Category Archives: Punjab

Chandigarh, Punjab

AFFORDABLE LUXURY RIDE IN VOLVO TO DELHI PROVES BOON FOR COMMON MAN

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 12, 2022

The newly launched Volvo bus service from Punjab to Delhi airport has proved boon for the common man as around 17,500 passengers have benefitted within less than a month in these buses.

            Divulging the details, Punjab Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Tuesday, said that within 25 days of inauguration of bus service by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on June 15, the Volvo bus service plying between the state of Punjab and IGI Airport Delhi has been beneficial for common man.

            He said that 20 Volvo buses of Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS and PRTC are daily operating from Amritsar, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Patiala, Nawanshahr, Ropar, Moga and Chandigarh to IGI Airport New Delhi by ending the monopoly of private transporters and introducing cheap, comfortable and luxurious travel facility to IGI airport at a meagre fare, even less than half of private transporters. Besides booking of tickets at the bus counters, passengers desirous to go to airport are also getting benefit of online booking.

            The Transport Minister said, with the onset of these buses, transport mafia is becoming a thing of past day by day as only private transporters had run their buses on this route for decades and looted the people by charging impulsively, adding that vested interests of Akali and congress leaders prohibited them from plying government buses to the airport.

            S. Bhullar said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led state government is taking every initiative to safeguard the interests of Punjabis and eliminate all sort of mafia or monopolisation from the state.

Chandigarh, Punjab

MOHALLA CLINICS TO BE FUNCTIONAL FROM AUGUST 15: CHETAN SINGH JAURAMAJRA

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 12, 2022

 Fulfilling another major poll promise of significant improvement in the healthcare system and to provide best healthcare services free of cost to the people across the state, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led state government will operationalize “Mohalla clinics” on the Independence Day on August 15.

            Health and Family Welfare Minister S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra said that these clinics, which would spread across the state, would enable decentralized delivery as well as strengthening of primary health care to people at their doorsteps, thereby increasing access to an expanded range of services, reduce out of pocket expenditure, improve disease surveillance and strengthen referral linkages especially for the vulnerable and marginalised sections.

            Notably, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, in his statement recently, disclosed that during the first Phase, 75 Mohalla clinics will be made operational across the state by 15th August 2022 to mark the 75th Independence day. By end of this fiscal year, 109 Mohalla clinics will be set up.

            The Minister further said that every Mohalla clinic will be staffed with a Medical officer, Pharmacist, Clinical Assistant & Sweeper cum Helper. The Human resources at Mohalla clinics is to be empanelled on per patient basis. These clinics will provide outpatient care for a range of curative care for common illnesses, first aid for injuries, dressing and management of minor wounds. Referral and subsequent follow up for specialized care will also be done through these clinics. Health education, information and awareness too shall be focused upon, he added.

            “Essential drugs and tests will be made available at Mohalla clinics. The diagnostic facilities at Mohalla clinics will be provided through PPP mode”, said the Minister, adding that this will ensure availability of diagnostic tests at Mohalla clinics in a cost-efficient and consistent manner. An IT system will be developed for the registration of patients and record keeping at Mohalla clinics. Teleconsultation services with the specialist will also be introduced in a phased manner, he added.

            The Minister said that empanelment process has already started for this project.

Chandigarh, Punjab

PUNJAB GOVT WILL NOT SUCCUMB TO PRESSURE TACTICS: BRAM SHANKER JIMPA

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 09, 2022

          The Chief Minister S Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government would not succumb to any pressure tactics by Punjab Revenue Officers Association and the government would not hesitate to take strict action against those employees who will try to hinder work just to put the pressure for their own benefits. These were the words of Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa, who reacted on the strike call given by Punjab Revenue Officers Association from July 11, 2022.

          In the press communique released here, the Cabinet Minister said that their strike would be consider as an illegal, anti-development and against public interest as a few individuals under the banner of the Association were misusing their position to mislead the employee community.

          In fact, the majority of the employees do not approve of such kind of pressure tactics and the state government is fully committed to the welfare of all the employees, he said, while urging all the revenue staff to continue hard-work for the welfare of state. The Cabinet Minister also said that he is always available for them in case they face any problem in discharging their duty.

          He said that the Mann Government has within no time eradicated corruption in Tehsils and our campaign in this direction will continue unabated.

          Underlining the pro-people steps taken by the government to bring reforms in the Revenue department to provide hassle-free services in a transparent manner, Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa said, “we have tightened the noose around illegal/unauthorized colonies and no registration of plots will be allowed in such colonies.”

          An online portal “https://grcs.punjab.gov.in” has also been launched wherein citizens can register the grievances related to the possession of plots. This unique online portal is providing property possession related services in a seamless manner, besides expediting the property possession process, he added.

