Category Archives: Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Haryana

Local bodies minister Dr Inderbir Nijjar inaugurate road construction and park refurbishment projects worth Rs 3.35 crore

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IEP Chandigarh/Ludhiana, April 1

In a boost to road infrastructure and green cover in the industrial hub of the state, local bodies minister Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar inaugurated different road reconstruction and park refurbishment projects worth around Rs 3.35 crore on Saturday. The projects included reconstruction of road from Haibowal main puli (bridge over buddha nullah) till Railway lines alongside Buddha nullah at a cost of Rs 1.58 crore, inauguration of recently renovated five parks on old GT road (near Chhawani Mohalla and Manna Singh nagar) at a cost of around Rs 1 crore and reconstruction of road in Qila Mohalla near SAN Jain Public school at a cost of around Rs 77 lakh.Accompanied by MLA Madan Lal Bagga in Ludhiana North constituency and MLA Ashok Prashar Pappi in Ludhiana Central constituency, minister Dr Nijjar stated that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led state government is working to boost the infrastructure across the city. In that course, projects worth crores are also being taken up in Ludhiana city. Minister Dr Nijjar lauded MLA Bagga and others for naming one of the recently renovated parks in the name of Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh.Dr Nijjar further stated that the authorities have been directed to get the works completed in stipulated time periods and ensure that there is no compromise with the quality of development works. Dr Nijjar stated a plethora of development projects are being taken up in the city with an aim to provide better infrastructure and facilities to the public at ground level.Ludhiana West MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, Atam Nagar MLA Kulwant Singh Sidhu, Ludhiana South MLA Rajinderpal Kaur Chhina, Ludhiana East MLA Daljit Singh Bhola Grewal, Sahnewal MLA Hardeep Singh Mundian, MC Commissioner Dr Shena Aggarwal, Chairman of Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) Tarsem Singh Bhinder, councillor Rakesh Prashar among others were also present on the occasion. Cabinet ministers Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar and Brahm Shankar Jimpa also participated in Bhagwan Bala Ji yatra which was organised in old city areas on Saturday. (Sub-head) Minister Dr Nijjar appreciates MC Ludhiana for record all-time high recovery of property tax: Local Bodies minister Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar appreciated MC Commissioner Dr Shena Aggarwal for record all time high recovery of property tax by Municipal Corporation Ludhiana during the financial year (2022-23).Against the annual recovery target of Rs 100 crore, MC Ludhiana has recovered around Rs 125 crore during the financial year 2022-23. This is the record all-time high recovery of tax during a particular financial year since the tax was introduced by the government in the year 2013-14.Dr Nijjar stated that these funds are used to take up development works and to provide basic amenities to the residents. 

Chandigarh, Haryana

WITH 28362 JOBS IN FIRST YEAR, PUNJAB GOVERNMENT SETS A NEW BENCHMARK: CM MANN

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IEP Chandigarh, April 1

Handing over appointment letters to 1320 Assistant Lineman of PSPCL, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today said that the state government has set a new benchmark by giving government jobs to 28362 youth in the first year of its tenure.

Addressing the gathering during a function here at Tagore Bhawan, the Chief Minister said that this job brings a lot of responsibility for the selected candidates as they have to serve the society with missionary zeal. He said that they have been selected completely on the basis of merit and have done a lot of hard work to get this post. Bhagwant Mann welcomed the youth to the family of Punjab government and expressed hope that they will discharge their duty with honesty and sincerity.

The Chief Minister said that there is no short cut for success and only hard work can fulfill all the dreams of a common man. However, he said that this is not the final destination as a lot of more is yet to come in their lives. Bhagwant Mann said that the newly selected candidates should continue their hard work and success will come to them in one form or another.

The Chief Minister also asked the candidates to avoid the company of people with negative thoughts as they hamper the progress of the state. He said that people had brought a paradigm shift in the politics of the state by forming the AAP government in the state. Bhagwant Mann said that those who were living in palatial houses during their heydays of power were ousted from the political scene of the state.

The Chief Minister said that as Power is the catalyst of growth in any state so PSPCL is the backbone of Punjab. He said that being an agrarian state meeting the power supply is a big challenge for any government. Bhagwant Mann said that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that due to strenuous efforts of the government, the days of long cuts have ended in the state as Punjab is heading towards becoming power surplus.

The Chief Minister said that due to the efforts of his government the power generation in the state has been enhanced by 83%. Bhagwant Mann said that the supply of coal for power generation from Pachwara coal mine has resumed after a long time. He said that till now 5 lakh Metric ton coal has been fetched from this coal mine and has played a key role in augmenting power supply.

