Category Archives: Chandigarh

Chandigarh

As per CPCB Punjab’s Air Quality Index better than Haryana: Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Dhaliwal-Meet Hayer

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IEP Chandigarh, November 4

In order to hide its failures, the centre government is accusing Punjab of spreading pollution by burning stubble. Today, during a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, Punjab Cabinet Ministers Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal and Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer lashing out at the centre government on the issue said that the centre government is highlighting the issue of stubble burning to divert people’s attention from the unfortunate incident that took place in Gujarat.

Both the ministers said that the Haryana Chief Minister is spreading misleading propaganda against Punjab on this issue of stubble burning.

They said that as per Central Pollution Controll Board Punjab’s Air Quality Index is better than Haryana.The Ministers further said that according to the data till date, many cities of Haryana are in the first 10 cities in the list of the most polluted cities in India, including Hisar, Faridabad, Sirsa, Rohtak, Sonepat and Bhiwani etc., while from Punjab no city is in the first 10 of this list. This clearly shows that stubble is being set on fire more in Haryana than in Punjab. They also accused the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi of playing politics at the behest of the Centre government on the issue of stubble burning who is writing letters to the Chief Minister of Punjab on this matter without any authority.

Kuldeep Dhaliwal and Meet Hayer said that stubble burning and crop residue management is a joint issue of many states of North India, but the centre government is playing politics instead of supporting Punjab in this matter. They said that Punjab and Delhi government prepared a proposal, which was sent to the centre government to give assistance of Rs 2500 per acre to the farmers for crop residue management and stubble management, as per the proposal the Punjab government had to contribute Rs 500, the Delhi government also Rs 500 and the central government to contribute Rs 1500, but the central government rejected this proposal.

The ministers said that Punjab is a state which made the country self-reliant and for this cause polluted its air, water and land, but now when it was time to pay back, the centre government has backtracked from helping the farmers of the state, instead the centre government is blaming Punjab of spreading pollution.

Agriculture Minister Kuldeep Dhaliwal said that due to the concrete and sincere efforts of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government, cases of stubble burning have fallen down enormously. He said that sanctions for 42,342 subsidized machines for stubble management have been given to farmers. Apart from this, the agriculture department at the block level has given machines to small farmers for stubble management for free use. Due to these efforts of the present government, this year 2 Million tonnes of straw has been baled compared to 1.2 million last year.

While sharing the information on the issue, Environment Minister of the state Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said that despite the centre government not providing any help for stubble management, the target given by the center to Punjab for stubble management is being fulfilled 100 percent at its own level. He also assured that in the coming one or two years the problem of stubble will be completely overcome.

Meet Hayer said that even in the satellite system; there are some flaws in showing the cases of stubble while the actual reality is something else. In Punjab, there has been a decrease in cases of stubble burning this year, but the satellite system is showing the same where actually the only waste was burnt  after stubble bailing which did not cause any significant pollution.

Apart from this, he said that even though there is only a 10-day gap between paddy harvesting and wheat sowing in Punjab, therefore the use of D-composer solution for stubble management in the field is not effective in all places. But despite this, wherever possible, D-decomposer solution is being sprayed in about 5000 acres in the state.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Government will promote research for agricultural development: Chief Minister

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IEP Chandigarh, November 4

Haryana Chief Minister said that with the changing nature of traditional farming, farmers can earn more income by adopting new technologies in the agriculture sector. With this objective, the government is taking concrete steps for promoting research in the agriculture sector, which will prove beneficial in the economic upliftment of the farmers, said Sh. Manohar Lal while interacting directly with the farmers and agricultural experts after inaugurating Dhanuka Agritech Research and Technology Centrer at village Sihol in Palwal district on Friday.

The Chief Minister said that today two big projects are dedicated to Palwal district, of which one project is for water conservation and the other project will motivate the farmers towards farming with new technology. He said that the indigenous company Dhanuka is working in the interest of the farmers, which will definitely increase the income of the farmers. He said that traditional farming depends on many aspects and farmers were not aware of new technologies earlier. But now the time has come to make a shift as per the changing environment, and for this there is a dire need to conduct research in the agriculture sector.

