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Haryana

Anti Corruption Bureau eyes on corrupt officials in 2023, conducted 152 raids, record 226 arrests in a year

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IEP Chandigarh, January 24

In a proactive drive against corruption in government departments, Haryana Anti Corruption Bureau in line with the zero-tolerance policy of the State Government, has registered a record number of cases related to graft in the previous year which enabled the state government to put a check on the corrupt practices in the government offices. The Bureau registered 205 cases (including 152 traps) in 2023 which is the second-highest number during the last 10 years.

The Bureau has conducted 152 raids in the year 2023 & recovered Rs. 86,12,300/- on the spot and arrested 186 government servants, including 30 gazetted officer, 156 non-gazetted officials and 40 private individuals, during the year 2023.

Sharing the information here today, Director General, Anti Corruption Bureau, Haryana, said that out of the 205 cases, 152 were registered on raid/trap and 53 cases were registered on complaints/enquiries. On average, 16 public servants were arrested on corruption charges every month.

Informing how the Bureau has been able to crack down on such a large number of corrupt officials in the past year, Sh. Kapur said that the Anti Corruption Bureau has shifted its focus from junior-level staff to also include senior ranks, who are often the kingpins in running organised corruption rackets. The remarkable spurt in the number of raids and arrests of senior officials is being seen as a clean-up act by the Bureau under the directives of Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal as part of his zero-tolerance policy towards rooting out corruption at all levels.

CM Shri Manohar Lal has approved various initiatives of ACB like setting up a revolving fund to provide ‘trap money’ to the aggrieved people lodging complaints against government officials demanding bribes. With this, complainants no longer have to worry about arranging the trap money from their own pockets, he added. The government has also sanctioned 809 additional posts to strengthen ACB, changed the system of appointment of independent witnesses to check leakage of information, and created six Divisional Anti-Corruption Bureaus amongst others. Further, Rs. 100 crores have been allocated to strengthen Anti-Corruption related initiatives in Haryana for the financial year 2023-2024.

Highlighting the arrests of some high-ranking officials/big raids, he informed that (i) two Medical Officers in separate incidents were caught red-handed taking Rs. 5,00,000/- & 1,52,000/- respectively as bribe. (ii) A private person was caught red-handed taking Rs. 10,00,000/- as bribe and co-accused in this case – an Assistant Town Planner – was also arrested. (ii) Two private persons were caught red-handed taking Rs. 3,00,000/- each as bribe in separate incidents and their co-accused two All India Service officers  were also arrested in these cases. (iv) A Deputy Forest Ranger was caught red-handed taking Rs. 3,00,000/- as bribe & co-accused one HFS officer was arrested. (v) One HCS and an HPS officer were also arrested in two separate corruption cases. (vi) An Enforcement Officer of Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation & a private person were caught red-handed taking Rs. 7,00,000/- as bribe. (vii) A Patwari of Revenue Department was caught red-handed taking Rs. 5,00,000/- as bribe and co-accused one Patwari & one Section officer were arrested in this case. (viii) A General Manager, Field Inspector & Accountant of HAFED were caught red-handed taking Rs. 3,50,000/- as bribe. (ix) An Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Department was caught red-handed taking Rs. 1,00,000/-. (x) A Sub Divisional Officer of Public Health Engineering department & co-accused one Junior Engineer were caught accepting Rs. 1,20,000/- bribe. (xi) A Manager of Haryana Forest Development alongwith two co-accused persons were caught accepting Rs. 1,00,000/- bribe.

He further revealed that 49 police personnel, 21 officers/officials of the Revenue Department, 10 of Power Utilities, 7 of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumers Affairs, 6 of Urban Local Bodies, 5 of Health Services, 4 of Cooperation, 4 of Education Department, 4 of Excise & Taxation, 4 of Haryana State Agriculture Marketing Board, 4 of Public Health Engineering, 2 of Development & Panchayats Department, 2 of Forest Department, 2 of Home Guards, 2 of Irrigation Department, 2 of Justice of Administration Department, 2 of Land records & Consolidation, 2 of Prisons and 14 of other departments like Accounts & Treasury, Employees State Insurance Corporation, HAFED, Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam, Haryana State Warehousing Corporation, Home, HSIIDC, HSVP, Labour & Employment, Mining & Geology, Panchayati Raj, SC & BC Welfare, Skill Development and Industrial Training & Transport, were nabbed red-handed while taking bribes ranging from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 10 lakh in separate cases.

