IEP New Delhi, December 10

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann assured the Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the state government will set a new benchmark by successfully hosting the two sessions of G 20 summit in the state.

          The Chief Minister, while participating in videoconferencing chaired by the Prime Minister to review the arrangements, said that State was fortunate to have got two sessions of G-20, first in March 15, 16 and 17 on Education and then in month of June 22-23 on Labour. He said that the state is renowned all over the world for its warm hospitality and no stone will be left unturned for welcoming the guests from participating nations during these events. Bhagwant Mann said that these sessions will be held at the sacred land of Amritsar where lakhs of devotees daily pay obeisance at Sri Darbar Sahib, Durgiana Mandir, Jallianwala Bagh and others.

          The Chief Minister assured Narendra Modi that the state government will make elaborate arrangements for comfortable stay of the dignitaries participating in the summit. He said that apart from assuring their cozy stay in state, the guests will be offered the traditional Punjabi food adding that they will also be given glimpse of rich Punjabi culture during the cultural events in the evening. Bhagwant Mann said that if the dignitaries will wish to visit other districts of state like sports hub Jalandhar then adequate arrangements will also be made for their journey.

          The Chief Minister informed Narendra Modi that the state government has already constituted several committees for smooth conduct of the event. Likewise, he said that a Cabinet Sub Committee is also monitoring the preparations on routine basis. Bhagwant Mann said that even the officers will also visit the other states where the events are being organised prior to Punjab, to take stock of the arrangements.

          The Chief Minister said that the state is all set to hold this mega event which will further put the state of roadmap of international tourism. He said that the state government will involve every Punjabi in the event so that the rich heritage of state is showcased to the visiting dignitaries. Bhagwant Mann said that every effort will be made to ensure that the visiting delegations create marvellous memories during their stay in the state.

IEP Chandigarh, December 10

In recognition to one of the most Innovative Citizen Engagement for the benefit of farmers through Technology in form of “Digitization of J-Form via Whatsapp and Digi-Locker”, Punjab Mandi Board has bagged the 8th Digital Transformation award.  

          The award was bestowed to the officers of the Punjab Mandi Board by the IT Minister of Assam in a function held at Guwahati on Friday. The award was given through jury-led process at Assam under the supervision of senior Bureaucrats and experts from Department of IT Assam. During the event, the Jury lauded the bold and innovative communicators introduced by Punjab Mandi Board for setting new standards for digital communications.

          Divulging more details, Secretary Mandi Board Mr. Ravi Bhagat said that Punjab is known for setting up of e-Governance in almost all the departments of state government adding that Punjab Mandi Board has started this unique initiative by setting up E-Procurement (procurement by invitation) during COVID-19 in 2020. He said that since then, the IT team of board has launched several e-services like online license, online payments, digitization of J-Form, online procurement, VTS app for recording of outside state crop coming to Punjab, e-Auction portal, e-Daak portal and others to facilitate the stakeholders. Mr. Bhagat emphasized that these digital initiatives have not only saved manpower and logistics cost but has also helped in ensuring transparency and efficiency in operations, facilitation of stakeholders via e-license, e-pass, payments via dedicated gateways and others.

          Likewise, the Secretary Mandi Board said that it has also helped to reduce licensing registration timeframe from 1.5 months to 1 week. He further said that Punjab Mandi Board has focused on unique Integrated Management System (IMS) through which users access the single version of truth. Mr. Bhagat said that it is a matter of pride and satisfaction that Punjab Mandi Board, has bagged “Most Innovative Citizen Engagement through Technology” category award.

          Secretary Mandi Board further said that farmers of the state are getting immensely benefitted from the idea of digitizing the J-Form via Whatsapp, and in Digi-Locker. He said that this digital receipt gives freedom to citizens for utilizing this receipt as an income proof to avail benefits under various government schemes. Mr. Bhagat said that this digital receipt of J-Form not only serves the farmers but also the government by removing duplicate holders in various government subsidies adding that this unique farmer data has not only helped the Punjab Mandi Board but also various other government departments for delivering subsidies to citizens.

