IEP Chandigarh, January 30

Following the directions of Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema to ensure zero tolerance against tax evasion, the GST wing of the Taxation Department, Punjab on Monday arrested 4 persons for GST fraud of Rs. 48 Crore from Jalandhar, in a major operation against tax evaders. The suspects allegedly were running fake firms related to the iron scrap and had obtained GST registrations only to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) fraudulently by issuing only invoices without the supply of actual goods.

          Revealing this in a press communiqué issued here, the official spokesperson of the Taxation department said that Pankaj Kumar alias Pankaj Anand for allegedly running firms named M/s PK Trading Co. M/s Gagan Trading Co., M/s Krrish Trading Co., M/s Balaji Trading Co., M/s Krrish Enterprises and M/s Pankaj Scrap Company, Ravinder Singh for allegedly running M/s Guru HarRai Trading Co., Gurvinder Singh for allegedly running M/s Shiv Shakti Enterprises, and Amirtpal Singh for allegedly running M/s North Vogue were arrested and were produced before the magistrate and sent to judicial custody. . He said that all the four accused are the residents of Jalandhar.

          Disclosing further, the spokesperson said that an initial investigation was conducted by the authorities on M/s PV Interior Decor, Jalandhar, which further led to the investigation of M/s Dasmesh Trading Co., Jalandhar, M/s Gur Har Rai Trading Co., Jalandhar, Krrish Trading Co., Jalandhar, M/s Shiv Shakti Enterprise, Jalandhar, M/s Balaji Trading Co., M/s Pankaj Scrap Co., Jalandhar, Gagan Trading Co. and M/s North Vogue Co., Jalandhar. “All these firms were involved in a nexus of fake non-functioning firms, which availed, utilized and passed the fraudulent ITC to actual beneficiaries”, he added.

          The spokesperson further added that these persons were only showing circular trading of iron and plastic scrap and in lieu of that they were issuing fake invoices and generating fake e-way bills on scooters, motorcycles, cars, vans, tractors and on fake vehicles having no records. He said that by creating bogus ITC, these persons were passing on the same bogus ITC to the other than end taxpayers who adjusted their tax payment liabilities with this bogus ITC rather than paying the same from their own and thus defrauding the state exchequer.

          The spokesperson said that this operation was held under the directions of Vikas Partap, Fianace Commissioner (Taxation) and Kamal Kishor Yadav, Commissioner Taxation, and was supervised by Ravneet Khurana, Additional Commissioner State Tax (Audit), and Viraj S. Tidke, Additional Commissioner State Tax-1(Investigation).

IEP Chandigarh, January 30

Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister Mr. Aman Arora on Monday handed over appointment letters to 19 Junior Engineers (Civil) at PUDA Bhawan, SAS Nagar (Mohali).

          While congratulating the newly recruited officials, he said that Chief Minister S Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has been making concerted efforts to provide employment opportunities to the youth of the state and over 26000 jobs in the government sector have been provided in just it’s 10 month regime.

          Mr Aman Arora implored JEs to work diligently and with full honesty, adding that transparent and corruption-free governance is the single point agenda of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann led state government. He wished them all the best for future.

          Highlighting the decision taken for welfare of government employees, the H&UD Minister said that the state government has constituted a five member committee headed by Chief Secretary to formulate the standard operating procedure (SOP) for implementing the old pension scheme (OPS) as Mann government is fully committed for welfare of employees.

          Principal Secretary Housing and Urban Development Mr Ajoy Kumar Sinha and Chief Administrator PUDA Ms Apneet Riyait were also present on the occasion.

IEP Chandigarh

A delegation of National Defence College(NDC), Ministry of Defence, GoI on a socio-political study tour to the State of Punjab, met Shri BanwarilalPurohit, Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT, Chandigarh, here today at Punjab Raj Bhavan.

The delegation was extended a warm welcome at Punjab Raj Bhavan. The Governor appreciated NDC’s rich tradition of training senior professionals from military and civil service background in the fields of strategic security.

He said that success of any nation depends on how effectively it can harness resources available at its disposal, foremost among which is human resource. The NDC, where senior officers from armed forces and from civil services are imparted knowledge, performs the task of development of human resources effectively. Their skills are honed to elevate them to effectively deal with national security issues.

The Governor said that the aim of the NDC course to teach “strategic, economic, scientific, political and industrial aspects of national defence” is extremely relevant.

Motivating the delegates, the Governor said that we are celebrating 75 years of Indian independence and have entered ‘AmritKaal’ of the centenary of our independence, which is a crucial phase for all of us. It is time to come together and build a nation which can be hailed as one of the developed nations of the world. For this, we need the efforts of officers like you to take all positive steps in this direction. I am sure the knowledge and understanding which you have gathered from the NDC will help you in this pursuit.

