IEP Fazilka, February 25      

     With a motive to ensure clean and potable drinking water to every household, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday formally laid the foundation stone of first of its kind project to ensure cleaning, storage and supply of water at a cost Rs. 578.28 crore.           Addressing the gathering on this occasion, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the ground water of this area has great extent of TDS and other elements, which is the main cause of fatal diseases like Hepatitis C, cancer, skin diseases and others. He said that particularly the Balluana constituency was facing acute shortage of drinking water thereby the state government has decided to set up the project in this area. Bhagwant Mann said that this project will provide potable water to 122 villages and 15 Dhanian (Hamlets) hailing in various Blocks of Abohar, Khuhian Sarvar, Arniwala and Fazilka.           The Chief Minister said that once completed this project will cover population of 4,75,144 in 79,190 households. Bhagwant Mann said that this project is purely based on canal water system which will draw water from Gang Canal with capacity of 68 MLD and the project will be completed in record time of just 30 months. He said that people will be immensely benefitted by it as around 750 kilometre pipeline will be laid and 21 water supply schemes will set up to provide drinking water to every household by Larsen and Toubro.           The Chief Minister said that S&S Tank, Clariflocculator, Filter House, Pump House and Clear Water Tank will be established at the project site for cleaning & storage of water and other purposes. He said that this is first of its kind project in the country aimed at ensuring the well being of the residents. Bhagwant Mann envisioned that this project will go a long way in transforming the destiny of the people.           Inviting the women to come forward for bringing positive change in the society, the Chief Minister said that the women are blessed with basic instinct to meticulously plan the economy of their houses. He said that the women can plan and strategize the things better in positive direction adding that this can be very beneficial for society. Bhagwant Mann said that keeping in view this fact his government has deputed maximum women officers in this district to encourage the women populace for becoming an active partner in socio economic growth of the state in general and the district in particular.           The Chief Minister said that twelve tickets were allotted by his party to the women in assembly elections and all of them have win the seats by whopping mandate. He said that the motive is to ensure that women acts as catalyst of transformation to bring the much needed change in society. Bhagwant Mann hoped that with the concerted efforts of the state government, Punjab will soon lead the country in every field.           In a major announcement, the Chief Minister said that from April 1 canal water will be available for cotton crop cultivation to the farmers. He said that Police will be deputed to check the stealing of canal water so as to ensure that everyone gets water as their own term. Bhagwant Mann said that he has already instructed the officials to desilt the entire canal system of the state within two months.           The Chief Minister also said that in another land mark initiative his government has decided to provide old age pension, Atta-Dal and other 40 services at the doorsteps of the people. He said that the basic aim is to ensure that the beneficiaries of these schemes do not have to face any inconvenience in getting the benefits of these schemes. Bhagwant Mann said that his government is committed for well being of every strata of society and no stone is being left unturned for this noble cause.           The Chief Minister said that he has asked the officers especially the Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to maximize their field visits, especially in villages, and interact with the people by going to villages. He said that it is the need of the hour to facilitate the people in getting their day-to-day works done easily besides ensuring good governance to them. Bhagwant Mann said that this will help in better functioning of the offices along with better acquaintance with the ground realities.           The Chief Minister further said that after assuming the charge his government is making concerted efforts to restore the glory of state and cherish the aspirations of our great national leaders. He said that in mere 11 months of its tenure the state government has fulfilled the major guarantees promised to people adding that top priority is being accorded to health, education and employment sectors. Bhagwant Mann said that so far 500 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been dedicated to the people to provide quality health facilities to the people of Punjab.

IEP Chandigarh, February 25

Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that financial assistance of Rs. 179.39 crore have been provided to 19,517 beneficiaries of 58,000 acres of land for drip, mini-sprinkler and portable-sprinkler micro-irrigation systems. Thus, the farmers should take maximum benefits of water conservation schemes, said the Chief Minister while interacting with the beneficiaries of Micro Irrigation and Command Area Development Authority (MICADA) during a virtual Samvad programme here today.

The Chief Minister not only interacted with the beneficiaries but also took feedback on the schemes. Many beneficiaries praised the schemes of the government as well as the efforts being made for water conservation.

Micro irrigation system invaluable for farming

The Chief Minister said that various schemes are being run through MICADA for water conservation along with rational and economical use of available water. He said that the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has started the scheme of ‘Prati Boond-Adhik Fasal’. “The focus is on increasing water use efficiency at the farm level through micro-irrigation i.e. drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. Micro irrigation systems are invaluable for farming. With this, there is a considerable increase in the area irrigated from the same source of water,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister said that the government is providing assistance at the rate of 70 percent to individual applicants and 85 percent to members of farmer groups on construction of reservoirs in the farm itself. “Drip, mini-sprinkler and portable sprinkler micro-irrigation systems are being promoted in the state. MICADA has been given the task of increasing micro-irrigation and making ponds and paving canals for rainwater harvesting in the fields,” he added.