IEP New Delhi, December 9

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday urged the Union Power Minister RK Singh to review the decision of Government of India and allow 100% supply of coal to the state through Direct Rail Mode instead of existing Rail-Ship-Rail (RSR) mode.

          The Chief Minister during a meeting with RK Singh here at his office on Friday said that Ministry of Power have asked State of Punjab to start lifting 15-20% domestic coal through Rail-Ship-Rail (RSR) mode from January 2023 from Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) /Talcher Mines. Bhagwant Mann said that Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL) has coal linkage of 67.20 lakh MT with MCL/Talcher. He said that as per the advisory, about 12-13 Lakh MT is to be routed through RSR mode.

          However, the Chief Minister lamented that transportation of this coal by RSR mode will result in massive increase in landed coal cost by about Rs. 1600 per MT thereby causing an additional financial burden of about Rs. 200 Crore every year. He said that the distance through train route between MCL and Punjab is around 1900 kms adding that by the proposed RSR Mode, train distance will be around 1700-1800 kms in addition to sea travel of around 4360 kms between Paradeep and Mundhra. Bhagwant Mann asserted that Punjab is located farthest from MCL hence transportation cost is 60% of the total landed coal cost.

          The Chief Minister also rued that the relief in freight provided by the Railways to thermal power plants located beyond 1400 kms has not been extended after its expiry on December 31, 2021, which has resulted in sudden increase in railway freight. Bhagwant Mann asserted that due to multiple transportation and handling of coal through RSR mode, the Transit loss will increase from 0.8% to 1.4% besides deterioration in quality of coal adding that due to multiple transhipment, the total transportation time from loading at source (MCL) to unloading at power plant destination will be around 25 days instead of 4-5 days through rail route. He said that considering the above-mentioned concerns, transportation of domestic coal through the proposed RSR route is not fruitful for the thermal power plants of Punjab, as it will increase energy charges burden on people of Punjab adding that if there are infrastructure constraints on the part of Railways in placing adequate rakes for evacuation, then this burden should be shared equally by all States.

          Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also raised the issue of appointing Member Power in BBMB from the quota of state with RK Singh. Both the leaders arrived at consensus for appointing the member at the earliest for streamlining the affairs in BBMB. They agreed that the entire process for appointment of the member will be completed soon.

          Flagging another issue, the Chief Minister said that Coal production at Punjab state’s captive mine Pachhwara Central has commenced and this mine has sufficient surplus coal for transfer to TSPL after meeting requirement of State thermals and as such there may not be any requirement of imported coal for the power plants of Punjab in future. Bhagwant Mann asked the Union Minister to allow Punjab to use coal from its captive mine Pachhwara Central for both TSPL and Nabha Power Limited (NPL) without a 50% transfer limit and payment of royalty. He said that quality of Pachhwara coal is excellent, i.e. high GCV of 4300 Kcal/kg and low Ash Content of 29% against MCL coal which has low GCV of 3000 Kcal/kg and high Ash Content of 41%.

IEP Chandigarh, December 9

Punjab Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar has directed the officials of the department to further strengthen the mechanism for keeping a check on the inflow of wild pigs brought illegally from other states and illegal traders, which are affecting the pork market of the state. He also directed to write a letter to the DGP Punjab for the vigil on link roads of the border villages.After listening to the problems of the representatives of the Progressive Piggery Farmers Association here at his office, Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said that illegal entry of wild pigs in the state, causing economic loss to the pig farmers on the one hand, there is more possibility of spreading serious diseases like African Swine Fever to farm-pigs of the state from the wild pigs.Director, Animal Husbandry Dr. Subhash Chander Goyal apprised the Animal Husbandry Minister that to resolve this problem, the department has set up check posts at the entry points on major road of the state and deployed veterinary officers, who are taking necessary action in coordination with police officers.Cabinet Minister Bhullar directed the officials of the Animal Husbandry Department to further strengthen the system to stop the illegal inflow of the pigs and nab the illegal traders. He asked the officials to liaise with the DGP Punjab for setting up check posts on link roads of the border villages also for strict vigil so that the pig farmers do not face any problem.

IEP Chandigarh, December 7

The Punjab government has issued an advisory to the fish farmers in view of the winter season.

