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Haryana to have 4 additional Veterinary Polyclinics

IEP Chandigarh, February 23

Committed to ensure the care and protection of stray cows, the provision for the Haryana Gau Sewa Aayog has been increased from Rs. 40 crore to Rs. 400 crore.

Gram Panchayat land will be made available with the concurrence of the Gram Panchayats for new Gaushalas registered with the Haryana Gau Sewa Aayog. The Gaushalas will be linked to the GOBAR DHAN scheme under which biogas plants will be constructed in every district, announced Sh. Manohar Lal while presenting the state budget 2023-24 during the ongoing session of State Vidhan Sabha here today.

“I hope that with these two measures, we will ensure the care and protection of stray cows while also eliminating the occurrence of accidents being caused by stray cattle on the roads,” said Sh. Manohar Lal.

The Finance Minister further announced the enhancement of financial assistance to Gaushalas housing stray cattle appropriately so that the Gaumata in the Gaushalas are cared and protected.  There are 632 Gaushalas registered with Haryana Gau Sewa Aayog in the State of Haryana, which are housing around 4.6 lakh stray cattle.

Meanwhile, acknowledging that animal husbandry has an important role in enhancing rural incomes and generate employment opportunities, the Manohar Lal led government has introduced the Haryana Pashudhan Utthan Mission (HPUM) which will be implemented through the Haryana Livestock Development Board (HLDB).

The Mission will work with the Shri Vishwakarma Skill University and the Lala Lajpat Rai University of Animal Sciences (LUVAS) to provide training, and support to young entrepreneurs desirous of opting for Animal Husbandry as an occupation whether rearing of cattle, buffalo, sheep, or goat and piggery, said Sh. Manohar Lal.

Haryana to have 4 additional Veterinary Polyclinics 

The Finance Minister said that there are presently 7 Veterinary Polyclinics in the State which provide advanced veterinary care and treatment to animals. Two Polyclinics are under construction in Kurukshetra and Panipat and one has been announced in Charkhi Dadri.

Now the government has planned to construct 4 additional Veterinary Polyclinics in Palwal, Fatehabad, Mahendragarh, and Ambala.  The Government will also establish two state-of-art Government Veterinary Pet Clinics in Gurugram and Faridabad to provide advanced diagnostic and treatment services to pets, said Sh. Manohar Lal.

State Government committed to realize the national goal of making agriculture futuristic: CM

IEP Chandigarh, February 23

With an increase of 19 percent, agriculture and allied sectors found prominence in Manohar Sarkar Budget 2023-24. For this financial year, an amount of Rs. 8316 crore has been announced for agriculture, allied and cooperation sectors.

“Agriculture and allied activities contribute 18.5 percent to the economy of the State. The contribution of Haryana’s farmers to the economic development of India is well recognized,” said Sh. Manohar Lal who also holds the portfolio of Finance Minister while presenting the State Budget for the year 2023-24 during the ongoing session of the State Vidhan Sabha here today.

He said that Haryana is the only State that provides assurance on the Minimum Support Price for 14 crops.  Over 9 lakh farmers register regularly on Meri Fasal Mera Byora (MFMB), shared Sh. Manohar Lal.

The Finance Minister further shared that the widespread adoption of MFMB has made it easier for the State to undertake several unique initiatives such as Mera Pani Meri Virasat, financial support for Direct Seeded Rice, promotion of oilseeds and pulses and providing Bhawantar Bharpayee support where the market price falls below MSP.

The Finance Minister further informed that the Government has been able to ensure the direct transfer of benefits to farmers besides streamlining procurement processes and payments to farmers within 48 hours of approval of the purchase.

In the last two years, over Rs. 45,000 crore transferred directly into the accounts of the farmers

The Finance Minister further shared that in the last two years, the Government has transferred over Rs. 45,000 crore directly into the accounts of the farmers on procurement of their crops besides Rs. 428 crore for implementation of different schemes in agriculture.

“I am proud to share that our efforts in increasing incomes in agriculture, Haryana was conferred with the Best State Agribusiness Award-2022 by the Indian Agriculture and Food Council,” said Sh. Manohar Lal.

A project worth Rs. 27 crore prepared to promote the cultivation of millets

The Finance Minister informed the House that since the year, 2023 will be celebrated as the Millet Year; a project of Rs. 27 crore is being prepared to promote the cultivation of millets through cluster demonstration, distribution of hybrid seeds, certified seed production, integrated nutrient and pest management.

