IEP Bathinda, March 23
Max Hospital, Bathinda has announced the launch of an advanced neuro and cardiac intervention cath lab today. The lab first of its kind in Malwa belt will help in accurate diagnosis and treatment of several cardiac and neurology-related ailments. The lab can also be used for visualisation of the arteries, veins and other vascular malformations of the brain, spinal cord and the heart, said Dr. Rohit Mody, director cardiology
IEP Chandigarh, March 22
Asserting that water is our legitimate right as per Riparian law, the Punjab assembly led Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday condemned the act of Himachal Pradesh government to impose Water cess on hydropower projects. Endorsing the resolution passed by the Water Resources Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer to condemn the move of Himachal Pradesh government, the Chief Minister said that it is a major setback for the interests of Punjab and its people. He said contrary to its name- Punjab (the land of five rivers) is today facing serious challenges in terms of potable water. Bhagwant Mann said that the fresh move of Himachal Pradesh government is a fresh attack on the waters of the state which cannot be tolerated. Taking the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh to cudgels, the Chief Minister categorically said that this move of the Sukhu government is illegitimate and irrational. He said that Punjab has legitimate right over the river waters and no one can snatch it from the state. Bhagwant Mann said that the state will not pay even a single penny for the water flowing through its land. The Chief Minister said that this move of Congress government is aimed at dividing the country adding that this is not ‘Bharat Jodo’ but it is ‘Bharat Todo’ campaign. He also questioned the absence of the Congress leaders of Punjab from the assembly when the state was deliberating a serious issue concerning the waters of the state. Bhagwant Mann said that these leaders have always backstabbed Punjab but the state government will leave no stone unturned to solve all the issues being confronted by Punjab. The Chief Minister said that this shameless act of the Himachal Pradesh government has exposed that Congress has several faces and they use these masks as per their political convenience. He said that the Congress leaders make tall claims about federal structure but in real terms they act as per their own political interests. Bhagwant Mann said that this time again congress has hatched a conspiracy to divest Punjab of its rights but this will not be allowed at any cost. The Chief Minister advised the Himachal Pradesh government to refrain from taking such steps which will dilute the powers of the states. He said that the centre already wants a chance to meddle in the affairs of the states adding that by racking up such issues the Himachal Pradesh government is giving a chance to the Union government to unnecessarily intervene in matters pertaining to the state. Bhagwant Mann also said that if the Congress government goes ahead with this plan then with what face they will make claims for federal structure in the country.
IEP Chandigarh March 22
Aiming to curb the menace of corruption in the state, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Wednesday arrested Ravi Pankaj Sharma Assistant Town Planner (ATP) Jalandhar and his two accomplices Kunal Kohli and Arvind Sharma, both private individuals, have been nabbed for accepting a bribe of Rs 8 lakh. The arrest of Ashish Arora, the fourth accused in this case, is pending, for which the VB has formed teams to arrest him. Meanwhile the accused were produced in the local court and were sent on five days police remand to the VB. Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the VB said that Narinder Singh, the director of Castle Heritage Company, a resident of village Bath Kalan, district Jalandhar, had constructed the ‘Bath Castle’, a marriage palace, at Jalandhar in 2005 after approval of a map plan from the Municipal Corporation (MC) Jalandhar. The complainant has informed the VB that he received a letter dated 20-01-2023 from the above said ATP in which he wrote that the MC has received a complaint according to which Bath Castle had been illegally constructed without the approval of MC Jalandhar. Due to which the company was asked to submit the approved map plan and completion certificate of the said palace within three days. He further added that thereafter, director of Bath Castle, Narinder Singh met the said accused ATP, who showed him a complaint made by private persons Kunal Kohli, Ashish Arora and Arvind Sharma. The accused ATP advised the complainant that these private persons would not withdraw the complaint without taking money and Rs 15 lakh would have to be paid to settle this matter. The spokesperson further informed that after this, the said ATP Ravi Pankaj Sharma arranged a meeting of Narinder Singh with Kunal Kohli, who demanded Rs 20 lakh to withdraw the complaint. The complainant further informed the VB that in this case, the deal was settled for Rs 10 lakh and Ravi Pankaj Sharma had already taken Rs 2 lakh from him in two installments and demanding the remaining Rs 8 lakh from him. The spokesperson added that after the preliminary investigation of the case, the VB’s Flying Squad-1 team from Mohali laid a trap and arrested the said ATP Ravi Pankaj Sharma including above said two private persons from Jalandhar while taking a bribe of Rs 8 lakh. On the occasion, the said town planner tried to run away, but the alert team of vigilance overpowered him. In this case, fourth accused Ashish Arora, is yet to be arrested. He further informed that in this regard a FIR No. 12 dated 21.03.2023 has been registered against all the said accused under section 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act and section 120-B of IPC at Vigilance Bureau, Police Station Flying Squad-1, Punjab, Mohali. Further investigation of this case was under progress. The spokesperson further informed that after this trap, the vigilance team searched the said accused Kunal Kohli during which ATMs of several banks, two press identification cards were recovered besides five live cartridges and a revolver was confiscated from his possession. Apart from this, several files having fake complaints to be made against various persons, have also been recovered from the car of the said accused, from which it seems that the said accused used to collect bribes after handling fake complaints against common people and used to settle them with mutual agreement by taking bribes.
