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.

IEP Chandigarh, February 3

Under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Cabinet on Friday accorded approval to Electric Vehicle Policy (PEVP)- 2022 with a move to check the environmental pollution in the state due to omission from vehicles.

A decision to this effect was taken by the Council of Ministers in a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister here at his office in the Punjab Civil Secretariat- I.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that to create public awareness about environment protection, the Punjab Cabinet also gave nod to Electric Vehicle Policy (PEVP)-2022. The policy desires to reduce vehicular emission, create infrastructure, Manufacturing, Research and Development, Job creation, ensuring sustainability besides to establish Punjab as a favored destination for manufacturing of electric vehicles, components and batteries.

APPROVAL TO SEND 66 PRINCIPALS TO SINGAPORE FOR TRAINING

The Cabinet also gave consent for implementation of the State scheme for teachers’ foreign training. The Department of School Education will send a batch of 36 Principals to Principals Academy, Singapore and 30 Principals to National Institute of Education (NIE) which is an autonomous institute of the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore in FY 2022-23. These trainings will expose them to state-of-the-art teaching practices, leadership skills, creation of teaching-learning materials and audio-visual technology adding that it will be helpful to obtain objectives of: Education in the post-Pandemic world, Essentials of Strategic Management, Shaping School Culture, Building Teachers’ Professional Capital, Curriculum Leadership, Mentoring, and Lesson Observation Skills, Innovation in Teaching and Learning and Effective Communication.

GREEN SIGNAL TO UPGRADE 117 GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS AS SCHOOLS OF EMINENCE

The Cabinet also gave its green signal for the implementation of a State scheme for upgrading Government schools into Schools of Eminence (SoE). These Schools of Eminence will serve as centers of excellence, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. SoEs will enable peer learning across institutions, and enhance learning experiences of children through contemporary schooling practices in the world of school education and in the initial phase 117 Schools will be upgraded into Schools of Eminence.

ENDORSES PROPOSAL TO PAY RS. 74.75 CR. CRORE FOR EARLY COMPLETION OF SHAHPUR KANDI DAM PROJECT

To expedite the remaining construction work of Shahpur Kandi Dam Project, the Punjab Cabinet has endorsed the proposal to pay a total Rs. 74.75 Crore to the concerned executing agency. As per this decision a payment of Rs. 74.75 Cr. will be paid to the agency and the agency will withdraw all three cases filed in Hon’ble Punjab and Haryana High Court. By implementing the above decision, the work of Shahpur Kandi Dam will be expedited and direct financial benefits of Rs. 58 Crore per annum shall be accrued and the water going waste to Pakistan shall be utilized within India especially in Punjab State. Once the Shahpur Kandi Dam Project is completed, an irrigation potential of 5000 hectare in Punjab and 32173 hectare shall be created and 1042 MU of hydro power shall be generated per annum with two power houses of 206 MW installed capacity.

IEP Chandigarh, February 2

“Decision regarding the permission of electricity connections in unauthorised Colonies of Punjab will be taken soon.”

Giving this assurance, Punjab Power and Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Thursday called on builders of SAS Nagar in which they demanded the permission of electricity connection in unauthorised colonies.

          He said that there is no policy yet of PSPCL to permit electricity connections in unauthorised colonies. He assured the Divine World Homes Welfare Society and other Builders that the matter to be taken at the earliest and amicable solution to be given.

Chief Engineer of PSPCL, Superintending Engineer Division Mohali, Kharar, Senior Executive Engineer of Zirakpur Mandal and various builders from Zirakpur, Kharar and Banur were present during the meeting.

IEP Chandigarh, February 2

Kultar Singh Sandhawan has decided to sensitize MLAs about mother tongue. Under the campaign launched by the Vidhan Sabha Speaker to sensitize the MLAs on various issues of public importance, S. Sandhwan is organizing a discussion on Punjabi language/ mother tongue on February 7, 2023 at the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat in which MLAs and officials are invited to participate.

According to a spokesperson of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, S. Sandhwan is organizing this discussion in view of the International Mother Language Day being celebrated on February 21 to promote the mother tongue. Along with this, MLAs will also be sensitized regarding the implementation of Punjabi language in the courts of the state.