He said that the Government of India is actively promoting the cultivation and consumption of millets in Haryana. In order to improve the productivity of bajra cultivation, a Nutri-Cereals Research Station was established by Chaudhary Charan Singh

“Haryana Agriculture University (CCS HAU) at Gokalpura in Bhiwani district will become functional in 2023,” further informed the Finance Minister.

Sh. Manohar Lal further informed that the Government will popularize the consumption of bajra through bringing out recipe book for various items based on bajra.

“I hope that Haryana will lead the way in improving the productivity of bajra cultivation, its branding and marketing through various products,” he added.

Government sets a target of 20,000 acres for the adoption of Natural Farming

The Finance Minister said that in 2023-24, the government has set a target of 20,000 acres for the adoption of Natural Farming of which demonstrations will be laid out over 6,000 acres.

“Two training centres have been established at Gurukul in Kurukshetra and Gharaunda in Karnal. Three more training centres are proposed to be established in 2023-24 located in the CCS HAU Hisar, HAMETI Jind and Mangiana in Sirsa,” shared the Finance Minister.

In 2022-23, 2238 farmers identified and provided support for the adoption of Natural Farming over 5906 acres against the target

The Finance Minister said that it was last year only when, he had announced a new programme on Natural Farming, and now he is happy to state that, with the guidance of experts in the area, the implementation of the scheme has commenced.

“In 2022-23, 2238 farmers have been identified and provided support for the adoption of Natural Farming over 5906 acres against the target of 2500 acres set in the Budget Address last year,” shared Sh. Manohar Lal.

Focusing on Precision Agriculture, the project will be initiated in the Sirsa district

The Finance Minister said that the State Government proposes to focus on Precision Agriculture which enables climate-smart agriculture through judicious use of fertilizers and pesticides, optimizing water usage through micro-irrigation techniques, crop health monitoring through drone imagery, soil health monitoring, local area disease and pest surveillance and increasing adoption of solar pumps.

“The project will be initiated in Sirsa district and based on the learnings, it will be expanded to other districts in phases. Taking forward the initiative of the Central Government for the adoption of Kisan Drones in agricultural activities, the Government plans to impart training to 500 young farmers in drone operations,” shared the Finance Minister.

The scheme introduced for facilitating farmers to adopt green manuring

The Finance Minister said that Green manuring or Dhaincha cultivation increases soil organic matter and improves soil health, realizing this, the State Government has introduced a scheme where the farmer will be facilitated to adopt green manuring through dhaincha cultivation where the Government will bear 80 percent of the cost of Rs. 720 per acre and the farmer has to contribute only 20 percent of the cost.

VIGILANCE REGISTERS CASE AGAINST THREE CONTRACTORS, THREE FIRMS FOR COMMITTING FRAUD DURING TRANSPORTATION OF FOOD GRAINS IN SANGRUR GRAIN MARKETS

IEP Chandigarh, February 23    

      Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, has registered a criminal case against three contractors and three firms after finding fraud in allotment of tenders for transportation of food grains, clubbing of clusters for transportation and labor tenders in various grain markets of Sangrur district. Further investigation in this case was under progress.          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the VB said this case has been registered against contractor Paramveer Singh resident of Dhanula, district Barnala, contractor Jaswant Rai, resident of village Malewal, district SBS Nagar, contractor Rajiv Kumar Jaiton, M/s: Zimmidara Transport Company Khanna, M/s: Zaildar Contractors, M/s: Jagroop Singh & Sandeep Kumar Malerkotla.          Giving details, he added that during the investigations it was found that at the time of allotting tenders for food grain’s transportation, the above said accused during the year 2019-20 in conniving with each other and decreased the number of clusters for transportation besides cartage, and labour tenders. Earlier to this, there were about 58 clusters for transportation, 50 clusters for cartage and about 180 clusters for labor work due to which small contractors were used to participate in the tender process. Due to the competition among the contractors, tenders having lower rates were allotted but in the year 2020-21, the said clusters were made very big without any valid reason so that as per the new policy, small contractors couldn’t fulfill the high turnover condition and participate in the tenders.          He further informed that in connivance with officials/employees of the department, the said accused had made 39 clusters for transportation, 21 clusters for cartage, 8 clusters for labour and cartage and 21 clusters of labour separately.          The spokesperson added that after obtaining the list of vehicles registered in the gate passes from the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Sangrur, it was found that there were many vehicles having registration numbers of scooters/motorcycles/cars etc., while the transportation work could not be done through such vehicles.          He informed that during the probe, it was found that government money has been embezzled by these accused on the basis of fake gate passes. In this regard, FIR No. 06 dated 22/02/2023 under sections 409, 420, 467, 468, 471, 120-B of the IPC and Ssections 13(1)(a), 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. has been registered in Vigilance Bureau Patiala police station.

