IEP Chandigarh, January 16

          Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab government has started surface water projects worth Rs 1963 crore to ensure potable water supply to 1700 villages in the state. Out of this amount, Rs. 578 crore has been set aside for the border district Fazilka. This amount would be spent in Abohar, Balluana and Khuia Sarwar areas of District.

          Disclosing this, Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Bram Shanker Jimpa said that concerted efforts are being made by the Punjab government to improve the quality of drinking water in the border areas. Many projects have been initiated to raise the standard of living and provide basic amenities to the people.

          Mr. Jimpa said that he participated in the national conference ‘Water Vision@ 2047’ at Bhopal last week and raised the issue of poor water quality in the border districts of Punjab, besides seeking funds from the union government for the improvement of water quality in the border districts and a large part of the central funds should be allocated to these areas.

          He participated in a function of water supply and sanitation department held at Balluana constituency, where he laid the foundation stone of Rs. 40 crore work of laying pipes for the supply of drinking water supply. Apart from this, Minister dedicated a rural water supply scheme worth Rs. 4 crore to the people. Similarly, he also dedicated the water works projects in villages Dharam Pura and Mehrajpura worth Rs. 9 crores to the citizens of the constituency. Jimpa also informed that in the areas where the quality of drinking water is poor, possibilities of setting up the R.O. plants are also being explored.

          Mr. Jimpa further said that the ground water of Ferozepur, Fazilka, Gurdaspur and many other districts like Bathinda along the international border is not fit for human consumption. Elements like heavy metal and uranium are being found in the water due to which many people are suffering from cancer and other serious ailments. He said that hair of children is turning grey and people are also suffering various other diseases. He said that the government is doing a lot of work in these areas and efforts are being made at large scale. The projects launched today are the part of the works started by Mann Govt. He said that the Punjab government is committed to take care of every section of the state.

          Giving information about the work being done for the welfare of farmers, Revenue Minister Jimpa further informed that during the ongoing year 2022-23, the state government has distributed Rs. 125 crore to farmers as compensation for crop damage and for farmers’ welfare so far.

          On the occasion, Balluana MLA Amandeep Singh Goldy Musafir and senior officials of the district were also present.

IEP Chandigarh, January 16

During the first 10 months of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led government, Punjab Roadways/Punbus and PRTC has witnessed approx. 42 per cent surge in revenue in 2022.          While divulging further, Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said that Punjab Roadways/Punbus and PRTC has registered Rs.1247.22 crore income from March to December 2022 with a 41.80 per cent increase, resulting in Rs.367.67 crore increase in revenue than the previous year. Notably, the income from government buses was Rs.879.55 crore in 2021.          Divulging details, the Cabinet Minister said that the Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) collected Rs.665.30 crore during the last ten months of 2022, while the earning during 2021 was mere Rs.446.83 crore, adding that revenue of PRTC increased by Rs.218.47 crore, which is 48.89 per cent.          Similarly, the income of Punjab Roadways/Punbus was registered Rs.581.92 crore with an increase of Rs.149.20 crore during the last ten months of 2022, said Laljit Singh Bhullar, adding that it was Rs.432.72 crore during corresponding period of the previous year. Punjab Roadways/Punbus has registered a growth of 34.47 per cent during this period, he added.          The Transport Minister said that the Mann Government has spent total of Rs.558.85 crore for a free travel facility to women in buses of Punjab Roadways/Punbus and PRTC from April to December 2022, while Rs.313.46 crore was spent during the corresponding period of the previous year.          He said that PRTC spent Rs.299.66 crore under the free travel facility to women in 2022 as compared to Rs.166.87 crore in 2021. Likewise, Rs.259.19 crore was spent for a free travel facility to women in Punjab Roadways/Punbus buses during the year 2022 as compared to Rs.146.59 crore in the year 2021.

IEP Chandigarh, January 16

During the discussion brain storm on the GM mustard in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Vidhan Sabha speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhawan said that the purpose of this discussion is to strengthen democracy at the grassroots level and sensitize legislators about issues of public importance.

S. Sandhwan said that before a law is made on any subject, there is a need for a thorough debate on it at every level so that there should be no flaw in it. He said that Punjab is an agriculture-based state, due to this there should be a serious debate on the GM (Genetically Modified) mustard. S. Sandhwan said that agriculture is a state subject and it should be left for the discretion of the states. If the central government forcefully implement it, it would inevitably be an attack on federalism system.