The Chief Minister said that due to concerted efforts of his government, the Union government has agreed to waive off the mandatory RSR (Rail-Sea-Rail) condition for coal supply from Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) to Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL). Bhagwant Mann said that he had raised this issue of arbitrary decision with the Power Minister during a meeting after which a decision had been taken in this regard. He said that the state government is firmly committed to secure the interests of the state.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed to strengthen the PSPCL. Bhagwant Mann said that he has already asked all the departments to submit their pending bills to the PSPCL so that its financial situation is further strengthened. He said that apart from traditional methods of generating power various other modes of producing power are also being encouraged in the state.

The Chief Minister further said that the state government is promoting crop diversification in a big way to save the water and electricity in Punjab. He envisioned that this will help in lessening the pressure for power on the PSPCL adding that the spare electricity can be used for growth of other sectors too. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government is committed to safeguard the interests of the state and its farmers by ensuring proper marketing of the alternative crops. 

The Chief Minister said that every step of his government is aimed at improving the condition of the common man. He said that 600 units of free power, employment, transformation of the schools and hospitals and other decisions are acting as game-changers in the state. Bhagwant Mann vowed that every decision of his government will ensure the well being of the common man and the state.  

The Chief Minister said that the Education, Health and Employment sectors are three core areas of his government. He said that the current year will witness major changes in these three areas as the state government is zealously working on it. Bhagwant Mann said that the major focus of the state government is to check the brain drain from the state by upscaling infrastructure and manpower in these sectors.

Earlier, Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries.

Chandigarh, Punjab

PUNJAB GOVT DECIDES TO GIVE ONE & TWO YEAR SERVICE EXTENSION TO STATE AND NATIONAL AWARDEE TEACHERS RESPECTIVELY: HARJOT SINGH BAINS

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IEP Chandigarh, April 1

On the instructions of Punjab School Education Minister Mr Harjot Singh Bains, the department has issued a letter to give one and two year service extension to state and national awardee teachers respectively.Giving information in this regard, Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that after assuming the charge as Education Minister, this matter came to his notice and he had instructed the officials to prepare a report and submit it to him.Mr. Bains said that the previous governments had stopped to give extension in service after the year of 2018 . He said that Bhagwant Mann led  Punjab government is committed to restoring the dignity of nation builders.According to the instructions issued on October 9, 1989, he said that the state awardee teachers were given 01 year re-appointment after completing 58 years of age and the National awardee teachers were given an increase of 02 years in their service period after retirement as he/she physically and mentally fully fit. These instructions were applicable till the issuance of new instructions on 10/7/2018.Mr. Bains said that the decision to give extension in service to state and national awardee teachers is a way of honouring the best teachers and at the same time encouraging the rest of the teachers and getting services of these good teachers.He said that the decision to give extension in service period of State Award/National Award winner teachers has been reconsidered and a decision has been taken to implement it in the Education Department.  Now, all State Award/National Award winning teachers will have 01 & 02 year extension respectively, if their service record find correct.He said that the instructions issued on 25/4/2020 are stand cancelled with immediate effect and the instructions issued on 26/8/2020 are amended to the extent that in paragraph-6 of these instructions, service to state awardees  The condition imposed regarding non-extension of call is abolished. These instructions will be applicable from 31/03/2023.

Chandigarh

CM REVIEWS SITUATION IN WAKE OF PENDING RCs and DLs

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IEP Chandigarh, April 1       

    Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday instructed the Police department to avoid undue harassment of the general public on account of Registration Certificate (RCs) and Driving licenses (DLs).           Chairing a meeting here today, the Chief Minister said that due to acute shortage of smart chips printing of Driving licences and Vehicle registration certificate has been delayed much to the disappointment of the common man. He said that the state government is making strenuous efforts to ensure that the problem is resolved at the earliest so that people do not have to face any problem. Bhagwant Mann asked the Transport department to immediately set the things in order to ensure that the printing of the Driving licenses and Registration certificates start at the earliest.           The Chief Minister also said that stern action should be taken against those who have not taken the remedial steps before the situation has aggravated to this extent. He asked the officers to conduct a time bound enquiry into the matter and submit a report to him so that the guilty can be nailed. Bhagwant Mann said that it is understandable that the delay in issuance of new Driving licenses and Registration Certificates has occurred due to shortage of chips which are imported from outside the country.           However, the Chief Minister said that the situation could have been foreseen and a viable solution for it could have been taken well in advance. Meanwhile, he said that all approved licences and RCs are available on Sarathi and Vaahan portals adding that they can be downloaded on digilocker or any device and even printouts can be taken. Bhagwant Mann said that the RCs/ DLs downloaded from DigiLocker or M.Parivahan App should be considered by Police as valid documents and challan should not be issued to commuters showing these online documents. 