PUNJAB LOOKING FORWARD TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN BUSINESS TIES WITH JAPAN: AMAN ARORA

IEP Chandigarh, February 23

          Terming the Punjab as a land of opportunities equipped with conducive business environment, Housing & Urban Development and Information & Public Relations Minister Mr Aman Arora on Thursday said that Chief Minister S Bhagwant Mann led state government has been undertaking myriad efforts to further foster the investment ecosystem in the state and strengthen business ties with Japan.

          Mr Aman Arora, who was presiding over the “Japan- Partner Country” session on the first day of the 5th Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit-2023 organised at the Indian School of Business (ISB), Mohali, said that promoting Ease of Doing Business, creating a suitable employment opportunities, providing access to quality infrastructure and enable greater transparency in governance are the topmost priorities of the Punjab Government.

          Pointing out the contribution of Punjab in National economic growth, he said that the state has just 1.5% of India’s land area but contributes 3% to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Punjab is emerging as a new global business destination, he said, adding that Punjab is also rightly known as the Food Bowl of India as it is the biggest contributor to central pool of food grains. The state is one of the major growing economies in the country with strengths in Agri & Food processing, Textiles, Bicycle Manufacturing, Engineering, Auto Components, Machine tools, Pharmaceuticals, IT and Tourism.

          Punjab has long-standing cultural and economic ties with Japan due to the complementarities between the two regions, said the cabinet minister, while adding that Punjab exports goods worth Rs 336 Crore to Japan, which is one of the focus countries for the Government of Punjab to promote Industrialisation and Trade & Commerce.

          “Punjab is the safest place to do business,” he reiterated, while extending invitation to the delegates to Invest in the Best.

          With more than 100 Japanese business establishments in the state, Mr Arora said that Punjab based industry has already entered into many successful collaborations with Japanese enterprises manufacturing, technology tie-ups and market assistance, of which prominent companies include Aichi Steels— Steel Arm of Toyota, Yanmar, SML ISUZU, Toppan, Mitsui Co., Gunma Seiko and Koyo.

          While giving the presentation on incentives and other services being provided to industries in Punjab, MD Milkfed Mr Amit Dhaka said that a power surplus state, Punjab is providing electricity duty exemption, besides, offering 100% exemption/reimbursement from Land Development Charges and Stamp Duty Charges. Punjab also offers best-in-class logistics and connectivity with highest road density amongst Indian states, besides, it has two international and four domestic airports.

          Aiming to provide smooth facilitation for Japanese companies operating in the State, the Cabinet Minister said that the state government has set up a dedicated Japan Desk at Invest Punjab, which provides a single point of contact for all new and existing investors. Punjab could also develop Japan specific Industrial Township within Punjab for Japanese investments which will ensure encumbrance free land with utilities such as water, electricity, seamless road connectivity and pre-approved clearances, he added.

          Meanwhile, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission Embassy of Japan Mr Kunihiko Kawazu expressed gratitude towards the Punjab Government for organising such a great event which will further strengthen the business ties between Punjab and Japan.

          On the occasion, Mr Aman Arora felicitated Mr. Kawazu, Vice Chairman/MD Vardhman Special Steels Limited Mr Sachit Jain, GM Energy Division Mitsui & Co. India Pvt. Ltd. Mr Taishi Kawai, Director OJI India Packaging Pvt. Ltd. Mr Ryuichi Asai, MD SML Isuzu Ltd Mr Junya Yamanishi and Chief Director General JETRO India Mr Takashi Suzuki.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER EXHORTS NRI PUNJABIS TO INVEST IN HOME STATE

IEP SAS Nagar, February 23

          Terming the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann as a visionary and honest person with wholehearted commitment to improve the lot of the State, the Local Government Minister Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar divulged that law and order, industrialization, logistics, adventure tourism are some of the key areas that the present dispensation is focussing its energies upon.

