IEP Chandigarh, March 1

          The Youth Services Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer has called upon the youth clubs of the state to expand their scope of activities at the ground level by reviving them and channelize the energy of the youth in the right direction. In this regard, the youth services department also released an amount of Rs. 1.50 Cr. to all the districts for the activities of the clubs.

          It was stated by Meet Hayer in a press communiqué issued today after presiding over a high-level meeting of the Youth Services Department at Punjab Bhawan. He said that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has visualized the dream of Rangla Punjab, in the fulfillment of which the youth can play the biggest and most important role. He said that the youth will be engaged in constructive activities for building a better society.

          Meet Hayer said that after the announcement made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, this time after a long period of time, the selection process of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Youth Award given to the youth has been finalized. The names of the selected youth will be announced soon. In order to inculcate leadership qualities in the youth, they would be taken on tour to the tourist, heritage, religious and historical places of the State.

          The Minister further said that the number of youth clubs in the state is large but the activities of most of the clubs are completely closed. Such clubs should be identified and activated. He said that prevention of drugs, participation in sports, awareness among farmers against stubble burning, cultural activities etc. should be given priority in the activities of youth clubs.

          The meeting was attended by Punjab Youth Development Board Chairman Parminder Singh Goldi, Youth Services Department Director Amit Talwar, Deputy Director Dr. Kamaljit Singh Sidhu, Assistant Director Rupinder Kaur, Nehru Yuva Kender State Director Surinder Saini and all the field officers.

IEP Chandigarh, March 1

          Punjab Information and Public Relations Minister Mr. Aman Arora on Wednesday mourned the sad demise of Principal Harbans Kaur, the mother of Padma Shri S. Jagjit Singh Dardi, Chairman of Charhdikala Group. Principal Harbans Kaur (95) take her last breath today at her home in Patiala.

          Extending his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family and relatives of the deceased, Mr. Aman Arora prayed to the Almighty to give them courage to bear this irreparable loss and grant eternal peace to the departed soul.

          Meanwhile, Principal Secretary Information and Public Relations Mr. Rahul Bhandari and Director Ms. Sonali Giri also expressed their heartfelt condolences to S. Jagjit Singh Dardi in this hour of grief.

IEP Chandigarh, February 27

          The newly appointed Chairman of Punjab Mandi Board Harchand Singh Barsat on Monday assumed the charge of his office at Punjab Mandi Board in presence of galaxy of Cabinet Ministers, MLAs and others.

          On this occasion, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, Local Bodies Minister Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar, Transport and Animal Husbandry Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar and Revenue Minister  Bram Shanker Jimpa extended warm words of congratulations to the newly appointed chairman and expressed hope that the Punjab Mandi Board would scale new heights under his leadership. They assured the newly appointed Chairman for all possible help and cooperation.

          On this occasion, Mr. Barsat tendered words of gratitude towards National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party and Delhi Chief Minister Mr. Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister of Punjab Mr. Bhagwant Mann including the senior leadership of the party for entrusting him the responsibility. He said that he will perform his duties with utmost sincerity and dedication. He said that his sole aim to work for the betterment of the state and its people.

          On this occasion MLAs Jaswinder Singh Ramdas, Ajitpal Singh Kohli, Master Jagsir Singh, Vijay Singla, Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Varinder Goyal, Charanjit Singh Channi, Gurdit Singh Sekhon, Jamilu Rahman, Devinderjit Singh Ladi Dhos, Kulwant Singh, Kuljit Singh Randhawa, Rajinderpal Kaur Chhina, Naresh Kataria, Amarpal Singh, Amandeep Kaur, Kulwant Singh Pandori, Principal Budh Ram, Labh Singh Ugoke, Balkar Singh DCP, Fauja Singh Sarari,Jagdeep Singh Kaka Brar, Neena Mittal, Manjit Singh Bilaspur, Daljit Singh Grewal Bhola, Sarwan Singh Dhun, Kulwant Singh Shatrana, Dr. Ajay Gupta, Sarabjit Kaur Manuke apart from Punjab Mandi Board officials, dignitaries and family members of the newly appointed chairman were present.