Apart from conducting enquiries referred by the government, the Bureau also collects information available in the public domain and various other sources to identify potential cases from time to time. This helps the Bureau in laying traps and nabbing those who are demanding and accepting bribes.

He informed that fully functional ACB offices have been made operational upto the district level. In yet another initiative, the complainants who play a proactive role in realizing the state government’s drive to make Haryana corruption-free, are honoured with ‘Samman Patras’. The Bureau also facilitates the complainants post-raid regarding their pending issues with the offices concerned.

During the year 2023, the Bureau has also initiated proposals for the attachment of property of tainted public servants involved in corruption cases. After obtaining the concurrence of the government, petitions have been filed for attaching property earned out of proceeds of crime in 6 cases, which are at advanced stage.

During its ongoing crusade against corruption in 2023, the Bureau has registered 31 enquiries against 12 gazetted officers, 10 non-gazetted officials & 7 private persons on the direction of the state government. During the year, 82 enquiries were finalised.

Out of 82 enquiries completed during 2023, the Bureau has recommended registration of criminal case against 34 gazetted officers, 10 non-gazetted officials and 47 private persons in 14 enquiries. In 22 enquires, departmental action against 12 gazetted officers and 27 non-gazetted officials has been recommended and in yet another 9 enquiries, registration of criminal cases alongwith departmental action against 19 gazetted officers, 32 non-gazetted officials & 66 private persons. Thus, in all action has been recommended against 65 gazetted officers, 69 non-gazetted officials & 113 private persons in 45 enquiries and the remaining 37 enquiries were closed as the allegations were not proved.

In addition to this, during the year, 10 technical reports have been sent to the Govt., in which the Bureau has recommended departmental action against 9 gazetted officers, 5 non-gazetted officers and to recover Rs. 9,20,466/- from the concerned agencies.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau is committed to intensifying the drive against corruption and all cases of bribery have been dealt with strictly and more crackdowns will follow in the coming days. The Bureau has also urged the people to fight against corruption and report complaints of bribery on its Toll-free numbers 1800-180-2022 and 1064 and WhatsApp number 094178-91064.

Haryana

CM inaugurates 60 Amrit+ Sarovers in virtual Ceremony from Dult Village in Tohana Assembly Constituency

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IEP Chandigarh, January 24

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal has urged the citizens of the state to use water judiciously and avoid wastage. Emphasizing that water is precious, he encouraged people to develop the habit of using available water wisely and reusing it.

The Chief Minister was virtually addressing the people of the state after inaugurating 60 Amrit+ Sarovar across the state from Dult village in the Tohana assembly constituency of the Fatehabad district. Out of the 60 Sarovars that are inaugurated today, 31 are located in the Fatehabad district.

Sh. Manohar Lal said that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi initiated the Amrit Sarovar Mission in 2022 to rejuvenate the country’s ponds. Under this mission, the goal was to rejuvenate 1650 ponds in every district of Haryana, as per the plan of having 75 ponds in each district from May 1, 2002. Due to the efforts made by the state government and local levels, Haryana has successfully constructed 2078 Amrit Sarovars. An additional 200 Amrit Sarovars will be constructed in the upcoming month, he shared.

Haryana Pond Authority constituted for the Rejuvenation of Ponds

The Chief Minister shared that to rejuvenate ponds in the State, the Haryana Pond and Wastewater Management Authority has been established, and the Authority has been directed to survey the ponds available in the state. According to the survey, a total of 19,649 ponds have been identified in the state, with approximately 18,000 ponds in rural areas and 900 ponds in urban areas. Out of these ponds, about 11,000 are polluted, and efforts are being made for their rejuvenation, he informed.

