IEP Chandigarh,  March 18     

     Punjab’s Information and Public Relations Minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra attended the two-day meeting of the National Executives of the Indian Journalists Union at Chandigarh today as the chief guest.          A two-day meeting of the National Executive of Indian Journalists Union is being held on 18 and 19 March 2023 at Kisan Bhavan, Sector-35 Chandigarh under the host of Punjab and Chandigarh Journalists Union.          In this meeting, National President of Indian Journalists Union Srinivas Reddy, National Media Adviser to Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Amar Devlapalli, Former President SN Sinha, Scribe News Magazine Editor Suresh Alapati and National General Secretary Balwinder Singh Jammu were present. Apart from this, more than 100 eminent journalists have arrived from 20 states of the country. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the challenges facing the media and to find their solution.          Addressing a large gathering of the journalist community on this occasion, Information and Public Relations Minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra said that media is considered as the fourth pillar of democracy. He said that media plays an important role in creating a good society. The media presents the real mirror of the country and the world to the society. He said that the first responsibility of the media is to present the real activities going on in the society to the people.          The minister said that in today’s society, there has been a lack of reality in the propaganda being done through social media. He added that today the social media is being used only to fulfill their own interests, away from the reality. He appealed to the journalist community to adhere their responsibility to present the real picture to the society while also considering the propaganda going on social media so that democracy can be strengthened.          Minister explained that in the current situation, the journalist community is facing many challenges. He hopes that the renowned media personalities of the country participating in the two-day meeting of the Indian Journalists Union will consider the problems of the journalist community and give their valuable suggestions to solve them. The minister said that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will provide all possible support to the media for the further strengthening of democracy.          The Minister congratulated the two-day meet host team president Balbir Jandu, vice president Jai Singh Chhibbar, Treasurer Bindu Singh and others for this effort today.

IEP CHANDIGARH, March 18       

   Punjab Police on Saturday launched a massive state-wide Cordon And Search Operations (CASO) in the state against elements of Waris Punjab De (WPD) against whom several criminal cases stand registered.          During the operation, a total of 78 persons have been arrested so far, while, several others have been detained for questioning.          Divulging more details, official spokesperson of Punjab Police said that on Saturday afternoon, several activities of WPD were intercepted by the Police at the Shahkot-Malsian Road in Jalandhar district and seven persons were arrested on the spot. Several others including Amritpal Singh are on the run and a massive manhunt has been launched to nab them, he added.           During the state-wide operation, nine weapons, including one .315 bore rifle, seven rifles of 12 bore, one revolver and 373 live cartridges of different caliber have been recovered so far.          The Spokesperson informed that WPD elements are involved in four criminal cases relating to spreading disharmony among classes, attempt to murder, attack on police persons and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge of duties of public servants. Case FIR No. 39 dated 24-02-2023 stands registered against WPD elements for the attack on Ajnala Police Station, he added.          He said that all persons involved in criminal offences shall be dealt in accordance with law and all persons wanted by the police should offer themselves to the process of law. Their constitutional rights of legal defence shall be protected, he added.          Meanwhile, all the citizens are requested not to pay heed to fake news and rumours. Situation in the state is completely stable. All persons indulging in mischievous activities for disturbing peace and harmony in the state shall be dealt with strictly.

IEP Chandigarh, March 16        

  The Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann  is going to build community centres in 49 villages of the state under the Dr. Ambedkar Utsav Dham project.          Giving this information, Minister of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Dr. Baljit Kaur said this community centres were started by  Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana will be built under the Dr. Ambedkar Utsav Dham project. She said that approximately Rs. 25 lakhs will be spent on the establishment of a community center, while a total of Rs. 12 crore 25 lakh will be spent. She said that these centres will be built in villages with 50 percent scheduled caste population.          Dr. Baljit Kaur said that Shri Mukatsar Sahib district village Burj Sidhwan, Ghumiara Khera, Jhorar, Khane ki Dhab, Rathrian, Chak Chuhe wala, Chak Gandha Singh Wala, Lakhewali, Mehna. Faridkot district village Sikhan Wala, Machaki Mal Singh, Devi Wala, Nathlwala, Dhab Sher Singh.  Mansa district  Village Chakerian Saharana, Faridke, Malkon, Sherkhan Wala, Kashpur China, Hasanpur, Reond Kalan, Malakpur Bhimla, Lakliwal, Uddat Saidewala, Narindrapura. Mahalon Village of District S.B.S. Nagar and  Patiala district village Bathoi Khurd, Ramnagar Bakshiwala, Chunagra, Tarain. Village Qila Hakima of District Sangrur, Villages Ajner, Jallah, Amloh, Amloh (Khamna), Kotla Bajwara, Turan, Jallowal, Kotla Ajner, Kumbhra, Manela, Nabipur, Nurpura, Raipur Raian, Ranwan, Saidpura, Shahidgarh and Ladpur of District Fatehgarh Sahib have been selected for community centers.          The Cabinet Minister further said that with the construction of these community centers, the people of the villages will get urban facilities, but will also get the facility to hold private and public events without any cost. She said that the construction of these community centres is being done very fast by the department and these centres will be constructed and dedicated to the people in stimulated time. 

