IEP Chandigarh February 25

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its anti-corruption campaign on Saturday, nabbed an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Balwinder Singh, posted in police station, Sandour in Malerkotla district for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the VB said the above said police official has been arrested on the complainant of Mohammad Sadiqe, resident of Noor Basti, Malerkotla city.

Giving details he added that the complainant has approached the VB and alleged that the above said police official has demanded Rs 10,000 as a bribe to cancel a police case already registered against him and his family members in the police station.

The spokesperson informed that a VB team from economic offences wing of Ludhiana range has laid a trap and the accused police official has been arrested on the spot while taking a bribe of Rs 10,000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused ASI at VB police station Ludhiana. Further investigation in this case was under progress.

IEP Chandigarh, February 23    

      Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, has registered a criminal case against three contractors and three firms after finding fraud in allotment of tenders for transportation of food grains, clubbing of clusters for transportation and labor tenders in various grain markets of Sangrur district. Further investigation in this case was under progress.          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the VB said this case has been registered against contractor Paramveer Singh resident of Dhanula, district Barnala, contractor Jaswant Rai, resident of village Malewal, district SBS Nagar, contractor Rajiv Kumar Jaiton, M/s: Zimmidara Transport Company Khanna, M/s: Zaildar Contractors, M/s: Jagroop Singh & Sandeep Kumar Malerkotla.          Giving details, he added that during the investigations it was found that at the time of allotting tenders for food grain’s transportation, the above said accused during the year 2019-20 in conniving with each other and decreased the number of clusters for transportation besides cartage, and labour tenders. Earlier to this, there were about 58 clusters for transportation, 50 clusters for cartage and about 180 clusters for labor work due to which small contractors were used to participate in the tender process. Due to the competition among the contractors, tenders having lower rates were allotted but in the year 2020-21, the said clusters were made very big without any valid reason so that as per the new policy, small contractors couldn’t fulfill the high turnover condition and participate in the tenders.          He further informed that in connivance with officials/employees of the department, the said accused had made 39 clusters for transportation, 21 clusters for cartage, 8 clusters for labour and cartage and 21 clusters of labour separately.          The spokesperson added that after obtaining the list of vehicles registered in the gate passes from the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Sangrur, it was found that there were many vehicles having registration numbers of scooters/motorcycles/cars etc., while the transportation work could not be done through such vehicles.          He informed that during the probe, it was found that government money has been embezzled by these accused on the basis of fake gate passes. In this regard, FIR No. 06 dated 22/02/2023 under sections 409, 420, 467, 468, 471, 120-B of the IPC and Ssections 13(1)(a), 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. has been registered in Vigilance Bureau Patiala police station.

IEP SAS Nagar/Chandigarh, February 23

 Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, on Thursday, said that the state would soon emerge as leader in industrial growth with the efforts of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The cabinet minister was presiding over brain storming, ‘Punjab Exports & Brands’, session in the 5th Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2023 here at Indian School of Business (ISB) campus at SAS Nagar. Cabinet minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that as the people of Punjab have chosen new government, CM Bhagwant Mann has introduced new industrial policy and new logistics policy apart from other pro-people initiatives for the holistic development of the state. He added that CM Bhagwant Mann has also personally been visiting India and abroad to attract the investors to invest in Punjab. Mr. Cheema said that Punjab is also synonymous as the ‘Food Bowl of India’ due to the high yield of agricultural products like wheat and rice, bagging the top spot nationwide for both these items. He added that to save the depleting groundwater, power and to trim down the agricultural input costs, their government has decided to promote Basmati cultivation on larger level as CM Bhagwant Mann would soon introduce new policy for cultivation and export of the Basmati. He said that as Punjab is the largest exporter state of Basmati, their government has also decided to set up specialised research centre on Basmati at Tarn Taran which would have seed research facilities and grain testing labs. The minister said that Green revolution was first introduced in Punjab and now, Mann government has decided to bring industrial revolution as road and rail connectivity with National capital and other neighbouring states have been improved. He added that their government will achieve success in every sector and support of all sections of the society is the only requirement to keep the state on the right track. Earlier, IAS Abhinav Trikha also presented a PPT on the export statistics of Punjab and highlighted the efforts of Punjab Government to promote exports. Priyanka Sharma, Partner, KPMG, Madan M. Pillutla Dean, ISB Mohali, Captain Ashwani Nayar Deputy CEO, Hind Terminals Pvt. Ltd., Sandeep Jain Executive Director Monte Carlo Fashions Ltd, Ashok Sethi, Director,Rice Millers & Exporters Association Punjab, Rajesh Kharbanda, MD Nivia Sports also presented their views during the session.

