IEP Ludhiana, February 20

Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to clean Buddha Nullah in Ludhiana, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday dedicated STP and other projects Worth Rs 315.50 crore  for cleaning and rejuvenation of Buddha Nullah.

The Chief Minister, while addressing the gathering during dedication of Punjab’s biggest STP here, expressed deep concern over the polluted Buddha Nullah adding that this was the result of the callousness of successive governments of the state. Bhagwant Mann said that he had been raising this issue as MP too because the polluted water from Nullah mixes with Satluj river and causes havoc in other parts of state too. He said that the villages in Jalalabad (Fazilka) were worst affected by it but the former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, who represented Jalalabad never did anything to solve this problem resulting in miseries for the people.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister envisioned that the newly constructed STP with capacity of 225 MLD will be instrumental in the cleaning of the Buddha Nullah in the city. He said that this will act as a catalyst in checking the water pollution in this nullah which was flowing in the heart of the city. Bhagwant Mann said that 14 kilometre of this nullah crosses from within the city adding that a detailed project has been chalked out for the cleaning of this nullah.

The Chief Minister said that as per this detailed project has been chalked out at a cost of Rs 650 crore under AMRUT and Smart City scheme. He said that as per the funding pattern the state government is spending Rs 392 crore on this project whereas the Union government is giving a matching grant of Rs 258 crore. Bhagwant Mann said that today projects worth Rs 315.50 crore including STP with 225 MLD capacity and others have been dedicated to the people.          

The Chief Minister further said that corruption was the enemy of Punjab and its people adding that his government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against the corrupt elements in the state. He said that his government has started a crusade against corruption due to which the leaders of corrupt parties are hatching conspiracies against him. Bhagwant Mann said that baffled by this drive, the corrupt leaders are stooping too low by passing derogatory personal comments against him but this will not deter him from wiping out corruption from the state.

The Chief Minister reiterated that anyone who had plundered the money of Punjab and its people will be made accountable for his sins against the state. He said that the corrupt elements will be put behind the bars and will not be spared at any cost. Bhagwant Mann solicited fulsome support and cooperation from the people in the tirade of the state government against the corruption.

Talking about the ‘Sarkar Aapke Dwaar’ scheme, the Chief Minister said that it is aimed at ensuring that the officers especially the Deputy Commissioners and Additional Deputy Commissioners maximize their field visits, especially in villages, and interact with the people by going to villages. He said that it is the need of the hour to facilitate the people in getting their day-to-day works done easily besides ensuring good governance to them. Bhagwant Mann said that this will help in better functioning of the offices along with better acquaintance with the ground realities.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has fulfilled the guarantee of giving 300 units of free electricity per month from July 1. He said that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that 87% of the households in the state have zero electricity bills in the months of November-December, 2022. Bhagwant Mann said that he hails from a common family and knows well what are the problems being faced by them.

The Chief Minister unequivocally said that the state has not even a single drop of surplus water to share with any other state. He said that there is no question of initiating the work on SYL as it is not in the interest of the state and its people. Bhagwant Mann reiterated the firm commitment of his government to safeguard the interests of the state at all costs.

The Chief Minister also assailed the traditional parties of the state for working against the interests of the state. He said that these parties connived with the toll and sand mafia to extend largesse to them by backstabbing the people of state. However, Bhagwant Mann said that his government has shut the toll plazas who’s term has expired adding that 33 public mines have been dedicated to people for ensuring cheap availability of sand to people.

IEP Chandigarh, February 20

          Punjab Water Resources Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer on Monday handed over appointment letters to newly selected 15 JEs and 14 clerks in Punjab Water Resources Management and Development Corporation (PWRMDC) at Punjab Bhavan, Chandigarh.

          Congratulating the newly appointed employees, the Water Resources Minister said that the State Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is giving employment to the youth on priority basis.

          The State Government has given appointment letters to 27000 youths in a span of just 11 months. Even in the coming time, the government will create employment opportunities for the youth by establishing new projects by creating an investment-friendly environment in the state, said the Minister.

          Meet Hayer also said that the Punjab Government, lending a helping hand to the corporation neglected for a long time, has made new recruitments besides giving promotions. Apart from this, Rs. 220 crore worth projects of tube wells and hollows are being started across the state.

          The Minister asked the youth who got the appointment letters to perform their services in the public interest with diligence and honesty. He said that the water resources department is directly connected with the farmers, that’s why the newly appointed employees can contribute to the welfare of farmers by rendering their best services.

          Prominent among others who were present at the occasion included PWRMDC Chairman Ranjit Singh Cheema, Water Resources Principal Secretary Krishan Kumar, PWRMDC Managing Director Dr. Harinder Pal Singh Bedi and other officials.