IEP Chandigarh, March 22
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday announced the construction of a heritage street at the native village of Shaheed-e-Aazam Bhagat Singh to showcase the glorious contribution of Punjab and Punjabis in national freedom struggle.
Leading the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in passing resolution for carving out Punjab of dreams Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru and Shaheed Sukhdev, the Chief Minister said that this 850 metre long heritage street will be constructed from existing from Museum to the ancestral house at Shaheed Bhagat Singh at Khatkar Kalan. He said that this street will showcase the glorious contribution of the state national freedom struggle thereby inspiring the youth to work zealously for the country. Bhagwant Mann said that he had already asked the Tourism and Culture department to set the wheels in motion for this project.
The Chief Minister said that they are even conceiving an idea to create a video depicting the scene in which Shaheed Bhagat Singh was sentenced to death. He categorically said that March 23rd is not merely a day but it is as a fact of matter a symbol of battle against any type of injustice, tyranny and oppression. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government is duty bound to realize the dreams of the great martyrs who had sacrificed their lives for the country.
The Chief Minister said that all of us have to make strenuous efforts to realize the dreams of martyrs. He said that it is the need of hour to restore the pristine glory of the state for which every individual should support the state government. Bhagwant Mann said that Shaheed Bhagat Singh was not only an individual but an institution adding that we must follow his footsteps for the progress of the country.
The Chief Minister said that the supreme sacrifice of Shaheed Bhagat Singh will inspire youth to serve the country. He said that apart from emancipating the country from foreign clutches Shaheed Bhagat Singh had also envisioned a corruption and poverty free India. However, Bhagwant Mann said that the country is still facing these problems adding that his government is committed to resolve all these issues.
The Chief Minister urged the people to exercise their right to franchise in a proper manner for electing the government that works for the people. He said that the great national leaders had sacrificed their lives for ensuring that every citizen of the country gets the right to vote. Bhagwant Mann said that the participation in democracy without any fear is the real tribute to these great leaders of the country.
IEP Chandigarh, March 22
Local Government Minister, Dr.Inderbir Singh Nijjar said that Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) has provided financial assistance of about Rs 85.92 crore for taking care of stray cattle. It was stated by Local Government Minister Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar today during the on going budget session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha while replying to the call attention notice brought by MLAs S. Daljit Singh Grewal (Bhola) and S. Gurpreet Singh Banawali. Giving more information in this regard, Local Government Minister, Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar said that there are 1.70 lakh stray cattle in about 417 private registered gaushalas in the state. Apart from this, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department Punjab has constructed 77 cattle sheds in 20 government cattle ponds in the state, which have around 10,024 stray cattle. Dr. Nijjar added that 10 gaushalas are being run by Urban Local Bodies at their level, in which about 3385 stray cattle are kept. He said that Urban Local Bodies capture stray cattle roaming within their jurisdiction and release them in government/private gaushalas. About 33575 stray cattle have been caught by them during the last five years and released in gaushalas. Dr Nijjar said that around 185 government/private gaushalas are being given financial assistance of Rs 10 to 30 per cattle per day or monthly basis as per financial status and available cow cess funds by the Urban Local Bodies. He also added that upto now Rs 183.44 crore has been collected as cow cess is with the Urban Local Bodies
IEP Chandigarh/New Delhi, March 22
President of India Mrs. Droupadi Murmu today conferred the coveted Padam Shri Award to Noted academician and Sikh scholar Dr. Rattan Singh Jaggi at a Civil Investiture Ceremony held in Rashtrapati Bhavan this evening. An eminent Sikh scholar Dr Rattan Singh Jaggi was given the award by the President in the presence of Vice President of India Mr. Jagdeep Dhankar and Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi besides several Union Ministers. The prestigious award has been conferred upon to Dr. Rattan Singh Jaggi in recognition of his enormous contribution in the field of education and literature. Dr Jaggi, a nonagenarian is an eminent scholar of Hindi and Punjabi with Gurmat and Bhakti Movement Literature being his forte.
