IEP Chandigarh February 3

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested a coloniser Ashu Goyal, an accomplice of suspended Executive Officer (EO), Zirakpur, Girish Verma, for in conniving with the later to amass huge wealth than his known sources of income.Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the state VB said after an enquiry a case under sections 13(1)(b) of prevention of corruption act and 120-B of IPC was registered against accused Girish Verma, his wife Sangeeta Verma and son Vikas Verma at VB police station flying squad-1, Punjab at SAS Nagar. In this case the Bureau has nominated two accomplices of above said accused Vikas Verma, namely  Ashu Goyal and Gourav Gupta, both from Kurali, SAS Nagar district, for helping the accused EO to invest his ill gotten money in the properties.Giving details he further informed that the above said accused Ashu Goyal,   Gourav Gupta and Vikas Verma had established two infrastructure firms namely M/s Bala Ji Infra Buildtech, Kharar and M/s Bala Ji Developers Kurali. They have developed colonies under both the firms and EO Girish Verma used to invest ill gotten money through his son in these developer firms.The Mohali court has ordered police remand of the above accused Ashu Goyal for three days. Further investigation in this case was under progress and role of other persons would also be probed in this case, he said.

IEP Chandigarh, February 3

Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday held a meeting with the Vice Chancellors of the state’s government universities to seek their budgetary requirements. He assured them that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government is committed to strengthening the government universities and colleges of the state.

During the meeting held at Vit te Yojna Bhawan here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that required arrangements would be made in the budget this year to ensure that these universities would not need to approach the government time and again. He also asked the Vice-Chancellors of these universities to finalise their budgetary requirements while keeping in mind that justice should be done to every single penny of the people of Punjab.

The Finance Minister said that although the universities are autonomous institutions, some of the government universities are facing financial crises due to the irregularities in the past, therefore, universities should take decisions regarding budgetary implications cautiously while keeping in mind the future challenges of ensuring affordable and quality education for the youth of the state. He asked the universities to shun the practice of unnecessary expenditure besides focusing on innovative ways of earning income from their own resources without putting extra burden on the students.

Welcoming the suggestions offered by the university representatives to improve the government’s higher education system, the Finance Minister said that the state government would definitely review their suggestions to take necessary actions in a prompt manner. Meanwhile, he discussed in detail the budgetary requirements of each and every Government University of the State and assured that the Punjab government would fulfil their legitimate demands.

IEP Chandigarh, February 3

The Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (PWRDA) has notified the “Punjab Groundwater Extraction and Conservation Directions, 2023” which have come into effect from the 1st of February, 2023.

Disclosing this, a spokesperson of the authority said that the new directions apart from regulating groundwater also encourage users to conserve water through water conservation schemes. The authority will also fund public water conservation projects to be implemented by State Government Departments.

PWRDA is the first Water Authority in India to implement the concept of water conservation credits. The Users may opt to implement a water conservation scheme with the approval of the Authority, either within the Unit or outside. The User will be entitled for water conservation credits for the water conserved by it. For every cubic meter (1,000 liters) of water conserved, the user will earn a rebate equal to Rs. 2.50. The maximum rebate available to a Unit will depend on the zone in which the Unit is located and the volume of groundwater being extracted by it.

The Groundwater Extraction Charges will also be utilized by the Authority for funding the Public Water Conservation Schemes of various State Departments, such as a project for improvement of irrigation water conveyance efficiency so as to bring more area under canal water apart from improving the recharge of groundwater.

PWRDA shall facilitate rapid deployment and scaling up of water saving technologies in Agriculture. For this purpose, a pilot project for water conservation in coordination with the State Government has been initiated in the district of Sangrur to save upon groundwater in the State.

The project covers an area of 1720 acres spread over 29 villages in the district. Similar water saving projects are being planned to motivate farmers towards judicious use of water in agriculture.

The users are encouraged to implement water conservation schemes with approval of PWRDA both in their premises (e.g. rainwater harvesting) and also outside their units (e.g. collaborating with farmers to save irrigation water) to earn water conservation credits.

For Groundwater Assessment zones see the map of Punjab on website: https://pwrda.org.

