IEP Chandigarh

The Department of Tourism, Chandigarh Administration is organising Weekend Tourism every Saturday and Sunday at New Lake, Sector 42 and Plaza Sector 17, Chandigarh from the month of September 2022. The aim is to promote festivity in Chandigarh and to rejuvenate Plaza Sector 17. This initiative was taken on the directions of Sh. Dharampal, IAS , Adviser to Administrator,  U.T. Chandigarh.

On 24th December 2022, as a part of Weekend Tourism, an event was held with different instrumental music and sufi named “College of Creativity”. Various instruments were played to make the evening sizzling viz a viz Tabla, Canon, Djembe, Dhol, Duff, Flute, Sitar, Keys, Guitar, Tumbi, with sufi singing. 

Sh. Dharampal, IAS Advsier to Administrator was the Chief Guest of the event. He witnessed the beautiful performances of artists came to perform from various states along with his family. Secretary Tourism, Ms. Hargunjit Kaur, IAS was also present during the performance. People, tourists and residents enjoyed the sizzling performances on various instruments and enjoyed alot. Despite, a very cold evening, large number of tourists witnessed the event and enjoyed.

Sh. Dharampal, IAS, Adviser to Administrator  U.T. Chandigarh said that the Administration is planning to hold these events during weekends at different markets in coordination with Market committees so that every part of the City may get rejuvenate. The Administration is focusing to bring various cultural performances jn various parts of City in coming days to showcase Colours of India and a platform where tourists both domestic as well as international can enjoy their weekend with different activities.

IEP Chandigarh, December 21

The Haryana government is taking stringent action against the officers and employees involved in corruption. Chief Secretary, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal today held a review meeting with the administrative secretaries regarding cases to be sanctioned for prosecution under section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988

        Sh. Kaushal stated that prosecution has been sanctioned by the departments or the competent authority against erring officers, employees, and outsourced personnel in 30 distinct cases under Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, till the month of October.

The Chief Secretary said that Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal is adopting a zero-tolerance policy on corruption in the state. As per the directions of the Chief Minister, detailed review reports of the progress of such cases are being frequently taken from all the departments. He said that corruption will not be tolerated at any level.

        He said that the concerned department has to sanction prosecution on erring officers within three months of the letter issued by the State Vigilance Bureau. He gave strict directions that approval should be given within the stipulated time, so that the appropriate action on the matters could be taken at the earliest.

The Chief Secretary said that soon a portal will be developed on which the departments can upload all types of information related to vigilance cases like Action Taken Report (ATR), investigation report, sanction for prosecution etc. This will enable real-time information about the pending actions in various departments. Not only this, the report of every department will also be generated on a monthly basis and the Administrative Secretaries will also be able to review such cases.

        In the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner of Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Sh. VS Kundu, Additional Chief Secretary of Home Department, Sh. T.V.S.N. Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary of Public Works (Building and Roads) Department, Sh. Ankur Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance and Planning Departments, Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary, Public Health Engineering Department, Sh. AK Singh, Director General, Development and Panchayat Department, Sh. Sanjay Joon, Director General, Industries and Commerce, Sh. Shekhar Vidyarthi, Special Secretary, Vigilance Department, Sh. Pankaj, and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

IEP Chandigarh, December 21

The Cabinet Sub-Committee comprising Finance & Planning Minister Adv. Harpal Singh Cheema, Housing and Urban Development Minister Mr. Aman Arora and Rural Development & Panchayats Minister Mr. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Wednesday held a meeting to listen and resolve all the legitimate issues of various Unions and Associations regarding landless labourers and employees hired through contractors and reservation for Schedule Tribes (ST).It was the maiden meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted on the directions of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann to find the best possible resolution of the demands of Theka Mulazim Sangharsh Morcha, Zameen Prapati Sangharsh Committee and Gazetted & Non-Gazetted SC BC Employees Welfare Federation Punjab.The Sub-Committee gave a patient hearing to the issues raised by the representatives of various unions and associations during a series of meetings that lasted for more than three hours at Punjab Bhawan here.Heading in the direction of resolving the majority of the issues positively, the Sub-Committee directed the officials of the concerned departments to hold meetings with the representatives of the respective unions and associations to come up with an early resolution to their issues.The Sub-Committee also assured the unions that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has directed them to find the acceptable solutions in the interests of concerned sections of the society. The meetings were attended by senior officials of the concerned departments and LR branch to ensure that all the legal barriers in resolution of the issues may be tackled accordingly.The Sub-Committee decided to convene the next meeting with these unions in the month of January next year. These meetings were held up in a congenial atmosphere and ended on a positive note.Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur and MLA Kulwant Singh Bazigar were also present in one of the meetings.

