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Chandigarh

VIGILANCE ARRESTS ONE MORE ABSCONDING AGENT ACCUSED IN VEHICLE FITNESS CERTIFICATES SCAM

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IEP Chandigarh December 10

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested one more absconding accused agent Loveleen Singh Lavi, 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 for issuing/receiving fitness certificates without conducting inspection 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 No 14 dated 23-08-2022 under section 7, 7A of prevention of corruption act and 420, 120-B of IPC at VB police station Jalandhar. In this case total 11 accused have 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 and Sapna (All private agents). Further investigation of this case was under progress and the remaining absconding accused would be arrested soon, he added.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab Government will meet NRI Punjabis of 4 districts on December 19 at Amity University: Amit Talwar

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IEP SAS Nagar, December 10

Punjab Government to is going to hold a regional meeting of the NRIs belonging to Mohali, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib and Ropar districts on December 19, 2022 at Amity University, SAS Nagar. 

Disclosing this in a press communique Mr. Amit Talwar, Deputy Commissioner,SAS Nagar said that Minister for NRI Affairs Mr. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal will hold, regional meetings in five cities of Punjab to directly meet the NRI Punjabis for listening to and redressing their grievances. He said that these programmes will also be attended Principal Secretary NRI Affairs, ADGP, NRI Wing, Divisional Commissioner, Jalandhar (as Chairperson NRI Sabha) and will also be attended by Deputy Commissioners, SSPs and DROs of the respective district.

He said that one such regional meeting of the NRI Punjabis belonging to Mohali, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib and Ropar will be conducted on December 19, 2022 at Amity University, SAS Nagar. 

Mr. Amit Talwar appealed all the NRIs belonging to Mohali, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib and Ropar districts to ensure their participation in this programme by registering themselves online on the website https://eservices.punjab.gov.in

Chandigarh, Punjab

PUNJAB MANDI BOARD BAGS 8TH DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION CONCLAVE AWARD

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IEP Chandigarh, December 10

In recognition to one of the most Innovative Citizen Engagement for the benefit of farmers through Technology in form of “Digitization of J-Form via Whatsapp and Digi-Locker”, Punjab Mandi Board has bagged the 8th Digital Transformation award.  

          The award was bestowed to the officers of the Punjab Mandi Board by the IT Minister of Assam in a function held at Guwahati on Friday. The award was given through jury-led process at Assam under the supervision of senior Bureaucrats and experts from Department of IT Assam. During the event, the Jury lauded the bold and innovative communicators introduced by Punjab Mandi Board for setting new standards for digital communications.

          Divulging more details, Secretary Mandi Board Mr. Ravi Bhagat said that Punjab is known for setting up of e-Governance in almost all the departments of state government adding that Punjab Mandi Board has started this unique initiative by setting up E-Procurement (procurement by invitation) during COVID-19 in 2020. He said that since then, the IT team of board has launched several e-services like online license, online payments, digitization of J-Form, online procurement, VTS app for recording of outside state crop coming to Punjab, e-Auction portal, e-Daak portal and others to facilitate the stakeholders. Mr. Bhagat emphasized that these digital initiatives have not only saved manpower and logistics cost but has also helped in ensuring transparency and efficiency in operations, facilitation of stakeholders via e-license, e-pass, payments via dedicated gateways and others.

          Likewise, the Secretary Mandi Board said that it has also helped to reduce licensing registration timeframe from 1.5 months to 1 week. He further said that Punjab Mandi Board has focused on unique Integrated Management System (IMS) through which users access the single version of truth. Mr. Bhagat said that it is a matter of pride and satisfaction that Punjab Mandi Board, has bagged “Most Innovative Citizen Engagement through Technology” category award.

          Secretary Mandi Board further said that farmers of the state are getting immensely benefitted from the idea of digitizing the J-Form via Whatsapp, and in Digi-Locker. He said that this digital receipt gives freedom to citizens for utilizing this receipt as an income proof to avail benefits under various government schemes. Mr. Bhagat said that this digital receipt of J-Form not only serves the farmers but also the government by removing duplicate holders in various government subsidies adding that this unique farmer data has not only helped the Punjab Mandi Board but also various other government departments for delivering subsidies to citizens.

