Category Archives: News

A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart.

Health Minister launches website of Punjab institute of liver & biliary sciences

IEP CHANDIGARH, February 5

          Ahead of the inauguration ceremony of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s much-ambitious Punjab Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (PILBS) in Mohali, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh has launched the website “www.pilbs.punjab.gov.in” of the institute for convenience of the Public. The website was launched in the presence of Director of the Institute Professor Virendra Singh, who is Former Prof & Head, Department of Hepatology PGIMER, Chandigarh.

          Dr Balbir Singh said that the Institute, which has been running OPD services for last 8 months at 3B1, SAS Nagar, is expected to get fully-functional soon as all the latest ultra-modern equipment are being installed and the recruitment process of super-specialist doctors and other para-medical staff has also been completed.

          “Once the institute gets fully functional, people will be able to avail first-class medical care for patients with liver and biliary diseases at this institute,” he said, while adding that patients with various types of liver diseases including acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, alcoholic liver disease, ascites, various pancreatic diseases and disorders of the gallbladder and biliary diseases can avail the treatment.

          “People will also be able to avail the liver transplant procedure at this institute, which is being established at par to The Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences (ILBS), New Delhi,” said Dr Balbir Singh, while adding that this would be the second government super-speciality institute to offer first-class medical care for patients with liver and biliary diseases in the country.

          Meanwhile, the website will help in sensitising patients about basic overview of the diseases, preventive measures and Health Education, besides providing insights about the laboratory tests, online reporting, procedures and Liver transplantation. The details of Faculty, OPD days and Specialities at the hospital will be available on the website for the general public’s convenience. The website will have details of Tele-Medicine for the outreach to all the Government hospitals of the Punjab.

Speaker Sandhwan takes unique initiative to safeguard Punjabi language from extinction

IEP Chandigarh, February 5

          Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan took a distinctive initiative on Monday to integrate Punjabi into Google’s Gemini AI platform by engaging in discussions with various departments and Punjabi intellectuals.

          Emphasizing the need for a roadmap, the Speaker expressed concern that while Google’s latest release included languages like Gujarati and Marathi, Punjabi was excluded due to the unavailability of vocabulary and data.

          Mr. Sandhwan stressed the importance of preparing data related to Punjab language within the next six months to ensure its inclusion on the platform, enabling Punjabi to join the ranks of other languages accessible through Google’s AI. He highlighted the significance of incorporating Punjabi in the era of machine intelligence, emphasizing its status as one of the top 10 most spoken languages globally.

          Eminent figures, including Punjabi poet Dr. Surjit Patar and Punjabi critic Dr. Amarjit Singh Grewal, participated in the meeting along with representatives from various departments and Punjabi University Patiala.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann to launch Statewide Campaign from Bhankharpur (Derabassi) today

IEP Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, February 5, 2024

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to launch the Statewide campaign ‘AAP di Sarkar AAP de dwar’ program from Bhankharpur Village of Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar District, falling on Zirakpur-Derabassi Road tomorrow (February 6), said Deputy Commissioner, Aashika Jain, today.

    Divulging the details, she said that the programme is aimed at delivering 44 types of services to the people at their native places from tomorrow in the special camps being organised under the ‘AAP di Sarkar AAP de dwar’ program. Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain while reviewing the arrangements at Bhankharpur, directed the officials to ensure all necessary arrangements. She added that district Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar would have 422 camps during the month-long campaign to redress the problems of the residents by approaching each Village and ward.

    Further giving more information, DC Jain said that the camps would be held under the supervision of SDMs and officials from various departments including Revenue, Sewa Kendras, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Social Security and Development of Women and Children, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Health, Water Supply and Sanitation, PSPCL, Rural Development and Panchayats, Food Supply Labour, Police and others will participate and solve grievances of the people at the spot. 