IEP Chandigarh, March 16    

      Punjab Government would start first of its kind ‘Jan Maal Lok Adalat’ from Jalandhar. Revenue Minister Bram Shanker Jimpa said that as per the guidelines issued by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, efforts would be made to solve the problems of people related to the revenue department on the spot. He said that during ‘Jan Adalat’ various schemes and offices of the revenue department will also be inspected. It is pertinent to mention that before this, Jimpa had started a unique initiative by organizing ‘Janta Darbar’ of Water Supply and Sanitation Department.          Jimpa said that ‘Jan Maal Lok Adalat’ would be held on March 20. Complaints and problems related with Revenue Department would be heard and solved on the spot. He said that the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is making immense efforts to make the functioning of the revenue department easy and people-friendly. Department has adopted online system to streamline the work and more concrete steps will be taken in the future.          He further said that Lok Adalats would also be set up in other districts of Punjab. Jimpa said that CM Bhagwant Mann is working tirelessly to provide all facilities to the people of Punjab from day one. It is also the aim of the government that the people should not face any kind of hardship for the facilities and get all the facilities at their doorstep without any hassle. If any citizen have problem/complaint/difficulties , it would be resolved in a timely manner. If any officer/employee found guilty of negligence strict action will be taken against him, Jimpa added.          Jimpa appealed to the people of Punjab not to give any bribe to any officer or employee for doing any work related to the revenue department and if anyone asks for a bribe then it should be reported immediately. He said that corrupt officers and employees will not be spared at any cost. He said that the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is fully committed to take Punjab to greater heights of progress. He sought cooperation from Punjabis to make the state ‘Rangla Punjab’. 

IEP Chandigarh, March 16     

     Under the guidelines of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for the proper management of paddy straw, the ex-situ arrangements being made by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) have received a big boost.          Due to the efforts of the PPCB, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issued guidelines for grant of one time financial support under Environment Protection Charge (EPC) funds for establishment of Pelletization and Torrefaction plant to promote utilization of paddy straw.          Divulging the details in a press communiqué Science, Technology and Environment Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer today said that the PPCB motivated the entrepreneurs and existing industrial units to install paddy straw based Pelletization and Torrefaction Plants to promote maximum utilization of paddy straw in the State. With the continuous and sincere efforts of the PPCB, three industrial units of Punjab have applied on the portal of PPCB for obtaining financial assistance under the guidelines issued by CPCB. Out of three units, on the recommendations of the PPCB, M/s A.B. Fuels, Village Dhaipai, Bhikli, (Mansa) has successfully got the financial assistance from CPCB to the tune of Rs. 81,85,805 i.e. 40% of plant cost of Rs. 2,04,64,513 for setting up of paddy straw based torrefaction plant of capacity 3 TPH.          Meet Hayer further said that with this ex-situ management of paddy straw approach i.e. establishment of such units in the State, the paddy straw based pellets will be available to the Thermal Power Plants within the state itself and reduce the burning of paddy straw in the open fields.The establishment and providing financial assistance to such palletization / torrefaction plants will encourage the entrepreneurs and existing industrial units, thereby, there will be substantial increase in paddy straw utilization being generated in the state. 

IEP Chandigarh, March 16

Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar on Thursday released the maiden issue of the quarterly newsletter of his department. He said that this initiative would act as a report card of the Local Government department.Releasing this newsletter here at Municipal Bhawan, Dr. Nijjar said that under the visionary and dynamic leadership of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab government is committed to striving for the comprehensive development of the municipal towns of the state and to report its initiatives to the general masses in a transparent manner. “The intent of this newsletter is to reach out to all the relevant stakeholders and make them conversant about the works being carried out. Further, it shall help in making the residents aware of various important projects”, said Mr. Nijjar while adding that this newsletter has shown the seriousness of the Government through initiatives taken by the State as well as ULBs to ensure transparent, accountable and responsive Governance.Divulging further, Dr. Nijjar said that the quarterly newsletter (March-2023) released today has reported the progress under key projects like Smart City Mission, AMRUT, Swachh Bharat Mission, MSeva (e-Governance), Punjab Municipal Services Improvement Projects (PMSIP). “Apart from this, information regarding World Bank/Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, GIS-enabled geospatial planning, urban transport (Bus Rapid Transit System – BRTS), housing for the urban poor, affordable housing projects, credit link subsidy scheme, urban livelihood missions, business process re-engineering and municipal fire services has been also carried in this newsletter”, he added.Cabinet Minister said that this issue has also highlighted the financial support provided to the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) under AMRUT and Swachh Bharat Mission besides mentioning the new initiatives in the field of e-governance such as instant issuance of trade license for non-hazardous trades, Public Works Integrated Management System and Integrated Financial Management System.On this occasion, Mr. Vivek Pratap Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary, Local Government, Ms. Isha Kalia, IAS, Chief Executive Officer-PMIDC, Mr. Uma Shankar Gupta, IAS, Director Local Government and other departmental officers were present. 