IEP Chandigarh, February 3

Taking step forward towards reducing pollution in the state and saving the farm topsoil, Punjab Power Minister Mr. Harbhajan Singh ETO, on Friday, directed the officials of PSPCL to immediately provide fly ash of thermal plants for ongoing road projects in the state.

While presiding over the meeting of PSPCL and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials, the Cabinet Minister said that about 400 lakh tonnes of fly ash lying in the thermal plants of the state and its timely disposal will get relief from pollution, besides shunning the trend of digging topsoil from the nearby fields for road projects.

Mr. Harbhajan Singh ETO said, NHAI requires 950 lakh cubic tonnes of fly ash, which can be easily supplied, adding that at present about 200 lakh tonnes of fly ash is available at Guru Nanak Thermal Plant Bathinda, 90 lakh tonnes at Ropar Thermal Plant, 70 lakh tonnes at Lehra Mohabbat Thermal Plant, 33 lakh tonnes at Talwandi Sabo Thermal Plant and 20 lakhs tonnes of fly ash is available at Rajpura Thermal Plant.

He directed the PSPCL officials to immediately accord approvals to NHAI in this regard so that disposal of fly ash and completion of road projects could be ensured.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led government was committed to complete the road projects at the earliest and the work of road projects will not allow to disrupt due to non supply of fly ash, he added.

Mr. Vipnesh Sharma Regional Officer NHAI, Mr. Paramjit Singh Director (Generation) PSPCL, Mr. Naveen Bansal Chief Engineer Lehra Mohabbat Thermal Plant, Mr. Manjit Singh Chief Engineer Ropar Thermal Plant and Deputy Chief Engineer Mr. Vipan Malhotra and Mr. Narendra Mehta Deputy Chief Engineer Chandigarh and other officials were present in the meeting.

IEP CHANDIGARH, February 3   

       In yet another massive crackdown against gangster-terrorist nexus amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a crime-free state as per the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab Police on Friday launched a special cordon and search operation (CASO) at suspected hideouts of persons linked with Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and Canada-based terrorist Goldy Brar.          The simultaneous raids were conducted at the residential and other premises linked to both the criminals in all the districts across the state. The operation was aimed at disrupting the nexus between terrorists, gangsters, and drug smugglers based in India and abroad.          Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav said that over 1490 suspected hideouts of anti-social elements linked with Bishnoi and Goldy Brar were raided during a day-long operation carried out by at least 200 parties of Punjab Police involving about 2000 police personnel across the state.          He said that the CASO was planned after the questioning of several persons in the recently busted modules backed by Bishnoi and Goldy Brar, besides, infusing fear among the anti-social elements and instilling a sense of safety and security among the common people.          Giving more details about the Cordon and Search Operation, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that several persons have been detained for further verification and incriminating material has been seized from their possession, which is being further examined. During the operation, the Police teams conducted thorough searches at the houses and other premises linked with these criminals and also collected the data from Electronic devices, which will be sent for forensic examination, he added.          He said that the Police teams have also checked arms licenses and questioned people about the sourcing of ammunition, besides, gathering travel details of foreign-based family members, bank transactions from abroad, and western union and property details for further examination.Pertinently, Punjab Police has busted 25 terror modules with the arrest of 160 terrorists/radicals after recovering 30 sophisticated Rifles, 200 Revolvers/Pistols, and 24 Drones since March 2022. As far as gangsters are concerned, Punjab police have succeeded in busting 140 gangster/criminal modules with the arrest of 555 gangsters/criminals and neutralizing two, and recovering 510 weapons and 129 vehicles used in criminal activities from their possession in the same period.

IEP Chandigarh, February 3

A meeting to discuss the modalities for roll out of the scheme for supply of items of dry ration to the Anganwadis in Punjab by MARKFED and other important issues concerning the working of Anganwadis was held under the chairmanship of D.P. Reddy, IAS(Retd), Chairman, Punjab State Food Commission. Members of the Commission, officers of Social Security, Women & Child Development and Managing Director MARKFED attended this meeting.