Chandigarh

HARJOT SINGH BAINS FORMS EDUCATION MINISTER TASK FORCE TO STOP LOOTING BY PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN THE NAME OF BOOKS AND FUNDS

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IEP Chandigarh, April 1

Taking strict notice of the Loot being done by private schools in the name of books and funds, Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has formed a task force to stop this loot.          The Education Minister said that Task Force has been formed in each district of the state in which three principals from that district have been included.  This task force will investigate the complaint received by the Education Minister and submit its report to the regulatory authority.          Giving information about this decision through a video message, Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that for the past several days, complaints were being received from parents and students that private schools are looting parents in the name of   books/copies and funds.He said a few days ago, a letter was issued to the private schools through all the District Education Officers of the state asking them to follow the instructions of the school regulatory authority regarding books/copies and fees/funds.          He said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has also received complaints regarding the looting of parents by private schools.  Of which the Chief Minister took serious notice and instructed that the robbery done by private schools by placing books of expensive publishers will not be tolerated.          Mr.  Bains said that he was very surprised to know that books of one class are being sold by private schools for 7000 rupees, in which the book of the first class mathematics subject is only 600 rupees.          The Minister of School Education instructed the owners and managements of private schools to teach only NCERT in the schools.          Mr. Bains said that according to the rules, schools located in small cities have to write the names of three to five shops outside the school and in big cities like Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar, a list of twenty-twenty shops has to be posted outside the school.  From where students can buy the book.          Cabinet Minister also issued an email emofficepunjab@gmail.com through which students and parents can directly complain to the Education Minister about the looting of private schools.          He instructed the managers of all the private schools to fill and submit the information regarding the increase in fees/funds made by the school, the infrastructure of the school as per the rules by 30 April 2023.  He also said that the information submitted by the private schools will be checked randomly.          Harjot Singh Bains said that the Bhagwant Mann government will not allow the education of the state to become a business.  All work will be in accordance with laws and regulations and violators will not be spared.

Chandigarh

Alarming increase in prevalence of autism in recent times with around 1 in 100 children getting affected

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IEP Chandigarh

April 2 is International Autism Awareness Day. Autism spectrum disorder is a common, heterogenous and heritable neurodevelopmental disorder affecting multiple spheres like communication, socialization and emotional reactions.There is an alarming increase in prevalence of autism in recent times with around 1 in 100 children getting affected. Children and adults with autism spectrum disorders are often subjected to bullying, discrimination, and decreased opportunities.Symptoms of many go unrecognized even though effective diagnostic management tools exist.To create awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorders among frontline health care workers, doctors, students and community, Dr. BR. Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar organized a two- day International Conference on Autism Awareness and Neurodiversity on Saturday.Renowned national and international speakers participated in the conference.Speakers like Dr Prahbhjot Malhi from PGIMER, Chandigarh, Dr Jessica Brian from University of Toronto, Dr. Bhavneet Bharti  Director Principal, Dr Sharmila  Mukherjee Professor Pediatrics Lady Harding Medical College and Dr Nidhi Malhotra from AIMS, Mohali.Experts deliberated about various aspects of diagnosis and management of Autism spectrum disorders and train frontline workers, doctors and community alike.On Sunday, an awareness session encompassing experts from various areas like Madhavi Kataria, Director Social Security, Women and Child Development; Dr Sunita Seshadri, Deputy Director, NIPCCD; Dr Arun Singh AIIMS Jodhpur and Dr Jaskirandeep  State Program officer RBSK; Dr Olaf Kraus de Camargo  from McMaster University, Canada, Kavita Das Principal St John’s School. There would be discussions pertaining to the role of various agencies and sectors in making a more inclusive community for people with Autism. An action plan for Mohali District shall also be discussed by SAP, Mohali.