          Chairing the United Kingdom – Partner country session here at the Indian School of Business during the first day of the 5th Progressive Punjab Investor Summit 2023, the Minister exhorted the NRI Punjabi diaspora in the UK to come back to the roots and invest in the State as the conditions are most congenial for doing business in Punjab. “A new policy is on the anvil to bring the canal water into the industries and even in the cities besides the 20 rural industrial parks already existing which provide employment avenues to the local people”, said Dr. Nijjar adding that the partnership between the UK and Punjab Government would be mutually beneficial to both.

          Emphasizing the strengthening of UK – India ties with focus on Punjab, the Deputy High Commissioner, UK High Commission in India, Caroline Rowett listed Innovative Education, Trade & Investment, Climate Change and Start Ups as the key sectors for taking the ties between both the parties to a new level. Lauding the contribution of 1.7 million Indian diaspora in the UK with half of them being Punjabis, the Deputy High Commissioner voiced support for flights from Chandigarh to Birmingham and London besides Cooperation at Primary as well as Secondary School level. “The companies from Chandigarh with expertise in IT, Hospitality and Healthcare spheres have also invested heavily in the UK”, added the Deputy High Commissioner.

          In his address, Member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom, Lord Diljit Rana disclosed that 40 companies from the Northern Ireland have made investments in India hence the Chief Minister, Punjab should send a delegation there for exploring trade and business opportunities. Making out a strong case for building relations first, Lord Rana said that Engineering, Agriculture, Food Processing and Medical Diagnostics apart from Mining are the core areas where the both Punjab and the UK could benefit.

          Earlier, the Principal Secretary NRI Affairs, Punjab, J.M. Balamurugan while dwelling on the India UK ties, said that the relationship between the both is a historic one with Punjabi community being the second largest in numbers in UK after Canada and contributing 6 percent of UKs GDP. He further mentioned that UK is the 6th largest investor in India with 600 firms operating in the country.

          On the occasion, MD, Rockpecker Ltd. Rajnish Dhawan, CEO (India) Gensus ABS Dr. Rahul Gupta, Co – Founder InQube Tridibesh Bandhopadhyay, Investment Lead of Capital Team Sumesh Girhotra, Chief Executive Officer BIKAL Raj Sandhu, Managing Director Ebdo Energy Systems UK Prof. Gurvinder Virk and Young Professional from Visa Scheme Ben Pugsley also shared their experiences.

          The Local Government Minister on the occasion also felicitated the Deputy High Commissioner Caroline Rowett.

PUNJAB TO EMERGE AS LEADER IN INDUSTRIAL GROWTH WITH THE EFFORTS OF CM BHAGWANT MANN: HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA

IEP SAS Nagar/Chandigarh, February 23

 Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, on Thursday, said that the state would soon emerge as leader in industrial growth with the efforts of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The cabinet minister was presiding over brain storming, ‘Punjab Exports & Brands’, session in the 5th Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2023 here at Indian School of Business (ISB) campus at SAS Nagar. Cabinet minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that as the people of Punjab have chosen new government, CM Bhagwant Mann has introduced new industrial policy and new logistics policy apart from other pro-people initiatives for the holistic development of the state. He added that CM Bhagwant Mann has also personally been visiting India and abroad to attract the investors to invest in Punjab. Mr. Cheema said that Punjab is also synonymous as the ‘Food Bowl of India’ due to the high yield of agricultural products like wheat and rice, bagging the top spot nationwide for both these items. He added that to save the depleting groundwater, power and to trim down the agricultural input costs, their government has decided to promote Basmati cultivation on larger level as CM Bhagwant Mann would soon introduce new policy for cultivation and export of the Basmati. He said that as Punjab is the largest exporter state of Basmati, their government has also decided to set up specialised research centre on Basmati at Tarn Taran which would have seed research facilities and grain testing labs. The minister said that Green revolution was first introduced in Punjab and now, Mann government has decided to bring industrial revolution as road and rail connectivity with National capital and other neighbouring states have been improved. He added that their government will achieve success in every sector and support of all sections of the society is the only requirement to keep the state on the right track. Earlier, IAS Abhinav Trikha also presented a PPT on the export statistics of Punjab and highlighted the efforts of Punjab Government to promote exports. Priyanka Sharma, Partner, KPMG, Madan M. Pillutla Dean, ISB Mohali, Captain Ashwani Nayar Deputy CEO, Hind Terminals Pvt. Ltd., Sandeep Jain Executive Director Monte Carlo Fashions Ltd, Ashok Sethi, Director,Rice Millers & Exporters Association Punjab, Rajesh Kharbanda, MD Nivia Sports also presented their views during the session.