IEP Chandigarh, February 27       

   In Order to achieve the objectives of the state Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwan Mann, a meeting with all Administrative Secretaries was held today under the Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Janjua.          Chief Secretary Mr. Janjua directed all departments to work in tandem to enhance ease of life of the common man. All departments shall work to do away with all the unnecessary documentation and make process reforms to deliver services to citizens. It has been directed that services to citizens should be delivered in a seamless manner and should be delivered within timelines.          The Chief Secretary further informed that a dedicated Governance Cell has been established in the his office manned by Senior IAS officers of the State including Amit Dhaka, Varinder Sharma, Kumar Amit and Girish Dayalan. The team will coordinate with departments for process study and propose necessary reforms considering the best practices of other states/countries.          Amit Dhaka has given a detailed presentation on way forward of working of Governance Cell and gave its vision. It was informed that Governance Cell will coordinate with each department, study it and simplify the procedures with a clear objective of ease of living. It was informed that connect portal of Punjab shall be strengthened for the delivery of all Government services. Apart from it, all touchpoints like Sewa Kendras, Saanj Kendras, Fard Kendras etc., shall be revamped with modern infrastructure and amenities for the best quality service delivery.           The meeting was attended by all Administrative Secretaries of the state.         

IEP Chandigarh, February 27    

      The Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is constantly striving for the welfare of every section of the state. Working in this direction, Labour, Grievance Redressal, Investment Promotion, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, and Hospitality Minister Ms Anmol Gagan Mann said that the state government has released Rs.77.65 crore to 57,829 registered construction workers under various constructions worker welfare schemes during past 11 months through the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.          Giving more information in this regard, the minister said that the state government has already increased the minimum wages of unskilled workers from Rs. 9192 to Rs. 9907, while the minimum wages of semi-skilled workers has been increased from Rs. 9972 to Rs. 10687. Apart from this, the wages of skilled workers have been increased from Rs. 10869 to Rs. 11584 and the wages of highly skilled workers have been increased from Rs. 11901 to Rs. 12616.          Apart from this, minister further informed that a mobile app “Punjab Kirti Sahayak” has already been launched with the aim of providing great convenience to the construction workers. She said that with this mobile app, the construction worker need not go to the Suvidha Centre, instead, he/she can get himself registered using his mobile phone and take advantage of the welfare schemes of the government, saving him from the loss of his daily wages.          The minister appealed the construction workers to register themselves through “Punjab Kirti Sahayak” and become beneficiaries of the construction workers welfare schemes of the state government. 

IEP Chandigarh/SAS Nagar, February 27

          With an aim to spread awareness about the HIV/AIDS, sensitise people and provide adequate treatment to the infected people, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Dr Balbir Singh on Monday flagged off 11 awareness vans from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Science at Phase-6, Mohali. This one month long HIV/AIDS public awareness campaign was jointly initiated by the Punjab State AIDS Control Society and Health and Family Welfare Department.

          These IEC (Information, Education and Communication) awareness vans are equipped with LEDs to exhibit Audio-Visual awareness films to the people, while printed material will also be distributed among them. Lab technicians and counsellors have been specially assigned with these vans, who will conduct free HIV/AIDS tests of the people at their doorstep.

          Divulging more details, Dr Balbir Singh said that these 11 special awareness vans will visit different villages of all the districts in Punjab to sensitise people about this deadly disease— which is preventable but not curable. Each van will cover 4-5 villages daily and these vans will cover as many as 1650 villages in a month, he added.

          He said that apart from conducting tests, showing audio-visual awareness films and distributing printed material to sensitise the people about this disease, Theatre artists will also perform Nukkad Nataks at villages to create awareness. “HIV/AIDS can be avoided by being aware and taking some precautions,” he said, adding that due to lack of information, people fall prey to this disease.

          Dr Balbir Singh has appealed to people to take maximum advantage of these vans and get themselves tested to check their HIV status.

          He said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government is committed to provide world-class healthcare facilities to the people of the state.

           Project Director of Punjab State AIDS Control Society Pradeep Kumar Agarwal, Director Health Services Punjab Dr Ranjit Singh, Dr BR Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Science Director Principal Dr Babneet Bharti, Additional Project Director of Punjab State AIDS Control Society Dr Bobby Gulati and Civil Surgeon Mohali Dr Adarshpal Kaur were among other officials, who were present on the occasion.