Wishing the delegates all the best, the Governor said that ‘I hope that you all will bring greater laurels to the National DefenceCollege and your country as seasoned professionals in your domains of expertise’.

IEP SAS Nagar, January 28

Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer on Saturday took serious notice of the poor quality food being served to the players during surprise check at the mess in the wing of the Punjab Institute of Sports (PIS) in the Phase 9 sports complex in Mohali.

The Sports Minister himself also ate the food and inspected the food preparation materials in the mess. He said that the food is not at all satisfactory and below the standard. He warned the mess workers present on the spot regarding the poor quality of food being served and the lack of nutritional food for the players. He immediately called the contractor on the spot and told him that such callosity is not at all tolerable. 

He said that the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will not compromise with the health and diet of the players. He made it clear to the contractor that if this happens again in the future, the contract will be cancelled. On the instructions of the Sports Minister, PIS issued a warning letter to the contractor. He categorically said that only quality edible products should be used and it should be ensured that nutritious food, which is mandatory for diet, is served to the players. The Sports Minister also instructed the officers to conduct such checking campaigns across the state and take strict action if any shortcoming is found in service of nutritious food. He said that if the player does not get a proper diet, then better results will never be achieved.

It is worth mentioning About 350 players of Hockey, Boxing, Wrestling, Judo, Weightlifting, Basketball and Gymnastics are taking training in this PIS sports wing.

The minister was accompanied by Director Sports Amit Talwar.

IEP CHANDIGARH, January 27

Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring today described as merely publicity stunt the opening of the Aam Aadmi clinics in Punjab saying, it was a classic case of old wine in new bottles as the government was only renaming the existing health facilities. 

Besides, the PCC president remarked, these clinics looked more like Aam Aadmi Party offices and extension counters than health centres.

Reacting to the opening of the clinics in Punjab, he pointed out, that the state government was only renaming the already existing facilities in the and naming these as “Aam Aadmi clinics” as its purpose was more to gain political mileage than provide healthcare to the people.

Warring said, in the mad race of getting the numbers of so called clinics jacked up, the AAP government had replaced the historic and religious names of various centres including the one in Amritsar which was named after one of the Panj Pyaras.

He asked as why these clinics were not named as “government clinics” and why as Aam Aadmi clinics with Chief Minister’s photograph.

Who is paying for it, the government or the AAP? he asked, while asserting that the names of these clinics must be changed. He also hinted at initiating legal course for the same. 

“First of all there was no need to open such clinics as Punjab already has a robust healthcare system which was proved by the fact that the government was only renaming the existing healthcare facilities and superimposing party name on them which is illegal”, he said, while adding, “it was only trying to propagate and publicise its party name”.

IEP Bathinda, January 26

The Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday said that with the strenuous efforts of the state government, the state will shine like the precious ‘Kohinoor’ gem during the current year by witnessing a holistic development in every arena.

Addressing the gathering here after unfurling the national tricolor during a function to mark Republic Day here at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sports Stadium, the Chief Minister gave a clarion call to people to extend fulsome support and cooperation to the state government. He urged the Punjabis residing across the globe to help the state government in restoring the pristine glory of the state.  Bhagwant Mann vowed to take Punjab to new heights adding that the state government is committed to carve out an egalitarian society which our great martyrs and national leaders had envisioned.

The Chief Minister also said that as a colony of British Empire our country had suffered a lot but the brave and determined heroes of our freedom struggle made enormous sacrifices to remove the shackles of foreign imperialism. He said that is on record that more than 90% of the great patriots who laid down their lives or were subjected to British tyranny in one form or other were Punjabis. Bhagwant Mann said that a string of gems like Baba Ram Singh, Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru, Shaheed Sukhdev, Lala Lajpat Rai, Shaheed Udham Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Diwan Singh Kalepani and many others, shed their blood to achieve an independent nation for us.

The Chief Minister asserted that even today Punjabis are at forefront to safeguard the borders of the country. He said that Punjabis led the nation from the front whenever India faced any challenge from internal or external aggression. It is a known fact that the hard working and resilient farmers of the state have played a crucial role in making the country self-reliant in food production, Bhagwant Mann added.

