Category Archives: Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Punjab

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT DISBURSES RS 45 CR  UNDER CONSTRUCTION WORKERS WELFARE SCHEMES

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 29, 2022

The Punjab government led by Chief Minister Punjab S.Bhagwant Mann and under the direction of Labor Minister Anmol Gagan Mann are making continuous efforts for the welfare of construction workers. In order to further implement the schemes being run for the welfare of construction workers and to help them, an amount of 45 crores was distributed by the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board under various schemes related to construction workers after the formation of the present government.

Giving more information, the spokesperson of the labor department said that many schemes are being run by the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board for the welfare of the construction workers. He said that a person who is between 18-60 years of age and has worked as a construction worker for 90 days or more during the last 12 months can become a beneficiary. He said that masons, brick cement workers, painters, electricians, welders, carpenters, plumbers, stone cleaners, glass installers, POPs etc. construction workers can become beneficiaries of the labor board.

He said that 65 thousand rupees are given under Shagun scheme for the marriage of two girls of beneficiary construction workers. Similarly, 800 rupees is given for eye glasses, 5 thousand rupees for teeth treatment and up to 6 thousand rupees for hearing aids. Apart from this, financial assistance of 20 thousand rupees is given for cremation for registered construction workers and their family members. He said that up to 1 lakh rupees can be reimbursed for the indoor treatment expenses of the workers and their dependents for the treatment of dangerous diseases. A female worker can be given a benefit of Rs 21,000 and a male worker Rs 5,000 per child for a maximum of two children. He said that the registered beneficiaries of the board can get treatment of Rs. 5 lakh per family after registering under the Ayushman Yojana. An online application for this purpose can be registered at the nearest service center at a one-time registration fee of Rs.25 and Rs.10 per month for a period of one year to three years.

He said that for more information, one can contact the nearest service center, assistant labor commissioner or inspector, labor enforcement officer of the constituency.

Chandigarh, Punjab

VIGILANCE UNEARTHS RS 7 CRORE SCAM IN KARNANA MULTI-PURPOSE AGRICULTURE SERVICE SOCIETY

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 29, 2022

Punjab Vigilance Bureau has unearthed a Rs seven crore scam in the Karnana multipurpose agricultural service society limited village Karnana, District SBS Nagar and registered a case against 7 officers/employees at VB police station at Jalandhar. In this case the Bureau has arrested 5 accused of the case.

          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said that during the investigation into the accounts of the society, it has came to light that a scam to the tune of Rs 7,14,07,596.23  (Seven crores, fourteen lakhs seven thousand five hundred and ninety six rupees and three paise) has been committed in connivance with officers/employees of the said cooperative society.

          He said that there are about 1000 account holders/members in the said society. This society has been running an Indian Oil petrol pump, tractor and agricultural implements to plough a large amount of agricultural land. Apart from this, the said society also sells fertilizers and pesticides to the farmers and a total of 6 employees are working in different places in the said society.

          He said after investigating the matter, it came to light that NRIs of village Karnana and the people of this village got the FDRs worth crores of rupees in the name of above society. Secretary of the said Sabha Inderjit Dhir, who has also been the cashier earlier, embezzled crores of rupees by setting limits etc. on the said FDRs in collusion with the president Randhir Singh and the present cashier Harpreet Singh.

          The spokesperson said that during the checking of the records by the technical team from 01.4.18 to 31.03.20, the loans taken by the members of the sabha and deposits of the members amounted to Rs. 7,14,07,596.23 were found to be embezzled

          Giving the details of this scam, he informed that during the investigation, it was also found that two computers were installed in the society by the secretary Inderjit Dhir, out of which one system was to show the records to the members so as to satisfy them about the entries of their deposits. On the second computer, it was found that the secretary used to feed the data according to the amount of fraud committed to get verification of from the audit team and other officials.

          On the basis of investigation of this scam, it has been established that former secretary of the society Inderjit Dhir, Harpreet cashier, Randhir Singh former president, Sukhwinder Singh vice president, Ravinder Singh committee member, Mahinder Lal committee member and Kamaljit Singh committee member (all residents of village Karnana) have in connivance with each other committed a fraud to the tune of Rs 7,14,07,596.23 in the above said society.