It is to be noted that the Punjab government has also started a campaign to educate the people about the importance of mother tongue and to implement Punjabi. Under this, the month of November was celebrated as ‘Punjabi month’. During this month, a state-level function was held at Amritsar, in which chief minister Bhagwant Mann directed to put on all boards in Punjabi language across the state till February 21,  2023. Penalties will be imposed for non-compliance with these orders after the International Mother Language Day on February 21. Vidhan Sabha Speaker is mobilizing about the importance of implementing Punjabi language in the courts as well. 

IEP Chandigarh, February 2

Kultar Singh Sandhawan has decided to sensitize MLAs about mother tongue. Under the campaign launched by the Vidhan Sabha Speaker to sensitize the MLAs on various issues of public importance, S. Sandhwan is organizing a discussion on Punjabi language/ mother tongue on February 7, 2023 at the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat in which MLAs and officials are invited to participate.

According to a spokesperson of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, S. Sandhwan is organizing this discussion in view of the International Mother Language Day being celebrated on February 21 to promote the mother tongue. Along with this, MLAs will also be sensitized regarding the implementation of Punjabi language in the courts of the state.

It is to be noted that the Punjab government has also started a campaign to educate the people about the importance of mother tongue and to implement Punjabi. Under this, the month of November was celebrated as ‘Punjabi month’. During this month, a state-level function was held at Amritsar, in which chief minister Bhagwant Mann directed to put on all boards in Punjabi language across the state till February 21,  2023. Penalties will be imposed for non-compliance with these orders after the International Mother Language Day on February 21. Vidhan Sabha Speaker is mobilizing about the importance of implementing Punjabi language in the courts as well. 

IEP Jalandhar, February 2

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday vowed to work tirelessly for ameliorating the woes of weaker and underprivileged sections of society in consonance with teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass ji.          Addressing the gathering before flagging off a train of pilgrims from the city Railway station to Benaras for celebrating upcoming parkash purab of Sri Guru Ravidass ji, the Chief Minister, after taking blessings from head of Dera Ballan Sant Baba Niranjan Dass ji, said that the state government is duty bound to ensure the well being of the poorest of poor. Bhagwant Mann said that with the blessings of Sri Guru Ravidass ji his government has been voted to power with a thumping majority. He said that no stone will be left unturned for ensuring the well being of the poorest of poor strata of society.          The Chief Minister said that Sri Guru Ravidass Ji gave the message of welfare of the entire humanity, equality of all the sections of the society thus creating a society based on egalitarian values. He said that Sri Guru Ravidass Ji laid out the concept of such an ideal society where nobody undergoes suffering of any kind. Bhagwant Mann said that his government is committed to carve out a society based on the teachings and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass ji.          The Chief Minister said that the life and teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass ji continue to guide humanity towards carving an egalitarian society. He said that Sri Guru Ravidass ji was a great spiritual ambassador and messiah of the poor and unprivileged sections of the society taught us to lead a virtuous and noble life. Bhagwant Mann said that this ‘Parkash Utsav’ is an occasion to rededicate ourselves to the task of creating a society where every human being leads a life with self respect and dignity regardless of any discrimination.          The Chief Minister also lauded the role being played by Dera Ballan in the social and economic well being of the masses. He said apart from connecting the people with teachings and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj ji, the Dera has always remained instrumental in imparting quality education and health services to the needy and underprivileged sections of society. Bhagwant Mann also lauded the philanthropic services rendered by the Dera for the well being of the people.          The Chief Minister said that after assuming the charge of his office, he had issued instructions that only the pictures of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Baba Sahib Dr. BR Ambedkar must be installed in all the government offices. He said that this step was as a mark of respect to Shaheed Bhagat Singh- the legendary freedom fighter who freed the country from foreign rule and Baba Sahib Ambedkar- who framed the constitution to secure equal rights for all. Bhagwant Mann said that his government is committed to realize the dreams of both these great national leaders.          The Chief Minister said that as per the ideology of Baba Sahib Ambedkar the state government is empowering the weaker sections of society by imparting quality education to them. He said that ‘Schools of Eminence’ will realize the dreams of Baba Sahib by grooming the poor but bright students for a prosperous future. Bhagwant Mann also urged the pilgrims to pray for the peace, progress and prosperity of the state and the holy city of Benaras adding that with the blessings of Sri Guru Ravidass ji a new, vibrant and progressive Punjab will soon be carved out by the state government.          On the occasion, MLAs Balkar Singh, Raman Arora, Shital Angural and Inderjit Kaur Mann, Deputy Commissioner Jaspreet Singh, Commissioner of Police Kuldeep Chahal, Additional Principal Secretary to CM Himanshu Jain and others were also present

IEP Chandigarh, February 1

          Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday asked the officers to ensure that new Industrial Policy is dedicated to industry soon.