IEP Chandigarh, February 19

Deputy Chief Minister of Haryana, Sh. Dushyant Chautala said that Savitri Bai Phule ignited the flame of women’s education at a time when no importance was given to it. Her efforts started a revolution in the education of women across the country. We all should take a vow to follow the path as shown by Mata Savitri Bai Phule.

The Deputy Chief Minister was speaking during the state level birth anniversary celebrations of Mata Savitri Bai Phule in Kaithal on Sunday as the Chief Guest. On this occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister announced Rs. 21 lakh for the hall to be built in the name of Mata Savitri Bhai Phule. After passing the resolution by the city councillors, It was also considered renaming a city chowk Mata Savitri Bai Phule’s honour.

Sh. Dushyant Chautala said that at present women are achieving a high position in every field. Taking steps towards women empowerment, the state government has made arrangements to provide 50 percent reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions. Women should come forward and act themselves after becoming public representatives and protect their rights. e-libraries are being established to increase more opportunities for education in rural areas. Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has also decided to roll out this ambitious scheme across the country. He said that the Sati system and other societal evils were widespread in ancient times. Savitri Bai Phule and other great souls have fought to eradicate these ills. As a result of the struggle of Mata Savitri Bai Phule, women have got opportunities for education.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that the political participation of women is also increasing day by day in the state of Haryana. Haryana has made a distinct identity in sports and education. Women like Kalpana Chawla and Sakshi Malik have brought laurels to the state at the international level. He continued by saying that Haryanvi culture must be preserved and that we must all work to convey the next generation about our great culture and tradition.

IEP CHANDIGARH, February 19

          Amidst the ongoing drive against drugs and anti-social elements launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab Police on Sunday carried out a special operation ‘OPs Seal’ aimed at checking of all the vehicles entering the border state of Punjab. The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav.

           Well-coordinated strong nakas involving 1600 Police Personnel, were set-up under the supervision of Inspectors/DSPs at all the 131 entry/exit points of 10 districts, which share boundaries with Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Haryana. The 10 inter-state border districts include Pathankot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, Ropar, SAS Nagar, Patiala, Sangrur, Mansa, Hoshiarpur, and Bathinda.

          The operation was conducted in a synchronised manner from 8am to 2pm and all the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSPs) were asked to mobilise a maximum number of officers and manpower for this operation to lay strong ‘nakas’ at sealing points under the supervision of Gazetted officers/SHOs.

          Giving details, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that the objective of this operation was to keep check on illegal drug trafficking and illicit liquor smuggling, besides, movement of gangsters and anti social elements.

          He said that during an operation, a thorough search of suspected vehicles/persons was ensured while ensuring minimum inconvenience was caused to the general public. “We had strictly instructed all the Police Personnel to deal with every commuter in a friendly and polite manner while checking their vehicle during the course of this operation,” he added.

          The ADGP said that as many as 6378 vehicles entering the state were checked, of which 366 were challaned and 32 were impounded. The Police have also registered 33 first information reports (FIRs) and arrested three proclaimed offenders.

          Apart from this, the Police teams have recovered 70kg poppy husk, 1kg charas, 110grams heroin and ₹1 lakh drug money.

          Meanwhile, such operations help in showing the police presence in the field, besides, infusing fear among anti-social elements and instilling a sense of security among common people.

IEP Chandigarh, February 19:     

      The Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is making every possible effort to provide basic facilities, clean and pollution free environment to the people of the state. Under this series,  development works are being conducted continuously across the state.           Giving more information in this regard, Local Government Minister, Dr.Inderbir Singh Nijjar said that the Punjab government has decided to spend approximately Rs 11.46 crore on development works to beautify the city in connection with G-20.           Cabinet Minister, Dr Nijjar said that approximately Rs 4.97 crore will be spent for replacement and installation of Street lights in Amritsar city. It will also include operation and maintenance of street lights for a period of 5 years, he said.           He further said that Rs 6.49 cr will be spent for widening of Dhapai Road at Amritsar city from railway crossing to Gande Nallah and from Kot Khalsa to Bohri Sahib road by providing/laying interlocking tiles. Similarly, interlocking tiles will also be provided/Laying of various streets of Ward No. 28,69,74 and 83, beautification of parks and others development works will be done.           Minister said that the office process for these works has already been started by the local government department. He said that the Local Government Department has uploaded the e-tenders for these works on the Punjab Government website www.eproc.punjab.gov.in. If any kind of amendment is required in these tenders then all the information will be made available on this website.           He said that the main objective of the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is to provide basic facilities, clean and pollution free environment to the people of the state.           He has instructed the officials to ensure quality and transparency in the work of the department. 

IEP Chandigarh, February 19

          Punjab Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, has sought the support of Punjabis to make the state ‘Rangla Punjab’. He has appealed to all the Punjabis who have illegally occupied the panchayati lands should come forward to leave the land so that Punjab can be put on progressive path.