During the discussion on G. M. mustard, scholars gave their opinions on many aspects like its yield, quality, environment, impact on health etc. and two types of ideas emerged in support and resistance to it. The discussion was started by Kapil Bhai Shah, an agriculturist expert from Baroda, followed by a professor from Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana. Dr. Jagdeep Singh Sandhu, former pathologist from P.A. U. Ludhiana Dr. Satwinder Kaur, Dr. OP Chaudhary, Dr. Pratap Kumar, Head of Biotechnology department G.N.D.U., Vice Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University Dr. Satvir Singh Gosal, VC of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana. Dr. Inderjit Sigh, eminent agriculture expert Dr. Devinder Sharma, Executive Director of Agricultural Heritage Mission Mr. Ominder Dutt, agricultural expert Kavita, eminent farmer’s leaders Mr. Balbir Singh Rajewal, Mr. Jagjit Singh Dallewal, Mr. Jagmohan Singh and Rajinder Singh Deep Singh Wala presented their views.

Agricultural experts were of the opinion that Genetically Modified (GM) mustard has been created by tampering with the Indian mustard gene and will not be affected by any pesticides. When the mustard crop is ready, its oil will be extracted but its seed cannot be sown again. So every year its seeds have to be bought by the farmers from the company. With the arrival of this crop, farmers will become dependent on companies.

While many experts were of the opinion that the area under mustard cultivation has decreased due to low production of seeds, some said that this has happened due to non-availability of proper price of mustard crop and lack of guarantee of purchase. They also said that we already have five varieties of mustard seeds with higher yields and higher oil content than what is being claimed for breeding with GM mustard seeds. In resistance to GM mustard, experts have expressed concern that this mustard will have a negative effect on health and will not be good for health. Honey bees and pollinating insects are also thought to be most harmed by GM mustard. Many said that allowing G.M. mustard seeds is part of the Indian government’s policy to push farmers out of agriculture and hand over food to corporate houses. It was also said that the patent of the seed technology was held by multinational corporations. Opponents of GM mustard believe that the Indian government wants to establish a monopoly of multinational companies by eliminating the traditional and indigenous seeds of crops, vegetables, pulses and oilseeds, thereby making farmers their patrons.

Meanwhile, Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said that bookish  knowledge as well as practical knowledge should be kept in mind while implementing such crops. In this regard, there we should not depended on only scientists, but the opinion of the farmers involved in this process should be taken into consideration. During this discussion, Agriculture Minister Mr. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, about two dozen MLAs, agricultural experts, farmer’s leaders and officers of various departments were also present.

IEP Chandigarh, January 16

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has fulfilled its promise of providing employment to the youth of the state and so far more than 25 thousand government jobs have been provided to the youth of the state during the just 10 months regime of the current government.This was disclosed by Punjab Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Mr. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal while distributing appointment letters to 122 newly recruited Junior Engineers (JEs) in the technical wing of the department at Vikas Bhawan, S.A.S. Nagar. Punjab Government is leaving no stone unturned to fulfill its promise to provide government jobs to the youth. He said that filling the vacant posts by giving government jobs to eligible youths is another important step towards taking the state further in the direction of making ‘Rangala Punjab’.Mr. Dhaliwal, while sharing the information of other vacant posts of various cadres in the department, said that earlier 20 Sub Divisional Officers, 43 Junior Draftsmen and 5 Clerks have been recruited in the Rural Development and Panchayats department.Congratulating the newly appointed JEs, he implored them to perform their duty diligently to contribute in the progress of Punjab. He expressed hope that with the newly recruited officers and employees, the development works in the rural areas of the state will be speeded up and the quality of various ongoing projects will also be improved.Additional Chief Secretary Rural Development and Panchayats Department Mr. K. Siva Prasad, Director Gurpreet Singh Khaira, Chief Engineer Tejpal Singh, Joint Director Sanjeev Garg, Supervising Engineer Dheeraj Goyal, Mr. Tejinder Singh Multani, Executive Engineer Maheshwar Chandra Sharda and Deputy Directors of the department were also present.