Punjab Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar informed that in view of the growing winter, the fish farmers of the state have been asked to keep the water level in the ponds at 6-7 feet to protect aquaculture from any disease.

Apart from this, the farmers were also advised to reduce fish feed according to the temperature; reduce/discontinue use of organic feed, use of fresh water/aerator in pond to compensate oxygen deficiency in the morning.

As per the advisory, oxygen tablets or powder must be kept by the fish farmers at their farms. Similarly, 400 ml per acre of CIFAX is also suggested to be used in the pond to protect the fish exposed to high risk of disease in the winter season.

IEP Chandigarh, December 7

Punjab Defence Services Welfare Minister, Mr. Fauja Singh Sarari today pays homage to martyrs on occasion of armed forces Flag day.Armed Forces Flag Day is celebrated on 7th December every year. On this day citizens all over India express their gratitude to Armed Forces, pay homage to martyrs and donate towards welfare of Ex-serviceman, Widows and their wards.A team of Directorate of Defence Services Welfare presented Token Flag to  Punjab Defence Services Welfare Minister, Mr. Fauja Singh Sarari at his residence.  Cabinet Minister, Mr. Sarari made donation towards Flag Day Fund and paid homage to the Martyrs.Cabinet Minister, Mr. Sarari lauded the sacrifices made by the Soldiers to protect integrity of the Nation. He also directed that all efforts should be made for welfare of soldiers, ESM and their families. 

IEP Chandigarh, 7 December

Under the able leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwat Maan and under the guidance of Health and Family Welfare Minister Chetan Singh Jaurmajra, Punjab government has released an amount of Rs. 20 crores to private and government hospitals today for the treatments done under Ayushman Bharat Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana as informed by the department spokesperson. Under this scheme, for the last 3 years, about 44.04 lakh beneficiary families are being provided free health services worth up to 5 lakh rupees. So far about 13.50 lakh treatments costing over Rs.1609 crore have been provided and about 80 lakh health insurance cards have been issued. During the current year a total of Rs.200 crore has been disbursed to listed private and government hospitals. Punjab Government is committed to providing free health services to eligible beneficiary families and timely payment of claims. Eligible beneficiaries can visit the nearest listed/government hospital, CSC center or Seva Kendra for the card generation and can visit the department website www.sha.punjab.gov.in to check their eligibility under the scheme.

IEP Chandigarh, December 7

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led government has so far released Rs.31.70 crore to the families of 634 farmers, who were martyred during farmers’ struggle besides giving government jobs to the 326 family members of the deceased farmers in various departments. Of which, verification of 98 candidates has been completed while the verification of 210 candidates is under process.

It was disclosed by Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal during meeting with the farmers delegation led by Satnam Singh Pannu, State President and Sarwan Singh Pandher, State General Secretary of Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, here at Punjab Bhavan.

Agreeing with the demand of farmers, Dhaliwal said that Punjab government will write a letter to the union government for early implementation of the demands accepted during the farmers’ struggle.

On the issue of the land acquired for the highway being constructed under Bharat Mala Yojana, Mr Dhaliwal asked the officials concerned that rates should be determined under uniform policy, and resolve the farmers cases and appeals before the divisional commissions related to the land being taken for the highway within the stipulated time frame.

Mr. Dhaliwal also shared the progress report with the farmers against their demands regarding sugarcane prices, red entries, withdrawal of cases against farmers, dues of co-operative and private mills, compensation for crop damaged due to floods and other natural calamities. He informed the farmers that the Punjab agricultural policy will be prepared soon and most of the issues will be resolved with the implementation of the new policy. Agriculture Minister urged the members of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee to withdraw their struggle, saying that the Mann government stands shoulder to shoulder with the farmers and is constantly striving to tesolve the problems of farmers.

ADGP Law & Order Arpit Shukla, Principal Secretary Agriculture D.K. Tiwari, Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry Vikas Pratap, Secretary Agriculture Arshdeep Singh Thind, Deputy Commissioner Tarn Taran Rishipal, Commissioner Police Amritsar Jaskaran Singh and Director Agriculture Gurwinder Singh and other senior officials of various departments were also present there.