Sh. Manohar Lal further shared that scientific studies highlight a water demand of approximately 35 lakh crore liters in the state, while the available water resources amount to around 21 lakh crore liters. Therefore, there is a shortage of about 14 lakh crore liters of water. Apart from groundwater, water is sourced from rainfall and mountains, he shared.

The Chief Minister further stated that Haryana used to receive water from Punjab through the SYL canal as per agreement, but currently, it is not happening due to an interstate dispute. The matter is under consideration in the Supreme Court. Despite the ongoing dispute, the Haryana government has implemented effective water management. Approximately 300 tailes in South Haryana have been supplied with water, he said.

Sh. Manohar Lal also shared that the Central Pollution Control Board has acknowledged and appreciated the initiatives taken by Haryana for the purification of polluted water, water conservation, and water management, considering Haryana as a model for other states.

The present government has increased the amount for the rejuvenation and beautification of ponds to Rs. 7 lakh

The Chief Minister said that before the present state government came into power, the designated amount for the cleaning and beautification of ponds was only Rs. 50,000 per pond. However, our government has increased this amount to Rs. 7 lakh per pond, leading to the rejuvenation of ponds across the state, he said.

Sh. Manohar Lal further shared that by cleaning and filling ponds with treated water, it can be utilized for irrigation, drinking water for livestock, and other essential needs.

Addressing the issue of waterlogging, the promotion of natural farming is being done towards resolving the problem

The Chief Minister said that farmers have excessively used chemical fertilizers, resulting in increased crop yield but deteriorating soil quality. He said that due to the formation of a compact layer in the soil due to chemicals, rainwater is not seeping into the ground, causing waterlogging and marshy conditions in many areas. Not only that, but the excessive use of chemical fertilizers has led to serious diseases like cancer today. To overcome this problem, there is a need to shift towards natural farming, said Sh. Manohar Lal.

The Chief Minister appealed to farmers to opt for alternative crops instead of paddy for water conservation and solving waterlogging issues. For this, the government has implemented the Mera Pani Meri Virasat scheme, providing an incentive of Rs. 7,000 per acre to farmers who refrain from cultivating paddy. So far, farmers have left paddy cultivation on 1,74,000 acres of land.

For groundwater recharging in the state, 1000 more recharge wells will be constructed, CM

The Chief Minister said that with a focus on groundwater recharging, 1000 recharge wells have already been constructed in the state. The target for the next year is also set to construct 1000 more recharge wells. The construction of these wells will make it possible to irrigate an additional approximately 8000 acres of land each year, he said.

Sh Manohar Lal shared that out of the total 95 lakh acres of land suitable for agriculture in Haryana, irrigation is possible on 45 lakh acres through canal water. The remaining land is irrigated through rainfall or tube wells.

He further informed that 200 treatment plants have been installed in the state to purify water, providing 700 cusecs of treated water. This treated water is being utilized for horticulture, irrigation, and industrial purposes, he said.

The Chief Minister urged the use of water flow meters, manual rainfall measurement devices, and piezometers to determine the rainfall and groundwater levels in villages. He emphasized giving importance to rainwater harvesting and appealed to the people not to waste water as it is invaluable, encouraging recycling and reuse.

Under the leadership of the Chief Minister, continuous development is progressing towards the Tohana region, Devender Babli

Earlier speaking on the occasion, Development and Panchayats Minister, Sh. Devender Singh Babli said that Tohana is not just a city of canals but also a land of religious cities and warriors. The development that is happening in this region today has never happened before. Tohana’s neglect was a persistent issue, and politics was dominated by those seeking power and votes. However, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, continuous development is happening in this region, he said.

The Minister further said that the vision of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal is dedicatedly working to promote urbanization in our villages. This vision has been practically applied in this region, he said.

Sh. Devender Singh Babli said the construction of the Tohana bypass, the gift of a medical college in Fatehabad, and the inauguration of 31 Amrit Sarovars as special acknowledgments to the Chief Minister. He said that under the Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal’s leadership, there is all-round development happening in every sector of the state.

