IEPChandigarh April 20      

    The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, on Thursday nabbed a Child Development Project Officer (CDPO), Anju Bhandari and his peon Balihar Singh, posted in Fatehgarh Sahib for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000.          Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the VB said the above said CDPO and his Peon have been arrested on the complaint of Mrs Mamta, resident of village Reona Niwan, in Fatehgarh Sahib district.          Giving details he added that the said complainant has approached the VB and alleged that the above said duo officials had demanded Rs 35,000 as a bribe to get her job on the vacant post of Anganwadi helper for which she had already applied.          The spokesperson informed that after preliminary investigation of this complaint, a VB team laid a trap and the accused officials have been arrested on the spot while taking Rs 20,000 as a bribe from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.          In this regard a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against both the accused at VB police station Patiala range. Further investigation in this case was under progress.

IEP Chandigarh, April 20

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, on Thursday, inaugurated 33 new short-term courses at Punjabi University’s Centre at SAS Nagar (Mohali). These courses have been started in collaboration with Sabudh Foundation. Notably, this center has been renamed as ‘Punjabi University Center for Emerging and Innovative Technology, Mohali’. In this direction, new courses related to artificial intelligence (AI) and data science have been started.          Addressing the inaugural session, S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that with the introduction of such latest courses, a new era has begun in Punjab as these courses are the need of the hour to connect with the technology that has ushered in a new era so all these courses will be useful.          He said, such types of new courses, which are the need of the hour in the new era of technology, will make the youth of Punjab more capable. He said, he will share this initiative of Punjabi University with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann so that more efficient work can be done in this direction.          Speaking on this occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. Arvind said that if the Punjabi University wants to become a true competitor of the current times, then such new courses have to be started. We have to start such exclusive type of programs along with the traditional courses, he added.          University’s Mohali Center Coordinator Dr. Rekha Bhatia informed that all these 33 courses are of different period ranging from one week to twelve weeks, which include Python programming, data science, machine learning, deep learning, certificate in data, natural language processing, etc. She said that along with students, working professionals and businessman can enroll in these new courses. The content creation of these 33 short-term courses has been done in a partnership by the university faculty and Sabudh Foundation.          Co-Founder of Sabudh Foundation Sarabjot Singh said that he chose Punjab as his workplace unlike of other experts in this field. 

IEP Chandigarh, April 19       

   The Punjab Vigilance Bureau during its campaign against corruption on Wednesday registered a bribery case against a Patwari Amanpreet Singh posted at revenue Dharour, in Tehsil Sahnewal, district Ludhiana and his private associate Inderjit Singh for accepting and  bribe of Rs. 7,000. In this case Inderjit Singh has been nabbed red handed.          Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau (VB) said this case has been registered against both the accused on the complaint of Sarbjit Bhatia of village Nandpur, tehsil Sahnewal. He informed that the complainant has approached the VB and alleged that the above said Patwari and his private associate were demanding Rs. 20,000 for issuing report pertaining to his colony so as to get change of land use certificate and no objection certificate from the department. He further informed that the deal has been struck at Rs 12,000. He had already paid Rs 5,000 to the accused and has been demanding the remaining amount.          After verifying his information, a VB team from Ludhiana range laid a trap and the accused associate of Patwari, Inderjit Singh, was arrested on the spot while accepting a bribe of Rs. 7,000 as a second instalment from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. The accused Patwari was not found in his office and would be arrested soon as teams have been dispatched.          The spokesperson informed that a case under sections 7 and 7A of Prevention of Corruption Act and section 120-B of IPC has been registered against both the accused at VB, police station Ludhiana range. The arrested accused would be produced in the court tomorrow and further investigation was under progress.