Rs 19 crore to 11,284 beneficiaries of Atal Bhujal Yojana

The Chief Minister said that under the Atal Bhujal Yojana, farmers in 1,656 villages of the state are being sent 15 percent reimbursement amount of their share directly to their accounts through DBT. “So far, Rs 19 crore has been transferred to the accounts of 11,284 beneficiaries. Up to 95 percent more area is irrigated with the same amount of water through micro-irrigation systems and along with this, up to 48 percent water is saved,” he added.

He said that the farmers who have adopted micro-irrigation in the state have increased the yield of fruits and vegetables by 52 percent. Along with this, Rs 54.90 crore has been released to 2,185 beneficiaries and Rs 64 crore has been released to 2,584 other beneficiaries for making reservoirs in the farm itself.

The Chief Minister said that more water is consumed in the sugarcane crop and now the farmers are gradually adopting micro irrigation. “This will help in saving water as well as good yield,” he said; asking the beneficiaries to take benefits of these schemes related to water conservation and make other farmers aware about it.

Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam committed to provide uninterrupted power supply to the consumers

IEP Chandigarh, February 25

Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam is committed to provide uninterrupted power supply to the consumers. Several ambitious programs are being run by the Nigam for quick resolution of the problems of the consumers.

Giving more information an official spokesperson said that the Chairman Consumer Grievances Redressal Forum (Circle Forum), Panchkula of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam along with the members of the Forum would take the proceedings of the forum in the office of SE/OP Circle, UHBVN, Panchkula, SCO-96, 1st Floor, Sector-5, Panchkula to redress the grievances / to hear the complaint of the consumers (belonging to Panchkula District only) and to entertain new complaints at 11:30 AM on dated February 28, 2023 (Tuesday).

He further informed that the CGRF shall take all grievances/complaints of consumers like billing problem, voltage complaints, problems in metering, disconnection and reconnection of power supply, interruptions, failure of power supply, efficiency, safety, reliability, noncompliance of Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission orders etc. However, the cases of theft and unauthorized use of electricity, offences and penalties as specified under section 126 and section 135 to 139 of Electricity Act, accidents and inquiries as under section 161 of the Act would not be considered by the Forum.

                All the consumers should avail the opportunity for the redressal of their grievances.

IEP Chandigarh / Sri Muktsar Sahib, February 24      

    The Punjab government is doing every possible effort for the development of villages and the individuals and panchayats who have done the overall development of the villages will be specially honoured by the Government, said Dr. Baljit Kaur Social Security, Women and Child  Development Minister Punjab distributed grants to the panchayats of about 17 villages at village Khunnan Kalan in Malout Assembly Constituency.          She said that Punjab government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is constantly striving for the welfare of the people of the state.          The Cabinet Minister said that development works are being done in the state to raise the standard of living of the people so that the people can benefit from basic facilities.          She said that Rs. 51 lakh  for village Khunnan Kalan, Rs. 55 lakh 50 thousand for village Tamkot, Rs. 46 lakh 46 thousand  for village Lakdwala, Rs 33.50 lakh for Dhigana, Rs. 23 lakh  for Sotha, Rs. 19.50 lakh  for village Chak Duhewala,  Rs 18.60 lakh for Shergarh Gyan Singh Wala, Rs. 18.26 lakh for Lakhmereyana, Rs. 17 lakh for Khane Ki Dhab, Rs. 16 lakh for Aulakh village, Rs. 15.40 lakh for Tarkhanwala village, Rs. 6 lakh for Udang village, Rs. 4.25 lakh for Ram Nagar Khazan and Rs. 4.50 lakh  for village Bam village for various development works.           During her visit, RO to provide clean water to the residents of Madrasa village.  Also inaugurated the renovation of the system which has been restarted with the support of Indian Bank and also assured a grant of Rs 2 lakh for the Anganwadi Center of Village Madrasa.          On this occasion, besides others, Jashan Brar District President Aam Aadmi Party, Block President Simarjit Singh, Deputy General Manager R.K.  Joshi, Zonal Manager Amritsar Anil Kumar Indian Bank, Dilbagh Singh, Gurpreet Singh Saran, Angrez Singh, Sukhdeep Singh and Mahaveer Singh Madrasa were also present.

IEP Chandigarh

The 12^th Panjab University Rose Festival was inaugurated today by Prof. Renu Vig, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Panjab University at Prof. R.C. Paul Rose Garden.

Prof. Harsh Nayyar, Director Research & Development Cell, Prof. Krishan Kumar, Secretary to Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jatinder Grover, Dean Student Welfare, Prof. Y.P. Verma, Registrar, Prof. Jagat Bhushan, Controller of Examinations were the Guests of Honour.

Prof. Rajat Sandhir, Dr. Navdeep Goyal, Prof. Yojna Rawat, Prof. Sukhbir Kaur, Dr. Parveen Goyal and other Senators. Dr. Suman Sumi, PUTA and other PUTA members; Sh. Honey Thakur, President PUSA (NT) and other PUSA (NT) members, Mrs. Namita Gupta, Director, Public Relations, graced the occasion along with Wardens of Hostels and representatives of various Unions of Panjab University. The faculty, non-teaching employees, students and general public were present in large number.