IEP Chandigarh, February 25    

      The Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is constantly striving for the welfare of Scheduled Castes. Efforts are being made by the Punjab government to give maximum benefits to the beneficiaries of the welfare schemes being run for the poor section of the state.          Divulging in this regard, Minister of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jati Abhyudhay Yojana, a State Level Project Evaluation-cum-Convergence Committee has been formed to evaluate and prioritize district and state level projects for the social and economic betterment of scheduled castes.          She said that under the Anusuchit Jati Abhyudhay Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana, Grants-in-aid for District/State-level projects for the socio-economic betterment of Scheduled Castes and construction /repair works are carried out of Educational hostels for Scheduled Caste students(Boys and Girls).          Dr. Baljit Kaur said that Special Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary and Secretary of the Social Justice Empowerment and Minorities Chairperson of this Committee.          Dr. Baljit Kaur said that Administrative Secretary or representative of department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Horticulture, Soil and Water Conservation, Industries and Commerce, Co-operatives, Finance, Planning, Rural Development and Panchayats, Social Security Women and Child Development, Higher Education and Languages, School Education, Health and Family Welfare, Water Supply and Sanitation, Public Works, Irrigation and Water Resources, New and Renewable Sources of Energy, Information Technology, Employment Generation and Training, other concerned departments member of this committee.          She said that Chairman Punjab State Commission Scheduled Castes, representative from up to 5 PMAJY districts whose villages are being covered and National Informatics Center shall be the head or representative member.          Cabinet Minister said that the Director of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minority will be the Member-Secretary in the case of Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana and Construction/Repair of Educational Hostels for SC students (Boys and Girls). In addition, the Director (SCSP)-cum-Joint Secretary will be the Member-Secretary in the case of Grants-in-aid for District/State-level projects for the socio-economic betterment of Scheduled Castes.          The Cabinet Minister directed that it will be necessary for the State Level Project Appraisal-cum-Convergence Committee to meet once in six months.Apart from this, the Deputy Commissioner at the district level will be the Chairperson of the Project Appraisal-cum-Convergence Committee. 

IEP SAS Nagar (Mohali), February 24

          Giving affirmative response to call of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to be partners of socio-economic growth in state, Captains of industry on Friday assured that they will pump in huge investments in state to make it progressive and prosperous.

          In his address, Chairman of Trident group Rajinder Gupta said that the support and cooperation of state government is unmatched. He said that the group is expanding manifolds for giving huge employment to youth. Rajinder Gupta lauded the Chief Minister for laying special thrust on the growth of industry.

          Addressing the gathering, Vice Chairman and MD Vardhman Steels Sachit Jain said that the group is continuously growing adding that work culture of state is perfect. He complemented Invest Punjab for supporting the industrial units for further promotion. Sachit Jain congratulated the Chief Minister for organising this wonderful mega event.

          Chairman CII Punjab Amit Thapar said that intent of state government to promote investment is highly laudable. He said that the state government has set a new benchmark by organising the summit in a smooth and hassle free manner. Amit Thapar also assured maximum investment in industrial sector for creating more job opportunities.

          In his address National Head Well of Spun one group Loknathan Nadar thanked the Chief Minister for a wonderful experience. He said that there is no doubt progressive Punjab is progressive in real sense. Loknathan Nadar said that the wonderful experience in the state reinforces the commitment of group to invest in the state in a big way.

          Addressing the gathering Vice President of Sukhjit Sardana Bhavdeep Sardana narrated the great experience with Invest Punjab. He said that these best practices are even recognised across the country too. Bhavdeep Sardana thanked the government and endorsed the efforts of CM for roping in investments.

          In his address Chairman and MD Sanathan Polycot Paresh Dattani said that when the company decided to expand Punjab was nowhere in the map. He said that the amazing experience with Invest Punjab encouraged him to invest in the state. Paresh Dattani said that the state government led by CM Bhagwant Mann has made several decisions to promote investment.