IEP Chandigarh, April 19:     

     Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr Aman Arora interacted with cadets of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (AFPI) for Boys and Mai Bhago AFPI for Girls here at Punjab Bhawan.          Notably, these two prestigious institutes established by the Punjab Government aim at training selected young boys and girls from Punjab for permanent commission in the Armed Forces through the Defence Forces Academies.          Congratulating the cadets for being a part of these esteemed institutes, Mr. Aman Arora wished all the cadets best of luck for their bright future, besides, motivating them to work harder to achieve their goals to get commissioned in the Defence Services and serve the nation.          While expressing confidence in these cadets, he termed them as the hope of not only for their parents but for the entire state and nation as they have decided to choose a career, which is the highest gallant and the most disciplined & responsible services to serve the country.          Director Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute Major General J.S. Sandhu apprised the Cabinet Minister that four lady cadets have been commissioned as officers in Defence Services, two lady cadets joined OTA/AFA, a lady cadet joined NDA and 25 lady cadets are awaiting SSB call letters after passing AFCAT and CDS written exams, since March 2022.          Director Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFP) Major General Ajay H Chauhan informed Mr. Aman Arora that Since March 2022 till date, 18 cadets have joined NDA/equivalent Academies and 22 cadets have been commissioned as officers in the Defence Forces of India. 14 cadets have also cleared their SSB as on date and are awaiting the merit list and call up letters.          Secretary Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Mr Kumar Rahul, Director Ms Deepti Uppal and other officials of the department were also present on the occasion. 

IEP Chandigarh, April 15

The strengthening of the federal structure is very important to save the country and states, said Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan here today during a seminar on “Federalism in the Country-Challenges and Possibilities” organized by the “Pind Bachao-Punjab Bachao” organization in collaboration with Central Sri Guru Singh Sabha.S. Sandhwan said that the issue of federal structure has become more important for us in the current situation.For the safety of the country and to see the country becoming stronger, the Speaker said, the federal structure has to be protected. The responsibility to protect the federal structure has been on the shoulders of Punjab for the centuries. The Speaker said that the people of Punjab and Bengal have always raised their voice against injustice and will have to do so now.  He emphasised that Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the biggest source of the federal structure for us, which gives an equal place to everyone.S. Sandhwan said, the country cannot be kept in a unitary system, but its beauty lies in unity in diversity, adding that there are linguistic, geographical and cultural etc. differences in the country and it is possible to see them together as a force only in the federal structure.He lamented that the institutions which were supposed to strengthen the constitution and democracy have been eliminated in recent times. The federal structure has been hurt by bringing GST in the country. Similarly, IAS is being given upper hand over CAG. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has not even looked at blue eyed businessman Gautam Adani, while everyone is being targeted. He said that the country is a body which needs oxygen or blood supply through the veins of federalism to keep it running.The seminar was also addressed by former parliamentarian Dr.  Dharamvir Gandhi, MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira, former media advisor Mr. Harcharan Bains, senior journalist S.  Hamir Singh, farmer leader.  Ranjit Singh, Mr.  Malvinder Singh Mali, Dr. Kuldeep Singh, Prof. Pyare Lal Garg. 

IEP Chandigarh, April 15

In a one-sided cricket match played between Cabinet Ministers and MLAs of Punjab and Haryana State, the Punjab speakers-XI defeated Haryana Speaker-XI by 95 runs here at Cricket Stadium, Sector-16.Batting first after winning toss, the Punjab Speaker-XI scored 235 runs in 15 overs with the loss of two wickets. Haryana Speaker-XI could only score 140 runs in 15 overs. Punjab Sports Minister Meet Hayer and MLA Amolak Singh started inning as the opening batsmen. Meet Hayer scored 150 runs for the Punjab Speaker-XI with the help of 12 sixes and 13 fours and became “Man of the Match”. Batala MLA Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi remained not out and scored 54 runs with the help of 8 fours. The Punjab team lost two wickets of MLA Amolak Singh and MLA Amarpal Singh. They both scored 14 runs and 1 run, respectively.Haryana Governor Mr. Bandaru Dattatreya, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan and UT Cricket Association President Mr. Sanjay Tandon bestowed the trophies to the winning Punjab team and runner-up Haryana team.Chasing for 236 runs, Haryana Speaker-XI MLA Bhavya Bishnoi and Charanjeev Rao started inning as openers. MLA Bhavya Bishnoi scored 72 runs while Charanjeev Rao could only clinch 12 runs with the help of 2 fours. He was catched out by MLA Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi on the ball of Amritpal Singh. Similarly, MLA Rajesh Nagar and MLA Shashipal Singh could only earn 19 and 16 runs, respectively. 