IEP Chandigarh, January 16

 Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to open new vistas of employment for youth, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday said that the state government has given 25886 government jobs to the youth of the state in mere 10 months of its tenure. Addressing the gathering while handing over appointment letters to 271 Specialist Doctors, 90 Lab Technicians and 17 helpers in the Health and Family Welfare department here at the Municipal Bhawan, the Chief Minister said that this venue has witnessed a number of such events in which youth have got jobs in various government departments. He said that ever since assuming the charge of office, his government has handed over job letters to 25886 youth in various departments. Bhagwant Mann said that such a whopping number of jobs in merely 10 months reflect the commitment of the state government to ensure the well being of youth and opening new avenues of employment for them. The Chief  Minister reiterated the commitment of his government to emerge the state as a hub of ‘Healthcare’ across the globe. He said that in a major push to Medical education in Punjab, the state government has decided to construct 16 new Medical colleges in the coming five years that will enhance the total tally of medical colleges in the state to 25 thereby ensuring that every district of the state touches a medical college. Bhagwant Mann said that on the one hand it will provide quality medical education to the students and on other hand it will help in imparting world class healthcare facilities to people. Asserting that Aam Aadmi clinics have revolutionised the health care sector in the state, the Chief Minister said that more than 95% of patients visiting these clinics daily recover from their ailments. He said that ever since the starting of these clinics from August 15, 2022 they have witnessed a footfall of more than 10 lakh patients. Bhagwant Mann said that these clinics are acting as a cornerstone in the revamp of the healthcare system in Punjab. The Chief Minister further said that the state government is working zealously for complete transformation of the Education, Health and Employment sector in the state. He said that the state government is committed to rejuvenate these sectors adding that major thrust is being laid on these sectors to ensure that more and more people can take benefit from it. Bhagwant Mann bemoaned that none of the previous governments had laid due focus towards these sectors due to which the state has lagged behind in them. The Chief Minister said that the state government is making strenuous efforts for giving impetus to industrial development of Punjab. He said that during the previous regimes, industrialists had to negotiate with the families of political clout and the agreements were made with them but now industrialists are signing MoU with the state. Bhagwant Mann envisioned that with strenuous efforts of government Punjab will soon emerge as the industrial hub of the country. The Chief  Minister further said that with the strengthening of the Education and health sector new employment opportunities will also be created in the state. He said that this will help the state in checking the brain drain and reversing the trend of youth of state migrating to other countries. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government is making strenuous efforts for utilizing the unbounded energy of youth in a positive direction. Striking an emotional chord with Doctors and Healthcare workers, the Chief Minister recalled how his major surgery was performed by a Doctor when he was five years of age. He exhorted the Doctors and Healthcare to give a healing touch to the ailing patients especially from underprivileged and weaker sections of society. Bhagwant Mann said that this is the real service of humanity which needs to be carried with missionary zeal. The Chief  Minister also urged the people to carry medical kits in their bags and vehicles so that it can save the precious lives of people in case of emergency. He said that the initial hour is very important in case of any emergency so the focus is to ensure that the precious life of people is saved in that ‘Golden Hour’. Bhagwant Mann solicited the fulsome support and cooperation of people in saving the lives of people in case of road fatalities. On the occasion Cabinet Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, Secretary Health Ajoy Kumar Sharma and others were also present.

IEP Chandigarh, January 16

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday directed the officers to ensure foolproof arrangements for the G-20 summit slated to take place at the holy city of Amritsar in the months of March and June.

 Chairing a meeting here today to review the arrangements of the mega event, the Chief Minister unequivocally said that no stone should be left unturned for making this event a huge success. He said that all of them were fortunate to have got a once in a lifetime opportunity to hold such a mega event in the state. Bhagwant Mann expressed hope that the state government will set a new benchmark by successfully hosting the two sessions of G 20 summit in the state.

 The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that the state has got two sessions of G-20, first in March 15, 16 and 17 on Education and then in the month of June 22-23 on Labour. He said that the state is renowned all over the world for its warm hospitality adding he asked the officers to ensure that elaborate arrangements are put in place for welcoming the guests from participating nations during these events. Bhagwant Mann said that these sessions will be held at the sacred land of Amritsar where lakhs of devotees daily pay obeisance at Sri Darbar Sahib, Durgiana Mandir, Jallianwala Bagh and others.

