Category Archives: News

A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart.

Chandigarh, Punjab

PUNJAB WITNESSED REDUCED LEVELS OF POLLUTION THIS DIWALI: MEET HAYER

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IEP Chandigarh, October 25

          Punjab has observed the Average Air Quality Index (AQI) reduction of 16.4% from the last year and 31.7% as comparative to 2020.

          The Environment Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer while divulging the details stated that due to constant efforts of the Punjab Pollution Control Board and appealed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, this year’s air quality improved as compare to last years on the day of Diwali.

          Pointing out further, the Environment Minister said that last year as well as in 2020 no city remained in the moderate category of AQI whereas this year 2 cities (Khanna & Mandi Gobindgarh) remained in the Moderate category of AQI.

          Overall all the 6 Cities of Punjab have observed a reduction in the AQI during this year’s Diwali (2022) as compared to last year’s Diwali days (2020 & 2021), said the Minister adding the Average AQI of Punjab this year Diwali was 224 (Poor) as compared to 268 (Poor) in 2021and 328 (very Poor) in 2020.

          The Maximum AQI was recorded at Amritsar this year with AQI Category 262 (Poor). However, in the last year Maximum value of AQI 327 (Very Poor) was observed in Jalandhar & in 2020 Maximum value of AQI 386 (Very Poor) was observed in Amritsar. The minimum AQI for this year was recorded in Mandi Gobindgarh with AQI of 188 (Moderate) against the last year value of 220 (Poor) and also in 2020 with AQI value of 262 (Poor). Last year AQI of the 02 Cities (Amritsar & Jalandhar) remained in Very Poor Category whereas in 2020, 04 cities namely Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana & Patiala remained in Very Poor category. However, no city remained in very poor category of AQI this year. The Maximum AQI reduction in this year was observed in Jalandhar (31.2%) and Minimum was observed in Patiala(7.0%), said the Minister.

          Meanwhile, the Chairman PPCB Prof.  Adarsh Paul Vig thanked the people of State of Punjab for following the advisory issued with respect to time period fixed for bursting of fire crackers and using the green crackers for celebrations of Diwali festival, resulting in overall improvement in Air Quality as compared to last year and 2020 also.

          The Member Secretary PPCB Karunesh Garg said that the Punjab Pollution Control Board has installed Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) in 06 cities of Punjab namely Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Khanna, MandiGobindgarh and Patiala to monitor the ambient air quality on real time basis.

Chandigarh, Punjab

FOLLOW PATH SHOWN BY LORD VISHWAKARMA TO MAKE PUNJAB A FRONTRUNNER STATE IN THE COUNTRY: CM EXHORTS PEOPLE

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IEP Dhuri (Sangrur), October 25         

   Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday exhorted the people to follow the path shown by Lord Vishwakarma to make Punjab a frontrunner state in the country.          Addressing the gathering here during a function to mark Vishwakarma Day here today, the Chief Minister, while paying tributes to Lord Vishwakarma, said that he was divine architect of the entire universe, who is believed to be the master of all machinery and equipments being used by the people in the industrial activities. He called on the people to follow the footsteps of this great Deity of all craftsmen and architects. Bhagwant Mann said that Lord Vishwakarma has ever inspired the artisans, workers and labour class to work hard with utmost dedication and commitment to develop the nation.          The Chief Minister said that in line with the ideology and teachings of Lord Vishwakarma, Punjabis across the globe have proved their mettle by contributing tremendously in socio-economic growth of various countries. He impressed upon the industrialists to make a solemn pledge of making whole hearted efforts for promoting skill training as it will be a real tribute to Lord Vishwakarma. Bhagwant Mann said that it will not only help in generating employment for the youth but would also play a pivotal role in putting the state on a high growth trajectory.          The Chief Minister, while allaying the fear of global recession, said that wherever Punjabis are working this economic slowdown will never come. He said that Punjabis are hard working and are blessed with tremendous unbounded energy and enormous capabilities to excel in every field. Bhagwant Mann said that with these traits, Punjabis work very hard and ensure that no slowdown comes in any field.          Listing the several path breaking initiatives of the Aam Aadmi Government in Punjab, the Chief Minister said that from July 1 onwards the Punjab government has provided 600 units of free power to people in every bill cycle. He said that as a result of this around 50 lakh households out of total 72.66 lakh) have got zero power bill in the month of September. Bhagwant Mann said that this has given major reprieve to the people from every section of the society.          The Chief Minister further said that in a historic decision aimed at the well being of the government employees, the state government has restored the old age pension scheme for the employees of the Punjab. He said that the Old Pension Scheme was discontinued in 2004 and ever since then the employees are being given New Pension Scheme. Bhagwant Mann said that keeping in view the well being of the lakhs of employees the Old Pension scheme in the state has been restored which will ensure security to lakh of employees.          The Chief Minister said that 16 new Medical colleges will be constructed in the coming five years thereby enhancing the total tally of medical colleges to 25 thus transforming Punjab into a hub of medical education. He said that the students aspiring to pursue medical education will no longer have to go to countries like Ukraine as they will be provided quality medical education in these medical colleges. Bhagwant Mann said that earlier governments have not paid any attention towards it but the focus of his government is that every district must be touched by a medical college.          The Chief Minister said that Punjab government is committed to restore the pristine glory of the state and no stone is being left unturned for this noble cause. He said that the state government has taken several pro-people and development oriented steps in this regard. Bhagwant Mann said that in the coming days too more such path breaking initiatives will be taken.          The Chief Minister also announced to give facelift to Hospitals at Dhuri and Sangrur to impart quality health services to people. He also said that driving test centre for heavy licenses will also be operational soon at Dhuri to avoid inconvenience caused to people while visiting Mahuana centre for same purpose. Bhagwant Mann also announced that work on construction of Railway Overbridge at Dhuri will also be started soon by the Railways.

