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.

DGP PUNJAB APPEALS TO STUDENTS, PARENTS, AND COMMUNITY TO MAINTAIN CALM AND PEACE

IEP Chandigarh, September 19

          On directions of Chief Minister Punjab Bhagwant Mann, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Monday constituted a three-member all-woman Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the overall supervision of ADGP Community Affairs Division and Women Affairs Gurpreet Kaur Deo, to ensure the effective and speedy investigation into Chandigarh University case.

          The SIT comprises SP Counter Intelligence Ludhiana Rupinder Kaur Bhatti as the Incharge, while, two members include DSP Kharar-1 Rupinder Kaur and DSP AGTF Deepika Singh. The SIT will function under the supervision of DIG Rupnagar Range Gurpreet Singh Bhullar and SSP SAS Nagar Vivek Sheel Soni, and can co-opt any other member, based on functional requirements.

          The development came a day after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ordered a high-level probe into the matter.

          Terming the incident at Chandigarh University as unfortunate, DGP Gaurav Yadav apprised that the investigations are going on at full pace and the Police on Sunday late evening made three arrests including that of the student and two others from Himachal Pradesh after seizing certain electronic devices from their possession. He also expressed gratitude to the DGP Himachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh Police for extending all cooperation to the Punjab Police.

          “The SIT will go to the bottom of this matter and whoever is found involved in this case will not be spared,” he assured.

          While appealing to students, parents, and the community at large to maintain calm and peace, the DGP assured them to protect the privacy and dignity of all the individuals concerned. He also urged the people to rely only on authentic channels for information and not get swayed away by the rumors being spread on various social media platforms, which are sometimes unverified.

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT CALLS FOR APPLICATIONS FOR STENOGRAPHY AND COMPUTER TRAINING FOR SC GRADUATE YOUTH: DR. BALJIT KAUR

IEP Chandigarh, September 19

          The government of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Maan is making continuous efforts for the development of Scheduled Castes. Under the same series, applications are invited for admission for the session 2022-23 to provide Punjabi and English Stenography and one year free training of Basic Computer Course and  to eligible Graduate (BA pass) youths belonging to Scheduled Castes resident of Punjab State.

          Divulging the details, Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the applicant should belong to the Scheduled Caste and be a resident of the state of Punjab, the age of the applicant should not be more than 30 years on 30 September 2022. For admission, the annual income of Scheduled Caste families should not exceed Rs.2.50 lakh per annum. Income certificate should be issued from competent authority. Only unemployed candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste whose minimum educational qualification will be graduation can avail the benefit of this scheme.

          The Cabinet Minister informed that the complete application from the applicant along with attested copies of certificates related to qualifications should reach the concerned office till 30 September 2022, incomplete and application received after the specified date will not be considered.

          She said that eligible Graduates belonging to the Scheduled Castes who are interested in doing Punjabi, English Stenography and Computer courses can apply. As per the convenience of the candidates for District Jalandhar they should submit their application to the District Social Justice and Empowerment Officer, Dr.BR Ambedkar Bhawan, DAC Complex, Tel. No. 0181-2225757, Email ID dwojalandhar@gmail.com, District Social Justice and Empowerment Officer for District Sangrur, Dr.BR Ambedkar Bhavan, Patiala Gate, Tel. No. 01672-234379 Email ID dwosangrur@gmail.com, District Social Justice and Empowerment Officer for District Sri Muktsar Sahib , Dr.BR.Ambedkar Bhavan, Bathinda Road, Tel. No. 01633-268847 Email ID dwomuktsar@gmail.com and Principal Ambedkar Institute for District SAS Nagar (Mohali), Sector-60, Phase 3 B 2, Tel. No. 0172-2228396 E-mail id ambedkarinstitute013@gmail.com within the stipulated time.

          Dr. Baljit Kaur further said that there are 25-25 seats (Punjabi Stenography) for Stenography Training Institute Jalandhar, Sangrur, Sri Muktsar and 80 seats (40 Punjabi and 40 English Stenography) for Stenography Training Institute Mohali. For addmition Interviews have been held in these institutes on October 4 at 10 am.