Congratulating the Dhanuka Management for the new Research and Development Centre, the Chief Minister said that all necessary facilities and cooperation would be provided by the Haryana Government. He said that the quality of food grain is declining due to excessive use of pesticides. Research centers play a pivotal role to deal with this issue.

Sh. Manohar Lal said that instead of paddy, the government is giving preference to 3M- Moong, Mustard and Maize. In this newly built research centre, 11 types of laboratories related to agriculture have been built, through which farmers will be helped in cultivating improved varieties. The farmers will get benefit from this training centre.

The Chief Minister said that the government is also encouraging farmers to adopt horticulture, fisheries, animal husbandry and other options. Today the use of drones is increasing continuously. The Government has setup Drone Imaging and Information Services of Haryana Limited (DRIISHYA) for using drones in agriculture, mining sector and for traffic.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries, Sh. Krishan Pal said that Haryana is an agrarian state and this research centre will not only benefit Palwal but also the farmers of the adjoining areas. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi and Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal both the Center and the State are working for the welfare of the farmers.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Ensure fair, peaceful and transparent conduct of second and third phase elections of Panchayati Raj Institutions: State Election Commissioner

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IEP Chandigarh, November 4

Ensuring fair, peaceful and transparent conduct of second and third phase elections of Panchayati Raj Institutions, Haryana State Election Commissioner, Sh.  Dhanpat Singh directed the election observers to be present on their duty on November 7, 2022.The State Election Commissioner was presiding over the meeting of election observers appointed for conducting the second and third phase elections of Panchayati Raj Institutions today. Secretary, State Election Commission, Dr. Inderjeet was also present in the meeting.The State Election Commissioner said that election observers were appointed in the remaining 13 districts for the second and third phases of Panchayati Raj Institutions polls, including one general, one police and one expenditure election observer. He said that the Election Observers should reach the concerned district and inform the headquarters through email.He said that the election observers should strictly follow the guidelines and instructions issued by the State Election Commission. They can contact the State Election Commission during any problem they face. Take immediate cognizance over the complaint that comes to the election observer, he directed.He said that the election observers should keep a strict vigil on the distribution of cash, liquor, clothes and other items to woo the voters in the elections of Panchayati Raj Institutions. He further directed them to maintain law and order in the concerned district.Sh. Dhanpat Singh further directed the election observers to keep strict vigil on use of weapons and distribution of cash and liquor. He said that the observer should also ensure that no candidate would damage or destroy public property during the election.He said that the election report should be sent in the prescribed proforma only and the results should be uploaded on the website of the commission sec@hry.nic.in after the election is over. He also apprised the election observers about the election related work in detail.

Chandigarh, Haryana

“Fit India Freedom Run” from Sukhna Lake to Kendriya Sadan on Nov 5

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IEP Chandigarh, November 4

The CISF Unit of Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat and the Department of Information, Public Relations and Languages, Haryana has been organising “Fit India Freedom Run” for about 5 km from Sukhna Lake to Kendriya Sadan on November 5 under the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

Giving more information in this regard, an official spokesperson informed that the Central Industrial Force was set up following a law in the Parliament in order to provide security coverage to the industrial undertakings owned and managed by the Central Government. Initially, the force started its task with 3000 odd members of force, which has  crossed the figure of over 1.63 lakh so far, he added.

On the occasion, ADGP/CID of Haryana, Sh. Alok Mittal will flag off the “Fit India Freedom Run” from Lake Club, Chandigarh. Further, the MD, HSIIDC and HFC of Haryana, Sh. Vikas Gupta will attend the event as a ‘Guest of Honour’, he added.

The spokesperson further informed that the participants from BSF, CRPF, ITBP, Chandigarh Police, Haryana Police, Punjab Police, CISF Unit Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat Chandigarh, CISF Unit Chandigarh International Airport, SCL Mohali and CISF Group, Headquarters of Chandigarh will participate in the event.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Haryana is ensuring water management on the 3R principle: Chief Minister

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IEP Chandigarh, November 4

Haryana Chief Minister said that the State Government is working on 3R- Reduce, Recycle and Reuse principle for water management.

