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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT CONSTITUTES DISTRICT LEVEL COMMITTEES TO IMPLEMENT PWRDA’S NEW DIRECTIONS REGARDING GROUNDWATER

IEP Chandigarh, February 8    

      With a view to implement new directions issued by the Punjab Water Regulation & Development Authority (PWRDA), Punjab Government has constituted the District Implementation Committees on Water Resources Department (DICWRD).          These committees are headed by the concerned Deputy Commissioner and the Executive Engineer (Water Resources) is the Member Secretary. All District level officers concerned with the Water Resources Department such as Commissioner of Municipal Corporation, Executive Officer of Municipal Committee, District Development & Panchayats Officer, Divisional Soil Conservation Officer, Executive Officer of Punjab Pollution Control Board are members of the Committee.          Disclosing this here today, an Official spokesperson said that the PWRDA and Water Resources department held the first meeting with all member secretaries of the DICWRD (Executive Engineers) to brief them about implementing the new Groundwater Directions. The DICWRD shall enforce the directions for all non-exempt users who have to pay groundwater charges w.e.f. 1st February, 2023. It was explained that although users have been given a grace period of 3 months or more to apply for permission for extracting groundwater, they have to pay the charges from 1st February, 2023 itself. Details can be accessed on the website of the Authority https://pwrda.org.          The spokesperson further said that DICWRD will conduct random inspections to check whether user has installed a water meter of the required specifications. Small users extracting less than 1,500 cubic meters per month may install a mechanical water meter. However, all users extracting more than 1,500 cubic meters per month have to install a digital water meter with telemetry. The Authority is setting up its online portal which will be functional soon and all digital water meters with telemetry will automatically send the water meter reading to the online portal of the Authority.          The committee will also inspect the water conservation schemes submitted by a user. After inspection and approval of the Authority, a user who conserves water shall be entitled to water conservation credits equal to Rs. 2.50 per cubic meter of water conserved. The water conservation schemes can be either in the premises of a user or outside.          Principal Secretary Water Resources Krishan Kumar directed all Executive Engineers to ensure strict compliance of the new directions of the Authority and to send their monthly progress reports.

VIGILANCE ARRESTS ABSCONDING AGENT ACCUSED IN VEHICLE FITNESS CERTIFICATES SCAM

IEP Chandigarh February 8

          The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested one more absconding accused agent Gaurav Arora, resident of Central Town, Jalandhar who colluded with Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI), Jalandhar Naresh Kaler in the vehicle fitness certificates scam. The VB has confiscated his mobile phone and SIM card which would be sent to data experts to gather more information about this scam.

          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the VB said the Bureau had conducted a surprise check in the office of MVI, Jalandhar and exposed an organized corruption scam in August 2022 for issuing/receiving fitness certificates without conducting inspections of commercial and private vehicles on a large scale in connivance with private agents.

          Giving details he further added that the VB on the basis of sufficient evidence registered a case FIR No 14 dated 23-08-2022 under sections 7, 7A of prevention of corruption act and 420, 120-B of IPC at VB police station Jalandhar. In this case total 13 accused had already been arrested and in the jail which includes Naresh Kaler, Rampal alias Radhe, Mohan Lal alias Kalu, Paramjit Singh Bedi, Surjit Singh, Harvinder Singh, Pankaj Dhingra @ Bholu, Brijpal Singh @ Ricky, Arvind Kumar @ Bindu, Varinder Singh @ Deepu, Sapna, Loveleen Singh Lavi and Rajesh Sahota (All private agents). Further investigation of this case was under progress and the remaining absconding accused would be arrested soon, he added.

Repo Rate hike will not dampen housing, commercial space demand: expert

IEP Chandigarh, February 8

Commenting upon the RBI Repo Rate announcement,  LC Mittal, director Motia Group said,” To tamp down inflation rates which RBI Governor said would still be above the 4% target in 2023-24, the RBI has announced a policy rate hike by 25 bps to 6.5%. The increasing geopolitical uncertainties and market volatility necessitate the need for institutional intervention. The sustainable demand for real estate continues to rise by epic proportions, especially luxury realty won’t bear a significant impact on end-users due to high disposable income strengths and portfolio diversification ambitions.

Prateek Mittal, executive director, Sushma Group said,” The RBI has announced a repo rate hike of 25 bps which currently stands at 6.5%. This is the first repo rate increase in 2023, which projects that RBI will maintain an assiduous policy stance to square off the inflationary woes. The moderate hike in repo rate demonstrates that RBI might go for lower repo rate hikes in 2023 as the economy is much better regulated and managed than the situation was in 2022. As far as the real estate sector is concerned, the hike will not dampen housing or commercial space demand as real estate becomes one of the most reliable and sought-after investment portfolios for traditional and new-age investors.”