          She said that no separate notification will be sent to the candidates for the written test/interview. Selection of candidates for training will be done by the selection committee. Selected candidates will be given a stipend of Rs.1500/- per month as per rules.

PUNJAB CHIEF SECRETARY ASKS RBI TO PREPARE AND SHARE WHITE LIST OF LEGAL APPS OFFERING LOANS

IEP Chandigarh, September 19

            Punjab Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Janjua has chaired the 18th meeting of the State Level Coordination Committee (SLCC) on Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Unincorporated Bodies (UIBs). The meeting was convened by MK Mall, Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Chandigarh.

            During the meeting, regulatory and policy initiatives taken by RBI, awareness programmes on protection of interest of investors/depositors and similar other issues were discussed. The Chief Secretary impressed upon greater usage of the banning of unregulated deposit schemes act, 2019 by giving wide publicity so that all the citizens in Punjab be made aware about said act and instructed the law enforcement agencies to comply with the provisions of this act as it is a comprehensive mechanism to curb the unregulated deposit schemes to protect the interest of depositors. 

            Further, while discussing recommendations of the working group on digital lending, Chief Secretary expressed concern on increasing instances of illegal loan apps offering loans to vulnerable group of people. On this issue, Regional Director, RBI apprised about the meeting held under the Chairpersonship of Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs wherein RBI has been asked to prepare a “Whitelist” of all the legal Apps and MeitY will ensure that only these “Whitelist” Apps are hosted on app stores. The Chief Secretary asked RBI to prepare and share Whitelist of such legal Apps at the earliest, so that the same may also be given wide coverage in order to protect the general public from falling prey to any illegal loan apps.

            Regional Director, RBI emphasised on the need for better co-ordination between the regulators and law enforcement agencies to prevent unscrupulous entities from duping the general public of their hard-earned money. He also apprised the forum about the usefulness of the ‘Sachet portal’ of RBI which facilitates lodging of complaints by general public as also the sharing of any relevant information by members of public and is intended to help in addressing the problem of unauthorised collection of deposits more effectively.

            Garima Singh, Secretary Finance & Director Institutional Finance and Banking, Punjab, Sarabjit Singh, Additional Inspector General of Police and senior officers from RBI, SEBI, ROC, ICAI etc. also participated in the meeting.

Haryana awarded for its exemplary performance to promote and enforce Energy Conservation in Building Sector

IEP Chandigarh, September 18

Adding yet another feather to its achievement hat, Haryana has been awarded ‘Special Award’ for State Designated Agency (SDA) – Category-II by the jury for NEERMAN Awards 2022.

The State was awarded during three-day international conference ‘ANGAN 2022’ (Augmenting Nature by Green Affordable New-habitat)‘ Making the Zero-Carbon Transition in Buildings’ organized by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power from September 14 -16 at New Delhi.

Sharing more details in this regard, an official spokesperson said that the Department of New and Renewable Energy, Haryana and HAREDA has bagged the said award for its exemplary performance to promote and enforce Energy Conservation in Building Sector in the State. Dr. Hanif Qureshi, Director General, New and Renewable Energy Department and HAREDA received the award from the Ministry.

Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal has congratulated the New and Renewable Energy Department and HAREDA for this achievement.

The three-day conference was inaugurated by Sh. Alok Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Power. Sh. Ajay Tiwary, Additional Secretary Ministry of Power also attended the event.

The winners of the BEE’s 1stNational Energy Efficiency Roadmap for Movement towards Affordable and Natural habitat (NEERMAN) Awards were felicitated during the award function which was held on Sept.15. These awards are institutionalized with the objective to acknowledge and encourage exemplary building designs complying with BEE’s Eco-NiwasSamhita (ENS) and Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC).