“Positive steps are being taken in the direction of water conservation by formulating a Policy for Treated Waste Water. State Government’s investment-friendly policies have made Haryana the first choice for foreign investors,” said Sh. Manohar Lal after inaugurating the Daiki Axis factory in village  Devli at Palwal district on Friday.

During this, he also inquired about the technology being used by the company for water management. An MoU was also signed between Shri Vishwakarma Skill University, Dudhola and the Company for improving the skills of the students.

While conveying his best wishes to everyone on the occasion of Ekadashi, the Chief Minister said that a pleasant and safe environment is being provided in the state and this is the reason that today Haryana is becoming the first choice of foreign investors.

He said that the newly inaugurated plant has been set up with an investment of Rs. 200 crores, would prove to be an important step in the development of the region besides becoming a partner in the direction of water conservation.

The Chief Minister informed that in the coming 5 years, this prestigious company will invest about Rs. 800 crores by providing employment to about 4000 people. Haryana is at the top in Ease of Doing Business and this is the reason that today 28 percent of Japanese companies are becoming investors in Haryana, added Sh. Manohar Lal.

Better project of water management in Palwal, Chief Minister

The Chief Minister said that along with the government, this company has come to Palwal with a better project for water management. He said that this company will work for treated water. It is very important to save water in today’s time, dirty water can be treated and reused again.

Through new technology, we are working to reuse treated water. So far 200 STPs have been set up in Haryana and about 700 cusecs of water is being reused from them. A target has been set to reuse 80 percent of the water in the country by 2030, to which Haryana will actively contribute. We are reusing more than 67 percent of the water that we are giving to Delhi. Many water cleaning and reusing projects will be started in collaboration with this company, added Sh. Manohar Lal.

The Chief Minister said that in the industry sector, the government has formulated a Policy for Treated Waste Water. He said that in the coming times, the government is focused on improving the water quality and is working with social participation in the field of water management.

He said that up to 85 percent subsidy is being given by the government to the farmers adopting micro-irrigation.

Daiki Axis has done commendable work in water purification

Union Minister of State for Power and Heavy Industries, Sh. Krishan Pal said that such equipment will be made by this company to treat the wastewater and make it usable. He said a mutual agreement has been signed between Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi and the Japan Prime Minister, as a result of which this industry has come up in Faridabad.

Work is going on across the country to recycle water and make it usable. Daiki Axis will play an important role in making wastewater usable in India too” added Sh. Krishan Pal.

Welcoming the Chief Minister, Chairman, Daiki Axis Group Japan, Hiroshi Ogame said that the company started setting up industries in India 60 years ago. India and Japan have good investment relations. He hoped that both countries will continue to get the support of the government in future also.On this occasion Transport Minister Mool Chand Sharma, MLA Prithla, Sh. Nayan Pal Rawat, MLA Palwal, Sh. Deepak Mangla, MLA Hodal, Sh. Jagdish Nayar and other senior officials and dignitaries were present.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Haryana Chief Minister to inaugurate the Basai Chowk Flyover and Mahavir Chowk Underpass on Saturday in Gurugram