   The Deputy Commissioner said that in these camps, government services including birth or death certificates, Affidavit attestation, Stipend to children of beneficiaries, residence certificate, SC certificate, Registration of construction worker, pension to old age, BC certificate, Electricity payment, Addition of name in birth certificate, Inspection of revenue records, Registration of marriage (compulsory), multiple cases of death certificate, renewal of construction worker card, correction of entry in birth certificate, issuance of death/NAC certificate, Rural Area Certificate, multiple copies of birth certificate, General Caste Certificate, pension to widow/destitute citizen, non-encumbrance certificate, equity entry of mortgage, delayed entry of birth certificate, Income Certificate, pension to handicapped, Fard Generation, Apply for disability Certificate (UDID), Countersigning of documents, registration of marriage (Anand), Shagun Scheme, Pension to Dependent Children, Border Area Certificate, Delayed registration of death, Counter Signing of documents of NRI, Counter signing of police clearance certificate, Correction of entry in death certificate, Kandi Area certificate will be offered to the people.

    She urged the people to avail maximum benefit of these camps.

    Earlier Principal Secretary Punjab Government Krishan Kumar and Secretary Information and Public Relations Malwinder Singh Jaggi also visited the site and reviewed the arrangements. SSP Dr Sandeep Garg was also present.

Development activities sweeping across the entire state: Hry Minister Kanwar Pal

IEP Chandigarh, February 3

Haryana School Education, Forest and Tourism Minister, Sh. Kanwar Pal stated that the government led by the Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal is ensuring all round development across the entire state.

The Minister of School Education inaugurated and laid the foundation for development works worth Rs.78 lakh on Saturday in the Jagadhri Assembly constituency as part of the series of development activities.

He stated that the state government is working without any bias, giving priority based on the needs of all assembly constituencies. Special attention has been given to the construction of bridges, new construction, and maintenance of roads.

He said the government’s effort is to ensure that people effectively benefit from welfare schemes, and for this, transparent development plans are being implemented in every area. He emphasised that since the formation of the government in the state, special attention has been given to the roads. Now, all districts of the state are being connected to national highways. In the Jagadhri Assembly constituency, new and old roads have been improved with projects costing crores of rupees.

Sh. Kanwar Pal said that along with roads, other development projects in the Jagadhri Assembly constituency are also being expedited. At present, projects worth crores of rupees are being run by the government in Jagadhri city, some of which have been completed, and others will be completed soon, for the benefit of the public.  

Labour Department starts registration facility for unorganised sector workers

IEP Chandigarh

The Ministry of Labour and Employment of the Government India is using ‘eShram’ portal for the welfare of unorganised sector workers, and is being actively implemented in Haryana. Under this, the Labour Department has reopened the registration for the unorganised sector workers.

Sharing information in this regard an official spokesperson said that the Haryana government is committed towards the workers’ welfare. The unorganised sector includes agriculture workers, labourers, street vendors, domestic workers, and construction workers and others. This digital platform aims to connect unorganised workers with the welfare schemes of the government.

He said that the e-Shram portal is not just a digital platform; it is an initiative to bring comprehensive improvements in the living standards of unorganised labourers, as they face various challenges, and by registering them on the e-Shram portal, the government aims to ensure they benefit from the schemes offered.

He encouraged all unorganised sector workers to ensure prompt registration on the e-Shram portal. The Labour Department is conducting a massive campaign across all districts of Haryana for the registration of unorganised workers on the e-Shram portal. Each registered worker will be given a 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN), which will be valid for lifetime. Additionally, the workers’ skills will be mapped, allowing employers to provide employment according to their needs.

Any worker can register themselves on eshram.gov.in or visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) to complete the registration. After registration, workers can easily avail benefits of schemes related to health, education, and other social security based on their needs. Even migrant workers should ensure their registration with the Labour Department to avail the benefits of all the schemes.

Eligibility for Registration on the eShram Portal

The spokesperson said that workers like Small and marginal farmers, agricultural labourers, people involved in the field of animal husbandry, labeling and packing, carpenters, newspaper vendors, rickshaw and auto drivers, MNGRGA workers, Asha workers, milk farmers, migrant workers etc. are eligible and can register themselves on eshram portal. Also they should be between 16-59 years old, and not members of EPFO and ESIC, and not income tax payers. Eligible candidates can register with their Aadhar number, mobile number, Aadhar-linked bank account, etc. 