Notably, Haryana has designated the Department of New and Renewable Energy and HAREDA as State Designated Agency for the promotion and enforcement of energy conservation activities in the State.

The State Government has also mandated the implementation of Energy Conservation Building codes for all new buildings having connected loads above 100 KW.

More than 95 percent of government buildings have LED lights

As per the directions of Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal more than 95 percent of Government buildings/offices have replaced their conventional lights with LED Lights. For this exemplary performance, Haryana has bagged the award.

ANGAN 2.0, was organized by BEE

        The spokesperson shared that the  ANGAN 2.0, was organised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, in collaboration with the Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation (SDC) under the Indo-Swiss Building Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP).

Experts from more than 15 countries and international organisations discuss technologies for energy-efficient buildings.  Conference hosts exhibition of various low carbon products, technologies and innovations applicable in the building sector.

Haryana has made a pivotal contribution to the Prime Minister’s target of making India Net Zero by 2070

The objective of this conference is to promote a healthy ecosystem which was mentioned at COP 26 in Glasgow by the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi on  Lifestyle For Environment(LiFE) and Panchamrit, aiming to make India Net Zero by 2070 and the contribution of Haryana to the achievement of this target is significant.

Furthermore, the commitment of the Department of New and Renewable Energy Haryana and HAREDA towards this endeavour of the State and Centre Government is substantial.

It is exciting to witness the uptake of the Energy Conservation Building Code and this accomplishment in Haryana which will certainly make a positive impact in driving the nation towards a Zero-Carbon future. 

Chief Minister Manohar Lal inaugurated the ‘Faculty House’ in Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa

IEP Chandigarh, September 18

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal inaugurated the renovated Faculty House of Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa built at a cost of Rs.1.8 crore.

The Chief Minister took a round of the various rooms  built in this building along with the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ajmer Singh Malik.

It is noteworthy that along with promoting infrastructure facilities in the University, several initiatives are being taken to promote quality education as well. CM Suite, Drawing Room, VIP Dining Hall etc. have also been built in the newly renovated Faculty House.

To save lives in road accidents and assisting in road safety works, Punjab to engage social organizations and academic institutions: Laljit Singh Bhullar

Punjab Express Bureau

IEP Chandigarh, September 18

Giving the top priority to saving lives in road accidents in the state, the Punjab Government has decided to engage expert organizations, institutes, universities/colleges, NGOs and registered societies for assisting in road safety work.These institutions, said the Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, will be registered with any state government or union government and will assist in road safety works such as road safety audit, crash investigations, ambulance mapping, identification of accidental black spots, training of stakeholders and holding road safety awareness campaigns etc. in the State.The Cabinet Minister further said that the task to engage such institutions at the earliest has been entrusted upon the Punjab State Road Safety Council, which is the Lead Agency on Road Safety constituted as per the directions of Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety to undertake and oversee the implementation of various traffic management and road safety measures in Punjab.The eligible organizations will be empanelled for a period of two years and from time to time entrusted with the work relating to traffic management and road safety. These organizations will provide technical assistance to the lead agency and State government specifically in terms of devising an “Action Plan for Traffic Management and Road Safety in Punjab” and also to conduct “Awareness and Capacity Building of the Stakeholders of the road safety and traffic management on National Highways, State Highways and other Major District Roads in Punjab”.He said that the Empanelled Organizations/Institutions are expected to guide and support the Lead Agency on Road Safety, Traffic Police and Transport Department to perform the tasks and deliver outputs, which are best suited to deliver outcomes for improved road safety management and road safety in Punjab, such as to develop material on road safety awareness such as posters, pamphlets, skits, video/audio content, etc., to conduct road safety education and awareness campaigns in association with District Road Safety Committees, development of information, education and communication material to conduct road users’ behavior and surveys, to assist traffic enforcement, engineering and other concerned agencies to conduct road crash investigation as per approved SOP by the Centre/State under Motor Vehicle Act Section 135, to conduct Road Safety Audit as per IRC Guidelines on State Highways, Major District Roads and National Highways etc., identification and review of accidental Black Spots in Punjab, assistance to Lead Agency to analyze various road accident/traffic data or other available data and preparation of reports.He said that the organization, should not have been debarred or blacklisted in any earlier projects by State government and have the expertise in designing, developing and executing proactive strategies and campaigns raising awareness in target community groups, experience in conducting road safety audits/identification of Black spots/preparation of mobility plans and other allied fields, management of similar projects at State, District and sub-district Level with multiple stakeholders departments, implementing similar kind of projects in any other field supported by adequate professionals.The organizations or expert institutions having adequate experience in road safety and traffic management works have been asked to apply by October 3. The organisations can submit applications along with relevant documents online through email of Lead Agency or physically submit applications in the Lead Agency office.

