Category Archives: Chandigarh

Chandigarh

NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING POLICY TO RESUSCITATE REAL ESTATE SECTOR: AMAN ARORA

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IEP Chandigarh, October 15 

In order to promote affordable housing for lower-middle & lower-income families and resuscitate the real estate sector in the state, Punjab Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) department will soon come up with a new Affordable Housing Policy. The draft of the new affordable housing policy has been uploaded on the official website for seeking suggestions from public.

Revealing this, Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government will not leave any stone left unturned to fulfill the common man’s aspirations to own a dream house. 

The H&UD department has formulated “Punjab Affordable Housing Policy-2022”, of which, draft has already been uploaded on the official website www.puda.gov.in for seeking suggestions from the general public. Those desirous may submit their suggestions till October 29, 2022, he added. 

In the new policy, Mr. Aman Arora informed, the minimum area for a plotted colony has been fixed five acres and the minimum area required for group housing is 2 acres only. The saleable area has been increased to 65 per cent as compared to 55 per cent in normal colonies to provide plots at affordable rates to common man and saleable area is being given on the total plot area of the project irrespective of any master plan road passing through the plot area. 

To reduce the burden on individual plot holders, Mr. Aman Arora said, the mandatory provisions for providing schools, dispensaries and other common facilities have also been precluded. CLU, EDC and other charges have also been reduced to 50 per cent, or half, of the as applicable for a normal colony but the reduction in charges will not be applicable in GMADA area.

Maximum plot size has been fixed is upto 150 sq.yd. and maximum flat size is fixed upto 90 sq.mt. Relaxation is being provided for parking norms to reduce the cost of construction. 

He also made it clear that this policy will not be applicable in New Chandigarh and the area required for a new colony in SAS Nagar (Mohali) is 25 acres as per the master plan. 

To enable speedy clearances of CLU and other approvals, H&UD Minister said, the single competent authority has been designated at local level irrespective of the size of a colony. All powers for approvals have been delegated to Chief Administrators of the concerned Urban Development Authority.

Now, all mandatory NOCs from the other departments will be taken by the H&UD and regular monitoring will be ensured at the higher level for quick disposal of cases regarding approvals, Mr. Aman Arora added.

The Minister affirmed that this policy will encourage the promoters to get their colonies approved in hassle-free manner and will definitely curb the mushrooming of unauthorized colonies, which will give a further boost to the real estate development in the state. 

Chandigarh

PUNJAB POWER MINISTER DEMANDS ALLOCATION OF MAXIMUM FUNDS UNDER RDSS SCHEME TO STRENGTHEN INFRASTRUCTURE IN STATE

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IEP CHANDIGARH, October 15    

       Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO urged Union Minister of Power (MoP) RK Singh to allot maximum funds under the Reform-based and Result-linked Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to further strengthen the Distribution Infrastructure works in Punjab. Pertinently, RDSS has been approved by the Punjab Government consisting of Distribution Infrastructure works totalling Rs 25,237 Crores for Punjab state.The Minister was attending the two-day conference of ‘Power and New Renewable Energy Ministers of States and UTs’ held at Udaipur, Rajasthan on Friday and Saturday.          Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, while addressing the conference, raised the issue of not appointing Member/Power in Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) from the panel forwarded by Punjab.          “Being the largest shareholder, traditionally all Member/ Power in BBMB were from Punjab, but so far MoP has not appointed any member from the panel forwarded by Punjab,” he said, while requesting immediate withdrawal of the Ministry of Power, Government of India Notification 145 dated 23.02.2022, and to continue with the ongoing convention of appointment of Member Power from Punjab.          He also highlighted issues like Late Payment Surcharge (LPS) Rules 2022, Draft Electricity Amendment Rules 2022 and other rules for consideration by MoP for implementation through consultancy and consensus of the states. “I request MoP to exempt restrictions on Banking under bilateral category from the New Late payment surcharge Rules 2022 as on 19th August due to default by exporting Discoms, Punjab, which was not a defaulter also suffered as import of power was restricted,” he said.          He further requested MoP to ask Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) and Power Finance Corporation (PFC) to reduce the rate of interest on their existing loans as well as future loans so that the benefit of lower cost loans may be passed on to the consumers.          The Power Minister apprised the gathering that despite the nationwide coal crises this year, Punjab under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has met its all time highest ever peak demand of 14,311 MW. Notably, record energy demand was met from April to September 2022 which is 13% higher in comparison to the same period of last year.          He said that Punjab has also been able to reduce its Transmission & distribution (T&D) losses to 14.46% (in 2022) and further efforts are being made to reduce the T&D losses to a minimum level.          He added that despite the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has been providing 600 units bi-montly at free of cost to domestic households, it is paying the subsidy to discom on time and there is no payment default by discom to the generating company.

