IEP Chandigarh March 24

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Friday arrested an accused Charan Kaur of village Goure, district Kapurthala for misappropriating a grant of Rs. 45,000 in colluding with others out of total central grant of Rs. 13,50,000 received by Gram Panchayat Mehmedwal, district Kapurthala in the year 2012 which was sanctioned for the poor and homeless under Indira Awas Yojana. She was absconding for the last 4 years in this case.          It is worth mentioning that out of the total 132 accused involved in this case registered six years ago, 117 accused had already been arrested so far and the search for the remaining accused was under progress.          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the VB said out the total central grant of Rs 13,50,000 received by Gram Panchayat Mehmedwal in the year 2012 under the Indira Awas Yojana for the poor and homeless, the then ADC Development-cum-Chief Executive Officer Zila Parishad, Kapurthala Satish Chander Vashist in connivance with Asa Singh Sarpanch of village Mehmedwal and Kulwant Singh, Panchayat Secretary, had embezzled the grant through cheques by issuing them in the name of ineligible beneficiaries.             He informed that later on the recommendation of Deputy Commissioner Kapurthala, a five-member committee comprising various officials conducted a physical verification regarding utilisation of this grant, during which it was found that illegal payments to the tune of Rs. 1,80,00,000 were made to 411 ineligible beneficiaries of 31 villages in Kapurthala district during the year 2011-12.          In this regard, the VB had registered a case no. 01 dated 03-02-17 against 132 accused persons under sections 409, 420, 467, 468, 471, 120-B of the IPC and section 13(1), 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act at  Vigilance Bureau police station Jalandhar range.  In this case, the accused Charan Kaur, resident of village Goure, district Kapurthala was nominated on 04-02-2019 after investigation, who has been arrested today.          The spokesperson informed that the above said accused Charan Kaur, being an ineligible beneficiary had usurped the central grant of Rs. 45,000 in connivance  with Sukhwinder Singh, Sarpanch of village Goure and Kulwant Singh, Panchayats Secretary, through two checks on 14-03-2012.

IEP Chandigarh, March 24    

      Punjab Police on Friday released as many as 44 persons, who were taken into preventive arrest during the ongoing operation against those trying to disturb law and order in the state, from police custody. Chief Minister Punjab Bhagwant Mann has given clear instructions to not harass any innocent persons during the operation.                Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that  in the larger interest of the public and keeping in view that youngsters should not suffer, Punjab Police have decided to release those persons who have a minimum role or were just following Amritpal Singh on religious sentiments only. As many as 44 persons, who were under preventive arrest were handed over to their family members on Friday, with the promise of good conduct in future.          The development came a day after the announcement by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Headquarters Sukhchain Singh Gill that Punjab Police might release 177 arrested persons from preventive custody.          Notably, a total of 207 persons have been arrested for disturbing peace and harmony in the state, of which, 30 have been found in substantive criminal activities, while, remaining were under preventive arrest. He had also assured that people involved in baptism and de-addiction will also not be bothered at all.          IGP Sukhchain Singh Gill said that Police teams are doing thorough screening of remaining persons, who are under preventive arrest, and soon, they will also be released from the police custody if they were not found involved in any substantive criminal activities.            Meanwhile, the operation is being carried out on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann with an aim to save the innocent youth of Punjab from playing into the hands of Anti-National Forces

IEP Chandigarh, March 24    

      Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan has encouraged the youth to increase their involvement in the democratic process.          Addressing the students of a private school of district Bathinda, who visited to see the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, S. Sandhwan said that it is need of the hour to encourage the youth in politics to stop the decline in the political sphere and only then the progress of the country can be ensured.          The Speaker said, for fulfilling this purpose, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann has also asked the members to ensure the visit to the assembly of the students of their respective constituencies. “When the students see the proceedings of the House, they will also develop an interest in politics”, said the Speaker.          During the visit, the students learned about the various proceedings of the Legislative Assembly such as bringing resolution and passing the bill. They were also made aware of how a bill is discussed before it is passed and a decision is taken whether the bill deserves to be passed or not.          School coordinator Ms. Harveer Kaur, teacher Mr. Varun Shukla, Ms. Navprince Kaur, Mr. Ratandeep Singh were also present.

IEP Chandigarh March 24    

       After the intervention of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission, Dr. Satnam Singh, Medical Officer Orthopedics was promoted as Assistant Professor Orthopedics by the Department of Medical Education and Research, Punjab.          Giving more information in this regard, Mrs. Paramjit Kaur, a non-governmental member of the commission, said that Dr. Satnam Singh, Medical Officer of the Department of Medical Education and Research, Punjab, had complained to the commission that he was not promoted according to the reservation policy.  In this regard, the commission asked the concerned department to take action on the basis of merit.          She further said that according to the instructions of the commission, Dr. Satnam Singh has been promoted as Assistant Professor Orthopedics by the concerned department.