Chandigarh, Punjab

PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS TWO SHOOTERS AMONG FOUR PERSONS FOR MURDERING SHOPKEEPER IN TARN TARAN; 4 PISTOLS RECOVERED

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IEP CHANDIGARH/TARN TARAN, October 23        

   The ongoing relentless war against gangsters launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann delivered yet another success after Punjab Police has arrested four persons, including two shooters, for murdering a Tarn Taran-based Shopkeeper Gurjant Singh, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Sunday. Gurjant Singh was shot dead at his shop by two assailants at his shop on October 11, 2022.          The arrested persons are close-associates of Canada-based terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa and Europe-based terrorist Satpal Singh alias Satta, who in turn are close associates of a Pakistan-based terrorist Harvinder Singh Rinda of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).          The arrested shooters have been identified as Gurkirat Singh alias Ghugi of village Sheron in Tarn Taran and Ajmeet Singh of Naushera Pannuan in Tarn Taran, said DGP Gaurav Yadav, while identifying two others as Harmanjot and Akashdeep Singh— both resident of Batala, who were arrested for providing weapons and other logistic support to the shooters. The police had also recovered four pistols including two 9mm and two .30 bore from their possession, he added.          The development came four days after the arrest of two persons, identified as Ravisher Singh alias Ravi of village Sheron in Tarn Taran and Varinder Singh alias Bhindi of Naushera Pannuan in Tarn Taran, who carried out recce and harboured shooters in this case. The Police had also recovered one .30 bore pistol and two cars including Hyundai Verna and Volkswagen Vento— which were used in the crime, from their possession.          CP Amritsar Arun Pal Singh said that following reliable inputs, in a joint operation Tarn Taran Police, Commissionerate Police Amritsar and Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) arrested all the four accused persons.          Preliminary Investigations have revealed that the arrested persons were hatching a conspiracy to commit another target killing in the area of Amritsar at the behest of Landa and Rinda.          SSP Tarn Taran Ranjit Singh Dhillon revealed that there was a family dispute between Gurjant and his estranged cousin Arshdeep Singh alias Batti, who is close-associate of Satnam Satta and Landa, and was arrested by the Delhi Special Cell in Kurukshetra IED planting case. “Landa and Satta avenged the arrest of Arshdeep Batti by murdering Gurjant, who according to them was the informer to the Police and played a pivotal role in getting Arshdeep Batti arrested,” he added.          Pertinently, a case FIR No. 200 dated 11.10.2022 had been registered under sections 302, 506 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 25/54/59 of the Arms Act at Police Station Sadar Tarn Taran.

Chandigarh, Punjab

AMAN ARORA exhorts people to celebrate a clean, green & safe Diwali

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IEP Chandigarh, October 23

Punjab Information & Public Relations, Housing & Urban Development and New & Renewable Energy Sources Minister Mr. Aman Arora extended warm wishes to the people of Punjab and media fraternity on the eve of festival of lights, Diwali and Bandi Chhor Diwas.

          Urging the people to celebrate the festival with traditional fervor and gaiety rising above the parochial considerations of caste, color, creed and religion, the Cabinet Minister said, “May this Diwali and Bandi Chhor Diwas fill the lives of people with joy and happiness coupled with healthy and prosperous future.”