IEP Chandigarh, March 15

The newly appointed Chairman of the Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation (PSIDC) Jasvir Singh Kudni on Wednesday assumed charge of his office at Udyog Bhawan here in the presence of Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema and HUD, Information and Public Relations, New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Aman Arora.Congratulating the newly appointed Chairman, the Ministers expressed confidence that Jasvir Singh Kudni will work hard to resolve the issues related to the industries in addition to making concrete efforts to uplift the industries in the state. Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Jasvir Singh Kudni said that he would perform his duties with full dedication and diligence. He said that he would make every possible effort to ensure the rapid growth of the industry so that it could contribute adequately to the ‘Rangla Punjab Mission’.

IEP SAS Nagar /Chandigarh, March 15

Punjab Grievance Redressal, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Labour, Investment Promotion and Hospitality Minister Anmol Gagan Mann said that the Punjab government is fully determined to solve all the problems of the people. She said that sufficient funds are available for development works.     Today, while listening to the problems of the people of different villages of Kharar Constituency, minister said that the Punjab government has ushered in a new era for the development of the state and all the problems in way   development are being removed. During the camp held in Swara of Kharar block today, she listened to the problems of the people of Gabbe Majra, Magar, Rasanheri, Nangal Faizgarh and Swara villages and assured to solve them soon. The minister also issued necessary guidelines to the officials of various departments on the spot.Addressing the camps organized to solve the problems of the people, she said that solving the problems of the people is the priority of the state government and various schemes have been started by the state government for the welfare of the people. The minister also appealed to the people to take maximum advantage of the facilities being provided by the Punjab government.Anmol Gagan Mann urged the people to play their role more and more in the development of villages. Meanwhile, she also asked the people to get over the factionalism and keep an eye on the development works so that there is no mistake in the development works and all the development works can be done according to the prescribed standards. She also assured the people that the bus routes will be framed as per the need of the people. She sought people’s cooperation to implement the government schemes. The minister said that the role of people is important for the development of the state and only with their support the state can be freed from various problems.       During the camp organized to listen to the problems of the people of Sohali, Nanglia, Rakoli and Shahpur and surrounding villages of Majri block, the cabinet minister also made people aware about the advantages of labour card. She added said that through labour cards, people get financial help for treatment and along with this, many other facilities are provided apart from Shagan scheme, scholarship for students. The minister appealed to the needy people to make job cards so that they can take advantage of the schemes related to MGNREGA.Apart from this, during these camps, action was taken to provide facilities such as free medical facility, registration for employment, creation of Aadhaar card in addition to job card, widow pension, old age pension, disabled pension etc. on this occasion SDM Kharar Ravinder Singh, officials of various departments were also present on this occasion.

IEP Chandigarh, March 15

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing campaign against corruption, as directed by the Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann, on Wednesday nabbed a Junior Engineer (JE) Puneet, posted at Sub Division Bhai Rupa, Bathinda district, for accepting a bribe of Rs 8,000.Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the VB said the accused JE has been arrested on the complaint of Gurtej Singh, of village Dullewala, Bathinda district.Giving details he informed that the complainant have approached the VB and alleged that the above said JE had demanded Rs 12,000 to install a new transformer at his new tubewell and had already taken Rs 4,000 a bribe. He further informed that the JE was demanding remaining money from him.The spokesperson said after verifying this information, the VB Bathinda unit laid a trap and the above said accused JE was arrested while taking a bribe money of Rs. 8,000 as a second instalment from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.He informed that a case under Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused at VB police station, Bathinda range and further investigation was under progress. 