IEP SAS Nagar (Mohali), February 23

Giving thumbs up to the industrial friendly policies of the state government, the leading industrial captains from across the country hailed the path breaking initiatives taken by the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

In his address Chairman Medanta Group Dr Naresh Trehan said that since Punjab is a developing economy so there is a lot of potential in the state. He said that his roots go deep in Punjab and with the active support of state government they are exploring opportunity to invest in health sector of state. Dr Trehan said that despite being food bowl of country state is witnessing lot of transformation in industrial sector adding he said that Chief Minister is symbol of hope of new Punjab.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman & MD, ITC group Sanjiv Puri hailed the industrial conducive environment prevailing in state due to strenuous efforts of the Chief Minister.  He also lauded the close working environment developed in Punjab between the government and the people. Sanjiv Puri said that Punjab is best place to investment due to efforts of state government and vision of Chief Minister to transform the state.

In her address, Executive Chairperson, Godrej Consumers Products Ltd Nisaba Godrej said that it is heartening to learn about the steps being taken by state government promote investment. She also lauded the professional and industrial friendly approach of the Chief Minister to transform the state. Godrej also appreciated state government for setting up schools of eminence to impart quality education to students.

Addressing the gathering Vice Chairman, Bharti Group Rakesh Bharti Mittal said that the state has high hopes from the Chief Minister and his government. He said that this is land of enterprise, hard working and dedicated people. Rakesh Bharti Mittal said that increase in GSDP as compared to last year speaks volumes of transformation of Punjab adding he also congratulated the Chief Minister for working for betterment of state in a mission mode with pure intentions.

Addressing the gathering MD, Murugappa Group Arun Murugappan said that Punjab is on threshold of transition due to its top class infrastructure coupled with conducive government policies. He also lauded the single window system being offered by the state government for clearances. Arun Murugappan also appreciated the state government for launching comprehensive electric vehicle policy.

During his address President, Cargill India Simon George  said that experience in working in state is unmatched. He said that the group will double its investment in coming two years due to industrial friendly policies of the state. George also hailed the Chief Minister for taking several path breaking initiatives.

In his address Chairman & MD, RJ Corp Ravikant Jaipuria thanked the state government for fulsome support and cooperation for their projects. He said that now Punjab is ready for big leap in industrial sector due to the policies of the state government. Ravikant Jaipuria exhorted industrialists to invest in the state in a big way.

In his address Executive Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Rajesh Jejurikar, said that Punjab is blessed land with hard working and dedicated people besides having perfect environment for industrialist growth adding that their group has already invested a lot in the state. He also lauded the vision of Chief Minister in transforming the state into an industrial hub adding he also lauded the facilities offered by state like single window clearances. Rajesh said that they owe success to people of state and the government adding that he is thankful to the industrial friendly and forward thinking policies of state government for providing such a great opportunity.

Addressing the gathering Board of Director HMEL, Prabh Dass said that Punjab is fortunate to have Chief Minister who is committed to progress of state and prosperity of its people. He said that the state government has taken several initiatives to facilitate the investors which is a laudable step. Prabh Dass said that the support of people and Punjab government has encouraged them to invest more in Punjab.

Chairman CII, Anshuman Magazine 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. He said that Punjab has huge potential in industrial adding that such summits will accelerate economic growth of state.

IEP SAS Nagar (Mohali), February 23

Rolling a red carpet for the Bussiness tycoons to join family of three crore Punjabis, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann gave a clarion call to them for becoming partners of the socio economic growth in the state.

The Chief Minister, while addressing the Bussiness tycoons here during the inaugural session of the fifth Progressive Punjab Investors Summit, welcomed them to land of saints, seers and martyrs adding that he was elated to have eminent personalities amongst us today. He said that Punjab is most favourable investment destination across the country and no stone will be left unturned to facilitate them. Bhagwant Mann envisioned a strong association between the state government and industrialists to make Punjab an industrial hub in the country.