          In his message, he also prayed to the Almighty that the sacred occasion brings peace, prosperity besides strengthening the bonds of brotherhood which will pave a way to build Rangla Punjab.

          Exhorting the people to celebrate the pious festival responsibly, Mr Aman Arora said, avoid fire crackers to save the earth from pollution. Celebrate a clean, green and safe Diwali this time, he appealed earnestly.

Chandigarh, Punjab

BRAM SHANKER JIMPA GREETS PEOPLE ON DIWALI AND BANDI CHHOR DIWAS

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IEP Chandigarh, October 23

        Punjab Revenue Minister Bram Shanker Jimpa today extended his warm wishes to all the Punjabis living across the globe on the sacred occasion of the festival of lights- Diwali and Bandi Chhor Diwas.

      In his message, Jimpa said that this festival symbolizes the triumph of truth and righteousness over falsehood and of good over evil and highlights the ethos and high values of the country’s civilizational history.

         He appealed that we should celebrate diwali to safeguard our environment as pollution problem is Grave and affect all of us.

          At the same time,  Revenue Minister also greeted the entire countrymen especially the Sikh Panth on the historic ‘Bandi Chhor Diwas’-to mark the release of 52 Hindu Princes from the Gwalior fort by Sixth Guru Sri Hargobind Sahib ji on the Diwali festival in year 1612.

      Jimpa hoped that the festival would further strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood, amity, tranquility and secularism, which are the hallmarks of our glorious composite cultural traditions and prayed for the well-being of the people of the State.

Chandigarh, Punjab

ANMOL GAGAN MANN GREETS PEOPLE ON DIWALI, BANDI CHHOR DIWAS & VISHWAKARMA DAY

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IEP Chandigarh, October 23

          Punjab Minister for Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Investment Promotion, Labor and Grievance Redressal  Ms Anmol Gagan Mann has today greeted the people on the holy festival of Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas. In her message, Anmol Gagan appealed to the people and said, “Let us celebrate this holy festival of lights in a traditional way and light the lamps of happiness with the spirit of unity and harmony.”

          The Minister also extended warm greetings to all the people, especially the Sikh Panth, on the historic day of ‘Bandi Chhor Diwas’. This day is celebrated as the occasion of the release of 52 Hindu kings from Gwalior Fort by the sixth Patshah Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji on the day of Diwali.

          Minister Anmol Gagan Mann also greeted the people of the state on Vishwakarma Day and with this, she expressed hope that the life of the entire working class will be more prosperous and the spirit of Lord Vishwakarma Ji’s craftsmanship will prevail in the entire human world increasing the respect for the entire working class.

          The minister appealed to the people to celebrate these holy festivals with enthusiasm and to rise above caste, color and partisanship and said that this will strengthen national unity and global community. She prayed to God that this festival brings peace and happiness to the people of Punjab and India.

Dehradun

Police station in-charges would be answerable for illegal sale of crackers and liquor in their areas on Deepawali’

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IEP Dehradun

The Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Daleep Singh Kunwar said that respective police station in-charges would be answerable for the illegal sale of crackers and liquor in their areas on the occasion of Deepawali. He held a meeting on Friday to review security arrangements and traffic management preparations across the district during the festival season. Giving his input on the plans, he also issued several directions to the officials concerned. He said that the respective police station in-charges must ensure no illegal set up of crackers would be arranged in their areas to ensure no unfortunate fire-related incidents occur. Every police officer concerned must work towards stopping the sale of crackers in narrow lanes of colonies and prohibited areas and if he or she fails to carry out this duty, they will be answerable for it to senior-level officials, stated the SSP. He also directed the officials to prevent the illegal supply of liquor under their respective police stations that potentially increase during festival season. The respective police station in-charge would be responsible for any illegal sale of alcohol across the district, added the SSP.

He directed the officials to take immediate action against such complaints for the next one week. He also ordered to deploy police personnel in plain uniform at marketplaces to prevent criminal activities that potentially increase in crowded spaces during festivals for easy targets. He also issued orders to deploy police personnel outside jewellery shops, ATMs and petrol pumps where money transactions are frequent during the festival season. He has also directed the officials to ensure that people follow the recently released traffic plan issued by the traffic police in their respective areas. Make all necessary arrangements required to ensure security during festival season, added the SSP.

Dehradun

Third decade of the 21st century belongs to Uttarakhand, says PM Modi

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IEP Dehradun October 22, 2022

Addressing a public gathering in Mana after offering prayers in Badrinath and Kedarnath, and unveiling the foundation stones for development works worth Rs 3,400 crore, the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi said that the third decade of the 21st century belongs to Uttarakhand.

