, he said that Congress was also dyed in the same wool as a female Congress MLA of Haryana had in August 2022 moved a resolution in state Vidhan Sabha to affiliate colleges of state with Panjab University. Bhagwant Mann said that both these parties were hypocrites who had always ignored the interests of the state for their selfish interests.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and Harjot Bains, Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Janjua, Additional Chief Secretary to CM A Venuprasad, Special Principal Secretary to CM Ravi Bhagat, Additional Special Principal Secretary to CM Himanshu Jain and others.

A Book ‘ALL ONE MUST KNOW ABOUT THE SIKH FAITH’ released

IEP Chandigarh

A unique book titled ALL ONE MUST KNOW ABOUT THE SIKH FAITH, nineteenth by the author Colonel Daljeet Singh Cheema, a Panjab Ratan awardee, and published by Abhishek Publications, Chandigarh was released on 3 June at Chandigarh Press Club. Eminent dignitaries who were the guests of honor included Gen V P Malik (Retd), AVSM, PVSM, former army chief, Madhav Kaushik President National Sahitya Academy , Professor P K Khosla, Chancellor Shoolini University, Vivek Atray, former IAS officer, and  Roopinder Singh, The event began on a soothing note of Mool Mantar sung in the very melodious voice of  Sunaini Sharma. As MC, Lily Swran kept the audience glued to their seats with her exceptional oratory skills and sharp wit.

 Vivek Atray, in his opening remarks appreciated the courage of Col Cheema to attempt a book of love, compassion and peace. Gen Malik spoke about the need of such a book in a strife-torn world of today. Madhav Kaushik felt that the message of Oneness of God and Universal Brotherhood was the need of the hour. Professor Khosla brought about certain unknown facts that make Sikhism a unique faith. 

Later, Roopinder Singh and Col Cheema discussed the unique features of the book. Col Cheema laid emphasis on the necessity of future generations understanding and interpreting their cultural and religious heritage in correct perspective.

Universities of Punjab shines in Khelo India University Games

IEP Chandigarh, June 4

          In the Khelo India University Games held in Uttar Pradesh, the Universities of Punjab have shined. Four Universities of the State occupied the first five places in the final medal tally. Panjab University Chandigarh became the overall champion while Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar was the runner-up. Punjabi University Patiala secured the fourth position and Guru Kashi University Damdama Sahib secured the fifth position.

          Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hare congratulated all the winning players and Universities for this achievement and attributed it to the students, their parents, coaches and higher officials of the Universities and sports departments.

          Meet Hayer said that this is a big boost to the efforts of the State Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to again make Punjab number one state in the country in the field of sports. Under the directives of the Chief Minister, a platform has been provided to the sportspersons to progress in the form of Khedan Watan Punjab Deya in the state.

          Panjab University Chandigarh, won a total of 69 medals with 26 gold, 17 silver and 26 bronze medals. Similarly, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, which came second, bagged a total of 68 medals with 24 gold, 27 silver and 17 bronze medals, Punjabi University, Patiala, which came fourth, bagged a total of 34 medals with 12 gold, 14 silver and 8 bronze medals and Guru Kashi University Damdama Sahib, which came in fifth place, won a total of 28 medals with 9 gold, 10 silver and 9 bronze medals.

Punjab to rationalise staff in Rural Development & Panchayats Dept

IEP Chandigarh, June 4

          Punjab Rural Development and Panchayats Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Sunday, said that the rationalization of the staff of Rural Development and Panchayats department will be done soon to speed up the work at the ground level.

          Rural Development and Panchayats Minister said, it has come to his notice that additional staff was deployed in many districts, whereas other districts are struggling to complete their task in a timely manner due to lack of staff.

          The Cabinet Minister directed the Finance Commissioner Rural Development and Panchayats Mr. K. Siva Prasad and Director RD&P Mr. Gurpreet Singh Khaira to provide lists of staff of all the wings within two days so as to ensure the deployment of staff in required number in all the districts.

          S. Bhullar said that 73 regular BDPOs are working in total 153 blocks in the state, while 80 posts of BDPOs are vacant. Likewise, 97 blocks of the state are sans Senior Assistant (Accounts).

          S. Laljit Singh Bhullar also asked the authorities to provide the lists of DDPOs and BDPOs working in the same district for past several years. Besides this, the officials have also been asked to provide the number of vacant posts of BDPOs of direct and promotional quota and make arrangements at the earliest to fill these posts.

Chandigarh Smart City and Municipal Corporation, join hands to celebrate World Bicycling Day

IEP Chandigarh

Aiming at encouraging people to cycle to the work and emphasise on the benefits of cycling, Chandigarh Smart City and Municipal Corporation Chandigarh in association with its co-partner NGO ‘Patiala Foundation’ organized a cycle rally to mark the World Bicycle day, at Sector 42, here today.

Mayor Sh. Anup Gupta led the cyclothon along with Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS, Commissioner, Sh. Jasbir Singh Bunty, area councilor, other councilors, officers and residents.

The rally started at 6.30 from Sector 42 community centre and passed through Sector 35/36, 23/36, 37/36 and culminated after completing 6 Kms route. 

The Cyclothon highlighted the rare distinction the city of having 200 Kms of dedicated cycle tracks and the largest public bike sharing system in the country, with 5000 cycles. To ensure road safety of cyclists, reflective stickers were pasted by Patiala Foundation, on the bicycles to make them visible at night.

More than 700 participants, including councilors, employees of Municipal Corporation, professional cyclists, students, local residents etc. participated enthusiastically in this cycle rally, organized jointly by CSCL and MCC. 300 smart bikes were also arranged for the cycle lovers to take free rides today.

While addressing the cycle lovers, the Mayor said that this time the CSCL and MCC has taken unique initiative to mark the world bicycle day by involving the cyclists who use cycles as “transport” and not “sport”, people who peddle to work daily. This event was aimed at encouraging and appreciating them.

The Mayor said that the officials and staff of the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh should cycle to work regularly. 

He said that it is very important to make people aware about the importance of using bicycles for transportation. There is a need to create awareness so that vehicular pollution can be reduced. 

Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS, CEO, Chandigarh Smart City Ltd. congratulated all the cycle lovers of city on World Bicycle Day and emphasized that cycling not just keeps the person healthy but also protects the environment by reducing greenhouse emissions. It also reduces traffic congestion. She said that if it is not possible to ride day long, one should start with smaller distances, may be a ride to the grocery store or in a local park.

Help desks and counters with the provision of first aid and water dispensers were provided at the venue and throughout the route. Chandigarh Traffic Police officer ASI Bhupinder Singh sung a beautiful composition on cycling and road safety.