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, a boon for helpless people

IEP Chandigarh, February 3

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) being implemented by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, provides free treatment for diseases of helpless families. Under this scheme, each family is provided with free health insurance of up to Rs 5 lakh per year. The PMJAY has proved to be a boon for the helpless people.

Sharing information in this regard an official spokesperson said that the state government has expanded the scheme and started the Chirayu Yojana Haryana for the health welfare of the citizens of the state under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. With the help of the Chirayu Yojana, poor families can get free treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh and under the Chirayu Yojana.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana started in 2018 with the aim of providing health benefits to the underprivileged ones. Earlier, only BPL families with income up to Rs 1.80 lakh were eligible for the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. To ensure the scheme’s full advantage, the state government decided to provide health benefits to families with incomes of up to Rs 3 lakh. Such families can provide health benefits to the entire family by paying a very low monthly charge of Rs 1500 per year. As a result, the government is now providing assistance to around 30 lakh families under this initiative.

He said that under the Chirayu Yojana, new members can join by providing their birth or marriage certificates. The scheme is completely cashless, and beneficiaries can receive free treatment by showing their Ayushman Bharat card at empaneled private or government hospitals. To get an Ayushman Bharat card, beneficiaries can visit any Atal Seva Kendra or health centre with their Parivar Pehchan Patra or Aadhaar card. Notably, during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, efforts were made to create Chirayu cards in every village.

He mentioned the unique feature of portability in this scheme, meaning patients from the state can avail free treatment at panels of private or government hospitals in any other state. The government not only provides free treatment but also focuses on ensuring quality treatment.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar releases book “9 Incredible Years of Haryana Government: Emergence of a New and Vibrant Haryana”

IEP Chandigarh, February 3

Vice President of India, Sh Jagdeep Dhankhar today released a book titled “9 Incredible Years of Haryana Government: Emergence of a New and Vibrant Haryana” at Surajkund, Faridabad. The event also witnessed the presence of Haryana Governor, Sh Bandaru Dattatraya, Chief Minister, Sh Manohar Lal and several other distinguished guests.

After releasing the book, the Vice President, in his address, described the state of Haryana as a role model for the country. He said that the work done in Haryana regarding system change and good governance, in accordance with the visionary thinking of Chief Minister Shri Manohar Lal, was not easy. Reforming the system was difficult because, while undertaking such endeavors, the first individuals to challenge you are those in your immediate surroundings. They question why you have assumed power, why you are altering political norms ingrained over decades, and if you do not provide employment opportunities for your constituents, who will support us. However, Sh Manohar Lal regarded the entirety of Haryana as his family and pursued the task of systemic transformation. He emphasized that this message resonated not only within Haryana but across the entire country. Today, the ‘Transparent-Accountable-Honest Recruitment Process’ of Haryana State is a topic of discussion nationwide. He further highlighted that Haryana excels in numerous fields, including agriculture, sports, and defense services. The farmers and soldiers of Haryana have consistently strived to uphold our national pride.

Describing Sh Manohar Lal’s seven principles of good governance – Shiksha, Swasthya, Suraksha, Swabhiman, Swavlamban, Sushasan, and Sewa – as Satvik, he said that these principles are indispensable for upholding democratic values.

Sh Dhankhar remarked that India is undergoing a profound transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi. He emphasized that the vision embedded within our cultural heritage is vividly reflected in our current progress, portraying today as a glorious era for India. This pivotal period lays the robust groundwork for India’s future, ensuring that by the time India commemorates its 100 years of independence in 2047, it will emerge as a developed nation.

He stated that just a decade ago, the country was known by ‘scams’ and a faltering economy. However, today, India has ascended to become the fifth-largest superpower globally, surpassing countries like Canada, England and France. Within the next 2-3 years, India will ascend to the position of the third-largest superpower in the world, surpassing Japan and Germany, he added.

Sh Dhankhar highlighted that there was a time when corruption prevailed in every aspect of government, necessitating the involvement of middlemen for any work to be accomplished. Today the culture of middlemen has been eradicated entirely. He commended the significant ecosystem that our youth are currently benefiting from, which has strengthened their confidence and propelled them to unprecedented heights based on their achievements.