MASSIVE RESPONSE FOR AAM AADMI CLINICS FROM COMMON MAN

Punjab Express Bureau

Chandigarh, September 18

The flagship program of Punjab Government, Aam Aadmi Clinics have garnered enormous response across the state with a cumulative patient footfall of 1.82 lakh till date.  SAS Nagar has secured first spot among districts to provide health care facilities to maximum number of patients.

According to the data available here, total 25990 patients have got treatment and 2811 lab tests have been done till date in SAS Nagar, whereas Ludhiana district have attained second spot among 23 districts with 21384 patients and 2343 clinical tests, while District Bathinda gained third position with response from 16889 patients and 2243 clinical tests. In addition to this, cumulative footfall of patients have touched 1,82,325 from August 15 to September 17, 2022 with total 23402 clinical tests across the state.

Pleased with this overwhelming response and patting the back of the doctors and officials, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Chetan Singh Jouramajra informed that 75 such clinics have embarked on Independence Day, while 25 more clinics have started their operations later, which have been provided health care facilities to more than seven thousand patients per day now. “As per our commitment with the people to set up a network of such clinics to provide quality healthcare services free of cost, we have dedicated 100 clinics (65 in Urban and 35 in Rural Areas) to the people till date”, said the Health Minister.

The Cabinet Minister said that soon such clinics will be set up in every nook and corner of the state.  He added that this revolutionary initiative is rejuvenating the entire healthcare system in the state. Mr. Chetan Singh Jouramajra said that patients can avail the medical services by stepping into the clinics or can avail facility of online appointment. He added that rather the people are getting quality healthcare services free of cost that too at places near their homes. He said that all the successive governments have hitherto paid no attention towards providing healthcare services to people due to which the common man had to suffer a lot.

Meanwhile, Mr. Jouramajra said that this humble step of the Aam Aadmi government is revolutionizing the healthcare sector. He said that people have been availed 75 Drugs and 41 diagnostic tests at free of cost through these clinics. He expressed hope that 90% of patients are getting treatment facilities from these clinics only thereby reducing the burden in hospitals. Mr. Jouramajra further said that only the serious patients with major ailments will be further referred to the big hospitals.

Punjab Health Minister Chetan Singh Jauramajra honors Unsung Heroes of Covid

Punjab Express Bureau

Chandigarh, September 18

Pioneer of Medical Sciences, a major project of SRSF associated with Govt. of Punjab and India  conducted a Medical Conference, Health and wellness Program in Chandigarh.The program was chaired by Health and family welfare minister Punjab Chetan Singh Jauramajra.The program aimed to provide a platform to recognize and appreciate the contribution of the unsung medical heroes for their excellence and exemplary contribution to the society especially during the pandemic times.

Calling the medical and paramedical professionals  as image of God on earth , Mr. Jauramajra conferred awards upon doctors and paramedical staff such as nurses,ward boys and security guards .

Addressing the gathering. Mr. Jauramajra said that medical professionals played a significant role in combating Covid, those were the times when even family members did not dare to come near their dying relatives but these professionals did their duty without any fear and saved lives with their efforts.

He added that reformation of health sector in Punjab is the top most priority of CM Bhagwant Mann and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal and his government will leave no stone unturned to make quality health services available in government hospitals.