Tejpreet Singh Gill director Gillco Group said,” The significant consumer inflow in luxury realty will not dissipate due to the repo rate hike. The RBI, in its latest move, has announced a repo rate hike of 25 bps to 6.5%. The mortgage home loan rates will witness an upsurge which is already above the comfort levels. The inflation rates are expected to be beyond 4% in the current financial year, which might cause a meagre decline in affordable residential markets. However, the luxury demand will continue to be buoyant.”

Motia Group leases office spaces to Paytm

IEP Mohali, February 8

Zirakpur-based realty firm Motia Group has leased out office spaces to Paytm in its new mixed-use commercial project in Motia Royal Business Park on Delhi-Chandigarh National Highway 22.

The Group has leased office space which provides grade A co-working spaces, restaurants, fully furnished SOHO & service apartments.

LC Mittal, group director said, “With this announcement, Paytm has made their territorial and operational expansion in Zirakpur with our project.”

JIMPA KICK STARTS CAMPAIGN TO MAKE ‘BHANGI CHOW’ GARBAGE FREE

IEP Chandigarh, February 8

          On the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Bram Shanker Jimpa has started a campaign to clean Bhangi Chow and its surroundings to make Hoshiarpur clean.  Bhangi Chow is the area where people traverse to go to Himachal Pradesh and other districts but due to the piles of garbage, the city wears an untidy look.

          The Hoshiarpur Municipal Corporation has launched a campaign to clean the Bhangi Chow on a war footing. For the success of this campaign, Jimpa while appealing to the city residents to cooperate, he started the campaign by cleaning the chow and planting saplings. This campaign will continue till February 24.

          During his address at Dhobi Ghat Chowk in Hoshiarpur, Jimpa said that after February 24, this campaign would be continued in other parts of the city with the participation of city residents. He said that State Government will leave no stone unturned to ensure inclusion of Hoshiarpur in the category of cleanest cities of the country.

          Jimpa expressed satisfaction that positive results have come out on the first day of the campaign as the city’s NGOs, Municipal Corporation, Forest Department, Drainage Department, B.S.F. volunteers, NSS volunteers, civil societies and general public are giving full support.

          On the occasion, Municipal Corporation Mayor Surinder Kumar, Deputy Commissioner-cum- Municipal Corporation Commissioner Komal Mittal and Senior Deputy Mayor Praveen Saini were also present.

Hry Govt issues transfer and posting orders of 3HCS officers

IEP Chandigarh, February 8

Haryana Government has issued transfer and posting orders of three HCS officers with immediate effect.

        Sh. Mukesh Kumar, awaiting orders of posting, has been posted as Additional Transport Commissioner, Haryana.

        Sh. Sanjiv Kumar, Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Pataudi has been given the additional charge of Joint Chief Executive Officer, Gurugram Metropolitan City Bus Limited, Gurugram.

        Sh. Gajender Singh, awaiting orders of posting, has been posted as Joint Director (Admn.), Medical College, Nalhar, Nuh.

CM reviews arrangements ahead of Union Home Minister’s visit

IEP Chandigarh February 8

Ahead of Union Home Minister, Sh. Amit Shah’s visit in Karnal, Haryana Chief Minister today took a stock of the arrangements at Grain Market, the venue for the visit. During this, he gave necessary directions to the officers concerned.

Notably, Union Home Minister, Sh. Amit Shah will be visiting   Karnal on February 14.  DGP, Sh. P.K Aggarwal, ADGP, CID, Sh. Alok Mittal and senior officers of the District Administration also accompanied Sh. Manohar Lal.

After inspecting the Grain Market, the Chief Minister inspected the Agro Mall and took stock of the situation there.

On this occasion, MLA Gharaunda, Sh. Harvinder Kalyan, Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Sh. T.V.S.N Prasad, Chairman, HAFED, Sh. Kailash Bhagat, MD HAFED, Sh. A A.Sreenivas, Commissioner, Karnal Division, Karnal, Dr. Saket Kumar, IGP, Sh. Satendra Kumar Gupta, Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Anish Yadav, SP, Sh. Ganga Ram Punia was present.

It is pertinent to mention here that the operations of Agro Mall have now been handed over to HAFED, Home Minister, Sh. Amit Shah is likely to inaugurate this mall during his visit to Karnal on February, 14. 

After the formal launch of HAFED Mall, offices and establishments related to the rice business and the export of other types of food grains are likely to operate. This Agro Mall located on Karnal GT Road is established in an area of 15694 square meters. This includes a basement and four floors. Besides this, there are 86 shops on the ground floor of the mall, two floors have been kept open and 46 offices have been built on the top floor. 