G-20 SUMMITIEP Chandigarh, December 21

To review the preparations being made for the G-20 Summit, a meeting of the Sub-Cabinet Committee was held at Municipal Bhawan Chandigarh under the leadership of Local Government Minister Dr.Inderbir Singh Nijjar. Cabinet Sub Committee members Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Harjot Singh Bains and Harbhajan Singh were also present in the meeting.Giving more information in this regard, Local Government Minister, Dr.Nijjar said that the G-20 summit is going to be held in the holy city of Amritsar in March 2023 possibly on 15 to 17 March 2023. Presidents and Prime Ministers of major countries and other international delegates will also attend this G-20 summit. He said that it is a matter of great pride for the state that this international level event is going to be held in Punjab.The Cabinet Sub-Committee headed by Cabinet Minister Dr.Nijjar reviewed the development works related to the beautification of Amritsar and has given instructions to the officials related to this work that no deficiency should be left in the development works for the beautification of Amritsar in connection with the G-20 Summit. The minister also told the officials that Amritsar city of the state has to be presented on the world map on behalf of India, so any official who neglects the beautification of Amritsar will not be spared.The Cabinet Sub-Committee headed by Cabinet Minister Dr.Nijjar has instructed the Deputy Commissioner Amritsar to form a local committee under the leadership of the Mayor of Amritsar so that in connection with the G-20 the development works to be conducted in Amritsar and other Preparations can be reviewed from time to time.He said that the major works to be done include repairing roads, street lights, making green belts, painting the Golden Gate, improving solid waste management, installing signage boards, electricity and traffic lights etc.Dr.Nijjar further informed that about Rs100 crore will be spent on development works for the beautification of the city of Amritsar for the G-20 summit. He said that extensive arrangements will be made for the success of this global event. The Minister of Local Government revealed that with this international event, the state will emerge on the world tourism map, while investment is also likely to get a boost.On this occasion, he gave details of the works to be done to strengthen the beauty and basic structure of the city and said that whatever work will be done will be not only for the program, but will be strong and good quality works as per the needs of the city residents.The Cabinet Sub-Committee has directed the concerned officers present in the meeting to ensure that every development work to be done at Amritsar is completed within the stipulated time.on this occasion, Mr.Vivek Pratap Singh, Principal Secretary, Local Government, Mr. Uma Shankar Gupta, Director, Local Government, Deputy Commissioner, Amritsar, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Amritsar and other officials were present.

IEP Chandigarh, December 21

Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann’s honest and transparent governance model is steering the Punjab Transport Department on the path of progress. Ludhiana bus stand, has fetched an amount of Rs.3.22 crore for the next six months in a auction conducted recently.Giving more information, Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said, new vistas of income are opening for the transport department with the honest policies of Mann government, adding that  parking, an auction has been conducted of bathrooms, advertisement sites and bus stand fee collection at Ludhiana bus stand.  Now, the Punjab Roadways/Punbus will earn over Rs.2.31 crore from bus stand fee collection at the rate of Rs.38.51 lakh per month. Similarly, the bid for parking increased by Rs.70,000 and it will fetch Rs.7.20 lakh per month, from which the department will get Rs.43.20 lakh during next six months.Mr. Bhullar said that the department will get double revenue from the bathrooms in the bus stand as these public utilities were taken by the bidder at the double price of Rs.3.95 lakh per month as compared to the previous year price of Rs.2.01 lakh per month. The department will get revenue of Rs.23.70 lakh.The Transport Minister said that the contract for advertising inside the bus stand premises has increased to Rs.3.05 lakh per month. As many as 43 sites of 13,327 square feet for advertisement inside the bus stand will attract Rs.18.30 lakh during next six months.The Minister informed that the shops and SCF of the bus stand were closed for the past several years. This time, two shops at the bus stand have been given on the rent at the rate of Rs.42,750 each per month, from where the department will receive Rs.5.13 lakh in next six months. Similarly, three SCF will attract Rs.5,000 each per month rent and state exchequer will receive Rs.90,000 from these SCFs.Meanwhile, the Transport Minister directed the officials of the department to take immediate action for the re-bidding of the remaining shops so that the people can get the benefit of it and the revenue of the department could be increased accordingly.