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IEP Chandigarh, November 4

Haryana CM Sh. Manohar Lal will inaugurate two major road infrastructure projects of Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) tomorrow, which include the Basai Flyover and Mahavir Chowk Underpass, costing about Rs. 140 Crore. These much-awaited projects will offer immense benefit to the residents of Gurugram and improve the mobility factor on these two important junctions in the city.“GMDA has undertaken various projects to improve road infrastructure in Gurugram and facilitate better commuting experience for residents on the city roads. The inauguration of these 2 highly awaited projects will further enhance the mobility factor and traffic movement at these important intersections and offer better connectivity to various prime locations in the city and beyond,” said Shri Sudhir Rajpal, Chief Executive Officer, GMDA.The total length of the Basai Flyover with approach road is 820 meters. Once open for public use, after the inauguration tomorrow, this flyover which will connect Umang Bhardwaj Chowk to Sector 9/9 A  and will greatly help to reduce traffic congestion at Basai Chowk which sees an average load of 10,245 vehicles daily. Access to this flyover will highly benefit the residents of Basai, sector 9, sector 9A, and those living along the Dwarka Expressway. Additionally, commuters traveling towards Delhi, Jhajjar, Rohtak among other major destinations via Basai Chowk will have access to better road infrastructure and escape traffic congestion during their travel. Recently, GMDA had also briefly opened the Basai Flyover for traffic trials and to gauge if commuters faced any ridership quality issues while using the flyover.The overall redevelopment project of the Basai Chowk also includes construction of Railway Over Bridge near Basai village, building a 6-lane highway between Umang Bhardwaj Chowk and Dwarka Expressway as well as construction of two Foot-Over-Bridges. The total project cost is estimated at Rs 114 Crore and development work of these infrastructure components is in progress. GMDA is also executing drainage work along the Basai Chowk.Additionally, opening of the 318-meter-long Mahavir Chowk underpass will improve the connectivity between Old Delhi-Gurugram road and bus stand road and facilitate smooth vehicular flow on this busy intersection that sees heavy traffic flow moving towards Civil Hospital and Sadar Bazaar. This development project which includes construction of 2.1 KM surface road and a 221-meter elevated walkway has been executed by the Public Works (B&R) Department on behalf of GMDA. While the underpass will be made open to the public after the inauguration, work on the walkway and surface road is in progress. The total cost of this project is Rs 25.91 Crore.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Government of Haryana and USAID to launch a New Initiative to Increase Tree Coverage in Haryana

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IEP Chandigarh, November 4

Haryana Forest Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is all set to launch the “Trees Outside Forests in India (TOFI)” programme in Haryana, which will bring together farmers, companies, and other private institutions to rapidly expand tree coverage outside of traditional forests in the state. The official launch of the TOFI programme is scheduled on November 5, 2022 at Rohtak.

The new programme will enhance carbon sequestration, support local communities, and strengthen the climate resilience of agriculture, thereby supporting global climate change mitigation and adaptation goals.

Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that the Government of Haryana is giving a major thrust to agroforestry and tree plantations on lands outside the notified forest areas. With only 6.80 per cent of the area under forest and tree cover, the State has demonstrated its potential to support the country’s food and wood/timber needs by showcasing globally how a forest deficient state can be a wood surplus state. He said that we are strenuously working to increase the income of farmers in Haryana.

Giving more information, an official spokesperson said that the TOFI programme will further spur agroforestry and plantation campaigns outside of forests and help raise the income of the farmers while enhancing the green cover in the state. It will also support India’s Roadmap towards a Carbon Neutral Economy by 2070 and and India’s commitments related to Climate initiatives of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi regarding ‘Panchamrita’ and ‘Mission LiFE’.

Highlighting the importance of the programme, Minister, Forests, and Tourism, Sh. Kanwar Pal stated that growing trees outside forest areas, especially adding more trees to mainstream agriculture can help the Haryana State achieve its goal of 20 percent area under forest and tree cover. The programme will contribute towards strengthening the policy environment, supporting TOF (Trees Outside Forests)- based enterprises, and providing technical support for the expansion of area under trees outside forests.

The Trees Outside Forests in India programme was launched in September 2022 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Secretary, Smt. Leena Nandan and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, Patricia Lacina.  The programme will allocate up to $25 million U.S. dollars over five years in seven states – Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh – with implementation support from the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (ICRAF).