GIVES THUMBS UP TO PRO-INDUSTRY POLICIES OF BHAGWANT MANN GOVERNMENT

IEP SAS Nagar (Mohali), February 23

Giving thumbs up to the industrial friendly policies of the state government, the leading industrial captains from across the country hailed the path breaking initiatives taken by the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

In his address Chairman Medanta Group Dr Naresh Trehan said that since Punjab is a developing economy so there is a lot of potential in the state. He said that his roots go deep in Punjab and with the active support of state government they are exploring opportunity to invest in health sector of state. Dr Trehan said that despite being food bowl of country state is witnessing lot of transformation in industrial sector adding he said that Chief Minister is symbol of hope of new Punjab.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman & MD, ITC group Sanjiv Puri hailed the industrial conducive environment prevailing in state due to strenuous efforts of the Chief Minister.  He also lauded the close working environment developed in Punjab between the government and the people. Sanjiv Puri said that Punjab is best place to investment due to efforts of state government and vision of Chief Minister to transform the state.

In her address, Executive Chairperson, Godrej Consumers Products Ltd Nisaba Godrej said that it is heartening to learn about the steps being taken by state government promote investment. She also lauded the professional and industrial friendly approach of the Chief Minister to transform the state. Godrej also appreciated state government for setting up schools of eminence to impart quality education to students.

Addressing the gathering Vice Chairman, Bharti Group Rakesh Bharti Mittal said that the state has high hopes from the Chief Minister and his government. He said that this is land of enterprise, hard working and dedicated people. Rakesh Bharti Mittal said that increase in GSDP as compared to last year speaks volumes of transformation of Punjab adding he also congratulated the Chief Minister for working for betterment of state in a mission mode with pure intentions.

Addressing the gathering MD, Murugappa Group Arun Murugappan said that Punjab is on threshold of transition due to its top class infrastructure coupled with conducive government policies. He also lauded the single window system being offered by the state government for clearances. Arun Murugappan also appreciated the state government for launching comprehensive electric vehicle policy.

During his address President, Cargill India Simon George  said that experience in working in state is unmatched. He said that the group will double its investment in coming two years due to industrial friendly policies of the state. George also hailed the Chief Minister for taking several path breaking initiatives.

In his address Chairman & MD, RJ Corp Ravikant Jaipuria thanked the state government for fulsome support and cooperation for their projects. He said that now Punjab is ready for big leap in industrial sector due to the policies of the state government. Ravikant Jaipuria exhorted industrialists to invest in the state in a big way.

In his address Executive Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Rajesh Jejurikar, said that Punjab is blessed land with hard working and dedicated people besides having perfect environment for industrialist growth adding that their group has already invested a lot in the state. He also lauded the vision of Chief Minister in transforming the state into an industrial hub adding he also lauded the facilities offered by state like single window clearances. Rajesh said that they owe success to people of state and the government adding that he is thankful to the industrial friendly and forward thinking policies of state government for providing such a great opportunity.

Addressing the gathering Board of Director HMEL, Prabh Dass said that Punjab is fortunate to have Chief Minister who is committed to progress of state and prosperity of its people. He said that the state government has taken several initiatives to facilitate the investors which is a laudable step. Prabh Dass said that the support of people and Punjab government has encouraged them to invest more in Punjab.

Chairman CII, Anshuman Magazine lauded the initiatives being taken by the Chief Minister for investment promotion. He said that the summit is a successful venture as every interaction was very fruitful. He said that Punjab has huge potential in industrial adding that such summits will accelerate economic growth of state.

BECOME PARTNERS OF THE SOCIO ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE STATE: CM TO INDUSTRIAL TYCOONS

IEP SAS Nagar (Mohali), February 23

Rolling a red carpet for the Bussiness tycoons to join family of three crore Punjabis, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann gave a clarion call to them for becoming partners of the socio economic growth in the state.

The Chief Minister, while addressing the Bussiness tycoons here during the inaugural session of the fifth Progressive Punjab Investors Summit, welcomed them to land of saints, seers and martyrs adding that he was elated to have eminent personalities amongst us today. He said that Punjab is most favourable investment destination across the country and no stone will be left unturned to facilitate them. Bhagwant Mann envisioned a strong association between the state government and industrialists to make Punjab an industrial hub in the country.

