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Chandigarh

Deen Dayal Upadhyay Antyodaya Parivar Suraksha Yojana will be started

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IEP Chandigarh, February 23

Reiterating its commitment to Antyodaya Utthan, the state government will launch Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Parivar Suraksha Yojana. Under this scheme, assistance will be provided based on the age of the person at the time of death or permanent disability of a family member with an annual income of up to Rs 1.80 lakh on the basis of Parivar Pehchan Patra data.

This information was given by Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal, who is also the Finance Minister, while presenting the budget for the year 2023-24 during the budget session of the Vidhan Sabha today.

The Finance Minister said that under this scheme, Rs. 1 lakh up to the age of 6 years, Rs. 2 lakh above 6 years and up to 18 years, Rs. 3 lakh above 18 years and up to 25 years, Rs 5 lakh above 25 years and up to 40 years and Rs 2 lakh assistance has been proposed from the age of 40 years to 60 years. “This benefit will also include an amount of Rs 2 lakh received under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana in the age group of 18 to 40 years,” he added.

Rs 11,250 crore sent to beneficiaries through DBT in the year 2022-23, saved Rs 1182 crore by removing 36.75 lakh fake beneficiaries

The Finance Minister said that the state’s DBT portal became operational in September, 2017. On the DBT portal, 142 schemes have been onboarded, out of which 58 are centrally sponsored schemes and 84 are state schemes. He said that in the year 2022-23 till December, 2022, Rs 11,250 crore has been transferred through DBT to the beneficiaries. After the launch of this scheme, an estimated saving of Rs 1182 crore has been achieved by eliminating 36.75 lakh fake beneficiaries.

Responsibility of taking care of citizens assigned to specific departments

Sh. Manohar Lal said that using the data available in the Parivar Pehchan Patra database, the government has decided to assign the responsibility of taking care of citizens to specific departments. He said that the age group up to 6 years has been assigned to the Department of Women and Child Development, so that every needy child can be taken care of, irrespective of whether the child is currently attending an Anganwadi centre or not.

The age group above 6 years and up to 18 years has been assigned to the school education department to ensure that no child remains out of school. Similarly, the age group above 18 years and up to 25 years has been assigned to the higher education department to ensure that every youth is either educated or gets skilled for jobs.

The age group above 25 years and up to 40 years has been assigned to the Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Department to ensure skill, entrepreneurship and employment for the youth of this age group.

The Finance Minister said that the age group of 40 to 60 years would be taken care of by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department and people above 60 years of age would be taken care of by the Services Department. “It is an ambitious program to take the government to the people of the state,” he added.

Haryana Parivar Suraksha Nyas

Sh. Manohar Lal said that the government has set up the ‘Haryana Parivar Suraksha Nyas’ to consolidate the existing insurance schemes, ensure standardized and simplified claims process and provide benefits directly to the people. “The Nyas is implementing the Mukhyamantri Karamchari Durghatna Bima Yojana for group C and D category employees and safai karamcharis working in high risk areas, Mukhyamantri Vyapari Samuhik Niji Durghatna Bima Yojna for small businessmen for accidental death or permanent disability and Mukhyamantri Parivar Samridhi Yojana to provide social security cover to the Antyodaya families,” he said.

In addition, the revised guidelines of Mukhyamantri Vyapari Ksyhatipurti Bima Yojana to provide compensation in cases of loss of assets due to natural calamity or fire to street vendors, small traders and businessmen; whose annual turnover is up to Rs.1.50 crore, have been notified recently. This scheme will also start from April 1, 2023.

State Audit Department to be created for internal audit

The Finance Minister said that the government has notified the ‘Haryana Public Finance Accountability Act, 2019’ to conduct internal audit in all departments, Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies. He said that the government proposes to create a state audit department to conduct internal audit of local bodies and non-governmental organizations that receive financial assistance from the government, use due process, safeguard government assets and prevent misuse of resources.

“As far as possible the internal audit will be conducted in faceless mode through the portal set up for the purpose. This will ensure transparency and greater accountability in public expenditure,” he added.

Chandigarh

We are moving towards becoming a stronger and better society and state: Chief Minister

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IEP Chandigarh, February 23

Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal, who is also the Finance Minister, while presenting the budget for the year 2023-24 in the budget session of Haryana Vidhan Sabha today, said that we are moving towards becoming a stronger and better society and state.