IEP Chandigarh, March 24    

       Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday said that the state government is duty bound to make a progressive, peaceful and prosperous state by foiling the nefarious designs of anti-Punjab forces who want to make the state into Afghanistan.           In an emotive appeal to the people, the Chief Minister said that some people are trying to divide the state on sectarian lines for the sake of their own vested interests. He said that such self proclaimed leaders of religion have nothing to do with the state and its people adding that these leaders just want to disturb the peace and amity in the state. However, Bhagwant Mann said that such evil designs of these leaders inimical to Punjab and its people will not be allowed at any cost and they will be given a befitting answer.           The Chief Minister said that it is very easy to give the sermons of taking weapons to the sons of other families, but such preachers run away from these things when they face the harsh realities. He said that Punjabis should not sway away with the ideas of such self proclaimed preachers who have no emotional bonding with the state and its people. Bhagwant Mann said that the sole motive of these leaders was to disturb the hard earned peace of the state through their venomous ideas.           However, the Chief Minister categorically said that the state government is duty bound to maintain peace, amity and communal harmony in Punjab at all costs adding that youth of the state will not be allowed to become raw material for the hate factories being run in the name of religion. He said that today is the era of education and across the globe the people with knowledge and expertise are recognized due to which the state government is making strenuous efforts to promote education in Punjab. Bhagwant Mann said that they want to see books, laptops, jobs, medals and progress in the hands of youth but these leaders want to disarray the youth by asking them to take weapons in their hands.           The Chief Minister unequivocally said that they not only know how to form the government by winning the hearts of people but they also know how to run the government effectively. He said that these leaders are highly mistaken if they think that they can divide people on communal lines because the peace loving Punjabis will thwart any such attempt. Bhagwant Mann also thanked the people for reposing faith in him adding that he will uphold the faith of people by making Punjab a progressive, peaceful and prosperous state. 

IEP Chandigarh, March 22 

Asserting that water is our legitimate right as per Riparian law, the Punjab assembly led Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday condemned the act of Himachal Pradesh government to impose Water cess on hydropower projects. Endorsing the resolution passed by the Water Resources Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer to condemn the move of Himachal Pradesh government, the Chief Minister said that it is a major setback for the interests of Punjab and its people. He said contrary to its name- Punjab (the land of five rivers) is today facing serious challenges in terms of potable water. Bhagwant Mann said that the fresh move of Himachal Pradesh government is a fresh attack on the waters of the state which cannot be tolerated. Taking the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh to cudgels, the Chief Minister categorically said that this move of the Sukhu government is illegitimate and irrational. He said that Punjab has legitimate right over the river waters and no one can snatch it from the state. Bhagwant Mann said that the state will not pay even a single penny for the water flowing through its land. The Chief Minister said that this move of Congress government is aimed at dividing the country adding that this is not ‘Bharat Jodo’ but it is ‘Bharat Todo’ campaign. He also questioned the absence of the Congress leaders of Punjab from the assembly when the state was deliberating a serious issue concerning the waters of the state. Bhagwant Mann said that these leaders have always backstabbed Punjab but the state government will leave no stone unturned to solve all the issues being confronted by Punjab. The Chief Minister said that this shameless act of the Himachal Pradesh government has exposed that Congress has several faces and they use these masks as per their political convenience. He said that the Congress leaders make tall claims about federal structure but in real terms they act as per their own political interests. Bhagwant Mann said that this time again congress has hatched a conspiracy to divest Punjab of its rights but this will not be allowed at any cost. The Chief Minister advised the Himachal Pradesh government to refrain from taking such steps which will dilute the powers of the states. He said that the centre already wants a chance to meddle in the affairs of the states adding that by racking up such issues the Himachal Pradesh government is giving a chance to the Union government to unnecessarily intervene in matters pertaining to the state. Bhagwant Mann also said that if the Congress government goes ahead with this plan then with what face they will make claims for federal structure in the country.

IEP Chandigarh, March 22

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday announced the construction of a heritage street at the native village of Shaheed-e-Aazam Bhagat Singh to showcase the glorious contribution of Punjab and Punjabis in national freedom struggle.

Leading the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in passing resolution for carving out Punjab of dreams Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru and Shaheed Sukhdev, the Chief Minister said that this 850 metre long heritage street will be constructed from existing from Museum to the ancestral house at Shaheed Bhagat Singh at Khatkar Kalan. He said that this street will showcase the glorious contribution of the state national freedom struggle thereby inspiring the youth to work zealously for the country. Bhagwant Mann said that he had already asked the Tourism and Culture department to set the wheels in motion for this project.

The Chief Minister said that they are even conceiving an idea to create a video depicting the scene in which Shaheed Bhagat Singh was sentenced to death. He categorically said that March 23rd is not merely a day but it is as a fact of matter a symbol of battle against any type of injustice, tyranny and oppression. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government is duty bound to realize the dreams of the great martyrs who had sacrificed their lives for the country.