Chandigarh

MCC Launches “Swachh Bazaar, Swachh Chandigarh” Campaign*

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IEP Chandigarh, April 1

In a unique initiative, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has launched a campaign called “Swachh Bazaar, Swachh Chandigarh” to promote cleanliness and hygiene in the market areas besides creating awareness to avoid use of banner plastic products.While sharing the highlights of the campaign, Sh. Anup Gupta, Mayor, Chandigarh said that the campaign will run from 1st April to 30th April aiming to focus on cleaning the markets, collecting segregated garbage, installing more dustbins and implement the plastic ban effectively.He said that the main objective of the campaign will be to create awareness about the harmful effects of plastic waste and to encourage citizens to stop using plastic bags.As part of the campaign, citizens who carry their own shopping bags made of clothes and jute will be appreciated and offered special discounts. The month of April will be celebrated on the theme of “Swachh Bazaar, Swachh Chandigarh” to encourage people to keep their surroundings clean and hygienic.The MCC has also planned a special campaign for the Sabzi Mandi, where vendors and shopkeepers will be encouraged to participate in cleaning up the market and implement the scheme at ground level.The campaign will also involve a shop-to-shop initiative, where pamphlets and stickers will be distributed to shopkeepers, encouraging them to promote cleanliness by pasting stickers at the entry points of their shops. Additionally, discounts and other schemes will be offered to customers who bring their own bags while shopping.The Mayor also appealed to citizens to ensure their valuable participatation in the campaign and take necessary measures to keep their surroundings clean.”To achieve the objective of the campaign, MCC has already deployed vehicles and manpower for garbage collection in commercial areas, coordinated with MWAs, and fixed timings for collection. Additionally, parking spots for door to door waste collection vehicles have also been deployed.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Women delegation from Himachal Pradesh visits Chandigarh for Swacch Yatra as part of to Swachhotsav

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IEP Chandigarh, March 31 

A delegation of office bearers of various Self Help Groups from Himachal Pradesh visited Chandigarh to celebrate Swachhotsav, a festival of cleanliness, and to learn about the best practices of the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh. The visit was to promote the convergence of Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Urban Livelihood Mission (DAY-NULM).The delegation was welcomed with flowers and mementoes made from recycled items packed in hand-made cloth bags. All the standees and banners used during the event were biodegradable and made up of cloth, in an effort to promote zero waste event and sustainability.During the event, officials of the MCC briefed about the projects of MCC in a detailed presentation on best practices and functions, including solid waste management, processing of construction & demolition (C&D) waste, sewerage treatment plant and many more practices.The delegates also visited different projects handled by local self-help groups working with 3R projects like ‘Arpan’ which makes agarbattis from waste flowers, Jagruti, the self help group which makes herbal Holi Colors from floral waste, Bartan Bhandar and the self help group making art from waste materials. The delegates praised the work of SHGs and appreciated their work for reducing and reusing waste materials. They also visited Gaushala and saw the maintenance of community toilets handled by SHGs.The beauty of Chandigarh, including its roads and clean environment, was also appreciated by the delegates. They praised the cleanliness of the city and the solid waste management system, along with other projects of MCC.

Chandigarh, Punjab

COMMITTED TO ENSURE SEAMLESS CLEARANCE PROCESS FOR CBG, CGD PROJECTS, SAYS AMAN ARORA

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IEP Chandigarh, March 31    

      In a continuation to the series of meetings to remove the bottlenecks from the clearance process for Compressed Biogas (CBG) and City Gas Distribution (CGD) projects in the state, Punjab New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Mr. Aman Arora on Friday brainstormed with officials of Forest & Wildlife and Local Government department to create a mechanism to make the approval process hassle-free and time-bound.          Chairing a meeting with Local Government officials, Mr. Aman Arora and his cabinet colleague Mr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar, Local Government Minister, in principle have also decided to review the annual rental amount for laying CGD pipelines. During the meeting, they also discussed various inter-departmental issues related with CBG and CGD projects.          During the meeting with Financial Commissioner Forest & Wildlife Mr Vikas Garg and other officials of the department, it was decided to reduce the time period to grant forest permission for CBG and CGD projects.          Mr. Aman Arora emphasized that the fee being charged by various departments should be collected at a single point to facilitate the investors. He also directed the Director PEDA to prepare a list of CBG and CGD projects pending at the end of different departments and send it to departments concerned by next week so that clearance process could be expedited.          He further informed that a Working Group of all stakeholders will soon be constituted to formulate CBG Policy of the state and the Group will submit its report by April end.          Principal Secretary Local Government Mr Vivek Pratap Singh, Director PEDA Mr MP Singh, APCCF Mr Saurabh Gupta, PCCF Mr. R.K. Mishra, Chief Wildlife Warden Mr. Dharminder Sharma, General Manager Torrent Gas Private Ltd. Mr. Jignesh V. Agravat, Senior Manager Indian Oil Corporation Ltd Mr. Kshitiz Sanadhaya, Senior Manager, Vice President Think Gas Private Ltd Mr. R. Maheswaran, GA- Head Gujarat Gas Ltd Mr. Mahendra Dha Dubey, Project Manager Thind Green Energy Pvt Ltd Mr Gaurav Kathpal and Project Head EverEnviro Resources Management Pvt Ltd Mr. Pankaj Kumar were also present in the meeting. 

