IEP Chandigarh, April 6    

      In yet another move aimed at making Punjab a safe and secure state as per the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab Police on Thursday conducted a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in colonies established on the outskirts of cities and towns across the state. The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav.          The operation was conducted from 10am to 3pm simultaneously in all the 28 Police districts of the state and CPs/SSPs were told to plan this operation in a meticulous manner amid massive deployment of the Police Force.          Divulging details, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that the purpose of this operation was to instil a sense of safety and security among the common people and increase the presence of Police force in the field to infuse fear among the anti-social elements.          He said that over 250 Police teams, involving 2500 Police Personnel, led by the SP/DSP rank officers conducted this operation. Apart from frisking suspicious persons, the police teams have also inquired about the verification of tenants staying at rented accommodation. Police teams have also done verifications of tenets during this operation, he added.          The Special DGP said that Police teams have cordoned off over 866 colonies to conduct checking at 5869 houses during the operation. He said that as many as 322 suspicious persons have been rounded up and incriminating material has been seized from their possession, which is being further examined. The Police have also registered four first information reports (FIRs) and have recovered Rs 2.25 lakh drug money, 66.5 grams heroin and recovered 11 mobile phones,  he added.          Meanwhile, such operations also help in showing the police presence in the field and boost confidence among common people.

IEP CHANDIGARH/PATIALA, April 5   

       With Covid cases in Punjab witnessing a slight surge from the last few days, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Wednesday said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government is all geared-up to effectively tackle any kind of Covid related exigency.          The Health Minister, who was here at Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala to review the medical infrastructure arrangements at the Covid Isolated ward of the hospital, said that the state government is well prepared with requisite bed capacity and ventilators in hospitals, besides, having adequate arrangements of PPE kits, masks and testing kits to deal with the further spread of the virus.          He said that they have sufficient doctors and medical staff, besides, all the oxygen plants and emergency systems are active in all the Government hospitals in the state.          Although the situation is under control and people need not to panic, Dr Balbir Singh urged people to strictly adhere to the health and safety protocols including social distancing, proper wearing of masks and washing hands frequently to contain coronavirus.          “People, especially those who are immunocompromised or having Covid symptoms like cold or cough, should take extra care of themselves and avoid going outside until there is an urgency,” he said, further advising them to wear masks whenever they leave their homes.          He said that as per the directions of the Union Government, the Punjab health department would conduct a mock drill on 10-11th April in the state to ensure the Covid preparedness.          Meanwhile, the Health Minister also appealed to people to not get swayed away by the rumours.

IEP Chandigarh, April 5      

     Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Bram Shanker Jimpa today directed the revenue officials to furnish the crop damage report within given time, which should be appropriate from all aspects.          The Minister was taking stock of crop damage assessment being carried out across the state here in a meeting with the senior officers of the Revenue Department. He pointed out that the State Government was fully committed to compensate the farmers against the loss of crops being faced by them due to unseasonal rains in Punjab during last couple of days. He instructed the officials to get the crop damage assessment (girdawari) accomplished expeditiously ordered by the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The State Government will disburse compensation near Baisakhi.          The Revenue Minister also stressed that the Girdawari should be conducted appropriately and fair reports should be sent to the authorities for disbursement of compensation as early as possible. Jimpa said that directions had already been issued to all Deputy Commissioners for getting the assessment done besides submitting reports in this regard.          Reviewing the functioning of Tehsils with the officials, the Revenue Minister categorically said that there should be far more efficacy in delivering revenue services to the people at all Tehsils & Sub-Tehsils. He said that inconvenience to common people should not be tolerated and strict action should be initiated against corrupt practices, if any. He said that on the lines of Water Supply and Sanitation Department, ‘Janta Darbar’ would also be held in the Revenue Department to address the problems of common people on the spot. He said that the people, who were being deliberately harassed, after hearing their complaints, the accountability of such officers would be fixed. New recruited Patwaris will soon join the Revenue Department thus paving a way to further streamline the work of department.          On this occasion, Revenue officials apprised Bram Shanker Jimpa about the ongoing works and other achievements of the department through a presentation. Jimpa, while reviewing the work of the revenue department, gave instructions to upgrade the record room besides apprising them the directives of Chief Minister. It has already been made it clear to ensure transparent and corruption-free administration to the people so as to accord priority to services to people.          Underlining the need to sort out the Adampur flyover issue as soon as possible, the Minister sought information from the officials about the land acquisition process besides issuing instructions to speed up the ongoing process in larger public interest.          On this occasion, Additional Chief Secretary Revenue K.A.P. Sinha, Secretary Dilraj Singh, Special Secretary Dr. Amarpal Singh and other officials of the revenue department were present.