The Chief Minister said that all of us have to make strenuous efforts to realize the dreams of martyrs. He said that it is the need of hour to restore the pristine glory of the state for which every individual should support the state government. Bhagwant Mann said that Shaheed Bhagat Singh was not only an individual but an institution adding that we must follow his footsteps for the progress of the country.

The Chief Minister said that the supreme sacrifice of Shaheed Bhagat Singh will inspire youth to serve the country. He said that apart from emancipating the country from foreign clutches Shaheed Bhagat Singh had also envisioned a corruption and poverty free India. However, Bhagwant Mann said that the country is still facing these problems adding that his government is committed to resolve all these issues.

The Chief Minister urged the people to exercise their right to franchise in a proper manner for electing the government that works for the people. He said that the great national leaders had sacrificed their lives for ensuring that every citizen of the country gets the right to vote. Bhagwant Mann said that the participation in democracy without any fear is the real tribute to these great leaders of the country.

IEP Chandigarh, March 22     

      Local Government Minister, Dr.Inderbir Singh Nijjar said that Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) has provided financial assistance of about Rs 85.92 crore for taking care of stray cattle. It was stated by Local Government Minister Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar today during the on going budget session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha while replying to the call attention notice brought by MLAs S. Daljit Singh Grewal (Bhola) and S. Gurpreet Singh Banawali.          Giving more information in this regard, Local Government Minister, Dr.  Inderbir Singh Nijjar said that there are 1.70 lakh stray cattle in about 417 private registered gaushalas in the state.  Apart from this, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department Punjab has constructed 77 cattle sheds in 20 government cattle ponds in the state, which have around 10,024 stray cattle.          Dr. Nijjar added that 10 gaushalas are being run by Urban Local Bodies at their level, in which about 3385 stray cattle are kept.  He said that Urban Local Bodies capture stray cattle roaming within their jurisdiction and release them in government/private gaushalas.  About 33575 stray cattle have been caught by them during the last five years and released in gaushalas.          Dr Nijjar said that around 185 government/private gaushalas are being given financial assistance of Rs 10 to 30 per cattle per day or monthly basis as per financial status and available cow cess funds by the Urban Local Bodies. He also added that upto now Rs 183.44 crore has been collected as cow cess is with the Urban Local Bodies

IEP Chandigarh, March 22

 The Punjab Vidhan Sabha, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution to request the Government of India (GOI) to name the upcoming International Airport at Indian Air force Station Halwara, Ludhiana as Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha International Airport. The resolution was moved by the Chief Minister today during the session of the Punjab Assembly. The Chief Minister said that this will be a humble tribute to the iconic martyr who laid down his life at the altar of the motherland. He said that this young martyr had been an inspiration for the young generations since ages to work for their country selflessly. Bhagwant Mann said that the great martyr played a pivotal role in emancipating the country from the clutches of foreign imperialism adding that as an active leader of Ghadar party he worked untiringly for attaining freedom first abroad and then within the country.  The Chief Minister said that due to strenuous efforts of the state government, the Mohali International Airport has already been named after Shaheed Bhagat Singh adding that naming of Halwara airport after Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha will be a humble tribute to the martyr. Bhagwant Mann further said that naming the airports, universities and other institutions in the name of these iconic martyrs is important to perpetuate their glorious legacy.  He said that naming these institutions after great national leaders can inspire our youth for selfless service towards the country. Batting for conferring Bharat Ratna award to Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha and other legendary martyrs who had sacrificed their lives during the national freedom struggle, the Chief Minister said that bestowing the Bharat Ratna award to these legendary martyrs will enhance the prestige of this award. He said that these great martyrs really deserve this award because they had made supreme sacrifices for emancipating the country from foreign clutches. Bhagwant Mann bemoaned that unfortunately this award has not been bestowed to these leaders even after the passing of more than 75 years of independence. Training his guns against the Congress leaders for boycotting the session when this important resolution is being passed, the Chief Minister said that this is grave disrespect towards these iconic leaders. He said that the awardees for this coveted award are selected by a high level committee led by the Prime Minister of the country. However, Bhagwant Mann quipped that ironically two past Prime Ministers from the Congress party had recommended their own names for this prestigious award.  The Chief Minister also announced a holiday to mark the death anniversary of the legendary martyr. He said that the necessary formalities regarding this will be completed by the state government in the coming days. Bhagwant Mann also profusely thanked the MLAs of opposition including Manpreet Singh Ayaali, Ashwani Sharma and Nachattar Pal for taking part in healthy debate on the issue and supporting the state government on bill.

IEP Chandigarh, March 21    

      Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains on Tuesday has ordered the immediate return of science and mathematics lecturers working in the state headquarters, district, block or other offices to schools.          S. Bains also said that in future the lecturers of these subjects should also not be called on-duty for some kind of office work.          The Minister of Education said that the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Maan ji is fully committed to providing quality education to the students of Punjab and now these lecturers will only work to impart education to the students.          S. Harjot Singh Bains said that strict disciplinary action will be taken against the officials who will call the lecturers of these subjects on duty for office work in future.