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Chandigarh, Punjab

Nod to Punjab budget session by Supreme court is a victory of

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IEP Chandigarh, 1 March

          Punjab Public Works and Power Minister Mr. Harbhajan Singh ETO has termed the decision taken by the Hon’ble Supreme Court to convene the Punjab budget session from March 3 as a victory for democracy.

          Through a press statement issued from here today, the Cabinet Minister said that the Hon’ble Supreme Court has approved the decision of the Punjab Cabinet regarding convening of the Punjab Budget Session from March 3. He said that this decision is in favor of 3 crore Punjabis.

          Mr. Harbhajan Singh said that India is the largest democracy in the world. He said that this democracy can survive only by working according to the constitution made by Babasaheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar. He said that the governors appointed by the central government in the states should not act as spokespersons of the central government but should discharge their responsibilities as per the will and advice of the government elected by the people and in the interest of the people of the state.

          The cabinet minister said that the decision given by the Supreme Court in favor of the Punjab government confirmed that the governor cannot, under any circumstances, reject the proposal sent by the government to convene the session. He said that ignoring constitutional values by the Governor of Punjab and not allowing the government to convene a budget session is a violation of democratic traditions.

          He further said that the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is continuously working for the progress of Punjab and Punjabis.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab government to soon present challan regarding behbal Kalan firing case

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IEP Chandigarh, March 1

          The Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will soon present the challan in the court pertaining to the Behbal Kalan firing case.

          A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting held between the state government and representatives of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha. In the meeting Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema and Aman Arora held discussions with leaders of Qaumi Insaaf Morcha including Advocate Amar Singh Chahal, Pal Singh France and Balwinder Singh.  During the meeting the Ministers apprised the delegation that the state government will soon present challan in the court regarding Behbal Kalan firing incident.

          The Ministers also apprised the delegation that the state government has already flagged the issue of making stringent provisions in existing laws of IPC related to sacrilege with the Union Home Minister. They said that the matter is already under the active consideration of the state government. They said that soon this issue will be raised before the President of India.

          On the issue of prisoners languishing in jails across the country, the Ministers said that for the release of Gurdeep Singh Khaira and Davinder Pal Singh Bhullar, the state government will soon contact the Delhi and Karnataka governments. It was also decided that the government will accept the pleas of the families of Gurmeet Singh, Lakhwinder Singh and Shamsher for their early release and start the process accordingly. It was also decided that the remaining demands regarding this will be considered in the second phase.

          They also assured that the government will take legal advice on the plea of shifting all the cases related to Jagtar Singh Hawara to Mohali court.  It was decided that the decision on this will be taken before March 31. In view of the inconvenience being caused to people, the morcha agreed to postpone the March by 31 members of morcha towards residence of the Chief Minister.

          During discussion regarding Bapu Surat Singh it was agreed that after he was discharged from the DMC Hospital, the state government will take care of his health. It was also decided that the morcha will ensure that Bapu Surat Singh will not participate in the protest for atleast a fortnight.

Chandigarh, Punjab

State Government fully dedicated to raise living standard of common man with pro-people decisions: Lal Chand Kataruchak

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IEP Chandigarh, March 1      

    The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is fully dedicated since day one to improve the living standard of common man with its pro people decisions. As part of this, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak presided over a review meeting of the PUNSUP at Sector 34.          In the meeting with the General Managers of the Headquarters and District Managers, the Minister said that the process to provide various services to the people must be transparent and accelerated. Also, in accordance with today’s era, a robust working mechanism should be developed in place of the time worn traditional practices. Modern times are an era of fierce competition hence the department needs to concentrate on innovative techniques to further improve the functioning.          Divulging further, the Minister said that focus is being placed on the core areas of employment, power, health and education by the Punjab Government.          The initiative of PUNSUP pertaining to running the LPG agencies in Amritsar, Bathinda, Ludhiana, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Barnala, Jalandhar and Kharar (Mohali) to augment the income also came in for praise from Mr. Kataruchak.          The Minister also directed to call a meeting of the Inspector rank officers sooner besides laying stress on the proper maintenance of the foodgrains stored in the godowns as the farmers toil day in and day out to produce the foodgrains.          On the occasion, the MD, PUNSUP Amrit Kaur Gill expressed gratitude to the Minister for the State Government’s gesture of paying off Rs. 350 crore debt related to the Union Bank of India incurred by PUNSUP on effective implementation of the Atta Dal scheme thus providing a huge Financial relief.          The Chairman of PUNSUP Balbir Singh Pannu was also among those present.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal Demands direct flights from Amritsar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport (Mohali) for  Canadian and US Cities