The Vice President lauded Sh Rajesh Khullar, Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and said that his lecture would be conducted as a source of motivation on Sansad TV.

The book, which illustrates the development narrative of Haryana, is poised to become the new history of Haryana – Governor Bandaru Dattatraya

During the book release ceremony, Haryana Governor Sh Bandaru Dattatraya expressed pride in the developmental changes witnessed by the people of Haryana over the past nine years. He noted that due to this sustained development, future generations will always cherish these transformative moments. The Governor highlighted that Haryana has now emerged as one of the leading states in the country, attributing this progress to the government’s commitment to equitable development, corruption-free governance, and transparency, guided by the principle of “Haryana Ek-Haryanvi Ek.” He said that Haryana’s global recognition is growing steadily as it continues to innovate and progress.

Describing the book focusing on the nine remarkable years of the Haryana government as a testament to the state’s track record, the Governor praised Chief Minister Manohar Lal’s leadership style, hailing him as a dedicated and genuine public servant. He reiterated that the Chief Minister considers the entire state as his family and diligently fulfils his responsibilities.

The Governor said that this book, which illustrates the development narrative of Haryana, is poised to become the new history of Haryana. He emphasized the importance of disseminating the book to rural areas, ensuring that people understand the government’s ongoing efforts for their welfare.

Improving lives of citizens by advancing Good Governance and Antyodaya – Manohar Lal

Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal said that the book ‘9 Incredible Years of Haryana Government’ encapsulates perspectives from individuals occupying various positions in politics, education, social work, administration and the judiciary. Notably, insightful contributions from intellectuals regarding the state government’s initiatives for the nation and society are also featured in the book. Reflecting on his nine-year tenure, he underscored the government’s focus on addressing grassroots realities and resolving people’s issues. Guided by the principles of good governance and Antyodaya, the government has endeavored to improve the lives of the state’s residents.

Emphasizing the rejection of the three Cs – crime, corruption, and caste-based politics, Sh Manohar Lal highlighted the realization of the ethos of ‘Haryana ek-Haryanvi ek.’ Referring to the seven S as the aim of his vision, he said that today a system based on – Shiksha, Swasthya, Suraksha, Swabhiman, Swavlamban, Sushasan, and Sewa – has been established in the state.

Additionally, he reminisced about his experiences working alongside Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, noting the Prime Minister’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing the nation’s interests. Sh Manohar Lal pledged to uphold this ethos, ensuring a continued focus on public service in the state. He extended his gratitude to Vice President Sh Jagdeep Dhankhar for releasing the book.

The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi used to say that whatever you feel is good for public interest, start it. If it’s detrimental, abandon it, if it’s beneficial, persist, Modi ji used to grant such freedom. Referring to Sh Modi as a ‘prayogdharmi’, the Chief Minister highlighted the positive changes and initiatives undertaken over the past nine years to steer the country on the path of unprecedented development. He said that while a political leader can outline goals, it’s the administrative officers who execute the action plan to realize those objectives effectively. The Chief Minister said that the ideology he has been associated with, the individual is not primary but the ideology is primary. On the basis of this ideology, we are moving forward and continuously engaged in public service.

Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh Rajesh Khullar also provided detailed information about the content and concept of the book. He mentioned that through this book, it will also be understood how a new and vibrant Haryana has emerged as a result of a good governance system. He highlighted that Haryana Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal has worked to reform the system during his tenure, serving the entire people of Haryana in the form of servant leadership. Sh Khullar appreciated the efforts made to make Haryana a leading state by implementing significant changes in various government welfare schemes. He noted that the book “9 Incredible Years of Haryana Government” includes responses provided on the public welfare policies of the Haryana Government.

Haryana Assembly Speaker Sh Gian Chand Gupta, Union Minister of State Sh Krishan Pal Gurjar, Transport Minister Moolchand Sharma, Urban Bodies Minister Dr. Kamal Gupta, Cooperative and Public Health Minister Dr. Banwari Lal, Women and Child Development Minister Kamlesh Dhanda, Development and Panchayat Minister Devendra Singh Babli MP Dharmbir Singh, MP Ramesh Kaushik, Rajya Sabha MP Krishan Lal Panwar, General DP Vats, Kartikeya Sharma, Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal, Director General of Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department Mandip Singh Brar, book editor Prof. Kuldeep Chand Agnihotri, Translation editor Dr. Shamim Sharma and former IPS R.K. Panchnanda and other dignitaries were also present on this occasion.

