Category Archives: Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Haryana

Haryana Chief Minister turns down the pension request of financially affluent women

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IEP Chandigarh, September 18

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal while addressing a Jan Samvad Programme in Sirsa today firmly turned down the pension request raised by a woman, who is said to be the owner of nine ‘kila’ land. 

        The Chief Minister clarified that only eligible persons would get the benefit of a pension. This benefit will not be given to the person who is not eligible, he said.

        “You already own 9 Kila of land and your annual income is Rs. 2.5 lakh,  therefore you are not eligible for the pension  benefits, Sh. Manohar Lal told the woman.

        Later the woman informed the Chief Minister about her three daughters and sought financial help from him. Sh. Manohar Lal while again showing a big heart announced to give  Rs 1 lakh to the woman from his voluntary quota.  

        He shares that to avail the pension benefits, a beneficiaries should not have land more than 5 Kilas. But in this case, as the women own 9 kila, hence she is not eligible for said benefits. 

        Meanwhile, during the Jan Samvad Programme, the Chief Minister heard the problems of the people of Sirsa district held at Chaudhary Devi Lal University Auditorium. 

        A total of 227 complaints were heard and redressed.  Redressing a problem, Sh. Manohar Lal said that ensuring a roof over every head is the utmost priority of the State Government. 

        The Housing for All Department is surveying this and once it is completed, houses will be given to those who are not having houses. The government is working on a plan to provide 1 lakh houses.

CM directs to suspend Patwari immediately

        While, hearing a complaint regarding Mahender, Patwari of Rania refusing to register Girdawari of the complainant, the Chief Minister directed the officers concerned to immediately suspend the Patwari. 

        As per the complainant 10 months ago,  his father had transferred the land in his name. But when he visited the Patwari’s office for the registration of the  Girdawari, the Patwari denied doing the same.

        The complainant had also registered his complaint on  CM Window.  

Raise your area development demand on the Gram Darshan Portal, Manohar Lal

        The Chief Minister said that the Government has developed Gram Darshan Portal for villages and Nagar Darshan Portal for cities. The people of the village and the city can put forward the problems related to their area on these portals.  

        With this, the demand for road, drains, ponds, water etc. can also be raised on these portals. The demand put by the villagers reaches the concerned department and the department is ensuring fulfilment of these demands on a priority basis.

Take strict action against water thieves

        Sh. Manohar Lal said that the government is working continuously to ensure that water reaches the tail-end of every field. There are complaints of water theft at some places. Strict action should be taken by the department against such people. 

        The department should immediately register an FIR against such water thieves, said the Chief Minister. 

        Because of these water thieves, the water does not reach to the tail-end,  he added. 

        Sh. Manohar Lal also called upon the farmers to adopt the sprinkler irrigation technique.  

        “Today the water resources are limited. We should use it properly, in those areas where there is a shortage of water, farmers should irrigate their fields by adopting the sprinkler method. For this, 85 percent subsidy is given by the State Government, said Sh. Manohar Lal. 

Work should be done on overflowing ponds

The Chief Minister said that the Pond Authority should work on a mission mode to renovate the overflowing ponds.  

        He said that the water from the overflowing ponds should be channelized into the nearby rivers and streams.  Also,  the water should be drained from the pump.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Common Eligibility Test for Group-C will be held in November: Manohar Lal

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IEP Chandigarh, September 18

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that the Common Eligibility Test (CET) for Group-C will be conducted in November. The second level of this test will be conducted after the CET.  The Chief Minister made this announcement while interacting with the media persons after a Jan-Samvad programme organized in the auditorium of Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa on Sunday.

        Responding to a question related to the elections of Panchayati Raj Institutions, the Chief Minister said that a proposal has been sent to State Election Commission to conduct elections of Panchayati Raj Institutions by November 30. He further said that some people had gone to court regarding the reservation of Backward Class-A and 50 percent reservation of women in the elections. Following the orders of the Supreme Court, the state government had set up a Commission to determine reservation in Panchayati Raj elections for Backward Class-A. After the report of the Commission, the state government has issued an ordinance, which has been approved by the governor.  Reservation work regarding delimitation of wards (wardbandi) is under process. In the coming days, orders will be issued to the Deputy Commissioners to give ward wise reservations.  The Deputy Commissioners have to complete this task in a week. Elections will be held after the completion of aforesaid works, he added.

Less VAT on petrol/diesel in Haryana as compared to neighboring states

Responding to another question, the Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that after the directions of Central Government to reduce VAT on petroleum products to reduce inflation, the Haryana Government has reduced the rates of VAT on petrol and diesel twice. He said that Haryana has been imposing less VAT as compared to neighboring states.

