IEP Chandigarh, February 9   

       The Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Bram Shanker Jimpa has informed that about 98 percent of the complaints received in the Shikayat Nivaran Kender (SNK) of the department during last 11 months have been resolved. He said that under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, it is the priority of the State Government to provide clean drinking water in the villages of the state and for this purpose the department is working with all sincerity and diligence. He said that many schemes are also being initiated to keep the villages clean and garbage free.          Jimpa said that on toll free number 1800-180-2468 issued by the department, 18,693 complaints have been registered from 1 March 2022 to 6 February 2023 regarding water supply, R.O. plants, sewage, Individual Household Latrine and others. Out of these, 18,308 complaints have been redressed with the rate of redressal being 97.94 percent.          He further said that after resolving the complaint, feedback is also taken from the complainant and if he/she is not satisfied, appropriate action is taken again on his/her complaint. The Minister said that the State Government is making all efforts to provide clean drinking water and adequate sewage facility to the residents of State villages.  He said that as per the instructions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Department of Water Supply and Sanitation has also started an online Janta Darbar so that citizens can raise their complaints and problems directly before the Minister.          Jimpa appealed that if any village resident has any kind of complaint or suggestion regarding water supply and sanitation, then he/she should not hesitate to submit his/her views. The State Government will leave no stone unturned for people’s welfare and lifting the standard of living, added Jimpa.

IEP Chandigarh/SAS Nagar, February 8  

        In order to provide an opportunity to buy a property in the model city of Punjab, Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) will conduct an e-auction of around 77 properties situated in different projects/sectors of SAS Nagar (Mohali).          Revealing the details about the e-auction, Punjab Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that the e-auction will commence on February 17 at 9am and will conclude on March 6 at 1pm. The total reserve price of all the properties offered in the e-auction stands at around Rs2100 crore.          On the directions of Mr. Aman Arora, GMADA has released an email helpdesk@gmada.gov.in to smoothen the process and help the bidders in case they have any query or face any problem in placing the bids.          The H&UD Minister said that GMADA has offered a mix bag of properties including six group housing sites, one school site, one hotel site, one nursing home site, nine IT Industrial plots, two commercial chunk sites and around 57 SCOs & booths. These sites are situated in Aerocity, Sector 83-Alpha, Sector 66-Beta, IT City Sector 101-Alpha and other locations in SAS Nagar.          He said that interested participants can visit the e-auction portal https://puda.e-auctions.in for accessing the details pertaining to properties available for bidding. The procedure of registration to participate in the bidding process, payment schedule, size of sites, location etc. would be uploaded on the portal before commencement of the e-auction. The bidders will have to place bids up and above the reserve price fixed for a particular site. There would be no bar on the number of bids to be placed and bidders could revise their bids multiple times, he added.          The Authority will allot the sites to the successful bidders on receiving 10% payment of the final bidding price and possession of sites would be handed over as per terms and conditions of the auction policy, stated the H&UD Minister.

IEP Chandigarh/Nawanshahr, February 8

          Punjab Mining and Geology Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said here, today, that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led state government has broken the backbone of sand mafia by bringing transparency in the sand supply. 

          The Minister of Mines and Geology, who inspected the public sand mining site at Khoja village in Nawanshahr, today, said that the Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has fulfilled the promise of providing sand from the sand mines for Rs 5.50 per cubic feet to the people and has also proved that the transparency in governance and honesty towards public interest is the biggest priority of the state government.  He said now onwards neither any goon will be found for extortion in the name of mining nor there any illegal mining.  He said that for the Punjab government, the interests of the common people are above the revenue from sand.

          Meet Hayer said that in view of the massive response to the public sand mines in 7 districts of Punjab launched by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday from Ludhiana and the ease of providing sand to the common people, the scope of these mines will be extended by the end of this month.  The number of public sand mines will be increased to 50 in 14 districts.  He said that the target has been set to increase this number to over 150 by next year.

          Responding a media query whether all ‘clearances’ have been taken from the competitive authorities to operate these public sand mines, the Minister said that there was a special instruction in this regard by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, according to which these mines have been opened to the public only after taking necessary approvals from the the Honorable High Court and State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA).