IEP Amritsar, March 15    

       Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday envisioned that the G-20 summit will prove to be a healthy platform for seeking vital inputs of expert nations to boost the education sector across the globe in general and state in particular thereby immensely benefiting the youth.           The Chief Minister, while addressing the gathering during second meeting of Education Working group of G-20 here today, said that he ardently believes that the deliberations in this summit will not only uplift the standard of education but will also benefit the youth of the state immensely. He expressed hope that the strenuous efforts of the G-20 in addressing major issues related to the global economy will give a major fillip to the economic growth of the country in general and that of the state in particular. Bhagwant Mann also lauded the concerted efforts being made by G-20 for promoting an environment of peace, understanding and international cooperation.           Highlighting the landmark initiatives taken by the state government in field of education to share that in consonance with the ideology of Baba Sahib Dr BR Ambedkar, the chief architect of Indian constitution, who once said that ‘Knowledge is the basis of human life’, state government is according top priority to the education sector. He said that the state government believes that ‘Health’ and ‘Education’ form bedrock for human and social development and stands committed to strengthen and expand these two critical sectors. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government has proposed an outlay of Rs 17,072 crore for school and Higher education in the coming fiscal year.           The Chief Minister said that budget of Rs 200 crore has been kept for up-gradation of the schools into the school of eminence. He said that these world class 117 schools of eminence will ensure holistic development of the students. Bhagwant Mann said that these schools will cater to the students of classes IX to XII and are being built on five pillars of support and strength i.e. Infrastructure, Academics, Human Resource Management, Sports & Co-curricular Activities and Community Engagement.           The Chief Minister said that apart from this, these schools will create opportunities to nurture individual ability and skills valuable for higher education, employment, training and others. He said that these schools will focus on grooming students for five professional and competitive courses including engineering, law, commerce, UPSC and NDA. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government remains committed to uplift Education in the State.            The Chief Minister said that in order to ensure that the environment of schools is conducive to improved levels of education for the students of Government schools, a budget of Rs.141.14 crore has been approved. He said that it will ensure that the work of cleanliness, protection of properties and management in the school is carried out effectively by Campus Managers allowing Principals of schools to focus on their administrative and academic duties. Bhagwant Mann said that an International Education Affairs Cell (IEAC) has been established to provide world class training to teachers, school heads and educational administrators working at different levels in the School Education Department.            Underscoring the need for knowledge sharing, the Chief Minister said that it can act as a catalyst for the overall development of the students. He said that his government is already focusing on enhancing the knowledge sharing agreement between the students from state and other countries. Bhagwant Mann said that it is the need of hour to ensure that the students become partners of the socio economic growth of the world.           The Chief Minister said that the state government has sent batches of trainees consisting of 66 Principals/Education officers have been sent to Principals Academy, Singapore for upscaling their expertise. He said that on their return these teachers will share the foreign practices with students and their colleagues thereby ensuring that students get acquainted with the pattern of study on foreign shores so that they are able to compete with their peers educated abroad. Bhagwant Mann said that this is a revolutionary step which will rejuvenate the entire education system of the state for the well being of students by bringing the much needed qualitative change in the education system of the state.            The Chief Minister said that sole criteria to choose these teachers for training are merit so as to ensure that they play a vanguard role in education reform. He said that the single aim of all these efforts is to reverse the trend of brain drain by making youth an active partner of socio- economic growth of the state adding that this path breaking initiative will prove to be a milestone for reforming the education system in the state. Bhagwant Mann said that in another landmark initiative the state government has set up, the “Punjab Sikhya-te-Sehat Fund” that will act as a catalyst to transform education and health sectors by active participation of NRI brethren.             The Chief Minister said that this summit will go a long way in sensitizing the governments by highlighting the issues and problems concerning the populace across the globe. He also said that the Government of India really deserves an accolade for holding this mega event on this land of great Gurus, saints and seers. Bhagwant Mann said that it is his proud privilege and honour to be here to welcome galaxy of eminent personalities representing their respective countries.           The Chief Minister profusely thanked the Government of India (GOI) for choosing this holy city to organize two sessions on Education and Labour. He said that his is a sacred city, which is deeply revered by one and all in the annals of history, where devotees from all over the world pay homage to seek peace and solace. Bhagwant Mann recalled that this holy city was once the prominent center of trade and commercial activity in the country in pre-partition days adding that the state government is making strenuous efforts to again develop Amritsar as the trade hub as several national and international companies of excellence and repute have evinced keen interest to set up their ventures in the holy city.           The Chief Minister also said that since time immemorial Punjab has been a cradle of civilization and culture adding that the hardworking and brave Punjabis had closely witnessed numerous pages of history unfolding on this sacred land of five years. He said that the state of Punjab has a successful growth story for ushering in the green revolution in mid 1960s followed by rapid industrialization in terms of Hosiery, Hand tools, Sports, Auto-parts, Agriculture implements, Rubber and others. Bhagwant Mann also said that besides being the nation’s food bowl, Punjab also has a distinction of being the sword arm of the country and its people are well known all over the world for their courage, resilience and spirit of enterprise.           The Chief Minister expressed hope that the delegates will have a comfortable stay in the city during the summit and they will enjoy the warm hospitality of the state. He said that during their stay the delegates will take along with them the vivid memories of their visit to Punjab.  Bhagwant Mann also wished successful accomplishment of the summit to the participating delegates.