This book, highlighting the accomplishments of the current government over the past nine years, has been published in both Hindi and English languages.

Uchana assembly constituency will become industrial hub: Dushyant Chautala

IEP Chandigarh, February 3

Haryana Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Dushyant Chautala said that under the PADMA Scheme, 9 locations have been identified in the state for setting up industrial units and applications were sought from farmers for providing land on the e-Bhoomi portal. Under which, proposals of more than 3000 acres have been received from farmers across the state, in which two proposals of 1170 acres have been received for providing land in village Khatkar of Uchana assembly constituency.

Addressing the gathering at Chhatar Gaushala in Uchana today, the Deputy Chief Minister said that industrial units will be developed at these designated locations. This initiative aims to transform Uchana into an industrial hub, thereby generating employment opportunities for the local youth.

During the event, Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala distributed cheques worth approximately Rs 84 lakh to 8 cow shelters in Uchana under the Gau Seva Aayog. Additionally, he inaugurated three concrete roads constructed at a cost of about Rs 1 crore 25 lakh.

He mentioned that the state government has allocated Rs 400 crore to the Gau Seva Aayog, which will be utilized for various purposes such as constructing sheds, godowns, boundary walls, paving roads, arranging fodder, and providing other facilities in cow sheds across the state. Furthermore, financial assistance will be provided to registered cow sheds through the portal launched by the Commission, as per their requirements. Mr. Chautala emphasized that cow service is an act of religious virtue, and thus, the contribution of society members is crucial in this regard.

Deputy Chief Minister said that all the administrative formalities including the map of the college to be built in Chhatar village have been completed and Rs 27 crore has been sanctioned for it. Apart from this, Chhatar village has been included in the Mahagram scheme, under which Rs 51 crore has been sanctioned to provide potable drinking water to the villagers and to lay a new pipeline for proper drainage of dirty water. He said that during the tenure of the state government, a record 30,000 kilometers of roads have been constructed, renovated and expanded. The Deputy Chief Minister remarked that empowering farmers and agriculturalists was the vision of Jan Nayak Chaudhary Devi Lal, and it remains the guiding purpose of his own life. He emphasized his ongoing efforts to generate employment opportunities for youth and ensure comprehensive development of villages. Due to his meaningful hard work, pleasant results of various development projects worth about Rs 1,400 crore are being seen in the state as well as in Uchana assembly constituency.

Haryana Police and State Narcotics Control Bureau Host Innovative Hackathon on Drug De-addiction: Final Round Highlights and Future Impact

IEP Chandigarh, February 3

The final round of the Hackathon on drug de-addiction, organised jointly by the Haryana Police and the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau and is scheduled for 4th February. The top 10 teams from across the country will participate, presenting prototypes and solutions related to drug de-addiction.

During the event, each team will have about 20 minutes to present their prototypes or solutions. A panel of experts has been assembled to evaluate the teams based on the set parameters and will also declare the results of the competition. Haryana Police will use the unique ideas from the first, second, and third-place teams in future de-addiction awareness efforts.

Director General of Police, Haryana,  Sh. Shatrujeet Kapur, highlighted the importance of the hackathon in saving the youth from the clutches of drugs. The event, conducted through a digital platform, began on December 3 and attracted 3100 participants from colleges, universities, and other institutions nationwide. Out of these, the top 10 teams have been selected for the final round.

Police Commissioner, Panchkula, Sh. Sibash Kabiraj emphasised the power of digital media in conveying messages to the public. He stressed the need to utilise digital platforms alongside traditional methods to effectively spread the message of de-addiction.

 Sh.Kabiraj stated that the ups and downs in the lives of youth often lead them astray towards issues like drug addiction. The hackathon aims to find innovative solutions, such as e-sports and gaming, to prevent youth from taking the wrong paths.