 The Chief Minister asserted that this summit will promote Punjab as a most preferred destination for business on the international level and it will also provide a stage to the government to showcase its achievements and facilities for setting up new businesses. He said that this is a golden opportunity when Punjab can be presented as a land of best opportunities and by bringing maximum investment they can create new employment opportunities for the youth. Bhagwant Mann asked the officers to make sure that extensive arrangements are made for the success of this global event.

 Taking stock of the works to be done to further spruce up the structure of the city, the Chief Minister asked the officers to ensure that the work is completed in a time bound and result oriented manner. He asked the officers to make sure that whichever work is executed is of best quality. Bhagwant Mann said that the upgraded and newly developed infrastructure will benefit the residents of the city for a long time.

 On the occasion, Cabinet Ministers Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjer, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal and Harbhajan Singh ETO, Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Janjua, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav and others were also present.

IEP Kapurthala, January 16

 Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday said that the state government is preparing a comprehensive blueprint for beefing up the security in jails on scientific lines.The Chief Minister, who inspected the district Jail here today, said that the state government has already installed high powered Jammers, door metal detectors and other equipment besides providing vehicles for the department to update the security system in the jails. However, he said that to ensure a foolproof security system strenuous efforts are afoot. Bhagwant Mann said that based on requests of the jail authorities more CCTV cameras along with hi-end techniques will be installed in the jails to further beef up security in jails.Underlining the need to strictly check the supply of drugs and mobiles in the jails, the Chief Minister also directed the officers to take every step to curb this illegal practice. He said that security of the Jails was the prime concern of the state government and no compromise can be made in this regard. Bhagwant Mann also called upon the jail inmates to join the mainstream by shunning away their shady past.The Chief Minister, while expressing concern over the reports of lack of health facilities to jail inmates, said that the state government is committed to overcome this problem. He said that soon that medical staff will be permanently stationed permanently in the Jails to impart treatment to inmates in case of emergency. Likewise, he said that new ambulances will also be deployed in the jails so that it can be utilized whenever there is any such need.  The Chief Minister also addressed the jail inmates via Radio Ujala, set up for their entertainment. He said that the Punjab government has sought reports from all jails about the jail inmates who are not having financial support to deposit the bonds, so that they can be helped for joining the mainstream. Bhagwant Mann also said that the new Video conference rooms are being set up in jails for virtual hearing, so that court proceedings are put on fast track.On the occasion, the Chief Minister also visited the Jail hospital, Laboratory, wards, emergency and others.ENSURE FOOLPROOF ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE G-20 SUMMIT IN A TIME BOUND MANNER: CM DIRECTS OFFICERS

IEP SAS Nagar, January 12

The 20th meeting of the Northern Zonal Council Standing Committee of the Northern States dealing with inter State issues saw the State of Punjab put forward its case in an emphatic manner pertaining to the State’s rights and inter State issues. The meeting saw officers from the Inter State Council Secretariat of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in attendance along with Chief Secretaries of the Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and Adviser to the UT Chandigarh besides Secretaries of the different departments of UT Chandigarh.

The view point of the State on whole gamut of sensitive issues viz. River waters of Punjab, State’s right on Chandigarh and Panjab University, Demand of tribunal to assess current situation with regard to the river waters, increasing international flights from the Mohali airport, Starting UDAN scheme from 4 airports in the State, Strengthening the international borders, Uniform policy for purchasing land, and stemming the loss to Punjab from Hansi – Butana canal and Ghaggar was presented with facts in a forthright way.

In his inaugural speech, the Chief Secretary, Punjab, Mr. Vijay Kumar Janjua batted for the Cooperative Federalism and said that such meetings are the right platform for bringing to the fore, inter state matters and debate upon their solutions. The Chief Secretary made it absolutely clear that as per the current state of river waters, Punjab itself is facing shortage of water hence it doesn’t has extra water to spare for the other States. “These are emotional issues for Punjab and being the parent state, it has full right on its Capital but which has been denied to it all along”, said the Chief Secretary adding that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has also pressed State’s claims on these issues. In keeping with the principles of One Nation One Family there must be a uniform policy concerning buying and selling of land in all the States of the country. It is imperative for Punjab for these issues to be sorted out, said the Chief Secretary.