The Chief Minister said that in order to facilitate the investors for making investments in the state, his government will soon abolish the Change of Land Use (CLU) and NOC that had haunted the industries in earlier times. Welcoming key industrialists m, he said that merely within one year of assuming responsibility as a CM, his first and foremost task has been to get a first-hand knowledge of the problems, of the complexities faced by the people. Bhagwant Mann said that his government’s vision and ambition is to continue to evolve to keep pace with changing expectations and new challenges.

The Chief Minister while striking emotional chord with entrepreneurs said that they are source of opportunities that the youth of Punjab and India wants to avail. He said that no matter if we are working in the public, private or non-profit sectors, each of us has a role to fulfill if we are to achieve our hopes and fulfill our aspirations and responsibilities to our country, our society, our families and to ourselves. Bhagwant Mann Summit is not about MOUs but about knowledge sharing, about brainstorming, about learning from each other.

The Chief Minister asserted that they have chosen a path to make the future of the country bright by accelerating economic growth in stage. Bhagwant Mann said that he has seen that aspiring young generation of Punjab wants to do something big in life. He said that his government is fully convinced that God has bestowed him this opportunity to lead Punjab for bringing qualitative changes in the lives of people.

The Chief Minister said that he can’t discharge this responsibility without active support and collaboration of the people. Bhagwant Mann said that he has a committed team which wants to stimulate healthy economic growth with support of people. He said that his government has introduced several policies and initiatives to support businesses and investors.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that new Industrial and Business Development Policy 2022 unveiled today will accelerate the desired economic growth. Bhagwant Mann said that policy aims to attract huge investment and generate  maximum employment in the coming five years. He said that policy provides competitive incentives to all segments of investments including expansions and new MSMEs, Large Units, Export Promotion, Start-Ups of service and manufacturing both.

The Chief Minister envisioned that this policy will provide a roadmap for infrastructure development, such as industrial parks, airports, and ports, which will further facilitate the movement of goods and people and enhance the state’s connectivity to global markets. Bhagwant Mann said that the state Government is developing Integrated Industrial Township adding that it taken a major decision to build 20 Rural Industrial Clusters and 15 industrial parks. Bhagwant Mann further said that in a major step towards sustainability, Punjab’s EV Policy was also unveiled today.

The Chief Minister said that the state is now on a threshold of transition to a new culture of innovation and technology driven enterprise. Bhagwant Mann said that the youth of state are making new innovations and we need to support them. Bhagwant Mann said that Best Class infrastructure, excellent connectivity, premium educational institutes coupled with conducive government policies add to the strength of the State

IEP Chandigarh February 23

          The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its anti-corruption campaign on Thursday, nabbed an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Baldev Raj, Incharge police post Dialgarh, in Batala police district for taking a bribe of Rs 5,000.

          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the VB said the above said police official has been arrested on the complainant of Gurpreet Kaur, resident of Mehta, Gurdaspur district.

          Giving details he added that the complainant lady has approached the VB and alleged that the above said police official has demanded Rs 10,000 as a bribe to record witness statement in her favour in the court as a police case had already lodged against her.

          The spokesperson informed that a VB team has laid a trap and the accused police official has been arrested on the spot while taking a bribe of Rs 5,000 as a first instalment from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.

          In this regard a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused ASI at VB police station Amritsar. Further investigation in this case was under progress.

IEP Chandigarh, February 23

          Aiming to curb the menace of corruption in the state, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Thursday nabbed a Kanugo Vijay Pal, posted in revenue block Jamalpura, Malerkotla district red handed for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. 50,000.

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of VB said the above said Kanugo, a resident of village Bharthala Mander, in Malerkotla was arrested on the complaint of Karamjit Singh, of village Bhaini Kalan, tehsil Amargarh, Malerkotla.

          Giving more details he informed that the complainant has approached the VB and alleged that the above said Kanugo has been demanding a bribe of Rs. 2 lakh for clearing a file pertaining to award of compensation of his land acquired for construction of National Expressway.

          After verifying this complaint, a VB team from economic offences wing of Ludhiana range laid a trap and the accused Kanugo has been arrested on the spot accepting a bribe of Rs. 50,000 as first instalment and tainted money was recovered from him in the presence of two official witnesses.