“By consolidating our achievements while entering ‘Amrit Kaal’, we will take new Haryana to new heights of development on its strong foundation. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, India has emerged as a shining star in the global economy and at the same time Haryana is also playing a leading role in the economic development of the nation,” he said.

Sh. Manohar Lal said that under the visionary and progressive leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi and with our collective efforts; the state has been able to keep the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to a minimum. “Due to the judicious policies and financial measures of the government in the past years, the economy of the state has regained momentum. For this, I salute the service spirit and contribution of the residents of the state, Covid warriors and all those who are helping us in this difficult time,” he added.

Greater focus on capital outlay

The Finance Minister said that the state government has focused on increasing capital outlay. He said that Haryana is one of the three states whose capital outlay was higher than the budgeted target; while the country’s average for all states was 21.3 percent lower than the target.

Estimated additional capital investment of about Rs 7500 crore by public sector undertakings in this year

Sh. Manohar Lal said that the State Public Sector Undertakings are playing an important role in development by investing substantial capital. “It is estimated that the State Public Sector Undertakings will make an additional capital investment of about Rs 7500 crore in the coming financial year,” he said.

The Finance Minister said that the state’s Public Sector Undertakings have shown considerable improvement and the financial position of many undertakings has strengthened. “It is proposed that in the year 2022-23, all profit-making State Public Sector Undertakings will transfer 25 percent of their profit to the state government; so that it can contribute towards meeting the development goals of the government,” he added.

He said that Haryana’s ‘Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Vision-2030′ document reflects the government’s commitment for the all-round development of the state. “It mentions that our vision is to develop Haryana as a vibrant, dynamic and regenerative unit of federal India,” said Sh. Manohar Lal.

“A state where the fields yield bountifully, the wheels of industry move smoothly, no one feels deprived, there is a sense of complete satisfaction among the people, a sense of pride among the youth, women not only get security and equal opportunities; rather they feel empowered and let the principle of Antyodaya be the priority and we help make the state a better place for its citizens with the mantra ‘Minimum Government and Maximum Governance,” said the Finance Minister. He said that the motto of ‘Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikas’ reflects the idea that the state government will not leave anyone behind in achieving the goal.

Chandigarh

First Budget of the dawn of Amrit Kaal, Manohar Sarkar presents biggest-ever budget in the State’s history

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IEP Chandigarh, February 23

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal, who also holds the portfolio of Finance Minister, today presented a budget of Rs. 1,83,950 crores, the biggest in the State’s history.

In this year’s budget, there is an increase of 11.6 per cent over Revised Estimates 2022-23 of Rs. 1,64,808 crores. Not only this, while presenting the first Budget of the dawn of Amrit Kaal, the Finance Minister announced that no fresh taxes will have been imposed in the Budget as the State Government aims to build a Resilient and Resurgent Haryana.

“I feel fortunate that I have got the opportunity to present first Budget of the dawn of Amrit Kaal which will be a time for national development and glory. This budget will build a strong foundation to fulfill the grand vision of a developed India. We will make a prosperous and capable India, in every way by 2047,” asserted the Finance Minister.

Sh. Manohar Lal while presenting the state budget 2023-24 during the ongoing session of State Vidhan Sabha here today said that with the inclusion of Haryana Parivar Suraksha Nyas, one lakh houses for Antyodaya families, extension of CHIRAYU-Ayushman Bharat Yojana benefits for families with annual income up to Rs 3 lakh, increase in social security pension from Rs. 2500 to Rs. 2750 and eligibility income increased from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh, welfare of every section has been ensured.

Besides this, in this  year’s budget, thrust has been laid on setting up Haryana Parivar Suraksha Nyas,  construction of 1 lakh houses for Antyodaya families, development of residential sector in 10 industrial sectors and 10 cities through land pooling, land partnership, e-Bhoomi, waiver of interest arrears on renewal fee in cities etc.

He said that the media persons too will get the benefits of the cashless medical facility as availed by the for Government employees. Besides this, National level Scientific Training and Rehabilitation Centre for Sports (STRCS) will be setup 95) to assist in the training efforts of sportspersons who aim to compete nationally and internationally and to nurture them in case of injuries.