He also laid emphasis on providing affordable medical education in the state so that youth of Punjab will not have to go to foreign countries for medical education by paying exorbitant fees.

Specially attended the function, Aam Aadmi party’s Rajya Sabha member Padam Shree Balbir Singh Seechewal a renowned environmetalist, stressed on protection of environment by invoking the Gurbani’s hymns stating ‘Pawan guru, Paani pita mata dhart mahatu ‘ which emphasises the importance of three pillars essential to life on earth. 

On this occasion, a panel discussion regarding the life in the Covid times was also organised in which subject experts from medical, spiritual and psychology took part.Dr. Gurbir Singh, Dr. Digambar, Yogi Amandeep Singh and Reena Gupta underlined the importance of good mental health in today’s scenario as everyone of us is under some kind of stress which often leads to poor physical health.

          Director SRS Foundation, Dr. Sajan Sharma said that with the help of Bhagwant Mann led Punjab government and under the able leadership of Health Minister Punjab Mr. Jauramajra,our organization is striving hard to make the health sector of the state of Punjab, as number one in the country.

          Among others present on the occasion included MLA Dr. Charanjit Singh from Chamkaur Sahib and MLA Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora from Moga, MLA Neena Mittal from Rajpura and Dr. Prabhjot Kaur District President AAP Mohali.

Haryana Chief Minister turns down the pension request of financially affluent women

IEP Chandigarh, September 18

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal while addressing a Jan Samvad Programme in Sirsa today firmly turned down the pension request raised by a woman, who is said to be the owner of nine ‘kila’ land. 

        The Chief Minister clarified that only eligible persons would get the benefit of a pension. This benefit will not be given to the person who is not eligible, he said.

        “You already own 9 Kila of land and your annual income is Rs. 2.5 lakh,  therefore you are not eligible for the pension  benefits, Sh. Manohar Lal told the woman.

        Later the woman informed the Chief Minister about her three daughters and sought financial help from him. Sh. Manohar Lal while again showing a big heart announced to give  Rs 1 lakh to the woman from his voluntary quota.  

        He shares that to avail the pension benefits, a beneficiaries should not have land more than 5 Kilas. But in this case, as the women own 9 kila, hence she is not eligible for said benefits. 

        Meanwhile, during the Jan Samvad Programme, the Chief Minister heard the problems of the people of Sirsa district held at Chaudhary Devi Lal University Auditorium. 

        A total of 227 complaints were heard and redressed.  Redressing a problem, Sh. Manohar Lal said that ensuring a roof over every head is the utmost priority of the State Government. 

        The Housing for All Department is surveying this and once it is completed, houses will be given to those who are not having houses. The government is working on a plan to provide 1 lakh houses.

CM directs to suspend Patwari immediately

        While, hearing a complaint regarding Mahender, Patwari of Rania refusing to register Girdawari of the complainant, the Chief Minister directed the officers concerned to immediately suspend the Patwari. 

        As per the complainant 10 months ago,  his father had transferred the land in his name. But when he visited the Patwari’s office for the registration of the  Girdawari, the Patwari denied doing the same.

        The complainant had also registered his complaint on  CM Window.  

Raise your area development demand on the Gram Darshan Portal, Manohar Lal

        The Chief Minister said that the Government has developed Gram Darshan Portal for villages and Nagar Darshan Portal for cities. The people of the village and the city can put forward the problems related to their area on these portals.  

        With this, the demand for road, drains, ponds, water etc. can also be raised on these portals. The demand put by the villagers reaches the concerned department and the department is ensuring fulfilment of these demands on a priority basis.

Take strict action against water thieves

        Sh. Manohar Lal said that the government is working continuously to ensure that water reaches the tail-end of every field. There are complaints of water theft at some places. Strict action should be taken by the department against such people. 

        The department should immediately register an FIR against such water thieves, said the Chief Minister. 