The Chief Minister said that in order to facilitate the investors for making investments in the state, his government will soon abolish the Change of Land Use (CLU) and NOC that had haunted the industries in earlier times. Welcoming key industrialists m, he said that merely within one year of assuming responsibility as a CM, his first and foremost task has been to get a first-hand knowledge of the problems, of the complexities faced by the people. Bhagwant Mann said that his government’s vision and ambition is to continue to evolve to keep pace with changing expectations and new challenges.

The Chief Minister while striking emotional chord with entrepreneurs said that they are source of opportunities that the youth of Punjab and India wants to avail. He said that no matter if we are working in the public, private or non-profit sectors, each of us has a role to fulfill if we are to achieve our hopes and fulfill our aspirations and responsibilities to our country, our society, our families and to ourselves. Bhagwant Mann Summit is not about MOUs but about knowledge sharing, about brainstorming, about learning from each other.

The Chief Minister asserted that they have chosen a path to make the future of the country bright by accelerating economic growth in stage. Bhagwant Mann said that he has seen that aspiring young generation of Punjab wants to do something big in life. He said that his government is fully convinced that God has bestowed him this opportunity to lead Punjab for bringing qualitative changes in the lives of people.

The Chief Minister said that he can’t discharge this responsibility without active support and collaboration of the people. Bhagwant Mann said that he has a committed team which wants to stimulate healthy economic growth with support of people. He said that his government has introduced several policies and initiatives to support businesses and investors.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that new Industrial and Business Development Policy 2022 unveiled today will accelerate the desired economic growth. Bhagwant Mann said that policy aims to attract huge investment and generate  maximum employment in the coming five years. He said that policy provides competitive incentives to all segments of investments including expansions and new MSMEs, Large Units, Export Promotion, Start-Ups of service and manufacturing both.

The Chief Minister envisioned that this policy will provide a roadmap for infrastructure development, such as industrial parks, airports, and ports, which will further facilitate the movement of goods and people and enhance the state’s connectivity to global markets. Bhagwant Mann said that the state Government is developing Integrated Industrial Township adding that it taken a major decision to build 20 Rural Industrial Clusters and 15 industrial parks. Bhagwant Mann further said that in a major step towards sustainability, Punjab’s EV Policy was also unveiled today.

The Chief Minister said that the state is now on a threshold of transition to a new culture of innovation and technology driven enterprise. Bhagwant Mann said that the youth of state are making new innovations and we need to support them. Bhagwant Mann said that Best Class infrastructure, excellent connectivity, premium educational institutes coupled with conducive government policies add to the strength of the State

VIGILANCE BUREAU REGISTERS CORRUPTION CASE AGAINST ASI FOR TAKING BRIBE RS 5,000

IEP Chandigarh February 23

          The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its anti-corruption campaign on Thursday, nabbed an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Baldev Raj, Incharge police post Dialgarh, in Batala police district for taking a bribe of Rs 5,000.

          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the VB said the above said police official has been arrested on the complainant of Gurpreet Kaur, resident of Mehta, Gurdaspur district.

          Giving details he added that the complainant lady has approached the VB and alleged that the above said police official has demanded Rs 10,000 as a bribe to record witness statement in her favour in the court as a police case had already lodged against her.

          The spokesperson informed that a VB team has laid a trap and the accused police official has been arrested on the spot while taking a bribe of Rs 5,000 as a first instalment from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.

          In this regard a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused ASI at VB police station Amritsar. Further investigation in this case was under progress.

VIGILANCE BUREAU NABS KANUGO RED HANDED FOR TAKING BRIBE RS. 50,000

IEP Chandigarh, February 23

          Aiming to curb the menace of corruption in the state, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Thursday nabbed a Kanugo Vijay Pal, posted in revenue block Jamalpura, Malerkotla district red handed for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. 50,000.

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of VB said the above said Kanugo, a resident of village Bharthala Mander, in Malerkotla was arrested on the complaint of Karamjit Singh, of village Bhaini Kalan, tehsil Amargarh, Malerkotla.

          Giving more details he informed that the complainant has approached the VB and alleged that the above said Kanugo has been demanding a bribe of Rs. 2 lakh for clearing a file pertaining to award of compensation of his land acquired for construction of National Expressway.

          After verifying this complaint, a VB team from economic offences wing of Ludhiana range laid a trap and the accused Kanugo has been arrested on the spot accepting a bribe of Rs. 50,000 as first instalment and tainted money was recovered from him in the presence of two official witnesses.

          He informed that a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused revenue official at VB police Ludhiana and further investigation was under progress.