The spokesperson stated that TOFI will rapidly expand tree coverage outside of traditional forests by 2.8 million hectares, an area larger than 13 states and union territories in India. The programme will contribute to India’s Nationally Determined Contribution target of creating an additional “carbon sink” of 2.5 to 3 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030. He further added that this new programme builds on the enduring U.S.-India partnership to tackle the climate crisis and bolster resilience in the face of climate threats and extreme weather events.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Haryana government’s initiatives for solid and liquid waste management best among the other states, Justice Adarsh Kumar

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IEP Chandigarh, November 4

National Green Tribunal, Chairperson, Justice Sh. Adarsh Kumar Goel while praising Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that the Haryana government’s initiatives for solid and liquid waste management are the best.“The Manohar Lal-led State Government always ensures meticulous implementation of all the orders issued by the NGT. An example of this is that Haryana has drafted a Policy for Treated Waste Water. Besides this the State has also done commendable work in the management of solid and liquid waste, “said, Justice Sh. Adarsh Kumar Goel, while speaking at the seminar on New Technologies for Liquid and Solid Waste Management organized in Faridabad today.During this, Haryana, Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal along with Union Minister of State for Power and Heavy Industries, Sh. Krishan Pal, Transport Minister Sh. Mool Chand also remained present. Justice Sh. Adarsh Kumar Goel said that the Management of solid and liquid waste is very important as this issue goes unnoticed then everyone has to face the ill effects of this.He said that Haryana has taken significant decisions regarding the issue of pollution in Yamuna. The dumping of industrial waste from Sonipat and Panipat has been banned in Yamuna and STPs have been set up there.While praising Sh. Manohar Lal, Justice Sh. Adarsh Kumar Goel said that he has asked Haryana not to release treated water into rivers and while strictly adhering to these directions, the State Government not only stopped the release of the treated water but also chalked out strategies for its reuse.He said that like Haryana, others states should also take accountability at their own levels to resolve the problem of waste management.Now focus is on setting up small projects of waste management and water treatment plants, Sh. Manohar LalChief Minister said that work should be done on setting up small projects for solid waste management and water treatment and in view of this, seminars based on new technologies have been organized.He said that apart from setting up big projects, setting up small ones in any colony, locality and society etc has also become the need of the hour.“Today this topic has been discussed in detail and I am hopeful that today’s seminar will prove to be very beneficial for all the stakeholders. The positive results of such discussions would be seen when the suggestions discussed in this seminar would become a ground reality,” added Sh. Manohar Lal.The Chief Minister said that the State Government is working in this direction to play an important role in ensuring our contribution to the successful management of waste. However, along with the Government, society will also have to be made aware of this so as to ensure their contribution as well, as only then this problem will be resolved, said Sh. Manohar Lal.By 2030, 80 percent of the treated water will be reused“We should reuse the treated water as much as possible. Today Haryana is using 750 cusecs of treated water, by 2030, 80 percent of the treated water will be used. Before setting up STP anywhere in the state, it will be ensured to reuse treated water,” said Sh. Manohar Lal.He said that Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran has also been directed to lay double water pipelines in future. Along with this, treated water will also be reused in industries. There is a great need to save clean water. In the thermal plots of the state, the treated water of STP located in the adjoining 50 km will be used, said Sh. Manohar Lal.“We have to give the heritage of clean drinking water along with the economic wealth to the future generations and that is why the government has formulated Mera Pani-Meri Virasat Yojana,” said the Chief Minister.Renovation of pondsSh. Manohar Lal said that the ponds are being renovated across the state. Earlier the water of the pond was very clean, and could even be used to drink, but now the ponds are getting polluted and it is not clean enough that even animals can’t  drink that water.The Haryana Government has formed the Pond Authority. There are 18000 ponds in the state, out of which 1726 ponds have been identified. So far the work of restoration of 611 ponds has been completed. One by one soon all the ponds of the entire state will be renovated, said the Chief Minister.Management of scrapping of vehicles is also being doneThe Chief Minister said that the scrapping of vehicles is being done with the recycling the old vehicles. This step is certainly playing an important role in giving a boost to the circular economy. For this, a project has been started in Nuh with the support of the Government of India. Soon it will be started in other cities as well, said Sh. Manohar Lal.Need for public awareness on the use of single-use plasticSh. Manohar Lal said that there is a need for public awareness of the use of single-use plastic.“We should use jute, cloth and disposable bags. New startups are working on this. We need to make the entire society aware of waste management, only then these problems will be solved. We all have to work together for this good cause of making our surroundings clean and healthy,” said Sh. Manohar Lal.Justice Sh. Pritam Pal, MLA, Smt. Seema Trikha, MLA, Sh. Narender Gupta, MLA Sh. Nayan Pal Rawat, MLA, Sh. Rajesh Nagar, MLA, Sh. Neeraj Sharma and Chief Secretary, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal and other senior officers also remained present.