IEP Chandigarh, December 20

Reiterating his commitment to provide houses to the deprived and needy in Haryana, Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal announced to launch  a separate Mukhya Mantri Awas Yojana on  the lines of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.          He said a survey is being done in Haryana and houses will be provided to the eligible beneficiaries who do not have houses.        The chief minister made this announcement  while virtualy addressing  the gathering during a state-level programme held on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Maharaja Shoor Saini in Hisar.         On this occasion, Sh. Manohar Lal further announced to give Rs 31 lakh from his discretionary fund for the renovation and construction of Saini Senior Secondary School where the functionwas held.  Apart from this, he also announced Rs 11 lakh each on behalf of Urban Local Bodies Minister, Dr. Kamal Gupta and Deputy Speaker, Vidhan Sabha, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa.         Besides this, considering the demand of the representatives of the Saini community, the Chief Minister said that the educational institution will be named after the first female teacher, Savitribai Phule. For this, the people and representatives of the community will share which government college or school in which city or area, should be named after Savitribai Phule.         Sh. Manohar Lal, while announcing the demand raised by the community people for the land required for the construction of dharamshala, said that the community people will have to apply and according to the rules, the plot will be allotted for dharamshala. Apart from this, other demands will also be considered and fulfilled.The Chief Minister said that this is the second state-level function to celebrate Maharaja Shoorsaini Jayanti. Earlier in the year 2020, the first state-level function was organized in Kurukshetra. He said that the life of Maharaja Shoorsaini was very glorious and inspiring as he was a great knower of Vedas,  a justice-lover, and a protector of society.         The area near Mathura was named after Maharaja Shoorsaini and were known as the Shoorasaini region. The Saur Saini language was also named after him and after Maharaja Shoorsaini, the Shoorsaini dynasty started and the Saini caste originated. The valour of the Shoorsaini caste is praised not only in history but in the Mahabharata also the story of the brave soldiers has been highlighted, said Sh. Manohar Lal. He appealed to the organizers to organize such state-level functions every year.Glorious history of Saini societyThe Chief Minister said that the history of Saini community is glorious and great. In the Rigveda, there is a description of a heroic caste named shreni, in the same lineage Maharaja ‘Shoorsaini’ had established the Shursainigan. Saini community has given social revolution pioneer Mahatma Jyoti Ba Phule, India’s first female teacher, Savitribai Phule, social reformer and saint-like Sh. Likhmidas, brave warrior like Gulab Chand Saini, commander of Ballabhgarh princely state, Babu Jagdev Prasad Kushwaha, architect of social revolution in Bihar. Apart from great social workers, veteran hockey players like Major Dhyan Chand Kushwaha, Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria, brave soldiers like Param Vir Chakra awardee Subedar Joginder Singh Saini, artists like Padmashree Nek Chand Saini, creator of Rock Garden in Chandigarh,  and many great men, including wild animal protectors like Padma Shri Kailash Chand Sankhala, worked to save the existence of a population of tigers in India also belonged to Saini community, said Sh. Manohar Lal.         There is a big contribution of the Saini community in the freedom movement as well and the contribution of the Saini community in the rehabilitation of the country post independence is commendable, he added.The 30 percent strength of students belonging to Saini community has a significant role in the progress of society        Sh. Manohar Lal said that the according to official data, the number of families of the Saini community is 1.96 lakhs, which is more than 8 lakhs according to the population. The 30 percent strength of students belonging to Saini community has a significant role in the progress of the society, he added.          He appealed to the people present that the children who still do not attend the school should be enrolled at the earliest as every child should complete his or her studies at least till 12th standard. The Chief Minister informed that according to PPP data,  in the Saini community, 24 percent of the population is women. He urged the community women to join Self-Help Groups(SHGs). The government is giving various types of financial benefits to the SHGs. Market access has also been ensured for the products made by the SHGs, said Sh. Manohar Lal. Play a role in nation-building by emphasizing skill trainingThe Chief Minister said that according to the data, only 4 percent youth of the Saini community are unemployed. Such youth should lay emphasis on skilling and should work in association with private companies or self-employment and should play an important role in building a strong Nation. He said that according to this data, there are 1200 families whose income is less than Rs. 25000.         