MP, Smt. Sunita Duggal, MLA, Sh. Dura Ram, Deputy Commissioner, Sh.  Ajay Tomer, and other dignitaries also remained present on this occasion.

Haryana

Haryana CM to inaugurate Electric City Bus Service from Panipat on January 29 

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IEP Chandigarh, January 24

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal will inaugurate the City Bus Service featuring electric buses from Siwah, Panipat on January 29, 2024. This initiative aims to not only benefit residents in nine cities but also contribute to environmental sustainability by ensuring zero pollution. 

While stating this here today, Transport Minister, Sh. Mool Chand Sharma said that Haryana City Bus Service Limited, a Government Corporation formed under the Transport Department to provide local city bus services in nine cities across Haryana including Panipat, Yamunanagar, Panchkula, Ambala, Karnal, Sonepat, Rewari, Rohtak, and Hisar. This marks a unique and pioneering project of any state in the country. 

Sh. Mool Chand Sharma further mentioned that separate City Bus Service Depots are under construction in all nine cities, with an estimated cost of Rs 115 crore. To facilitate bus operations, 375 buses have already been ordered. In the first phase, the Chief Minister will inaugurate the city bus service at the new bus stand in Siwah, Panipat. This initiative marks a significant milestone in Haryana’s commitment to green and modern public transportation, reflecting the state’s vision for a sustainable and eco-friendly future, he added. 

Haryana

Govt launches ‘Mission Karmayogi Haryana

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IEP Chandigarh

The Haryana Government has launched ‘Mission Karmayogi Haryana,’ a pioneering initiative aimed at training all three lakh government employees to foster greater citizen-centricity and ethical outlook in their roles.

Giving this information here today, Chief Secretary Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal said that as part of this ambitious program, Ethics Conclaves (‘Naitikata Shivirs’) will be held at Karnal and Panchkula on January 31 and February 06 respectively. These sessions, designed to be a special platform for the Karmayogi Haryana Project, target all IAS/IPS/IFS/Other Services/HCS Officers of the State Government.”

The Naitikata Shivirs will emphasize the significance of workplace ethics, integrity, and cultivating a culture of making the right decisions in the face of challenges, temptations, and adversity. Eminent dignitaries and experts have been invited to share insights and showcase practical examples. Furthermore, a comprehensive overview of the Karmayogi Modules will be presented, providing participants with a bird’s eye view of the training program. In a unique approach, Mr. Kaushal further said that the Officers of the have been categorized into two groups.

Punjab

Court dismisses regular bail application of Dr Gurprit Gill, MD of Adesh Medical College Bhatinda accused in admitting ineligible students and issuing D-Pharmacy certificates

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IEP Chandigarh January 24

          Additional District and Sessions court Ludhiana on Wednesday dismissed the regular bail plea of of accused Dr Gurprit Gill, MD of Adesh Medical College Bhatinda who has been arrested by the state Vigilance Bureau (VB) for admitting ineligible candidates and issuing D-Pharmacy degrees in a fraudulent manner in connivance with Registrars and officials of Punjab State Pharmacy Council (PSPC).

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the state VB told that in this regard the Bureau has already registered a criminal case under FIR No. 17 dated 8.12.2023 under sections 420, 465, 466, 468, 120-B of IPC and section 7, 7-A, 8, 13 (1)(a) read with 13(2) of Prevention of Corruption Act at Economic Offences Wing of VB police station Ludhiana range against former registrars and officials of PSPC including owners/principals of private Pharmacy colleges and others for committing irregularities in facilitating admissions, registration and issuing licences of D-Pharmacy to the ineligible students studying in private colleges.

          It is pertinent to mention here that Dr Gurprit Gill was arrested on 15.01.2024 and produced in court on next day but his advocate has produced his medical record of Surgery. On his plea the Ludhiana court ordered to get him examine from civil hospital Ludhiana. A medical board of the hospital comprising three specialists has referred him to PGI Chandigarh on the same day ie 16.01.2024 and he was admitted at the PGI Chandigarh, under judicial custody of VB. After examining by a board of specialists he has been relieved from the PGI on January 24, 2024.