IEP Chandigarh April 5   

       The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its anti-corruption campaign, has arrested a chartered accountant (CA) Ankush Sareen, resident of Ludhiana, for taking a bribe of Rs 26 lakh in the name of income tax officers at Chandigarh.          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the VB said this case has been registered against the above said CA, who is practising privately, after investigation of an online complaint lodged at the Chief Minister’s anti-corruption action line.          Giving details he added that the complainant Parminder Singh Sidhu, resident of village Malsian, district Ludhiana, has alleged that the above said CA had taken Rs 26 lakh in two instalments for giving a bribe to the income tax officers in lieu of settlement of a notice served to his relatives residing in USA regarding an income tax return.          The complainant further informed that he had handed over Rs 25 lakh cash to the CA at his residence on 15-01-2023 and also made a video. After this, CA Ankush Sareen had obtained Rs 1 lakh more for junior officers of income tax department from the complainant on 26-01-2023.          The spokesperson said during an enquiry from the IT department, the complainant came to know that said notice of IT department had not been filed and he realised that said CA had taken a bribe fraudulently in the name of income tax officers by making him fear of heavy penalty and had not given further to anyone. Then he called the said CA to return his money back as his work had not been done but he didn’t.          The spokesperson added that the VB unit of Ludhiana range has investigated the allegations levelled in the complaint and registered a corruption case at VB police station Ludhiana against the above mentioned CA after finding him guilty for extorting a bribe money by making him fear of heavy penalty. Further investigation in this case was under progress, he informed.

IEP Ferozepur/Chandigarh, April 5

The Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has sent books to all government schools in the state before the start of the new academic session so that the education of the students is not suffered.  The Minister of School Education of Punjab Mr Harjot Singh Bains made an official visit to the border areas of district Ferozepur today to know the condition of education facilities in the government schools of the state.           He said that during the previous governments, the students never got the books on time.           The cabinet minister said that government schools are being improved a lot by the government led by Bhagwant Mann and seeing this improvement, enrollment in government schools has also increased.            He said that during the admission campaign, many government officials/teachers have also admitted their children to government schools.           He appealed to the parents of the children to enrol their children in government schools because now there has been a lot of change in the government schools and a complete improvement has been brought in education and infrastructure.  He said that soon such government schools will be prepared in Punjab where there will be full staff, there will be coaches for various activities/sports, principals will bring training from abroad,  business blaster scheme launched in the Government schools.  He said that the Punjab government had promised to provide a high standard of education to the people of Punjab which they would leave no stone unturned to fulfil.          During the visit, Education Minister Mr Harjot Singh Bains arrived at the school by boat to find out about the state of the government school in Kaluwala, a border village located on the Sutlej River.  He said that he had come to know some time ago that two girl students of village Kaluwala go to school by boat every day and the people of this village also take the help of this boat to go to the city or other villages.  Due to this today, they have come here to understand this situation.  He said that the students here have to face many difficulties daily to get an education.          He said that the demand to build a bridge on this river is justified.  He said that he has asked the district officer to estimate this bridge and will take it with him and make a request to Chief Minister Punjab Mr Bhagwant Maan to build this bridge. He said that he is fully confident that this demand will be fulfilled by the Chief Minister.           In the meantime, he visited government schools of border village Tendi Wala, Gatti Rahime K, Gatti Rajo K and Jhughe Hazara Singh Wala, Government Senior Secondary School (Girls) Ferozepur City, Government School Satiye Wala, Government Primary School Mudki,  Government School for Girls Mudki also visited.          During the visit, he interacted with the students of the school and took feedback about the school and also interacted with the school staff.  Meanwhile, he gave instructions to the BDPO to quickly use the funds received for installing interlock tiles in the government school of Gatti Rahime K.  He praised the teachers for providing good educational facilities at Government School Gatti Rajo K and the staff and social workers for the work done in the school for their contribution to the school.  He announced a grant of Rs 2 lakh to the government school of village Tendiwala for a new room and about Rs 50 lakh to the government school girls Mudki.  Apart from this, wherever there is a need to build new rooms in government schools, install interlocking tiles, provide funds for that, he also assured to provide funds.          During the visit, he also had a taste of mid-day with the school students.           Meanwhile, MLA Ferozepur Urban Sr. Ranbir Singh Bhullar thanked Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains for his visit to the schools of the Ferozepur district.