IEP Chandigarh, March 22
In a landmark decision, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday accorded approval for implementing the UGC scales for the teaching faculty of the Punjab Agriculture University (PAU) and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary Sciences University (GADVASU). A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister in a high level meeting held here today. Takin g part in deliberations, the Chief Minister said that implementation of UGC pay scales for the teaching faculty will incur an annual expenditure of Rs 66 crore whereas the same facility for teaching staff in GADVASU will bear expenses worth Rs 20 crore annually. However, he said that this amount is nothing before the immense contribution of the faculty of both the Universities in giving fillip to crop production and allied farming activities. Therefore, Bhagwant Mann said that the UGC scales will be provided to teaching staff of both these premier universities. The Chief Minister also gave approval for implementing the revised pay scales for the non teaching staff of both the universities. He said that the implementation of revised pay scales for non-teaching staff of PAU will bear expenditure worth Rs 53 crore whereas the implementation of revised pay scales for non-teaching staff for GADVASU will be done at a cost of Rs 10 crore annually. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government is committed to comprehensive reforms in both these universities to propel the research work for the well being of the farming community. The Chief Minister said that due to the lackluster attitude of previous governments, the farmers of the state are on cross roads. He said that in such scenario these universities can play a pivotal role in mitigating the woes of farmers through extensive research. Bhagwant Mann expressed hope that the teaching and non-teaching staff of both these universities will further make concerted efforts to transform the destiny of farmers on one hand and make Punjab a frontrunner state on the other.
IEP Chandigarh, March 22
The Punjab Vidhan Sabha, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution to request the Government of India (GOI) to name the upcoming International Airport at Indian Air force Station Halwara, Ludhiana as Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha International Airport. The resolution was moved by the Chief Minister today during the session of the Punjab Assembly. The Chief Minister said that this will be a humble tribute to the iconic martyr who laid down his life at the altar of the motherland. He said that this young martyr had been an inspiration for the young generations since ages to work for their country selflessly. Bhagwant Mann said that the great martyr played a pivotal role in emancipating the country from the clutches of foreign imperialism adding that as an active leader of Ghadar party he worked untiringly for attaining freedom first abroad and then within the country. The Chief Minister said that due to strenuous efforts of the state government, the Mohali International Airport has already been named after Shaheed Bhagat Singh adding that naming of Halwara airport after Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha will be a humble tribute to the martyr. Bhagwant Mann further said that naming the airports, universities and other institutions in the name of these iconic martyrs is important to perpetuate their glorious legacy. He said that naming these institutions after great national leaders can inspire our youth for selfless service towards the country. Batting for conferring Bharat Ratna award to Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha and other legendary martyrs who had sacrificed their lives during the national freedom struggle, the Chief Minister said that bestowing the Bharat Ratna award to these legendary martyrs will enhance the prestige of this award. He said that these great martyrs really deserve this award because they had made supreme sacrifices for emancipating the country from foreign clutches. Bhagwant Mann bemoaned that unfortunately this award has not been bestowed to these leaders even after the passing of more than 75 years of independence. Training his guns against the Congress leaders for boycotting the session when this important resolution is being passed, the Chief Minister said that this is grave disrespect towards these iconic leaders. He said that the awardees for this coveted award are selected by a high level committee led by the Prime Minister of the country. However, Bhagwant Mann quipped that ironically two past Prime Ministers from the Congress party had recommended their own names for this prestigious award. The Chief Minister also announced a holiday to mark the death anniversary of the legendary martyr. He said that the necessary formalities regarding this will be completed by the state government in the coming days. Bhagwant Mann also profusely thanked the MLAs of opposition including Manpreet Singh Ayaali, Ashwani Sharma and Nachattar Pal for taking part in healthy debate on the issue and supporting the state government on bill.
IEP Chandigarh, March 22
The Punjab Legislative Assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed three bills. On the concluding day of the budget session, the House passed the ‘The salaries and allowances of Chief Whip in Punjab Legislative Assembly Bill, 2023‘ which was moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar. The assembly also passed another Bill ‘The Punjab state commission for Scheduled Castes (Amendment) Bill, 2023’. The bill was piloted by Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur. The third bill which was entitled ‘The Punjab Agricultural Produce Markets (Amendment) Bill, 2023’ was also passed by the assembly. The bill was tabled by Agriculture Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal.