          He further added that in this case besides above mentioned accused Dr Gurpreet Singh Gill, the VB has been able to arrest Sarabjit Singh Brar, Principal of Adesh Institute of Medical Science and Research Bhatinda, R.S. Ramakodi, Principal of Lala Lajpat Rai College, Sehna, in Barnala district in the year 2013 and Baljinder Singh Bajwa, Principal of Lala Lajpat College of Pharmacy Moga in the year 2011. In this case the VB has earlier arrested accused Parveen Kumar Bharadwaj and Dr Tejvir Singh, both former Registrars of PSPC along with Superintendent Ashok Kumar. In addition to this, 9 Pharmacists have also been nominated and arrested in this case.

          Giving more details of this case the spokesperson further added that in order to fill the vacant seats in D-Pharmacy institutions, the owners/principals of private colleges allegedly admitted students from other states in connivance with the above mentioned Registrars and officials of PSPC without obtaining mandatory migration certificates, accepting significant bribes from unsuspecting candidates. Moreover, several students obtained admission to the D-pharmacy course by possessing the requisite 10+2 educational qualifications in medical or non-medical streams privately whereas it has to be passed in regular classes and by attending science practicals.

          The said officials have been found indulged in making bribe money to owners / principals of private pharmacy colleges for getting issued forged and fabricated 10+2 certificates and D-Pharmacy certificates from different institutions and fake registration certificates from PSPC in a fraudulent manner.

          Further investigation in this case was under progress to further scrutinize the roles of other officials, employees, and clerks of PSPC, along with individuals associated with private colleges, he added.

Punjab

CM DECIDES TO RESTORE BENEFITS TO 10.77 LAKH RATION CARD HOLDERS ACROSS THE STATE

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IEP Chandigarh, January 24

          Punjab Cabinet led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced to restore benefits to 10.77 lakh Ration card holders across the state to enable them to avail the benefits of the ration being supplied under the Public Distribution System (PDS).

          A decision to this effect was taken by the Council of Ministers in its meeting held here under the leadership of the Chief Minister here at Punjab Civil Secretariat.

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that around three lakh cards were deleted during the verification process thereby depriving 10.77 lakh beneficiaries of its benefits. However, keeping in view the larger public interest, the Cabinet has decided to restore these cards. As per this decision all these beneficiaries will be able to derive the benefits of the PDS and door to delivery of ration schemes being started by the state government.

GIVES NOD TO NEW AND TRANSPARENT TRANSFER POLICY FOR THE TEACHERS

          The Cabinet also gave green signal to a new and transparent Transfer Policy for the teachers. This policy has been streamlined to ensure that the teachers contribute zealously in the teaching works rather than running pillar to post for their transfers. This policy facilitates teachers, having family members suffering from chronic diseases, to apply for the transfer throughout the year to take care of their families.

APPROVES EXTENDING CM DI YOGSHALA CAMPAIGN TO 15 MORE DISTRICTS

          The Cabinet also gave nod to extend CM Di Yogshala campaign to 15 more districts including Barnala, Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Mansa, Moga, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Pathankot, Rupnagar, SBS Nagar, Tarn Taran and Malerkotla. This health oriented initiative of the state government is already getting massive response after its launch in nine cities of the state under phase I. With this pro-people initiative the scheme will now cover the entire state so approval was given for recruitment of additional trainers and other staff for the scheme.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO EX-SERVICEMEN/ THEIR WIDOWS ENHANCED TO RS 10,000 FROM RS 6,000

          The Cabinet also accorded its consent to enhance the financial assistance to Ex-Servicemen/ their widows who are above 65 years of age and took part in World War-l and World War-Il but were sent home without any pensionary benefits from existing Rs 6000 to Rs 10,000. Presently 453 beneficiaries are availing benefits under this policy of the state government. This hike will be effective from July 26, 2023 and will immensely benefit the Ex-servicemen and their widows.