Woman will get the income received from her share of land

        A case of woman also came to the notice of the Chief Minister during the Jan Samvad programme, in which the woman Surjit Kaur told that before the death her husband. They had given 27 acres of land ownership in the name of three sons.  Now her sons are not even giving her money to survive.  In such a situation, the Chief Minister directed that the ownership cannot be changed, but the woman will be given the income of one-fourth of the 27 acres of land.

Continuation of  Jan-Samwad programmes in the state

The Chief Minister said that the process of organising Jan-Samvad programmes will remain continued.  Earlier, Jan-Samvad programmes have been organized in Rohtak and Karnal.  This was the third programme in Sirsa.  To hear the grievances of the public, the Deputy Commissioners have also been directed to adress the public grievances from 11 am to 1 pm every day in the respective districts.

After monsoon, 6 Departments are doing repair work of roads

Responding to a question, the Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that after the monsoon season, 6 departments have been engaged in the work of repairing the roads. Public Works Department, Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board, Urban Local Bodies, Haryana Urban Development Authority and Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructural Development Corporation are involved in repairing worl of roads. The Chief Minister said that 650 km of roads are being repaired by the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board.  In each assembly constituency, Rs 25 crore is being given by the government for the repair of roads.

Crops can be sold anywhere in the e-National Agriculture Market

        Responding to a question, the Chief Minister said that in this era of technology, many services are being provided online to the people of the state. The e-National Agriculture Market is also a part of the online platform where the farmers can sell their crops to the trader from Kerala to Assam and they will get good prices for the crop

50 bedded de-addiction and rehabilitation centre will be opened in Sirsa

On the question on drug addiction, the Chief Minister said that a 50-bedded drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centre would be set up in the civil hospital of Sirsa.  State government has set up many gymnasiums in Sirsa than other districts. Their number has been increased to 81 here.  We are looking to increase to set up more gymnasiums in Sirsa district.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Haryana Chief Minister expresses gratitude to the ancestors of Arorvansh community, for choosing self-respect over the reservation, Manohar Lal

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IEP Chandigarh, September 18 “

I am grateful to the ancestors of the Arorvansh community for adopting the path of hard work and self-respect over the reservation,” stated  Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal while laying the foundation stone of Shri Arorvansh Seva Sadan in Sirsa on Sunday.        Following this path, the people of this community had worked hard and played an important role in the progress of the country, added Sh. Manohar Lal.         The Chief Minister said that today’s occasion is a day to remember that section of the society, who had always worked with self-respect and effort. This community had lost everything at the time of the partition and despite this, after coming to India, it made its mark by working hard in various fields including agriculture, business, and job.         Sh. Manohar Lal said that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi also understood the pain of Partition and announced to observe August 14  every year as Vibhajan Vibhishika Divas (Partition Horrors Remembrance Day). This will allow the younger generation to understand the pain of Partition, he added.         The Chief Minister said that we had taken the goal of liberating ‘Akhand Bharat’, but on August 14, we had to face the pain of partition, while on August 15 we also felt the happiness of the country’s independence.          The Arorvansh community has been an eyewitness to both these events in our country. We get to hear this pain of partition from our elders. This Community became self-reliant even after losing everything and has today reached good places in their lives, added Sh. Manohar Lal. The Chief Minister said that after independence, a discussion was held with the framers of the Constitution to bring the people of such community into the mainstream by making provisions of reservations for the deprived community. Also, a discussion was held on whether to give reservation to the people who suffered the tragedy of Partition or not.  The brotherhood and love between Agravansh and Arorvansh society should remain like thisSh. Manohar Lal said that the brotherhood and love between Agravansh and Arorvansh communities should always remain like this. Because this building of Arorvansh Seva Sadan is being built along with Agarwal Seva Sadan. The coming generations must uphold the spirit of this brotherhood.        He said that there were several obstacles in the land allotment where the building of Arorvansh society is being built. But now all such obstacles have been removed. He also congratulated the people of Sirsa.Chief Minister gives Rs 21 lakh each for both the buildings from the voluntary fund        Sh.  Manohar Lal has announced a grant of Rs. 21 lakh each for both Arorvansh Seva Sadan and Agarwal Seva Sadan buildings. Along with this, MP Smt. Sunita Duggal also announced Rs. 5 lakh each and MLA, Sh. Gopal Kanda announced  Rs. 11 lakh each for both the buildings.Chief Minister has given special gifts to Sirsa, Sunita Duggal         MP Smt. Sunita Duggal said that on the occasion of Martyr Madan Lal Dhingra Jayanti, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of Arorvansh Seva Sadan.  This building will set an example of communal harmony and brotherhood not only in Haryana but in the entire country. Both the buildings of Agarwal Seva Sadan and Arorvansh Seva Sadan will be given a similar look, she added.Agarwal Seva Sadan and Arorvansh Seva Sadan will become an example in India, Gopal Kanda        MLA, Sh. Gopal Kanda said that today the foundation stone of Arorvansh Seva Sadan has been laid on the land of the historic city of Sirsa. There are already Bishnoi temples, Arya Samaj temples, and  Shiva temples here. After the construction of Agarwal Seva Sadan and Arorvansh Seva Sadan, this place will have religious significance and will become an example in India.  He also thanked the Chief Minister, for gracing the occasion.