          Apart from this, the Revenue Minister said that the department has also initiated an e-stamp facility, e-Girdawari, besides linkage of email and mobile number of owners with Farads. He further informed that the state government would soon launch e-Nishandehi facility for the people of Punjab.       

Chandigarh, Punjab

DGP PUNJAB GAURAV YADAV LEADS FROM FRONT AS PUNJAB POLICE CONDUCTS CORDON & SEARCH OPERATIONS ACROSS STATE

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 09, 2022

In order to infuse fear among the anti-social elements and instil a sense of safety and security among the common people, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Saturday leads the entire Punjab Police Force to conduct Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in all the 28 Police districts of Punjab.

The operation was conducted from 11am to 3pm simultaneously across the state and ADGP/IGP rank officers from Punjab Police Headquarters were deputed in each Police district to personally supervise the operation. The CPs/SSPs had identified notorious/infamous mohallas/villages where drugs are prevalent or certain areas which have become  shelter/safe haven for criminals and anti-social elements, to carry out this operation amid massive deployment of the police force. 

DGP Gaurav Yadav, who had joined ADGP Law and Order Ishwar Singh in Mohali to conduct operation in different societies here, said that with the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has adopted zero tolerance policy against Drugs and Gangsters, such operations would continue till the menace of drugs and Gangsters rooted out from Punjab. DIG Ropar Range Gurpreet Singh Bhullar and SSP SAS Nagar Vivek Sheel Soni also accompanied the DGP on the spot.

 “Since, we have tightened the noose around drug smugglers and gangsters, I would warn such anti-social elements to voluntarily leave the state otherwise the Punjab Police will deal them with a heavy hand,” the DGP said.

Interacting with the media on the sidelines of the operation, DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the topmost priority of the Punjab Government is to further strengthen the fight against drugs to make Punjab a drug-free state besides eliminating gangster culture, maintaining law and order, and detection of crime. He said that basic policing which includes keeping vigil in vulnerable spots and advance preparation to tackle any untoward situation would be revived and Police Stations will be upgraded.

Answering a query on harassment of residents with this operation, he said that the operation is being conducted for residents’ safety and security and Residents Welfare Societies were also taken into confidence before conducting this operation. “We have strictly instructed all the Police Personnel to deal with every resident in a friendly and polite manner while conducting door-to-door checking during the course of this operation,” said DGP Gaurav Yadav, while adding that Residents have appreciated this effort of the Punjab Police.

Meanwhile, such operations will also help in activating and mobilising the Police force by making direct contact with the public.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Governing Body of Regional Spinal Injuries Centre meets after 3 years

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 08, 2022

Meeting of the Governing Body of Regional Spinal Injuries Centre, Mohali was held under the chairpersonship of Dr. Baljit Kaur, Cabinet Minister, Department of Social Security, Women & Child Development, Punjab. Due to COVID-19, the meeting was held after the span of 3 years.

A spokesperson informed that under the Project, the budget amounting Rs. 2 crores were being allotted from the last many years. But during the current Financial Year 2022-23, this amount has been enhanced from Rs. 2 crores to Rs. 10.73 crores. Governing Body has approved funds of Rs.10.73 Crores under the capital head and Rs.2.00 Crores as Grant-in-Aid for day to day expenditures.

The Cabinet Minister also enhanced the salaries of working outsourced employees, as was proposed by the Project Director-cum-Member Secretary. It was also decided that the PWD B& R department Punjab should hand over the ICU, High Dependency Unit and 11 Private Rooms, which would be inaugurated immediately after handing over the newly constructed part of the Building to RSIC. The construction plan of top floor has also been approved.

The Project Director detailed the progress of Regional Spinal Injuries Centre regarding the care it is providing to indoor and outdoor patients, which by now are about 5 Lakhs and more than 6000 major Spinal surgeries have been successfully conducted.

 The Meeting was attended by the Director Social Security Punjab, Addl. Finance Secretary, Director Health Services Punjab, Dr. Vipin Kaushal Medical superintendant representing Director PGI, Col Gurkirat Singh Director Paraplegia Centre for armed forces, Mohali and Project Director Regional Spinal Injuries Centre, Mohali along with Addl. Director Social Security and Deputy Director, RSIC, Mohali. Dr. Raj Bahadur, Member Secretary, RSIC who is also Vice Chancellor, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot expressed his gratitude as well thankfulness to the members and Chairperson for sparing their valuable time.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Taxation Commissioner bats for zero tolerance approach against Tax Evasion

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 08, 2022

Taxation Commissioner Punjab Mr Kamal Kishor Yadav on Friday asked the officers of the department to adopt zero tolerance policy for checking the pilferage of taxes to enhance revenue generation in the state.