          The spokesperson said that in this regard, a case no 15 dated 29.08.2022 against the above-mentioned accused under sections 406, 409, 420, 465, 468, 471, 477-A, 120-B of I.P.C. and  u/s 13(1), 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, has been registered at Vigilance Bureau, Police Station Jalandhar.

          The accused in this case, Randhir Singh, Sukhwinder Singh, Ravinder Singh, Mahinder Lal and Kamaljit Singh (all residents of Karnana village) have been arrested. Further investigation in this case is under progress.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Dazzling start for ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Dian’ at Jalandhar

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 29, 2022

One of the biggest sporting extravaganzas of the country, ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Dian’ today began with a great pomp and show as the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, inaugurated this mega sporting event here at Guru Gobind Singh

Stadium. 

The Chief Minister took salute from the impressive march past of the participating contingents of various districts. Announcing the opening of this around two months long much awaited gala sporting event, Bhagwant Mann said that in this mega event more than 4 lakh players in different six age groups are expected to participate in the competitions from block to the state level in 28 sports categories. He said that that the state-level winners will be given cash prizes worth Rs 6 crore adding that these games will be annual feature from the coming years.

“I am elated to see Punjab happy and the youth in field of sports”, said the Chief Minister.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the state government has been making all out efforts for promoting sports across the state to channelize the unbounded energy of youth in a positive manner. He said that these games were a right step towards this direction as it will provide platform to the players for showcasing their latent. Bhagwant Mann asserted that likewise it will also help the state government to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the players which will be beneficial for grooming them for the national and international events in future.

Congratulating the Sports Minister for organizing these games, the Chief Minister said that Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer deserves kudos for making all these arrangments. He said that it is a matter of great pride for the entire state that these games are being held in every nook and corner of Punjab. Bhagwant Mann said that these games will be made a regular feature in the coming years too.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is leaving no stone unturned to popularize sports in the state as it can be play a key role in progress of the state. Bhagwant Mann said that Punjab has became the first state in the country to felicitate its players who had brought laurels for the country in the commonwealth games. He asserted that it is the need of hour to encourage more budding players to excel in field of sports.

The Chief Minister said that Aam Aadmi government is working on an aggressive campaign to produce maximum number of trained sportspersons and to have more Punjabi players in the Indian contingent for international events. He stressed that Punjab has abundant sports talent and Punjab government would not left any stone unturned to enable the players to participate and win Olympic medals for India.

The Chief Minister also remembered the hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand on his birth anniversary. He said that this is observed as national sports day. Bhagwant Mann said that the youth must take inspiration from the hockey legend on this day.

The Chief Minister said that the games will provide an opportunity to the youth to excel in field of sports. He said that Punjab and sports have a strong bond. Bhagwant Mann said that the youth of the state have an inherit talent but the successive governments have failed to provide requisite infrastructure.

The Chief Minister asserted that the players will be provided the state of art infrastructure and world class facilities. He said that apart from inspiring us to fight against tyranny, injustice and oppression the great Guru sahiban have showed us way to stay healthy by taking part in sports. Bhagwant Mann said that we must follow footsteps of great gurus and participate in the games.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed for restoring pristine glory of state in field of sports. He said that new Sports policy will focus on promotion of sports and players. Bhagwant Mann said that special budgetary allocation will be for the sports.

Meanwhile, cultural performances by the school kids mesmerized the audience with their dazzling performance. Leading Punjabi singers Nooran sisters, Amrit Mann and Ranjit Bawa entertained the audience. On the occasion wonders kids stunned the audiences with their skating and gymnastic performances.

Earlier, Olympian Baljit Dhillon and Manjit Kaur brought the baton of games and Olympian Gurjit Kaur triggered of games flame from the stage. 