Chandigarh

Swasthya card for sarpanches, panchayat members launched

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IEP Chandigarh December 10

A special swasthya card for the sarpanches and gram panchayat members and their families were launched by Max Hospital, Bathinda on Saturday.The card holders will get discounts on OPD consultations, pathological, radiological and diagnostic services and pharmacy and home care services as well.We have launched this special card with benefits and services for them as they play an important role in our community, said Sandip Singh, GM

Chandigarh

NMIMS Univ announces admissions

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IEP Chandigarh, December 10

SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), a Deemed-to-be University, Chandigarh has announced admissions for its various programs including engineering, pharmacy, commerce, economics, liberal arts, branding & advertising, international studies, entrepreneurship and family business and law through their entrance exams – NMIMS-CET, NPAT and LAT.

The candidate must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination and obtained a minimum of 45% – 60% aggregate marks from a recognised board and for program wise eligibility.

Uncategorized

On Human Rights Day, Chief Minister gifts ‘Right to health facilities’ to its citizens

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IEP Chandigarh, December 10

As we are celebrating Human Rights Day, Haryana Chief Minister took this celebration a step further after he gifted ‘Right to Health facilities’ to the people of the State as he distributed CHIRAYU cards to the eligible beneficiaries under CHIRAYU Haryana scheme.

        Sh. Manohar Lal while virtually inaugurating CHIARYU card distribution programme here today said that under this scheme, free treatment facility up to Rs 5 lakh will be provided to eligible beneficiaries on the lines of the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

        The Chief Minister said that the CHIARYU Haryana scheme was launched from Manesar on November 21, 2022, and in less than a month, more than 2000 people have availed of the scheme benefits.

        He said that today the programme of distribution of CHIRAYU cards is being done at about 2000 places, in which these cards will be distributed to about 5 lakh families.

Persons With Disabilities (PwDs) would also be covered under this scheme, added Sh. Manohar Lal.

        The Chief Minister said that a target has been set to distribute Chirayu cards to all 1.25 crore eligible beneficiaries by December 31. Even today, cards are being distributed by setting up camps at 2,000 locations. Similarly, in the future too, cards will be distributed by setting up such camps in all the villages and cities, he added.

        The scheme is completely cashless, paperless, transparent, digital, and IT-driven, which provides free treatment as per PMJAY guidelines in a total of 729 public and empaneled private hospitals across Haryana. The needy only have to go to the hospital and show their PPP ID to avail of the treatment facility.

CHIRAYU Haryana scheme launched to give health security to every Antyodaya

        Sh. Manohar Lal said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, the Central Government announced Ayushman Bharat Yojana in the year 2018, the objective of which was to provide health facilities to the needy and deprived in the country. The income limit of the eligible beneficiaries under this scheme was Rs 1.20 lakh per annum, he added.

        In Haryana also as per the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) data of the year 2011 and as per the criteria of the central government, about 15.50 lakh families were identified in Haryana, in which More than 9 lakh families were getting the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana scheme. But to provide the benefits of Ayushman Bharat Yojana to more poor and needy families, the state government increased the annual income limit of BPL families from Rs 1.20 lakh to Rs 1.80 lakh, shared Sh. Manohar Lal.

        The Chief Minister said that apart from the families included in the SECC list in the state, CHIRAYU Haryana Yojana has been started only to give benefits of Ayushman Bharat Yojana to all Antyodaya families whose annual income is up to Rs 1.80 lakh. The treatment expenditure of up to Rs 5 lakh of the families to be included in this scheme will be borne by the state government, shared Sh. Manohar Lal.

In terms of providing health facilities, Haryana is better than other states

        The Chief Minister said that Haryana is better than other states in terms of providing health facilities. The Health Department under the guidance of the Health Minister, Sh. Anil Vij is continuously working for strengthening and expansion of health facilities, due to which the state has also received many awards.

        Sh. Manohar Lal said that under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the first beneficiary across the country was also from Haryana. Not only this, but Haryana was also the first state to link Ayushman Yojana with an Aadhaar card.