During the meeting Director, Social Security, Women & Child Development briefed regarding the highlights of the MoU entered into between the MARKFED and the Department of Social Security, Women & Child Development Department for supply of pre-cooked/pre-mix/other food items under the Supplementary Nutrition Programme to the beneficiaries.

It was stated by the officers of Social Security Department that MARKFED would be a single nodal agency for supply of all materials to the Anganwadis. Samples of material to be supplied by MARKFED were also shown by officials of MARKFED in the meeting.

Other important issues discussed during the meeting related to maintaining hygiene in kitchens, integrating activities of Anganwadis with Mid Day Meals Scheme, Health Check up etc. The issues pertaining to installation of Notice Boards & Complaint boxes and Helpline number of the Food Commission and display of short film of the Commission on the website of the Department were also discussed.

It was assured by the officers of the Social Security Department that all these issues would be looked into and remedial action would be taken on priority basis.

IEP Chandigarh, February 3     

      In a major citizen centric decision, under the leadership of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Cabinet today gave nod to lower pit head price of sand and gravel to Rs 5.50 per cubic feet as this will translate into lower end cost for the citizens.           A decision to this effect was taken by the Council of Ministers, in its meeting held here at the Punjab Civil Secretariat- I under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister.           Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that in August 2022, the state government had fixed the pit head selling price of sand and gravel @ Rs. 9 per cubic feet including loading charges. In recent times there was a significant gap in the demand and supply of sand & gravel which was also hugely contributing to the rise in prices. The Council of Ministers has therefore, authorized the Director to review the tenders, which were earlier terminated in specific circumstances, in order to increase the local availability of sand in the State.           These contracts were originally valid only up to Feb-March, 2023 and as such these can be revived for only two months, during which time the supply will increase and at the same time the Department will strive to complete the fresh tendering process. The Cabinet also approved the proposal of the Department to increase the sum of royalty and penalty charged from transporters of sand and gravel who are unable to produce any relevant documents at the time of checking. At present these transporters were being charged at the rate of Rs.3.50 per cubic feet.           Now the Council of Ministers has approved that this rate shall not be less than the rate fixed for sale of sand and gravel at the pit head. Since the pit head rates of sand and gravel have revised to Rs. 5.50 per cubic feet therefore the amount to be charged from such transporters shall now be more than Rs. 5.50 per cubic feet.           This historic initiative will ensure supply of easy and cheap sand to the public thereby immensely benefitting them. 