Chairing a meeting of the department with officials of Amritsar Taxation Division to review the Tax collection, the Taxation Commissioner unequivocally said that any sort of laxity in checking tax evasion will not be tolerated. He said that every officer is duty bound to ensure that pilferages of taxes, if any, is checked with a heavy hand. Mr Yadav said that pilferage of taxes causes huge losses to state exchequer which is not at all tolerable adding that department will now further tighten noose against all tax evaders.

Reiterating commitment of Zero tolerance against corruption, the Taxation Commissioner said that severest of severe action will be taken against anyone found indulging in this menace. He said that the services to the people must be provided in a time bound manner without any inordinate delay. Mr Yadav also said that department should set a new benchmark in tax collection and service delivery.

The Taxation Commissioner also batted for early recovery of the pending arrears of taxes. He said that all the officers must embark a major recovery drive for getting the arrears from the wilful defaulters. Mr Yadav said that this is need of hour for enhancing the tax collection in the state.

Welcoming new ideas for Tax reforms from the officers, the Taxation Commissioner said that new out of the box initiatives should be given for tax enhancement. He said that department will replicate such new and dynamic ideas by the officers at the state level too. Mr Yadav also said that department is working tirelessly to further improve tax collection in state.

The Taxation Commissioner further announced that the department has already initiated the necessary action to weed out bogus firms in the state. He said that any such bogus firm which tries to evade tax through illegal means will be dealt with sternly. Mr Yadav said that every officer will be made accountable for operation of any bogus firm in the area under their jurisdiction.

Dwelling on another issue, the Taxation Commissioner said that every officer will ensure that Assessment cases are completed at the earliest. He said that officers should not wait for the end of fiscal year and should rather complete it well before deadline by studying them meticulously.

The Taxation Commissioner further directed the officers enhance their field visits. He said that this helps department in acquainting itself with ground realities on one hand and streamlining the affairs pertaining to taxation on the other. Mr Yadav said that inspections are must for every officer and orders of department in this regard should be adhered to.

The District Tax Bar of Amritsar and GST Practitioners Association also called on Taxation Commissioner on his visit to Amritsar and presented their demands. They also discussed various points including bringing OTS for VAT cases and construction of GST Bhawan at Amritsar. They assured him of all cooperation from their side and appreciated local officials for their accessibility.

He was accompanied by Director, GST Ms Brahmneet Kaur, Additional Commissioners Mr. Ravneet Khurana and Mr. Viraj Shyamkaran Tidke.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Urban area residents to get corruption free and time bound services: Aman Arora

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 08, 2022

The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is fully committed to provide all the citizen centric services to the people living in urban areas of the State with emphasis on the transparency and accountability factors. The services would accrue to the people in a corruption free and time bound manner. These views were expressed at the PUDA Bhawan today by the Housing and Urban Development Minister Aman Arora while chairing the first meeting of the department.

Taking stock of the ongoing projects as well those in the pipeline, Mr. Arora directed the officers to work diligently with a view to ensure futuristic and planned development.

Divulging more, the Minister said that clean, devoid of corrupt practices and an accountable administration would be the hallmark of the Punjab Government. Directing the officers to formulate pro people policy framework, the Minister also emphasized that the current projects and the schemes must be completed on time with people getting the services in a time bound manner.

Assuring that the harassment of the urban area residents in the Government offices would be a thing of the past, the Minister cautioned that those indulging in corrupt ways and means would not be spared at all. “The action plan of the department must be chalked out keeping in view the strengths and weak areas of the department”, said the Minister.

The Minister further added that he would soon meet the people inhabiting the urban areas besides the resident welfare associations and listen to their problems. This would pave the way for the formulation of such policies as would lead towards implementation of the suggestions received at these meetings.

Earlier, the Principal Secretary A.K. Sinha welcomed the Minister and apprised him of the steps being taken to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the department.

Among others present on the occasion included Chief Administrator PUDA and Director Town & Country Planning Arshdeep Singh Thind and Chief Administrator GMADA Amandeep Bansal.

Chandigarh, Punjab

PUNJAB POLICE PROMOTES 101 SUB-INSPECTORS TO RANK OF INSPECTORS

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 08, 2022

In order to boost the morale of the Punjab Police, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Friday promoted as many as 101 Sub-Inspectors, which includes 95 Women Officers, to the rank of Inspector. With this promotion of 101 Police Personnel, all the vacancies of Inspectors rank have been filled in all the districts of the state.