The Chief Minister called upon the people and representatives of the Saini community to come forward for the economic upliftment of these families.With system change, many radical changes brought in 8 yearsSh. Manohar Lal said that in the last 8 years, the state government has brought several radical changes while changing the system. The government has given great relief to the people by taking initiatives like an online transfer policy,  starting the CM window, and e-governance. The life of the people has become easier, as a result of which Haryana is also moving forward in the Happiness Index, said Sh. Manohar Lal. Great men from every community have contributed to the country’s freedom movement        The Chief Minister said that great men from every section of society have contributed to the country’s freedom movement. However, the Opposition claims that it is only because of them that the country has got freedom. They can’t stop themselves to limit this movement to a single family. The opposition should not tamper with the historical facts by making such regrettable statements, rather there should be a sense of respect for all communities.Started many schemes for poor families        The Chief Minister said that the Haryana government has also launched CHIRAYU Haryana Yojana on the lines of the Ayushman Bharat for poor families. Under this, 28.89 lakh Antyodaya families will get a free treatment facility of Rs 5 lakh annually. Not only this, the government by launching Nirogi Haryana Yojana has tried to ensure early diagnosis of every health problem by doing timely health checkups.         Under this scheme, the health checkups of 1.25 crore people will be done in the first phase. So far health check-up for 60,000 to 70,000 people has been done and health check-up for all will be done next year, added Sh. Manohar Lal. Teachings of great men are being remembered  through Sant-Mahapurusha Vichar Samman Evam Prasar YojanaThe Chief Minister said that in India many saints-mahatmas, rishi-munis, and gurus have shown humanity the right path in life. The teachings of such great personalities are the heritage for the entire society.         It is our utmost responsibility to preserve and protect their legacy. In this direction, we are working to spread the message of saints and great men to the masses under the ‘Sant-Mahapurusha Vichar Samman Evam Prasar Yojana’. The organization of Maharaja Shoorsaini Jayanti celebrations is also a part of this plan, said Sh. Manohar Lal.         In this scheme, birth anniversaries of saints and great men like Sant Kabir Das Ji, Maharishi Valmiki Ji, Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Maharishi Kashyap Ji, Guru Ravidas Ji, and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar have been celebrated at the state level.The Chief Minister. said that under the able leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, the country is moving ahead on the policy of Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikas-Sabka Vishwas-Sabka Prayas.        In the last 8 years, our double-engine government has taken the pace of development to its peak. Today’s Haryana is not the state anymore where auctioning of jobs used to be done. Today people do not have to visit government offices to get their work done. We have given a big blow to nepotism, casteism, regionalism, corruption, etc, asserted Sh. Manohar Lal. He said that by implementing e-governance and an online system, the state government has worked to close the way of corruption. Earlier recruitment in government jobs was done only through Parchi Kharchi.  Now we have created a new competitive environment by making recruitments only based on merit. Earlier there was discrimination in some areas of the state even in terms of development. We have ensured holistic development while upholding the spirit of Haryana Ek-Haryanvi Ek, said the Chief Minister.         Sh. Manohar Lal said that the Saini community is working for the welfare of society. If any kind of difficulty or obstacle comes in front of them, they face it firmly. People of all communities should work jointly with the government for the interest of the general public, said Sh. Manohar Lal. Urban Local Bodies Minister, Dr. Kamal Gupta, Deputy Speaker, Vidhan Sabha, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa, Minister of State for Uttar Pradesh Jaswant Saini, Kurukshetra MP Nayab Singh Saini, MLA Vinod Bhayana, Bhavya Bishnoi, former Finance Minister Captain Abhimanyu and other dignitaries also remained present on this occasion.  