Chandigarh

All set to mark the observance of World Spine day on Oct 16

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IEP Chandigarh October 16

Low back pain is considered a disaster of the 21st century. Up to 90% of all people experience back pain at some stage in their lives. Back pain is one of the most common reasons for visits to doctors.

Chronic low back pain impacts all aspects of life be it social, functional, daily activities, mental health and financial. It poses an economic burden to society, mainly in terms of a large number of work days lost (indirect costs) and by direct treatment costs. The treatment requires an interdisciplinary team approach.

The Pain Medicine Group, Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, PGIMER, Chandigarh is organizing a public awareness activity including a public lecture on “Low Back Pain” on World Spine Day, 16th October 2022, 10.00 am onwards, in the auditorium of Advanced Eye Centre of PGIMER.  

Anil Vij, Health and Home Minister, Haryana will be Guest of Honour with Prof Vivek Lal, Director, PGI as Chief Guest This session would include the magnitude of the problem, causes, diagnosis, treatment including home care and prevention of low back pain. The speakers shall also answer any queries the audience may have. All the members of the public are cordially invited to attend the lecture. There is no entry fee. 

Chandigarh

SYL canal issue, no consensus reached between Haryana and Punjab

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IEP Chandigarh, October 14

An important meeting to amicably resolve the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue was held today between Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal and his Punjab counterpart Sh. Bhagwant Mann. 

Later addressing the media, Sh. Manohar Lal said that as directed by the Supreme Court the meeting was held with the Punjab Chief Minister but both States reached no consensus on the construction of the SYL canal.

The Supreme Court has asked for the construction of SYL, with which Punjab has disagreed.  The construction of SYL is the lifeline for Haryana, said the chief minister adding that now he will be holding a meeting with the Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Sh.  Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to brief him about this meeting.

The Chief Minister said that earlier also a tribunal was formed to resolve the water issue, after that a new tribunal of three judges was again formed and as per the tribunal’s decision, the construction of SYL is necessary. 

He said that apart from SYL, some other key issues were discussed with the Punjab Chief Minister. A committee of officials of the Irrigation Department of both states has been formed to clean the Ghaggar River.

Along with the Chief Ministers, the top administrative wing of both States remained present during the meeting.

Chandigarh

MARKFED CHAIRMAN AMANDEEP MOHI REVIEWS ARRANGEMENTS AT SAHNEWAL DANA MANDI

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IEP Chandigarh, 14 October

 Markfed Chairman Amandeep Mohi visited Sahnewal Dana Mandi to start procurement of paddy and review the arrangements of the market.          On this occasion, Amandeep Mohi said that farmers are our breadwinners and he himself comes from a farming family. He said that all know that earlier farmers had to face a lot of hardships for selling their grain. However he said that  now under the guidelines of Chief Minister Mr Bhagwant Mann, we will not let any farmer brother face any kind of hardships.          Amandeep Mohi said, “I have talked to all the officials of the market, they have been given all the guidelines that there should be no negligence in ensuring right price for produce of farmers. He assured the farmers that all their harvest will be purchased by the government. Along with this, he assured them that several other facilities have also been arranged in the market for the farmers.          Amandeep Mohi said that today there is an honest government in Punjab and its head is the most staunchly honest person. Therefore, any kind of corruption and negligence will not be tolerated. Every farmer will get their due right.

Chandigarh

SON OF SOIL CM BHAGWANT MANN FULFILLING HIS DUTY BY STANDING UP FOR PUNJAB’S WATERS: KULDEEP SINGH DHALIWAL

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IEP Chandigarh, October 14

 In a meeting of Punjab and Haryana on the issue of the SYL Canal, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has fulfilled the duty of being the son of soil by standing firmly to protect Punjab’s water. The interests of Punjab are completely protected under the leadership of Bhagwant Mann.It was stated by Punjab Agriculture and Panchayats Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal in a press statement issued here today.          Mr. Dhaliwal emphasized that the CM Bhagwant Mann’s firm stand in protecting Punjab’s waters with facts had left the opposition speechless. He told that today those parties are advising our government, had clandestinely laid the foundation of this canal for their vested political interests.          “Our government is committed to protecting the rights of Punjab,” He said adding that the Chief Minister today made the state government’s stand clear and would fight every battle to protect Punjab’s waters.