On the occasion the impressive video depicting the overall scenario of the games accompanied by the traditional dance ‘Giddha’ and ‘Bhangra’ enthralled the audience and forced them to tap their feet. Likewise the gathering also cheered the medley performance of students during the inaugural function in the stadium. The gathering also gave standing ovation to the dazzling firework show on the occasion.

On the occasion Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjer, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Laljit Singh Bhullar, Lal Chand Kataruchak and Brahm Shankar Jimpa, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Ravi Bhagat, Principal Secretary Sports Rajkamal Chaudhary, Director Sports and others.

On the occasion several MLAs and other officers were also present.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Perfect start for ‘Kheda  Watan Punjab Dian’ as CM tests his hand in volleyball court

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 29, 2022

Local Guru Gobind Singh Stadium witnessed perfect start for the Khedaan Watan Punjab Dian as the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann himself participate in a volleyball match to kickstart the games.

As soon as the Chief Minister finished his address in jam packed stadium and announcement was made for the commencement of volleyball match, the stage master, well realising  the keen interest of Bhagwant Mann in volleyball, urged him to play a match in the stadium. The young CM took no time to respond positively and went into the field to participate in the match. Massive applaud by the crowd cheered the Chief Minister for the match and he exhibited remarkable sportsmanship in the ground.

During the match, the ace services made by the Chief Minister gave tough times to the opponent team. Exhibiting remarkable sportsman spirit Bhagwant Mann ensured the victory of his team. His presence infused a new spirit amongst the players and the crowd that enthusiastically cheered up the teams.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that it is a remarkable day of his life as his youthful memories have been relived. He said that sports is the only means through which the unbounded energy of the youth can be channelised in a positive manner. Bhagwant Mann said that his government is committed for promoting sporting activities in the state adding that no stone will be left unturned to ensure that players from Punjab excel in national and international sports arena.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Haryana Govt will recommend for CBI investigation through a letter on the demand of family members

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 28. 2022

 The Goa government will receive a letter from the Haryana government requesting that the matter of Sonali Phogat’s death should be handed over to the CBI. Sonali Phogat’s family members met Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal at his residence.

While meeting the family members of Sonali Phogat, the Chief Minister expressed grief over the sudden demise of Sonali.  The Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that the government is firmly standing with the family in this sensitive time and the government will take every possible step to get justice delivered in this case. The family members requested the Chief Minister that a CBI inquiry should be conducted into the matter.

The Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal assured the family that a letter will be written on behalf of the Haryana Government to the Goa government requesting them to recommend the case further for CBI inquiry. The family expressed satisfaction after the Chief Minister’s assurance.

Chandigarh

Punjab’s Municipal Corporations need to be proactive and coordinate better to fight air pollution 

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

Numerous city municipal corporations in the state of Punjab are not only struggling to understand the requirements under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) but are also unable to coordinate between various departments within civic bodies to address the issue of air pollution, the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) – a policy-research think tank – has assessed.

The analysis further states that municipal corporations, especially across Amritsar, Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur and Bhatinda, have asked CSTEP assistance in developing their understanding of the dynamics of air pollution as well as the requirements and strategies under NCAP. The NCAP, announced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in January 2019, has led to the development of clean air action plans with an aim to reduce PM2.5 pollution by 20–30% by 2024 compared to 2017.

The findings were shared on the sidelines of the India Clean Air Summit 2022 (ICAS 2022) on Thursday at Bengaluru. ICAS is India’s premier event on air pollution and is organised by the Centre for Air Pollution Studies (CAPS) at the CSTEP to call for an integrated approach to resolving air pollution and climate change, highlighting the commonalities and identifying key benefits from framing policies that look at the two challenges jointly. The four-day event brought together scientists, policymakers, technologists, and affected communities to discuss solutions for air pollution.

Among the findings for Punjab, the NCAP initiated a tripartite agreement between state pollution control board, municipal corporation and an institute of repute. “Various city municipal bodies are struggling to understand the requirements of NCAP and coordinating among line departments. The municipal corporations have requested help in terms of building capacity about dynamics of air pollution and understanding the requirements, reagents and strategies under NCAP,” said Dr Pratima Singh, Head of CAPS.

