IEP Chandigarh, July 18       

    Providing yet another relief to the farmers affected by floods, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department has set up a control-room to provide paddy saplings at free of cost to farmers, whose crop has been damaged by the floods in the state. Such farmers can dial “77106-65725” from 8am to 9.30pm to register their demand for free paddy saplings, said Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Mr Gurmeet Singh Khudian here on Tuesday.           He said that Punjab Government has been striving hard to help out farmers from this natural calamity as per the commitment of the Chief Minister S Bhagwant Mann.           The Agriculture Minister will kick start the paddy sowing on over 22 acres in Sangrur district on Wednesday, and over 3500 quintal paddy seeds is being sown by the department to provide free paddy saplings to farmers.           Asking farmers to need not to worry as the state government is standing by them, Mr Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the state has already working on strategy to fill the demand of paddy saplings. The state government is committed to provide paddy saplings where replantation is required due to floods.           Agriculture Minister also appreciated the efforts of farmers who are helping the affected farmers by providing paddy saplings free of cost. This is the high time to hold hands of each others in this difficult time, he added.

IEP Chandigarh, July 18      

    Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab government has decided to increase the pension of freedom fighters from Rs 9400 per month to Rs 11000 per month. He said that this decision will be effective from August 1, 2023.          Disclosing this in a statement issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that approving the proposal received from the Freedom Fighters Welfare Department in this regard, the Finance Department has approved the annual budget required for the same. He said that this decision will directly benefit 545 beneficiaries, including freedom fighters themselves, widows of deceased freedom fighters or their unmarried and unemployed daughters and sons.          The Finance Minister said that as per the decision taken by the Finance Department in March 2020 following the recommendation of the concerned administrative department, it was decided to increase the amount of this pension from Rs 7500 to Rs. 9400 from 1st April, 2021. He said that now in the wake of increased inflation, the decision has been taken to increase it further to Rs 11000 per month.          Finance Minister Cheema said that we are proud of our freedom fighters due to whom the Punjabis are prominently mentioned among those who contributed maximum in the freedom struggle of India. He said that although we cannot payback for the sacrifices made by those patriots, the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is committed to honouring them.

IEP Chandigarh, July 18    

      In order to save precious human lives and property as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab Government machinery has been working on a war footing to normalize the situation created by floods in the state.          To speed up the relief operations in the state and as per the directions of CM Bhagwant Mann, 26280 persons have been evacuated and taken to safe places. A spokesperson informed that 1432 villages have been affected by the flood till 8 am on July 18. A total of 155 relief camps are running in the state in which 3828 people are staying.                 Currently, 19 districts are affected by floods including Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Faridkot, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, Kapurthala, Patiala, Moga, Ludhiana, SAS Nagar, Jalandhar, Sangrur, SBS Nagar, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Mansa, Bathinda and Pathankot.          According to the report received by the revenue department from different districts, a total of 38 people have lost their lives due to floods in the state and 15 injured while 2 are still missing.          As per the information received from the animal husbandry department, a total of 2198 animals treated and 7243 animals vaccinated in the state. Rescue teams of the department are working round the clock to provide treatment, supply feed, fodder and silage to the needy animals. Special flood relief camps are also being organised in affected districts.          On the other hand, the teams of the health department are working in the flood-affected areas with full attention. According to the spokesperson, 458 Rapid Response Teams (RRT) have been working at flood affected areas. The health department has set up 244 medical camps in the affected areas and the total number of OPDs is 8531.          He further informed that dry food packets are being continuously distributed in the flood affected areas. 21,971 dry food packets have been distributed in Rupnagar, 64000 in Patiala, 4000 in SAS Nagar, 5700 in SBS Nagar and 2200 in Fathegarh Sahib..

