Category Archives: Punjab

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan writes to Chief Minister for saving Mattewara forest

Leave a comment

IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 03, 2022

The Speaker, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Kultar Singh Sandhwan has written a letter to the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for saving the Mattewara forest on the banks of river Sutlej in Ludhiana District. He has favoured taking concrete steps for increasing the forest cover in Punjab from the present level of 3.67 percent to 33 percent which is at par with the other states.

In his letter the Speaker has said that Warrior Moms, Mothers for clean air and We support our farms, Bhai Ghanaiya Cancer Roko Sewa Society, Naroa Punjab Manch besides other social institutions have given very good suggestions for increasing the forest cover. These institutions are raising important issues connected with the environment and forwarding suggestions at regular intervals in order to sensitize the Government. The rationale forwarded by such institutions to save Mattewara forest were ignored by the previous Governments which is why the destruction of Mattewara forest near Ludhiana and pollution of Sutlej waters looks certain. The Speaker further said that although all the MLAs of Punjab have been raising the issues concerned with saving the environment, in the previous Vidhan Sabha but the previous Government didn’t took any constructive step on these issues.

Writing further, Sandhwan added that the Mattewara forest issue was raised in the recent session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and the Chief Minister had assured that the chemical producing industries would not be allowed in this region. The different governments didn’t undertook any step to increase the Forest cover in the State. The degradation of the environment is having an adverse effect on people’s health too. So, it is very important to increase the security cover of trees near the industrial cities. Stemming the tide of diseases such as cancer, lung ailments, asthma etc. being caused due to the water, noise and air pollution, is the primary responsibility of the society and the Government.

Strongly recommending, the Speaker wrote that along side the raising of the issue in the Vidhan Sabha by the MLAs, in order to save the mattewara forest and save the river waters of Sutlej from being polluted apart from the new Government elected on people’s issues, strong steps are necessary to resolve the important issue at the earliest. This would lead to the common people being aware of the Government’s sensitivity towards the important issue related to the health of the masses and the Mattewara forest would be saved which is the security cover for the wild animals and the birds and keeping the environment of Ludhiana clean and green.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Punjab

16Kg HEROIN RECOVERED FROM GURDASPUR: J&K HAS EMERGED AS NEW ORIGIN FOR TRANSIT OF DRUGS THROUGH PUNJAB

Leave a comment

IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 03, 2022

A day after the big haul of 16Kg heroin recovered from Gurdaspur district, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Border Range Mohnish Chawla on Saturday said that following strict vigil at Indo-Pak Border in the state, Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as a new origin for transit of drugs through Punjab.

“The investigations into the 16kg heroin recovery from Gurdaspur revealed that arrested accused persons have used National Highway (connecting Jammu to Punjab) to bring this consignment from neighbouring state Jammu by concealing it in a specially designed compartments in two Toyota Innova Crysta cars,” he said, while addressing a virtual Press Conference.

          Notably, Gurdaspur district Police had arrested four suspects after recovering 16.80Kg heroin (packed in 16 packets) after intercepting two Innova Crysta cars coming from Jammu side. Those arrested have been identified as Manjinder singh alias Manna (28), Gurdit Singh alias Gitta (35) and Bhola Singh (32), trio residents of village Cheema Kalan in Tarn Taran, and Kuldeep Singh alias Givi alias Keepa (32) of Kazi Kot road in Tarn Taran. The police have also impounded both Innova Crysta cars bearing registration numbers PB13BF7613 and PB08CX2171. A case has been registered under sections 21C, 27-A, 25 and 29 of the NDPS Act at  Police Station Dinanagar.

          IGP Mohnish Chawla said that the Police have also booked the kingpin of this module identified as Malkit Singh of village Cheema Kalan in Tarn Taran, who had sent his four aides to Jammu to retrieve this 16Kg consignment. Malkit, who had earlier processed such consignments around five times in the past using the same kind of modus operandi, has already been facing three cases under NDPS act, he said, adding that the Police teams are on manhunt to arrest Malkit.