Chandigarh

No pension is deducted by Social Justice & Empowerment Department

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IEP Chandigarh, September 17

Social Justice & Empowerment Department, Haryana is distributing pension to 29,24,723 beneficiaries in all schemes. No type of pension is deducted by the department, but according to the data received by the Registrar General of India (RGI) or the data received from CRID, if any data details of an eligible beneficiary do not match, then the department temporarily suspend the pension of such person.

While giving more information in this regard, the official spokesperson of the department said that a special campaign will be launched from September, 19 to 30 to address the grievances of the beneficiaries of Social Security Pension Allowance, whose pension and allowance have been temporarily suspended due to mismatch of data said that in such a situation, the eligible person may contact the office of the concerned District Social Welfare Officer and inform regarding the continuation of his pension. He said that such cases are resolved by the District Social Welfare Officer through raising issue on their portal and the pension of the eligible beneficiary is restarted and if the beneficiary is eligible for any outstanding pension amount, then that amount will be provided by the department.

He further said that if there is any mistake in the information given on Parivar Pehchan Patra like age or any other type of error then through the respective District Social Welfare Officer, one can raise the issue on the Grievance Portal given by (CRID) at https://grievance.edisha.gov.in, after fulfilling all the criteria, the pension of the beneficiary will be restarted and outstanding pension amount will also be paid by department after all clearance.

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, Chandigarh, Punjab

PUNJAB TAKES LEAD BY FELICITATING ITS CWG CONTINGENT WITH CASH PRIZE AS CM HONOURS 23 PLAYERS

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

Punjab today became the first state in country by felicitating its Commonwealth contingent with cash prize as the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday felicitated 23 sportspersons of Punjab who represented the country in recently concluded Games at Birmingham with cash prize worth Rs. 9.30 Crore.

“This is a humble effort from our government to recognise the massive efforts out by all you to bring laurels for the country” said the Chief Minister while addressing the gathering here at Municipal Bhawan.

Interacting with the players, the Chief Minister reiterated the firm commitment of state government to restore the pristine glory of the state in field of sports. He said that strenuous efforts are already being made by the state in this regard. Bhagwant Mann said that the sportsmen of the state are being honoured with cash prizes to encourage them and other budding players to excel in sports.

The Chief Minister asserted that our sportsmen have brought laurels for the state and now the onus lies on the state government to recognise these achievements.

Highlighting the dire need of sports infrastructure to match at world level, he said that we have inherited natural talent to excel in sports and given a chance these players will conquer the world with grit. However, Bhagwant Mann said that for this world class infrastructure coupled with professional coaches, diet and other facilities are required.

The Chief Minister unequivocally said that the state government has already enhanced the sports budget to build new stadiums at village level, from where the natural talent is produced but had been hitherto ignored. Talking about the sports extravaganza ‘Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan’ starting from August 29, he envisioned that these games will boost the sporting activity in state by channelising unbounded energy of the players in a positive direction. Bhagwant Mann said that such concerted efforts will bear fruits by providing a platform to the players to excel in arena of sports.

The Chief Minister emphasised that to propel sports culture at schools, the state government is recruiting DP and PTI teachers on war footing. Sharing anecdotes with players, Bhagwant Mann also revealed love for sports and mentioned that he inherited the love for hockey from his father.

The Chief Minister also recalled the names of hockey legends such as Balbir Singh Senior, Surjeet Singh, Dhanraj Pillay, Gagan Ajit Singh and others who had brought fame for the country in Hockey. Terming Gurjant, Manpreet, Akashdeep and others as stars of contemporary times, he expressed hope that the country will conquer the world again with the help of these legends. Recalling the names of renowned Drag Flicker of Holland Floris Jan Bovelander, Tennis Players Martina Navrtilova and Boris Becker, Bhagwant Mann said that sports rules are changing drastically in prevailing times, so we have to adapt with these rules swiftly.

The Chief Minister specifically remembered Cricket Player Harleen Deol’s stunning catch against England and also extended warm wishes towards Women Cricket Team Captain Harmanpreet Kaur. He said that it was a rare honour for him to be in the presence of illuminating sports gems. Bhagwant Mann asserted that massive efforts are afoot to revive the hockey team of Punjab Police, football teams of JCT Phagwara and Rail Coach Factory.