IEP CHANDIGARH, July 18    

      The campaign to make Punjab roads safer launched under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has brought laurels to the state after the Traffic Wing of Punjab Police on Tuesday conferred with the esteemed “FICCI National Road Safety Award 2022” in the category of Road Safety Interventions.          Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav congratulated the ADGP Traffic Amardeep Singh Rai and the entire team of the Traffic Wing for their commitment and hard work, which have significantly contributed to the success of the Traffic Wing’s mission.          The award was jointly received by Traffic Advisor Punjab and Director Punjab Road Safety & Traffic Research Centre (PRSTRC) Dr Navdeep Asija and Scientist PRSTRC Simranjeet Singh on behalf of the Traffic Wing of Punjab Police during a conference on “Role of Corporates in Road Safety and FICCI Road Safety Awards 2023” organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) at FICCI Auditorium, Federation House in New Delhi on Tuesday.          ADGP AS Rai said that this award is dedicated to every individual in the Traffic Wing, who is putting their best efforts to make Punjab roads safer for all. This prestigious accolade recognises their outstanding efforts in road safety initiatives and their dedication to creating safer roads for citizens, he added.          He said that the Traffic Wing Punjab has shown exceptional dedication and expertise in managing traffic and ensuring the safety of commuters. Punjab Police have taken a maximum number of initiatives for saving lives on roads in 2022, he added.           Meanwhile, “Punjab Road Safety and Traffic Research Centre (PRSTRC)” has played a crucial role in data-driven decision-making, utilising comprehensive data to make informed choices and implement effective road safety measures.

IEP Chandigarh, 18 July       

   The Minister for Local Government, Balkar Singh, today chaired a meeting at Municipal Bhawan Sector 35 Chandigarh with Chairmen of Improvement Trust to address various issues and demands pertaining to the functioning of the Trusts. The meeting aimed to foster collaboration and strategize effective measures for the development of Punjab.          During the meeting, a wide range of issues concerning the chairmen of Improvement trusts were discussed. Balkar Singh provided valuable guidance and insights to the chairmen, enabling them to overcome challenges faced in their respective areas. He said that Improvement Trusts play an important role in improving the appearance of the cities of the state and providing proper civic services to the city dwellers.          The Minister stressed the importance of expediting ongoing projects in diverse sectors, enhancing transparency and accountability, and ensuring optimal utilization of resources. The chairmen of the Improvement Trusts also presented their agendas and proposals for upcoming initiatives focused on fostering the overall development of Punjab.          Balkar Singh highlighted that the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, aspires to transform Punjab into a vibrant and prosperous state. Accordingly, the minister advised the chairmen of  Improvement Trusts to work in coordination with each other to achieve this vision.          Balkar Singh underlined the significance of community involvement and public participation in the decision-making process. He emphasized the need to create sustainable and inclusive urban spaces that cater to the diverse needs of all residents.          The Miniser for Local Government remains committed to driving the development agenda in Punjab and will continue to collaborate with the chairmen of Improvement trusts to ensure progress and prosperity in the state.          On this Occasion, Mr Ajoy Sharma, Secretary Local Government and Mr Uma Shankar Gupta, Director Local Government were present. 

IEP Chandigarh, July 18      

    A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Tuesday arrested Chartered Accountant (CA) Jaswinder Singh Dang resident of Ludhiana for verifying the fake documents in connection with Pearls Agrotech Corporation Limited (PACL) scam.          Divulging the details here today, an official spokesperson of the VB said that the arrest has been made after the investigation in FIR No. 01 Dated 21.02.2023 under section 406, 420, 465, 467, 468, 471, 384, 120-B of IPC registered at Police Station Punjab State Crime, SAS Nagar.          He further informed that an Extra Ordinary General Meeting (EOGM) of PACL was shown to be held at Ms PACL Limited’s registered office in Jaipur (Rajasthan), which had closed since 7-8 years, and also appointed three new Directors of PACL using forged documents. Jaswinder Singh Dang, Chartered Accountant in conspiracy with co-accused, verified the fake documents as genuine and uploaded the same on Ministry of Corporate Affairs’ website regarding appointment of three new directors namely Hirdeypal Singh Dhillon, Sandeep Singh Mahal and Dharmendra Singh Sandhu despite the fact that he had knowledge that the meeting actually didn’t take place.          The spokesperson said that he was also aware that around 5 crore poor and gullible investors have invested around Rs 50,000 crores in PACL and a Committee under the chairmanship of Justice (Retd) R.M. Lodha has been constituted by SEBI pursuant to the order of Supreme Court of India to sell the properties of PACL Ltd and using the sale proceeds to refund the investors who have invested their money in PACL Ltd. 