Kabiraj acknowledged the support of the organisation ‘Hack2Skills’ in organising the hackathon. He stated that the event provides a platform for innovative ideas to convey the message of de-addiction more effectively.

The hackathon showcased both non-technical and technology-based solutions, including online games and metaverse software, connecting more people to the campaign and inspiring them to stay away from drugs.

CM gives clarion call to NRIs to become active partner in social and economic growth of state

IEP Chamrod Pattan (Pathankot), February 3

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Giving a clarion call to the Punjabi Diaspora settled across the globe, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday sought their whole hearted cooperation and support to transform the state’s economy to emerge it as a frontrunner state in the world.

Addressing a massive gathering of Non Resident Indians converged here during NRI Milni, the Chief Minister said that during the early regimes the NRIs faced lot of humiliation in the hands of the officials. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a paradigm shift is being witnessed in the state ever since he has  assumed the charge of office as number of initiated have been taken for the welfare of the NRIs. He said that is just the beginning as a lot of path breaking initiatives are being taken to restore the pride of NRIs.

The Chief Minister said that as he hails from a common family and is well connected at the ground level so he is well aware of the problems being faced by the various sections of society.  He assured the people that every problem of theirs will be solved and the state government is at their disposal for resolving their every genuine problem. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government is committed for the progress of the state and prosperity of its people.

The Chief Minister said that he has met a number of Ambassadors and Diplomats to rope in the foreign investment in the state. He said that the sole motive is to give impetus to the development of the state so that people are immensely benefitted from it. Bhagwant Singh Mann that the efforts will bear fruits as in the coming times Punjab will emerge as a hub of tourism industry.

The Chief Minister said that the NRI sammelans held during the previous regime were merely a sham as nothing concrete came out of it. He said that NRIs were called in big palaces and hotels but were humiliated afterwards as no one bothered about them. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government is holding these functions at scenic locations to showcase rich cultural heritage of the state to the people adding that NRIs must contribute generously for its progress and prosperity.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab is a blessed land which produces so much wheat and paddy so as to make the country self reliant in food production. However, he said that the earlier leaders had plundered the wealth of the state due to which the state had lagged behind in progress and prosperity. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that but now the state government is making strenuous efforts to make sure that Punjab leads the country in every sphere.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab don’t need any NOC of patriotism from anyone especially those in power at centre today. He said that they had rejected the tableaus of the state during Republic Day parade irrespective of the fact 90% sacrifices for freedom struggle were made by Punjabis. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this step motherly treatment against the state is intolerable as they don’t have any right to reject the tableaus of the state showcasing patriotism and nationalism in the state

Punjabis irrespective of caste, colour, creed and their geographical location have proved their mettle in every aspect of life by the grace and blessings of Almighty. He said that probably Punjabi community is the only in the world which could undertake any daunting task by the dint of their hard work, sincerity and commitment. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has made concerted efforts to put Punjab in the high growth trajectory in terms of superb infra structure, surplus in power, excellent education and Healthcare facilities.

The Chief Minister said that all this had been feasible due to congenial atmosphere of communal harmony, peace and amity prevailing in the state. He said that coupled with this the unique phenomenon of peaceful atmosphere led Punjab to hasten the process of overall growth and development in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is matter of great pride and satisfaction that g he brave Punjabis for reposing unflinching trust in the ethos of democracy besides cementing the bonds of brotherhood, peace and mutual tolerance.

Striking an emotional chord, the Chief Minister urged the NRI brethren to contribute enormously in the promotion of education and healthcare services besides strengthening economic and social ties, which was all the more important for our future generations. He said that this milni should not be construed as a ‘formal get together’ rather it should be utilized as a Healthy platform for serious deliberations to translate ideas/ proposals into actions for betterment of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisaged the cooperation of NRIs in the field of education and healthcare to crystallize several schemes and projects in these core sectors.

The Chief Minister said that our government is fully committed to cherish their aspirations for making their living as comfortable and pleasant as abroad to make Punjab as their abode of dreams. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he is confident that when this process of ‘reverse immigration’ has begun then it will not only halt the emerging trend of brain drain especially amongst the youth, who were passionate to go abroad in search of green pastures but will also contribute significantly in motivating the NRIs to contribute in social economic growth of state. He exhorted the NRIs to play a proactive role for this noble cause to make Punjab a front runner state in the country.