The Chief Minister bemoaned that even 75 years after Independence the dreams of our freedom fighters and great national heroes like Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh and Baba Sahib Dr BR Ambedkar remain unfulfilled. He said that people had high hopes from the successive governments that assumed power in the state through the decades after independence, but most served to dash these hopes because corruption, poverty, unemployment and many other ills are still deeply embedded in the state. Bhagwant Mann said that Aam Aadmi government which assumed the charge of office early this year has come like a breath of fresh air into Punjab as it is committed to fulfil the aspirations of people of the state.

The Chief Minister said that now the time has come when every Punjabi must come forward for making a ‘Rangla Punjab’. He said that Punjab is a blessed land and now the time has come to resurrect it for ushering a new era of progress and prosperity. Bhagwant Mann said that this will help in reversing the trend of brain drain by opening new vistas for youth within the state. 

The Chief Minister asserted that service of the state and its people is ultimate aim of his life. Bhagwant Mann said that god forbids if he ever indulges in favoritism to his family or relatives then it will be the day of his death warrant. He said that every breath is dedicated for the progress of state and prosperity of its people.  

The Chief Minister further said that after assuming the charge his government is making concerted efforts to restore the glory of state and cherish the aspirations of our great national leaders. He said that in mere first 10 months of its tenure the state government has fulfilled the major guarantees promised to people adding that top priority is being accorded to health, education and employment sectors. Bhagwant Mann said that so far 100 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been dedicated to the people and more than 400 more clinics are being opened on January 27 to provide quality health facilities to the people of Punjab.

The Chief Minister said that 16 new medical colleges are to being established across the state to emerge Punjab as a hub of medical education.  He said that fulfilling the promise of Corruption free governance, the state government has started Anti Corruption Helpline on March 23 on the occasion of Martyrdom Day of Shaheed Bhagat Singh. Similarly, Bhagwant Mann said that the guarantee of 300 units of free electricity per month has also been fulfilled since July 1 adding that 87% of the households in the state have zero electricity bill in the months of November-December, 2022.

The Chief Minister said that within the first few months of the formation of this government, more than 25,886 youths have been given appointment letters for government jobs and the entire recruitment has been done purely on the basis of merit and transparency. He said that it is for the first time that the process of filling 2100 posts in Punjab Police has been issued and it has been decided to fill 1800 posts of Constables and 300 Sub-inspectors every year in coming four years.  Bhagwant Mann said that state government is laying major thrust on putting the state on high growth trajectory of industrial development to open new vistas of employment for youth.

The Chief Minister said that due to massive efforts of Punjab government, entrepreneurs are showing enthusiasm for investment in the state and till yet investment worth Rs. 27,000 Crore has been firmed up in Punjab thereby creating 1.25 lakh jobs for youth. He said that 117 Schools of Eminence have been set up in 23 districts of the state to provide quality education to children.  Bhagwant Mann also announced that in a major decision the state government has decided to deliver the old age pension to the beneficiaries at their doorsteps.

Slamming the union government for deliberately excluding Punjab’s tableau from the Republic Day parade, the Chief Minister said that it reflects the myopic mindset of those in power at the centre. He said that celebration of any national day without showcasing the contribution of Punjab is unimaginable. Bhagwant Mann said that this discrimination with Punjab is totally unwarranted and undesirable.

IEP Chandigarh

Punjab Engineering College(Deemed to be University) Chandigarh joined the nation in celebrating the 74th Republic Day with grandeur, gaiety and enthusiasm. 

The event commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Prof. (Dr) Baldev Setia, Director of PEC, followed by the singing of the National Anthem at the PEC campus in the presence of the students, faculty, staff members and PEC residents. The event continued with a very synchronised parade by the National Cadet Corps that filled the air with patriotic spirits. 

Prof. Baldev Setia, Director of PEC, congratulated all the attendees on the 74th Republic Day Celebrations. While addressing the audience he recalled India’s long journey of Independence and the significance of the enactment of the Constitution of India. He also highlighted the importance of 26 January 1930, the first concrete step towards Purna Swaraj (Total Independence) for Indians. He expressed his gratitude towards all the freedom fighters who fought for India’s Independence and the architects of the Indian Constitution. While highlighting the importance of the Indian Constitution he motivated the audience to respectfully follow their duties towards the nation. 

The celebrations continued with cultural events and various clubs performed with all their heart. The students presented a documentary on PEC followed by excellent speeches by the students of the English and Hindi Editorial Board, Poetry recitation by the Punjabi Editorial Board and a Musical session by the Music Club and a staff member of PEC filled the aura of the auditorium with patriotism. The event continued with a skit by the Dramatics Club on the journey of Indian freedom fighters and was followed by energetic Dance performances by the students. The event concluded with a vote of thanks and the audience singing the National Anthem with a patriotic spirit. 