Stating that CSTEP aims to provide Punjab with effective long-term management strategies for these polluting sectors she added that working in silos was not the solution for these civic bodies. “We all need to work in collaboration. Municipalities need to actively make use of the institute of repute identified by the Central Pollution Control Board under NCAP to help them build their capacity. Also, all the other institutions and think tanks working in these cities need to come together and support these civic bodies to understand the challenges associated with air pollution,” said Dr Singh suggesting that to achieve a comprehensive improvement in the state’s air quality, industrial and transportation emissions should also be kept in check.

Meanwhile, commenting on the stubble burning issue in Punjab, which is expected to begin in a couple of months, Dr Singh said that in order to effectively implement strategies, there must be better inter- and intra-district departmental cooperation and collaboration.

“Another critical element is empowering farmers by increasing their ability to handle agricultural leftovers. To a large extent, stubble burning can be decreased by raising public awareness of new technologies, governmental incentives, and the detrimental effects of air pollution on human health,” she said.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh

MCC conducts training of trainers on Disaster Management & Epidemic Response

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has conductedtraining of trainers (ToT) on Disaster Management and Epidemic Response under Swachh Bharat Mission at MCC office premises here today, during which training has been imparted to officials of Fire & Rescue Services, MCC and other departments.

Following the directions of Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh the trainers were imparted training who will further train the frontline Municipal sanitation workers at 7 different locations of Chandigarh. Participants were trained about the topics like risk analysis, prevention, preparedness, effective response to the impact of a hazard, measures related to timely and effective warnings as well as evacuation and emergency planning, role of sanitation workers, personal safety, etc.

The sessions in the ToT were conducted by Sh. Sanjeev Kohli, Nodal Officer, Disaster Management & Senior CDI Civil Defense, Sh. Naveen Kumar, Fireman, Dr. Vinay Bhagat, Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ravinder Dhaliwal & Dr. Gaurav Lakhanpal. The training session was held under the supervision of Sh. Rohit Gupta, Joint Commissioner, MCC. 

To further train the Municipal sanitation workers, trainings have been planned from August 29th, 2022 in cascade model by master trainers trained in ToT today.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh rated as the best amongst the UTs in total solar power installation

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

Chandigarh has been rated as the best amongst the UTs in total solar power installation and received the first prize today on 27th Aug 2022 in a function organised by Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States (AREAS) formed by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt. of India on its 8th Foundation Day Ceremony at Cochin, Kerala.

 Chandigarh Renewable Energy & Science & Technology Promotion Society (CREST), UT Chandigarh also got the awards for following categories amongst all UTs:

1. For achieving second highest renewable energy installed capacity as on 31.03.2022.

2. For achieving second highest renewable energy capacity addition during 2021-22.

3. For achieving second highest solar power capacity addition during 2021-22.

4. For achieving second highest numbers of solar street lights installed as on 31.3.2022.

        These prizes were distributed by Shri Bhagwanth Khuba, Hon’ble Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India.

Chandigarh was selected as the Model Solar City and the Master Plan was approved by Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), GOI in Feb. 2012.

    Under “AZADI KA AMRIT MAHATOSAV–To Commemorate the India’s 75 years of Independence”, CREST has set an ambitious target of 75MWp to be achieved by 15th August, 2023. Chandigarh is well ahead in terms of achievement & total aggregate capacity of 50.588 MWp Grid tied Rooftop Solar Plants at 4200 sites have already been installed & commissioned in Chandigarh.

     Sh.Dharam Pal, Adviser to the Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh appreciated the efforts of CREST in achieving this milestone and further added that with this pace, Chandigarh can achieve the dream target of Govt. of India to become 100% RE powered in near future. 

            Sh. Nitin Kumar Yadav, Home Secretary, U.T. Chandigarh congratulated the CREST team for making sincere efforts in producing Green Power for the city.