Chandigarh

PUNJAB SECURES INVESTMENTS WORTH RS 23,448 CRORE IN FIRST SIX MONTHS: ASSERTS ANMOL GAGAN MAAN

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IEP Chandigarh, October 14

The state government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Maan is continuously striving to consolidate the fiscal condition of the state, provide employment to the people here and bring maximum investment. The state government has received investments worth Rs.23,448 crore in various sectors during the first six months due to the tireless efforts.          Divulging this Punjab Minister for Investment Promotion, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Grievance Redressal and Labour Ms. Anmol Gagan said that according to SBI research team, Punjab exports are increased US $7096 Million in 2022 from US $1830 Million in 2018-19. She said that the industrial sector will further grow in manifold and it is expected to create more than 1,06,000 jobs in the state.          Ms. Mann informed that the Government accorded top priority to ease of doing business in the state and to improve the business environment. She emphasized that Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann have secured investments from German, Canadian, Australian and American companies. She also informed that companies like Tata Steel Limited, Sanatan Polycot Private Limited, Nabha Power Limited, Max Specialty Films Limited, Badal Chemical Limited Unit XII, Freudenberg Group, Nestle India Limited and Cargill India Private Limited eagerly wanted to expand their base in the state.

Chandigarh, Punjab

PUNJAB POLICE RECOVERS SIX PISTOLS FROM LOCATIONS PINPOINTED BY TWO JAILED GANGSTERS

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IEP CHANDIGARH/FATEHGARH SAHIB, October 14

          Amidst the ongoing war against anti-social elements launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab Police on Friday recovered six pistols including two foreign-made from different locations pinpointed by two Jailed Gangsters. The recovered pistols include one Austrian made 9mm Glock pistol, one made in China CF-98 pistol and along with four country-made .315 bore pistols with 12 live cartridges.

          Disclosing this, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Ropar Range-cum-Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that Taranjot Singh alias Tanna was nominated as accused in case FIR no 117 u/s 384, 120b and 25/54/59 dated 29.07.2022 of Police Station, Sirhind. Upon his interrogation, it was revealed that Tanna had received consignment of 11 sophisticated weapons smuggled from across-border by Pakistan based ISYF Chief Lakhbir Singh Rode alias Baba, of which the Police had recovered nine weapons and two are still with him, he said.

          “Following this one CF-98 pistol and two .315. bore pistols were recovered from his friend’s house in Lopoke, Amritsar,” he said.

          SSP Fatehgarh Sahib Dr Ravjot Grewal said that on disclosure of Taranjot Tanna, the Police have also brought another Gangster Jaspal Singh alias Jassi from Kapurthala Jail and recovered the remaining Glock pistol along with two-country made pistols from a his associate Laadi’s home from Hoshiarpur.

She said that with this recovery, CIA Fatehgarh Sahib team has managed to recover the entire chunk of the weapon consignment sent by Lakhbir Rode from Pakistan.

          Pertinently, Taranjot Tanna’s name was also figured in a recent Extortion case belonging to District Bathinda, wherein, Goldy Brar, Manpreet alias Manna and Taranjot alias Tanna recently have extorted money from Bathinda-based businessman. In this case, shooters arrested by Delhi Special Cell revealed Tanna’s name.

          Meanwhile, further investigation is going on to ascertain their cross border links.

Chandigarh

OUTRIGHTLY REJECTS DEMAND OF HARYANA TO CONSTRUCT SYL CANAL

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IEP Chandigarh, October 14

Outrightly rejecting Haryana government’s proposal to start construction of Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today categorically said that there is no question of initiating this work, as the state does not have even a single drop of water to share with Haryana.

“At the time when agreement for the canal was inked, Punjab was getting 18.56 MAF of water which has been now reduced to 12.63 MAF, presently, so we don’t have any surplus water to share with any state” said the Chief Minister, while interacting with the media here at Punjab Bhawan after meeting with his Haryana counterpart on the issue of SYL canal.

The Chief Minister said that Haryana is currently getting 14.10 MAF of water from Satluj, Yamuna and other rivulets whereas Punjab is getting only 12.63 MAF. He said that despite being smaller in area, Haryana is getting more water than Punjab and ironically it is demanding more water at the cost of Punjab. In wake of this fact, Bhagwant Mann said that how can we give water to Haryana if our own fields are starving for it.