The celebrations ended with the distribution of tea, sweets and snacks to all the faculty members, students and staff.

IEP Chandigarh, January 25

The Punjab Vigilance  Bureau (VB), during its ongoing campaign against corruption, has arrested former Sarpanch Gurjit Singh and Panchayat Secretary Balraj Singh, of village Verowal Baviya, block Khadoor Sahib, Tarntaran district for misappropriation in panchayats funds.          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the VB said on the basis of a vigilance enquiry, a technical team of Bureau has conducted an investigation regarding embezzlement in development funds received by the gram panchayat Verowal Baviya, district Tarntaran from the year 2013 and 2017. It has came to light that during the above said check period, the gram panchayat had received total government funds amounting to Rs. 47,47,373 and Rs. 24,75,000 from contract farming on shamlat land of the village panchayat.          He further added that that during the assessment period, the said Panchayat had received total amount Rs. 72,22,373 and spent Rs. 63,62,522 which shows that ex-Sarpanch Gurjeet Singh, in connivance with Panchayat Secretary Balraj Singh have misappropriated Panchayat funds to the tune of Rs. 8,59,851.          In this regard a case under sections 13 (1) (a), 13 (2) of prevention of corruption act and under sections 409, 420, 467, 468, 471, 201, 102-B of IPC at VB police station, Amritsar. Further investigation in this case was under progress, he informed.

IEP SAS Nagar, January 25 

 What an Idea- Start Up Challenge has been started in the district by the District Administration in association with District Bureau of Employment and Enterprises, SAS Nagar, to provide a platform to the young minds to start their own businesses. Mentoring and handholding will be provided by experts to initiate the project. 

   In this regard a press meet and a meeting with the Incubation Centers were held under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Deputy Commissioner Mrs. Aashika Jain IAS in the presence of ADC(Dev.) Avneet Kaur & DBEE In charge Meenakshi Goyal at the District Administrative Complex on 25-01-2023 with the aim of making as many young people aware about the startup challenge as possible, in which Mr.Somveer Anand and Supriya Malhotra (IM Punjab), Sh.Ajay Srivastava (STPI), Sh.Alok Goyal and Ms.Anshika Bansal (IISER), Dr. Deepak Kapoor from Punjab State Council for Science and Technology, Sh. Karanjit Chaudhary from CGC Landran participated. Incubation Centers provide facilities to budding entrepreneurs in various sectors. Taking advantage of this, new startup ideas are made viable. All kinds of handholding and mentorship will be provided by above organizations and Distt. Administration to the candidates participating and selected in this challenge to launch their startups.

Mrs. Ashika Jain, Deputy Commissioner SAS Nagar also briefed that applications have been invited from the candidates of the district in 14 sectors under two categories (student and open category) and appealed to the interested candidates to submit their applications at https://bit.ly/WhatAnIdeaMohali. A QR code has also been issued separately for this purpose. She said that no stone will be left unturned to provide employment to the youth.

This program has been launched in collaboration with Start Up, Punjab and having “Innovation Mission” Punjab as the knowledge partners. The administration is also being supported by Tynor Orthotics, Jal Joy Enterprises and Cheema Boilers for the said programme

IEP CHANDIGARH, January 25      

    On the recommendations of the Punjab Government, the Governor of Punjab on Wednesday announced the names of the Punjab Police officers/officials, to be awarded the Chief Minister’s Rakshak Padak award and Chief Minister’s Medal for Outstanding Devotion to Duty on the occasion of Republic Day-2023.          The Governor of Punjab announced the names of four officials including SHO Police Station Kotbhai Sri Muktsar Sahib SI Raman Kumar, ASI Harpinder Singh, Head Constable Gurnam Singh, and Head Constable Harinder Singh for Chief Minister’s Rakshak Padak award.          Similarly, five PPS officers including AIG Flying Squad Vigilance Bureau Punjab Manmohan Singh, AIG Excise and Taxation Punjab Gurjot Singh Kaler, DSP Vigilance Bureau Slamudin, DSP STF Ludhiana Range Ajay Kumar and DSP Garhshankar Daljit Singh Khakh are among 11 officers/officials who have been selected for the Chief Minister’s Medal for Outstanding Devotion to Duty. The remaining officials include Inspector Sarabjit Singh, Inspector Vivek Chander, Inspector Bhupinder Singh, SI Jujhar Singh, ASI Davinder Singh, and ASI Bhag Singh.          Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav congratulated the awardees and thanked the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Punjab Bhagwant Mann for recognizing the services of the Punjab Police officers/officials. He said that such recognitions play a significant role in encouraging the Police force to work with more dedication and devotion.