IEP Chandigarh April 5

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its anti-corruption campaign, has arrested a chartered accountant (CA) Ankush Sareen, resident of Ludhiana, for taking a bribe of Rs 26 lakh in the name of income tax officers at Chandigarh.          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the VB said this case has been registered against the above said CA, who is practising privately, after investigation of an online complaint lodged at the Chief Minister’s anti-corruption action line.          Giving details he added that the complainant Parminder Singh Sidhu, resident of village Malsian, district Ludhiana, has alleged that the above said CA had taken Rs 26 lakh in two instalments for giving a bribe to the income tax officers in lieu of settlement of a notice served to his relatives residing in USA regarding an income tax return.          The complainant further informed that he had handed over Rs 25 lakh cash to the CA at his residence on 15-01-2023 and also made a video. After this, CA Ankush Sareen had obtained Rs 1 lakh more for junior officers of income tax department from the complainant on 26-01-2023.          The spokesperson said during an enquiry from the IT department, the complainant came to know that said notice of IT department had not been filed and he realised that said CA had taken a bribe fraudulently in the name of income tax officers by making him fear of heavy penalty and had not given further to anyone. Then he called the said CA to return his money back as his work had not been done but he didn’t.          The spokesperson added that the VB unit of Ludhiana range has investigated the allegations levelled in the complaint and registered a corruption case at VB police station Ludhiana against the above mentioned CA after finding him guilty for extorting a bribe money by making him fear of heavy penalty. Further investigation in this case was under progress, he informed.

IEP SAS Nagar, April 5

A joint meeting of civil and IAF authorities was held to discuss important issues pertaining to the Air Force Station and surrounding infrastructure under the chairpersonship of Deputy Commissioner Ms. Aashika Jain. The various issues pertaining to the Air Force Station were deliberated upon.Executive Officer, MC Zirakpur  informed that cleaning of drains has been carried out by the Municipal Council and work related to cleaning of drain is being carried out by XEN Drainage and same will be completed in two more days. IAF authorities expressed their satisfaction over already completed work of cleaning of drains.A joint visit by all concerned civil and IAF officers is also planned for the coming week to monitor progress and identify pending issues.  MC SAS Nagar, MC Zirakpur as well as BDPO Mohali were directed to ensure regular cleaning drives of the area in periphery of the defence airport, similar direction was given to XEN Drainage to ensure biannual cleaning of all drains. Regarding access to three crash gates of the Indian airforce station, it was informed that all gates are now clear of any kinds of encroachment and all concerned local authorities were directed to get the access made/get the necessary repair works done.Regarding concern expressed by defence authorities over drone flying near defence area, they were informed that prohibitory orders are already in place and any such violation if still noticed may be immediately brought to the notice of police to be dealt as per law.It was also decided that a joint coordination meeting with IAF officers will be made a monthly feature now onwards as there is an overlap of jurisdiction of several departments /officers in the area located in periphery of the defence airport. So it was decided that this joint meeting will be attended by all concerned officials of the district like MC SAS Nagar, MC Zirakpur, GMADA, BDPO Mohali, Drainage as well as police, so that all issues raised by IAF are not just assigned to respective officers but are also redressed by concerned officials in time bound manner.It was appreciated by the IAF officials that defence lands were mutated by the revenue officials in favour of the defence authorities. This long pending issue was resolved through coordination between both organisations and active contribution of revenue officials.The meeting was attended by ADC (General) Aminder Kaur Brar, ADC (UD) Damanjit Singh, EO MC Zirakpur and officials of IAF.