Modi said, “By the grace of Baba Kedarnath when I had visited Kedarnath the last time, some words came out of my mouth to the effect that the third decade of the 21st century belongs to Uttarakhand. These were not my words but were spoken by me by the blessings of Baba Kedarnath. With these new projects today I reiterate the commitment here.” Stating that Uttarakhand is witness to the development brought by the double engine government, he said that earlier at the most five lakh pilgrims used to visit during the Char Dham Yatra season but now this number has increased to about 45 lakh. 

He said, “There is another aspect to faith and revival of spiritualism- ease of living for the mountain dwellers and their employment because when road, rail and ropeway reach the mountains they bring employment and make life in the mountains better and easier. Now our government is also working on a plan to use drones for carrying goods. This will enable people in the mountains to transport their fruits and vegetables to the market,” he said. Appreciating the items locally produced by a self help group of Mana, the PM referred to ‘vocal for local’ and exhorted citizens across the nation to spend at least five per cent of their total expenditure on a journey on buying local products. He said that the double-engine government has linked the youth to home stays and skill development while youngsters are also being connected to the National Cadet Corps in mountainous regions. The PM also referred to the development being achieved through execution of various Central government schemes. Speaking on the occasion, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that PM Modi has always accorded priority to the development of Uttarakhand. Unprecedented cultural revival of the nation is taking place under the leadership of PM Modi, he said. Nations are looking towards India for solutions to the problems facing the world and also following the policies implemented in India. The PM’s farsightedness is clear not only on the economic front but also on the strategic front. No enemy of the nation dares to challenge India today, said Dhami. 

Chandigarh, Punjab

THREE OPERATIVES OF LANDA-RINDA TERROR MODULE HELD FROM AMRITSAR; AK-47, THREE PISTOLS RECOVERED

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IEP CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, October 21         

  With Punjab Police has tightened noose around the anti-social elements on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police and Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) in a joint operation with Delhi Police has arrested three operatives of a terrorist module and recovered one AK-47 Assault Rifle and three pistols along with ammunition from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday. The module is being jointly handled by Canada-based terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa and Pakistan-based terrorist Harvinder Singh Rinda.          Those arrested have been identified as Balraj Singh of Bhikhiwind in Tarn Taran, Aatish Kumar and Avinash Kumar, both resident of village Sarhali Kalan in Tarn Taran. All the three accused persons were working as security guards at a Tile Factory in Gujarat.          The development came days after the Delhi Police had arrested Harminder Singh of Kot Isse Khan in Moga, who revealed that he had picked a consignment of one AK-47 and three pistols on the directions of Lakhbir Landa and handed over to Balraj, Aatish and Avinash.          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that following the inputs from Delhi Police, a manhunt operation was launched in the Amritsar and Police teams led by DCP Detective Amritsar Mukhwinder Singh Bhullar have arrested the trio accused from a Hotel at Ghee Mandi area on Thursday after recovering three pistols including one 9mm along with 22 live cartridges and two .30 bore with 9 live cartridges from their possession.          On the disclosures of accused Balraj, the Police teams have also recovered AK-47 assault rifle along with 23 live cartridges from a location pinpointed by him at village Thathe in Tarn Taran, he added.          Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Arun Pal Singh said that the Police have procured seven days remand of the arrested persons after producing them in the Court. Further investigations are on to identify their other associates and more recoveries of arms and ammunitions are expected from this module, he added.          Meanwhile, a case FIR no. 135 dated 20.10.2022 has been registered under section 25(8)/54/59 of the Arms Act at Police Station E Division Amritsar.

Chandigarh, Punjab

AMAN ARORA HANDS OVER JOB LETTERS TO 21 JUNIOR DRAFTSMAN

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IEP Chandigarh, October 21

Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister Mr. Aman Arora on Friday handed over appointment letters to 21 Junior Draftsman at his office, Punjab Civil Secretariat-1, here.

          Conveying Diwali wishes and congratulating the newly inducted employees, Mr Aman Arora exhorted them to work diligently and with full honesty. He said that transparent and corruption-free governance is the sole agenda of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann led state government and no stone has been left unturned to provide employment opportunities to the youth of the state.

          He said that all these employees are being posted at their nearest and convenient station. He wished them all the best for future.

          The Cabinet Minister also informed that the Punjab Cabinet today decided to restore the Old Pension Scheme, besides, giving 6 per cent DA to the state government employees as Mann government was committed to welfare of employees. In less than 7 months, the state government has provided government jobs to as many as 18,543 youths, he added.