          Addressing the gathering CEO Think gas Hardeep Puri spoke about the scope of Bussiness in the state. He said that there is a lot of potential on CNG sector in the state. Hardeep Puri said that government of Punjab led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has helped them in a great way.

          In his address Head of Tele-performance Anish Mukker lauded the initiatives being taken by the Chief Minister for investment promotion. He said that the summit is a successful venture as every interaction was very fruitful. Anish Mukker said that Punjab has huge potential in industrial adding that such summits will accelerate economic growth of state.

IEP CHANDIGARH, February 25:

          In order to make Punjab free from Gangsters and Drugs as per the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Saturday chaired a state-level review meeting via video conference and directed all the officers to do professional policing and take strict action against all lawbreakers to maintain Law and Order in the State.

          Addressing all eight Range IGs/DIGs, 28 CPs/SSPs, 117 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), and 413 Station House Officers (SHOs) in Punjab, the DGP reviewed the ground-level action against organised crime, drug trafficking and terrorism. Special DGP Internal Security RN Dhoke, Special DGP Community Affairs Division and Women Affairs Gurpreet Kaur Deo and ADGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla were among the other senior level officers, who attended the meeting.

          Acknowledging the fact that a lot of good work has been done against Gangsters and Drugs by the Punjab Police in recent months, he stressed on the need to further intensify the vigil against anti-social elements.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav also ordered all the senior officers from Punjab Police Headquarters to visit districts and check manpower and equipment, besides, ensuring the basic policing at the ground level with Citizen Friendly approach. He also directed them to ensure that at least 50% of the total police force posted in the districts should be deployed in Police Stations to increase the manpower. 

          He also directed all the Station House Officers (SHOs) to be more accessible to the common public and build a connection with them to ensure citizen-friendly policing, while ensuring that any anti-social element should not be spared at any cost. He also asked SHOs to open history sheets of bad character in their jurisdiction and should personally investigate heinous crimes.

          The DGP has also ordered all the CPs/SSPs to work in coordination with special units to eliminate gangster culture and drugs from the state. He also directed District Police Chiefs to hold monthly crime review meetings at district level and hold orderly rooms to listen to the grievances of the Police Personnel. He also asked them to install maximum CCTV cameras for surveillance in public areas such as Markets, Religious Places, private property etc.

IEP Chandigarh: 25 February, 2023

“As CM Bhagwant Mann aspires to make Punjab a prosperous state in all aspects and make it ‘Rangla Punjab ‘ , Punjab’s rich cultural heritage also needs to be protected and promoted” said Chetan Singh Jauramajra while attending a cultural program as Chief guest at Punjab Kala Bhavan, Sector-16, Chandigarh.

The event ‘Bol Punjab De-2023’ was organised by Punjab Secretariat Cultural Society (Reg.) in collaboration with North Zone Cultural Center Patiala  and was dedicated to the memory of Mr. Jagdish Singh Jaggi, Bhang, stage and film artist.

The program was presided by Dr. Amarpal Singh, IAS. While Salinder Kaur, Director Horticulture joined as special guest. On this occasion, Malwai Giddha was presented by the employees of Punjab Secretariat. Jaspreet Randhawa, Kulwant Singh, Ravinder Singh, Sarabjit Singh and others have done a great job in this Malwai Gidha.

A short play written and directed by Rupinder Pal Rupi “File Di Kasam” portrayed the relationship between an officer and a subordinate. In this short play Rupinder Pal Rupi, Kamal Sarma,  Sukhjit Kor Sukhi, Devinder Jugni, Sarabjit Singh, Gurinder Singh, Sarita Sarma, Amandeep Kaur and Jagdeep Singh received applause for their humorous performances. Sandeep Kamboj, Lakhwinder Lakhi,  Kanchan Bhalla,  Gagandeep Singh, Navdeep Singh, Sarita Sharma enthralled the audience with their singing talent.

Towards the end, it was the turn of Glory Bawa, the daughter of Padma Bhushan Gurmeet Bawa. She brought the program to a climax by singing Mirja, Jugni and many other folk songs. At the end of this program, society president Rupinder Pal Rupi and former president Daljit Singh and Davinder Singh Jugny & Balbir Singh thanked the audience and guests for their time.