Category Archives: Punjab

TRADITIONAL PARTIES ENVIOUS OF ME BECAUSE I AM SON OF A COMMON MAN; ASSERTS CM

IEP Abohar (Fazilka), January 20

          Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday said that the traditional political parties are envious of him because they are not able to digest that the son of a common man is governing the state effectively.

          The Chief Minister, while addressing the gathering after disbursing compensation to the flood affected residents here during a function, said that the people of the state have lost their faith in the traditional political parties because of their anti-people and anti-Punjab stance. He said that the wise and brave people of the state had ousted these parties during the 2022 assembly polls due to which they are frustrated now. Bhagwant Mann said that the leaders of these parties are now ganging up with each other to mislead the people.    

          The Chief Minister quipped that these leaders were first welcomed with garlands but now people greet them with defeat wherever they go. He said that the people of state have elected the sons and daughters of common man as their representatives, who were performing their duties zealously. Bhagwant Mann said that on the contrary these traditional parties have failed in their duty miserably when they were in power.

          The Chief Minister said that these leaders plundered the resources of the state for their vested political interests. Bhagwant Mann said that while the state was facing challenges in form of unemployment, brain drain, corruption and others, these leaders were busy minting the money illegally. He said that these leaders had built their own palaces and empires of business at the cost of the people and the state. 

          The Chief Minister said that these leaders have sown thorns before the Punjab and its younger generations by derailing the progress and prosperity of the state. He said that for the sake of their vested interests these selfish political leaders have prepared distress for the state. Bhagwant Mann said that the hands of these leaders are drenched with this crime against state and history will never forgive them for backstabbing Punjab.

          Taking the former Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal to cudgels, the Chief Minister said that in his long stint as the incharge of Finances of state he had always claimed that the exchequer of the state is empty. He said that after failing to perform his duty as the Finance Minister to ensure the well being of the state, Manpreet Badal has now joined the BJP. However, Bhagwant Mann said that except reciting a few couplets in Urdu, the former Finance Minister will not do anything for betterment of state and even for BJP.

          The Chief Minister unequivocally said that any person who has looted even a single penny of the public will be made accountable to people. Bhagwant Mann said that he will expose all such plunderers and severe action will be taken against them, as per the law. He said that it is the firm commitment of his government that a corrupt leader or officer, however affluent he may be, will be brought to book and made accountable for his sins.

          Training his guns against the traditional political parties, the Chief Minister said that they were shedding crocodile tears by raking up non issues. He asked them why they were mum when people of state had given them power to serve the state. Bhagwant Mann said that these leaders are just making hue and cry to mislead the people on various issues pertaining to the state.

          The Chief Minister also slammed the Congress and Akalis for patronizing the gangsters in the state for their vested political interests. He unequivocally said that these gangsters have not mushroomed up after his government has assumed charge of office. But, Bhagwant Mann said that as a fact of matter these gangsters have been patronized by the Congress and Akali leaders during their government as these leaders and parties used these youth for their vested interests by handing over guns to them.

          The Chief Minister bemoaned that it is unfortunate that the flood fury had created a whopping loss in the Fazilka district in 2020 but except lip service the then government had done nothing to give relief to people. He said that floods had caused major damage in the district but instead of extending a helping hand to flood affected people the then state government had been delaying the matter to further aggrieve the situation of the people in distress. He asserted that the apathetic attitude of the then government was visible from the fact that not even a single penny was given as compensation to the people.

Punjab government’s ‘Dhiyan di Lohri’ week concludes on a positive note

IEP Chandigarh/Sangrur, January 20

The Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann organized a state-level concluding ceremony of ‘Dhiyan di Lohri’ week today here at village Bhalwan in Sangrur district. In this program, Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, wife of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Dr. Gurpreet Kaur and MLA Sangrur Narinder Kaur Bharaj felicitated newborn and other girls who excelled in the field of education and sports. Speaking on this occasion, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the daughters of Punjab were emerging as leaders in every field and the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was standing firm to protect the rights of women.

Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that as per the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, concrete efforts were being made to boost the morale of the daughters of Punjab in every field and these efforts have been started by celebrating ‘Dhiyan di Lohri’. She said that due to the negligence of the previous governments, the sex ratio rate in the state was very low and efforts were being made seriously to raise it. She said that the society does not celebrate the birth of female children and to change this malpractice, Punjab government has decided to celebrate ‘Dhiyan di Lohri’. She said that since centuries, women have made their unique contribution in the progress of the society and have proved their mettle in every field.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that it was a matter of great concern for a state with a glorious history that tragic incidents like feticide took place here and the Punjab government has now taken the noble initiative to celebrate ‘Dhiyan di Lohri’ week. She said that now onwards, not only the birth of daughters but every stage of life would be celebrated by the state government.

On this occasion, MLA from Sangrur Narinder Kaur Bharaj congratulate Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for taking such a big initiative for daughters and said that if the girls get an open and constructive environment at home, then they can hone their skills in every field.

During the event, the team of Lok Kala Manch Zira staged a play with a message to stop female feticide. Apart from this, the girl students of Adarsh School presented a cultural program. On this occasion, parents of 51 new born daughters were honored with certificates and special kits by the key personalities and women of 11 self help groups and 20 meritorious female students were also honored.

On this occasion Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal, SSP Surendra Lamba, Chief Minister’s OSD Onkar Singh, Chairman District Planning Committee Gurmail Singh Gharachon, Chairman Gau Sewa Commission Ashok Kumar Singla, Additional Deputy Commissioner Varjit Walia, Assistant Commissioner (UT) Nitesh Jain, SDM Dhuri Amit Gupta, District Program Officer Gagandeep Singh, District Social Security Officer Loveleen Kaur, District Child Protection Officer Navneet Kaur, District Education Officer Sanjeev Kumar and a large number of other dignitaries and local residents were present.

State Government fully committed to ensure clean and transparent governance to people: Lal Chand Kataruchak

IEP Chandigarh, January 20:

The Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stands totally committed to ensuring a clean and transparent governance to the people of the State. That makes it important for the officers of the department to pay field visits in order to keep track of the functioning at the ground level with a view to make further refinements to ensure smooth functioning. These views were expressed by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak while presiding over a review meeting of the department at the Anaj Bhawan in Sector 39 today. 

The Minister exhorted the District Food Supply Controllers (DFSCs) to also plant saplings in their offices so as to increase area under greenery besides according a beautified look to the office premises. 

Advocating the acceleration of the work pertaining to verification of Atta Dal cards, the Minister said no eligible beneficiary should be left out. Inspiring the officers to adopt a fully devoted approach with regard to their work, Mr. Kataruchak made it clear that negligence in the discharge of duties would not be tolerated at any cost.

The Minister was apprised that in order to ensure uninterrupted and hassle free functioning the DFSC Ludhiana (East) and West wings have been ordered to be separated. Apart from this, the DFSCs have also been directed to visit FRK (Fortified Rice Kernel) plants once a month. The Minister was further informed about the steps being initiated by the Department towards maintaining the stock of wheat and ensuring its quality.

The Principal Secretary of the department, Rahul Bhandari assured the Minister that a completely transparent mechanism is being adopted for carrying the flagship schemes of the department to the people besides ensuring smooth functioning of the department. 

Among others present on the occasion included the Director Ghanshyam Thori, AMD Pungrain Parampal Kaur Sidhu, Joint Directors Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar & Ajayveer Singh Sarao and the DFSCs from across the districts.

PUNJAB TO CONSTITUTE CORE GROUP TO ADDRESS ISSUES OF INDUSTRIES & H&UD, SAYS AMAN ARORA

IEP Chandigarh, January 19

In yet another move to promote Ease of Doing Business in the state, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has decided to constitute a Core Group to address issues pertaining to Industries and Housing and Urban Development. The Group will comprise representatives from departments including Housing and Urban Development (H&UD), Industries and other line departments.