The Chief Minister said that due to concerted efforts of the state government global Bussiness tycoons are making beeline to invest in state. He said that during the last more than 20 months some of the biggest companies like Tata Steel and others had made a beeline to invest in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is a step forward for making Punjab a frontrunner state and carving out Rangla Punjab.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has introduced unique colour coded stamp papers, which is a step forward towards ushering a new era of Industrial Revolution in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab is the first state to introduce green colored stamp papers to facilitate the entrepreneurs for setting up their units thereby giving much needed fillip to industrial growth of the state. He described it as a revolutionary step aimed at promoting ease of doing business for the entrepreneurs desirous of setting up their units in the state.

The Chief Minister quipped that earlier the industries used to sign MOUs with the families in power but ever since he has assumed charge of government, the agreements are signed for people of state. He said that earlier the affluent families used to get benefit of these agreements but now Punjabis will enjoy its fruits. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is because his government is working untiringly for the well being of every strata of society.

The Chief Minister also impressed upon Punjabi Diaspora to become active partners in the ongoing unprecedented development of Punjab by making investments, adopting villages and cities besides contributing in the area of social welfare. He apprised the Diaspora that Punjab was a most favoured investment destination, progressive and actually a rich-state and they should showcase these facts globally. Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab was the first state in the country to respond NRIs instantly to assist them and resolving their grievances.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is making concerted efforts for the welfare of the youth of the state. He said that the focus of his government is to ensure that youth become job givers instead of job seekers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is the need of hour to carve out a progressive and prosperous Punjab.

The Chief Minister said that in the last 25 years only two people had ruled the state and exploited its resources for their vested personal interests. He said that out of these five two were from one family whereas two were from another one adding that along with them one person was a Pakistani national. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these people mercilessly looted the state for their vested political interests thereby hampering the development of the state.

Taking a jibe over the Punjab Bachao yatra of Akali Dal, the Chief Minister dared the Akali leaders to explain that after looting the state for 15 years, from whom they are trying to save the state from. He said that Akalis have plundered the state mercilessly besides bruising the psyche of Punjabis emotionally and patronizing several mafias in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that people are well aware of the dubious character of the Akalis and Badal family due to which their theatricals won’t work now.

The Chief Minister said that the state has created history by purchasing Goindwal power plant owned by a private company GVK Power. He said that for the first time this reverse trend has started that the government has purchased any private power plant whereas in the past the state governments used to sell their assets to the favorite individuals at ‘throw away’ prices. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as coal from Pachwara coal mine can be used only for government power plants so with purchase of this power plant this coal can be aptly utilized for producing power to provide it to every sector of the state.

The Chief Minister said that during the previous regimes people were so scared of success as the leaders used to put share in their ventures. He said that these leaders looted the masses and their hands were soaked with the blood of Punjab and Punjabis. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that but now the government of common people is there in the state which is giving chance to every individual to succeed in life.

The Chief Minister said that in order to facilitate the NRI brethren for resolving their issues, the state government has launched new website nri.punjab.gov.in of the NRI affairs department. He described it as a path breaking initiative aimed at ensuring the well being of the NRIs on one hand and helping them to stay connected with their roots on the other. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the website has detailed information pertaining to NRI Police wing, Punjab State Commission for NRIs and NRI sabha.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that in another major relief to Non Resident Indians (NRIs), the state government has appointed Chief Minister Field Officers as Nodal Officer for NRIs to ensure rederessal of their grievances in a prompt and time bound manner. He asserted that the move was aimed at ensuring that grievances of residents of state were redressed at district level by providing a well structured and empowered Grievance Redressal System to them. Bhagwant Singh Mann revealed that in another significant decision the state government has now decided to appoint Chief Minister Field Officers as Nodal Officer for NRIs to ensure rederessal of their grievances.

On the occasion Cabinet Ministers Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Lal Chand Kataruchak and Brahm Shanker Jimpa along with others were also present.