IEP Chandigarh/ Ludhiana, April 17     

     Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Punjab Dr. Baljit Kaur today distributed grants to all NGOs working for the betterment of society under PM6 scheme. She not only distributed the grants, but also encouraged them to work wholeheartedly so that maximum people can be benefitted.          A function in this regard was organised at Bachat Bhawan, here and was also attended by MLA Rajinderpal Kaur Chhina, Director, Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Punjab Mrs. Madhavi Kataria, Special DGP Mrs. Gurpreet Kaur Deo, CP Ludhiana Mr Mandeep Singh Sidhu, ADC (D) Mr Amit Panchal, besides several others.          On this occasion, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the grants which were given by the previous governments on written demand to the NGO, that system has been completely stopped by the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government. She said that now, the NGOs have been selected after following the interview process. She said that now the department would keep a check on works carried out by these NGOs with the help of these grants.          She said that the grants will be regularly checked either on monthly basis or by surprise visits by officials of the department. She said that further grants would be issued to the NGOs if their work is found satisfactory and in case the department guidelines are not followed, strict legal action would be taken against them. She also clarified that if these grants are used by these organizations for any political work instead of welfare of the people, legal action will also be taken against that NGO.          During the meeting with representatives from NGOs, Police, Health and Education departments, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur spoke specifically about the empowerment of women and announced that training will be imparted to all the employees working in the Sakhi One Stop Centres so that our women can be made aware of the benefits of these one stop centres.          Dr. Baljit Kaur said that “Mahila Mitras”, who are serving as counsellors at Sakhi One Stop Centres, were specially invited in this meeting. She said that by contacting the “Mahila Mitras”, our women who face domestic abuse or those who do not know as to go where for help, they can get immediate help by contacting a Sakhi one-stop centre. The Cabinet Minister instructed the officials to protect children from labour and begging and to strengthen the Act in this regard.          Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized on the empowerment of women and said that women sarpanches and panches should work independently. Women sarpanch and panch and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who perform exceptionally will also be honoured by the Punjab government.          The Cabinet Minister said that the Aam Aadmi Party government under the able leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is working tirelessly for the welfare of the people and they are directly benefiting the common people by launching several pro-people schemes.

IEP Chandigarh, April 17       

    The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is ensuring hassle free procurement in the mandis across the State during the current Rabi Marketing Season (RMS).  Payments are being made directly into the bank accounts of the farmers within 24 hours of confirmation of purchase, breaking previous records and beating the target of release of payments within 48 hours of purchase set by the Government.           Disclosing this today, the Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak said that payments of more than Rs. 3014 crore have been released directly into the bank accounts of nearly 1,05,574 farmers till date. This is much beyond the amount of Rs.2700 crores which was due for purchases made until 48 hours earlier, he said, adding that these figures clearly prove that payments are being released with 24 hours of purchase.            To a question regarding imposition of value cut, the Minister categorically stated that no value cut is being allowed and Punjab Government will never allow even a single farmer to be paid below MSP.           Meanwhile ACS to CM Mr. A. Venu Prasad,  today held meetings with senior officials to review the ongoing procurement of wheat. He directed the MDs of Markfed, PUNGRAIN, PUNSUP and PSWC  to immediately tour various mandies and monitor the procurement operations at the ground level. 