          Mr. Dhaliwal said that on the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, a campaign was successfully launched by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats during the year 2022 to get rid of illegal encroachments and demarcation of Panchayat Lands in the villages. He informed that illegal possession has been razed from more than 9389 acres of Panchayat Land during this campaign. He said that the state government is committed to the welfare of Punjab and the people of Punjab and strenuous efforts are going on to put the state on high growth trajectory.

          The Cabinet Minister said that all the old records related to Shamlat Lands were being examined thoroughly with the arduous efforts of the Shamlat Cell and examination already been accomplished of 153 blocks so far. He said that the department has identified such type of 1,39,818 acres of land, which will be used for the welfare of the people in future.

          Mr. Dhaliwal said that a total of 6206 acres of land under Patiala division has been freed from illegal possessions and handed over to concerned Panchayats for proper usage by December 2022. He said that illegal encroachment from 1100 acres land of Patiala, 808 acres of Ludhiana, 464 acres of Fatehgarh Sahib, 194 acres of Sangrur, 3469 acres of SAS Nagar, 154 acres of Rupnagar, 8 acres of Barnala and 9 acres land of Malerkotla have been razed with the help of law enforcement agencies.

          The Cabinet Minister further said that a total of 507 acres of land under Ferozepur division has been freed from encroachments. He further added that illegal possession razed from 128 acres land of district Ferozepur, 187 acres of Fazilka, 27 acres of Sri Muktsar Sahib, 13 acres of Mansa, 49 acres of Bathinda, 26 acres of Moga and 77 acres of Faridkot. Similarly, illegal possession has been removed from a total of 2676 acres of land falls under Jalandhar division. “609 acres of Gurdaspur, 602 acres of Kapurthala, 264 acres of Amritsar, 239 acres of Jalandhar, 308 acres of Hoshiarpur, 126 acres of Tarn Taran, 228 acres of SBS Nagar and 300 acres land of Pathankot have been freed from illegal occupants,” he added.

IEP Chandigarh, February 19:   

       Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhawan, on Sunday, said that an important meeting will be held in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on February 21 to discuss the public interest issue of selling medicines on exorbitant rates, which is leading to public loot. The meeting would be attended by the cabinet ministers, MLAs, health experts and representatives of various NGOs.          As part of the series of discussions pertaining to various Public issues, the Speaker said, this discussion will be held on this burning issue because it is a common belief that due to selling of medicines on high prices, people are being robbed and medicines are going beyond the reach of the poor, so finding a solution to this problem of public interest, is the need of the hour.          He said that this meeting would enable MLAs, who work as a link between the public and the government, to have a meaningful debate in the assembly on this burning issue of public interest so that suitable steps for its proper solution could be taken. Apart from cabinet ministers and MLAs, health experts and representatives of various social organizations will attend the meeting. 

IEP Chandigarh, February 15

Anup Gupta, Mayor, Chandigarh today visited all the branches of Municipal Corporation Chandigarh including Property Tax Branch, Parking branch, Estate Branch, Vendor Cell, Colony branch, Booking branch, Fire branch, Pension branch, drying branch, establishment branches etc.

He was accompanied by Joint Commissioners Sh. Gurinder Sodhi and Sh. Pavitar Singh. The Mayor took stock of office work at branches and asked the officials to clear public dealing works at the earliest. He said that to provide better services to the citizens of Chandigarh is our prime duty and all the officials of public dealing branches must dispose off their responsibilities towards the public.

IEP Chandigarh, February 15

The 51^st Rose Festival shall open to a majestic opening on February 17^th February amidst blooming roses in Rose Garden Sector 16, Chandigarh. For the 51^st edition of the three day mega event, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has teamed up for making all out preparations to adorn the beautiful Rose Garden, in order to host the annual event and make it a big one festival in the city and therefore three days high entertainment Light and Sound shows are being arranged for the first time in City beautiful from 17^th to 19^th February from 7.00 pm onwards for Public and visitors during this weekend.

While sharing the details of the 51^st edition of Rose Festival, Sh. Anup Gupta, Mayor, Chandigarh said that the Rose Festival in Chandigarh will commence from 17^th February and will continue consecutively for three days upto 19^th February, 2023.

The Mayor said that the most awaited Rose Festival will get a colourful boost on 17^th February, Friday, wherein the Governor, Punjab and Administrator, UT, Chandigarh, Sh. Banwarilal Purohit will inaugurate the festival at the Zakir Rose Garden amidst immense enthusiasm. The lively ceremony will commence with the beating of drums, playing of bands, folk dance performances displayed by different states, showcasing of regional art forms and flower arrangements.