APPROVAL TO SET UP SCHOOL OF EMINENCE IN THE BUILDING OF PIT

          The Cabinet also gave its approval to set up a School of Eminence in the building of Punjab Institute of Technology (PIT) located in the village Arniwala Sheikh Subhan. Earlier, the school was proposed to be set up in Government Secondary School but now due to lack of space it was decided to shift this school to PIT. The school will be a center of excellence equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, which will enhance the learning experiences of students through contemporary best school practices in the world.

DECIDES NOT TO AWARD THE CONTRACT OF LEFT OVER MATERIAL FROM MANDIS

          In another landmark decision, the Cabinet also decided not to award the contract of left over material from mandis of Punjab state from the year 2023-24. It is worth mentioning that, Punjab Mandi Board has been awarding the Contract for lifting of leftover material from the markets of the Punjab for the last 25 years. However, now this decision has been taken not to allot the contract to raise the standard of living of poor tribes/people.

APPROVES SELF-CERTIFICATION OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PLANS UP TO 500 SQUARE YARDS

          In a major relief to residents of urban areas, the Cabinet also gave approval to amend Clause 3.14.1 of the Punjab Municipal Building Bylaws-2018 thereby enabling Self-Certification of Residential Building Plans up to 500 square yards. Self-certification stipulates that the plans can be approved by the architect himself without routing the plans to any official/employee. However, checks and balances have been introduced in the system to ensure that building bylaws are followed meticulously and the documents uploaded are in accordance with norms.

          Pertinently, more than 90% of residential buildings in the state are below 500 sq. yards. Therefore, easing the approval of such types of building plans will bring great relief to the general public. Self-certification is an innovative initiative aimed at reducing the time taken for approval, increasing transparency and sensitizing citizens to comply with building bylaws.

APPROVAL TO PROVIDE MAXIMUM SAP FOR THE SUGARCANE CULTIVATORS

          The Cabinet also gave approval to ensure the payment of Sugarcane at the fixed Price (State Agreed Price) of Rs. 391/-and 381/- for Early and Mid-Late varieties, respectively. This is in consonance with the firm commitment of the state government to lead the country in providing maximum SAP for the sugarcane cultivators. During the crushing year 2023-24, out of fixed State Agreed Price (SAP) Rs. 391/- and 381/- for Early and mid-Late varieties respectively, a subsidy of Rs. 55.50/- per quintal will be directly transferred in the bank accounts of Sugarcane farmers by the Government of Punjab.

GREEN SIGNAL TO INTRODUCE FARISHTEY SCHEME IN THE STATE

          In order to lower down the mortality and morbidity rate due to injuries occurring during Road Side Accidents, the Cabinet also gave green signal to introduce the Farishtey scheme. The scheme envisages immediate and hassle free treatment to accident victims in both the Public and empanelled Private hospitals. To encourage the general public for their hassle-free participation towards helping the accidental victims, the state government will commend their deeds by offering a financial reward of Rs 2000. Apart from financial reward, a commendation certificate describing them as “FARISHTEY” will be issued to such persons and they will be provided immunity from legal complications and police inquiries.

NOD TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S

          The Cabinet also gave nod to the Administrative reports for the year 2018-19 to 2021-22 of the Transport Department’s wings viz. State Transport Commissioner, Director State Transport and Pepsu Road Transport Corporation.

RECOMMENDS NAME OF AULAKH AS PPSC CHAIRMAN TO GOVERNOR           The Cabinet also gave a go ahead to forward the recommendation to Governor, Punjab regarding the appointment of Jatinder Singh Aulakh as the Chairman of the Pu

Punjab

Need to actively promote eco tourism in wetlands of State: Lal Chand Kataruchak

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IEP Chandigarh, January 24

          Emphasizing upon the need to promote eco tourism in the wetlands of the State, the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today said that this would lead towards generation of employment avenues at the local level.

          Presiding over a meeting of the Punjab State Wetlands Authority at the Forest complex in Sector 68, the Minister further pointed out the development of wetlands as a significant factor in contributing to the maintaining of ecological balance. Besides, the Minister also directed the officials of the department to go strict on the mining in the forest areas.