          The IGP said that investigation has revealed a modus operandi related to interstate smuggling prevalent in Punjab these days, where kingpin used virtual numbers to communicate with Jammu based Smugglers. “This is the third such case of drug smuggling from Jammu side to Punjab that has come to fore in less than one year wherein smugglers used the same modus operandi,” said IG Border Range.  

          Pertinently, the Pathankot Police had registered two such cases of heavy recovery of heroin in February this year, when around 12Kg of Heroin was recovered in the jurisdiction of Police Station Sujanpur. Similarly, Amritsar Rural Police had recovered Rs 1.9 crore of drug money along with 21Kg of Heroin from jurisdiction of Police Station Kathunangal in August last year.

 Meanwhile, the same kind of modus operandi was also noticed during the investigation of FIR no 76 dated August 16, 2022 registered in Police Station Sadar Gurdaspur where secret cavities were found fabricated in Creta car and Balck Mahindra Thar, allegedly to conceal drugs. The police had arrested three persons in this case and confiscated both the vehicles. However, no recovery was made.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Punjab

CM ANNOUNCES MAJOR RELIEF FOR MOONGI CULTIVATORS

Leave a comment

IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 03, 2022

In a path breaking initiative aimed at giving reprieve to Moong cultivators, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday announced to bear the gap, upto Rs 1000 per quintal, for Moong crop sold below MSP  to the farmers for Moongi crop.

Announcing the decision here on Saturday, the Chief Minister directed the Finance Department to yo ensure that no deviation from it takes place and every farmer is benefitted from it. He said that this incentive is being given to all the Moongi cultivators, including those who have already sold their crop. Bhagwant Mann said that necessary amendment in rules has been made in this regard.

The Chief Minister said that total arrival of Moong in the Year 2021-22 was 2.98 Lakh Quintal whereas after the state government has announced MSP on the crop the arrival of Moong in current season 2022-23 is expected to be 4 lakh quintals. He said that at present Moong is procured by MARKFED for the first time as per MSP worth Rs.7275 per quintal. However, Bhagwant Mann said that he had received reports that due to damage of crop, it was not being purchased on MSP.

The Chief Minister said that to bail out the farmers, who are not able to sell their grain on MSP, the state government is giving this incentive to them. Giving details, he said that for crop purchased on MSP no incentive will be there, but for the crop sold at Rs 7000 per quintal an additional support incentive worth Rs 275 per quintal is being given. Bhagwant Mann said that those farmers who sold Moongi at Rs.6,500 per quintal are being given Rs 775 as incentive and those who have sold the crop at Rs 6000 per quintal are entitled for incentive worth Rs 1000 per quintal.

Keeping in view the difficulties faced by the farmers to sell the crop, the Chief Minister said that he has already approved relaxation in existing specifications for purchase of damaged moong crop. He said that maximum limit tolerance of unripe, shriveled or immature Moongi has been enhanced to three to eight percent, that of damaged Moongi has been increased from three to six percent and that of slightly damaged Moongi has been relaxed from four to seven percent. Bhagwant Mann expressed hope that these initiatives will give much needed succour to the hard working and resilient farmers of the state who have made the country self reliant in food production by contributing immensely in national food kitty.

The Chief Minister said that more such steps will be taken in the coming times to make agriculture a profitable venture. Bhagwant Mann envisioned that these decisions will help in supplementing income of farmers on one hand and enhancing the soil health and saving precious water of state on the other.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Punjab

CM LAUNCHES HONEY COATED ‘CORN FLAKES’ PRODUCED BY MARKFED

Leave a comment

IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 03, 2022

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today launched Honey coated ‘Corn Flakes’ produced by MARKFED.

Releasing the product on Cooperation Day here on Saturday, the Chief Minister described it as a historic and path breaking initiative by MARKFED to produce this high quality product in the state. He said that the products of Markfed were renowned all over the world, due its good quality and mouth watering taste.  Likewise, Bhagwant Mann said that continuing its spree to provide quality goods to the people the MARKFED has now launched the Honey coated Corn Flakes which will be beneficial both for farmers and consumers.