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IEP Chandigarh/ New Delhi, March 1  

        Punjab NRIs Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Wednesday demanded to include both the Amritsar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport (Mohali) for direct flights connectivity to Canada, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle and San Francisco (USA) etc underlying that the commencement of these direct flights would ensure great facility to large number of travellers for both sides.           Calling on Union Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya M. Scindia here, Punjab NRIs Affairs Minister apprised that large number of Punjabis and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card holders had been living in Canada and USA since long. He requested on behalf of the Government of Punjab to include both the Airports of Amritsar and Mohali for direct flights connectivity to airports namely Vancouver, Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle and San Francisco (USA) to redress this long pending demand of the Punjabi Diaspora living in these countries. He apprised the Union Minister that during the NRI Sammelans organised by Punjab Government in December last year the Punjabi NRIs emphasized for commencement of these flights.           The Minister pointed out that there had been a persistent demand for providing direct air connectivity between Amritsar and Canada. Citing that it is of utmost significant to make direct flights operational from Amritsar to Canadian cities, said the Minister adding that presently travelers both from Amritsar and Canadian cities are hugely inconvenienced, as they have to travel to or from New Delhi or other cities in India to reach their destinations.           Emphasizing that there is enough volume of travelers from Amritsar, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal informed the Union Minister that this volume of travellers could cater to at least five flights in a week of wide bodied aircrafts to Canada. The recent bilateral Air Services agreement between India and Canada includes other Indian cities but has excluded Amritsar in the list of cities for direct flight operations, said the Minister adding that the Amritsar should had also been included in these cities.          On behalf of large number of Punjabi travelers of this region and the State Government, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal also requested the Union Minister to revisit the agreement by including the city of Amritsar and Mohali for direct flight connectivity. He said that this direct air connectivity would be of great benefit to Punjabis besides addressing long pending issue of the people of the region.          Mr. Dhaliwal revealed that Mr. Scindia assured to consider this demand on priority and to do sincere efforts for solving this issue.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Meet Hayer calls for revival of youth clubs in State

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IEP Chandigarh, March 1

          The Youth Services Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer has called upon the youth clubs of the state to expand their scope of activities at the ground level by reviving them and channelize the energy of the youth in the right direction. In this regard, the youth services department also released an amount of Rs. 1.50 Cr. to all the districts for the activities of the clubs.

          It was stated by Meet Hayer in a press communiqué issued today after presiding over a high-level meeting of the Youth Services Department at Punjab Bhawan. He said that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has visualized the dream of Rangla Punjab, in the fulfillment of which the youth can play the biggest and most important role. He said that the youth will be engaged in constructive activities for building a better society.

          Meet Hayer said that after the announcement made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, this time after a long period of time, the selection process of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Youth Award given to the youth has been finalized. The names of the selected youth will be announced soon. In order to inculcate leadership qualities in the youth, they would be taken on tour to the tourist, heritage, religious and historical places of the State.

          The Minister further said that the number of youth clubs in the state is large but the activities of most of the clubs are completely closed. Such clubs should be identified and activated. He said that prevention of drugs, participation in sports, awareness among farmers against stubble burning, cultural activities etc. should be given priority in the activities of youth clubs.

          The meeting was attended by Punjab Youth Development Board Chairman Parminder Singh Goldi, Youth Services Department Director Amit Talwar, Deputy Director Dr. Kamaljit Singh Sidhu, Assistant Director Rupinder Kaur, Nehru Yuva Kender State Director Surinder Saini and all the field officers.

Chandigarh

Punjab government to dedicate 21 more new public sand mines: Meet Hayer

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IEP Chandigarh, March 1

          Following the commitment of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to supply sand to the people of the state at affordable rates, the number of public mines started by the mining department for common people has been set to increase from 32 sites to 50 by March 15.

          It was disclosed by Mining Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer today at Punjab Bhavan during a meeting held with all the district officials of the department to review the work of public sites. In a short period of three weeks after the inauguration of the supply of Rs 5.50 sand per cubic feet, the public has so far used 1,99,991.67 MT of sand through 19516 trolleys. The overwhelming response received from the people. Local labourers have also found work. This has directly and indirectly provided employment to many youths.