           Mining Minister Meet Hayer, who visited Khoja to intercat with the people who came to procure sand and the labourers who loaded the sand, walked barefoot through the river water to them and asked about any kind of additional charges, if taken by anyone and also took their feedback.  The people who came there to buy sand and the sand loading labor said on this occasion that after about 15 years, open sale and supply of sand has to be found in Punjab like old times.  The tractor-trolley owners apprised the Minister that earlier, the sand loading work and transportation was limited to machines and cranes and heavy commercial vehicles that rendered many people jobless but now the days have changes.

          Meet Hayer said that he is satisfied that the Bhagwant Mann government’s initiative of throwing open public sand mines has benefited the common people at the ground level.  He said that the purpose of his inspection of these sites is to speed up the work of other public mines to be opened in the next few days.  Priority is being given to those places where the public mine is close to the main road, the road leading to the quarry is almost government owned, there is no charge for using the private road.  He said that with the opening of more public sand mines in the state, there will be no paucity of sand for the needy persons who want to have a roof over their heads. Similarly, to benefit the districts having no sand mine, a sufficient number of public mines would be opened in the districts, next to them. 

          Director Mines and Geology Davinder Pal Singh Kharbanda, who was present on the occasion, told the Minister of Mines that to maintain transparency in the working of public sand mines and to check illegal mining, a ‘QR code’ will be sent to the buyer’s mobile phone, in which sand  Information related to site name, payment, date and sand slip duration can be viewed by scanning by the enforcement agencies.

          On this occasion, AAP’s Nawanshahr senior leader Lalit Mohan Pathak specially thanked the Minister of Mines Meet Hayer and appreciated the efforts to provide big relief to the common people by the Bhagwant Mann government through opening of public sand mines.  He said that with this, the common people have not only got cheap sand, but hundreds of households have also got employment through filling and tractor transportation.

          On this occasion, SSP Bhagirth Singh Meena, ADC (G) Rajiv Verma, SDM Nawanshahr Major Shivraj Singh Ball, DSP Nawanshahr Ranjit Singh Badesha, Superintending Engineer (Headquarters) Manoj Bansal of Mines and Geology Department,  Executive Engineer Happy Kumar, SDO Gurjeet Singh, Tehsildar Sarvesh Rajan, AAP District Secretary Gagan Agnihotri, Sarpanch Pargat Ram, Numdar Bhupinder Singh and a large number of local people were present.

IEP Chandigarh February 8

          The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, on Wednesday arrested a Panchayats Secretary, Hardyal Singh,  posted in block Valtoha, Tarntaran district and resident of village Dasuwal, in Tarntaran for amassing wealth than his known sources of income.

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the state VB said in this regard a case has been registered against the above said Panchayats Secretary after investigation of a vigilance enquiry regarding the allegations of disproportionate assets created through corruption.

          Giving details he further informed that during the investigation, his total income during the check period was Rs. 47,65,188 and total expenditure was found to be Rs. 1,06,98,926. It has came to light that the total expenditure incurred by the accused has increased by Rs. 59,33,738 as compared to the income received by him during the check period, he added.

          He informed that a case under prevention of corruption act against the accused Hardyal Singh has been registered at VB Police Station, Amritsar.

IEP Chandigarh, February 8      

     The Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is making all-out efforts to provide basic facilities, clean and pollution-free environment to the residents of the state. Under this series, development works are being conducted across the state by the Punjab government.          Giving more details, Local Government Minister Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar said that the Punjab government has decided to spend around Rs 16 crore on development works for the beautification of Amritsar city.          Cabinet Minister said that Rs 15 Crore will be spent for re-conditioning and development of GT Road from India Gate to the railway station. Apart from this, About Rs 48 lakhs will be spent on painting of bridges (second attempt) with cement based paint for beautification.          He further said that about Rs 25 lakh and Rs 49 lakh will be spent for repair of Footpath in Kabir Park Extension Scheme and supply/construction of road safety signs and features (second attempt) respectively.          He said that about Rs 49 lakh will be spent for repair and painting (second attempt) of centre verges,Kerb stones, street light poles and gantries etc.          He said that the local government department has started the office process for these works. He also said that big population of Amritsar city will benefit from these development works.          Minister said that providing basic facilities and clean environment to the people of the state is the top priority of the Mann government.          He instructed the officers of the department to ensure transparency and quality in the development works.

IEP Chandigarh, February 8

          The Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will organize the first ever ‘Pehli Sarkar-Kisan Milni’ on February 12 at Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana.