          He informed that a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused revenue official at VB police Ludhiana and further investigation was under progress.

IEP SAS Nagar (Mohali), February 23

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday kicked off the Fifth edition of progressive Punjab summit by inaugurating a hi-tech exhibition here at the Indian school of Business.

In the exhibition a number of leading companies from across the globe had showcased their products. The Chief Minister went to each stall and had detailed information about the products of the various companies. Bhagwant Mann said that this a historic moment as the leading companies of the world is presenting their achievements.

The Chief Minister said that these companies have already proved their mettle across the globe in this field. He said that Punjab welcomes these entrepreneurs on the occasion and hope that with their cooperation state will soon give major push to industrial growth. Bhagwant Mann assured fulsome support and cooperation to all the industrialists for their every venture.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that the day is not far when state will soon emerge as industrial hub of the country.  Meanwhile, he also thanked leading companies including HMEL Bathinda, ITC, Palaksha University, ESR Lopistics Pvt. Ltd., Hindustan Unilever Limited, International Tractors limited, Tynor Orthotics Pvt. Ltd, Savi Exports, Sanathan Polyoot Private Limited, Trident Group, UK High Commissioner Office, Hartek Power, Masters Creation, Gilard Electronics Pvt. Ltd, Avon Cycles Ltd, M/s Raja Fat & Feeds Pvt. Ltd, IIT Ropar,, Technology Business Incubation Foundation, Nanokriti Pvt. Ltd, Edith Healthcare, Dakters Software Startup Punjab, M/s Black Eye Technologies Pvt. Ltd, Agnext

B.G. INnovatech, Holokitab Technologies, Vishwaaz AI Pvt. LTD, Breww Therapeutics Private Limited, Kielde Private Limited, Cyberhawks Intelligence Services, LLP Lowcal Ventures Pvt. Ltd, NIRVIGHNA SERVICES PVT LTD, KCSAD LIGHTS (INDIA) PVT. LTD, JK Papers, Nestle India Ltd and others who have took part in the exhibition.

On the occasion various Cabinet Ministers, MLAs and senior officers of Punjab government were also present.

IEP Chandigarh, February 24

          Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Thursday took note against not allowing students to sit in ensuing exams of classes 5th, 8th, 10th and 12th by Punjab School Education Board due to some fee issues. These exams to be conducted for the said classss in February/March-2023.

The Education Minister has also written to the Punjab School Education Board’s Chairman to take immediate action to save the precious time of students in view of their future.

Pointing out further, the Minister said some of the students brought to his notice that they had already deposited their fee with the schools, which further not credited the same in the account of Board or deposited lesser than the actual fee. He said these students had expressed that there was not their fault anyway in this discrepancy.

The Education Minister said that it was a big lapse for which students should not to be suffered.

IEP CHANDIGARH, February 23

          To further strengthen the ongoing drive to make Punjab a drug-free and crime-free state as per the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Thursday, assured total support to DGP Himachal Pradesh Sanjay Kundu to combat organised inter-state crime including smuggling of drugs and illicit liquor via Punjab-Himachal Pradesh Border.

          Police Chiefs of both the states were holding a coordination meeting at Punjab Police Headquarters to ensure better synergy and coordination between the two Police Forces.

          Giving a call for total synergy and teamwork between Punjab Police and Himachal Pradesh Police, DGP Gaurav Yadav said that both the Police forces should work as one team and activate the basic Policing and sharing real time information by the use of latest technology to keep the region safe and secure.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that Himachal Pradesh Police and Punjab Police will work together on joint operations at Punjab and Himachal Pradesh Border to keep vigil on gangsters and criminals, who have been operating in these states. It has also been decided to strengthen Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras at the entry/exit points at Border to prevent smuggling of drugs and illicit liquor, he added.

          He also proposed to organise frequent meetings between District Police Chiefs and SSPs of both the neighbouring states to discuss activities of the gangsters and criminal gangs operating in the region as so many of the issues and crime patterns are similar and inter-related.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that Punjab Police is committed to ensure better synergy between both the Police forces to make Punjab a crime-free state as per the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

          Meanwhile, DGP Himachal Pradesh Sanjay Kundu has assured fulsome support to the Punjab Police and said that it was decided to work in close coordination to give a “knock-out-punch” to the organised inter-State crime.