          Meet Hayer further said that if anyone wants to give his land for mining, he can approach the district mining officer of the department., he can also contact the department’s toll free number 18001802422 or can email chiefminingpb@gmail.com. He further said that because of the demand of the people and to increase the supply of affordable sand to the people of the state, today asked the district officials to identify more public sites in their respective areas. Ludhiana being the centre of the state asked to establish a maximum number of public sites in this district.

          As part of a major pro-people initiative, the Mining Minister said that 33 sites in 14 districts have been dedicated to the people. The government has set a target of starting 150 public sites for the convenience of the people, under which 50 sites will be made operational by March 15.

          During the meeting, the minister seeks feedback and reviews the work to ensure that every public site is functioning properly. On this occasion, the case of the panchayat obstructing the work at some places came to light, after which the mining minister asked the higher authorities to resolve the matter with the panchayat department. A new mining policy is also coming soon. The government has zero tolerance against illegal mining.

          The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Director DPS Kharbanda, Chief Engineer N.K. Jain and all district officials, zonal DSPs among others.

Chandigarh

Punjab Government to organize National Cattle Breed Improvement Fair every year to promote Sahiwal breed: Laljit Singh Bhullar

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IEP Chandigarh, March 1      

    Punjab Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Wednesday, said that to economically strengthen the farmers community, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led government will promote Sahiwal cattle breed across Punjab by organizing the National Cattle Breed Improvement Fair every year.          Addressing the gathering after inaugurating Livestock Breed Exhibition and Sahiwal Calves Rally at village Dhinga Wali of Balluana constituency in district Fazilka, the Cabinet Minister said it is a matter of pride that district Fazilka, considered to be stronghold of Sahiwal breed, has been selected for the Sahiwal breed improvement program.          He informed that the best Sahiwal bulls are selected under this project and their sperm cells sent to other states of the country for artificial insemination, which consequently increasing the sources of income of the livestock farmers. Besides this, milking of Sahiwal breed cattle is being done by visiting keeper’s home and an incentive of Rs.1000 per cattle is given to the farmers for continuously milking of his cow till the milking is over.          Animal Husbandry Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar also announced resumption of tehsil and district level milking competitions and prizes for winners.          State government organizes rallies of Sahiwal breed calves to encourage and honour livestock farmers, said the Animal Husbandry Minister, adding that the calves of good milk production Sahiwal cows are bought by the animal husbandry department at a price of Rs.35000 to 40000.          Appreciating livestock farmers of village Dhingawali for rearing 4000 cattle of Sahiwal breed, Laljit Singh Bhullar said that the loss-making agriculture can only be saved by adopting animal rearing as this agro-auxiliary occupation is the second major source of income for the farmer after agriculture.          He said that the state government was constantly recruiting veterinary doctors to provide better facilities to the livestock farmers, thus Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has bestowed appointment letters to 315 newly appointed veterinary officers in the department recently.          While addressing, Balluana MLA Amandeep Singh Goldi Musafar said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led government has initiated various projects worth crores in the Balluana constituency in the last one year, while the previous governments were reluctant to pay any attention towards the development of the constituency.          On his demand to improve bus service in the constituency, the Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, who also holds the charge of the transport department, said new permits will be issued as per the demand of the area. Earlier, Kuldeep Kumar Deep Kamboj also addressed the gathering.          Prominent amongst others who were present on this occasion included, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Senu Duggal, SSP Avneet Kaur Sidhu, SDM Akash Bansal, Deputy Director Animal Husbandry Rajeev Chhabra, Dharamvir Godara, Manoj Kumar, Sukhwinder Singh, Angrez Singh, Baldev Singh, Jyoti Prakash, Vijay Saharan.

Chandigarh, Punjab

I&PR MINISTER CONDOLES SAD DEMISE OF PADMA SHRI JAGJIT SINGH DARDI’S MOTHER

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IEP Chandigarh, March 1

          Punjab Information and Public Relations Minister Mr. Aman Arora on Wednesday mourned the sad demise of Principal Harbans Kaur, the mother of Padma Shri S. Jagjit Singh Dardi, Chairman of Charhdikala Group. Principal Harbans Kaur (95) take her last breath today at her home in Patiala.