The Chief Minister said that 1400 kilometres of rivers, canals and rivulets have dried up in the state due to which pressure had increased on ground water. He said that currently 27% of Punjab’s agriculture is dependent on surface water whereas the remaining 73% is being done through oozing out the groundwater. Bhagwant Mann said that this has resulted in depletion of ground water level in the state and most of the blocks have gone into dark zones.

The Chief Minister said that instead of seeking water from Punjab, Haryana should give water to the state from the Yamuna river. He said that during the united Punjab days, after independence, the state used to get a share of water from Yamuna. However, Bhagwant Mann rued that after reorganisation of states Punjab was unlawfully deprived of this right.

The Chief Minister further said that if Haryana really needs water then he is ready to go with his Haryana counterpart to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for solving the issue. However, he said that before the Prime Minister the state government will reiterate its stand that Punjab does not even have a single drop of water to share with Haryana. Bhagwant Mann said that rather Punjab and Haryana should forcefully plead the case of water sharing from Ganga and Yamuna before the Prime Minister.

The Chief Minister bemoaned that in all the water agreements across the globe a clause is mentioned that the agreement will be reviewed after 25 years in wake of climate changes. However, he said that SYL agreement is the only exception in which no such clause has been mentioned. Bhagwant Mann said that this is the gross injustice which had taken place with Punjab adding that the then government at the centre and leadership of Punjab was responsible for this sin.

The Chief Minister said that it is ridiculous that Haryana is asking us to complete the work on construction of the canal. He said that when we don’t have surplus water, how can we construct the canal?  Bhagwant Mann said that the need of the hour is that Punjab should get its full share of water due to which this canal will never turn into a reality.

Training his guns against the Congress and Akalis, the Chief Minister said that both these parties were partners in crime against Punjab. He said that these parties have connived with each other to hatch conspiracy against Punjab and Punjabis. Bhagwant Mann said that as Chief Minister Akali leader Parkash Singh Badal had allowed survey of the canal to appease his friend and Haryana leader Devi Lal.

Similarly, the Chief Minister said that scion of Patiala royal family and former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, who was Member of Parliament at that time, had welcomed the then Prime Minister for ground breaking of this sinister move. He said that since the survey till now, every step of these leaders speaks volumes of their treachery against Punjab and its people. Bhagwant Mann said that it is ironic that those people who had hailed this decision are now advising him to call an All Party meeting on this issue.  

The Chief Minister said that these leaders have sown thorns before the Punjab and its younger generations by indulging in this unpardonable crime. He said that for the sake of their vested interests these selfish political leaders have prepared distress for the state. Bhagwant Mann said that the hands of these leaders are drenched with this crime against state and history will never forgive them for backstabbing Punjab.

The Chief Minister said that for the first time since the inception of this controversial agreement, Punjab’s case has been solidly presented. Bhagwant Mann said that he had consulted the officers, experts, journalists and legal luminaries to finalise his homework for going into the meeting. He said that the state government will firmly safeguard the interests of the state and its people over the issue.

On the occasion, Advocate General Punjab Vinod Ghai, Additional Chief Secretary to CM A Venuprasad, Principal Secretary Water Resources Krishan Kumar and others were also present. 

Chandigarh

FOOD SAFETY TEAMS LED BY HEALTH MINISTER CONDUCT SURPRISE CHECKING AT FATEHGARH SAHIB AND PATIALA

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IEP Chandigarh, October 14

 Food Safety Teams led by Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Chetan Singh Jauramajra on Friday conducted a surprise checking at District Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib. As many as, 10 samples of milk products were taken during the checking.          Giving this information, Mr. Jauramajra said that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Mann is committed to provide quality food to the people in view of the festivals. He said that no compromise will be made with the health of the people of Punjab at any cost and appropriate action will be taken against those selling adulterated food. He said that this checking campaign will continue in the future keeping in mind the festive season. He said that in this season, milk consumption increases for making sweets, khoya, cheese and ghee. He said that some shopkeepers adulterate milk for their own profit. He said that this special campaign has been launched to crack down on adulterers.          The health minister said that the joint food safety team checked milk and milk products at district Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib. He said that this campaign started from 6 am and checking was carried out at milk collection and chilling centers, cheese factory, hotels near the factory and sweet shops etc., from where 10 different samples were taken and these samples were sent to the Food Allergy Laboratory.          Mr. Jauramajra further said that the Punjab government will not allow anyone to play with the health of the people of Punjab, if any adulteration is found in any sample, appropriate action will be taken against them under the Food Safety Act. ”Provide quality food, there is no need to panic, the purpose of the Punjab government is to take strict legal action against adulterers and to ensure quality food products to the people of Punjab”, the Minister added.