          The Minister was further apprised that as part of the Save Wetlands Campaign aimed at protecting the wetlands apart from promoting bio diversity, 1381 wetlands in Punjab have been identified out of which 414 are natural while 967 are man made and each consists of 2.25 Hectares of area. Furthermore, nearly 2300 Wetland Mitars (Volunteers) are working for the conservation of wetlands and awareness programmes are being organized to educate people about the need to preserve wetlands and their ecological importance. Not only this, collaborations have been made with WWF India, Punjab Remote Sensing Centre PAU Ludhiana, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Guru Angad Dev University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (Ludhiana) & Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to achieve wetland conservation goals in the State. 

          Besides, it was also brought to the notice of the Minister that the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has accepted the proposal of the department to declare the area of 100 Meters around the 7 wetlands of Punjab namely Ranjit Sagar Dam Conservation Reserve, Beas River Conservation Reserve, Kanjli Wetland, Harike Wetland, Ropar Wetland Conservation Reserve, Nangal Wetland and Keshopur – Miani Wetland, as Zone of Influence. It means that any activity in these areas shall be undertaken after permission of the State Forest Department. 

          The Minister also accorded approval to the proposal for organizing 5th State Bird Festival at Keshopur Chhamb in the month of February this year.

          Among those present on the occasion included the Financial Commissioner (Forests) Vikas Garg, PCCF R.K. Mishra, Chief Wildlife Warden Dharminder Sharma and other senior officers.

Punjab

PUNJAB STATE AGRICULTURAL SERVICE SOCIETIES EMPLOYEES UNION STRIKE RESOLVED: DR. BALJIT KAUR’S ASSURANCE BRINGS END TO PROTEST

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IEP Chandigarh, January 23

The assurance from Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, has led to the resolution of long-standing strike by the Punjab State Agricultural Service Society Employees Union today.

The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is dedicated to the welfare of all sections, including the well-being of its employees.

In a proactive move, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, during a meeting at her office in the Punjab Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh, directed the officers of the Cooperative Department to swiftly address the legitimate demands of the union.

The meeting took place in a comfortable environment, where various demands of the union were discussed in detail. Dr. Baljit Kaur attentively listened to the union representatives’ requests, including the recruitment of staff  in the societies and the margin of fertilizer in the societies.

After carefully considering the union’s demands, Dr. Baljit Kaur assured them that their legitimate requests would be accepted soon, emphasizing her full commitment to protecting the interests of the employees.

Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Vimal Kumar Setia and other officials were also present on this occasion.

Punjab

VIGILANCE BUREAU NABS IDFC BANK OFFICIAL FOR TAKING BRIBE RS 40,000

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IEP Chandigarh January 23

Aiming to curb the menace of corruption in the state, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Tuesday arrested Bikramjit Singh, a Collection Manger, of IDFC Bank, at Feroze Gandhi Market, Ludhiana for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 40,000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said this case has been registered against the above mentioned employee of a private bank on a complaint lodged by Ravinder Kumar, a resident of Sarabha Nagar, Ludhiana.

He further added that the complainant has approached the VB range Ludhiana and recorded his statement that he is running a readymade garments shop named Silver Mod Fashions at Pakhowal road, Ludhiana. The complainant had taken a loan of Rs 13,32,379 for 4 years on 30.9.20 from the above said IDFC Bank under Grand Emergency Credit Line (GECL) scheme of RBI. He approached the said collection manager to close his loan account by clearing all remaining amount/instalments. After discussions he repaid all the loan amount but his loan account was not closed. When he met the said Collection Manager in this regard, he demanded Rs 40,000 as a bribe for getting the loan account closed from senior officers of the bank.

The spokesperson further informed that since the accused Collection Manager is a bank official and as per section 46-A of Banking Regulation Act 1946, he is deemed to be a public servant under prevention of corruption act. After a preliminary investigation of this complaint, the VB range Ludhiana laid a trap and the accused bank official has been arrested while accepting a bribe of Rs 40,000 from the complainant in his shop in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered at VB police station Ludhiana range against the accused Collection Manger Bikramjit Singh. Further investigation is under progress and the accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow, he added.