        He said that only 20,000 to 25,000 people were able to take advantage of Ayushman Bharat Yojana, but after receiving the CHIRAYU cards 60 to 70 thousand citizens are expected to take advantage of this scheme every month.

        The Chief Minister. said that till now claims of Rs 150 to 200 crore were being given under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, but under the CHIRAYU Haryana scheme, the state government has kept a budget of Rs 500 crore.

        Sh. Manohar Lal said that at present, treatment of 1500 types of diseases is being provided in the empaneled hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The Haryana government intends to provide treatment for these diseases in all government hospitals of the state. For this, ICU arrangements are being made in the hospitals which do not have ICUs, and specialist doctors will also be deployed, he added.

        The Chief Minister said that the state government has announced its plan of opening a medical college in every district, under which at present colleges have either been built or are under construction in many districts.

He said that at present 1800 MBBS doctors are enrolled in the state, but after setting up of one college in every district, more than 3000 doctors will be passing out from these colleges, due to which the shortage of doctors will be fulfilled.

Sh. Manohar Lal said that as per the World Health Organisation, there should be one doctor per 1000 population. Thus there is a requirement of about 28,000 doctors in Haryana and presently there are 13,000 doctors. That’s why we have also appealed to new doctors to spend 5 years in government services so that common people can get the benefit of health facilities, he added.

Started Nirogi Haryana Yojana to keep the person healthy

The Chief Minister said that when a person is ill, he gets the benefit of health facilities under Ayushman Bharat or CHIRAYU Yojana, but the state government is trying to ensure that the person remains healthy and does not fall ill. For this, the Nirogi Haryana Yojana was recently launched by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu from Kurukshetra.

        Under this, a health survey of all Antyodaya families will be done in the first phase so that any kind of health ailments can be diagnosed at an early stage only.  Health survey cards for 50,000 people have been made under the Nirogi Haryana Yojana. At present, the survey is being conducted at 32 centres. This type of facility will be started at 2000 centres in the coming time, added Sh. Manohar Lal.

Parks and Vayayamshalas have been built in 600 villages

Sh. Manohar Lal said that according to the call made by Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, work is being done at a fast pace to set up wellness centres in the state. Parks and Vayayamshalas are being built in the villages.

There is a target of setting up parks and Vayayamshalas in 1000 villages, out of which these have been constructed in 600 villages and yoga Sahayak have also been appointed here so that people can stay healthy by doing yoga and exercise and changing their diet, added the Chief Minister.

Special camps being organized to rectify PPP errors

The Chief Minister said that Haryana has taken care of every Antyodaya through Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP). 95-96 percent of PPP data has been completed. Still, some errors have been noticed. To correct these errors, special camps are being organized across the state on December 11 and December 16, 17, and 18, where citizens can get the errors rectified, he added.

Sh. Manohar Lal said that complaints related to pensions are also coming, and such citizens can also get their errors rectified by visiting these camps. New PPP cards are also being made through these camps. Not only this, but from January 1, 2023, ration cards will also start being made for families having an annual income of Rs 1.80 lakh, he added.

The Chief Minister said that under Mukhyamantri Antyodaya Parivar Utthan Yojana, economic upliftment of very poor families has also been ensured, under which people will be helped to start self-employment through loans from banks, help in private jobs or by providing skill training is also being done.

        Not only this, but the state government has also set up an Overseas Placement Cell to provide job opportunities to the youth of the state abroad.

Chief Minister has brought IT revolution in Haryana

        Speaking on the occasion, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister and Director General, Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Dr. Amit Agrawal expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for the distribution of CHIRAYU cards.

He said that the implementation of this beneficial scheme in such a good manner has been possible because of the IT revolution brought in the State under the dynamic leadership of the Chief Minister because of which the identification of eligible beneficiaries from the database registered in PPP has become possible in such a short time. 

         He said that so far about 2800 eligible persons have benefited from CHIARYU, for which the officials of the Health Department deserve to be congratulated.

        Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. D.S. Dhesi, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. V Umashankar, Political Advisor to Chief Minister, Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti and other senior officers also remained present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, Punjab

CM URGES RK SINGH TO ALLOW 100% SUPPLY OF COAL TO STATE VIA DIRECT RAIL MODE INSTEAD OF RSR

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IEP New Delhi, December 9

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday urged the Union Power Minister RK Singh to review the decision of Government of India and allow 100% supply of coal to the state through Direct Rail Mode instead of existing Rail-Ship-Rail (RSR) mode.

          The Chief Minister during a meeting with RK Singh here at his office on Friday said that Ministry of Power have asked State of Punjab to start lifting 15-20% domestic coal through Rail-Ship-Rail (RSR) mode from January 2023 from Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) /Talcher Mines. Bhagwant Mann said that Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL) has coal linkage of 67.20 lakh MT with MCL/Talcher. He said that as per the advisory, about 12-13 Lakh MT is to be routed through RSR mode.

          However, the Chief Minister lamented that transportation of this coal by RSR mode will result in massive increase in landed coal cost by about Rs. 1600 per MT thereby causing an additional financial burden of about Rs. 200 Crore every year. He said that the distance through train route between MCL and Punjab is around 1900 kms adding that by the proposed RSR Mode, train distance will be around 1700-1800 kms in addition to sea travel of around 4360 kms between Paradeep and Mundhra. Bhagwant Mann asserted that Punjab is located farthest from MCL hence transportation cost is 60% of the total landed coal cost.

          The Chief Minister also rued that the relief in freight provided by the Railways to thermal power plants located beyond 1400 kms has not been extended after its expiry on December 31, 2021, which has resulted in sudden increase in railway freight. Bhagwant Mann asserted that due to multiple transportation and handling of coal through RSR mode, the Transit loss will increase from 0.8% to 1.4% besides deterioration in quality of coal adding that due to multiple transhipment, the total transportation time from loading at source (MCL) to unloading at power plant destination will be around 25 days instead of 4-5 days through rail route. He said that considering the above-mentioned concerns, transportation of domestic coal through the proposed RSR route is not fruitful for the thermal power plants of Punjab, as it will increase energy charges burden on people of Punjab adding that if there are infrastructure constraints on the part of Railways in placing adequate rakes for evacuation, then this burden should be shared equally by all States.

          Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also raised the issue of appointing Member Power in BBMB from the quota of state with RK Singh. Both the leaders arrived at consensus for appointing the member at the earliest for streamlining the affairs in BBMB. They agreed that the entire process for appointment of the member will be completed soon.

          Flagging another issue, the Chief Minister said that Coal production at Punjab state’s captive mine Pachhwara Central has commenced and this mine has sufficient surplus coal for transfer to TSPL after meeting requirement of State thermals and as such there may not be any requirement of imported coal for the power plants of Punjab in future. Bhagwant Mann asked the Union Minister to allow Punjab to use coal from its captive mine Pachhwara Central for both TSPL and Nabha Power Limited (NPL) without a 50% transfer limit and payment of royalty. He said that quality of Pachhwara coal is excellent, i.e. high GCV of 4300 Kcal/kg and low Ash Content of 29% against MCL coal which has low GCV of 3000 Kcal/kg and high Ash Content of 41%.

Chandigarh, Punjab

PUNJAB TO FORTIFY MECHANISM TO NAB TRADERS BRINGING PIGS ILLEGALLY FROM OTHER STATES: LALJIT SINGH BHULLAR

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IEP Chandigarh, December 9

Punjab Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar has directed the officials of the department to further strengthen the mechanism for keeping a check on the inflow of wild pigs brought illegally from other states and illegal traders, which are affecting the pork market of the state. He also directed to write a letter to the DGP Punjab for the vigil on link roads of the border villages.After listening to the problems of the representatives of the Progressive Piggery Farmers Association here at his office, Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said that illegal entry of wild pigs in the state, causing economic loss to the pig farmers on the one hand, there is more possibility of spreading serious diseases like African Swine Fever to farm-pigs of the state from the wild pigs.Director, Animal Husbandry Dr. Subhash Chander Goyal apprised the Animal Husbandry Minister that to resolve this problem, the department has set up check posts at the entry points on major road of the state and deployed veterinary officers, who are taking necessary action in coordination with police officers.Cabinet Minister Bhullar directed the officials of the Animal Husbandry Department to further strengthen the system to stop the illegal inflow of the pigs and nab the illegal traders. He asked the officials to liaise with the DGP Punjab for setting up check posts on link roads of the border villages also for strict vigil so that the pig farmers do not face any problem.

