IEP Chandigarh, December 31

Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is doing every possible effort to prevent depletion of groundwater. Under this series, the Punjab Government has decided that ground water is prohibited for use in construction works, Horticulture and urbans development activities.Disclosing here, issuing a Press statement, Local Government Minister Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar said that for  Horticulture, Agriculture and others Urbans development activities like industrial field, construction works, fire services and roads cleaning work should be only re-use Waste Treated Water.Dr. Nijjar said that all the buildings having discharging of minimum 10,000 L and above should be recycled system and recycled water could be used for horticulture and all other activities.Cabinet Minister said that all Municipal corporations and Municipal councils provide facilities of supplying Treated Waste Water to Construction agencies through Tankers/Lorries against a fixed, pre-determined charge by the ULB’s at the STP sites immediately. The Urban Local Bodies to encourage use of Treated Waste Water in various development works executed by them is the requirements of time,he also added.He said that Municipal Corporation and Municipal Council to explore the feasibility for providing additional filling stations by laying pipelines upto other major points of construction. Funds for such proposals may be made available from ULB’s own budget/State Schemes,he added.Minister further said that Municipal Corporation/ Municipal Council should endeavour to achieve utilization of at least 20 percent TWW for recycling/ re-use as this is a pre condition for ULB’s to become water plus and attain 5 Star/7 Star Garbage free cities under swach Bharat Mission-Urban.Cabinet Minister has directed to All Commissioners, Municipal Corporation & ADCs shall be ensured to send quartly report to government at the end of every quarter indicating the quantities of Treated WasteWater used. 

IEP CHANDIGARH, December 31

Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring today said that the year 2022 was the “worst ever” year in the political history of the state as it had the misfortune of getting a government which lacked experience, aptitude, competence, efficiency, sincerity and above all the autonomy to govern.

“We have a government that has taken Rs 30,000 crore loan in first nine months and splurged all of it, has presided over chaos and anarchy in terms of law and order and has gone back on all its major promises including Rs 1000 per month to every woman above the age of 18”, Warring said in a statement here today, hoping that the Aam Aadmi Party will learn to govern in the new year.

Besides, the PCC president added, a perception has built up across Punjab that there was too much interference from Delhi even in the day-to-day affairs of the administration and those assigned power lacked authority and autonomy to take independent decisions.

“Whether it was the Rajya Sabha nominations or various appointments in the government, everything is not only decided and dictated from Delhi, but everything is handed over to Delhi”, he pointed out, while referring to many prominent appointments of non-Punjabis in the government from outside Punjab.

“We understand that it takes time to learn as the entire team was new and had no past experience”, he said, adding, “but that does not mean everything should be outsourced from Delhi”. He said, the local leaders are not allowed any functional autonomy which does not bode well, neither for the government nor for the state.

Warring expressed grave concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state so much so the industry has planned to move out. He hoped that the AAP respects the mandate of the people and comes up to the expectations they raised among people. 

“Otherwise, you will be exposed beyond any remedy or redemption as people have already realized that the promises you made were all hoax and without any intention to fulfill them”, he told the AAP leadership.

IEP Chandigarh, December 30

The Industry department has offered last opportunity to Industrial units for disbursement of Investment Incentive/Capital Subsidy sanctioned to the General Category Industrial Units.

Divulging the details, spokesman of the state government said that guidelines for disbursement of Investment Incentive/Capital Subsidy sanctioned to the General Category Industrial Units from time to time under various industrial policies i.e 1978, 1987, 1989, 1992, 1996 & 2003, had been issued by Punjab Government. He said that these guidelines are available on the website (www.pbindustries.gov.in) of the Industries department. In this regard, last opportunity to the industrial units, which found themselves eligible and entitled as per the said Guidelines, sanctioned under the old industrial policies is given, so they can submit their request through departmental e-mail (br.incentive@gmail.com) or through the concerned General Manager, District Industries Center. The industrial units will be considered as per seniority list/guidelines, which will submit their request till February 28, 2023, the requests received thereafter, will not be entertained/ considered.

IEP Chandigarh, December 30

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan has expressed deep grief over the demise of greatest football player of the world Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pele.

Mr. Sandhawan said in his condolence massage, ”I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Brazil’s mighty king of football. Truly one of the greatest to play the beautiful game. Our thoughts and condolences to his family, friends and everyone who admired him. Rest in peace, Pele.”

Pele was a Brazilian professional footballer who played as a forward. Regarded as one of the greatest players of all time and labeled “the greatest” by FIFA.

IEP Chandigarh, December 30

 The Forest, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Forest Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak has expressed profound grief over the sad demise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mother Heeraben Modi who passed in wee hours today at Ahmedabad. In his condolence message, the Minister said that the loss of mother is a colossal one which creates a void that can never be filled. The Minister prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and courage to the bereaved family to bear the loss. 