          Extending his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family and relatives of the deceased, Mr. Aman Arora prayed to the Almighty to give them courage to bear this irreparable loss and grant eternal peace to the departed soul.

          Meanwhile, Principal Secretary Information and Public Relations Mr. Rahul Bhandari and Director Ms. Sonali Giri also expressed their heartfelt condolences to S. Jagjit Singh Dardi in this hour of grief.

Chandigarh

Vigilance Bureau arrests police SHO, HC for extortion and taking bribe Rs 50,000

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IEP Chandigarh March 1

          The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its anti-corruption campaign on Wednesday, nabbed a Sub Inspector (SI) Rachpal Singh, earlier posted as SHO and a Head Constable Sukhjit Singh, of police station, sadar Phagwara, Kapurthala district for extorting money through illegal confinement and demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000.

          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the VB said the above said SI Rachpal Singh, now posted in police lines Kapurthala and Head Constable have been arrested on the complaint of Rajwant Kaur, resident of Fauji Colony, Randhirpur, in Sultanpur Lodhi who have lodged a complaint on the Chief Minister Anti Corruption Action Line in this regard.

          Giving details he added that the complainant lady has alleged in the online complaint that the above said police officials have demanded Rs 2,50,000 as a bribe to release her son who was illegally confined in the police station by them but the deal has been struck at Rs 50,000. She further added that her son was released by the accused police personnel from illegal confinement after 20 hours by taking this gratification.

          The spokesperson informed that the VB has investigated the complaint and the arrested both the accused police officials after finding them guilty for taking a bribe of Rs 50,000 and extorting money through illegal confinement from the complainant lady and others in this case.

          In this regard a case under section 347, 389, 120-B of IPC and section 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against both the accused police personnel at VB police station Jalandhar. Further investigation in this case was under progress.

Chandigarh

5.47 lakh challans issued for traffic violations by City’s surveillance system in Chandigarh

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IEP Chandigarh, February 27

Chandigarh Smart City implemented the CCTV surveillance system in order to provide safety and security to the citizens.  In a significant move to improve monitoring of traffic and law & order situation on the roads, around 900 CCTV cameras have been installed at various locations throughout Chandigarh for surveillance which are being monitored through Command and Control Centre. Around 285 different locations in the city are being monitored on real-time basis by these advanced cameras. The locations include intersections, government schools, entry and exit points, water treatment facilities, parking lots, hospital entrances, gardens etc.

As per recent data, CCTV surveillance system has assisted Police in solving more than 250 cases in past seven months, which include cases like Murder, Snatching, Road Accident, Hit and Run, Motor Vehicle Theft, Burglary etc.

“This component of Smart City Mission went live in October, 2022 and was under stabilization period for three months till January, 2023. 

During stabilization period challenges like firmware upgrades, system failures, application issues, hardware compatibility issues, maintenance challenges etc. were faced. Despite that these CCTV cameras have been serving the city from the date of installation and have been helping the Police Department.”, said by Ms. Anindita Mitra IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Chandigarh Smart City Limited.

“During the month of the December 2022, all connected cameras were monitored by Enterprise Management System of ICCC. This Enterprise Management System (EMS) is being utilized to monitor the functionality of all field equipment. Chandigarh Smart City has entered into a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the system integrator for real time monitoring of cameras so that the quality of service does not deteriorate during the maintenance period,” she added. 

As per data from December 2022, according to the agreed SLA, 79% cameras were working within the maintenance range of SLA, 20% cameras were working outside maintenance range and only 1% remaining cameras had limited availability due to repair works on the field such as junction improvement, civil repair work, school building renovation, power cable repair etc.

Further, the system is built with local storage to reduce the impact of network outage. If for any reason, the camera-connected to local processing unit is unable to transfer data to the ICCC data centre, it has the capability to retain the data locally and resume sending data to the ICCC as soon as the network is reconnected. In the event of an emergency, this data can be gathered using LPUs, ensuring no data loss in the event of a network failure.

Now, that the CCTV surveillance system has successfully crossed the stabilization period, the system has become more robust and vigorous. After stabilization, our cameras are working at an efficiency of more than 97% at all the connected sites. The system has not only helped in keeping our citizens safe but has also reduced the crime rate in the city.

 5,47,900 challans have been issued from March 2022 till 26th feb 2023. This has resulted in improved road safety as well as reduction in traffic personnel deployed.