Chandigarh

Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal inaugurates 3-day 10th National Dragon Boat Racing Championship at Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh

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IEP Chandigarh, December 9

Haryana Chief Secretary, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal today inaugurated the 10th National Dragon Boat Racing Championship at Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh.  Dragon Boat Federation of India, President, Sh. Vinod Sharma presided over the function. Encouraging the players to excel in sports, the Chief Secretary said that participation with the spirit of sportsmanship is more important than winning or losing a game.The Championship will be held from December 9 to 11, 2022. In the Championship, about 500 players of 34 teams from 18 states will display their skills during the boat racing events.          Sh. Kaushal said that sports are an integral part of our life and said that youth should come forward to participate in sports and  perform their best to bring laurels to their family, state and country. Besides physical fitness, sports also improve mental health of a person. He also commended the efforts of Dragon Boat Federation of India for organizing the 10th National Dragon Boat Racing Championship.        On this occasion, President of Dragon Boat Federation of India, Sh. Vinod Sharma welcomed and presented a bouquet to the Chief Secretary, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal. Vice President, Sh. Raj Kamal Dhanda and General Secretary of Punjab Dragon Boat Association, Smt. Krishna Kamboj greeted all the guests present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Corruption will not be tolerated at any cost, citizens grievances should be resolved at the earliest, Chief Minister

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IEP Chandigarh, December 9

Haryana Chief Minister while addressing a gathering at the Jan Samvad programme in Sonipat today said that Corruption will not be tolerated at any cost. He said that the State Government is continuously taking strict action against the corrupt.

        Sh. Manohar Lal directed officials and employees that the problems of the public should be resolved immediately, and no laxity will be tolerated.

        In the Jan Samvad programme,  the Chief Minister along with the officials of his top administrative wing heard 400 complaints and gave directions for necessary action.

        During this, Sh. Manohar Lal also suspended an assistant posted in the ADC office with immediate effect after he received a written complaint against the said assistant. He further said that during the suspension period the assistant will report to the CMO office in Chandigarh. 

Directions given for action against builders

        During the programme, complaints regarding some builders were also raised before the Chief Minister. In one such complaint regarding the issue of possession of 700 multi-storey flats without obtaining NOC, the Chief Minister directed District Town Planner (DTP), Sonipat to resolve the issue within 7 days and take necessary action against the builder.

        Sh. Manohar Lal further directed the DTP to take the strictest action against the builders in other complaints as well. He said that it should be ensured that the general public does not face any problems due to the builders.

The process of making BPL cards will start on January 1, camps will also be held for PPP

        The Chief Minister said that the work of making BPL cards will be resumed from January 1. Along with this, camps will be organized to remove the errors of Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) and to create new PPPs. Camps will be organized at different places across the state on December 10, 11, 15, 16 and 17  for PPP.

Speed up development works

        Sh. Manohar Lal further directed the officers and employees to speed up the development works. He said that there is no dearth of the budget with the government for development works. The common man can also put demands related to their area through Gram Darshan and Nagar Darshan portals. He said that officers concerned should take necessary action on encroachments in villages.

Directions issued to honour Ramkumar Dahiya

One of the complainants, Ramkumar Dahiya who raised the issue related to cooperative banks before the Chief Minister during the programme gained praise from the Chief Minister for courageously raising his issue.

        Sh. Manohar Lal directed the bank officials to take action on those complaints with immediate effect. He further directed Deputy Commissioner Sh. Lalit Siwach to honour, Ramkumar Dahiya on Republic Day celebration. Along with this, he also announced financial assistance of Rs 25,000 to a Person with Disability.

Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. V. Umashankar, Divisional Commissioner, Rohtak, Sh. Sanjeev Verma, IG, Smt. Mamta Singh also heard the complaints during the Jan Samvad programme.