36th Surajkund International Handicraft Mela: CM launches the International Year of Millets- 2023 brochure at Mela

IEP Chandigarh, February 8

Haryana Chief Minister today launched the International Year of Millets 2023 brochure of the Ministry of Development of North East Region at the 36th Surajkund International Handicrafts Mela.        Notably, the United Nations Council has declared the year 2023 as the Millet Year. Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has also called for promoting the use of Millet. Haryana too is making tireless efforts to promote millets. Many delicious and healthy millet dishes have been prepared at the Surajkund Mela, said Sh. Manohar Lal.        Meanwhile, today was a special day at the Surajkund Mela, as the Chief Minister had lunch with his Cabinet and all the MLAs at Rajhans Hotel. During this, a cultural extravaganza of foreign artists displaying their art and culture was also witnessed.        The foreign artists created an atmosphere resonating with the cultural diversity of the world. Everyone enlivened their ancient traditions with their cultural, classical and folk presentations. A glimpse of the G-20 theme ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ was seen on the stage.        Chief Secretary, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Dr. Amit Agrawal, former Education Minister, Sh. Ram Bilas Sharma and other dignitaries remained present on this occasion.   

Surajkund International Handicraft Mela is the flag bearer of country’s civilization and vibrant culture – Dushyant Chautala

IEP Chandigarh, February 8

Haryana Deputy Chief Minister, Sh. Dushyant Chautala said that Surajkund International Handicraft Mela is the flag bearer of the country’s civilization and vibrant culture. Additionally, these fairs considerably contribute to the nation’s economic independence.        The products made by the craftsmen were being observed by the Deputy Chief Minister today at the Surajkund Handicrafts Fair.        Sh. Chautala said that we all should be proud of inhouse products made by the craftsmen of the country and should give priority to such products made by them. He added that by promoting local products we can directly support local artisans and small entrepreneurs. He said that handicrafts and handlooms have an important contribution in the development of civilization. He said that for centuries, the skill of artisans is visible in the manufacture of things ranging from the coins of emperors and kings to the huts of the poor.        The Deputy Chief Minister said that these arts are as much liked in the modern era as they were in ancient times, such fairs provide an opportunity to the craftsmen to showcase their art.He said that this fair is a trinity of tradition, heritage and culture, which attracts tourists not only from India but across the globe. Through such a platform, the ordinary craftsman and artisan get the right value and recognition of their skills. For many craftsmen, artisans and weavers, this fair is their main source of income throughout the year.        On this occasion, Minister of State for Women and Development, Smt. Kamlesh Dhanda, Minister of State, Revenue & Disaster Management, Sh. Anoop Dhanak and MLA, Smt. Naina Chautala were also present with him.

Hry CM lays the foundation stone of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Charitable Hospital in Faridabad to be built at a cost of Rs 12 crore

IEP Chandigarh, February 8

Haryana Chief Minister on Wednesday laid the foundation stone of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Charitable Hospital in Faridabad to be constructed at a cost of about Rs 12.30 crore. Transport Minister, Sh. Mool Chand Sharma also remained present on this occasion.        Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Manohar Lal said that dedicated steps being taken by the government as well as social organizations for the expansion of health services in the State are commendable. With the construction of this hospital, the people of the state will get easy access to state-of-the-art health facilities.        The construction of this hospital in the name of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur will also play a key role in highlighting the supreme martyrdom and bravery of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and inspiring everyone visiting here, said Sh. Manohar Lal.        On this occasion, Chief Minister announced to give Rs 31 lakh to the Charitable Trust. Besides this, Transport Minister, Sh. Mool Chand Sharma also announced Rs 11 lakh for the trust.        The Chief Minister said that today Haryana is progressing in every field. Health services are being expanded. The aim of the government is to establish a medical college in every district. So far 7 new medical colleges have been established and work is going on for 8 more colleges, said Sh. Manohar Lal.        He said that the government is giving all possible cooperation to the social organizations in the steps being taken by them for expanding health services. We aim to increase the number of doctors from the present number of 13,000 to 28,000. With the establishment of new medical colleges, State will get 2650 doctors every year.CHIRAYU Haryana became an ally of the needy The Chief Minister said that CHIRAYU Haryana Yojana has been started in the state by expanding the health benefits of Ayushman Bharat Yojana with the aim of providing health facilities to every needy. In this, families with annual income up to Rs 1.80 lakh are getting health cover of Rs 5 lakh annually. Due to this, about 29 lakh families are being covered in Haryana.        Nirogi Haryana Yojana has also been started in the state for conducting free health check-ups of Antyodaya families on the basis of 25 parameters. 228 types of operations, 70 types of medical tests and 21 types of dental treatment are done free of cost in the state. Along with this, 500 medicines are also given free of cost.Started Ayush Health and Wellness Centre        The Chief Minister said that the government has linked Ayurveda medicine with the Ayushman Bharat scheme, and has also established ‘AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres’ in the State.  Besides this, the government is also preparing yoga courses to promote yoga.        MLAs, Smt. Seema Trikha, Sh. Narender Gupta, Sh. Rajesh Nagar, Media Advisor to Chief Minister, Sh. Amit Arya, Patron, Baba Banda Bahadur Memorial Society, Baba Jatindra Pal Singh Sodhi, Sardar Avtar Singh Khurana, Chairman of Society, Sardar Gurvinder Singh Dhamija, President BR Bhatia, Rajkumar Bhatia and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.