During the agenda wise discussions, the Principal Secretary Water Resources Mr. Krishan Kumar apprised that the level of water which was available with Punjab at the time of river waters agreements, has come down drastically and the State itself is face to face with the paucity of this precious resource. He further argued that a new tribunal regarding the assessment of Ravi – Beas river waters is the need of the hour besides pressing for water to Punjab from Yamuna. Likewise, the unnatural construction of the Hansi – Butana canal causes 38 villages in Punjab to be flooded. Rooting for the resolution of Lissara Nallah by Haryana, the Secretary Water Resources also highlighted the importance of Mini Hydel projects on Bhakhra Main Line apart from making a strong case for a permanent member from Punjab in the Bhakhra Beas Management Board (BBMB).

The Financial Commissioner (Revenue) Mr. K.A.P. Sinha pointed out that Chandigarh must go to Punjab for the latter being the parent State. He further made out a robust and rationale case for the resident of any state being able to purchase land in another State.

Presenting the case of Punjab for increasing the international flights from the Mohali International Airport in a logical and crystal clear manner, the Principal Secretary Civil Aviation Mr. Rahul Bhandari said that Punjab has invested in the project and moreover, it is the demand of present scenario considering a huge number of Punjabi diaspora in Canada and other countries to expand the number of international flights. The Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann too has taken up this issue with the Government of India, said the Principal Secretary adding that it is high time the domestic flights are commenced from the Ludhiana, Bathinda, Adampur and Pathankot airports.

The Additional Chief Secretary Home Mr. Anurag Verma pressed for anti drone technology to be developed in view of the Punjab being a border State sharing 550 Km long International border with Pakistan. The Secretary Environment Mr. Rahul Tiwari raised the issue of pollution of the Ghaggar river.

During the presentation on the best practices of their respective States, the Principal Secretary Governance Reforms Tejveer Singh highlighted the paddy straw management works apart from Sakhi application developed for stopping gender based violence and Mini Jungles developed for increasing the Forest cover in the State of Punjab.

IEP Jaipur/Chandigarh: January 12

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan participated in discussions on various issues in the 83rd two-day all India Presiding Officers (Speakers/Deputy Speakers/Chairmen) conference. This conference is being held at Jaipur under the chairmanship of Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla which was inaugurated by Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar.

Speaking on the importance of legislative/parliamentary committees during the closing ceremony of this conference, S. Sandhwan said that we should strengthen the legislative committees to pave the way for the development of the country in the interest of the people and make the executive branch of the government more accountable to the legislature. Emphasizing the importance of discussions on various issues facing by the people, he said that by making the legislative/parliamentary committees more powerful, the legislative institutions will be strengthened, which will strengthen Indian democracy.

Sh. Harivansh, Dy. Chairman Rajya Sabha also appreciated the solution recommended by S. Sandhwan for making Legislatures more accountable.

IEP Chandigarh, January 12, 2023Today,

the first meeting to review the ongoing activities in the State Horticulture Department under the chairmanship of Chetan Singh Jauramajra, Minister of Horticulture, Freedom Soldier Services and Welfare and Food Processing, Punjab, was held at Chandigarh .Mr. Rahul Tiwari, IAS, Administrative Secretary of the Department,Gagandeep Brar, IAS Secretary Horticulture, Punjab and Ms. Shailinder Kaur, IFS, Director Horticulture, Punjab were amongst the officials who attended this meeting.          The minister discussed the ongoing farmer welfare schemes in the department.  The minister emphasized that the government is trying to raise the level of horticulture in the state and that horticulture welfare schemes should be publicized through print media so that farmers can be encouraged to adopt agricultural diversification.           In this regard, Director Horticulture, Punjab apprised the Minister about the infrastructure of the department and the unique initiatives undertaken/being undertaken.  The Minister appreciated the ongoing projects in the department and directed to take necessary action to implement the new projects as well.          Jauramajra directed the Director Horticulture, Punjab to prepare new farmer welfare schemes related to horticulture to help raise the economic level of the farmers.  Apart from this, the minister instructed the officials to conduct maximum field visits at the block and district level so that the department can have direct contact with the farmers.