          Disclosing this here today, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Mr. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said that the main purpose of this meeting is to promote the cultivation water-saving crops by reducing the area under wheat-paddy, and to promote other agricultural allied occupations.

          Mr. Dhaliwal said that during this unique event being conducted by the Punjab government, there will be direct dialogue between the government and the farmers to make the new agricultural policy of the state. He said that during this meeting progressive farmers from all over Punjab would give their suggestions directly to the Chief Minister and discussions will be held through open dialogue between administration, departments, agricultural research institutes and farmers. He said that it would help to chalk out plans for diversifying the state’s agriculture, making it profitable besides carrying out agricultural reforms.

          The Minister further said that such 5 thousand farmers/entrepreneurs have been invited for this farmer-government meeting. He said that the participation of experienced farmers with extensive knowledge of various subjects related to agriculture and allied occupations has been ensured. Apart from this, members of various agricultural clubs, associations would participate in this meeting. He said that the participation of women farmers belonging to self-help groups, cooperative societies has been also ensured.

          Agriculture Minister said that 20 “Slaaah Mashwara Booths” for suggestions regarding production of vegetables, fruits, sugarcane, coarse grains, medicinal plants and aromatic plants, poultry farming, fish farming, goat farming, fodder and fodder, dairy, agricultural machinery, coastal areas, forestry, mushrooms and Beekeeping, Food Processing and Value Addition and Start Up, Organic Farming, Pulses and Oilseeds, Wheat, Paddy and Maize and Basmati etc. will be set up at the meeting venue. He said that subject experts will be present at these 20 different booths, who will give suggestions to the farmers besides addressing their queries.

          Mr. Dhaliwal said that 11 different departments including Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, Fisheries, Mandi Board, Poultry, Soil and Water Conservation, Punjab Agro Industries, Millfed and Markfed will organize exhibitions on this occasion. He said that these exhibitions will be full of information to guide the farmers.

IEP Chandigarh February 8

          The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested one more absconding accused agent Gaurav Arora, resident of Central Town, Jalandhar who colluded with Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI), Jalandhar Naresh Kaler in the vehicle fitness certificates scam. The VB has confiscated his mobile phone and SIM card which would be sent to data experts to gather more information about this scam.

          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the VB said the Bureau had conducted a surprise check in the office of MVI, Jalandhar and exposed an organized corruption scam in August 2022 for issuing/receiving fitness certificates without conducting inspections of commercial and private vehicles on a large scale in connivance with private agents.

          Giving details he further added that the VB on the basis of sufficient evidence registered a case FIR No 14 dated 23-08-2022 under sections 7, 7A of prevention of corruption act and 420, 120-B of IPC at VB police station Jalandhar. In this case total 13 accused had already been arrested and in the jail which includes Naresh Kaler, Rampal alias Radhe, Mohan Lal alias Kalu, Paramjit Singh Bedi, Surjit Singh, Harvinder Singh, Pankaj Dhingra @ Bholu, Brijpal Singh @ Ricky, Arvind Kumar @ Bindu, Varinder Singh @ Deepu, Sapna, Loveleen Singh Lavi and Rajesh Sahota (All private agents). Further investigation of this case was under progress and the remaining absconding accused would be arrested soon, he added.

IEP Chandigarh, February 6:

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhawan, on Monday, inspected mid-day meal in a government elementary school of village Ratti Rori near Kotakpura.

Reached at the government primary school, Ratti Rori of Kotakpura constituency in the afternoon, S. Sandhwan took delight of mid day meal along with students and expressed satisfaction with the quality of food given to the students.

He said, the state government was committed to provide quality education and required facilities to the students, thus continuous checking of the schools is being conducted, adding that the prime motive of the state government was to further raise the standard of government schools.

During his visit to various government schools of district Faridkot, Speaker S. Sandhawan also handed over cheques worth Rs.8 lakh to four government schools. He gave cheques of Rs.2 lakh each to Government Primary School Dwareyana, Government High School Wada Daraka, Government Primary School Daggo Romana and Government Primary School Ratti Rori, besides handing over Rs.1 lakh cheque to Shaheed Bhagat Singh Welfare Club for procuring equipment.