The Chief Minister said that it is good to note that realizing its brand patronage and tremendous potential Markfed was exploring all the possibilities to take such unique initiatives for giving  a major fillip to the economy of the state. He said that MARKFED, the public sector undertaking of the Punjab Government, has left an impeccable imprint in global market with its quality food products adding he hoped that this newly launched quality product will further satiate the quality food needs of Punjabis residing across the globe. Bhagwant Mann envisioned that these mouth watering will capture sizeable chunk of consumer market not only in the state but across the country and even abroad.

The Chief Minister complimented the officers of MARKFED for this initiative and said that it was a step forward towards strengthening the cooperative movement and agrarian economy of the state. He said that the products of MARKFED have already created a niche for themselves in the nationwide market adding that this product would help in consolidating its position.  Bhagwant Mann also said that this grown in Punjab, product of Punjab will soon become popular amongst the people like other ones.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Punjab

Massive response to portal launched by CM for registering grievances related to possession of property

Leave a comment

INDIA E POST CHANDIGARH 03, 2022

In consonance with the commitment of the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to provide clean, transparent and responsive administration to people, the online portal launched by Chief Minister for enabling citizens to register their grievances related to the possession of plots is getting massive response.

Divulging the details a spokesperson of the Punjab government said that, the portal “https://grcs.punjab.gov.in“, was launched by the Chief Minister a few days back. He said that main aim of launching portal was to check the loot of common man from hands of illegal colonisers. The portal is acting as boon for people, who have come forward in large number and gave a tremendous response to this citizen centric initiative of state government by registering their grievances.

The portal has so far received 162 complaints which are being processed for sending them to the concerned Department for necessary action. The portal was necessitated as Colonizers/ developers sell plots in the outskirts of the cities by luring the innocent people. These illegal colonies not only result in haphazard urbanization in the state but also cause lots of hardships to the common man.

The citizens have been facing difficulties to get the possession of the properties where either the allotment letter is issued by the concerned developers/colonizers/authorities or deeds were registered, but they were unable to get the possession of the property due to varied reasons. As the citizens could not get possession of plots after spending their hard earned money on getting these plots so they have to run from pillar to post for getting the possession. Even they have to rush from one office to another for get the basic amenities like water supply, sewerage, electricity and others. To mitigate the woes of the common man the Chief Minister had launched this portal thereby giving a huge reprieve to them, added the spokesman.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Punjab

Doctor’s Day celebrated at Ivy Hospital, Mohali

Leave a comment

IEP MOHALI JULY 01, 2022

Revelry and fun-filled activities marked the National Doctor’s Day celebrations at Ivy Hospital on Friday. During the occasion, doctors sang songs and danced to the latest peppy Punjabi songs. They were also felicitated with a ‘Doc you Rock’ certificate for their commendable work in the past.

Dr. Kanwaldeep, medical director of Ivy Group of Hospital said ,”There’s no better day than today to express our gratitude for our medical team who work tirelessly round the clock to give their best to the patients. 

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Punjab

PATWARI AMONG THREE HELD FOR GRAFT AS MORE COMPLAINTS POUR IN ON ANTI CORRUPTION ACTION LINE

Leave a comment

INDIA E POST CHANDIGARH JULY 01, 2022

With eradicating corruption in the governance system of the state is the top priority of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government, the Vigilance Bureau has registered two fresh FIRs and arrested three persons including Patwari and Deed Writer for graft following complaints on Anti-corruption Action Line, said Chief Director Vigilance Bureau Varinder Kumar here on Friday.

          In the first case, Accused Patwari Manavdeep Singh posted at Banga and his aide Navjot Kumar alias Lavi were arrested on Thursday for accepting illegal gratification of Rs 2000 in lieu of registering Intakal of land transfer mutation from the complainant. In this regard, FIR No 9 dated June 30, 2022, has been registered under sections 7 and 7-A of the Prevention of Corruption Act at Police Station Vigilance Bureau, range Jalandhar.

          In another case, accused ASI Manjit Singh posted at Police Station Dugri in Ludhiana Commissionerate has been booked for taking a bribe of Rs 1500 for submitting the challan in the court of an old case against the complainant. ASI was further demanding a bribe of Rs 3000 from the complainant. FIR No 7 dated 28.06.2022 under section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered at Police Station Vigilance Bureau, Ludhiana and Police are conducting raids to nab the accused ASI.