IEP Chandigarh, April 3

          In order to make Punjab regain its first position in sports, new sports policy fulfilling the ground realities will be implemented soon. A draft has been prepared with the suggestions of experts from department of sports and to make it more efficient, suggestions from people have been sought till April 15.

          Today, in a press statement, Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said that new sports policy would prove helpful in fulfilling the promise of making Punjab a number one state made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Till April 15, 2023, players and concerned people can send their suggestions via email suggestions.sportspolicy.punjab@gmail.com so that these suggestions can be added into sports policy before finalising the draft.

          The Minister said that the sports policy will strengthen the sports department and see recruitment of more coaches, increase the seats in the sports wings, create a sports-friendly environment, and provide financial assistance to the players to prepare for international competitions, including all important events of every sport for a cash prize, giving jobs to players, incentives to coaches doing a good job and starting awards for coaches, preparing a common calendar by the sports department in collaboration with the departments of school education and higher education and scholarships for players.

          It’s worth mentioning, that Gold Medalist Hockey Olympian and Arjuna Awardee Surinder Singh Sodhi, Former Chief Coach of Boxing and Dronacharya Awardee Gurbaksh Singh Sandhu, Vice President of Punjab Olympic Association and Ex DGP Rajdeep Singh Gill, Sports Director of Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Saboo Dr. Raj Kumar Sharma along with the representatives of Sports Authority of India, N.I.S., School and Higher education have been included in the experts committee of sports policy.

IEP Chandigarh April 3

          The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, on Monday nabbed an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Surjit Singh (No. 214/Ludhiana) and Jagpreet Singh, Head Constable (HC), both posted in police station, Delhon, Ludhiana district for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000.

          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the VB said the above said police officials have been arrested on the complainant of Atma Singh, resident of Sayian Kalan, Ludhiana district.

          Giving details he added that the said complainant has approached the VB unit Ludhiana range and alleged that the above said police officials have demanded Rs 20,000 to release motorcycle of his son who have been arrested in NDPS case but the deal has been struck at Rs 10,000. The complainant further informed that the HC has taken Rs 5,000 on behalf of ASI as a first instalment of bribe.

          The spokesperson informed that a VB team from Ludhiana range laid a trap and the accused police officials have been arrested on the spot while taking a bribe of Rs 5,000 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 Ludhiana range. Further investigation in this case was under progress.

IEP Chandigarh, April 1

On the instructions of Punjab School Education Minister Mr Harjot Singh Bains, the department has issued a letter to give one and two year service extension to state and national awardee teachers respectively.Giving information in this regard, Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that after assuming the charge as Education Minister, this matter came to his notice and he had instructed the officials to prepare a report and submit it to him.Mr. Bains said that the previous governments had stopped to give extension in service after the year of 2018 . He said that Bhagwant Mann led  Punjab government is committed to restoring the dignity of nation builders.According to the instructions issued on October 9, 1989, he said that the state awardee teachers were given 01 year re-appointment after completing 58 years of age and the National awardee teachers were given an increase of 02 years in their service period after retirement as he/she physically and mentally fully fit. These instructions were applicable till the issuance of new instructions on 10/7/2018.Mr. Bains said that the decision to give extension in service to state and national awardee teachers is a way of honouring the best teachers and at the same time encouraging the rest of the teachers and getting services of these good teachers.He said that the decision to give extension in service period of State Award/National Award winner teachers has been reconsidered and a decision has been taken to implement it in the Education Department.  Now, all State Award/National Award winning teachers will have 01 & 02 year extension respectively, if their service record find correct.He said that the instructions issued on 25/4/2020 are stand cancelled with immediate effect and the instructions issued on 26/8/2020 are amended to the extent that in paragraph-6 of these instructions, service to state awardees  The condition imposed regarding non-extension of call is abolished. These instructions will be applicable from 31/03/2023.