IEP Chandigarh, March 21
Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal while delivering his reply on the budget speech during the ongoing budget session of the state Vidhan Sabha announced that now MLAs can spend an amount of Rs. 2 crore being given under the Vidhayak Adarsh Gram Yojana for the development works in the urban areas as well.Earlier the MLA used to spend the said grant in rural areas only but now this amount can be used for the development works in the urban areas as well. He also announced to rename this scheme as Adarsh Nagar Evam Gram Yojana. The Director, Panchayat will be the nodal officer for this, announced Sh. Manohar Lal.The Chief Minister further announced that the Girl’s college to be constructed at Balsamand, Hisar will be named after Late Chaudhary Bhajan Lal. Sh. Manohar Lal said that apart from already announced 4000 playway schools in the year 2022-23, now additional 4000 play way schools would be further opened in the State.Sharing five contradictory figures about State Debt questions the credibility of ‘Hooda Sahab ‘only, CMResponding to the contradictory figures shared by the Opposition leader Sh. Bhupinder Singh Hooda on State Debt publically from November 22 to till date, Sh. Manohar Lal said that sharing 5 different figures is going to question the credibility of Hooda only, every time the Opposition leader shares different figures it certainly denting his image only. “We are not afraid of criticism, will keep introducing good governance reforms, said the Chief Minister.Opposition always fumble with the debt figures, at present, State’s debt graph has declined, CMClarifying the definition of Debt, the Chief Minister said that in the Public debt three different heads are included. The opposition should not confuse one with the other while calculating the final debt figures.The State Public Enterprises loan figure was in 2014-15 was 69,922 crore, while in the year 2021-22, the figure was 47,211 crore. The debt graph of the state at present has declined, shared Sh. Manohar Lal.Our GSDP is constantly increasing, at present it is increased up to Rs. 10 lakh crore. The debt limit was increased from Rs. 25 percent to Rs. 33 percent during the COVID-19 period. We are within the prescribed limit of around 26-27 percent while the neighbouring state Punjab is at 48 percent, shared Sh. Manohar Lal.The Chief Minister further shared that the HSVP had a pending debt of Rs. 14334. Out of this, about Rs.6000 crore has been settled and now Rs. 8334 crore has been left.Likewise, the HSIIDC had a pending debt of Rs. 13881 crore. Out of this, around Rs.7000 crore has been settled and now Rs. 6944 crore has been left. The power utilities had a pending debt of more than Rs. 37000 crore, which has been reduced to Rs. 14800 crore, shared Sh. Manohar Lal.The Chief Minister said that the State Government has included an amount of Rs. 25,850 crore of the UDAY scheme in its debt account and this is the reason that the profit graph of the power department is constantly rising, said Sh. Manohar Lal.Haryana is in the third position in the country in terms of InvestmentThe Chief Minister informed that with an investment of 90 rupee per person, Haryana is in the third position in the country in terms of investment after Karnataka and Maharashtra that have per person investment of Rs. 303 and Rs. 108 respectively. State’s investment graph is constantly increasing, said Sh. Manohar Lal.For 2023-24 Rs. 7314 crore allocated for Agriculture and allied sectors, CMThe Chief Minister said that for 2023-24 Rs. 7314 crore allocated for Agriculture and allied sectors, which is 3.9 percent of the total budget. In the revised budget estimates of 2022-23 it was Rs. 5758 crores and in the year 2021-22 it was Rs. 4100 crores.The Chief Minister shared that in the year 2014-15, the total allocated budget for this sector was Rs. 2156 crore which was only 3.4 percent. The present government has allocated 3.9 percent to this sector.Responding to an issue regarding why Haryana gets less financial help from Centre as compared to neighbouring states, the Chief Minister said that Centre follows the formula of the more progressive the state is, lesser the financial grant will be. The financial management of Haryana is well managed and this is the reason that we get less help as compared to its neighbouring states.The Chief Minister said that after GST, the Centre had announced to give 14 percent compensation to the States. As per the decision of the GST Council, loan has been taken for the amount which is to be given to the states. This debt is reflected in the State debt account, though this debt would be repaid by the Centre only.Government focused on making Panchayat and civic bodies financially independentThe Chief Minister said that the Government is focused on making Panchayat and civic bodies financially independent. They have been directed to prepare their budgetary allocation and ensure the same is spent on carrying out various development works. Those Panchayat and civic bodies that face storage of funds would be helped. They will continue to get the funds from the Central and State Finance Commission.He said that the local audit system would be meticulously implemented. Whatever public money will be spent on development works, local audit would be conducted for the same, said the Chief Minister.