IEP Chandigarh, December 30

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Revenue Department has initiated myriad of people-friendly facilities during the year 2022. Now, the people of Punjab are getting transparent, hassle free and corruption free services. Earlier, the common people were very unhappy with the working style of the revenue department, but ever since Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann took over the rein of the state, people are getting smooth and better services.

Revenue Minister Bram Shanker Jimpa said that the year 2022 will be remembered as a revolutionary year for the revenue department as many such initiatives have come on the part of the Mann government due to which the common people have breathed a sigh of relief. This year, the Punjab government launched a website to make the process of Khangi Takseem effective and efficient. This has made marking easier. This will facilitate the purchase and sale of land.

The Minister further said that having separate accounts will reduce conflicts. It will be easy to get compensation for crop damage. By keeping the names of the shareholders registered, there will be relief from the orders of the courts.

The revenue minister said that the facility of e-stamp paper has been started to simplify the purchase of stamp papers. Under this, stamp papers of all prices are now being issued. Maps of 7520 villages of Punjab and a total of 46861 Musavi sheets have been digitized. He said that the recruitment of 1090 new patwaris has been completed for the purpose of making the work of the revenue department more efficient and smart, while the cabinet has given approval to fill up 710 new posts of patwaris.

Jimpa said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab government has registered another big achievement. From April to November, 21 percent more revenue has come into the coffers of the Punjab government from land and property registries than last year. He said that from April 1 to November 30, 2022, an income of Rs 2525.72 crore has come to the treasury under stamp and registration. He said that this income is 21 percent more than these eight months of last year. During this period in the year 2021, this income was Rs 2088.60 crore.

He said that since the first day, the Mann government has been making meaningful efforts to make the work of the revenue department corruption-free. The result of exposing the politicians and officers who looted Punjab through corrupt methods from a minister of his own government in the previous governments is that the officers and employees who used to loot the people have now started giving priority to public service.

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 in the year 2023, the Mann government is fully committed to take Punjab to greater heights of progress.

IEP Chandigarh: December 30

Punjab Transport Department, under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is providing hassle-free online services and brought exemplary policies and schemes for the people of the state.

With an aim to make Punjab clean, green and pollution free, the Transport department has prepared draft of a new Electric Vehicle policy to check environmental pollution in the state. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann gave nod to the draft policy, which envisages registration of 25% more electric vehicles as compared to last year.

The new draft policy major thrust will be laid in cities like Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Patiala and Bathinda that cater to more than 50% vehicles in the state. As per this draft infrastructure in terms of electric charging points will be set up across the state for private and public electric vehicles.

Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said that this draft policy also stipulates cash incentives to the people opting for electric vehicles in the state. First one lakh buyers of the Electric Vehicles will get a financial incentive up to Rs.10,000. First 10,000 buyers of electric auto-rickshaw and e-rickshaw will get a financial incentive up to Rs.30,000. First 5000 e-cart buyers will get incentive up to Rs.30,000. First 5000 buyers of Light commercial vehicles will get incentive between up to Rs.30,000-Rs.50,000.

Provision has also been made to waive off registration fee and road tax on the registration of these electric vehicles. The views of people will be taken before finalising this policy.

Similarly, taking a leap towards hassle-free e-governance services the Punjab Transport department has launched online driving license facility for the people thereby facilitating the citizens to get learner’s driving license on a single click of their computer, mobile, tablet or laptop.

After the launching of www.sarathi.parivahan.gov.in portal, the people are getting the learner’s driving license just at a single click of their computer, mobile, tablet or phone while sitting at their home 24X7.

Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar informed that the applicant can apply the learner’s driving license while uploading his Adhaar card after which he can appear in the online learning license test. And, after clearing the online test the applicant can download the license and take its print. This online process is saving precious time of the people who earlier have to stand in long queues for getting their license.

Notably, the driving license was issued to 5.21 lakh applicants in the year 2021-22. With the launch of this online facility more than 5 lakh applicants are expected to get their licenses in a smooth and hassle-free manner without even going to the RTA offices. Apart from this if people desire they can apply their licenses at Suvidha centre too.

Likewise, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led state Government has started luxury Volvo buses from Punjab to the IGI Airport Delhi within three months after taking over in the state. From the date of commencing bus service on June 15, as many as 72,378 passengers have availed affordable bus service, and the government has generated revenue of over Rs.13.89 crore up till November 30.

Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said that about 25 Volvo buses are plying daily from Amritsar, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Patiala, Nawanshahr, Ropar, Moga and Chandigarh to the international airport in Delhi.