IEP New Delhi

The policy focus of Government of India is ‘Zero Tolerance Against Terrorism’, Union Minister  Anurag Thakur said today. In a detailed statement to the media at his residence, on the efforts of the Government to counter terrorism, Shri Thakur said that while Government has worked on the legal front by strengthening UAPA, at the same time it has also taken steps at the enforcement level by giving National Investigation Agency a truly federal structure by introducing National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act and the collective effect of these measures has been a weakening of the ecosystem of terrorism.

Highlighting that India has raised its concerns at the highest global levels, he said that in international conferences and meetings, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has always pressed the world to unite against terror. The 90^th Interpol General Assembly witnessed a participation of over 2000 foreign delegates and culminated in the announcement of ‘Global Action Against Act of Terrorism’, he added.

“The Governments resolve against terror has been displayed time and again from Surgical Strike to Balakot Strike. The action by our armed forces has caused a significant  drop in terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir. Similarly, we have achieved a 94% conviction rate in terror financing cases” Shri Thakur said.

The Minister spoke at length about the efforts of the Government towards creating an atmosphere of peace in North East and said that an era of peace has dawned in North Eastern region of India since 2014 when insurgency violence has seen a sharp decline of 80 percent and civilian deaths have seen an 89 percent drop. Added to this is the achievement of surrender by six thousand militants since 2014, he underlined.

The Government is committed to go beyond armed action to counter terrorism and has worked to create an atmosphere of lasting peace across the region. These peace treatises are a legacy of the achievements of the Government. Underlining this aspect, Shri Thakur listed the peace agreements signed by the Government

Bodo Accord in January 2020,

Bru-Reang Agreement in January 2020,

NLFT-Tripura Agreement in August 2019,

Karbi Anglong Agreement Sept 2021,

Assam-Meghalaya Inter State Boundary Agreement in March 2022.

Speaking on the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, the Minister said that AFSPA roll back has been only a matter of discussion all this while but the Government rolled it back from a large part of North East including the whole of Tripura and Meghalaya. It remains in force in only 3 districts of Arunachal Pradesh, 60 percent of Assam is free of AFSPA, 15 police stations under 6 districts have been taken out of the category of Disturbed Area, Disturbed Area notification has been removed from 15 police stations in 7 districts, the Minister informed the media.

The Minister also delved into the rescue operations run by the Government over the years. Highlighting that rescuing Indian lives in distress are of a paramount concern for the Government and the country has been on the fore front of running rescue operations across the world, Shri Thakur listed the achievements.

22,500 citizens were rescued under Operation Ganga in February-March 2022,

670 Indian citizens were rescued from Afghanistan in Operation Devi Shakti.

In one of the biggest successes of rescue operations, 1.83 crore citizens were brought back home during COVID19 crisis, under Vande Bharat Mission in the year 2021-22.

India rescued 654 people from Wuhan in China.

Not just Indians, India has also offered a helping hand to foreign citizens under distress. In 2016, under Operation Sankat Mochan, 155 people including 2 Nepalese citizens were brought back from South Sudan. 5000 Indians were rescued from Nepal during Operation Maitree while 170 foreign nationals were also rescued from Nepal. Operation Rahat 6,710 people were rescued from Yemen including 1,962 foreigners.

Speaking on the status these efforts have created for India in the world, he said that India is increasingly being seen as a country that readily offers all assistance to other countries in their times of crisis and also as one that acts strongly against terrorism, while a neighboring country is only seen as one sheltering terrorism and propounding values of violence.