          “Today, we have elevated 101 Sub-inspectors to the rank of Inspectors, which will not only overcome the shortage of staff at supervisory levels in field but will also give the officers their due right of promotion,” said DGP Gaurav Yadav.

          The DGP, while symbolically pinning the stars on the shoulders of some of the promoted officers here, wished all the promotees good luck. “The added star on your shoulders comes with a bigger responsibility,” he said while encouraging them to perform their duty with dedication, sincerity, and honesty.

          Divulging more details, he said that all the 95 promoted Women Officers are of 2015-batch directly recruited Sub-Inspectors and have seven years of field experience. While, the remaining six Sub-Inspectors, who are now promoted to Inspectors were awaiting their promotion.

          Terming timely promotion as the right of every Police official, the DGP assured the entire police force to give them their due promotions very soon. He said that all the vacancies at supervisory levels including Head-Constable, Assistant Sub-Inspector, and Sub-Inspector will be filled at the earliest.

          Meanwhile, this move is another effort of the Punjab Government toward women empowerment as with the promotion of this batch representation of women will increase at supervisory level in the Police Force.

Chandigarh, Punjab

AMAN ARORA GETS ROUSING WELCOME BY PEOPLE IN HOME CONSTITUENCY SUNAM

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 08, 2022

Punjab Information and Public Relations, New & Renewable Energy and Housing & Urban Development Minister Mr. Aman Arora was warmly welcomed by the people in his hometown Sunam on his maiden visit after assuming charge of as a cabinet minister.

Mr. Aman Arora paid obeisance at various religious places and also paid tributes to the great revolutionary Shaheed Udham Singh at his memorial. The district police also gave a formal salute to the Cabinet Minister at the local rest house of PWD. A road show was also organized by Mr. Aman Arora to thank the people for their blessings and regards for his new responsibility as a Cabinet Minister. The people of the constituency also organised functions at several locations of the city to express their gratitude.

The Cabinet Minister Aman Arora, who elected second time from Sunam for the state legislative assembly, thanked the people of the constituency as well as the people of Punjab for posing their trust in him, while adding that he would maintain the trust and confidence of the people at any cost. He will do its utmost for the development of the state and especially the Sunam constituency, he added.

While thanking Aam Aadmi Party’s National Convener and Delhi Chief Minister Mr  Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Mr. Arora said that he would perform his duty diligently and honestly. On this occasion, he also remembered his late father Sh. Bhagwan Das Arora and said that he has reached this stage only due to the inspiration he got from his father.

Talking to the media persons, Mr. Arora said that information regarding pro-people and social welfare schemes and projects of the government would be disseminated to the people with the help of modern techniques so that their benefits could reach the real needy. He said that he would always be grateful for the love received from the people and would solve every problem of the people of Sunam constituency as his personal problem.  He said that it will not only be limited to Sunam constituency as he will also extend the same spirit to the people of Punjab as well.

 On this occasion, Deputy Commissioner Sangrur Mr. Jitendra Jorwal, SSP  Mandeep Singh Sidhu, SDM Jaspreet Singh, Tehsildar Kuldeep Singh, family members Mrs. Parmeshwari Devi (Mother), Mrs. Shabina Arora (Wife), Bhuveer Arora (Son), Mrs. Nina Malhotra (Sister) were also present .

Chandigarh, Punjab

EMPLOYMENT GENERATION DEPARTMENT INKS MoU WITH KOLKATA BASED COMPANY

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 08, 2022

In order to give a boost to the employment scenario in Punjab and to enhance the availability of job opportunities for the youth of Punjab, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Department of Employment Generation, Skill Development & Training Punjab and Window Technologies Private Limited Kolkata on Friday here at Punjab Skill Development Mission Office.

The MoU was signed by Ms. Deepti Uppal, Director Employment Generation, Skill Development & Training Punjab and Mr. Nitin Minocha, Director Window Technologies Private Limited in the presence of Mr. Kumar Rahul, Secretary Employment Generation, Skill Development & Training, (DEGSDT) Punjab, Rajesh Tripathi, Additional Director DEGSDT and Sh. Ajit Mishra, Project Manager Window Technologies Private Limited.

On the occasion, Secretary Employment Generation Kumar Rahul emphasized that the Department is determined to cater the manpower requirements of the industry by providing them the skilled youth from Punjab.

Director Ms. Deepti Uppal informed that under this MoU, in the next eleven months, the company will recruit 6000 work force from Punjab. The requisite candidates will be mobilized by the Department of Employment Generation, Skill Development & Training Punjab. She further said that the department is leaving no stone unturned for facilitating employment opportunities to the youth of Punjab. She further informed that more MoUs will be signed with other companies in the near future.