Punjab

ISRAEL TO PROVIDE LATEST TECHNOLOGIES IN HORTICULTURE SECTOR IN PUNJAB

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IEP Chandigarh, January 23

Punjab Horticulture Minister S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra, on Tuesday, met a high-level delegation from Israel to explore opportunities for collaboration in advancing agricultural technologies in Punjab. Building on the existing partnership in horticulture projects, the meeting emphasized the need for a digital revolution in farming.

During the meeting with Ms. Hadas Bakst, Political Domestic Advisor Embassy of Israel New Delhi, at his office here at Punjab Civil Secretariat, Cabinet Minister S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra stated that the underground water in Punjab is depleting rapidly, a critical issue that needs urgent attention. He asked the Israel delegation to provide high-yielding and disease/virus-free horticultural varieties requiring less water. The Cabinet Minister also called for providing farm-to-market technology to facilitate the marketing of all Kinnow produce in the event of a bumper crop in the state.

He highlighted key areas for collaboration, including digital solutions for pest control, climate and soil monitoring systems, AI for crop yields, decision support systems, drones for harvesting and sprays, as well as precision farming software solutions. The discussion also touched upon the potential of year-round cultivation in greenhouses and hydroponic farming to address the increasing demand for food.

The Horticulture Minister, while emphasizing the introducing high-tech agricultural machinery, harvesting machines, tree shakers, cultivators, rotary mulchers and special field robots, focused on extending to sensor technology-based irrigation systems and innovative storage solutions for efficient and sustainable farming.

Addressing the need for advancements in citrus cultivation, S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra proposed the integration of By-Product Technologies to manage bio-waste effectively.  He said that on an average a single piece of Kinnow mandarin fruit contains 45-50% juice and the rest of the percentage is occupied by peel, rag and seeds, which so far of no use. So introduction of new machinery at processing units for management of bio-waste of citrus such as extraction of limonin, peel oil etc. will help a lot.

He also asked to introduce new patented citrus varieties, rootstocks resistant to pests and the cultivation of new crops like Dragon Fruit and Raspberries.

In the vegetable sector, the Minister advocated for the introduction of Parthenocarpic (seedless) varieties of melons, single-picking varieties of peas and tomatoes suitable for mechanization and brinjal varieties resistant to fruit and shoot borers. He stressed the importance of vegetables grafting with rootstock resistant to pests and diseases, as well as the development of processing varieties of vegetables, especially tomatoes.

The Cabinet Minister underlined the need for biodegradable and slow-release fertilizer technology in horticulture, along with the utilization of bio-pesticide technology to control pests and diseases. He proposed the incorporation of instant sensor-based technologies to detect nutrient deficiencies in horticultural crops.

Looking towards the future, the Minister expressed interest in adopting global trends in agricultural extension systems. Besides this, he conveyed the intention to send a delegation of 10 to 20 officers to Israel to witness firsthand the innovative technologies that could be implemented in Punjab, ultimately enhancing the livelihoods of farmers in the region.

Director Horticulture Mrs. Shailender Kaur also emphasized on integrated value chain Center of Excellence establishment in Punjab in collaboration with Israel technology to reduce Post harvest losses in horticulture crops.

Ms. Hadas Bakst said that Israel is keen to enhance technological collaboration in agriculture and horticulture sectors with the state of Punjab. She mentioned that experts level meetings will be held in February and March, which will focus on delivering the latest technology and introducing new horticultural varieties to address the state’s depleting groundwater issues. Besides this, Ms. Hadas highlighted the ongoing operation of two centers of excellence in Punjab by government of Israel, emphasizing the continued sharing of agricultural technologies.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included; Director Horticulture Mrs. Shailender Kaur, Assistant Director Horticulture Dr. Harpreet Singh, Dr. Daljit Singh and Dr. Balwinder Singh, Horticulture Development Officer Mrs. Balwinderjit Kaur and other officials.