IEP Chandigarh, July 18    

      Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Tuesday got two days police remand of IAS officer Sanjay Popli, accused in disproportionate assets case registered under sections 13 (1) (B) R/w 13 (2) of Prevention of Corruption Act at Police Station VB Flying Squad-1, Punjab.          Disclosing the details here today, an official spokesperson of the VB said that Sanjay Popli was produced today before the Court of CJM Mohali, after obtaining production warrant in FIR No.11 Dated 06.08.2022 registered at Police Station Vigilance Bureau Flying Squad-1, Punjab at Mohali. The Court has granted a two day police remand of the accused IAS officer.          The spokesperson said that the accused was confined in Central Jail Patiala under judicial remand in the another case registered U/s 7, 7-A of Prevention of Corruption Act and 120-B IPC at Police Station Vigilance Bureau, Flying Squad-1, Punjab at Mohali.          During the investigation of this case and on the basis of his disclosure statement, various articles were recovered from the house of the accused Sanjay Popli, which include 9 Bricks of Gold (1 Kg each), 49 gold biscuits of different weights (3160 gms), 12 gold coins of gold different weighing (356 gms), 3 bricks of silver (1 Kg each), 18 silver coins (180gms), four Apple I-Phones, one Samsung Fold Phone, two Samsung smart watches and 700 Indian currency notes of 500/500 denomination (total Rs.3,50,000).          The investigation revealed that the value of the recovered Gold and Silver was found to be over Rs.6.62 crores. The record regarding his properties, salaries, bank accounts and his other assets were taken, and these are being scrutinized.

IEP Chandigarh, July 13

Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday said that the Finance Department has decided to double the limit for the post facto approval and verification of medical bills through civil surgeon to ensure quick settlement of medical bills of the employees of the Punjab Government. He said that this decision would empower all civil surgeons of the state to verify and give post facto approval to the medical bills up to Rs 1 lakh raised by the Punjab Government employees regarding their treatment at the private hospitals of Punjab and Chandigarh.Disclosing this in a statement issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Finance Department has given approval to the proposal sent by the Health and Family Welfare Department in this regard keeping in view the problems being faced by the officials and employees of the state government during the settlement of their medical bills. He said that this would decision would further strengthen the decentralization by shortening the process of medical bills settlement, reimbursement and settlement of medical claims.Divulging further, Harpal Singh Cheema said the Finance Department had authorized civil surgeons for approval and verification of medical bills of private hospitals up to Rs. 25000 in the year 2010, but since then no one bother to safeguard the employees interest by increasing this limit to meet the increase in the cost of the treatment. He said that after the formation of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government this limit was doubled to Rs. 50000 in May 2022 after a gap of 12 years, and the processing of medical bills above this limit was being done by the Director, Health and Family Welfare.The Finance Minister said that despite doubling the extent of post facto approval and verification of medical bills through the Civil Surgeon last year, the state government employees were facing difficulties due to delay in settlement of medical bills of more than Rs. 50000 amid increasing pendency at the office of the Director, Health and Family Welfare.  He said that now by doubling this limit from Rs. 50000 rupees to Rs. 1 lakh rupees, the entire process will be accelerated.Reiterating the commitment of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government to ensuring the welfare of its employees, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the state government is making every possible effort to raise the standard of living of its employees besides providing every necessary facility at their work place. He appealed to the employees of the state to render their services with honesty, diligence and kindness and contribute their due in making this state a ‘Rangla Punjab’ again.

IEP Chandigarh, July 13

Dr. Baljit Kaur, the Minister of Social Security, Women, and Child Development, has instructed the Social Security Department to implement measures aimed at assisting elderly and disabled individuals in light of the flood situation in Punjab.The Cabinet Minister emphasized that the Department of Social Security, Women, and Child Development is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of senior citizens. She further stressed the importance of providing assistance to elderly and disabled individuals affected by the current flooding in Punjab.She stated that to facilitate support, helpline numbers and control rooms have been established by the Punjab Government at the district level, with the appointment of nodal officers within the district administration. She said that according to the instructions of the Chief Minister of Punjab Bhagwant Mann All kinds of assistance are being provided to the people.  District Social Security Officers, in coordination with the Nodal Officers of the District Administration, are actively working to provide aid to the elderly and disabled affected by the floods.The Minister urged elderly and disabled individuals facing difficulties due to the floods to report their complaints to the helpline number 14567. This will ensure prompt action by the department to provide relief. She also instructed all departmental officers to prioritize the safety of elderly and disabled persons in future planning, considering the critical flood situation.