This was revealed by Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister Mr Aman Arora, while interacting with the industrialists at Confederation of Indian Industrialists (CII) Headquarters here on Thursday.

The Cabinet Minister said that the H&UD department has been creating a foolproof mechanism which will ensure industrialists get any kind of permission within 45 days. He said that efforts are also on to make Industrial plots easily available to investors, who want to establish industry in the state.

Mr. Aman Arora said that Mann government has not been leaving any stone unturned to bring industry in the state and emerge Punjab as one of the most favourite destinations for investment in the country. Acknowledging the fact the policy related to industries in Punjab was stringent, he said that due to non-compliance during the previous governments, it has failed to attract industries in the state. Mr Aman Arora said that Punjab has huge potential to cater industries, which will lead the state towards prosperity. He said that going one step ahead, the Punjab Government, apart from promoting ease of doing business, will now focus on ease of living too, which would further attract industrialists to choose Punjab as their home state.

To boost the economy and generate employment opportunities in the state, he said that Mann Government has already delegated powers for approval of Building Plans and grant of Completion Certificate of standalone industries including compounding of standalone industries, outside MC Limit, to Director of Factories so that the industrialist need not to apply at two separate departments for getting the Building Plans of their factories approved.

Mr. Aman Arora also listened to the concerns of the industrialists and ensured to resolve these at the earliest. 

Inviting all the industrialists to join the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit to be organized this February, he said that CII is an institutional partner with Invest Punjab. “All the industrialists should come together to make the mega event a huge success,” he added.

CEO Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion Mr. Kamal Kishor Yadav, Chief Administrator PUDA Ms Apneet Riyait, Chief Town Planner Punjab Mr Pankaj Bawa, Chairman CII Punjab Mr. Amit Thapar and Vice Chairman CII Dr. PJ Singh were among the prominent attendees at the meeting.

Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur inaugurated the Smart Anganwadi Center at Dulowal village

IEP Chandigarh/ Mansa, January 19

          Social Justice, Empowerment, Minorities, Social Security Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur inaugurated the Smart Anganwadi Center at Dulowal village of Mansa district.

 Cabinet Minister said that 38 Anganwadi Centers have been renovated into Smart Anganwadi Centers in District Mansa and the work of renovating 31 more Anganwadi Centers into Smart Anganwadi Centers is in progress.  She said that the goal is to renovate 100 Anganwadi centers in the district by spending about 3.5 lakh to 4 lakh per Anganwadi center.  She said that these smart Anganwadi centers have solar panels, inverters, water purifiers, and LEDs.  Apart from TV, other infrastructure related facilities have been provided.

          Cabinet Minister Baljit Kaur reviewed the ongoing construction of an old age home with a capacity of 72 senior citizens at a cost of around Rs. 9 crore at Ramditta Kanchiyan, Sirsa Road Mansa.  She said that the grant for the construction of the old age home will be released in the next few days, with which the entire work of the building will be completed.

She said that along with taking care of the elderly in the old age home, they will be provided with free food, medical facilities, day care, library, gardening and gym facilities.  She said that the Punjab Government is striving to fulfill every promise made to the people.

          On this occasion, MLA Sardulgarh Mr. Gurpreet Singh Bananwali, MLA Budhlada Mr. Budh Ram, MLA Mansa Dr.  Vijay Singla, Deputy Commissioner Ms. Baldeep Kaur, S.S.P.  Dr.  Nanak Singh, Chairman District Planning Board Mr. Charanjit Singh Akkanwali, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Mr. T.  Benith and Assistant Commissioner (c) Mr. Harjinder Singh Jasal were also present.