He said that the event will be inaugurated on this Friday, amidst beautiful flower decoration at Rose Garden with thousands of visitors thronging to be a part of this festivity. Since, Rose Festival is an event dipped in entertainment and topped up with glamour quotient, thereby three special cultural evenings will be organized on all three days besides Light & Sound show on the theme of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

He said that this time all the competitions will be organized as previous years after 3 years during which the competitions were not arranged due to COVID guidelines. Regular entertaining events by prominent artists from different parts of the country on each day, the colourful festival is bound to take people to an enviable world of excitement and thrill never seen before in Chandigarh.

The programme schedule on all the three days will be as under:

Programmes Schedule for 17^th February (Friday)

9.00 a.m. to 10.00 am Yoga & Meditation class at Main stage

11.00 a.m. Inauguration of Rose Festival by the Chief Guest.

11.10 a.m. Brass & Pipe Band Show

11.20 a.m. Flower Arrangements & Flower Hat Show

12.30 a.m. Folk Dance Competition

3.00 p.m. Ragni & Fag, Artists from Haryana

3.30 p.m. Kalbelia Dance Ghoomar & Bhavai Dance by renowned artists of Rajasthan

4.00 p.m. Rajasthani Dance performance

4.30 p.m. Kachi Ghodi (Live performance from renowned artists from New Delhi)

5.30 p.m. Bollywood Artists (Duplicate) From Mumbai:

1.      Anil Kapoor

2.      Shah-Rukh Khan

3.      Mallika Sherawat

7.00 p.m. Light & Sound Show

Programmes Schedule for 18^th February (Saturday)

9.00 a.m. to 10.00 am Yoga & Meditation class at Main stage

9.00 a.m. Rose Prince and Rose Princess Competition (Different Stage)

10.00 a.m. Photography Competition

10.35 a.m. Traditional Folk Dance (Punjabi Bhangra and Nagada)

11.00 a.m. Ghumar Dance by renowned artists of Haryana

11.10 a.m. Fag and Dhamaal by renowned artists of Haryana

11.20 a.m. Puppet Show by renowned artists from New Delhi

11.30 a.m. Rose King & Rose Queen (Senior Citizen)

3.00 p.m. Mr. Rose & Miss Rose Competition

4.00 p.m. Ghoomar Dance performance

4.30 p.m. Musical Evening by Artists from Bengali

5.00 p.m. Musical Performance by Punjabi Artists

7.00 p.m. Light & Sound Show

Programmes Schedule for 19^thFebruary (Sunday)

9.00 a.m. to 10.00 am Yoga & Meditation class at Main stage

10.00 a.m. Morning Raga, Classical performance by Swar Ragini Mestro Pt. Subhash Ghosh

11.30 a.m. Antakshari Competition

3.00 p.m. Closing Ceremony & Prize Distribution

4.00 p.m. Magic Show by Renowned Magician

5.00 p.m. Kalbelia, Ghoomar Fag and Dhamal Dance performances

6.00 p.m. Traditional Folk Dance ‘Devrath’ Folk Dance and Bhangra

7.00 p.m. Light & Sound Show

In addition, various Stage and Ground performances will be showcased by famous artists all days from 17^th to 19^th February, 2023.

Keeping in view the comfort of people, food stalls will be arranged in the Rose Garden this time.

·         Lucky draw with 300 attractive prizes for citizens submitting feedback on Swachh Survekshan 2023.

·         Tag social media accounts of Municipal Corporation Chandigarh in your selfie with the “I Love Chandigarh Sign” and “Swachhata Express” Selfie and win exclusive Swachh Survekshan Merchandise.

IEP Chandigarh, February 15     

     The Punjab government led by Chief Minister Punjab Bhagwant Mann is continuously striving to provide basic facilities, clean and pollution free environment to the people of the state. Taking a step forward in this direction, Local Government Minister Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar said that Punjab Government has decided to spend approximately Rs 10.87 Crore for cleaning of sewerage, manholes through suction machines and operation & maintenance of sewerage treatment plants and main pumping stations at jalandhar.          Giving more information in this regard, Local Government Minister, Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar said that approximately Rs 3.92 Crore will be spent for operation and Maintenance of 25 MLD Sewerage Treatment Plants (SBR technology) and main pumping stations at Jaitewali, Jalandhar.          Similarly, he said that approximatley Rs 2.66 crore will be spent on operation and maintenance of 10 MLD Sewerage Treatment Plant (SBR Technology) and main pumping station at Bambianwali, Jalandhar.          Cabinet Minister further said that approximately Rs. 4.29 crore will also be spent on cleaning the sewerage lines and manholes of different zones in Jalandhar through suction machines.          He said that the local government department has already started the office process in this regard. Local government department has uploaded the e-tender for these works on the Punjab government website www.eproc.punjab.gov.in. If there is a need to make any kind of amendment in these tenders, then all the information will be made available on the same website.          Minister said that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is giving top priority to provide basic facilities, clean and pollution free environment to the people of the state.          He has directed the official of Department to make ensure transparency and quality of works.