          In addition to this, the Vigilance Bureau teams on Thursday have also arrested accused Deed Writer (Arzi Navis) Mukul Gupta posted at Tehsil office Jalandhar in a previous corruption case in which he took illegal gratification of Rs 20,000 for the registry of the plot of the complainant without NOC. The case FIR No. 08 dated 10.06.2022 under section 7a of the Prevention of Corruption Act had been registered at Police Station Vigilance Bureau, Range Jalandhar.

          Pertinently, after taking charge as the Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann launched the anti-corruption action line 9501200200 and appealed to the people of Punjab to share complaints pertaining to corruption via WhatsApp so that the state could be made corruption-free. Since the launch of the helpline number of prominent people including State Health Minister Vijay Singla, former Congress Minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, former Congress MLA Joginder Pal, and IAS Officer Sanjay Popli has been arrested on corruption charges.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab CM fulfils another poll guarantee by providing 300 units of free power to people

Leave a comment

INDIA E POST CHANDIGARH JULY 01, 2022

Fulfilling another guarantee promised with the people of state during elections, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today announced providing free electricity up to 300 units per month to the power consumers in the state.

In a statement issued here today , the Chief Minister said that the guarantee of providing free electricity up to 300 units has started from today i.e July 1 2022. He said that this means that people will get free power as they will have zero amount electricity bills. Bhagwant Mann also said that in a major relief to common man in the state, all electricity bills prior to 31 Dec 2021 will be waived off.

The Chief Minister categorically said that it is a big reprieve for the people of the state who were hitherto shelling out money for paying huge power bills. He said that from now onwards all the consumers will get 300 units of powers free which will mitigate the woes of a common man. Bhagwant Mann further said that the state government is committed for  fulfilling every guarantee promised to the people of state.

Training his guns against opposition, the Chief Minister said that previous governments made tall promises to people during polls but they were hardly fulfilled in five years. However, he said that their government has set a new precedent by fulfilling one after another guarantee with every passing day. Bhagwant Mann assured the people that the state government is committed for progress of the state and prosperity of its people.

Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

Chief Electoral Officer, Union Territory, Chandigarh reviews the work of the election officials

Leave a comment

INDIA E POST CHANDIGARH JULY 01, 2022

A meeting under the Chairmanship of Chief Electoral Officer, UT, Chandigarh with the District Election Officer, Electoral Registration Officer and all the Assistant Electoral Registration Officers of Chandigarh Parliamentary  Constituency was held today in the Election Department, U.T., Chandigarh regarding latest amendments in Election Rules which be implemented from 1st August,2022. 

This is for the information of general public and Political Parties of Chandigarh Parliamentary Constituency that Election Commission of India has conveyed the amendments made by the Ministry of Law & Justice in the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the Representation of the People Act, 1951 vide the Election Laws (Amendment) Act 2021 dated 30.12.2021. The amendments will cover the following aspects:-

(i) Use of Aadhaar for electoral registration purpose

On the direction of the Election Commission of India, Aadhaar will be collected from the registered electors of Chandigarh

(ii) Multiple Qualifying dates

From 1.08.2022, there will be 4 qualifying dates i.e. 1st January, 1st April, 1st July and 1st October for enrolment in Electoral Rolls

(iii) Gender neutral provision for Service and Special Electors

(iv) Power to acquire premises for the purpose of conduct of elections,

         Further, the updated forms mentioned in the latest instructions will be used in the upcoming Special Summary Revision of Photo Electoral Rolls. The AEROs were also briefed about the amendments in the forms. The amendments regarding forms will be uploaded on the website of CEO Chandigarh i.e. ceochandigarh.gov.in for the information of general public.  

AEROs were directed to provide the training regarding the Amendments in Election Rules, IT applications (Garuda App, NVSP, Voter Portal and ERO Net) to the BLOs working under their jurisdiction. 

           In the end, the the Chief Electoral Officer also reviewed the progress of the disposal of forms and directed all the AEROs to dispose off the Forms in time bound manner.

It was also informed that from now onwards, EPIC will be delivered to the registered electors through Post with the help of Postal Department, U.T., Chandigarh.