Making Punjab best state in country in terms of health, education and development is main goal of State Government, says Dr. Baljit Kaur

IEP Mansa/Chandigarh January 19

 The Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Maan is committed to provide quality health facilities to the people of the state, education and maximum employment to the youth as well as the overall development of Punjab.  The Minister of Social and Justice Empowerment, Minorities, Social Security, Women and Child Development Dr. Baljit Kaur held a meeting with various departmental officials at the local Bachat Bhawan today to review the progress of the ongoing development work and welfare schemes  in the district. Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur instructed the administrative officials that the Punjab government is committed to provide transparent and corruption-free administration to the people. She asked all the departmental officers and employees to perform their services with full honesty and diligence.  She said that it should be ensured that the benefits of the public welfare schemes being run by the government are conveyed to the eligible and needy people and that the people can get the benefit of the administrative services without any difficulty.  She said that the goal of the Punjab government is to make the state the best region in the country in basic areas like health and education, for which work is being done on a large scale to improve the condition of schools and hospitals.The Cabinet Minister issued orders to all the departmental officials to ensure the participation of the MLAs of the respective constituencies regarding the projects being completed in the district and the camps being organized for public welfare schemes on the instructions of the Punjab Government.  She said that the grant received by the government for the development works of each constituency should be used in a transparent and planned manner. During the meeting, MLA Sardulgarh Mr. Gurpreet Singh Bananwali, MLA Budhlada Mr. Budh Ram, MLA Mansa Dr.  Vijay Singla informed the Cabinet Minister about the welfare schemes and development works related to the constituency.Talking to the media on this occasion, the Cabinet Minister said that the work is under process to deal with the sewerage problem in Mansa city, which will be solved very soon.  She said that the amount of Shagan Scheme due to the needy families on the girl’s marriage will be released soon.  She said that due to the reduction of ration card holders who are found to be wrong in the district, the benefits of the Atta Dal scheme of the Government will be provided only to the needy families.  Answering a question, the Cabinet Minister said that the Aam Aadmi Party Government is committed to rooting out corruption in Punjab and corruption will not be tolerated in any Government department.          On this occasion, Deputy Commissioner Mrs. Baldeep Kaur assured Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur that the benefits of the public welfare schemes of the Punjab Government would reach the eligible and needy people and that the development works would be carried out in a timely and transparent manner.          On this occasion SSP  Dr.  Nanak Singh, Chairman District Planning Board Mr. Charanjit Singh Akkanwali, Additional Deputy Commissioner (J) Mr. Upkar Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Mr. T.  Benith, S.D.M.  Mansa Mr. Pramod Singla, Assistant Commissioner Mr. Harjinder Singh Jassal and other officials of various departments were present.

Finance Minister holds meetings with teacher unions of government and aided schools

IEP Chandigarh, January 18

Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday held meetings with various teacher organizations of government and aided schools and discussed their grievances and demands in detail.

During meetings with the representatives of Computer Teachers Union, Punjab, Punjab State Aided Schools Teachers and Other Employees Union, and 3704 Adhyapak Union Punjab respectively for about one and a half hour, the Finance Minister gave patient hearing to the demands and issues of the teachers’ organizations, most of which were regarding salary, pension and transfers. Meanwhile, Finance Minister discussed the grievances aired by teacher unions with the officials of the Finance and Education departments and asked them to address these on priority.

On this occasion, the Finance Minister directed the concerned officials to prepare a detailed report regarding the demands raised by the Union leaders. He also directed the concerned officials to hold meetings with the union leaders when and where required so that the legitimate demands could be adequately resolved. Cheema also asked the finance department officials to prepare a report on the fiscal implications regarding these demands.

During these meetings, the Unions also handed over memorandums to the Finance Minister. Cheema assured the organizations that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has been taking initiatives to take the education sector to the new heights. He appealed to the teachers to support the government’s efforts wholeheartedly to ensure that every student of the state should have access to the quality education.

Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar conducts surprise checking at RTA Office Patiala, Driving track and PRTC Office, reviews functioning

IEP Chandigarh/Patiala, January 18

Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Wednesday conducted a surprise check at the office of the Secretary, Regional Transport Authority Patiala in District Administrative Complex besides inspecting the Automated Driving Test Track and Head Office of PRTC on Nabha Road.Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar interacted with the visiting people and obtained feedback from them for further improvement. He inquired about the official work of the staff and instructed to provide services to people on a priority basis so that the people do not face any hardship.The Transport Minister said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann firm resolve is to provide transparent and corruption-free services to the people. He instructed that no laxity will be tolerated and strict action will be taken against those who cause trouble to the people.Laljit Singh Bhullar took stock of the work such as issuing new RCs, truck permits, renewal and driving license etc. from the staff of the RTA and driving track offices, and instructed Assistant RTA Sham Lal and other employees to keep themselves updated as per the prevailing scenario.After inspecting the Head Office of PRTC, Driver-Conductor Training School, Tire Plant and Bus Body Fabrication Cell, the Transport Minister directed the General Managers Parveen Kumar and Maninderpal Singh Sidhu and Executive Engineer Jatinderpal Singh Grewal that no stone should be left unturned to take the public bus services to new heights as the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led government was taking every initiative to strengthened the PRTC and Panbus by filling the loopholes.

Govt adopt multi-pronged approach for overall development of sc category people: Dr Baljit Kaur

IEP Chandigarh, January 17

Punjab government has adopted multi-pronged approach for the overall development of Schedule Caste Category people in Punjab for which various welfare schemes by the state and centrally sponsored schemes are introduced.

Stating this in a press release today Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities of Punjab Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that projects are sought in this connection from every district under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati  Abhyuday Yojana—PM-AJAY. Last date for submitting the project is January 20. 

She said that the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities provide grants-in-aid to district/state level projects for the socio-economic betterment of Scheduled Castes under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati  Abhyuday Yojana for the year 2023-24. Under this project, proposals from all the districts of Punjab State are invited till 20th January 2023.

She said that this initiative is aimed at social empowerment through educational development; economic empowerment through income and employment enhancing avenues and integrated development of SC majority. Comprehensive livelihood projects related to income enhancement and skill development related to social and economic development of Scheduled Caste families/individuals will be covered under this scheme.  These projects are planned and structured at state level and district level keeping in mind the needs of Scheduled Castes in urban and rural areas.

The minister said that chief aim of this project is socio-economic betterment of Scheduled Castes.

FOOD, CIVIL SUPPLIES AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT UNDERTAKING WHEAT DISTRIBUTION WITH FULL TRANSPARENCY UNDER PRADHAN MANTRI GARIB KALYAN ANN YOJANA: LAL CHAND KATARUCHAK

IEP Chandigarh, January 16     

     The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is leaving no stone unturned to provide every facility to the common people with full emphasis on transparency factor.           As part of this, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department is undertaking distribution of wheat in the State under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana with full adherence to the norms of transparency. The Electronic Point of Sale Machines are being used for the purpose under which the wheat is distributed to the beneficiaries only after getting their thumb impression with the quantity distributed entered in the receipt. Apart from this, the District Offices have been directed to make clear the benefits entailed under the National Food Security Act 2013, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana and One Nation One Ration Card, at the every ration depot.          The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said that the Union Government is sending the wheat to Punjab in respect of only 1.41 crore beneficiaries whereas the State has 1.57 crore beneficiaries at present. A verification drive under the National Food Security Act, 2013 has also been started to remove in-eligible beneficiaries from amongst the additional 16 crore beneficiaries.          Further, the wheat distributed under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana is provided to the State Government by the FCI out of the Central pool stock. This Central pool wheat is packed in the bardana and is distributed by the depot holders in loose form by opening the sacks.           Also, the Department has adopted zero tolerance approach towards any malpractice and in case any complaint is received during the distribution of the stock of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana then the complaint is minutely probed followed by strict action against erring officials, employees and depot holders           It is noteworthy that the Union Government began the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana in April 2020 during corona pandemic for meeting the shortage of foodgrains. Under the scheme, the beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act 2013 i.e. those of Antyodaya Ann Yojana or the Priority Households are being provided with the 5 Kg wheat per beneficiary per month.