The Transport Minister said this historic decision is facilitating to lakhs of NRIs of Punjab on one hand, similarly it is sounding death knell for transport mafia. The Cabinet Minister said that Mann government is taking every initiative to safeguard the interests of Punjabis and eliminate all sorts of mafia or monopolization from the state.

IEP Chandigarh, December 30

The Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is making continuous efforts to make the state crime free.  In the same direction, the state government has first taken a step in the direction of turning the state’s jails into reform houses.

Giving information in this regard, a Spokesman of the Punjab government said that random checking is being done continuously to make the prisons of the state free from drugs and mobile phones.

He  said that strict action has been taken against the employees of the prison department who are delivering drugs and mobile phones in the Jail and during the checking so far 4716 mobile phones have been seized from the prisoners which is the highest number in the past years.

Family Visits: Prisoners who maintain good conduct in prisons can now meet their family members physically also by registering under the Family Visits project. This was started in Punjab Prisons on 15.09.2022 to motivate prisoners to shun path of crime and for their re-integration with their families. Since then, 7497 such family visits have taken place across the prisons of the State of Punjab.

He said as a first in the country, all the prisoners lodged in various prisons of Punjab (approx. 30000) were screened for drug abuse. Apart from this In order to design and implement better de-addiction strategy, a survey of all addict prisoners lodged in Punjab prisons has been conducted. The survey consisted of 86 questions which were prepared by a Committee of senior educationists of various Universities and other education institutions of Punjab and Chandigarh. Report of this survey is being prepared.

IEP Chandigarh / Amritsar, December 30

Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Mr. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said that Punjab Government would soon set up fast track courts in the state to facilitate Punjabi NRIs in addressing their issues in a short span of time.Presiding over Fifth ‘Punjabi NRIs Naal Milni’ held at Convention Center GNDU, the Cabinet Minister Mr. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said that the state government was committed to prompt resolution of their grievances by taking the initiative of such meets. He said that this endeavour of the state government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will go a long way bringing positive results.The Minister said that these courts would be functioning dedicatedly for the speedy redressal of Non Resident Indians’ (NRIs) issues pertaining to civil cases. He added that the proceedings will be initiated soon to establish courts to deal civil cases of NRIs so that their precious energy, time and money could be saved.Expressing satisfaction over the enthusiastic response of the Punjabi Diaspora towards the Milni initiative, Dhaliwal said that the NRIs would be made active partners in the state’s progress. He also lauded the contribution being made by NRI Punjabis in the development of villages and cities. He further pointed out that nodal officers are being deputed in the districts, who would get the issues of NRIs done at the earliest without any delay.In the presence of civil and police department officials, the NRI Affairs Minister heard the problems of NRIs from districts Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Tarntaran and directed that these complaints should be resolved immediately. He released what’s app number 9056009884 for NRIs complaints.During the meeting with the NRI Punjabis, district war counters were established for the convenience of the NRIs from different districts where civil and police administration officials were listening to their issues. A total of 103 cases were heard during today’s event.Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included MLA kasmir Singh Sohal, MLA Dalbir Singh Tong, MLA Mrs Jeevanjot Kaur, MLA Amarpal Singh, MLA Sarvan Singh Dhun, ADGP (NRI) Praveen Kumar Sinha, Commissioner Mrs. Gurpeet Kaur Sapra, Special Secretary (NRI Affairs) Mrs Kanwalpreet Kaur Brar, Police Commissioner Jaskaran Singh, Deputy Commissioner and SSP of Amritsar, Tarntaran, Gurdaspur and Pathankot along with senior officials of various departments were present.

IEP Chandigarh, December 29

          One of the major city in Doaba, Hoshiarpur will get a state of the art vacuum cleaning machine in the New Year. The successful trial of this machine was done last evening in the presence of Cabinet Minister and Hoshiarpur MLA Bram Shanker Jimpa.

          Jimpa said that Hoshiarpur have taken a step forward in the direction of realizing the dream of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to make the state clean and beautiful. He said that the purchase of this machine including the truck will be around Rs. 55-60 lakh. Starting the trial of vacuum cleaning machine from bus stand chowk Hoshiarpur, Jimpa said that this machine will soon be available for cleaning streets & roads of the city. After the purchase of this machine, Hoshiarpur will join the selected cities of Punjab where cleanliness is being done with such modern machines.

          He said that this gift has been given to the residents of Hoshiarpur so that the city can be cleaned without blowing dust. Bram Shanker Jimpa said that he is trying his best to make Hoshiarpur a dust & garbage free city and efforts have been already started to achieve this target.  “I am trying my best for the overall development of Hoshiarpur and the pace of development will be accelerated in the near future” Jimpa added.