The Chief Guest, along with other dignitaries, visited the Prof. R.C. Paul Rose Garden and various exhibitions put up by Natural Biodiversity, Enactus, Deptt. of Geology, Ankur School, Govt. Home Science College, Deptt. of Environment Science etc.. Prof. Vig, being a scientist herself, showed keen interest in exhibitions on various themes like environment, geology, waste management etc.. She admired the ambience of the garden and said that the Horticulture Division has put up a wonderful show. The other dignitaries also appreciated the efforts of Horticulture Division for maintaining the garden and organizing such a mega event. 

Er. Anil Thakur, Divisional Engineer (Hort.) and Organiser of the festival thanked the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, other P.U. Authorities and all stake holders of the festival and said that without their constant support and guidance, we cannot organise such a mega event. He apprised the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor that the Panjab University Rose Festival is one of its kind event in Panjab University where all teaching, non-teaching employees and their wards and students, participate with full enthusiasm. He further introduced the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor to an added event this year, exhibition on Horticulture aspects of Panjab University. The Horticulture Division is always committed towards excellence in whatever it organizes and will strive to achieve better in future.

Flower Competition was also held today. About 400 participants put up their displays in the competition in 92 categories.

The visitors were seen enjoying the performances of Folk Artists, Nachhar, Kachhi Godi, Stick Walkers etc., arranged by North Zone Cultural Centre.

In the evening, Hasya Kavi Sammelan was held at Old Convocation Ground, on 24.02.2023 at 6:00 pm. A new event introduced this year, Open Mic, wherein singers, comedians and other artists can showcase their talent was also held in the evening.

On the second day of the festival, competitions of Rangoli and Painting will be organized. During the evening Parwaz Rock Band Performance & Laughter Show by Sh. Jagdeep Singh Bheema will be held at Old Convocation Ground followed by Mr. & Ms. Rose Competition. On third day, competitions of Rose Prince & Rose Princess and Fancy Dress will be organized. The Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Panjab University will crown the winners of Rose Prince & Rose Princess Competition. During the evening, Performance by Punjabi Singer Lovejeet & Punjabi Singer Jassi Khan will be held at Old Convocation Ground.

IEP Chandigarh

Dr. Suneet Madan’s English poetry book titled ‘Poinsettia’ was launched by The Narrators Performing Arts Society uniquely through an Art-Lit Adaptation – a musical performance directed by Nisha Luthra, Founder and Director of The Narrators. The launch of the book which has a total of 60 poems took place at the Tagore Theatre’s mini auditorium, Sector 18.

Vivek Atray, Author and a former IAS officer,   Samrita Kaur Gill, IRS(C & IT) and Dr. Pushpinder Kaur, a professor and the poet’s mother graced the occasion with their presence to unveil the book.

 Dr. Suneet Madan said at the launch , “‘Poinsettia’, is my maiden poetry book, and I have tried to develop a new style which I have named ‘Duplet Verses’, in the collection of poems. Each word summarises my innermost views on life and living. It’s a unique format which I have been writing for the last two decades and has evolved over time.”

“The name ‘Duplet’ was given recently after my confabulations with many English Literature Professors who equated it with imagism, which is basically the use of minimalistic words to express one’s feelings. ‘Duplet Verses’ uses two words per line and the combination is made in such a manner that it encapsulates the entirety of what a proper sentence would have achieved, ” added Dr. Madan.

Director, Nisha Luthra said, “Any book we launch is like a baby to us which we nurture through promotions and long rehearsals and planning so that we deliver an immaculate Art Lit Adaptation. Each poem of ‘Poinsettia’ touches the inner chords of one’s heart which we tried to deliver through this performance. The duplet verses written by Dr. Suneet has the power to tell layers of stories and resonate so as to transform her book into a full fledged performance.”

It is to be noted that Dr. Madan’s poems find wide acceptance in forums of international repute.

Meanwhile, the event started with the Art-Lit Adaptation, a musical performance by actors portraying a narrative developed from several poems of ‘Poinsettia’. The mesmerizing performance was directed by Nisha Luthra and enacted by Divjot Gulati, Raja Subramanyam, Shivam Dhall, and the poet, Dr. Suneet Madan herself. Light operation and set execution was done by Arpan Maity, backstage was managed by Harpreet Singh, and the Assistant Director was Rajan Batheja.

It’s noteworthy that an alumnus of IIT Bombay, CEPT University Ahmedabad, KUK and Panjab University Chandigarh, Dr Suneet has received a number of accolades at international levels. Her poems and short stories have been anthologized in English, Hindi and Punjabi.

The author, Dr Suneet Madan underlined, “’Poinsettia’ signifies a life journey.  There is a metaphoric reason for having the title as ‘Poinsettia’. ‘Poinsettia’ is a plant that is formed by a flower but it has  many leaves too, same is  with life as it  seems like a flower -something good, however at times it might not be so.”

The book was unveiled by the dignitaries after the performance followed by a talk led by Poet Shweta Malhotra with Dr. Madan  and the director along with a book-signing session.

The Master of Ceremonies was Poet Reema Rana, who successfully led the mesmerizing evening ahead.