The Chief Minister said that 23 players from Punjab participated in Birmingham, out of which 19 players won three silver and four bronze medals. He handed over cash prize to Weightlifter Vikas Thakur, Men’s Hockey Players Manpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Gurjant Singh, Hardik Singh, Varun Kumar, Krishan Pathak, Shamsher Singh, Jarmanjit Singh and Jugraj Singh, Women Cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol and Tania Bhatia, Weightlifters Harjinder Kaur, Lovepreet Singh and Gurdeep Singh and Women hockey player Gurjit Kaur. Apart from this, Judo player Jasleen Saini Judo, athlete Navjit Kaur Dhillon, cyclists Naman Kapil and Vishwajit Singh were also felicitated.

Meanwhile, the Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer informed that Sports Budget has been increased 56 percent and logistics support have been created for sports. He informed that the Chief Minister will inaugurate ‘Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan’ by playing Volleyball at Jalandhar on August 29.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Principal Secretary Sports Raj Kamal Chaudhary, Director Sports Rajesh Dhiman and others.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Haryana

Haryana Vigilance Bureau nabs E/ASI and Patwari accepting bribes

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 24, 2022

Haryana State Vigilance Bureau has arrested two government officials red-handed while accepting bribes worth Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively. Both have been booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Sharing the information here today, the spokesperson of the Bureau said that first case is related to Hisar district wherein the SVB team has caught E/ASI Dharampal of CIA Hisar while accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000 from complainant Dinesh Kumar of village Mirchpur now living at Sanjay Nagar, Balsmand Road, Hisar.

The complainant approached the Bureau alleging that E/ASI demanded bribe in lieu of not taking legal action against him in a case related to giving his licenced weapon to another person for photo purposes. He also threatened him that if the demand is not fulfilled, he will take action against him.

The SVB acted promptly on the complaint and a team in the presence of duty magistrate arrested the accused E/ASI while accepting bribe of Rs 15000.

The spokesperson further said that in another case Amarjit, Patwari of HSIIDC, Rai, Sonipat has been caught red-handed by the Vigilance Bureau while accepting bribe of Rs 20,000 from a farmer in Sonipat district.

Complainant, a resident of Garhi Bala informed that accused Patwari was demanding bribe in lieu of preparing the papers for the release of compensation of his land acquired by the government for the construction of KMP expressway in 2006. Accused Patwari told that he will get a compensation amount of Rs 18 to 22 lakhs as well as interest after the court decision. For this, he will have to pay Rs 75,000 to him. The deal settled at Rs 40,000 and the farmer gave Rs 20,000 in advance due to compulsion. After the complaint, the Vigilance team laid a trap and arrested the accused Patwari taking a bribe of Rs 20,000.

A case has been registered against the accused under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Further investigation is underway.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Punjab

EXPERIENCE CLAUSE ABOLISHED TO ENCOURAGE NEW ENTERPRENEURS

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 22, 2022

Acting on the directions of the Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann for revamping the various policies/procedures in the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, the Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today gave approval to the revised Tender specifications for purchase of Tarpaulins used to protect paddy stocks against inclement weather.  

The revised tender Terms and Conditions have now been brought broadly in sync with the Terms and Conditions approved by the FCI for its own purchases across the country. 

In order to encourage new entrepreneurs, the policy has now done away with the experience clause, opening the doors for new industrial units to bid for the tenders. Further, in order to encourage wider participation, suppliers, who are authorised by the Principal Manufacturers, have also been allowed to participate in the tender process.  This is expected to increase the competition since it was felt that manufacturers, who are located far away, often did not participate in the tender process. 

The minimum quantity of tarpaulins to be offered by the bidder has  been reduced in order to encourage smaller industries to participate in the tender process. The tenders shall continue to be called on the e-tendering website of Punjab Government to ensure complete transparency. 

Comprehensive inspection protocols have also been introduced to check the quality of the Tarpaulins being supplied. These include inspections in both factory premises as well as delivery point, making these protocols even more stringent than those adopted by FCI.

Recognising the monetary benefit of the existing specifications for Tarpaulins, which provide for usage of 2 years,, the state specifications have been retained. It may be noted that for the past many years, the Punjab Government has it’s own specifications for Tarpaulins, which offer a significant financial saving to the Government over Tarpaulins purchased with FCI specifications, which having a life span of only one year. 

Herein it may be noted that a few months back, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had, in a meeting to review the working of the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, directed the department to comprehensively review and revamp the existing policies and purchase procedures existing within the department to make these more transparent and competitive. He had also directed that the Department should encourage new entrepreneurs, wherever possible, in order to encourage new industry. In compliance with these directions, the Department has already revised the Custom Milling Policy, which has introduced landmark initiatives, and was subsequently approved by the Cabinet. The Department has also revised its Labour Policy and the Transportation Policy, both of which are due to be placed before the Cabinet in its next meeting for approval.