Chandigarh

FPOs can transform Indian agriculture: ITC Chairman

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IEP Chandigarh

 “There are multiple opportunities in Indian agriculture today to achieve sustainable growth and productivity, given the grit and determination of Indian farmers and a proactive Government,” said ITC Chairman Sanjiv Puri while speaking at the CII Agro Tech Summit 2022 here on Friday.

Puri who is also a Chairman of the CII Agro Tech India 2022 further said that agriculture is the lifeline of the economy and roughly half of India’s workforce is engaged in this sector. However, its contribution to the GVA is only about 18% with challenges such as low productivity and wastages, which translates to lower farm incomes.  

On challenges to the sector and the impact of climate change, Puri said, “Today the sector is faced with a challenge of epic proportions and it’s not unique to this sector or to India. Last year many countries experienced events that dramatically reduced crop production. This year is no different – we have challenges in Europe, China and the US and recently in Indonesia. We have a neighbor whose agriculture sector has been devastated.”

India has its own share of problems – first with wheat and now with rice. Although there is great commitment towards net zero by countries and corporates, the reality is that extreme weather events will only multiply as articulated by the IPCC report, he maintained.

Elaborating on the opportunities for agriculture he said that by 2050 given the population growth and better consumption patterns, India will need 60% more food.

There is also a movement towards healthier and nutritious  food products that gives the opportunity for value addition. Agriculture being a provider of bio-diesel which tackles climate change – is another opportunity in India, he asserted.

“India has the largest arable land in the world and there is a huge opportunity to multiply and grow our productivity levels. We are self-sufficient today and we also have the distinction of having exported agri products worth 50 billion USD but I think we can do much more,”

On the pathways that Indian agriculture can traverse towards sustainable growth and productivity Puri said, “There are some important pathways available to us to surmount the challenges. One is the power of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and the power of aggregation. The Government of India has taken very far sighted steps to promote FPOs with multi-dimensional schemes to support capacity building and value addition. This is the pivot that will transform Indian agriculture.”

Chandigarh, Punjab

Ambassador of Czech Republic called on Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker

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IEP Chandigarh, November 4

Ambassador of the Czech Republic in India Dr. Eliska Zigova today called on Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker. Mr. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, during which both emphasized on strengthening the mutual cooperation  between Punjab and the Czech Republic.

During the meeting in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Sandhawan recalled the contribution made by Czechoslovakia in Punjab’s green revolution. He emphasized for solid collaboration in agriculture sector between Punjab and Czech Republic. Winter wheat, winter barley, spring barley, potatoes, maize and fruit are grown in the Czech Republic. This cultivation is similar to Punjab, so both can benefited from mutual exchange of knowledge and technology. S. Sandhwan also emphasized on cooperation between Punjab and the Czech Republic in the field of industry. The Czech Republic has a special place in the car industry, aviation, engineering, environmental technology, medical equipment, electronics and electrical engineering, chemical and pharmaceutical industry. S. Sandhwan has asked to Dr. Zigova to motivate the Czech Republic companies to invest in Punjab.

During the meeting S. Sandhwan also suggested that legislatures of Punjab and Czech Republic should visit each other countries in addition to increasing exchanges in the field of arts, culture and sports. Dr. Zigova agreed the same.

During the discussion Dr. Zigova spoke about the historical ties between the Czech Republic and India and recalled the historic relations between the two countries. She said that increasing mutual cooperation between the Czech Republic and Punjab will benefit both of them because they have many similarities. She also praised the fighting spirit of Punjabis. S. Sandhwan also presented a shawl and a commemorative plaque to Dr. Zigova.