During his address in schools, S. Sandhwan said that concerted efforts are being made at a large scale to raise the standard of the education in the state. Recently, the government has dispatched batch of 36 school principals for training at the International Teacher Training Center, Singapore for improving their teaching skills. These teachers, on their return, will be able to impart education to students with world-class methods.

The Speaker was accompanied by District Education Officer (Elementary) Ms. Neelam Rani, Block Primary Education Officer Jaskaran Singh, Mr. Manpreet Singh Dhaliwal PRO/Speaker, Mr. Sukhjit Singh Dhilwan Chairman Planning Board Faridkot, Mr. Mandeep Singh, Mr. Amandeep Singh Sandhu and other dignitaries.

IEP Chandigarh, February 6

          On the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Water Supply and Sanitation Department has organized first of its kind state-level online Janta Darbar, in which Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Bram Shanker Jimpa has redressed more than two dozen complaints.  Jimpa said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has clearly instructed to provide clean potable water to the villages of Punjab and adequate sewage arrangements should be made.

          The online Janta Darbar was set up at the head office of Water Supply and Sanitation Department at Mohali. A total of 26 complaints were received from Ropar, Fazilka, Hoshiarpur, Bathinda, Mohali, Patiala, Mansa and Gurdaspur districts. Most of the complaints were related to water supply. The Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Jimpa directed the higher officials present in the Janta Darbar to resolve the complaints timely. Those complaints which can be resolved in a short time, Jimpa directed the officials accordigly. Regarding the rest of the complaints, the higher officials were asked to visit the spot and submit a report. He said that in next Janta Darbar after 15 days, he will first review today’s complaints status and will hear the rest of the complaints later.

          Out of the total complaints, 25 complaints were heard online and one complaint was placed before the minister by Gej  Kaur from village Fatehgarh Chhanna of Samana block, Patiala. The complainant said that due to continuous leakage in the water pipe, cracks are appearing in the walls of her house. Jimpa directed the concerned officials to inspect the situation and solve the problem immediately.

          Jimpa further said that if any village resident of Punjab has any complaint regarding drinking water supply and sewage, he/she can register the complaint online, through toll free number or email. All efforts would be made to solve every complaint. He said that the success of the first Janta Darbar has inspired every officer and employee of the Water Supply and Sanitation Department to work harder.

          Water Supply and Sanitation Department Principal Secretary D.K. Tiwari and HoD Mohammad Ishfaq assured the minister that every officer of the department is committed to solve citizen’s problems. They said that any resident of state’s village, panchayat or other concerned people who want to register their complaint related to the department can register their complaint without any hesitation through the online link, toll free number or email issued by the department.

          Tiwari said that if any person faces any problem in filing a online complaint, he/she can contact the nearest office of the Water Supply and Sanitation Department. The concerned office will help the complainant to raise his/her voice before the minister in online Janta Darbar.

          It is pertinent to mention that apart from the complaints received in the Janta Darbar, a total of 18,693 complaints have been received by the Water Supply and Sanitation Department since March 1, 2022 to till date, out of which 18,308 complaints have been resolved.

IEP Chandigarh, February 6

          Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led state government will bring a greater number of citizen services on its online platform to further strengthen the citizens’ services in Punjab as well as strengthen the deployment of IT personnel in the government.

This was decided in the 38th Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Punjab State eGovernance Society held under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Janjua here today.

Giving further details, an Official spokesperson stated that Punjab Government as per the mandate given by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, PSeGS has been tasked with bringing major reforms in service delivery and will cover all the services notified under Punjab Transparency and Accountability Act.

While reviewing the work of the Sewa Kendras, it was pointed out that presently 430 services are being delivered from Sewa Kendras and 93 services are being delivered online from Connect portal. It was decided that more services must be brought onto the online portal as well as citizens should get their certificates on WhatsApp and using WhatsApp Chabot, citizens will be able to check their status and will be able to get more information on WhatsApp only. 

Chief Secretary Mr Janjua directed PSeGS to hire a third party agency for a performance audit and social impact of Sewa Kendras covering all aspects and stakeholders. The Society would also engage the services of 324 IT personnel to be deployed across different departments of the government for which Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar would soon initiate the selection process.

The Executive Committee also decided to engage the services of a consultant on an outsourcing basis for bringing reforms in Government processes for the ease of citizens as well as to work on the reduction of compliance burden in line with directions given by the Government of India.