            Sh.Debendra Dalai, Secretary, Science & Technology and Renewable Energy-cum- CEO CREST, informed that this is a proud moment for Chandigarh and Chandigarh could win these awards with active support and participation of the people at large in implementation of the projects. He further informed that there are many unique projects which are in pipeline such as 2 MWp Floating SPV Power Plant at Water Works, Sector-39, 2 MWp Canal Top SPV Power Plant at N-Choe in front of Garden of Conifers, Sector-52, 2 MWp Canal Top SPV Power Plant at Patiala Ki Rao, 500 kWp Floating SPV Power Plant along-with Fountains at Dhanas Lake and 4 MWp of other projects.

            It is a proud moment for Chandigarh that a small territory has competed with other UTs of India and got these awards. This is a true encouragement for Chandigarh Administration. The award ceremony was attended by Sh. Debendra Dalai, Secretary Science & Technology and Renewable Energy -cum- CEO CREST and Sh. Sukhwinder Singh Abrol, Project Director, CERST.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh Smart City installs water ATM in Sector 35 market

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27,2022

Prem Lata, area councillor inaugurated the First water ATM in the market Sector 35, here today in the presence of Sh. N.P. Sharma, Chief Engineer, MCC & Shopkeepers of the Market.

While sharing information about the scheme, the Chief Engineer said that Chandigarh Smart City Ltd. has provided Municipal Corporation 4 water ATMS which have been installed in the Market of Sector 35 Chandigarh. All the Water ATMs have been supplied by Punjab and Sind Bank under CSR funds at a cost of each Water ATM about Rs. 5.25 Lakh.

He said that the Municipal Corporation has incurred expenditure of installation and civil work costing about Rs 2 Lakh per Water ATM and also will bear its maintenance charges including electricity and water charges from time to time.

He further said that the potable water of quality as per BIS standards -14543 duly will be available to the Shop Keepers as well as visitors from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm daily at the following charges :-

Rs1/- for 300ML

Rs.3/- for 500ML

Rs.5/- for 1000ML

Rs.20 for 5000 ML

Rs.35/- for 20000ML.

The Chief Engineer said the Water ATM has been equipped with provision for chilled water (water with temperature around 15 degree celsius during summers. A LED digital screen has been provided to show four key parameters of water standards namely PH, Hardness, TDS & temperature on real time basis. The user may scan the card or insert the coin on WAU(Water ATM Unit) sensor and press the button depending on the water requirements.

He said the storage capacity of each Water ATM is 500 Ltr which has been enhanced by providing water storage tank of 1000 Ltr along Water ATM. This will meet the long pending demand of shopkeepers as well as visitors in the market of non-availability of drinking water in the market.


Chandigarh, Punjab

TRANSPORT MINISTER LALJIT BHULLAR APPOINTS MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTORS ON 11 VACANT POSTS TO SPEEDEN UP ISSUANCE OF FITNESS CERTIFICATES

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar has appointed Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVIs) on 11 vacant posts to reduce the ever-increasing burden of passing and issuing fitness certificates of old vehicles in the state.

          The Cabinet Minister said that only four MVIs under 11 RTA offices are currently looking after the work of passing and issuing fitness certificates to the old vehicles in 23 districts of the state. As a result, very little work could be done and files are piling up in the department. Responding to the complaints of delays, the minister made internal arrangements by appointing staff from Punjab roadways to reduce the workload and bring more transparency. Now, all 11 dedicated MVIs will work under 11 RTA offices.

          The Transport Minister said that apart from the previously posted MVIs, now MVI Preetinder Arora will look after the work of district Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Moga, Bathinda and Mansa, while MVI Sukhwinder Singh will see the work at district Fazilka and Ferozepur, MVI Merik Garg at district Ludhiana, MVI Gurinder Singh at district Jalandhar and Kapurthala, MVI Leela Singh at district Gurdaspur, MVI Madhu Pushap at district Pathankot, MVI Navdeep Singh at district Amritsar and Tarn Taran and MVI Jaspreet Singh will see the work of district Sangrur, Malerkotla and Barnala.

          Emphasizing on the resolution of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann of zero tolerance policy against corruption, the Transport Minister categorically asked, any officer or employee found involved in corruption will not be spared at all, thus officers should discharge their duty honestly.