Chandigarh, Punjab

PUNJAB CABINET LED BY CM GIVES HEALING TOUCH TO FARMERS BY ENHANCING COMPENSATION DUE TO NATURAL CALAMITIES BY 25%

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IEP Chandigarh, March 31

          In a major pro-farmer decision aimed at safeguarding their interests during natural calamities, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday gave nod for hiking the compensation due to nature’s fury by 25% per acre thereby giving a major respite to the food growers.

A decision to this effect was taken by the council of Ministers in its meeting held here at the Punjab Civil Secretariat- I under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister.

          Divulging more details a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that keeping in view the loss incurred by the farmers recently due to heavy rains, hailstorms and strong winds, the Cabinet has decided to enhance the relief amount from Rs.12,000/- per acre to Rs.15,000/- per acre for 76-100 percent for loss of crops. This measure will give a healing touch to the affected farmers who will be able to get a reasonable financial relief from the government. These relief rates will be applicable from March 1, 2023.

Nod to extend exemption of 2.25% stamp duty and fees land registration by April 30

Keeping in view the larger public interest, the Cabinet also gave its consent to extend the exemption of 2.25% stamp duty and fees to those registering their property/land by April 30. Those opting for registration of land will now be exempted from 1% Additional stamp duty, 1 % PIDB fees and 0.25 % special fees.

GIVES NOD FOR HIRING 2574 KISAN MITRAS AND 108 FIELD SUPERVISORS IN THE AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT

The Cabinet also gave approval for hiring 2574 Kisan Mitras and 108 field supervisors in the Agriculture department. These Kisan Mitras and Field Supervisors will encourage the farmers to get out of the rut of wheat/ paddy circle and cultivate less water guzzling crops like Cotton and Basmati. This step will act as a catalyst to save precious groundwater of the state by boosting crop diversification program on one hand and providing employment to the youth of the state on the other.

NOD TO ENACTMENT OF THE PUNJAB CANAL AND DRAINAGE ACT, 2023

The Cabinet gave its nod for formation of the Punjab Canal and Drainage Act-2023 to regulate and manage canals and drainage in the state. The main objective of this act is to ensure hindrance free canal waters to farmers and land owners for irrigation purposes, maintenance, repair and timely cleanliness of canals, drainage and natural water courses. Apart from this, the act will also provide a fair and transparent mechanism for redressal of grievances of water users and other regulatory restrictions against unnecessary wastage of water.

At present, the activities relating to irrigation, navigation and drainages in the state are regulated by an Act namely the Northern India Canal and Drainage Act-1873 which was enacted by the Government of India in the British Era. With the passage of time and Re-organization of the state, a number of provisions contained in the said Act have become outlived. The Punjab has not enacted any separate legislation to manage and control the aforesaid activities.

ACCORDS ITS APPROVAL TO FRAME THE PUNJAB CHILD LABOUR (PROHIBITION AND REGULATION) AMENDMENT RULES, 2023

In order to further curb the menace of child and adolescent labour, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday gave its approval to frame The Punjab Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2023 with amendment in The Child Labour (Prohibiton and Regulation) Act, 1986 through The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act 2016.

NEW SERVICE RULES OF DEFENSE SERVICES WELFARE, EMPLOYMENT GENERATION AND WATER RESOURCES DEPARTMENT APPROVED

In another significant decision, the Cabinet also accorded consent to newly framed Group-A Service Rules after restructuring of the Defense Services Welfare Department. These rules will be implemented after issuance of notification in this regard.

Likewise, the Council of Ministers also approved the Departmental rules for Group A, Group B and Group C of Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Department.

The Cabinet also gave nod to Service Rules of various posts of Water Resources Department. These rules are related to Engineering, Scientist, Technical, Ministerial as well as Non-Technical Staff belonging to Group A, B and C services posted in the Head Office and Field offices in the Department.

GREEN SIGNAL TO SEND THE CASES FOR SEEKING PREMATURE RELEASE OF LIFE CONVICTS CONFINED IN THE JAILS OF STATE

The Cabinet also gave green signal for sending the cases of eight prisoners for seeking Premature Release of life convicts confined in the jails of state. After the nod of Cabinet under Article 163 of the Constitution of India, these special remission/premature release cases will be submitted to the Punjab Governor under Article 161 of the Indian constitution.

The Cabinet also gave approval for sending the case of special remission to convicts confined in Jails of Punjab, in the second phase to commemorate the 75th Independence Day of India being celebrated as ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.