          Chairing a high level review meeting here at his office, the Chief Minister said that Punjab is on the threshold of becoming a front runner industrial state in the country. He said that the new Industrial Policy which is being prepared by the state government will act as a pivot for it. Bhagwant Mann said that for the first time this industry policy has been formulated after taking the views of all the stakeholders especially the industrialists.

          The Chief Minister said that the suggestions of industrial captains of the state have been duly incorporated in this policy. Likewise, Bhagwant Mann said that the opinions received from the industrial tycoons during his recent visits to Hyderabad, Chennai and Mumbai too have been included in it. He said that this new industrial policy will give much needed fillip to industrial growth of the state.

          The Chief Minister asked the officers to ensure that this policy is finalised very soon so that it can be duly implemented in the state. He said that the officers must ensure that this policy is dedicated to the industrialists at the earliest. Bhagwant Mann expressed hope that the policy will put the state on high growth trajectory of industrial growth.

          On the occasion Additional Chief Secretary to CM A Venuprasad, Principal Secretary Industries Dalip Kumar, Dircetor Industries Sibbin C and others were also present.

IEP Chandigarh

 The Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, PGIMER, Chandigarh under aegis of Indian Society for The Study of Pain (ISSP) city branch along with two international distinguished pain physicians and PGI alumini Dr. Sanjeeva Gupta, from Bradford, UK and Dr Joysree Subramanian from Oklahoma, USA organized a Symposium on Neuropathic Pain in LT-1, PGIMER today ie 01-02-2023.

The symposium was inaugurated by Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER. Prof Y Narayanan, Head, Deptt of Anaesthesia and intensive care and other senior faculty members and resident doctors from other departments were present on the occasion.Prof. Vipin Kaushal, Head, Deptt of Hospital Administration, Sh. Kumar Gaurav Dhawan,DDA and Sh. Kumar Abhay, Financial Advisor, PGI were also present.

Pain is marked as the fifth vital sign and affects each person differently. Around 80% of patients coming to Pain Clinic, PGIMER, Chandigarh suffers from Neuropathic Pain of various types ranging from head to toes such as radicular pain, diabetic painful neuropathy, Trigeminal neuralgia, post herpetic neuralgia, cancer pain, nerve pressure or nerve damage after surgery or trauma, post viral infections, alcoholism, multiple sclerosis etc etc. Management of Neuropathic Pain is quite challenging as it is very difficulty to treat and involves multifactorial assessment and multidisciplinary involvement of many approaches like physical therapy, medicines, minimally invasive interventions, advance interventions, spinal cord stimulation, and psychosocial interventions.

In view of this, the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, PGIMER, Chandigarh has organized an symposium on “Neuropathic Pain” in collaboration with Visiting Professor, Dr Sanjeeva Gupta (Consultant in Pain Medicine and Anaesthesia, Bradford Hospital NHS Trust, Bradford, UK) and Dr Joysree Subramaniam (Consultant, Oklahoma University of Health Sciences Centre, Oklahoma, USA) under the aegis of Indian Society of Study of Pain, Chandigarh. The symposium was organised today,ie 1st February 2023 (Wednesday) in Lecture Theatre-1 from 3.00 PM- 7.00 PM.

Dr Sanjeeva Gupta, an PGI alumni and a renowned pain physician, discussed about evidence based management of Neuropathic Pain. He has expertise in assessing and managing pain originating from the spine, chronic postoperative pain and neuropathic pain. He is also expert in precision pain diagnosis and management, which has enhanced the knowledge of delegates in the interest of patient care. Dr Joysree Subramaniam another PGI alumni, is an American Board of Anaesthesiology certified Pain specialist. Her areas of interest include advance techniques and stem cell therapies for pain management. She has discussed recent advances in management of patients with refractory neuropathic pain.

A MoU has been signed between PRF (pain relief foundation) – Liverpool UK and Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care PGIMER Chandigarh for collaboration in four domains – academic, clinical, research and quality improvementPhoto- 

Prof. Vivek Lal,Director, PGIMER ( 3rd from left) inaugurated the  symposium with Lamp lighting ceremony

photo- A MoU  for collaboration in  Academic, Clinical,Research & Quality improvement   was signed between PRF (pain relief foundation) – Liverpool,UK and Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care PGIMER, Chandigarh