IEP Chandigarh, April 17

 Exhibiting zero tolerance policy against those involved in heinous crime of drug smuggling, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday terminated the services of PPS officer Rajjit Singh, after his involvement has surfaced in this grave crime against humanity. Divulging more details, the Chief Minister said that this action is in consonance with the directions of Punjab and Haryana High court to act strictly against those named in report pertaining to drug trade in state. He categorically said that those who have ruined youth of Punjab through drugs won’t be spared adding that he had asked the Vigilance Bureau to probe about the wealth amassed by Rajjit by drug money so that it can also be confiscated. Bhagwant Mann said that as Rajjit’s involvement has been ascertained in this serious crime so his services have been terminated with immediate effect. The Chief Minister said that further details will be shared very soon adding that this is just the beginning and all those who are involved in this sin against state and its youth will be brought to book. He said the drug trade which had flourished during the previous Akali-BJP and Congress regime had ruined the future generations of the state. Bhagwant Mann said that the affluent leaders of both these parties had patronised this illegal trade in connivance with the bureaucrats and drug smugglers to mint money illegally. The Chief Minister said that the probe report on this issue had been in wraps since long as none of the previous government was sincere to take action against those forces which had ruined the future of Punjab. However, Bhagwant Mann said that now when he had received the report in three packets from High court, severest of severe action will be ensured against  forces inimical to state and its youth. He assured the Punjabis that exemplary action will be taken against those people whose hand are drenched with blood of countless youth who fell prey to drug menace. Pertinently, these reports were pending since five years and the previous Congress government had not taken any action on the same but after assuming the charge of office, the Chief Minister had given consent to High court on February 15. Bhagwant Mann had given his consent to bring into public domain all sealed reports submitted before the Punjab and Haryana High Court that establish a nexus between police officers and drug traffickers. These reports were submitted by a Special Investigating Team, which enquired into the matter deeply. This action had paved way for stern action against the strong nexus of officers-politicians and drug peddlers who have been involved in this trade since long.

IEP CHANDIGARH/KHANNA, April 17  

        Call it as his expertise, experience or a vigil eye, any anti-social elements including drug smugglers could not get away from the naka being headed by Khanna Police Anti-Narcotic Cell Incharge Jagjiwan Ram, who has got registered as many as 145 first information reports (FIRs) mostly under the Arms Act and NDPS act in just one year.          These FIRs led to the effective recovery of 6.8Kg heroin, 77.5Kg opium, 8 quintals poppy husk, 1.8Kg ICE, 5.8Kg Charas, 79Kg Ganja, 2.39 lakh intoxicant tablets, 50 pistols, one rifle, Rs Indian currency worth Rs 4.74 crores, Fake Indian currency worth Rs 1.39 lakh fake currency, 4kg gold and 213kg silver. Apart from this, Jagjiwan was also a man behind unearthing the illegal liquor distillery plant running at the premises of rice sheller in Baho Majra village in Khanna.           Recognising extra-ordinary dedication towards his duty, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Monday promoted Sub-Inspector Jagjiwan Ram to the local rank of Inspector. The DGP was accompanied by Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Khanna Amneet Kondal.          DGP Gaurav Yadav, while symbolically pinning the star on the shoulders of Jagjiwan Ram, wished him good luck. “The added star on your shoulders comes with a bigger responsibility,” he said, while encouraging the newly promoted Inspector to work harder and perform with dedication, sincerity, and honesty.          Special DGP Arpit Shukla termed Insp Jagjiwan Ram as a role model for the 80000 strong Police force and exhorted all the field Police officers/officials to do their duty selflessly and with full devotion to make Punjab a crime-free and drug-free state.          SSP Khanna Amneet Kondal said that the quality of Jagjiwan Ram is that he always remains available for the duty and he does not have any fixed time to conduct special nakas. “Jagjiwan could be seen conducting nakas even during the odd hours and he could detect the anti-social elements from their movement, facial expressions and body language,” she said.            Inspector Jagjiwan Ram, while thanking the DGP Punjab and Special DGP Law and Order for recognising his services said that he has fully devoted himself for the service of the nation. Jagjiwan had joined the Police force as a constable in 1991, and was promoted as an ASI in 2013, followed by SI in 2021.