IEP Chandigarh, February 3         

          Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday asked the Deputy Commissioners, Commissioners of Police and Senior Superintendents of Police, to further accelerate three pronged strategy of ‘Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention’ for making Punjab a drug free state.           Chairing a review meeting with the officers here at his office in Punjab Civil Secretariat, the Chief Minister said that area–specific strategy should be tailored to each police station area/locality/village for effective enforcement. He said that appropriate action should be taken against colluding police officials/government officials to break any nexus with drug traffickers and property of drug traffickers should be confiscated under the provisions of the NDPS act, 1985. Bhagwant Mann also asked the officers to ensure that provisions of preventive detention under PITNDPS act 1988 is implemented along with tracing the forward and backward linkages in the supply chain through proper investigation of each recovery of illicit drugs. He also asked the officers to ensure capacity building of IOs /GOs to effectively implement NDPS act by conducting regular training and workshops.           The Chief Minister also asked the officers to ensure proper rehabilitation and treatment of the victims of drug menace. He said that emphasis must be given on outpatient treatment based on harm reduction, medication, counselling and peer support along with effective implementation of DAPO and Buddy program should be ensured. Bhagwant Mann said that the medical infrastructure in form of 528 Outpatient Opioid assisted Treatment (OOAT) clinic (including 17 in central jails), 36 Government De-addiction centres, 19 Government Rehabilitation centres, 185 Private De-addiction centres and 75 private Rehabilitation centres must be judiciously utilised for wiping out this menace.           The Chief Minister also asked the officers to intensify action against promotion of gun culture in the state. He said that 167 FIRs have so far been registered for glorification of weapons in the state and 1.77 lakh weapons have been verified out of the total 4.38 lakh in the state. However, Bhagwant Mann underlined more strenuous efforts by the officers in this regard adding that the officers must complete the verification process at the earliest.           The Chief Minister said that the state government has already launched a major crackdown against gangsters in the state and the Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF) headed by an ADGP Rank officer had been formed. He said that so far over 503 gangsters, two have been neutralized, and over 138 criminal modules have been busted. 481 weapons and 106 vehicles used by these criminals have been recovered. However, Bhagwant Mann said that the officers at the district headquarters should further intensify this action and ensure that organized crime is curbed in the state.           The Chief Minister, while reiterating zero tolerance policy against corruption in the state, asked the Deputy Commissioners to hold monthly meetings with the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Vigilance. He said that Deputy Commissioners should ensure that the due process of law is followed so that the case reaches a logical end. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government is duty bound to ensure that the corrupt elements get the due punishment for their sinister acts.           Dwelling on another Chief Minister, ask the officers to ensure that work for starting construction of Delhi-Amritsar-Katra National Highway is put on fast-track mode. He said that this is an ambitious project, which once completed, will save time, money and energy of commuters travelling from Delhi to Punjab and Jammu-Kashmir especially those desirous of paying obeisance at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Bhagwant Mann said that the 254 kilometer long highway will be constructed at a cost Rs 11,510 crore and will pass through nine districts of the state viz. Jalandhar, Sangrur, Malerkotla, Patiala, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Gurdaspur.           The Chief Minister also said that the officers will be made accountable for any sort of illegal mining being carried out in areas under their jurisdiction. He said that strict action should be taken against those involved in this heinous crime. Bhagwant Mann said that DCs and SSPs must make sure this illegal activity is curbed across the state.           The Chief Minister also asked the officers to oversee the functioning of the Aam Aadmi Clinics to impart quality treatment to the people. He also said that adequate focus should also be laid on the ‘schools of eminence’ being started across the state. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government is according top priority for development of these two sectors in Punjab.             The Chief Minister also directed officers to maximize their field visits and interactions with the people by going to villages. He said that it is the need of the hour to facilitate the people in getting their day-to-day works done easily besides ensuring good governance to them. Bhagwant Mann said that this will help in better functioning of the offices along with better acquaintance with the ground realities.           The Chief Minister also asked the officers to make sure that needy people get the benefit of ambitious Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) scheme. He said that this scheme envisages a 100 days job to people on one hand besides acting as a catalyst in the development of the villages on the other. Bhagwant Mann said that implemented in right earnest this scheme could further propel the pace of comprehensive development of the villages.

IEP Chandigarh, February 3

The Punjab Vidhan Sabha, which was adjourned sine-die at the conclusion of its sitting held on the 3rd October, 2022 has been prorogued by the Governor of Punjab today. It was informed by Mr. Surinder Pal, Secretary, Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

FURTHER ACCELERATE THREE PRONGED STRATEGY OF ‘ENFORCEMENT, DEADDICTION AND PREVENTION’ FOR MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG FREE STATE: CM TO DCs, CPs AND SSPs

IEP Chandigarh February 3

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested a coloniser Ashu Goyal, an accomplice of suspended Executive Officer (EO), Zirakpur, Girish Verma, for in conniving with the later to amass huge wealth than his known sources of income.Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the state VB said after an enquiry a case under sections 13(1)(b) of prevention of corruption act and 120-B of IPC was registered against accused Girish Verma, his wife Sangeeta Verma and son Vikas Verma at VB police station flying squad-1, Punjab at SAS Nagar. In this case the Bureau has nominated two accomplices of above said accused Vikas Verma, namely  Ashu Goyal and Gourav Gupta, both from Kurali, SAS Nagar district, for helping the accused EO to invest his ill gotten money in the properties.Giving details he further informed that the above said accused Ashu Goyal,   Gourav Gupta and Vikas Verma had established two infrastructure firms namely M/s Bala Ji Infra Buildtech, Kharar and M/s Bala Ji Developers Kurali. They have developed colonies under both the firms and EO Girish Verma used to invest ill gotten money through his son in these developer firms.The Mohali court has ordered police remand of the above accused Ashu Goyal for three days. Further investigation in this case was under progress and role of other persons would also be probed in this case, he said.