        Because of these water thieves, the water does not reach to the tail-end,  he added. 

        Sh. Manohar Lal also called upon the farmers to adopt the sprinkler irrigation technique.  

        “Today the water resources are limited. We should use it properly, in those areas where there is a shortage of water, farmers should irrigate their fields by adopting the sprinkler method. For this, 85 percent subsidy is given by the State Government, said Sh. Manohar Lal. 

Work should be done on overflowing ponds

The Chief Minister said that the Pond Authority should work on a mission mode to renovate the overflowing ponds.  

        He said that the water from the overflowing ponds should be channelized into the nearby rivers and streams.  Also,  the water should be drained from the pump.

Common Eligibility Test for Group-C will be held in November: Manohar Lal

IEP Chandigarh, September 18

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that the Common Eligibility Test (CET) for Group-C will be conducted in November. The second level of this test will be conducted after the CET.  The Chief Minister made this announcement while interacting with the media persons after a Jan-Samvad programme organized in the auditorium of Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa on Sunday.

        Responding to a question related to the elections of Panchayati Raj Institutions, the Chief Minister said that a proposal has been sent to State Election Commission to conduct elections of Panchayati Raj Institutions by November 30. He further said that some people had gone to court regarding the reservation of Backward Class-A and 50 percent reservation of women in the elections. Following the orders of the Supreme Court, the state government had set up a Commission to determine reservation in Panchayati Raj elections for Backward Class-A. After the report of the Commission, the state government has issued an ordinance, which has been approved by the governor.  Reservation work regarding delimitation of wards (wardbandi) is under process. In the coming days, orders will be issued to the Deputy Commissioners to give ward wise reservations.  The Deputy Commissioners have to complete this task in a week. Elections will be held after the completion of aforesaid works, he added.

Less VAT on petrol/diesel in Haryana as compared to neighboring states

Responding to another question, the Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that after the directions of Central Government to reduce VAT on petroleum products to reduce inflation, the Haryana Government has reduced the rates of VAT on petrol and diesel twice. He said that Haryana has been imposing less VAT as compared to neighboring states.

Woman will get the income received from her share of land

        A case of woman also came to the notice of the Chief Minister during the Jan Samvad programme, in which the woman Surjit Kaur told that before the death her husband. They had given 27 acres of land ownership in the name of three sons.  Now her sons are not even giving her money to survive.  In such a situation, the Chief Minister directed that the ownership cannot be changed, but the woman will be given the income of one-fourth of the 27 acres of land.

Continuation of  Jan-Samwad programmes in the state

The Chief Minister said that the process of organising Jan-Samvad programmes will remain continued.  Earlier, Jan-Samvad programmes have been organized in Rohtak and Karnal.  This was the third programme in Sirsa.  To hear the grievances of the public, the Deputy Commissioners have also been directed to adress the public grievances from 11 am to 1 pm every day in the respective districts.

After monsoon, 6 Departments are doing repair work of roads

Responding to a question, the Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that after the monsoon season, 6 departments have been engaged in the work of repairing the roads. Public Works Department, Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board, Urban Local Bodies, Haryana Urban Development Authority and Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructural Development Corporation are involved in repairing worl of roads. The Chief Minister said that 650 km of roads are being repaired by the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board.  In each assembly constituency, Rs 25 crore is being given by the government for the repair of roads.

Crops can be sold anywhere in the e-National Agriculture Market

        Responding to a question, the Chief Minister said that in this era of technology, many services are being provided online to the people of the state. The e-National Agriculture Market is also a part of the online platform where the farmers can sell their crops to the trader from Kerala to Assam and they will get good prices for the crop

50 bedded de-addiction and rehabilitation centre will be opened in Sirsa

On the question on drug addiction, the Chief Minister said that a 50-bedded drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centre would be set up in the civil hospital of Sirsa.  State government has set up many gymnasiums in Sirsa than other districts. Their number has been increased to 81 here.  We are looking to increase to set up more gymnasiums in Sirsa district.