The Finance Minister further announced that the benefit of CHIRAYU-Ayushman Bharat would also be extended to families of all anganwadi workers, chowkidars etc. Along with this, a special provision has been made in the budget for the promotion of natural farming. Also, mapping of every child in the 6 to 18 years age group is being mapped so as to ensure that no child remains deprived of educational opportunities, informed Sh. Manohar Lal.

65.8 percent mapped for the schemes aimed at achievement of SDGs

The Finance Minister said that like in the past, he has aligned the Budget allocation with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). An outlay of Rs. 1, 20,958 crore of total expenditure of Rs. 1,83,950 crore being 65.8 percent has been mapped for the schemes aimed at achievement of SDGs being implemented in the State. This allocation has been made for those schemes which are being implemented to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

This budget is different from the budget of other financial years. After 25 years, when we will celebrate the centenary year of independence, how Haryana will be in terms of prosperity and prosperity, this budget has laid the foundation for building an advanced Haryana.

He said that an outlay of Rs 57,879 crore, which is 31.5 per cent, and Rs 1,26,071 crore, which is 68.5 per cent, have been proposed for the creation of capital assets in the budget.

Growth rate estimated to be 7.1 percent

The Finance Minister said that this budget also reflects our commitment for the development of the state as per the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Vision-2030. Haryana contributes about 3.86 per cent to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is more than proportionate to its size or population. It is a matter of pride for Haryana that the GSDP growth rate is estimated to be 7.1 percent in the year 2022-23.

Haryana’s share in GDP to increase from 3.52 percent in 2014-15 to 3.86 percent in 2022-23

The Finance Minister said that the rate of growth of the State Gross Domestic Product (GSDP) has been more than the country’s Gross Domestic Product and the per capita income of the state has been more than the country’s per capita income. The annual compound annual growth rate of Haryana’s GSDP at constant prices from 2014-15 to 2022-23 has been 5.62 percent, while the nation’s GDP growth rate during the same period has been 4.58 percent. As a result, the share of Haryana in the nation’s gross domestic product has increased from 3.52 percent in the year 2014-15 to 3.86 percent in the year 2022-23.

He informed that the the trends in sectoral composition of Haryana GSDP show that the share of Primary sector, Secondary sector and Tertiary sector in GSDP are likely to be 19.6 percent, 29.7 percent and 50.7 percent respectively in 2022-23.

Haryana’s per capita income likely to be Rs 2,96,685 in the year 2022-23

While presenting the budget, Sh. Manohar Lal said that the national per capita income at current prices was Rs 86,647 in 2014-15, which is likely to increase to Rs 1,70,620  in 2022-23, whereas for Haryana, it has increased from Rs 1,47,382 in 2014-15 to Rs 2,96,685 in 2022-23. 

He informed that in budget estimates 2023-24, revenue receipt at Rs 1,09,122 crore, comprising of tax revenue of  Rs 75716 crore and Rs 12651 crore as non-tax revenue have been projected. In tax revenue receipt, GST, VAT, Excise and stamp and registration are the major sources of revenue receipt. The share of central tax is Rs 11,164 crore and grant-in-aid is Rs 9,590 crore. Besides this, capital receipt of Rs 71173 crore have been projected.

Fiscal Deficit of GSDP is 2.96

The Finance Minister said that Haryana has always remained successful to maintain the fiscal parameters within the norms stipulated by the Central Finance Commission and Government of India. Fiscal deficit has been contained at 3.29 percent of GSDP in Revised Estimates (RE) 2022-23 as against the permissible limit of 3.5 percent of GSDP. For 2023-24, fiscal deficit of 2.96 percent of GSDP is projected which is within the allowed limit.

Sh. Manohar Lal said that the overall debt stock has also been successfully contained within the prescribed limit. The debt to GSDP ratio in RE 2022-23 is 25.78 percent as against the limit of 33.3 percent of GSDP. For 2022-23 debt stock is projected at 25.45 percent of GSDP, much below the stipulated norms of 33.1 percent of GSDP. We will continue to exercise fiscal prudence as this is the only path to sustainable economic development, said the Finance Minister.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Haryana to have 4 additional Veterinary Polyclinics

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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.

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

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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.

Chandigarh, Punjab

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

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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.

Chandigarh

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

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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.

Chandigarh, Punjab

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER EXHORTS NRI PUNJABIS TO INVEST IN HOME STATE

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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.

Chandigarh, Punjab

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

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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.

Chandigarh, Punjab

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

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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.